Church Music Committee: Choristers’ Manual, Lesson XII; Concerning Voice Production (Continued)

CHURCH MUSIC COMMITTEE Choristers' Manual — Lesson XII — Concerning Voice Production. (Continued) By Edward P. Kimball This lesson would not be complete without some consideration of two other important elements of singing, the vowel and the consonant. In fact, the two elements in all pronunciation of words are the proper values which are given to the enunciation of vowels, and the articulation of consonants. One authority, Adcock, says: "Quality of tone depends on the vowels, but distinct utterance upon the consonants; if these are not clearly articulated, the sense of the words will be entirely lost. In the discussion of vowels we can do not better than consider the subject as it was elucidated for the choristers recently by Anthony C. Lund, director of the Tabernacle choir, and a member of the Church Music Committee. These are his views: In a number of languages vowel (vokale) is the word upon which vocalization is built. Then the scheme of learning to sing is described as vowel-making or vocalizing. It is Very true that intonation alone will Jiot give vocal work a good fin- ished effect. I heard some Armenian Saints sing several of our hymns in fairly good time, but the vocalization was absolutely missing. A vowel! Yes, the most intensely human thing in the world. Every means known to physics in the uni- versity laboratories of the world have been exhausted to find a variable spacing that would shape as a human mouth the primary vowels. Never a bit of success has been met with. A tone given out by the voice is first a vibration of the larynx. The vocal bands have their edges assist the flow of breath just enough to produce the vibration required. This vibration is augmented and beautified by the cavities and spaces and surface in the bony structure of the face. These resonances must be co-ordinated, and balanced so that the tubular spaces in the nose are present hut not obviously so, the enclosed chest spaces giving its proper share of resonance. The arched roof of the mouth, the pharynx and the cuplike space just above the vocal bands, and the large spaces behind the nose, and the molar and sinus spaces all contribute to the augmentation and balance of tone. More than this the well defined primary and secondary vowels are the direct result of the mouth, in various forms or spacings. "I" is an uptongue vowel, "o" is a low-tongue vowel; "e" is an up-tongue vowel, and "a" is a low-tongue vowel. The low- tongue is often inclined to draw back and spoil the spacing at the back of the mouth. The up-tongue instead of liaising itself with a lowered jaw, often does not work independently of the jaw, which should hang low and limp-like. The colors of tone, covered and open, arise from the fact that the lips act in two ways. In the covered tone the lips protrude somewhat Telongating the passage way. The result is greater earnestness and sympathy and greater solemnity in the tone. Lips away, teeth exposed and a lightsome beautiful tone results. Good for descriptive work in lighter vein, but lacking in depth or seriousness. Timbre and sentiment must agree. "Every vocal tone must begin instantly true in pitch, instantly pure in the vowel and the mouth spacing maintained to the end of the tone. Consonants which are interruptions of the stream of tone or vowel, must be grouped and determinedly

