--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Wells, Junius F. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 8 published: 1925-06 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Junius F. Wells, “Historic Sketch of the Y. M. M. I. A.: First Period,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 8 (June 1925)*: 713–732." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2808unse 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: improvementera2808unse start_page: 713 end_page: 732 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1925-06) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2808unse 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. --- # Historic Sketch of the Y. M. M. I. A.: First Period Improvement Era Vol. XXVIII JUNE, 1925 No. 8 HISTORIC SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. First Period By Junius F. Wells It is the purpose of this article to provide a synoptic sketch of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations rather than a history of the period dealt with. This period from its beginning, 1875 to 1898, appears to divide itself into two or perhaps three epochs. The first, from the movement inaugurated by President Brigham Young in 1875 — with an allusion to previous organizations — down to the establishment of The Contributor and the General Superintendency, 1879- 1880. The second carrying on to the development of the General Board, 1892-3, thence to the suspension of The Contributor, 1896, and the death of President Wilford Woodruff, 1898. The inspiration of the general organization of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association was from God, expressed by the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was not derived JUNIUS F. WELLS from any other society then in exist- As he appeared in 18 75 ence either in or out of the Church. It is true that prior to, and at the time of the inauguration of the Y. M. M. I. A. there were a number of other societies in existence in the Church. They were variously named and were usually or- ganized with formal constitutions and by-laws, and governed more or Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second class matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July Z, 1918, $2 per annum. Address Room 4 0 6, Church Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah. 714 IMPROVEMENT ERA less by parliamentary rules. Their object was the social and intel- lectual improvement and entertainment of their members, and, in some degree, a religious and spiritual element featured their programs. Of such societies there was the Twentieth ward Institute, organized Decem- ber 30, 1873, whose membership enrolled a notable assembly of the literary, dramatic and musical talent of the city. It had a brilliant career of several years' duration. Then there was also the popular society of the Sixteenth ward; the Sixth ward Instructive Association, organized in 1873; the Tenth ward Young Men's Literary Association, organized January 12, 1874; the Young Men's Association of the Thirteenth ward, organized March 10, 1874, with such names as George Goddard, Hamilton G. Park, Joseph Morris, and Joseph E. Taylor among the members. There had been a society in the Fourteenth ward several years earlier, with the Cannons, Taylors, Lamberts and other well known and talented people enrolled. There was a very popular society of the Young Folks of Ogden City, a virtual combination of the Young Ladies' Association and of a Young Men's Association, organized in 1873 by President Franklin D. Richards, and presided over by him for several years. In several other towns throughout the territory societies had been, or then were, in operation. Long anterior to all of these was the Polysophical Society organized by Elder Lorenzo Snow in 1854-55; and, before that, "The Young Gentlemen's and Young Ladies' Relief Society of Nauvoo," organized by direction of Joseph Smith the Prophet, March 1, 1843. Whatever rivalry, therefore, there might be in claims for priority of organization should be relegated to these and other societies like them. Upon none of them was the general organization inaugurated by President Brigham Young in 1875 built. The Y. M. M. I. Association, whose fiftieth anniversary we are celebrating in this year of grace 1925, was begun in the following manner: On Saturday morning, June sixth, 1875, President Brigham Young, upon parting with his second counselor, President Daniel H. Wells, sent the following message to me: "Tell Junius that I want him to organize the young men." A few moments after the delivery of this message, President Young, accompanied by Elder George Q. Cannon, departed for Logan, Cache county, where two days' meetings had been appointed for that day and Sunday. The spirit of the work fell upon me from the moment I was chosen to undertake it. I seemed at once to know what I should do. Nevertheless, I asked my father, and he replied, laconically: "I think, if I were in your place I'd do it." After conferring further with him I proceeded to arrange for a meeting to be held in the Thirteenth ward meetinghouse. That afternoon I saw Bishop E. D. Woolley and did so. On the following morning I called upon several of the bishops of the Salt Lake City wards and requested them to announce, HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 715 at their ward services, the meeting, to be held Thursday evening, June 10, 1875, at seven o'clock; requesting their presence and a general attendance of the people. It was, of course, the expectation that President Young would be present to inaugurate this important movement. President Young returned from Cache county on Thurs- day morning. I was waiting for him at his office, and reported the steps that had been taken for a meeting that night and had the following conversation. The President in effect said: "We want to have our young men enrolled and organized throughout the Church, so that we shall know who and where they are, so that we can put our hands upon them at any time for any service that may be required. We want them to hold meetings where they will stand up and speak — get into the habit of speaking — and of bearing testimony. These meetings are to be for our young men, to be composed of young men for their improvement — for their mutual improvement — a society of young men for mutual improvement. There is your name: The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Soci — Association." I inquired: "What about the officers?" President Young: "You should have a president and two counselors and a secretary, to call the roll and keep minutes of your meetings." "And a treasurer?" President Young: "Yes, a treasurer." "And a librarian?" President Young: "Yes and a librarian, when you are ready for it. That will be right, to collect good books and encourage reading them. And a roll of members. At your meetings you should begin at the top of the roll and call upon as many members as there is time for to bear their testimonies and at the next meeting begin where you left off and call upon others, so that all shall take part and get into the practice of standing up and saying