Man and the Phenomena of Nature

MPROVEMENT ERA VOL. XXVIII NOVEMBER, 1924 NO. 1 MAN AND THE PHENOMENA OF NATURE By Dr. James E. Talmage of the Council of the Twelve Both scripture and human history reveal a significant analogy be- tween the earth as a stellar unit, and man — with respect to the present and future state of each. Both have come under the curse, and both shall eventually be redeemed therefrom. Adam's transgression brought about a fallen condition, not of mankind alone, but likewise of the earth itself. In this and in numerous other epochal events, wherein the direct interposition of Divine action is affirmed, Nature is seen to be in intimate relation with man. Thus the sins of mankind may produce calamity in the form of destructive phenomena, which we may properly call natural because deserved; and human righteousness may invoke peaceful and benefi- cent cooperation from the elements. "Cursed is the ground for thy sake," was the Divine fiat to the first man. In contrast, note the assurance given to Israel that by faith- fulness the seasons should be made propitious, that nurturing rains should come, bringing such harvests that the people would lack room to store their products. See Mai. 3:8-12. Abject apostasy from the laws of God in Noah's time brought about the Deluge, in which "were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows [more properly flood-gates] of heaven were opened." Enoch, who lived before Noah, was sent to proclaim repentance to the degenerate race, and so great was the power and authority vested in him that "he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course." He foresaw the coming of the Noachian flood, and the events of history, including the Savior's ministry, down to the days of the Lord's second advent, when "the Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second class matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 2, 1918, $2 per annum. Address Room 406 Church Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah.

4 IMPROVEMENT ERA heavens shall be darkened and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth." As a fit setting for the tragedy on Calvary, a pall of darkness fell about the place, and when the crucified Lord expired, "the earth did quake, and the rocks rent." On the Western Continent widespread disruption signalized the Savior's death; and destruction befell the wicked who had flouted pro- phetic warnings and admonitions to repentance. Many of the Nephites had forgotten the signs and wonders by which the fact of the Lord's birth had been made known, and had fallen into abominable wickedness. Then, at the time of the crucifixion, great and terrible tempests broke over the land, with thunderings, lightnings, and both elevations and depressions of the earth's crust, so that mountains were sundered, and many cities were destroyed by earthquake, fire, and the inrush of the sea. For three hours the unprecedented holocaust continued; and then thick darkness fell, in which it was found impossible to kindle a fire. The awful gloom was like unto the darkness of Egypt in that its clammy vapors could be felt. This condition lasted until the third day, so that a night and a day and a night were as one unbroken night; and the impenetrable blackness was rendered the more terrible by the wailing of the people, whose heartrending refrain was everywhere the same: "O that we had repented before this great and terrible day!" Then, piercing the darkness, a Voice was heard, proclaiming that the destruction had come because of wickedness, and that such of the people as had lived to hear were the more righteous of the inhabitants, and to them hope was offered on condition of more thorough repentance and reformation. Calamitous phenomena, before which the wicked shall fall, are definitely predicted as accompaniments of the second advent of our Lord. This is the prediction made through the prophet Joseph Smith in these days; and the fulfilment is nigh: "For not many days hence, and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig tree. And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people. For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, and shall cause groan- ings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground, and shall not be able to stand. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion, and surely men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people." It may be argued that the storms, earthquakes, and other destruc- tive occurrences heretofore cited are not natural but supernatural phe-

MAN AND THE PHENOMENA OF NATURE 5 nomena, especially inflicted by Divine intent. Say rather that these happenings are supernaturally directed, following naturally and in- evitably the sins of mankind and the unregenerate state of the race. "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." That the phenomena of Nature may be restrained or allowed, or even invoked by Divine power will not be denied by any devout theist. The Lord's control over matter and energy is direct and complete as he wills to exercise it; his word of command is sufficient. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God * * * And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." This sublime affirmation as to the antemortal Godship of Jesus Christ, recorded by John, the Apostle and Revelator, is in harmony with the Father's declaration to Moses that the creation of the world had been wrought through his Son Jesus Christ, whom he designated "The Word of my Power." There is omnipotence in the Voice of God. This is evidenced by Christ's miracle in stilling the tempest. You know the story. The Master and some of the disciples were afloat on the turbulent sea. Tt was night; and Jesus after an arduous day of ministry was asleep. The storm increased in fury, and the disciples were terror-stricken. In their extremity of fear they awakened Jesus, crying, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" and "Lord, save us: we perish." Then he arose, and out through the darkness of that fearsome night, into the roaring wind, over the storm-lashed sea, went the voice of the Lord as he "rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." Turning to the disciples he asked in tones of gentle yet unmistakable reproach: "Where is your faith?" and "How is it that we have no faith?" Grati- tude for rescue from what but a moment before had seemed impending death was superseded by amazement and fear. "What manner of man is this," they asked one of another, "that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Among the recorded miracles of Christ none has elicited greater diversity of comment, and in attempt at elucidation, than has this in- stance of control over the forces of Nature. Science ventures no ex- planation. The Lord of earth, air and sea spake and was obeyed. He it was who, amidst the black chaos of creation's earliest stages, had commanded with immediate effect — Let there be light; Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters; Let the dry land appear — and as he decreed, so it was. The dominion of the Creator over the created is real and absolute. A small part of that dominion has been committed to man, as the offspring of God, tabernacled in the very image of his Divine Father.