256 IMPROVEMENT ERA used as stroke material at the beginning of the tone. Our Italian friends get from their very language and its vowels, a tendency for their mouth to fly open and remain so. Our language and vowels have a tendency for their mouths to fly open and shut. Artists, like the late David Bispham, have shown that our language, properly given, lacks nothing of the supreme color which tints that most emotional of all things human — a vowel. — A. C. Lund. "All consonants form more or less of an obstruction or interruption to the vocal sound; but as the interruption is a natural one, and as distinction of utterance depends on that interruption, the singer should not attempt to shirk it, or lessen the value of the consonant on the ground that the vocal sound will be improved thereby. On the contrary, the full value must be given to articulate sound, and the necessary time for its completion must be allowed, or the result will be most unsatisfactory." (Clara Kathleen Rogers.) And Garcia: "Expression depends greatly on the weight and strength given to articulation. Consonants express the force of a sentiment, just as vowels express its nature. We are always impressed by words strongly accentuated, because they appear to be dictated by some acute passion." It is customary to think of a consonant as merely a letter of the alpha- bet, and in speaking, to give it a name which usually consists of the con- sonant itself plus a vowel. If we eliminate the vowel sound, the remaining consonant proves to be a more or less disagreeable sound, the result of a partial or a complete interruption to voice or to the breath; in this sense the consonant should be understood. It is helpful to locate the principal points at which these obstructions occur. A simple classification might be the following: first, at the lips, as P. B. M. W; second, at the tip of the tongue and the hard palate or the upper front teeth, as G (soft) , J, T, D, L, S, R, Z, N; third, at the base of the tongue and the soft palate, as in Q, K, X, G (hard) . Being a classification by place, these groups may be distinguished as labials, pinguals, and palatals. According to the way in which they are made, consonants are also divided into two classes; Aspirates, made only with the breath; vocals, which have some voice sound. The whole subject of consonants is so broad a one that space here will not permit of an exhaustive consideration. The chorister is referred to two small volumes on the subject called, English Diction for Singers and Speak- ers, one by Clara Kathleen Rogers, and the other by Louis Arthur Russell. Here again much help can be given to the choristers of a stake if a competent vocalist can be secured to give a practical demonstration. In order to point tht way around some faults, and show some dangers apt to be met with in the use of consonants the following list from A. M. Bell is presented in conclusion: "Make clean our hearts" often sounds "Make lean our hearts." "Can the African change his skin?" often sounds "Can the African Chain his kin?" "Or the leopard his spots?" often sounds "Or the leopard his pots?" "The cold ground" often sounds "The coal ground." "An ever better way" often sounds "A never better way." "An ice drop" often sound "A nice drop." "A sad dangler" often sounds "A sad angler." "Chaste stars" often sounds "Chase tars." "Pain nobody" often sounds "Pay nobody." Etc. Such faults of pronunciation will be taken up in greater detail in a later lesson on phrasing, expression, etc. But they should receive attention

CHURCH MUSIC COMMITTEE 257 here in connection with consonants, and means discussed for their eradication from our choirs. Boys and Music He who has learned to appreciate good music and good singing, who can listen to the compositions of the great masters of music, and feel his soul filled to its depths, by the emotions which they have put into their work, has gained something in his life which nothing but good music can give. "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." — Doc. and Cov. 25:12. We should encourage our singers to sing the songs of Zion. Some of these hymns are full of inspiration. We must strive for the Holy Spirit when we attempt these soul-stirring hymns. Musical interpretation is the discovery and expressing of the significance and beauty of musical ideas, and it therefore demands the use of material in which there are beauty and meaning to be expressed. The character of the poem is always a key to the spirit of the music, and a thoughtful study of the verse as to count, accent, rhyme, phrasing, and the development of climax, will reveal the rhythmical form and melodic structure of the music. The aim is to develop in our young people an intelligent appreciation and enjoyment of good music, a musical, expres- sive voice to inspire love of good music, to appreciate the power and beauty of music. At our ward conference we had several of the deacons sing. Those boys just sang their way into the hearts of all present. We recommend that you use the boys to do some of your singing. — Charles Kent, Rock Springs Schools, Wyoming. A Parable (Luke 12:16-23) A man who was rich, looked his storehouse o'er And greedily smiled and desired more. Said he: "My barns I must larger build That with my treasures they may be filled. Soul, thou hast much laid up for thee! Rejoice! Eat, drink, and merry be!" But God looked down on this man of greed, Saw that all around there were souls in need Of clothing and shelter and daily bread, And unto the man he sternly said: "This night shall thy soul be required of thee, Thou, fool! then whose shall all these things be?" ■ So is he whose life unto self is given And is not rich toward God in heaven. For the things we take to our home above Are those which to others we give in love. Our lives like the Master's must ever be To dwell in his presence eternally. Twin Falls, Idaho. S. A. PURRINGTON