something. Many may think they haven't any testimony to bear, but get them to stand up and they will find the Lord will give them utterance to many truths they had not thought of before. More people have obtained a testimony while standing up trying to bear it than down on their knees praying for it. "Your society is not to be for debates — debating on foolish and absurd questions, which prove nothing, is a bad practice and leads to infidelity. You must not permit it, but avoid contention of every kind in your meetings." At the end of this interview, observing my dismay when he said that he should not be able to attend the meeting, the President turned to Elder George Q. Cannon, who was in the office, and said: "I have called Junius F. Wells to begin organizing the young men, and he has arranged for a meeting this evening in the Thirteenth ward. I do not feel well enough to go out this evening. Will it be convenient for 716 IMPROVEMENT ERA you to?" Elder Cannon replied that he would be pleased to, if he were at liberty. He thought, however, that there was a meeting of his Quorum (the Twelve) at President John Taylor's for that evening; he was not sure, but would ascertain and leave word at the office. Several times in the afternoon I called there and, at last, a few minutes before the time set for the meeting, word came from Brother Cannon that the previous appointment forbade his attendance. Going directly from the President's office down the Theatre hill to the Thirteenth ward Assembly Rooms, on Second South, just east of State street, I felt the responsibility of the task confronting me sensibly; and when I reached the hall and found it filled with people, many of whom were expecting to be addressed by President Young, it may be readily believed that I was nervous. Upon entering, I found Bishop Woolley, and other leading men, seated near the door in the southwest corner of the hall. I at once requested the Bishop to come to the stand. There were several bishops of city wards and other prominent men present, but Bishop Woolley declined, saying it was not his meeting and, of course, none of the others would come up. I then turned to some of the young men, who had followed me in, and pre- vailed on three or four to join me; among these was Elder B. Morris Young, lately returned from a mission to the Sandwich Islands, Joseph E. Wilson, and perhaps Henry A. Woolley. Brother Charles J. Thomas led in a congregational hymn and Brother B. Morris Young made the opening prayer. I followed him and spoke fifty minutes, covering the points of my interview with President Young, and I was the only speaker. At the close of the meeting, I requested those who were willing to join' the association to remain, and took down eighteen names. From these it was agreed that Henry A. Woolley should be president, B. Morris Young and Heber J. Grant, counselors and H. H. Goddard, secretary. We were to arrange a time and place for future meetings, but several weeks elapsed before this was done, I suppose because I was about to go on a long trip, in President Young's company, to southern Utah. Regular meetings were not commenced until the 19th of August, which was the first meeting at which minutes were taken, officers voted for and members began to respond to the roll call. (See article: "The Thirteenth Ward Y. M. M. I. A." in this number of the Era.) At this meeting the house was crowded. I spoke at length, and was reported in part by Wilmerth East, as follows: "In announcing the object of this meeting I will say, the general object is to inaugurate a series of such meetings among the young people of this city, while the particular object is to perfect the organization of the young men of the Thirteenth ward in a Mutual Improvement Association. This is being done at the suggestion, and by the authority of President Brigham Young. "In connection with a number of other young men, we have met together this evening to organize. We feel indebted to the sisters for their HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 717 attendance tonight. Sister Snow and those associated with her have organized the young ladies, and their labors have been crowned with success. By meeting together in an organized capacity they have been protected from many temptations and snares of the enemies of our people. The only way that we can accept the doctrines and follow the teachings of the divines of the various religious denominations, who are seeking to lead the youth of our people out from their darkness and delusion, as they think, is by breaking the fifth commandment, by ignoring the faith that our parents have struggled hard to maintain and inculcate in the hearts of their children. "I have a mission given to me by President Young, to organize the young men, and we intend to visit every ward in this city and accomplish the object of our mission. We expect to organize here tonight, with as many, or more, members as this Church was organized with in the beginning. I will try to explain the main object. We need the cultivation of the heart as well as of the mind. It is for us to know, by the gift of the Holy Ghost and the spirit of revelation, that this gospel, for which our parents have sacrificed and suffered much, is the revealed will of God to us as well as to them. Do we remember the fifth commandment? "Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Do we speak lightly of the things of God that our parents have taught us are sacred, more sacred and dear to them than their lives, and proved by the sacrifices they have made? How many of us are willing to sacrifice, as they have done, for the principles designed to save and exalt us with them in the kingdom of our Father and God who has revealed them? If we are disobedient to our parents and treat lightly the principles they have labored so long and faithfully to maintain, are we not guilty of breaking the fifth commandment? How many of you, my young brethren, realize the responsibilty of seeking unto God, to know for yourselves that what your parents have taught you is of God? Do you realize that you are surrounded with enemies, the hireling priests who seek to ensnare you and lead you from the counsels of your parents whom they would destroy, if God would suffer them to do so? This is their object and mission here, to overthrow this Church and kingdom, if possible, and they expect to accomplish it by the influence they exert over the youth of our people. They are not our friends, neither are they the friends of God; their motives are false, and their doctrines are false; they seek to destroy the priesthood and lead the heirs of the priesthood down to perdition; and there is no person who has received the light of the Holy Ghost who can believe their doctrines. The only alternative therefore is infidelity. This is our fate my brethren, if we suffer ourselves to be led by them from the counsels of our parents, and lose the light of the Holy Spirit, we become infidels to God. But if we are obedient, we have a right to the Holy Ghost which has been conferred upon us, and it will teach us our duty, and by the exercise of that gift, we will know truth from error, and light from darkness. A German author said, 'Give me the education of the children when young and the kingdom is mine.' Now, this is what our enemies know, and they seek to establish their seminaries of learning in our midst as well as their churches, desiring to educate the children of the Latter-day Saints; con- fessing that the aged are beyond their reach; but let them have the children to educate and they will accomplish the overthrow of the kingdom of God. We can see, then, the necessity of being organized and of living our religion. My parents have taught me the truth and so have yours, and no tongue can express the gratitude we owe them for their faithfulness. It is my desire to honor and defend the principles they have taught me; for I know they have done all in their power to educate and prepare me for a life of usefulness. Now, I believe I have explained the object of our meeting together this evening, to the best of my ability. I pray God to bless our efforts and crown them with success." 