6 IMPROVEMENT ERA But man exercises that delegated control through secondary agencies, and by means of complicated mechanism. Man's power over the objects of his own devising is limited. It is in accordance with the curse evoked by the Fall, which came through transgression, that by the strain of his muscle, by the sweat of his brow, and by stress of his mind, shall man achieve. His word of command is but a sound-wave in air, except it be followed by labor. Through the Spirit that emanates from Diety, and which pervades all space, the command of God is immediately operative. Not man alone but also the earth and all the elemental forces pertaining thereto came under the curse; and as the soil no longer brought forth only good and useful fruits, but gave of its substance to nurture thorns and thistles, so the several forces of Nature ceased to be obedient to man as agencies subject to his direct command. What we call natural forces — heat, light, electricity, chemical affinity — are but a few of the manifestations of eternal energy through which the Creator's purposes are subserved; and these few, man is able to direct and utilize only through special contrivance and physical adjustment. But the earth shall yet be "renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory;" and then soil, water, air and the forces acting upon them shall directly respond to the command of glorified man, as now they obey the word of the Creator. The vital Spirit that emanates from Deity may operate directly and with as positive effect upon inanimate things, and upon energy in its diverse manifestations, as upon organized intelligences whether unembodied, mortal, or disembodied. Thus, the Lord commanded demons and they obeyed him. And thus he may speak directly to the earth, the air, the sea, and be heard and obeyed, for the Divine immanence, the -sum of all energy and power, operates throughout the universe. That through faith, even mortal man may set in operation the forces that act upon matter has been explicitly declared by Jesus Christ: "For verily I say unto you: If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain: Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." The Temple Thou mighty edifice, erected by the Saints of God To the glory of his name, that his principles may be taught; His ordinances performed; his mighty will proclaimed; That his children, present, past and yet to come, May hear his word and all be judged according to the common law. Therefore, may we thy holy precincts venerate, and sacred hold the covenants espoused, that station we way have within thy walls, and place among the Saints of God, thus to progress eternally, through Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind. AMEN. Glenwoodville, Alberta, Canada. WlLLARD GREENE RlCHARPS.

