--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Haddock, Lon J. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 5 published: 1925-03 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Lon J. Haddock, “Getting Acquainted with Ourselves,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 5 (March 1925)*: 460–476." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2805unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2805unse start_page: 460 end_page: 476 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1925-03) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2805unse publication_year: 1925 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1925, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Getting Acquainted with Ourselves GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH OURSELVES By Lon J. Haddock We can be what we will to be! We can be live, alert, upstanding, forward-pushing individuals in a world of real, red-blooded, doing men and women, or — We can be free-and-easy, go-as-you please-ey, dull, dead (though not buried) units of usefulness, parading as human beings; ready and eager to make all manner of excuses for our failures and to place the blame anywhere and everywhere but where it belongs, namely, on — ourselves! Boys and girls, men and women, no matter what their caste, color, or creed; regardless of birth, environment or [circumstance are, in the last analysis, more, much more the result of their own thinking than the world, heretofore, has realized. We are what we will to be! and nothing can make us other than we now are, save our willing.* What we are today is the sum total of our thinking in our yesterdays, and what we think today will manifest in our tomorrows. I have no patience for the preachments of the fatalist. I do not believe that men and women are predestined, or predetermined or fore- casted into definite moulds to issue forth, eventually, cut and dried, polished and painted mannikins to be pulled and jerked into scheduled action at the whim or caprice of some purposeless operator. "Life is real; life is earnest! and 'the grave is not its goal!" so sang the poet, and so sing I. The grave is not its goal! Does any wide-awake individual think the grave is life's goal? Can life have a goal? Can there be a determining post, a finishing place, a terminal for life? Life is real; life is earnest — yes, and life, too, is unlimited and everlasting! Down through the countless ages of the past it has come, its potent germ transmitted from one generation to another throughout the bewildering eons of never-ending time to manifest itself today in you and me and all the human beings we see about us; and on it will continue, on, on into the endless eternities! Within each one and everyone of us is this sacred life-germ, laden with all the adaptations and modifications which circumstances and conditions have given it to manifest itself today, in the personality and character of you and me. Our sacred heritage! Transmitted through the groans and sufferings, the blood and tears, the pain and labor, the love and heroic sacrifice of uncountable heroes and heroines; each of whom in his place and time has done his part well or weakly that the racef might live! ♦Which, (our will) to enlist us in the right direction and give us real success, must always be based on the will, help, laws and commandments of God. — Editors. fAnd the individual. — Editors. GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH OURSELVES 461 With the vision of such a heritage, shining like a "pillar of fire" before our consciousness shall we call life dull or dreary or void of purpose? Shall we mope and mutter and lay the blame on this, that, or the other for our failure heretofore, to get out of life what we fairly had the right to expect? or in step with the poem shall we, "then be up and doing, with a heart for every fate?" We can be what we will to be! I want to keep banging away at that phrase until I get it so fixed in your consciousness that it will keep ding-donging away at you forevermore. We can be what we will to be! Mothers going about your manifold duties in the hum- drum drudgery of everyday housework, let the phrase go dinging away in your sub-consciousness (we shall have much to say of the sub- conscious later on) . Farmers in your labors about the farm, let it ring in your mind and, what is more, say it aloud only use the pronoun "I" for "We"; "I can be what I will to be!" Talk it out loud, don't be afraid to say it and — feel it! Boys and girls to whom this article may come, Greetings! I invite you, nay, I urge you to get a first- hand, honest-to-goodness acquaintance with this saying. Say it over aloud and then ponder it. Ask yourself the question if it is true that I can be what I will to be? and then in the light of what I shall have to say to you later — if you will only maintain an open attitude of mind — I hope to have the privilege and pleasure of convincing you that the saying is not extravagant, not far-fetched, but that it is true, demonstrable and soundly