718 IMPROVEMENT ERA Brother Millen Atwood then spoke for a short time, expressing his joy and gratitude, saying for this he had prayed; and would rather a son of his felt as Brother Junius Wells did, than to have a million dollars. About this time President George A. Smith was lying on his death bed. He died September 1, 1875. His son John Henry had re- turned, August 15, from his mission to England to be with his father. I met him frequently at his father's bedside and then began a friendship which lasted as long as he lived. He became interested in Mutual Improvement and attended and spoke at the meeting in the Thirteenth ward held August 23, and later we visited several wards to- gether. The day after his father's funeral, September 6, I started with a company, led by my father, on a preaching tour of the southern settlements. In this company were Elders Lorenzo Snow, F. D. Richards, Robert T. Burton and others. We went as far as Kanab and St. George. At the latter place I organized a Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association on Sunday evening September 26th, with Erastus B. Snow as president, and Graham A. Macdonald as secretary. Franklin R. Snow, corresponding secretary. Soon after the first meeting Anthony W. Ivins succeeded as a counselor. There were seventy members enrolled at the first meeting. We returned from the South on the 29th of September, and a week later, at the October conference, I was called to go on a mission to the eastern states, beginning, however, in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, but reaching New England. Before starting on this mission, I organized associations at Brigham City, Mantua, and at two or three other places, in the territory, besides certain wards in Salt Lake City. At the organization of the association of the First ward Elder Milton H. Hardy, who had returned from his misson to England, August 7, 1875, was present and then became identified with the work in which he served so conspicuously for many years. I departed upon my mission on November 1, 1875, having made a report, before going, to President Young of the beginning and progress of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations up to that time. A few days later the following self-explanatory letter was pre- pared. It was given to Brother Morris Young to deliver to the brethren named. He did so, calling upon Brother John Henry Smith, who was employed at the Utah Central Railway freight office, and at the Twelfth ward school where Elder Hardy was teaching: Salt Lake City, November 6, 1875. Elders J. H. Smith, M. H. Hardy and B. M. Young, Salt Lake City. Dear brethren: — We have received from Elder Junius F. Wells, a report of the organization of Young Men's Associations in some of the wards of this city, St. George, in Brigham City, and in other places. It is our desire that these institutions should flourish, that our young men may grow in the comprehension of, and faith in, the holy principles of the HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 719 B. Morris Young John Henry Smith Milton H. Hardy THE FIRST Y. M. M. I. A. MISSIONARIES— 18 75-1876 gospel of eternal salvation, and furthermore, have an opportunity to, and be encouraged in, bearing testimony to and speaking of, the truths of our holy religion. Let the consideration of these truths and principles be the ground work and leading idea of every such association; and on this foundation of faith in God's great latter-day work, let their members build all true knowledge, by which they may be useful in the establishment of his kingdom. Each member will find that happiness in this world mainly depends on the work he does and the way in which he does it. It now becomes the duty of these institutions to aid the holy Priesthood in instruct- ing the youth of Israel, in all things commendable and worthy of the acceptance of Saints of the Most High God. Elder Junius F. Wells, having been called on a mission to preach the gospel in the United States, we are desirous that his departur" should not stay this important work amongst our young men. We therefore desire you to take up and continue the labor of organizing these institutions, and we hereby appoint you to this duty and calling. In connection here- with we wish you to visit the various portions of the territory as op- portunity offers, confer with the bishops and local authorities, and acting in unison with them, call meetings, organize institutions or associations, attend to the election of officers, and give such instruction as the Spirit of the , Lord may inspire and counsel from us may direct. We cordially commend you to the brethren throughout these valleys and desire them to aid you by their advice and co-operation in all your labors, and we pray God the eternal Father to grant you his Spirit in rich abundance, that you may be filled with the power of your Priesthood and calling, and that your mouths may utter forth words of wisdom whenever you open them to instruct the Saints. Your brethren in the Gospel, (Signed) Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I cannot do better here than to quote from Elder Hardy's "History of the General Organization," which was published in The Contributor, Volume 1, 1879-80: This account is authentic and supplies in this Jubilee year to the second and third generations of M. I. A. workers, 720 IMPROVEMENT ERA interesting data of many of the associations still in existence, that were first organized nearly fifty years ago. It will interest many of the present officers to read the names of their fathers and grandfathers who preceded them long ago as presidents and counselors and secretaries. Elder Milton H. Hardy's Narrative "The writer had just arrived in Continental Europe from England, at the time the movement to be afterwards known as the 'Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations' was inaugurated by the late President Brigham Young, in Salt Lake City. He had separated but a few weeks before in London, from Elder Junius F. Wells, who, returning home, was ap- pointed by President Young to begin the work of organizing societies for mutual improvement. Brother Wells called