CHRIST DIED— DO WE CARE? By Frank C. Steele This startling caption was used by an influential English maga- zine recently in launching a series of searching articles on the indif- ference exhibited by the public in the religion of the day. "Christ Died — Do We Care?" The evidence of the decay of the church in the hearts and lives of the people is to be found in the empty pews, the frank criticism of fundamental tenets and the modern trend of thought as expressed in Literature and Art. Are the people groping for something they cannot find in the churches? Do they ask for bread and receive a stone? These and other questions were put to a group of eminent Englishmen, including fifty bishops of the Church of England. In introducing the subject matter, the editor of the magazine — Pearson's Magazine — states that only five bishops replied. These five, while frankly admitting the failing grip of the church on its people, were hopeful of a change for the better in the near future. Men of the laity were more explicit. In answer to an invitation by Pearson's to express himself on the confession of the Archbishop of York that "Religion attracts, but the church repels," H. G. Wells, the novelist, said: "The world today is a very tragic and anxious world, and the desire for a peace of mind and a courage such as only deep and pure convictions can supply has never been so strong and so widespread. More people are asking today, and asking with a new intensity: 'What must I do to be saved?' and the trouble with the Christian churches is that they give a confused, un- convincing and unsatisfying answer. "This is an age of great distresses, but it is also an age of cold, abundant light. People know more than was ever known before in the history of the world of life in space and time, of the origin of the creeds and symbols of Christianity, of the possibilities of human existence. "People are 'repelled' when they embark upon tedius explanations of the multiplicity and unity of the Deity. Within a few score years of the crucifixion, Christianity had become hopelessly involved with ceremonies and superstitions of immemorial antiquity and with a theology embodying the imperfectly embalmed philosophy of Alexandria. In a less critical age it was possible for many to live holy and noble lives within the terms of these old formulae, but today, when intellectual integrity is being recognized as a primary moral obligation, this can be done no longer. Until Christianity sheds these priestly and theological encumbrances it will encounter greater and greater difficulty in serving Him it claims as its Founder, the Son of Man." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle answered that what the people wanted was available. He held up the psychic movement as a solution, arguing that spiritualism would "replace faith by direct knowledge and make religion and science the same thing." "When the war challenge came, the church did not understand the problem, and if it did it was afraid to face it. It preferred shelter,

8 IMPROVEMENT ERA and the more honestly it did this the more complete was the proof it gave that it had become a civil service or a department of state instead of the ambassador of the Divine Kingdom. * •* * The church will succeed only by going back to the gospels," wrote J. Ramsay MacDonald, premier of Great Britain. Gloomy indeed is the religious outlook as seen by W. L- George, the novelist. He says: "This is what has happened: The breach has been made, and religion is tumbling down. Churchman, Roman Catholic, Jew, Nonconformist, all are slowly turning away from the idea of a personal God. The Musselman and Buddhist will follow. The time will come when no man believes." Scores of readers of Pearson's voiced their opinion in letters, a common vein running through the whole being that the clergy moved in a world apart from the world of the people, and thus is powerless to meet or even understand the desires and cravings of the congrega- tion. One said that in the time of sorrow and sacrifice the people "begged for bread and the churches gave them a stone, for" this writer continued, "their doctrines, forms and customs are contemporary with the soaring columns and carvings of the Middle Ages." This all sounds strange to a Latter-day Saint. Truly we can give thanks to our Father for the blessings of the Restoration. God's plan for a ministry bridges the gulf between the clergy and the laity for his clergy and his laity are as one. But that is not all, he has guarded against sterility, reaction and human blindness by establishing a line of communication between himself and his chosen priesthood upon the earth. "There must be something wrong," writes the editor of Pearson's Magazine at the close of the series. He is correct. There is something wrong and that something is the loss of divine authority in the religious world. Lethbtidge, Canada. The Awakening "Too late to love or to be loved," said I, "As poets sing, or Youth and Beauty dream. My soul has calloused grown, and drear and cold, Chilled by reverses, poverty and care." Low whispered I, "Poor, heart, poor aching void, Cease thy complaint, 'tis human destiny!" A sweet, far voice, tangible, replied, "Oh, thou, of little faith, this is not all. Somewhere there waits the answer to your dreams — Sweeter in fond reality, than fairest dream." And lo, You came — came like a wondrous strain Of throbbing, half-forgotten melody — Into my life, awakened Love's free pulse; Changed all the gray despair to roseate hue; # With paeans of bliss repaid my hungry soul, And Thou the "Keynote" of the perfect whole. Provo, Utah. CORAL J. BLACK.

