Messages from the Missions

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in euery congregation." In Southern Sachsen, Germany Elder Willis A. Dial of Buchholz, Sachsen, Germany, gives the follow- ing report of the missionary conditions in that section of country: "Buch- holz is the largest branch in that region and numbers 219 members. Dur- ing the past ten months, 11 converts have been baptized, and the elders Top: Turning the sod in the good old way. Bottom: Hauling fertilizer: two oxen hitched to the wagon, one in lead. Common street scene in Erzgebirge. are now holding meetings in two of the neighboring towns, in this way coming in contact with from 85 to 100 friends every week. At the branch conference, November 2, the music was furnished by the children's choir of 36 members, and the regular choir of 41 voices. Despite bad weather, 120 members and 75 friends attended the Sunday School; and 143 members and 69 friends, the evening meeting. Two hundred tracts were distributed and 21 books sold. Many of our people can testify that heavenly peace and contentment bless those who strive to serve the Lord. Buchholz is nestled

368 IMPROVEMENT ERA among the hills of Erzgebirgc (ore mountains) in southern Sachsen. We have a humble, God-fearing people, and although strongly bound by the traditions and religion of their fathers, still there is a steady advancement in the spread of the gospel of Christ among them. Many of their ways call us back to the early days of New York and to the valleys of the Ozarks, as we see this thrifty, hard-working country people going about their labors. They plow their lands with slow-moving oxen, scatter seed by hand, cut hay and grain with a scythe, raking and binding each by hand methods. The flailing and winnowing of the grain go on as in days of long ago. The little cities smuggled up in narrow valleys are connected with the outside world by narrow-guage railway trains. Although manufacturing supplies Work for most of the inhabitants of the towns, the factories are usually small and the workers are not poisoned by the destructive spirit of com- munism so prevalent in Saxony. A large part of the world's toys come from Germany, and this region is one of the main producers. Beadwork, trimmings, tassels, laces and curtains, are among articles manufactured here. Wood carving and poorly-paid home work furnish employment for those who do not work in the factories." Elders, standing, left to right: Alfred Schulz, Berlin, Sunday School superintend- ent; Willis A. Dial, Shelley, Idaho, branch president; Rulon S. Pendelton, Parowan, branch president of Chemnitz; Adrian S. Pugmire, Salt Lake City. Sitting: Mission President Fred Tadje, Conference President W. E. Riter, Logan, Utah. More Missionaries Wanted Bryan L. Petersen, of Aarhus, Denmark, reports November 12, 1924, a conference held there on the 18th to 21st of October. "The conference was a great success. The house was filled to overflowing and many heard the word of the Lord and the testimony of the restored gospel. A great deal of credit for the excellent meeting is due the choir for their fine rendition of the hymns of Zion. There was a feeling of love and united effort among the elders. We learned to know our mission president better and to

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 369 love and admire him as an advisor and co-laborer. This mission needs more missionaries and we send through the pages of the Era a friendly call for help Although few baptisms have taken place in the past year, the outlook for the future is bright and encouraging." Elders, left to right, standing: Wallace P. Winkler, Bryan L. Petersen, Salt Lake City; Leonel L. Rasmussen, Midvale; Orson W. Jensen, Union; Walter M. Nielsen, Logan; Trueman O. Nielsen, Brigham City. Sitting: Waldemar L. Jensen, President John S. Hansen, Julius Bruun, conference president; Peter Petersen, Salt Lake City; Amos B. C. Jensen, Yost. A Mysterious, but Helpful, Stranger Leon A. Robins, Hobart, Tasmania, writes under date of October 31, 1924: In the hope that it may help the reader to realize that God is ever watchful of his children, and that it will give them a greater desire to forge ahead in the cause of truth, I relate this incident which happened here a few weeks ago. If anyone who reads this feels that it does not amount to much, and that it was only imagined by those who were there, I beg him to stop and consider the effect this would have on his life if he were placed in similar circumstances. Remember the words of Paul, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever," and ask yourself this question, Which is the greater danger, to be lashed behind the prison walls, as was Paul, or to be overcome with fear which would keep you from performing your duty and from learning what will lead you to eternal life, and from which of the two would be the greater deliverance? In the Huon valley of Tasmania the wilderness of the natural growth mingles with the orchards and cleared land of civilization. As you pass along the narrow, winding road you see here a clear patch and there again the brush fringes the road. The valley is narrow and full of gullies cov- ered with brush and trees which are remnants of the past forest. Winding down the center runs the Huon river. In this places lives several families of good Latter-day Saints. These, the elders visit fortnightly and hold Sunday School and meetings with them.