a public meeting in the Thirteenth ward, Salt Lake City, on the 10th of June, 1875. The people responded, and a large audience awaited his instructions. But no elaborate delineation of the movement had yet been made. President Young had ap- pointed the man to lead it under the Priesthood, had given him the key note; 'Mutual Improvement of the youth; establishment of individual testimony of the truth and the development of the gifts within them, that have been bestowed upon them, by the laying on of the hands of the servants of God;' and he rightly expected the work to be accomplished. "Without precedent, and without the forms usually characterizing as- sociations of an intellectual nature, Brother Wells briefly explained the object of the meeting, and with such favor that an association for mutual improvement was voted for * * * "Following the above letter of appointment these brethren visited the remaining wards of Salt Lake City, assisting, where necessary, in completing their organizations. In December, 1875, Brothers Hardy and Young visited Cache county in the interest of the associations, thus beginning practically the territorial traveling missionary work assigned them. The following table will show the time of organizing in the several stakes, and the names of the officers then chosen : CACHE COUNTY Logan, Dec. 11, 1875. — Geo. F. Gibbs, president, Chas. W. Nibley and Ezra Crockett, counselors; Lyman R. Martineau, secretary. Hyde Park, Dec. 26. — Thos. W. Kirby, president; Jno. A. Woolf and Edwin Thurmond, counselors; Fredk. Turner, secretary. Smithfield, Dec. 2 7. — Saml. T. Henrickson, president; Orrin Merrill and Geo. Barber, Jr., counselors; Andrew Anderson, secretary. Richmond, Dec. 28. — Alma N. Hobson, president; Wm. Skidmore and Robt. N. Lewis, counselors; Edwin Smith, secretary. Franklin, Dec. 29. — Thos. Durant, president; LaFayette Hatch and Wm. Parkinson, counselors; Leonidas Meakim, secretary. Mendon, Dec. 3 0. — -Jno. Donaldson, president; Alexander Richards and Jno. Hughes, counselors; Hyrum Richards, secretary. After visiting the southern counties they returned to Cache in July, 18 76, and organized at, Wellsville, July 13. — Jno. B. Hills, president; Ellis Salisbury and James Spence, counselors; Jos. Howell, secretary. Paradise, organized by the bishop, on April 3 0, 18 76. — Orson Smith, presi- dent; James Hurst and Henry A. Shaw, counselors; Gideon Olson, secretary. Hyrum, July 14. — Jas. E. Fogg, president; Lehi Curtis and J. C. Thoreson, counselors; J. S. Allen, secretary. Millville, July 17. — James Neve, president; Francis Cottrell and James Hovey, counselors; Jay Pitkin, secretary. BOX ELDER COUNTY Call's Fort, Dec. 5, 1875. — Heber Loveland, president; Thos. Wheatley and Don Loveland, counselors; Robt. Anglesey, secretary. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 721 Bear River City, Jan. 1, 18 76. — Jos. P. Anderson, president; Nephi P. Anderson, James Hansen, counselors; Peter Hansen, secretary. Mantua, organized Oct. 21, 18 75, by Junius F. Wells. — Peter Jensen, presi- dent; Andrew C. Anderson and Jas. P. Ibsen, counselors; Martin J. Chirstensen, secretary. At this point it will be of interest to introduce the following letter explaining the practical retirement of Elder John Henry Smith, who had been called to preside as bishop of the Seventeenth ward: Salt Lake City, Utah, March 16, 1876. Editor Deseret News: — Elder Junius F. Wells having gone on his mis- sion. Brothers M. H. Hardy and B. M. Young and myself were appointed by the Presidency of the Church to act as missionaries, in organizing and putting in order Young Mens' Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the territory. The wards in this city and a majority of the settlements in the northern counties have been organized, principally by Brothers Hardy and Young, and are in a healthy condition. I have been unable to take part but seldom, owing to a press of other duties. Our labors up to the present have been attended with success, and we have bright prospects for the future. Brothers Hardy and Young are making a tour through Utah, Juab and Sanpete counties for the purpose above mentioned, and I recommend them to the Saints as good men, and filled with a desire to do good to the young men of the places they may visit. The societies already organized will please address communications to M. H. Hardy, Salt Lake City. Yours truly, John Henry Smith. UTAH COUNTY They made a tour of Utah County, holding meetings and organizing in the following order: Lehi, March 8, 18 76; American Fork, March 10; Alpine, March 11; Pleasant Grove, March 12; Provo, March 13; Springville, March 14; Spanish Fork, March 15; Salem, March 16; Payson, March 17; Santaquin, March 18; Goshen, March 19. JUAB COUNTY Mona, March 20, 18 76; Nephi, March 21; Levan, April 2. SANPETE COUNTY Fountain Green, March 22, 1876; Wales, March 23; Moroni, March 24; Mount Pleasant, March 25; Fairview, March 26; Spring City, March 2 7; Ephraim, March 28; Manti, March 29; Gunnison, March 31; Fayette, April 1. They returned to Salt Lake City, having held twenty-eight meetings in twenty-six days, visiting twenty-four settlements, four Sabbath and eleven day schools. April 8, 1876, the first general conference of the Y. M. M. I. Association was held in the Old Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, John Henry Smith, Milton H. Hardy and B. Morris Young personally representing the Associations so far as they had been established. Remarks were made by President D. H. Wells, and Apostle Wilford Woodruff. A statistical report was presented, showing the name, time of organization, by whom organized, president's name, number of members, and foundation for libraries. M. H. Hardy was sustained as territorial secretary, as a step towards a territorial organization. The number of associations, as far asjearned, had increased 722 IMPROVEMENT ERA Richard W. Young Assistant Secretary John Nicholsen Secretary OFFICERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE, 1876 George F. Gibbs Corresponding Secretary to fifty-seven, with an approximate membership of one thousand two hundred. Immediately after conference, Brothers M. H. Hardy and B. M. Young continued their travels, with a view of personally representing the move- ment in all the counties, traveling and holding public meetings in the follow- ing order: MILLARQ COUNTY Scipio, April 21, 18 76; Holden, April 22; Fillmore, April 23; Meadow, April 24; Kanosh, April 25. BEAVER COUNTY Beaver, April 2 7, 18 76; Greenville, April 28; Adamsville, April 29; Minersville. May 1. IRON COUNTY Paragoonah, May 2, 18 76; Parowan, May 3; May 5. KANE COUNTY Summit, May 4; Cedar City, Kanarra, May 6, 1876; Harmony, May 7. WASHINGTON COUNTY Hebron, May 8, 1876; Pinto and Hamblin, May 9; Pine Valley, May 10. From Pine Valley they went to St. George, where they represented the associations at the conference, held in the St. George Tabernacle, May 12 and 13, 1876. Continuing their tour Brothers Hardy and Young visited, on their return trip, the east line of settlements: — Commencing at Camp Lorenzo, May 18, 1876; back to Santa Clara on the 21, thence to Washington, 22; Harrisburg, 