SHOULD AN ELDER CHOOSE HIS MISSION? By Taylor Nelson, President of Oneida Stake of Zion It is not uncommon for our brethren who are preparing to go upon missions to have a desire to select their fields of labor. Some with the thought in mind that if they could fill missions in Germany or France they could acquire a language and thereby add to their col- lege credits, others with a desire to travel in certain parts of the world or to visit the land of their parents' nativity. Commendable as these desires may be, I hope the following narrative will tend to strengthen the thought that there is safety in following the lead of the holy priesthood. In the early spring of 1898, about forty elders were called from the various conferences comprising the Southern States mission, by Mission President Elias S. Kimball, and a conference was organized in Georgia where little or no mission work had been done for a number of years. The writer was one of four elders called from the Southern Alabama conference. Shortly after reaching the new conference he was appointed to travel with Elder Daniel H. Kimball of Salt Lake City. On a pleasant afternoon in June, we were trading and conversing with the people as usual, when we approached a man who was work- ing in a cotton field near his house. We introduced ourselves, when he said, "Gentlemen, I am very glad to meet you." Continuing he added, "When I was a lad I found myself penniless and among strangers in Alabama. One evening I called at a farm house and asked for something to eat. The good lady of the home invited me in and gave me supper. Then she provided me with a comfortable bed. The next morning she supplied a delicious lunch for me to eat while on my way. Then she said, 'Now, my boy, you are welcome to all I have done for you, but I want to make this one request — if ever in your life time elders of the 'Mormon' Church should call on you and it is within your power to do them a favor, I ask you to do so.' " "Now, gentlemen," continued Mr. W. (pointing to a cottage near by), "there is my home. You are welcome to the best I have, and in fact I shall feel bad if you do not accept my hospitality." At this point Mr. W.'s wife came to where we were standing. "Mother," he said, "these are 'Mormon' elders." She sighed, and said, "Is it possible?" She then asked this question, "What must a person do in order to be saved in the kingdom of heaven?" I answered the question by quoting from the scriptures and making a few comments on the same. At this Mrs. W. returned to the house.

10 IMPROVEMENT ERA We held a number of meetings in the neighborhood, at which these people were in attendance. About eight months passed when the W. family applied for baptism. Elder Kimball having been released to return home, in the meantime, I was asked to journey from another part of the state to perform the sacred rite. I now write the interesting part of our narrative as told to me by Mrs. W. upon the day of her baptism: "It was twenty-seven years ago that I gave myself up to humble prayer that the Lord would guide me to the truth, as I could not believe true the teachings of the churches with which I was familiar. The Lord answered my prayers by showing me in a dream two men, one of middle age and one a youth who, I was given to understand, were teaching the gospel in its fulness. When I saw you elders from my window the day you were speaking with my husband on the roadside, I recognized you as being the men I saw in the dream, and said to my daughters, 'There are the men I have been waiting to see for twenty-seven years. They are ministers of the gospel, and I am going to ask them a question.' When I went to where you wer? standing and Mr. W. stated that you were 'Mormon' elders, I was the most disappointed person in all the world. But I was able to pluck up enough courage to ask the same question that I asked in my dream, 'What must a person do in order to be saved in the kingdom of heaven?' The young man answered the question. [Elder Kimball was forty-seven while I was in my nineteenth year.] On answering this question you quoted the same scriptures and made the same comments that you did when you spoke to me in my dream, not leaving out nor adding one word. I knew you were the men I had seen before. Your dress, your manners, your features, were the same, all of which were so vividly impressed upon my mind that time could never erase them. From the moment that question was answered by you, it has not been a matter as to whether 'Mormonism' is the truth. but it has taken these eight months of prayer and supplication to the Lord to give me courage to bid my friends goodby, and to step into that un- popular Church." Preston, Idaho Pleasant Reminders Smile and be glad! All the world is now saying it; Beautiful law — we should all be obeying it; Heart to heart, eye to eye, in love's language conveying it. Let us all smile and be glad. Work and be well! This the wise ones are teaching us. For service kind the world needs are beseeching us. We need the strength which the effort is reaching us. Work wisely, rest and be well. Pray and feel safe! Our Father is hiding us From the fierce wave over which he is tiding us. Let us cling close to his love which is guiding us. Pray always! Pray and be safe, St. Ggbrge, Utah. — September 8, 1924. LULA GREENE RICHARDS.