--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Unknown 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: "Unknown, “Messages from the Missions,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 8 (June 1925)*: 767–777." 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: 767 end_page: 777 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. --- # Messages from the Missions MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "The work of the Lord is growing all over the world; and there is never a month or a year but what the Church is stronger, spiritually and financially, than it was the month or the year previous." — President Heber J. Grant, in opening speech, General Conference, April, 1925. t The Rock Wall at Rockwall, Texas Elder Cyril R. Funk, writing from East Texas conference, says: "In almost every part of the American continent there still remains silent testi- monies, which, in my opinion, may certify to our claim that the Book of Mormon is correct concerning the early settlement of this country. In Rock- wall, Texas, there is a wall which is some 35 to 40 feet high, perpendicular on the outside but measuring from one foot thick at the top to several feet at the base. The inside is built like a number of levees. The wall is about four miles square and encloses the town of Rockwall. There are also other walls of like composition and workmanship extending in several direc- tions from this wall. It is interesting to note the workmanship on these walls. The rocks fit so snugly and the wall presents such a uniform surface that great skill was required in its construction. These walls are all covered up, undoubtedly pointing to the changes taking place in this country during the death of our Savior, so clearly set forth in the Book of Mormon." The picture shows Elder Forbes examining some of the excavated portion of the wall at a recent trip made to it. Bright Prospects in View A very encouraging report of the Konigsberg conference, Germany, dated April 3, 1925, has come to hand from Elder James C. Sharp, con- ference president, who says: "This far away conference is especially favored, for it seems that many of those wandering north with the ten tribes ages ago found this country a pleasing habitation and made it their home. The year 1924 brought much progress to this conference, including the organiza- 768 IMPROVEMENT ERA tion of four live Mutual Improvement organizations and the baptism of 169 converts. In 1925 even brighter prospects are in view. We have just enough persecution and opposition to keep us 'on our toes' and give the proper spirit of humility to carry on the work. A series of very successful branch conferences have been held this year, where investigators were especially given opportunity to hear the gospel in its purity and fulness. For instance, with an enrollment of less than sixty in one branch, including children, over 150 investigators were present in one meeting. A general conference Was held on the 14th and 15 th of March, with mission President Fred Tadje and Elder John Walsh, just released from the British mission, in attendance. The famous Konigsberg music contributed much to the success of the conference. The one cry of the whole Swiss and German mission is for 'more elders,' and we feel that if the youth of Zion realized what a missionary experience really is and just what benefits it brings to the individual as well as to the great cause in which we should all be engaged, they would be anxious to come to our help. The Improvement Era is read from cover to cover by our elders, and many are the good things which we receive from this in- dispensable publication." Elders Konigsberg conference, left to right, top row: W. Leonard Beers, Salt Lake City; Preston A. Watkins, Lewis H. Hunsaker, Brigham City; Fred Bischoff, Salt Lake City. Middle row: Max Dotzler, Nuernberg, Bavaria; Adrian S. Pugmire, Salt Lake City; Harold W. Parkinson, Wellsville; Fred W. Dellenbach, Ogden; Russell F. Rogers, Salt Lake City; Jacob A. Rinderknecht, Providence. Front row: J. Dee Gardner, Sarasota, Florida; Joel J. Summerhays, Salt Lake City; James C. Sharp, conference president, St. Anthony, Idaho; Harold L. Snow, Salt Lake City; Asael E. Bell, Preston, Idaho. Millions Have Not Heard The Gospel Elder Raymond Kneale, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, reports a conference held on the 15 th of February, conducted by Elder Lloyd M. Croxford. The attendance was 90 in the afternoon and 1 1 7 in the evening. Quartette numbers were rendered by the elders and a duet by two of the sisters of the conference, besides excellent instructions that were given, the main MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 769 feature of which was an address by President Charles H. Hyde. He called attention to the fact that millions have not yet heard the gospel, and it was therefore a great privilege to be blessed with the Priesthood and called to be a servant of the Lord. He related the circumstance under which the wonnderful hymn, "Come, come, ye Saints," was written and which buoyed up the Pioneers and gave them courage to press on. President Croxford reported progress, showing advancement in all activities over the previous year. Elders Victorian conference, front, left to right: Floyd M. Croxford, conference president, Murray. Standing: Reuben A. Call, Bountiful; Russell B. Tingey, Brigham City, Utah; Joseph W. Ward, Malad, Idaho; Joseph Wm. Christensen, Ephraim; Charles