370 IMPROVEMENT ERA In one of these families all of the children of age are members, but the father and mother have not become members, although they have been very good friends for years. As the elders started out, for some unknown reason they became fright- ened. The night was dark and as they approached the more lonely part of the road they were about to give way to fear when a person appeared in front of them, walking naturally before them part of the time, then at the side. Immediately on his appearance all fear left them, and they walked on in peace. When asked why they didn't speak to him, they answered that they seemed to feel as if they shouldn't. So they walked on quietly till they reached the main road. There they met one of the Saints and as they did so the personage left them. The house of the family with which this story deals is located on the side of one of the many gullies about three quarters of a mile back from the main road on one of those lonely, winding roads. It is the habit of these people to traverse this road at any time, and being used to it, had very little fear, if any, day or night. On the occasion of one of the elders visiting the village to hold meetings, this remarkable event occurred. After Sunday School this family divided, only part of them returning home. So when night came and they were desirous of attending the cottage meeting to be held some two miles distant, two of the small girls started down the road, parts of which passed through places which are very rugged and lonely. On their return the smallest of the two that left together was with another of her sisters. As they started up the road again this same per- sonage appeared again and escorted them to their home. This event has left a deep impression on the family and all the people here who have heard it related. And it stands as a testimony of the watch- fulness of our heavenly Father over our actions, and should help us to trust in him. Increase the More Opposed Elder Cyril W. Whittle, Springfield, Massachusetts: "The restored gospel is gaining ascendency in the minds of a number of seekers after truth. Elders, left to right: Cyril M. Whittle, Preston, Idaho; Weldon S. Coleman, Smithfield, Utah; S. Linton Claridge, Safford, Arizona; Merrill J. Eldredge, Woods Cross, Utah-

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 371 Opportunities to teach the gospel have been multiplied in consequence of a series of opposition lectures recently delivered in the city by Mrs. Lulu Love- land Shepherd. She has entertained her responsive listeners by relating cun- ning lies about the 'Mormons.' Her appearance, however, caused the mis- sionaries no uneasiness, for the effects which have thus far followed have done greater good than evil. Through her misdirected efforts she has done considerable for the advancement of our cause. So we witness again the fulfilment of Moroni's words to the Prophet Joseph: 'Those who are not built upon the rock will seek to overthrow this work, but it will increase the more opposed.' " Fresno, California Has 380 at Conference Arnold L. Jensen, Fresno, California, reports a conference held on November 29 to December 1. A spiritual feast was enjoyed at a Priesthood meeting on Saturday morning. Aside from the testimonies and experiences, President Joseph W. McMurrin gave some excellent instructions on the duties of missionaries and the importance of the Priesthood which they hold. The Relief Society served luncheon at 2 o'clock, and the afternoon Saturday meeting was devoted to the Relief Societies, Primary and M. I. A. At the evening meeting, under the direction of Superintendent Jeppson and Sister Left to right, top row: Arnold L. Jensen. T. W. Duke, L. H. Baker, Merlin J. Larsen, Wm. R. Scott, Leland Clinton Burnham, Jos. G. Jeppson, pres. of Y. M. M. I. A. and supt. of Sunday schools; Neil L. Sagers, L. Russ Burns: Front row: A. H. Tavoian, Nishon K. Sherinian, George Frodsham, pres. Fresno conference; Jos. W. McMurrin, mission president, Margaret K. Miller, pres. of Relief Society; Elsie Hogan, pres. of Primaries and Y. L. M. I. A.; Geo. Z. Aposhian. Fresno, California. Hogan, the Fresno and Bakersfield M. I. A. were given a showing. Excel- lent instructions were given in regard to avoiding evil, through wholesome recreation. On Sunday morning the general session of conference was held at which reports were given and testimonies presented. Following the services, an appreciated and much enjoyed banquet was served to all present by the sisters of the branch. At the 2 o'clock meeting on Sunday, President McMurrin spoke and gave a powerful sermon on the law of tithing, and at