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "According to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teache* and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this key false teachers and imposters may be detected." — Joseph Smith, the Prophet, History of the Church Vol. 5, page 215. People of West Virginia Religiously Inclined Ray J. Dawson, conference president of the West Virginia North Conference, reports on August 21, 19 24, that the conference is doing well. "The people are very religiously inclined and we do not have very great difficulty in getting them into conversation. Much successful work has been performed here in past years and it shows the effect put forth by previous missionaries. At present many investigators are accepting the gospel." Elders left to right: — (standing) John A. Allbright, supt. of the Mt. Savage Sunday School, Cumberland, Maryland; F. A. Gcalta, Ogden; Francis O'Neil, Ogden; W. O. Lamborn, Laketown; Luella B. Owen, Logan, Utah; F. E. Wardell, Cowley, Wyoming; Iretta M. Hansen, Richfield; C. G. Edmunds, Salt Lake City; R. D. Stephens, Ogden; C. M. Whittle, Preston, Idaho. Front row: — Elder P. E. Randall, North Ogden; Eva Lewis, mission recorder; J. W. Rowe, branch president Fairmont branch; B. H. Roberts, President Eastern States mission; R. J. Dawson, conference president West Virginia North conference; Delia Barlow, Preston, Idaho; B. E. Johnson, Cowley, Wyoming; R. H. Wood, Liberty, Idaho. An Outing in Sweden David C. Carlson, secretary of the Swedish mission, reports under date of August 29, a conference of the mission, in July, at which President and

12 IMPROVEMENT ERA Sisiter David O. McKay visited for several days giving good counsel to the Saints and missionaries. The meetings were well attended. A group of missionaries of the Gavle conference, north of Stockholmn: Back row, left to right, Oscar Sander, conference president; Gustave E. Johnson, Salt Lake City; Vance O. Lind, Lynn, Utah; Charles Anderson, Seattle, Washington, honorably released conference president; Einer I. Applequist, Salt Lake City. Sitting President Hugo D. E. Peterson, wife and daughter. During the conference, on July 15, the Saints of the Stockholm branch of the Church enjoyed an outing in Haga Park. In the Millennial Star, August 21, President McKay writes that he became impressed with the sig- nificance of the occasion on account of the singing of the choir which at- tracted a curious and interested audience to the picturesque spot of the majestically-wooded playground. He then proceeds: "Between the Latter-day Saint group and the listeners was a space of several yards, which remained as unclaimed and untrodden as 'no man's land.' There was no difficulty, therefore, in distinguishing the line that divided the two crowds. So, I thought, is the Church set apart from the world. Such a separation or grouping is inevitable. Not that the members of the Church arrogate to themselves one thought that they are better than others; nor that they refuse to associate with people of other beliefs; but simply because their ideals are not of the world. As the author of 'Salt Lake: the city of the Saints,' in Harper's has aptly said: 'You can not live the social life with people who eat and drink and amuse themselves in a totally different way from yourself.' On this occasion, it was significant that among the visiting group three- fourths of the men were smoking; but among the Latter-day Saints, not one. "A pleasing feature, besides the excellency of the singing, was the choice of the songs sung. No wonder the crowd stood for an hour in rapture! 'The groves were God's first temples;' and in that primeval temple, choruses of praise and thanks- giving were rendered with a meaning and spirit seldom, if ever, heard in that park. * * "Only those who were present can appreciate the beauty, the grandeur, the solemnity of that scene in Haga Park! The setting was perfect; the spirit of the occasion ideal. We shall remember it not only for its beauty and inspiration, but also because fhe two groups of people, the choir, and the combination of glories in

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 13 forest and sky illustrated to the thoughtful observer distinct features for which the Church of Christ has always stood, and for which it must ever stand, viz.: "1. Leadership — not isolation — but leadership with participation in only that which is good. It is 'in the world — yet not of the world.' "2. Strict abstinence from narcotics and personal indulgences that tend to deteriorate the physical man. "3. The realization in this life of the Good, the True, the Beautiful — in nature as well as in art. "These and kindred thoughts inspired all present with feelings best expressed by Emerson as follows: 'In the woods is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years. In the woods we return to reason and faith.' In those words that evening, hearts came closer to one another, and nearer in harmony with God." The Hague Branch Flourishes Mark J. Hampton, branch president of The Hague, Holland, writes that an interesting baptismal meeting was held by the North Sea on the 21st of August, with himself and President J. J. DeBry in attendance. "A large number of Saints and investigators were present at the beach. Songs were sung, and the enjoyment of those present was universally expressed. The Hague is one of the largest branches in the mission and in a flourishing con- dition. We are always happy upon the arrival of the Era. £3bK^~JI ~** oSSIbB/h JGBR "Missionaries, front row, left to right: M_irk J. Hampton, branch president: J. J. DcBry, conference president, Salt Lake City; Johannes Sipkema, Amsterdam. Back row: Hendrik Poclman, Magna; Nicolaes Teerlink, Salt Lake City, Utah." Selling the Book of Mormon Heber J. Webb, conference clerk of the Arizona branch conference, California mission, reports branch conferences held at Jerome and Chino on the last days of August respectively, two highly enjoyed sessions being held in each branch where the cause is progressing satisfactorily. "The Saints of Jerome are highly commended for the progress made in that branch during the short period of eleven months since it was organized. President Joseph W. McMurrin gave very encouraging advice and counsel in both branches which must prove strengthening to the testimonies of all who were present. Elders J. Frank Robinson, Heber J. Webb. T. A. Christenson and H. A.