MISSION MESSAGES "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. _ He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken." — Doc. and Cov. 88:81-83. One Person May Do a Great Work The ciders are having a larger attendance at their meetings, and also are making more friends at Shiloh, than elsewhere in East Texas. Often over 150 people meet here to glean from the sermons of the missionaries God's plan of salvation for the human family. Much credit is due Sister Bray, through whose efforts the elders first visited that vicinity, and now through the kindness of Brother Bray we have the school house to preach in, when- ever we can arrange to be there. It is also through this family's efforts that many are induced to attend our meetings, and Brother Bray hopes, in the near future to help the elders open up new territory around there. Sister Bray and her parents were converted to the gospel in the northern states. Later they moved to Utah, then to Idaho, where she met her husband. The couple came to Texas to make their home, and for nine years there were no "Mormon" elders visited the country where they lived. She wrote to the Texas headquarters and two years ago they made a visit there, holding a cottage meeting in the evening. A BAPTISMAL COMPANY, IN SHILOH, EAST TEXAS Now the other members of their family have been converted, and have entered the true fold of Christ. Prospects are very promising for more bap- tisms, and it is the desire of all the elders in the East Texas conference the some day another branch of the Church will be organized there. The picture shows the crowd who witnessed the entrance of Brother Bray and his son into the fold. — Cyril R. Funk. Raising Funds for the Poor A bazaar recently given under the auspices of the Relief Society to raise funds to help the poor, brought to a close one of the best attended, and most successful conferences ever held in the Aalborg conference of the Danish

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 259 mission. For many months the sisters had been preparing for this event. The public also generously donated many articles. The stand was especially arranged to display the contributed articles. After a splendid program, the articles were sold to the highest bidders by Brother Valdemar Gerlach who awakened a keen interest among the bidders. As a feature of the program many humorous stories were told by Julius Brunn, president of the Aarhus conference. Evelyn Gerlach, Elna Neilsen, Arna Mogensen, Valdemar Ger- lach, Thorvald Therkildsen and the elders contributed greatly to the success of the program. Elder Fay L. Curtz who has been assigned to the Copen- hagen conferences after sixteen months of faithful service as secretary of the Aalborg conference, was presented with a beautiful hammered-silver fruit bowl in appreciation of his untiring efforts in the cause. Refreshments were served before the enjoyable evening was brought to a close. — H. S. Lund, Conference Secretary. Elders left to right, front row: Fay L. Curtz, released conference secretary; John S. Hansen, mission president; Christen Larsen, conference president; H. S. Lund, conference secretary. Back row: Andrew Mollerup, traveling elder: O. C. Pedersen, Hjorring branch president; Claude Malan; Niels A. Pehrsen, traveling elder; H. Martin Larsen. The Sin of Unbelief The semi-annual conference of the Brooklyn conference, of the Eastern States mission, was held Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2. Saturday evening a general priesthood meeting was held and a round-table discussion followed in which a number of suggestions were made for the betterment of the work. Means were considered to increase attendance at sacrament meet- ings, and to make the work more effective, also ways of cooperating with the Saints. The first Sunday session was held at 2700 Broadway, New York, at 10 a.m., devoted to the Sunday schools. The afternoon session was held

260 IMPROVEMENT ERA at 2 o'clock. Elder Alvin R. Dyer and President Len H. Layton were released. General Church Authorities were sustained. A sextette was ren- dered by ladies of the New York branch — "My Prophet dear"; and Presi- dent Roberts gave a powerful discourse on "A Message of God — The Sin of Unbelief." The closing session of the conference was held in the Brooklyn chapel. Elder Alvin R. Dyer was the first speaker and was followed by a quintette from New York, after which Professor Levi Edgar Young clearly and forcefully expounded some of the fundamentals of "Mormonism." The Spirit of the Lord was with us in all these services and we feel strengthened because of the "feast of reason and flow of soul" given us during the con- ference. We have fifteen missionaries in the conference. We feel greatly blessed in this choice field of labor, and prospects are bright for a successful winter's campaign. — Condensed from a report by A. M. Livingston. Monuments in Zurich Switzerland One afternoon, recently, I was working in our meeting hall in Zurich. Gradually the air vibrated with great force. The windows of the room rattled. A strange roar, as of huge motors running at; high speed, enveloped me. I ran out onto the street. No one needed to point out to me the cause of the disturbance in the air. My senses in- voluntarily ' directed my eyes to its location — sailing majestically over the house tops. It was the Zeppelin. The blue-gray giant seemed to be endowed with superhuman intelli- gence and with an awesome self-control. A feeling of my small- ness and helplessness filled me. Man is, af- ter all, only a little animal in contrast with such a monster. The visit of the ZR-3 to Zurich caused no little disturbance and excitement among the Swiss citizens. Our picture shows the big ship flying over Zur- ich, Switzerland. In the background of the ZR-3 PASSING OVER ZURICH ?}ct"\e is the lake of Zurich. In the fore- ground, the Grossmunster church. The second picture shows the Zurich statue of Ulrich Zwingli, a partner of Martin Luther, of Calvin, and of