372 IMPROVEMENT ERA the evening meeting choice musical numbers were furnished by members of the branches, and all the missionaries spoke. During the conference 380 people attended; many investigators were present at all the sessions. On Monday evening, "Temples and Temple Building," an illustrated lecture, was delivered by Superintendent Jos. G. Jeppson, enjoyed by a large num- ber of Saints and investigators. Following the meeting a missionary social was held at which a special program including choice musical numbers was presented. Recreational stunts followed, which were enjoyed by all. Twenty-two Baptisms The work of the Lord in the East Pennsylvania conference is steadily making progress. Since June 1, 1924, we have baptized some twenty-two candidates. This shows a considerable increase over previous years; and gives us the consolation that our missionary activities are not wholly in vain, even though we do meet discouragements in our labors. In taking into consideration the lack of religious inclination, especially among the people of the east, we can realize why our work doesn't make more rapid progress. We have a very promising branch in Philadelphia, which is the the head- quarters of the conference. Conference was held in Philadelphia last June with an attendance of one hundred and forty. Conference was held at the Scranton branch, during November 8-9, with an attendance of about seventy-five. — G. H. Holt. MISSIONARIES EAST PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE Left to right, top row: George E. Ellis, Bountiful, Hugo B. Ensign, Logan; Alvin R. Dyer, Salt Lake City; Ernest Hulet, Snowflake, Arizona; Clifford G. Edmunds, Salt Lake City; Andrew Spencer, Esclante; Ben. R. Thomas, Poca- tello, Idaho; Leo S. Holbrook, Bountiful; LeRoy G. Maaghan, Wellsville; Second row, sitting: Erma Lundeberg, Gunnison; George H. Holt, conference president, Clearfield, Utah; B. H. Roberts, mission president; Sister Roberts: Jessie Alleman, Springville, Utah; Front row: Rulon Hepworth, Grover, Wyoming; Maude Lemmon, Hurricane, Utah; Rhoda Poulson, Provo.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 373 Wales Heard From Elder John W. Crofts, former conference president of Wales and now released, with Elder Louis F. Hanson succeeding as president of the Welsh conference, writes the Era under date of December 2 call- ing attention to the fact that a number of Saints in Zion have expressed surprise that so little mention has been made of late years regarding the activity and achievement of the missionaries laboring in Wales. Hence, he sub- mits a few facts which should be of interest to those who are in- clined to wonder "What's going on in Wales now?" He says: "On taking over the presi- dency of the Welsh conference in September, 1923, conditions were L. D. S. Meeting House in the Welsh extremely discouraging. There were Mountains, Prest. Croft in the doorway, no halls in the conference in which to worship, and consequently, no new investigators could be invited to attend meeting. This condition was due to the high feelings against the Church in Wales at that particular time. By diligent and systematic effort, on the part of the missionaries, however, tract- Missionaries back row, left to right: A. C. Reynolds, Manti; Jesse N. Decker. Snowflake, Arizona; Sterling C. Rigby, Newton, Utah; G. B. Affleck, Salt Lak» City. Front row: Ralph C. Jones, retiring conference clerk, Newton; John W Crofts, conference president. Salt Lake City: Melvin W. Grant, incoming conference clerk, American Fork, Utah.