23; and Leeds, 24. Thence to, EAST KANE COUNTY Visiting Toker, May 2 5, 1876; Virgin, 26; Rockville, 28; Shonesburg, 30; Mt. Carmel, June 1; Glendale, 2; Orderville, 3; Kanab, 7; Johnson, 8. Returning to, EASTERN IRON COUNTY Visited Hillsdale on June 10; 18 76; Panguitch, 11. Thence to, HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 723 SEVIER COUNTY Monroe on June 14, 18 76; Joseph, 15; Elsinore, 16; Glen wood, 17; Pratt- ville, 1£; to Richfield same day; Salina, 19. Through Southern Sanpete to Mayfield on the 20th, Gunnison again on the 21st. Thence to Salt Lake City, arriving on the 24th. They had traveled one thousand and twenty-five miles, walking one hundred and seventy-one miles, visiting fifty-six villages, holding fifty-four meetings, effecting twenty-four organizations, visiting seventeen associations already organized, and ten schools, occupying sixty- six days. In July following, a northern tour was arranged by the same brethren, visiting the villages in the following order: ONEIDA COUNTY, IDAHO Mound Valley, July 19, 18 76, and Soda Springs on the 20th. Thence up the Bear River through BEAR LAKE COUNTY, IDAHO To Georgetown, July 22, 1876; Paris, 23; Bennington, 25; Montpelier, 26; Ovid, 2 7; Liberty, same day; Bloomington, 29; St. Charles, 30; Fish Haven, 31; Swan Creek, August 1. Through WESTERN RICH COUNTY, UTAH To Laketown, August 2, 1876; Meadowville, 3; via Blacksmith Fork to Hyrum, Cache County, thence to Brigham City, Box Elder County, and Farmington, Davis County, thence to Salt Lake City. They made in twenty- seven days, four hundred and sixty miles, visiting twenty-one villages, holding twenty public meetings, organizing eleven associations and visiting seven already organized. During the time of these tours, Secretary M. H. Hardy, left with the associations, and sent by mail, upwards of sixteen dozen tracts and pamphlets on the First Principles of the Gospel. This concluded the first general movement, in which public meetings were held in various cities, towns and villages of the Saints. Distinct organizations of the Young Men were effected, and the plainest character of exercises presented and recommended. Centers for collections for cabinets were established in five prominent and intermediate districts; tracts on the first principles of the gospel were left with the various associa- tions; and the subjects: "Acquiring individual testimony of the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith;" "Why we have gathered from the nations to these valleys;" "The works and hardships of our fathers;" "Our citizen- ship in the government and kingdom of God;" "The privileges we enjoy by reason of the faithful, sacrificing, heroic acts of our parents;" and the establishment of libraries were made prominent. Weekly class work, monthly joint sessions, and serial lectures were begun. I returned from my mission to the Eastern States on November 20, 1876, and at once resumed activity in the association work. At the general conference, in October, Elder John W. Young was sustained as first counselor to his father in the First Presidency of the Church. He at once became interested in the Mutual Improvement Associations, and suggested the organization of a Central Organization. President Brigham Young soon after conference departed for the South to spend the winter in completing the St. George temple and preparing for its dedication in the following April. I will here observe that, partly on account of ill health forbidding his attendance at evening meetings, increased cares and responsibilities owing to vexatious lawsuits insti- gated by his enemies, his anxiety to complete the stake organizations 724 IMPROVEMENT ERA Mathoni W. Pratt Treasurer Rodney C. Badger 2nd Counselor Benj. F. Cummings, Jr. Secretary OFFICERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE, 18 76 — 1880 of the Church and to finish and dedicate the first temple to be built in the mountains, President Young found no opportunity to pay much at- tention to the Mutual Improvement Associations. After my first inter- view with him, in June 1875, I had several conversations, while travel- ing with him and at his office. But I do not think that he ever attended a meeting of the associations. He knew of their work, however, and commended it. The last long interview I had with him was at Richfield, on our way from St. George, in April, 1877. It covered association work and my missionary experiences in England and America, and abounded in his personal experiences as a missionary in England in 1840-41. I shall never forget the intense interest and great delight of this conversation which lasted nearly two hours at the home of his son Joseph A., at Richfield, Sevier county, Utah. The Central Committee The Central Committee, as stated, was called into being at the instance of President John W. Young. The first call was published in the Deseret News, November 29, 1876, as follows: "Y. M. M. I. A. All the officers and members of the various Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of Salt Lake City and adjacent wards are requested to meet Friday evening at 7 o'clock in the Council House. The meeting is for the purpose of effecting a central organization." On the day following this meeting the Deseret News published an account of the proceedings under the caption: An Excellent Movement Agreeable to a published call, a number of the officers of the various Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of the city convened in the HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 725 Council House last evening, the object of the meeting being to take steps towards effecting a territorial Central Organization for the receiving of reports and the transaction of general business connected with this excellent movement. President John W. Young of the First Presidency was present and conducted the proceedings. Addresses on the subject under considera- tion were delivered by Elders Junius F. Wells, John Nicholson, W. C. Dunbar, President John W. Young and Bishop John Henry Smith, all of whom expressed their hearty approval of measures and organizations which had in view the moral, religious, and intellectual improvement of the young people of Israel who are destined to perform an active and conspicuous part in the work of God in the latter-times. A unanimous opinion was also expressed that the organizing and maintenance of a Central Committee, to be at the head of the movement would give fresh vigor and renewed impetus to the cause, and tend to make the interest in it permanent. That all the young men connected with the various improvement as- sociations, and also those who are not now, but are desirous of being identified with them, should have full notification, the meeting was adjourned till next Friday evening (Dec. 8) at 7 o'clock at the same place, when it is expected the contemplated organization will be effected. The following reminder was published on December 7th: "Officers and members of the Y. M. M. I. Associations of the city and adjacent wards and all other young men interested should keep in mind the meeting for a central organization at the Council House tomorrow night at