scientific. "But," I can fancy hearing you say, "if I can be what I will to be, do you think I would be where I am today and living under an environment not at all to my liking?" Wait! and here we begin to embark upon our excursion — just how much willing have you done? How much planning and purpose have you put into your life thus far? How fully have you analyzed your past performances? your present predilections? your potential possibilities? How many times have you sat down quietly and undisturbed and talked things over with yourself? How well acquainted with yourself are you? How often do you check up on your faults and failings? What do you know about the outcroppings of primitive instincts and earlier experiences that continue to play havoc with your present day plans? "Man, know thyself!" Down through the ages the challenge comes ringing! But, how little, oh! how infinitesimally little, we today, know of ourselves. We give long years of patient, plodding unceasing endeavor to our mastery of a single art or profession, but how much real searching, scientific thought do we give to an analysis of our own personality and character? And yet it is our personality and our character that gives us our influence with other men and women; and our influence with other individuals, that makes our friends, acquaintances and enemies, and thereby fashions our environment, shapes our circumstances and makes our life! 462 IMPROVEMENT ERA Already our phrase — I can be what I will to be! begins to loom larger upon the horizon. "I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul!" To the unthinking, this is but a poetic picture, a platitude, but to the observant intellect, it is a great far-reaching fundamental truism. I, and I alone, am the maker or breaker of my career, and it is one of the salient features of life that no condition, no conspiracy of fate or circumstance can deprive me of my inalienable right to master my fate and captain my soul, save as I abrogate that right wit- tingly or unawares. But, the will must be developed and in order to be developed it must first be known. What is the will? What factors influence its operation? How may it be developed? It shall be the purpose of our further discussion to throw some much-needed light upon this somewhat obscure subject. Meantime, be not afraid to stretch just a little. Stretching is one of the best exercises whether indulged mentally, physically or spiritually. Stretch! Reach up mentally. Get a good grip on yourself and just impel yourself to a little higher level. You are a free agent after all. Nobody is holding you down but yourself. No matter what your present condition may be, you, more than any or all others, can do most to improve it. We shall continue this talk later, but in the meantime I am going to give you a little exercise for daily practice, it is this: Select a quiet place where you may sit at ease — lie down if you prefer, but if you sit, do not lop nor lounge, but just sit restfully and relaxed. L.et go with your entire body and at least for ten minutes every day give your mind up to pondering over how much you have willed yourself into whet and who you are. Try and select the same place and, if possible, the same time each day, as familiar environment con- duces to contentment and will serve to emphasize the fact that — We can be what we will to be! Los Angeles, Calif. Bits of Philosophy He who is ashamed of the poor, is poorer than the poor. The impure tongue is more deadly than the serpent's fangs. Things of the greatest worth are worth the least in the world's markets. It is by heart power, not horse power, that the world is lifted up to better things. Common sense is the kind of sense you have when you are outwitted, and suddenly discover that you haven't all the sense there is. — NEPHI Jensen. MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "Go publish the gospel, the truth of the Savior, That the poor and the meek may begin to find favor; And rejoice in their coming Redeemer and Friend, For lo! he is with you henceforth to the end." — W. W. Phelps. New Auxiliaries Organized The Era is a great source of much joy and valuable instruction to the missionaries and Saints in the Pittsburg, West Pennsylvania, conference. Pittsburg has been made the center, for some time, of "anti-Mormon" lec- turers and propogandists. But, though their false representations have created much prejudice and some opposition, the great Latter-day work is contin- uing to grow here. We are pleased to report twenty-five baptisms for the past six months in this conference and the establishment of several new aux- iliary organizations. Recently at Erie, Pa., an attack was made on the "Mormon" people, by a woman lecturer there. "Mormonism" was said to be a "terrible monster evil." We were very ably defended through the columns of the same paper by our missionaries laboring in Erie; also by John Q. Critchlow, formerly of Salt Lrke City, who was visiting here. — Elton L. Taylor. Conference President. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Missionaries of the West Pennsylvania conference, standing, left to right: J. Eldcn Swenson, Pleasant Grove; J. Harold Whitaker, Hatton; R. Clyde Webb, Mon- roe; Hyrum D. Bischoff. Lovell, Wyoming; Theodore Dance. Blackfoot, Idaho; Elton L. Taylor. Provo. Sitting: Nadine Foutz. Ogden; Glenn L. Loveless, former conference president, Payson; B. H. Roberts, president Eastern States Mission; Elizabeth Skolfield, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Gladys Peterson, formerly of LaGrande, Oregon; L. E. Peterson. Oasis. Utah. Front row: Ivy E. Stonely. Pawtuckett. Rhode Island; Sarah E. Gaisford, Mammoth, Utah. Attendance of Investigators Increased at Meetings The elders of the Utrecht conference are enjoying their missionary expe- riences very much. Last June the Arnhem conference was discontinued, and the Utrecht conference organized in its place. This change has proved a big step in the advancement of the work in this part of Holland. On Novem- 464 IMPROVEMENT ERA ber 1 6 we held the first conference in Utrecht. It was a big success. Thirty- four missionaries were present including Mission President Charles S. Hyde and Sister Lenora S. Hyde. The meetings were well attended and all were well pleased with the way the truths of the gospel were presented to the people. Much credit is due the Saints of the branch for the success of the conference, which served greatly to break down the erroneous ideas which many of the people have of us. Through the effort of the missionaries and Saints, the number of strangers and investigators in our Sunday night meetings has increased more than one hundred percent. We are convinced that this will be a fruitful field in the future. We greatly appreciate the Era, and assure you that many of the beautiful things that we read in it are translated and taught to the Dutch people. — Philip C. Call, Utrecht, Holland. ^| <&» 4$* gfe Elders are, top row: LeRoy T. Ostler, Nephi, president of the Amersfoort branch; M. W. Sant, Long Beach, California, president of the Deventer branch; E. Landward, Salt Lake City, incoming president of the Arnhem branch; M. J. Austin, Rexburg, Idaho. Second row: J. DeBry, Salt Lake City, outgoing president of the Arnhem branch; Harold B. Taylor, Salt Lake City, president of the Utrecht branch; Earl C. Wade, Ogden; Albert R. Hoggan, Salt Lake City, conference secretary; C. L. West, Brigham City, president Apeldoorn branch. Third row: J. J. Draayer, Ogden; Kenneth P. Billings, Salt Lake City; Philip C. Call, Brigham City, conference president; William R. Wilchen, Salt Lake City. MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 465 Ninety-one Baptized in the "Ruhr District," Germany In parts of our conference one has a hard time to make sure whether he is in Germany, France or Belgium. The map says, Germany, but from the looks of the many soldiers with blue or yellow uniforms who appear to have complete control of everything, one must admit that it is pretty much French and Belgian. The occupation has hindered us considerably in that we could not always obtain proper places to hold our meetings, and due to the ruling that, "no one must be on the street after 7 on pain of being shot at sight." Since the commencement of the year we have baptized ninety-one converts, and there are still many friends who are earnestly and prayerfully seeking a testimony of the restored gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In some of our branches we are forced to rely entirely upon our local brethren due to a decided shortage of elders. For example, our Buer branch which has grown in the last eighteen months from nine to forty-five members, is without a single missionary, and was re- cently reorganized with local brethren in charge throughout, but we expect good results from their efforts. I am heartily in favor of the plan announced by President Heber J. Grant last October, that brethren in Zion who are hin- dered from filling missions themselves, through business, etc., should sup- port men who can go. A number of elders have been released from this conference because of lack of money, just at the time when they were a real asset to the mission. We are able to work only in twelve different cities, due to lack of elders. Many people have been humbled and prepared by our heavenly Father to accept the gospel. These people lay nothing in our way, and from the officers we receive every consideration and privilege granted to other denominations. The policemen who formerly arrested and banished the elders are now our best friends. They help us to make our programs interesting and to assemble money for the building up of our branches. On the evening of August 21, last, a wonderful band, composed of twenty-one captains, sergeants, inspectors, etc. of the Cologne police force, free of charge for their services, gave us a concert of eight masterpieces, and as a result, we collected over two hundred marks which is being used for the purchase of instruments for our branch musical department. We were fortunate enough sometime later to get fifteen of them together in order to make the enclosed