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 261 Knox in the European Reformation. The statue of Zwingli and the Munster church are monuments to the past — to a revolution in relationships among men. The Zeppelin is a monument to the present — a monument of a revolution in the relationship among nations. Both link around the quaint city of Zurich in Switzer- land. Just around the cor- near from the Munster church is number 13 Church street, which was the former dwell- ing of Ulrich Swingli. It is a plain, three- story, stone house. Over its door is a stone tablet in which is carved : Zwingli' s Amtswohnung von diescm Hause zog er am 11. October, 15 U, mit dem Heere d e r Zurcher nach Kappel aus wo er fur seinen Glauben MONUMENT TO ZWINGLI IN ZURICH sfarfe. The tablet tells us the story of a man who gave his life for his belief. Ulrich Zwingli, born January 1, 1484, killed Ooctober 11, 1531, was one of the brave men who fought for freedom of conscience in Switzerland. To him and to his companions do we, as Latter-day Saints, owe a debt of grati- tude. It is the result of his service that our missionaries are able and have been able for seventy years to brighten many Swiss homes with the message of the restoration of Christ's gospel. At times, as at present, there are officials of this little republic who do not have the same spirit of freedom of conscience which Ulrich Swingli maintained with his life. It was in Zurich in the early 50's where Elder William Budge was confined in an underground cell for several days "because he preached Christ and him crucified." None the less, Zion is growing in the Zurich conference, Switzerland. We report 3 7 baptisms so far this year. — E. Wayne Stratford. A Spirited Conference We had a most inspiring semi-annual conference of Bristol, South England October 26. President and Sister McKay were .in attendance. The Spirit of the Lord was with us in rich abundance, and every one present left with a greater love for the truth, as contained in the restored gospel of Christ. Owing to prejudice we were unable to obtain a hall for conference here so it was held in Cheltenham, but I am glad to say that, through the efforts

262 IMPROVEMENT ERA of the Bristol branch president, we have finally obtained a hall in which to hold our Sunday service, which we hope will mark the beginning of better times here. The people are very prejudiced against our Church, wholly be- cause they believe the scurrilous stories which have been circulated against us. We are endeavoring to break down this prejudice by circulating literature containing statements from reliable sources refuting these stories, trusting that the future will bring forth a richer harvest than we are having at present. Missionaries laboring in the Bristol conference, British mission, left to right, standing: Mr. Perring, Plymouth (investigator) ; K. John Myers, American Fork; Reed M. Ogden, Richfield; Thomas O. Smith, Ogden; Ben E. Summers, Rexburg; J. Trevor Buddel, Ogden; Wendell R. Anderson, Salt Lake City. Sitting: Vernal G. Jones, Salt Lake City; Rulon H. Sanders, Murray, mission secretary of records; Emma Ray McKay, president Relief Societies, British mission; Peter J. Clark, American Fork; David O. McKay, president of the European mission; Don Clyde, Heber City, conference president; Albert G. Stanger. Idaho Falls. We are enjoying our missionary labors immensely, and feel that the Lord is blessing us abundantly. We extend our thanks for the Era, because its splendid articles and uplifting spirit are sources of help and encouragement to us. — Thos. O. Smith, Conference Clerk. New Chapel at Minneapolis, Minn. Elder Rulon A. Jones, late conference president of the Minnesota con- ference, whom Glenn W. Koffman has succeeded, sends the following information: "The missionaries of this conference have met with good success in their past summer's work in the smaller cities. Much literature was dis- tributed and many friends were made as a result of their labors. During August, 108 Books of Mormon were sold; 12,000 pamphlets, and 30,000 tracts were distributed; besides many hundred of Books of Mormon and other books loaned. Sixteen people were baptized in St. Paul and Min neapolis. Friends and investigators are increasing because of the cooperative efforts of the Saints and missionaries. Much credit is due the Bureau of