G. Cowley, Salt Lake City; Donald J. Howard, Malad, Idaho; Harvey O. Crook, Smoot, Wyoming. Brother and Sister Arthur Crane of Adelaide in the South Australian conference of the Australian mission. They are both very faithful workers in the Church. Sister Florence Crane has been conference organist for a number of years and also a Sunday School teacher. Brother Crane is the president of the Y. M. M. I. A. and has acted in that position a number of years. Both are very zealous in the work of the Lord, being willing to do all they can for the comfort of the Saints and elders. — Walter D. Francis, Morgan, Utah. 770 IMPROVEMENT ERA A Prayer of Faith Answered Elder Harold D. White of Launceston, Tasmania, reports the following incident: "Less than six months ago the prospects of the Launceston branch were anything but encouraging. For over a year and a half no members had been added to the fold and it was not unusual to hold a Sunday night meeting with four or five in attendance. It came nearly being decided to take the elders out of Launceston, but mission President Charles H. Hyde decided to give the people another chance. He visited the different con- ferences in the Australian mission and requested the elders and Saints to unite in prayer in behalf of the elders and Saints at Launceston, that their efforts might be fruitful. Since that time the attendance of the Sunday night meetings has increased to an average of about twenty-five. Five new members were added to the Church, and there are good prospects of more in the near future. The prayer of faith has been answered, and we give thanks •■o our heavenly Father for blessing our efforts so abundantly." Elders in the Launceston branch, Australia, left to right: Rollin C. Smith, Frank R. Pett, outgoing branch president, removed to Western Australian conference, Salt Lake City, Utah; Harold D. White, incoming branch president, Rockland, Idaho. I Meeting in the City Hall Berlin The beautiful, massive City Hall of Berlin was recently used to ac- commmodate approximately 2,000 people who attended meetings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 22nd of February. Dr. James E. Talmage, who was on his way to the northmost missions of the Church, together with Fred Tadje, President of the Swiss-German mission, who accompanied him on his trip three weeks through Switzerland, France and Germany, were in attendance. In addition there were about 70 mis- sionaries from various sections of Germany in attendance. Twenty-six meetings were held in various cities of the above named countries, such as Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Dresden, Chemnitz, Leipzig, Stettin and Berlin. No difficulty was encountered in obtaining and using the City Hall of Berlin. On the contrary, a very courteous, helpful spirit was found. This spirit is indicative of a general spirit throughout Germany and is of praiseworthy note, when it is remembered that a few years ago it would have been impossible for the Church to have held a large public meeting in Berlin, or in any other city of Germany, much less to have used a public structure such as the City Hall of Berlin. From all sections of the Swiss and German mission comes the report that conditions are better for the preaching of the gospel than they have ever been before. A lack of mis- MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 771 sionaries, however, threatens to seriously hinder our progress in 1925. We are hoping that this condition will be ameliorated in the very near future. Of additional interest was the reception of Dr. Talmage and his party by Prof. Belowsky of the "Naturkunde Museum." Dr. Talmage placed geological specimens in the Museum many years ago. Among these specimens were beautiful crystals of Selenite and a remarkable plate of Selenite. Prof. Belowsky was a visitor in Salt Lake, over 25 years ago, and while there was entertained by Dr. Talmage. — F. A. Smith, Basel Switzerland. A Missionary Convention A most successful convention of missionaries and conference presidents was held at Seattle, Washington, January 9 to 1 1 . There were about eighty-five missionaries there from all parts of the mission. Various sub- jects were treated and discussed relating to missionary problems and activities. The following subjects were treated: "Relation of the Mission Office to the Missionary," Elder Ralph B. Stratford; "Missionary Maintenance," President D. Crawford Houston, Southeast Washington conference; "Book of Mor- mon," President Rulon L. Johnson, East Washington conference; "Tract- ing," President G. Junius Wilson, Northwest Washington conference; "Country Work," President Karl W. Davenport, Southeast Washington con- ference; "Cottage Meetings," President L. Elmer Jackson, West Washington conference; "Missionary Conduct and Discipline," Elder Evan W. Ashby, East Washington conference; "Visiting Investigators," President C. M. Poulsen, British Columbia conference; "Missionary Classes," Elder Orson Haynie, mission secretary; "Public Speaking," President Wm. Lavern Smith, Oregon conference; "Mission Primaries," Sister Anna Redd, president mission Primaries. We feel that a great amount of good was accomplished during the convention. The missionaries were given a keener insight into missionary work and through the instructions that were given they will be able to more efficiently carry on their work as missionaries. The closing session Sunday evening was well attended. The