picture. The largest of them who stands in the center on the front row is an inspector of police who, with his family, is a Latter-day Saint. The police president in Essen has extended permission for elders to remain in Germany. Since the conditions are so good for progress here, it is too bad to ha\e a shortage of elders. In July, all the elders had the pleasure of going through the J. A. Henckel's cutlery works in Solingen, where the famous Twin brand of goods is produced. We followed the steel through every operation, until all was finished. The manager of that con- cern was in Salt Lake, in 1910, and he told us many good things about the people and city, and how well he was treated. He is reading the Book of Mormon now, having finished the Voice of Warning, and different tracts. On the 16th of August we were conducted through the noted "Krupp Works," in Essen, one of the largest steel works in Europe, where we saw the raw iron enter the massive open hearth of Bessemer furnaces and from there it was made into all sorts of things, from cutlery to locomotives. Tb-> steel is not allowed to cool before it is a finished product. The large hydraulic presses squeeze the great steel bars into the desired shape, apparently as easily as we mold gum between our fingers. The one which we saw in operation has a capacity of 4,000 tons. The gigantic hammers fairly shake the earth when they pound their jaws together, the large derricks and all, were won- ders for us to see. During the war this entire factory produced nothing ex- cept war supplies, employing at that time 130,000 men and 40,000 women. To operate the plant normally, some 90,000 men are required, but due to 466 IMPROVEMENT ERA the high tax on all raw material entering the Ruhr, and again on the fin- ished product as it leaves the occupied territory, production is so curtailed that there are now only 20,000 on the payrolls. The management showed us all courtesy possible, having two large autos at our service to take us from one part of the factory to another, and lastly giving us dinner, in their home for unmarried employees. The Lord has prepared this people to accept the gospel. We elders hold our monthly missionary meetings where ways and means for bettering conditions in the branches, and for better spreading the gospel are discussed. — Clyde H. Wilcox, Cologne, Germany. • M Top: Cologne police force who gave us free concert. Bottom: Elders standing left to right: Clyde H. Wilcox, conference president; Aaron C. Taylor; Stanley W. Robertshaw; G. Raymond Ross; Clarence Schmutz; William O. Milius; Bertie W. Winward; Arthur M. Olson; Rulon S. Howells, conference secretary; Elden H. Dye; William D. Schult; Eldred V. Robison; half standing left, R. H. Beckmann; sitting, Albert E. Feinauer; Leslie C. Haacke; Francis J. Pohlmann; Frederich W. Pieper; Clyde A. Lind- quist; Rudger Solomon and Wilford W. Bartschi. — Clyde H. Wilcox, Bremerstr. 24, Cologne, Germany. People Are Kind to the Elders — Twenty-five Baptized The work of the Lord in New Mexico is progressing under David J. Noack, conference president, Gallup, N. M.t and many are accepting our ' MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 467 message. In the past eight months, twenty-five have been baptized, and there are many investigating the gospel. The summer months have been, spent in districts where our message is new. We have traveled much, like the apostles of old, relying on the kindness of the people. In a few instances our reception at the end of a toilsome day has been an old hut or the open fields, but most of the people have been very kind, thus making our journeys a pleasure in every respect. We have been successful in placing Books of Mormon in many homes, and have sold a number to ministers, which we think will result in some good. Opposition is dying out towards us, although we feel that it is the spice of our life, and a factor in the making of manhood. We appreciate the Improvement Era very much. It has been a source of encouragement to us, and we hope for its continued success. — Clare Middlemiss, mission stenographer. Top: C. Freeman Ashbaker, Peter J. Jensen; Center: David J. Noack, conference president; John M. Knight, mission president; Ervin Lynn; Bottom: Harris C. Monson, Joseph McArthur, of the Western States mission. The Church Recognized as a Church Elder Lloyd M. Croxford, conference president of the Victorian con- ference, Australia, writes: "For the past two years the Church has been forging ahead in Melbourne. A new building has been erected and the Victorian government has recognized and accepted this Church upon its statute books as a religious denomination, thus granting us the same privileges 468 IMPROVEMENT ERA as other churches. The gospel is reaching new homes every day, making room for sunshine. New faces appear continually at our services and the barrier between us and the outside world is gradually breaking. The elders are happy in their work and are oftentimes over-zealous in presenting this gospel message to the people. We are seeing the fruits of our labors with