14 IMPROVEMENT ERA Bjork gave brief reports of the missionary activities in northern Arizona. A Book of Mormon contest is staged in the California mission in which the elders of the Arizona conference are taking an active part. Two hundred thirty Books of Mormon were sold during August by eight missionaries. It is considered common for one missionary here to sell as high as twelve in one day. The elders left the branch meetings with a determination to exceed their past record in placing the Book of Mormon in the hands of non- members. "Missionaries, left to right: Herman A. Bjork, Heber J. Webb, Myron Bar- ber Child, Theodore A. Christenson, J. Frank Robinson, conference president." Sixteen Baptized in Texas Sixteen converts were baptized in the North Texas conference of the Central States, in 1923. All the missionaries have worked diligently to % *■ ■ ■& *" ■ >t Bl~ h Hfl j ii<< KjH ifli * HN . j A - • ./I B 9 n ki>i ■■ i fl : W ML j . i ■ft Mm Missionaries and members of the North Texas conference, top row, left to right: Alton L. Nelson, Redmond; Samuel O. Bennion, Central States Mission President; Verna Williamson, Ogden; George M. Abraham, Byron, Wyoming. Middle row: J. Elmer Moss, Ririee; LaVern J. Stone Blackfoot, Idaho; Minerva Jensen, Centerfield, Utah; Jessiemine O. Bouten, Ft. Worth, Texas; Pansy Krimbow, San Angelo, Texas; Theron Whiteley, Pleasant Grove. Front row: Wilford J. Ward, Iona, Idaho; N. LeGrande Larsen, Logan; Melba June Krimbow, San Angelo, Texas; Harold N. Prrgmire, Liberty, Idaho; R. A. Allsop, Sandy; James E. Peterson, con- ference presindent, Cedar Valey, Utah; Arnot Bouton, Ft. Worth, Texas: and Clayton Krimbow, San Angelo, Texas.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 15 explain the gospel to the people and their efforts have not been in vain. In the cities and in the country a good work has been done. The distribution of the Book of Mormon and Bible commentaries is increasing. On August 14 the North Texas conference met together, President Samuel O. Bennion and some visiting lady missionaries being present. A Priesthood and an evening meeting were held, with 75 people present at the latter, who listened to a powerful discourse by President Bennion. The elders of the conference extend their appreciation for the useful information that is always printed in the Era, and wish to be remembered to their co-workers in the mission field, both at home and abroad, through it. — James E. Peterson, Ft. Worth, Texas, conference president. Hardships Bring Advantages F. Orin Woodbury, conference president, Hanover, Germany, reports satisfactory progress in this conference. "In spite of the united campaign by secretaries in churches to oust us from this district, the progress has been even more remarkable than ever. Special public meetings have been held where 'the Mormon Menace' has been described in such glowing terms of falsehood by unprincipled pastors and 'people who know,' that a very un- friendly feeling has been aroused against us. However, we have baptized thirty-six people during the past two months. So we feel that the efforts of Elders Hanover conference, May 17-19, 1924, (front row, left to right): Glen A. Rowe, conference president, Hamburg; Clyde H. Wilcox, conference president Cologne; Henry Glissmeyer, Eliza W. Tadje, President Fred Tadje, F. Orin Wood- bury, conference president, Hanover; Otto Beuhner, Milton B. Cannon, conference president, Stettin. Middle row: Oliver L. Richards, Stanley H. Hanks, John D. Montague, Emil Reimann, Elmer Bacon, Harry J. Deardorf, Wells C. Bowen, Paul J. Janke, Mark H. Pyne, Joel J. Summerhays, August H. Lohman. Back row, Lanell N. Lunt, Erwin J. Druk, Arthur F. Angel, Henry Hofer, Garvin G. McKell, Paul H. Williams, Horace P. Beesley, Max Lamprecht, Robert C. Sloan, Eugene Maier, John D. Phillips, Erich O. Hubert.