374 IMPROVEMENT ERA ijig and visiting was vigorously pushed which resulted in allaying much prejudice, so that we have been able to obtain places of worship. Today we have three well appointed meeting houses with every prospect of further pro- gression. Other branches will soon be a reality. At our semi-annual con- ference November 30, President James E. Talmage was in attendance, and the conference was pronounced one of the largest and most enthusiastic gath- erings assembled in Wales in years. We have no hesitancy in stating that the prospects for further progress in Wales were never brighter." Honoring Authority — The Spirit of Thanksgiving Elder Herbert E. Midgley, writing from San Diego, California, reports the semi-annual conference at San Diego, November 21-23. President Joseph W. McMurrin and a number of mission officers were present, besides a large number of Saints and investigators. The spirit of thanksgiving was remembered by President Midgley who gave a talk on that subject, and a re- port of the missionary work done in the conference during the past five Missionaries top:. Harvey M. Burnett, Ellis M. Orme, Axil Spackman. Center: Mrs. and President Hazen M. Spackman, Herbert E. Midgley, outgoing presi- dent. Bottom row: Jennie M. Taylor, Arthur G. Willie, Dorus K. Warner.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 375 months. "Honoring Authority" was the theme of President McMurrin. The missionaries all bore telling testimonies. The Relief Society and M. I. A. held a session on the 22nd in which the officers received inspiring in- formation and instruction concerning their work. The M Men were admonished to organize thoroughly and compete in the contest of public speaking conducted by the M. I. A. throughout the mission. The Relief Society treated the visiting officers to a banquet. On Sunday three general well attended sessions were held. The music was furnished by the San Diego choir and a number of the missionaries. In the evening the chapel was filled to capacity, and a good spirit prevailed. Altogether, the conference was an inspiration to the elders who will go out renewed in spirit to con- tinue their work. The missionaries were all assigned to their fields of labor, and Ellis M. Orme and Doris K. Warner were appointed to labor in the Imperial Valley during the winter. Missionaries in Good Health, and Diligent A successful missionary conference was held in San Bernadino on November 15 and 16. Members, friends, and investigators from three or- ganized branches were in attendance, who expressed themselves as well pleased with the spiritual feast they received. President McMurrin delivered several very inspiring talks and testimonies concerning the power of the Lord and his watchful care over the people, which made a strong impression upon investigators in attendance. Superintendent Joseph G. Jeppson and Sister Elsie Hogan presented the temple lectures with slides, which also made a strong impression upon the people, and we believe, caused them to think more seriously of the future and of the divinity of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged. The missionaries are enjoying the blessings of good health and are diligent in their efforts in delivering the message of salvation to all who listen. — William W. Toombs, conference president, San Bernardino, California. Missionaries, left to right, top row: Agnes A. West, San Francisco conference, re- leased; R. A. Snow, E. R. Clayton, president of Long Beach conference; J. P. Coombs, W. J. Cook, Joseph G. Jeppson, president of mission Sunday Schools * and M. I. A.; L. J. Huskinson. Second row: Hazen M. Spackman, presi- dent of Los Angeles conference; Ruth Lewis, Lillian Jensen, Florence A. West, Ethel Burrows, mission corresponding secretary; F. M. Peck. First row: Violet Jensen, Elsie Hogan, president of mission Primaries and Y. L. M. I. A.; Joseph W. McMurrin, president California mission; William W. Toombs, conference president; Hester Carter; T. V. Rollins, released.

376 IMPROVEMENT ERA Happy in Switzerland We feel very optimistic in the work that we have to do. Our outlook of progress is indeed gratifying. Meetings are well attended and we have many sincere friends. An old saying here is, "The Berners have hard heads, but once something dawns upon them, it is twice as hard for that something to get back out of this hard head." Those who come and continue to come to our meetings, although few in number, in time become convinced of the truth and nothing can make them think otherwise, though there are excep- tions, even as such exceptions are found everywhere. We have just intro- duced the Mutual Improvement work in the various branches here and are putting great interest into it at the present time, realizing its value and importance. The young people are quite elated over it and are helping us in every way to derive from this work the results for which President Young organized it, namely, to "instill into the hearts of the youth of Zion a strong testimony of the divinity of this restored gospel." Prospects for us in this line are good, for which we are happy and thankful to our Father in heaven. Our Sunday schools also are very encouraging. For the four Sundays in November of last year in the Bern branch, the total number pres- ent was 633. This year for the same month in November our attendance is 762, a considerable increase for a branch in Switzerland. Other branches of the mission are also encouraging in the matter of increased attendance. Baptisms occur regularly, though the number baptized is not very large each time. Missionaries, left to right, standing: John S. Kunz, president Biel branch, Bern; Henry Dubach. Wayan, Idaho; Willard O. Sandberg, Huntington; Hugh Ford, Centerville; Walter Bentler, president Langnan branch. North Logan; Henry Blaser, president Solothurn branch, Salt Lake City; sitting: Clyde F. Davies, president Interlaken branch, Salt Lake City; J. Henry Fluckiger, president Burgdorf branch, Bedford, Wyoming; Horton C. Miller, conference president; Farmington; Paul K. Edmunds, president Bern branch, Salt Lake City; D. Glenn Robinson, Farmington, Utah. Since the above picture was taken, we have received Harold Merrill of Logan, and Alfred Naegelin, Salt Lake City. — Missionaries of Bern confer- ence, per Paul K. Edmunds.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 377 New System of Country Summer Work Elder J. C. Christensen writing from Galesburg, Illinois, reports prof- itable labors during the past summer. "A new system of country work was introduced by the missionaries through the efforts of President John H. Taylor, and instead of spending long hours in remote districts where but little could be accomplished, small towns and villages were tracted and re- tracted and many street and cottage meetings were held. A complete record of the work was kept which will enable the missionaries to follow up the work in coming years, so that the most may be got out of their labors. Sisters Jenkins and King ably attended the work in the Peoria branch, while the elders were engaged in country work; 930 Books of Mormon were dis- tributed, besides 1,206 other books, 69,501 pamphlets and tracts. — J. C. Christensen, Galesburg, Illinois." Missionaries, left to right, front row: Charles L. Olson, Oakland, Calif.; Myra Jenkins, Freedom, Wyoming; J. Cortez Christensen, conference president. Shelley, Idaho; Mina King, Bear River City; William L. Howell, Garland, Utah. Back row: J. Elmer Knight, Burley, Idaho; Jesse E. Cameron, Pan- guitch; David P. Sugden, Salt Lake City; Derrold B. Clifford, Antelope, Idaho; James R. Atkinson, Woods Cross; Francis L. Spillman, Logan, Utah. Wonderful Progress in San Francisco Frank M. Edman, conference president of the San Francisco confer- ence, reports a semi-annual conference held December 5, 6 and 7, in San Francisco, amid a down-pour of rain lasting throughout the entire period. Notwithstanding, the Saints filled to overflowing the L. D. S. chapel at 1649 Hayes Street during the Sunday sessions. One thousand two hundred people attended on Sunday, many investigators among them. Many Books of Mormon, standard works and other books were sold after the sessions, as a result of the splendid spirit aroused by those who addressed the meetings. Wonderful development has marked the year 1924 in San Francisco. _ Four new Sunday schools have been organized, two in Oakland, one in San Francisco, one in Sunnyvale. A new chapel was begun in May of this year