fifteen baptisms in the last seven months, and have witnessed many manifestations of the spirit in the relief of suffering. Many calls are made by friends and investigators for the Era and the elders find the magazine extremely useful in their work. The elders feel that the greatest pleasure of their lives is in the service of the Lord." Elders left to right, standing: Joseph W. Ward, Malad, Idaho; Byron S. Collett, Vernal, Utah; Alma C. Reynolds, Rexburg; Harold D. White, Rockland, Idaho. Sitting. Lloyd M. Croxford, Murray; Arlie V. Bean, Richfield, visiting elder: Don C. Rushton, former president Australian mission: Joseph B. Gunnell, Wellsville, outgoing conference president; Claudius Tolman, Honey ville, Utah, visitnig elders. Forty-one Baptisms in South Indiana Elder DeWitt J. Paul, Indianapolis, Indiana, reports that the year, 1924, was momentous in the South Indiana conference. During the past year, 41 baptisms were performed; 34 children were blessed; 524 cottage meetings, and 25 7 open air meetings were held; 4,502 Books of Mormon were loaned, and 594 sold; 101,698 tracts, 45,868 pamphlets, and 6,072 other books were distributed. Many are interested in our literature and we have distributed so much that some have expressed the fact that they cannot resist the temptation of reading it. One minister reports that he supplicated God to put him where he belonged, to direct him to the truth, and then he exclaimed, and here I am directed to "Mormonism." The missionaries held a cottage class in his home where this divine eagerly ac- cepted the simple truths of the restored gospel as humbly presented by the authorized servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Although prejudice is fast waning in this section of the country, it is not a dead issue. Intolerance finds expression now and then, as in the case of the city of Princeton, where the officials, without the least provocation or justification, ordered two of our elders laboring there to leave the town. Such demonstrations of bigotry, however, are exceptional. The Indianapolis branch was favored with a visit from President Heber J. Grant, his first visit among the Indianapolis Saints, and the largest number of 'Mormons' ever gathered in these parts was brought together at a meeting. The visits spurred the Indianapolis branch on to greater activity. The membership here hopes MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 469 to take positive steps toward the erection of their first meetinghouse in the near future." The missionaries in South Indiana are as follows, sitting, left to right: George Talley, Thatcher; Melba Merrill, Pima, Arizona, So. Illinois conference; Mark. Fackrell, Shelley, Idaho, Chicago conference; Mabel Webb, Lehi; Alberta Wuthrick, Salt Lake City; Vada Newby, Monroe; Laura Tree, Syracuse; Joseph Jorgensen, Salt Lake City; Elva Nielsen, Hyrum, Utah; Alvin Rigby, Hibbard, Idaho. Top row: Dean Anderson, Pleasant Grove; John Lambert, Kamas; Stanley Johnson, Ephraim, Utah; J. Harold Matson, Rexburg, Idaho, president Chicago conference; Earl Englestead, Hurricane; DeWitt J. Paul, Salt Lake City, president Southern Indiana conference; Rasmus Albrechtsen, Emery; Rachael Grant Taylor, president Northern States Mission Relief Societies; John H. Taylor, mission president; George Collard, Fountain Green, Utah, mission secretary; David F. Hart, Rigby, Idaho, president Northern Indiana confer- ence; Ernest Hanks, Salem; Andrew Somerville, Moab, Utah. The Work in Wales The Welsh semi-annual conference was held at Cardiff, South Wales, November 30, 1924. The occasion was made notable by the presence of President James E. Talmage, and the conference was characterized as being the most successful one held in recent years. President Talmage was the principal speaker, and a goodly crowd of the Saints and investigators were present at all three sessions. The Saints of the various branches lent much to the success of the conference by their offerings of music and otherwise. Present with President Talmage was Elder Kenneth F. Schade, from Liver- pool, the general secretary of the British mission. Conference President Lewis F. Hansen conducted all meetings. Previous to the holding of the conference, and the presence in Cardiff of President Talmage, the press and pulpit were carrying on a most vicious attack on the "Mormon" elders. Large placards and sign boards in conspicuous places about the town were covered with malicious lies, and from the press and pulpit, an atrocious propaganda of silly, old, time-worn tales of girl-snatching, all hashed-over, was served up for the public. Indeed, it is so bad as to cause President McKay to say that the time has come when true Britons ought to resent these stories as a reflection upon the intelligence of the British nation. With the coming of the conference it was most interesting to watch the developments and for the reaction our conference would make upon Cardiff. The morning following the conference, through the clouds which only a 470 IMPROVEMENT ERA few days before, had looked so black and formidable, burst