16 IMPROVEMENT ERA the eighteen elders working in this conference have not been in vain. The reigns of government in this district have in many cases been taken over by members of the Catholic church who assume an attitude of intolerance toward us. For the past month in this city we have had no regular meeting place. Extreme shortage in housing facilities since the war has caused the city government to assume control of all buildings and a great many of the halls and large business rooms have been requisitioned and remodeled for dwelling purposes. All these hardships, however, bring with them a number of advantages. They serve to humble and unite our Saints and strengthen them to withstand the unpleasantness thrown at them daily because of their religious beliefs." Interesting Celebrations at Hull From K. Marsel Widtsoe, president of the Hull conference, England, the Era receives an encouraging report of their missionary work: "It is with complacency that we report the work of the Lord progressing in this part of his vineyard. The virulent opposition encountered a few years ago has fallen to a low ebb. We are now making many friends and the message of the restoration of the gospel is spreading. Through the columns of the Era we extend greetings to our many friends and co-laborers in all parts of the earth." The elders of the Sheffield, Leeds and Hull conferences met on July 4 in the ancient city of York and celebrated in good old Yankee fashion. They [jMBjjjWpGMBik^ 1 ». ■ ■'IS „- \ C7J3 ft -* i^^'**' -'^ •"♦f > • - Hi • III , f f 3&. & f I F* ;'. -..^:-i ''IE?-;. - 1 1 >"» Si K f ■£$■ JS> A Elders front row, left to right: Kenneth A. Brady, Floyd C. Stuart, Ernest C. Moore, Lavon E. Darley, Horace Y. Whittle. Second row: Harley K. Fernelius, F. Peter Jones, Samuel P. Martin, John H. Tanner, David D. Lamph, president Leeds conference; K. Marsel Widtsoe, president, Hull conference; Fielding K. Smith, president Sheffield conference; G. Kimball Mellor, Willard Boden, William Ned Newell, Orlando J. Condie. Third row: George C. Midgley, LeRoy D. Tingey, Don C. Thurgood, George H. Adamson; William G. Jackson, Parley A. Peterson, Ellis A. Hipwell, Rowland V. Walker, Rollo E. Watkins, Elvarus H. Parry. J. Earl Wardle. Fourth row: Alex. X. Gooding, Elwood G. Meadows, J. Leland Behunin, Lyle A. Riggs, Robert G. Gibbons, John F. Barker, Fred G. Stoddard, Vernon P. Cole, John C. Hooper.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 17 were obeying an impulse to commemorate and offer thanksgiving for the noble services of the founders of the great American nation, and to meet with their fellowmen. In the morning, places of interest were visited such as the York Minster, remains of the Roman occupation of northern England, relics of the medieval days, Rowntree's Cocoa Works, etc. The afternoon program in- cluded games and athletic contests on the York Knavesmire, where, during the troublesome time of the English reformation, many Catholic priests and sympathizers were hanged. The main contest was a baseball game between Sheffield and Leeds, Sheffield being victorious. In the evening a banquet was held in one of the cafes. Speeches and toasts were given. It is doubtful whether they could have had a better time in America. On July 24 the three conferences met at Doncaster and engaged in a similar celebration. This time, however, to signalize the achievements of our pioneer forefathers. Albany Warned Just recently the Albany conference, Eastern States Mission, held its semi-annual conference, according to President William C. Tebbs who writes the Era on August 19. The crowd in attendance listened attentively to a discourse by President B. H. Roberts in which he mentioned the fate awaiting Albany, prophesied by Joseph Smith, in Doc. 8 Cov. 84:114,115; also 1: 13, 14. Though the conference is now left with a very small force, they are "more determined than ever that the splendid work shall go' on in the same high manner as it has in the past, and that each will put forth an extra effort to do his part to keep the work of the Lord going on. Some very spirited street meetings have been held and large crowds have listened to our message." The elders and sisters laboring in Binghampton report their branch growing fast and a wonderful