seven o'clock." (The Council House occupied the corner where the Deseret News building now stands.) Elder John Nicholson, who had been elected secretary, contributed to the Deseret News the following synopsis of the adjourned meeting: Mutual Improvement Association The adjourned meeting of officers and members of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, for the purpose of effecting a central or- ganization for the territory, to stand as the head of the entire movement, was held last night at the Council House, a goodly representation from the various societies of the city being in attendance. John Henry Smith was unanimously elected temporary chairman and John Nicholson, secretary. The chairman briefly stated the object of the meeting, reviewed some of the labors of himself, Junius F. Wells, Milton H. Hardy and B. Morris Young in organizing Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations in the territory, dwelt on the necessity of a central committee, to keep the interest alive and declared himself heart and soul in the movement, as it was a most commendable and necessary work, the leading object of which was to make the youth among the Latter-day Saints well informed and in every way creditable representatives of the kingdom of God. A permanent Central Organization being in order, the following officers were unanimously elected: President, with authority to choose two counselors, Junius F. Wells; Secretary, John Nicholson; Assistant Secretary, Richard W. Young; Corresponding Secretary, George F. Gibbs. A few remarks were made on the importance of the steps taken for improvement of the youth, by Dr. W. H. H. Sharp, and he was followed in a spirited and instructive address from the president, Junius F. Wells, who stated the paramount object of the whole movement to be to aid in placing the youth of Israel in perfect accord with the truths of the everlasting gospel and consequently the will of God in building up his kingdom. Any society organized for the benefit of the young among the Saints, which had this 726 IMPROVEMENT ERA William S. Burton Treasurer Orson F. Whitney Secretary and Treasurer Nephi W. Clayton Secretary OFFICERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE object in view and the sustaining of the authorities of the Church was, in his opinion, entitled to representation in the Central Board, which would not. of itself, be a society for engaging in exercises for mutual improvement? of its members, but would be an active, working committee, for the reception and transmission of correspondence between itself and the various associations throughout the territory, and also, under the direction and counsel of the authorities of the Church, to keep up a missionary connection with the various organizations; in fact, to transact all necessary business for the furtherance and attainment of the objects of the movement. On motion, it was unanimously agreed that the president of each of the improvement associations in the Territory be a member of the Central Organization, and that, in case of being unable to attend its deliberations personally, he have authority to send a representative from the association over which he presides. The meeting then adjourned sine die, after Saturday evening the 16th inst. at seven o'clock at the Council House, being appointed as the time for +he first meeting of the Central Organization. The presidents of the various societies of the city and adjacent wards are particularly and cordially re- quested to be present, as active measures will then be taken for the furtherance of the objects of the movement. John Nicholson, Secretary. Central Organization: The officers and members of the Central Organization of the Y. M. M. I. Association, which includes the president of every branch society of that nature in the territory, are reminded that their first meeting for active business takes place to- morrow evening, at the Council House at 7 o'clock. It is desirable that there should be a large attendance. Among the first acts of the Central Committee was the calling of several young men as missionaries. A circular letter of general in- structions was prepared for their guidance and sent out to all associa- tions then in existence. The following is a copy: HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 727 An Address To the Officers and Members of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations Throughout the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dear Brethren: — On the 8th day of December, 1876, by the direct counsel of the First Presidency of the Church, the Central Committee of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, was organized, at the Council House, Salt Lake City, with the following officers: President, with authority to choose two Counselors, Junius F. Wells; Secretary, John Nicholson; Assistant Secretary, Richard W. Young; Cor- responding Secretary, George F. Gibbs; Treasurer, Mathoni W. Pratt; M. H. Hardy and Rodney C. Badger having also been subsequently selected by President J. F. Wells, to be his Counselors. One of the objects for organizing the committee was that it might act at the head of all the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the Church, as a body of reference that could be applied to for information relative to the management and conduct of the several societies coming within its purview. As will be seen by the following letter, the committee is authorized to call missionaries, which it has already done to some extent. Salt Lake City, U. T., Februray 16, 1877. To the Central Committee of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations: Junius F. Wells, President; John Nicholson, Secretary. Dear Brethren: — It is very desirable that you call missionaries from the associations under your direction, as often as possible, to visit the various wards and settlements throughout the territory; in this way giving to our young brethren the great privilege of bearing testimony to the truths of the gospel and enjoying its spirit, while they gain an experience as teachers of its divine principles. Praying the Lord to abundantly bless all your labors amongst the youth of God's people, We remain your brethren in the gospel, John W. Young, Daniel H. Wells. The membership of the Central Committee is composed of the officers above named as having been elected, also the presidents of the several associa- tions throughout the Church, and all brethren called to act as missionaries in forwarding the interests of mutual improvement. When the missionaries of this committee visit places where associations do not already exist, it is their business to organize the young men. The committee submit for the acceptance of the several associations the following suggestions — The officers of each association should consist of a president, two counselors, a secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, and, when necessary, a labrarian. All meetings of the associations should be opened and closed with prayer. A constitution and by-laws may be profitably adopted, but they should invariably be simple in form, as brief as possible, and suited to the circumstances and requirements of the several associations. Those whose duty it is to conduct the exercises, should seek diligently to be influenced by the Spirit of the Lord, that they may act in wisdom. Only sufficient parliamentary rules, if any, should be adhered to for the expediting of business. 