forth a bright ray of hope. The newspapers had made a radical departure from their pre- vious sensational writeups. and largely due to the splendid efforts of Presi- dent Talmage, they contained very fair and favorable articles. Credit foi bringing this about must be given to President Talmage. With an influ- ence born of his scholarly achievements, and his recognition by, and his membership in. various Royal Societies, together with his sincerity of pur- pose, his humbleness, and kindly personality, President Talmage exerted a powerful influence upon the editors, besides winning the love and respect of all the elders, Saints, and many investigators. We have succeeded in placing the Book of Mormon, The Articles of Faith, and other standard Church works in several of the important editorial and public libraries in Cardiff, and all of South Wales. Gradually the wall of prejudice is being broken down, and the work of the Lord is progressing. There are four applications for baptisms, and prospects of others in the near future. It is hoped that new branches will be organized soon; and, the blessings of the Lord continuing, the future of the Welsh conference looks promising indeed! President Talmage and the elders send their love and greetings to their loved ones and friends at home, and in other fields, for a happy New Year. — Lewis F. Hansen. m u t:p Left to right, front row: Thomas O. Smith, Ogden; President Don Clyde, Heber City, visiting from the Bristol conference; President Lewis F. Hansen, Salt Lake City, of the Welsh conference; President James E. Talmage, Kenneth F. Schade, mission secretary, Ogden; Melvin W. Grant, American Fork; Evan Arthur, conference clerk. Salt Lake City. Back row: George C. Mann, Woods Cross; Jesse N. Decker, Snowflake, Arizona; Gordon B. Affleck, Charles L. Johnson, Salt Lake City; Sterling C. Rigby, Newton; Allen C. Reynolds, Manti, Utah. Elders McKay and Talmage in London On November 9, in the city of London, the elders, Saints and in- vestigators were particularly favored to meet in semi-annual conference with President and Sister David O. McKay and President and Sister James E. MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 471 Talmage. the retiring and incoming presidents of the European mission. It is not an ordinary occasion on foreign soil to meet with two members of the Council of Twelve Apostles. During the meetings of the day the Spirit of the Lord was manifest in rich abundance, strengthening all present by the Divine outpouring. Missionaries front row, left to right: A. Lewis Elggren, Emerson C. Willey, con- ference president. Emma R. McKay, retiring president of European Relief Societies; President David O. McKay, retiring from European mission; Presi- dent James E. Talmage, of the European mission; Sister May B. Talmage, president of European Mission Relief Societies; Frederick Langton. John Walsh. Middle row: D. B. Stewart, conference clerk; Ralph C. Jones, Scott S. McCune, Gordon L. Weggland. Joseph M. Skeen, Ernest H. Capel, Walter H. Allington, Jr. Top row: O. David Merrill (formerly of London confer- ence now presiding in Sheffield conference), Joseph F. Smith, Wallace P. Gal- braith, W. Scott Day, Milford M. Mills, Roland V. Walker, J. Norman Dotson. London is a wonderful city in which to proclaim the gospel message. Its cosmopolitan air gives us the opportunity to meet all races of human- kind The feature perhaps for which London is most famous is the wonderful opportunity to hold street meetings. It is the best means avail- able we have to get our message before the people. When the proverbial London fogs permit, we hold ten street meetings a week in the city and in addition other similar meetings are held in different parts of the con- ference. We have many friends who come regularly to these meetings and are supporters of our cause. At the same time there are some who take a fiendish delight in attempting to disrupt our meetings. The London "Bobbies," however, are among our best friends and will in practically al cases remove by force, if necessary, any of their countrymen who attempt to encroach upon the right we have to hold orderly meetings The work of the Lord is progressing in this conference in a steady, consistent manner. The British mission is fighting prejudice which has resulted from numer- ous campaigns waged by societies in an effort to villify be ore the public aU thngs connected' with "Mormonism/' The elders and Saints of London are doing their utmost to remove these false conceptions from English mmds so that our position may be seen as it actually is. Since the effect of this 472 IMPROVEMENT ERA misrepresentation has influenced the minds of many, the apparent growth of the Church has not been as great as it would have been otherwise. Good seed is being sown, however, every day, and will eventually bring forth a bounteous harvest. — Emerson C. Willey, conference president. Distinguished Visitors at Minneapolis Elder Glenn W. Coffman, president of the Minnesota conference, St. Paul. Minnesota, reports that many people in that district are