spirit being manifest among all the members. The missionaries are J. Raymond Siddoway, Vernal; Vernon D. Law, outgoing conference president, Logan; William C. Tebbs, conference presi- dent, Panguitch, Utah; Arnold L. Johnson, Preston, Idaho; Leland G. Larsen, Duchesne; Ida Lazelle Chase, Nephi; Maude Lemmon, Hurricane, Utah; Harold G. Clark, Mesa, Arizona; Elsie C Ross, Provo ; Lillian Wight, Brigham City; William J. Kotter, Brigham City, Utah. Nine Hundred Attend Conference A successful, interesting, and faith-promoting semi-annual conference of the Berlin conference was held July 12 and 13. Among those attending were President and Sister Tadje, Orson W. Kasteler, mission secretary; and the following conference presidents accompanied by many of their elders- Orin Woodbury of Hanover; LeRoy Brunnel of Breslau; President Rhodes of Leipzig; M. B. Cannon of Stettin; and President Nibley of Berlin. Confer- ence opened with a missionary session in which President Tadje requested each of the elders to speak on these points: Attitude toward partner; branch president, conference president, mission president, attitude toward the mission rules, what should be done to improve the conference, and one of the accom- plishments of the Church since its founding. The Priesthood, officers and teachers all met in the evening where many fine talks were given and the good condition of the conference reported. The third session was a Sundav School conference. The children gave a program of singing, including solos and choruses; recited poems, gave verses pertaining to the Book of Mor- mon; and Sister Tadje spoke on Order, illustrating her point by telling a story of the good fairy. President Tadje also addressed the congregation. Then there was a meeting of the Relief Society workers in which a report of .their work was made and instructions given. Their motto is, "Always use

18 IMPROVEMENT ERA pleasant words, for they do not cost us anything." There were 720 people present at the afternoon general session who heard many good sermons on subjects such as the accomplishments of Joseph Smith, baptism, relationship of God to man, the disregard of the world for the teachings of the servants of the Lord, etc. In the final session, along with sermons, hymns, and prayers, the oratorio, "The Vision," was rendered by the Centrum choir, under the direction of Friedrich Radichel. Too much praise cannot be given of the faithful and diligent work of the members of this choir in preparing and presenting such a wonderful piece of music. Nine hundred were present at this meeting — Fred Tadje, President of the Swiss-German Mission. Twenty Baptisms Anticipated Elder Houston Hatch, president Rochester conference, Eastern States Mission, reports a meeting held at Rochester, New York, June 25 and 26, with President B. H. Roberts in attendance. "Three excellent and well attended meetings were held and the 150 people who attended were strength- ened and enlightened in the gospel. The Rochester conference planned to hold a celebration at the Joseph Smith farm in Palmyra, on the 24th of July. Every year the members of the conference gather at the farm and hold a reunion. This year we expect to have about twenty baptisms at that time. All is well in western New York, the birthplace of the Church, and we hope to be able to enlighten the people in this vicinity of this very important event that happened in their midst." Missionaries Rochester conference, left to right, standing: G. M. Handy, Boise, Idaho; A. I. Bankhead, Logan; J. L. Emmett, Ogden; Ruth Tillman, Newark, New Jersey; Jessie W. Hoops, Sr., Brigham City; Houston Hatch, conference presi- dent, Panguitch. Sitting: L. W. Pake, Beaver; Cecil Tebbs, Panguitch; Presi- dent B. H. Roberts, Mrs. B. H. Roberts, J. L. Thornley, Layton, Utah. Twelve Baptisms in West Virginia A general conference was held in Southwest Virginia, July 12-14. This was the second successful conference held in the new chapel since its dedica- tion Jan. 6, 1924. Three sessions were held in Charleston and one in Huntington. Many friends, investigators and Saints attended the service, the average attendance being about one hundred and forty. President B. H. .Roberts delivered three very impressjye discourses on the gospel as the power