728 IMPROVEMENT ERA The associations should further the progress of moral, religious and intellectual culture among all classes and especially among the young. Sobriety, virtue and general good behavior and deportment should be among the qualifications necessary for continued membership. The exercises should be such as will prepare the young people to promote the interests of the work of the Lord, and may be of a suf- ficiently diversified character to render them interesting. The greater portion of the time at meetings should be devoted to seeking to receive and impart a better and more extended acquaintance with the principles of the gospel. It should be considered the duty of all who have not yet received a testimony of the truth of the gospel, to take steps to obtain it, and generally a portion of time in the meetings should be devoted to bearing testimony to the truth of the work of God. The handing in of written questions, by members, on suitable sub- jects and the allotment of the same, for answer, to other members is a commendable exercise. The exercises may consistently include the delivering of brief addresses, the writing and reading of essays, readings, and recitations, interspersed with a song or hymn. Each member assigned to deliver an address, write an essay, give a reading, answer a question, perform a mission, or any duty connected with the association to which he belongs, should consider himself in duty bound to make diligent research and preparation to acquit himself to the best of his ability therein. Debates, being, in the opinion of this committee, contrary to the com- mandment to "have no disputations among you," are in opposition to the spirit and genius of this mission of mutual improvement. They neces- sitate the frequent reasoning from false premises, and, for other reasons, they should be entirely excluded from the exercises of the associations. Libraries should be formed, and the collection of cabinets of natural curiosities encouraged. That the permanency of the associations may be secured, their meetings should be held once a week, during the winter, and at least once a month in summer. It is deemed the imperative duty of all the members of associations coming under the purview of this Central Committee to sustain all the constituted authorities, institutions and principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with their faith, prayers and good works. Each association should immediately forward to the corresponding secretary of this committee, George F. Gibbs, Salt Lake City, a report, giving the date of the organization, how and by whom organized, the names of the officers then elected, also a complete list of the present officers and mem- bers; also state the nature of the exercises, and what foundation, if any. you have for a library, together with such other facts as you may deem of intcnst to the committee. A quarterly report, showing the progtess and condition of each association, should be forwarded to the Central Committee, dated January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year. As it is intended by the Central Committee, to keep a general roll of the members of all the associations, the quarterly reports should show the attendance of the members, that the status of each may be known. Signed, in behalf of the Ceneral Committee, Junius F. Wells, President. John Nicholson, Secretary. In conclusion of this first instalment of my sketch, it will hasten the narrative to say that Elder Nicholson's varied duties (he was editor HISTORIC SKETCH OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. 729 of the Deseret News, at the time) forbade much activity as secretary of the committee. He resigned the office on November 17, 1877, and was succeeded by Elder B. F. Cummings, Jr. Elder Cummings was an energetic and useful officer. He was an excellent speaker. He traveled extensively, holding many inspired meetings and stimulating the interest of officers and members to a notable degree. His term as secretary, however, was not long, as he was soon called into genealogical work and took his departure on that service for New England. He resigned, April 5, 1879. At the same time Elder Mathoni W. Pratt., the first treasurer of the Central Com- mittee, retired from the not very onerous duties of that office. Elder Orson F. Whitney was chosen to succeed him and Elder Cummings, in the dual office of secretary and treasurer. (To be continued.) Dad (With apology to Riley's "Jim") Dad didn't have very much to say, Especially when I went away, Except to drop a tear and say, "Well, Son, take care o' yourself." And when he put within my hand A slender book — yes, Dad was grand — A check-book, yes, you understand, "Well, Son, take care o' yourself." And that was just his way you know, He never wrote a letter; no. Just told mother to say, "Hello," And, "Son, take care o' yourself." I suppose it's just the way with dads. So don't forget them, never, lads; Although they're not so struck on fads They'll say, "Take care o' yourself." And when I write to father now. It's like a prayer, you know, somehow; And like an answer when we bow, I hear, "Son, take care o' yourself." Hawaii ORA HAVEN BARLOW M. I. A. IN MUSIC By Professor Evan Stephens When the Lord wishes to direct his people into certain paths of progress, his favorite mode of procedure seems to be not so much to thunder his commands from the mountains of clouds, as he once did to his people Israel, for his own good purposes, or perhaps because of the hardness of their hearts at the time, but he more often gives his children the benefit and joy of accomplishing the work, by his aid, in a way less spectacular, but no less effective. Some quiet, unknown man or woman is unconsciously attuned into a fit instrument for the work. An intense desire is in some simple, natural way created in the person to accomplish something in this line or that. As the person or persons pursue the desired paths, more and more grows the desire and the joy in the labors of pursuit; more and more dawns upon their vision the possibilities and the desirableness of accomplishment, until it becomes a burning fire of passion, warming the heart and soul of the devotees, and constantly, awake or asleep, urging to their minds plans and means leading to the ultimate accomplishment of first one thing and then more, all tending to the ultimate aim of the great guiding hand. And lo! some fine day, apparently directly or indirectly, through the fruits of the labors of these inspired persons a people are found to have attained, to a more or less perfect degree, that particular goal and purpose desired by the Lord. Our musical status as a community has been peculiarly attained after this manner, through the unaccounted for efforts of a tew who seemed especially called to lead us out of the wilderness of musical silence to a land of crystal