inquiring about the doctrines of the gospel, since the dedication of the new chapel in Minneapolis. "The city papers have been very kind in advertising us by inserting pictures of the new chapel, also in carrying weekly announcements of all our meetings. We have been greatly blessed in having had the privilege of hearing President Heber J. Grant at our last conference. It has left a lasting effect upon the people. We have two live, energetic branches here, one in each of the twin cities, and the elders are trying to give the people a clear conception of the gospel by living its teachings, and through their perfect organizations. The missionaries are working some outlying territory in order to extend their influence and get the message over to more people." i h $ ii i | < # rill 1 ; * - A %* 9.w W * ■ l i ? f t ] f T r.. F m v > f I :- Missionaries and visitors, bottom row, left to right: R. A. Jones, outgoing con- ference president, Enoch; Mrs. Rachael G. Taylor, mission president of Relief Society; President John H. Taylor, mission president; Mrs. Augusta W. Grant, wife of President Grant; President Heber J. Grant; Elder George Albert Smith. of the Council of Twelve; Sister Ruth May Fox, of the General Board Y. L. M. I. A.; Glenn W. Coffman, incoming conference president, Springville. Middle row: E. Roy Grant, Woods Cross; George E. Collard, mission secre- tary, Fountain Green; Ruth A. Green, Ogden; Gertie Noorlander, Ogden; Callie B. Arrington, Twin Falls, Idaho; Rigmour Eilersen, Salt Lake City; Matilda Tueller. Geneva, Idaho; John G. Carlson, local; C. H. Ludwig, Salt Lake City. Back row: A. P. Johnson, Grantsville; R. C. Anderson, Wis- consin conference, Manti; E. R. Egbert, Sandy; J. D. Bensen, Whitney; L. D. Johnston, Blackfoot, Idaho; S. M. Christensen, Moroni; J. E. Erickson, Richmond; C. W. Ahrens, Mendon; K. G. Carter, Park Valley, Utah. Fifty-five Baptisms in West Colorado Elder Orvil J. Nish, Montrose, Colorado, West Colorado conference, Western States Mission, reports that "During the year just ended 55 bap- tisms have been performed and many friends and investigators have been reached by the elders. Our greatest accomplishment has been in dispelling MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 473 prejudice in various places where the elders heretofore have found it diffi- cult to obtain a hearing." Missionaries West Colorado conference, left to right, back row: Noble D. Coon, Magna, Utah; Dennis M. White, Rockland, Idaho; John T. Child, Clinton; Casto F. Schultz, Ephraim, Utah; Royal A. Nielson, Union, Oregon. Sitting: N. Earl Marble, Dewey ville; Florence R. Knight; John M. Knight, president of Western States mission; G. A. Baird, president of Grand Junction Relief Society; Orvil J. Nish, Plymouth, Utah, conference president. Cornerstone Laid of New Chapel at Hobart This illustration shows the elders and Saints assembled at the cere- mony of the laying of the corner stone of a new chapel at Hobart, Tasmania, on November 29, 1924. At the left of the picture President Charles H. 474 IMPROVEMENT ERA Hyde of the Australian mission is seen, trowel in hand, officiating. In the Hobart Mercury for December 1, the exercises were described at length. For several years the Saints have held services in the Victoria Hall, and the Sun- day school, Mutual and Relief Society meetings in Gladstone Street. The members have grown in numbers, and on the Saturday afternoon of the date mentioned, the corner stone of the new church which they are erecting in Lefroy Street was laid. The land purchased cost 300 pounds, and the church building with room for three or four elders is being erected at a cost of about 2,000 pounds, and will seat 170 persons. It is built of brick with a corrugated iron roof, and it is expected that the building will be ready by the end of January. Leonard Hocking, Melbourne, is the architect, and the erection of the building has been carried out under the direction of President Charles H. Hyde of the Australian Mission. The actual work will be done by donated labor. During the laying of the corner stone the congregation of about sixty people sang, "The gospel standard high is raised," and "How firm a foundation ye Saints of the Lord." Elder Hyde laid the corner stone under which was at first placed a tin box containing a record of the Church, some current coins, and a photograph. One Hundred and Ninety Baptized The following is a report of the progress in the Stettin Conference for the year 1924. In January, 1924, the Berlin conference was divided and the new territory in Pommern and Mecklenburg was organized into the Stet- tin conference. The progress of the elders in this new field of labor has been exceptional. During the year, an average of thirteen elders have been active with the result that one hundred and ninety have been baptized. The first Sunday conference was held on the 16th of November. In the main session five hundred Saints and friends turned out to hear the remarks of President Tadje and the visiting elders. Features of the conference were Die Fulle des Evangeliums, presented