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 263 Information in Salt Lake City for correct and valuable information about the Latter-day Saints given the tourists who visit Salt Lake City every year. It helps the missionary work very much. The tri-annual conference, held October 25 and 26, was attended by President Heber J. Grant and wife, Elder George Albert Smith, of the Council of the Twelve; and Sister Ruth May Fox, with President John H. Taylor and wife, and Mission Secretary George E. Collard of Chicago. The new chapel at Minneapolis was dedi- cated at the time. There were four public sessions, the first being held in the St. Paul chapel. Saturday evening, October 25, and the remaining three convened in the new Minneapolis chapel on Sunday, October 26. Both places were filled to the limit at every session. President Heber J. Grant and Elder George Albert Smith spoke in all the meetings, and President Grant offered the dedicatory prayer in the afternoon session of the conference. "The new Minneapolis chapel is the first erected on Minnesota soil by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was built at a cost of $15,000. It is a beautiful building, nicely furnished. Besides the general assembly room with a seating capacity of 280, a class and council room on the main floor; a large recreation room, a baptismal font, two class rooms, and a modern kitchen on the basement floor. The building is a credit to the Church, and the members of the Minneapolis branch have just cause to feel happy and proud of their new chapel." A Book of Mormon Incident Writing from Albany, New York, Leland G. Larsen reports excellent progress in that conference. The elders are explaining the gospel to a number of investigators and are looking for a number of baptisms soon. Their street meetings have been especially successful. One evening after the meeting an elderly gentleman came up and testified to the elders that every word which they had spoken was true. He told this story: Not long ago his wife had purchased a Book of Mormon which she gave to him to read, but he threw it out of the door into the back yard. Elders of the Albany branch. Left to right: Eldon Wittwer, Bunkerville, Nevada; Leland G. Larsen, Duchesne: J. Raymond Siddoway, Vernal, Utah; Richard A. Pearce, Brigham City. Utah; Wm. C. Tebbs, conference president, Panguitch, Utah.

264 IMPROVEMENT ERA After many days his little boy picked up the book and gave it to his father. The book was open when he brought it in, soiled and injured by the rain. At first he was angry at the thought of the child bringing it back into the house. He glanced at the open page before him and rend something cf baptism. He became curious and desired to know what the "Mormons" believed about baptism. Having read some of the book, he became interested and decided to read it through, which he did, and afterwards sought other standard works of the Church. He now says that the Book of Mormon is is most wonderful' book he has ever read, and also declares that he and his family have been looking for this gospel for a number of years. Three "Mormon" Missionaries in South Sea Storms The rattle of bottles as the dairyman went his accustomed rounds broke the stillness ol that tropical morning on the island of Papeete, Tahiti, Jan- uary 16, 1924, when we were scheduled to leave for our field of labor, the island of Tubuai, 360 miles to the south. As the ship was to leave at 8 a.m., we had no time to meditate on the surrounding beauties of nature, but were busily engaged in getting our belonging on board, and after an excellent breakfast at mission headquarters, the usual good-bys were said, and President Peterson wished us God speed, we boarded the ship to take what proved to be the most hazardous voyage of our lives. We were towed out of the pass by a motor boat, and it was not long until we were buffeting the waves in open sea and seasickness began. We took our turn with the rest, since it takes an experienced seaman to with- stand the onslaught of the elements as these boats (being small) toss con- siderably. There were twenty-nine passengers on board, we three elders being the only white men in that number. At about 3 p.m. we sighted a school of porpoises and after about an hour's struggle, succeeded in harpoon- ing one, only to lose him again in the fight to get him on board. At about 5:30 p.m. a fierce gale arose, and as the wind howled through the rigging the rain poured from a leaden sky. We knew we were in for a bad night. The storm continued throughout the night and though the little boat ploughed fearlessly on, it seemed for a time that we were doomed to be washed overboard, as large waves swept the deck. By 10 a.m. next morning, however, the wind gradually subsided and we sailed steadily along, making a distance of a hundred and twenty-five miles that day, and two hundred and ninety in all since leaving Papeete. The following morning, Friday, the 18th, we expected to sight the island for which he had embarked; but, though by night fall we had traveled three hundred and sixty miles, no land was in sight, the storm evidently had driven us off our course, and we were lost in the great Pacific Ocean. For three days we sailed a few miles in one direction, then a few miles in another, traveling about 30 miles. Sunday and Monday was calm so we drifted with the current. On Tuesday, the 22nd, a wind came up and we were still hunters of land. We were not discouraged, however, for deep within us was the assurance that God would protect us, and we felt that land was near. On the following morning at dawn there was great rejoicing in the hearts of all, as the island of Tubuai was sighted about twenty-five miles to the left. We immediately changed our course, heading for the island and, as a storm was coming up, every effort was put forth to hastily reach the pass. Good headway was made until noon. The wind became stronger as the day progressed. About 4 p.m. just as entrance to the pass was reached, the guide jib sail ripped, and to prevent going onto the reef we headed for the open sea. It immediately became dark and we were in the midst of a