378 IMPROVEMENT ERA at San Jose and will soon be ready for dedication. A monument to the integrity and industry of the San Jose branch who are doing most of the work themselves. Several write-ups have appeared already in the news- papers. Ninety-seven baptisms have been performed since the first of the year, 36 children and 60 adults. Plans have been drawn for the erection of an amusement hall in San Francisco. Lack of funds, however, has pre- vented the realization of its building. Through the efforts of the "M" Men, a beginning was made that we feel will obtain results, and we hope the time is not far distant when the young people of the San Francisco branch will have a pleasant year and can meet for recreation with the proper environment and where our socials may be conducted in the good Latter- day Saint way. On Thursday the Relief Society conference was held, on Friday morning a missionary and Priesthood meeting was held and a banquet was given by the Relief Society to the San Francisco branch and to the missionaries and all the visitors, the Christmas scheme being carried out in the decorations and place cards. A Primary session was held during the conference and the M. I. A. work was not forgotten, but is in a state of advancement. The religious meetings on Sunday, December 7, witnessed some wonderful, inspirational discourses. The illustrated lecture on temples and temple work was given four times at the conference. A social was held Monday night and was a big success, many investigators appearing to see how the "Mormons" conducted their socials. The Mutual part of the pro- gram during conference demands a special mention, being far above the aver- age, and the two choirs together with their able directors, are to be con- gratulaed upon their splendid singing service.- — Frank M. Edman, confer- ence president. Missionaries and visitors, left to right, top row: Paul A. Dahl, Irene Willis, Ona V. Walker, Niel L. Sagers, Fresno; Harmon E. Day; LaPrele Owen, released; J. Lyman Fawson, Valko L. Hickman, W. Loyal Hall, Verna Lindquist, re- leased; Kenneth A. Nielson, D. V. Farnsworth, J. Claude Surrage, Lois Baker, George E. Miller, Lucille Nelson, James D. Petersen. Front row: Belva Jones, Sacramento; Margarete Caldwell, Joseph G. Jeppson, superintendent Sunday schools and Y. M. M. I. A.; Elsie Hogan, president Primaries and Y. L. M. I. A.; Frank M. Edman, conference president; Joseph W. McMurrin, mission president; Margaret K. Miller, president Relief Societies; Frank Brown, president Los Angeles conference; Gerda Hendricksen, Phoebe McConnell.