streams of melody, harmony and vocal and instrumental utterance. As a people in a marvelous way, placed as we have been in .what might seem the most unfavorable condition, have we become eminently a musical community, now recognized as such the world over. Nowhere else are church choirs so universal as in the "Mormon" Church, and nowhere else perhaps are homes so well supplied with musical instruments, and singing so generally indulged in by the masses, as in the Rocky mountain regions. That the M. I. A., an organization containing the flower of the community's young men and women, would bring the use of "The Divine Art" prominently" into its activities is and was but natural. But in its earlier years it was content to borrow its materials and ideals mostly from its companion organization, the Sabbath School, and the regular singing part of its meetings was confined to a haphazard mode of joining together in singing some well-known Sabbath School song or hymn tunes, with selections from one or more of the local soloists interjected between other exercises. It must be confessed that M. I. A. IN MUSIC 731 to a greater or less extent, this is still the practice. But ideals and arms of a much higher and broader scale have long since been placed before us, wherein an uplift into real artistic and characteristic im- provement holds out an inviting hand to the musical uplifters in our great community. The artistic charm and culture of enjoying the hearing of fine choirs of male voices, and ladies' voices, separate and apart from each other, has been demonstrated, and the participation, and training in such beautiful art-effects have been partly placed be- fore us, and even rwow awaits further development and general practice to become general, and to take their place side by side with the usual mixed chorus of church choirs. This feature of musical work and improvement took form about forty years ago, and especially upon the arrival of the writer who in the 80's was made musical director of the M. I. A. and held the posi- tion for many years, until by his own urgent requests to be released, for specified reasons which later in this history will be explained, his resignation was regretfully accepted. He at once saw keenly, indeed had long, while in obscurity he was toiling as a day laborer in the little town of Willard, Box Elder county, foreseen and fondly dreamed not only of our possibilities but of realization, as paragraphs from an article written by him in The Contributor in the year 1881-82, "A Musical Dream" will show. An ideal as yet only partly reached by us, but under his direction in those early years, 80's and 90's, put into wonderfully successful application. (See Lecture by Evan Stephens, Contributor, page 262, Vol. 9, Musical Competition. See page 199, Vol. 12, year 1891. Also account of special music at M. I. A. Con- ference, June 1, 1891. See also in this Volume an account of a great musical festival held in the Tabernacle; also note the instrumental music section of these contests, how it included orchestra, contest, military band, brass bands, and various solo instruments, and similar special programs to create and promote a continued advancement in M. I. A. music are to be noted in connection with the M. I. A; Conference of 1892. The activities especially covered the promoting of male voice choirs and quartets, ladies' choirs and quartets, mixed voice choirs, duet and trio singing, as well as solos of every variety, orchestra and band organizations in instrumental solos of all best sorts; the use of mostly home compositions, for which place was made under the super- vision of George D. Pyper in each number of The Contributor — all told, these activities made Salt Lake City to be considered "The musical center" in the intermountain and Pacific slope. It is but just to mention that the activities of the reorganized Tabernacle choir, The Salt Lake Choral Society (interdenominational), the Stephens Opera Co., the Deseret University music department, the music in the city school department, as well as other local small organizations, not forgetting the Anton Pederson's symphony orchestra and military band, 732 IMPROVEMENT ERA added to the Tabernacle concerts where the world's greatest artists made a visit appearance with the choir; the music for the great temple dedication, and finally, the choir's great victory at the World's Fair, 1893 — all served to make complete this really notable musical awakening, at the root of which was our church music and the cooperative activities of the M. I. A., and further that interwoven with it, all the popular "Stephens' Music Classes," numbering two and three thousand children and young people. The movement went as a flash of activity and progress through the entire community from Mexico on the south to Canada on the north, and correspondingly from east to west. And our great task ever since has been to live up as near as we may, to the great reputation made in this time of sowing, in which the M. I. A. took a notable and effective part. Let it here, too, be recorded that as chief promoter of the M. I. A. portion of it, Elder Junius F. Wells stood out in bold relief, an intelligent, en- thusiastic advocate and leader, to whom the musical chief, Stephens, could look up for support in planning and putting into practice every beneficial move to the M. I. A. The "high tide" of this work came and to some degree may be said to have passed by in the early 90's, but the waves have never been permitted to recede far from the high mark set at this time. As Evan Stephens gradually transferred his entire efforts to the Tabernacle choir, whose activities spread even into tours from coast to coast, others were called to continue the M. I. A.'s musical activities. The contest portions in charge of Elder Oscar A. Kirkham have included several double quartets and other musical contests, first in stake capacity and the finals at Salt Lake City during the annual conferences, and later still, Elder B. Cecil Gates has been appointed director of the Young Men, with Miss Margaret Summerhays for the Young Ladies, and later, Mrs. Evangeline Thomas Beesley. New life and material for use has of recent years been given through the Era publishing a male chorus in nearly every number, and for some years the Young Woman's Journal doing likewise for ladies' voices. The Boy Scout section too has been remembered, and special numbers for boys written and published in the Era. These efforts have placed suitable selections in a number of small volumes, the first being a collection for M. I. A. and missionaries, compiled by Evan Stephens, followed recently by twenty-four choruses for men and boys, taken from the Improvement Era numbers and a similar booklet of twenty numbers from the Young Woman's Journal for ladies, thus starting a library of suitable music for the M. I. A. of the Church — a most im- portant factor; as, after all, without suitable material upon which to feed or work, our efforts must languish and gradually die out. As it is, and has been, we are fairly in a position to bear up and promote our share in the musical progress of the great work in which we are engaged.