by the Sunday school, the Stettin choir of sixty voices, and the extra meetings held for the instruction of the officers in the fast growing auxiliary organizations. The inclosed picture was taken at our special missionary meeting held on Thanksgiving day, in Stettin. ft 1 j % f m 0, 3 i r Ag i m ... i « «i^^ Elders standing left to right: Wayne P. Smith, Lehi; Norman G. Berndt, Salt Lake City; Rudolph Erickson, Salt Lake City; Rulon J. Ballard, Salt Lake MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 475 City; Cecil V. Pollard, Emmett, Idaho; Truman R. Young, Salt Lake City; Welby W. Bigelow, Panguitch, Utah; R. John Peery, Porterville, California; Ernest A. White, Salt Lake City; seated left to right: Herman M. Allenbach. Salt Lake City; H. Taylor Peery, Porterville, California; Eric A. Pollard, Emmett. Idaho; President Fred Tadje, Salt Lake City; Milton B. Cannon, Conference President, Salt Lake City; and Arthur Glaus, Salt Lake City. Elder George D. Pendleton from Salt Lake City was not able to be present when the picture was taken. Sickness was the cause of his absence. Assuring you that we enjoy the Era. Sincerely your brother, Milton B. Cannon, Conf. Pres., Stettin. Oh, Speak, Ye Spirits! Thoughts suggested to the author, while searching for his genealogy in an ancient church, on one of the hills of Wales. i How dumb the records of this ancient church? Dumb as the dead whose names herein I search; With anxious heart I scan their time-stained pages, From name to name to those of bygone ages; But all in vain; my ancient kindred dead, Who lived when darkness o'er the earth was spread, And no bright ray of revelation's light, Pierced through the gloom of that long, cheerless night Of error and apostasy — have left The earth of all their history bereft. In deep despair, the quaint old church I leave, Still to the dead, my heart with love doth cleave, And slowly by Elijah's power led, From stone to stone among the graves I tread, Scanning with eager eye the old and quaint, With weather-worn inscription strange and faint; But not a name of distant kin I find; Alas, but gloom and doubt they've left behind. Oh, speak ye, therefore, spirits of the dead, While on this lonely, sacred ground I tread; Break the deep silence, scatter wide the gloom That now enshrouds your home beyond the tomb, Reveal your mystic past and present state, Your sojourn in yon spirit world relate; Speak, noble spirits, cheer my aching heart, Ere from this lonely graveyard I depart. God hath his promise fulfilled — behold Elijah in his glory, to unfold Eternal truth, hath come from heaven above. A messenger of mercy and of love. And hath the keys and power restored to Earth For your redemption through the second birth; The keys unlocked, the power open hurled The gates dividing from the spirit world Celestial realms, where joy and life and light Eternal reign, and saints fore'er delight. Freedom from long captivity and sin, Is now to you proclaimed and all therein; 476 IMPROVEMENT ERA Who have the depth of justice fully paid For mortal wrongs and mandates disobeyed. Dear kindred spirits, are ye not among The penitent, believing, hopeful throng That now with grateful hearts and joy await Emancipation at redemption's gate? Oh, how my heart with love for you doth burn. For children's hearts to those of father's turn. Since through Elijah is to earth restored The link that binds together in the Lord The living and the dead. Oh let me hear One hopeful whisper that my heart would cheer. You without us, can ne'er salvation gain, We without you, perfection ne'er attain; Thus now each other's burdens we must bear, Each other's joy and glory e'er to share. No voice I hear, no whisper from the dead; How long this silence; how profound and dread! But, ah: there's cheerful light behind this gloom, And happy souls beyond the silent tomb, Progressing in the paradise of God Forever upward, 'long the "iron rod." O God of love and truth, almighty Head, God of the living, for thou hast no dead; Thou dost with wisdom infinite control The destiny of every living soul; In humble reverence I must bow the knee Awaiting revelation's light from thee. The meek thou wilt redeem, exalt and bless, Eternal life and glory they'll possess Within thy kingdom, and forever dwell With Him who holds the keys of death and hell, And with the ancient seer, "Where is", they'll sing, "O grave, thy victory, and death, thy sting?" St. Anthony, Idaho. W. D. WILLIAMS. Wings of Desire For worldly experience I once sailed away On the magical wings Of Desire, Swoopnig and rising, In cloud-mist baptizing My senses in ecstasy. Then on past grim Duty. I winged gaily along, Forgetful of land, Of Care, Restless and swaying Needs beckonings flaying, In reckless wanderings. But fog and darkness Obscured my wild course, — I returned to the land Of Home, And found, upon questioning Time's harsh reckoning, A heavy toll of regret. O wings of Desire, Your sheen is all dimmed By the journeynigs Of Yesterday And home you must stay, For your feathers so gay Glow never so bright again. A. Henderson