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 265 howling tempest: the wind blowing 90 miles per hour. All sails were lowered except the second jib which was kept up to balance the boat, and there being very little cargo aboard it was with difficulty that capsizing was prevented. As the night advanced and the storm increased in fury, the boat almost capsized four times. The third time, as the boat turned on its side, we were as if suspended in the air and when our side of the boat struck the water we were thrown with great force 'mid boxes and trunks to the other side of the boat, as it almost turned completely over. Throughtout that long night, as the tempest raged and the sea seemed like a sething mass ready to swallow the boat and its occupants, we felt the Lord was protecting us. The storm lasted nearly all next day. At 5 p.m. the wind slackened. The following morning, Friday, the 25th, a most beautiful sight greeted our eyes. The sky dotted with white clouds and the waves rising to a great height; the sea a dark blue with large white caps breaking near and far, the morning very beautiful. This continued all day. By Sunday the sea was very calm as if some unheard Voice had uttered once again, "Peace, be still." Four four days all was calm, but no land appeared in sight. We had been sixteen days at sea; our water supply was exhausted and most of our provision spoiled by the salt water and the storm. The crew almost dispaired of seeing land again, placed the ship under our direction. So, praying earnestly that the Lord would direct us in our course, we felt impressed to turn southward, and so instructed the crew. About an hour later, a white bird was seen flying in the direction we were now going, and, as the wind increased we were soon sailing at a fair rate of speed. At 10:20 am., the following morning, land was again sighted, which proved to be the island of Raevarai, on which we landed at 10 a.m., Feb. 2, 1924. This island, according to native reports, was the one on which elder J. Brown, one of the first missionaries to these parts, narrow!-/ escaped being burned at the stake, and it had not been visited by the elders since 1895. Here we remained for some weeks recuperating from our trying ex- perience and preaching the gospel. We sailed for Tubuai. our original destination, Feb. 25, and after a pleasant trip of two days reached our field of labor. We had traveled a distance of 1287 miles in twenty days to reach an island which under ordinary conditions would have been made in a few days, but we are grateful to have reached here, and thank our heavenly Father for his watchful care over us, knowing that only through Divine Providence have we been spared from a watery grave. — Elder Stanley W. Bird. Orovini, Papeete Tahiti, Society Islands. News from Hawaii The West Maui conference, comprising most of the island of Maui, also the islands of Molokai and Lanai, is one of the most important conferences in the Hawaiian mission. It is made up of sixteen branches with an approxi- mate membership of two thousand Saints. The majority are Hawaiian, but there are also a few Chinese and Portugese members. The branches are at some distance from one another and from the conference headquarters which is situated at Wailuku. This condition necessitates a good deal of traveling on the part of the elders, which is done in a number of ways. Much walking of course, is done, but the elders also use the small railway operated by the plantations of the island, and the conference is fortunate enough to have a Ford car, donated by the Saints some six years ago, and although much dilipidated, still runs. . The Saints of the conference are faithful members and are strict ob- servers of the law of tithing, this conference ranking second in the mission

266 IMPROVEMENT ERA on the tithing record. The baptisms up to date have reached sixty, a decided increase over last year and prospects are good for November and December. The auxiliary organizations are all represented in the conference, and during the past two months two Bee-Hive swarms have been organized and are now doing splendid work. The missionaries of West Maui appreciate the Era and eagerly look forward for each issue. They extend their Aloha Nut to all who are out preaching the gospel of Christ. — /. Ford Roberts, Con- ference President, West Maui Conference, P. O. Box 272, Wailuku, Maui, T. H. Left to right, top row: W. H. Horton. Eugene J. Neff, mission president; I. Ford Roberts, conference president; George W. Hall. Second row: W. M. Hodson. conference clerk, Hawaiian Sunset; Marguerite V. Gordon, mission president Y. L. M. I. A. Third row: E. F. Packham; Wallace Lazenby; Spencer E. Saville. Fourth row: George R. Hammond; Athen L. Reese. Prejudice and Indifference "Work in the East Kansas conference is progressing. We are meeting with much success, although there is a great deal of prejudice, and we find many people very indifferent in regard to our faith, but we are endeavoring with all our efforts to find the honest in heart and to bring them to a knowl- edge of the truth." — George R. Woolley. President East Kansas Conference.

Elders and lady missionaries, front row, left to right: Malissa Gribble, Salina; Lucy Houston, Lovell, Wyoming; George R. Wooley, Salt Lake City; Urol Major, Layton; Myrtle Johnston, Teton, Idaho; Mae Wolfley, Etna, Wyoming; second row: Serge N. Benson, Logan; Edith Hacking, Magrath, Alberta, Canada; Sterling Cook. Provo; Dudley Hardy, Bunkerville, Nevada; Glen M. Bennion, Vernal; A. M. Goodman, St. David, Arizona; back row: Franklin W. Maesset, Hunter; Clarence R. LaFever, Panguitch; Maurine Leigh, Cedar City; L. J. Esplin Orderville; Hilda E. Punborough, Salt Lake City, Utah. Appreciates His Mission Elder Eugene Sloan, former student of the University of Utah, laboring as a missionary in Portland, Northwestern States mission, reports to Superin- tendent Richard R. Lyman that he likes his location and has found that the people are exceptionally kind to the missionaries, also that fine progress is being made there under the competent presidency of Brigham S. Young, under whose supervision he declares it is a pleasure to labor. "You have to get right out into the field before you can actually appreciate the values and importance of missionary work. I have listened to testimonies and expres- sions of delight concerning this work all my life from those who had en- gaged in it; still, it required a few weeks of actual experience before I reached a position where I could understand why a mission is praised so highly. It seems to me that if a young fellow could appreciate, more fully, the oppor* tunity for development this work affords, without engaging in it, the Church authorities would be worked to death handling applications for missionary calls. For my own part I am glad that I did not go when I was younger. I believe I am more capable of appreciating the privilege that has been given me now than I would have been a few years earlier. As a result both the work and myself are benefited. I find that my schooling is a big advantage to me and the months of time I would have had to spend training myself, ordinarily, after arriving in the field have been put to more profitable use. It is gratifying to be able to make worthy use of an expensive schooling; you feel that the time, money, and effort spent is done for a good purpose. "I can't help but wonder at the opportunity afforded 'Mormon' fellows that the other young men of the world do not have. A chance to develop themselves, see the world, gain the correct conception of life and what it means, help others less fortunate, and, above all, a chance to prove to their complete satisfaction that God lives and is personally directing this work for our eternal welfare. If I can return to the world but a small portion of the good I have received I will be satisfied. If the complete result of my mission is only my testimony as to the divinity of this work I will feel well repaid for the time spent. It certainly is a wonderful work and I'm glad I am in it. The best thing I can wish any young fellow is the same chance.