church was crowded and many were unable to find seats. President B. S. Young gave a very able address on the "Personality of God." There was much favorable comment on his talk. All during the convention many beautiful musical numbers were rendered by missionaries and members of the Seattle branch. As an opening number to the convention, the Oregon conference missionaries gave a program and a one act play entitled, "Borrowers Day," on the evening of January 8. This was well received by the missionaries and Saints. — Ralph B. Stratford, mission secretary. The Work in Oregon Saturday, January 17, 1925, the missionaries of the Oregon conference met with President Brigham S. Young in semi-annual elders' conference. Favorable reports were given, and many interesting experiences related. Sunday, January 18, three public sessions were held. The morning and afternoon meetings were devoted to testimonies and reports of the missionaries. The Sunday evening service was attended by three hundred and fifty people. Elder Orson Haynie, who for several months past has been secretary of the mission as well as superintendent of mission Sunday schools and Mutuals, gave his farewell address. He returned to his home in Los Angeles, Calif, one week after conference after spending thirty-one months in the service of the Lord and having accomplished much good. President Young delivered a very instructive discourse concerning the Ideals of "Mormonism." Twelve Sunday Schools, three Mutual Improvement Associations, and nine Primaries are now being conducted regularly in the conference in connection with other regular services. We are enjoying success in all departments of our work. '72 IMPROVEMENT ERA The people receive us well and extend to us kindnesses in many cases. An illustrated lecture concerning the Book of Mormon has contributed much to our success. It was given formerly by Elder Orson Haynie and since his release by Elder Wm. Lavern Smith. Homes, halls, churches, libraries, etc., serve as lecture rooms. It has been presented in all eighteen times and attend- ed by twelve hundred people. Recently eight of the missionaries motored to Hood River, Oregon, where they gave a musical program and the lecture to a congregation of ninety people, seventy of whom are not of our faith. A similar program was successfully given in the chapel of the re-organized church at Oregon City. Two other illustrated lectures, "Temple Work" and "Leaders of the Church," were recently brought into the mission and will be given as opportunity affords. — Wm. Lavern Smith, president. Top row, left to right: Gladys Holton, Brigham; F. Ellis Anderson, Oak City, Utah; Owen T. Howard, Malad, Idaho; Donald W. Folsom, Salt Lake City; Fern Fagan, Lehi. Second row: Ersell Shirts, Circleville; Golden Wilcox. Sandy; Orson Haynie, Los Angeles, former mission secretary and superintendent Sunday Schools and Mutuals; Anna Reed, Blanding, mission president Pri- maries; Wm. Lavern Smith, Sandy, mission superintendent Sunday Schools and Y. M. M. I. A.; J. Moroni Ward, Portage; Dean Fortie, Heber, Utah. Third row: Ulyss R. Thurgood, Hooper, Utah; Calysta S. Stratford, Ralph B. Strat- ford, Pocatello, Idaho, mission secretary; Brigham S. Young, mission president; Solon A. Wood, Springville, Utah, conference president; Helen Halmilton, Sugar City; Orville Stanfield, Gannett, Idaho. Fourth row: Abram W. Conover, Provo: Winward F. Tanner, Payson; Ada Wilson, Hyrum, Utah; Newell R. Budge, Paris, Idaho; Maggie H. Wood, Springville; Fred W. Hollerman, Provo; Eilert Israelsen,, Hyrum, Utah. Fifth Row: Gwendolyn Bryner, Raymond, Alberta, Canada; Jens K. Nelson, Clearfield; John N. Openshaw, Paragoonah; Winnifred Cranney, Ogden, Utah. MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 773 Primary and Sunday School Organized The Long Beach conference, January 16-18, was held in the Huntington Beach chapel under direction of mission President Joseph W. McMurrin and other mission officials. The Relief Society met on Friday under the direction of President Margaret K. Miller. On Friday an inspiring Priesthood meeting was held where strong testimonies were borne and a wonderful spirit manifest. The general session was well attended by Saints, friends and investigators from all districts of the conference. Principles of the gospel were explained and President McMurrin gave several inspiring talks, re- minding the Saints of the blessings that will come through the serving of the Lord, and encouraged the missionaries to go forth with interest and enthusiasm in the cause. Since the conference was held two new organizations have come into being, one on March 8 when a Sunday School was organized at Terrance; and on the 14th, a neighborhood Primary at Fullerton. — Gwendolyn Nelson, conference clerk. J&o/wjBeaeA Missionaries Long Beach conference, top row, left to right: May Snow, Raymond, Alberta, Canada; Iris Coombs, Fielding; Gwendolyn Nelson, Ogden; Jane Gar- field, Draper, Utah; Mary Ostlund, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; LaVon Lund, Mt. Pleasant. Center row: John Godfrey, Clarkston; Mae Reese, Coalville; Ernest M. Horsley, incoming conference president, Brigham City; Joseph W. McMurrin, president California mission; E. Rumel Cay ton, retiring conference president. Salt Lake City; Louise Jeppsen, Mantua, Utah; Arthur C. Harris, Rigby, Idaho. Bottom row: T. Delice Andelin, Provo; Reed Rasband, Heber; T. T. Rasmussen, Oakley; Joseph R. Withers, Riverton; Thomas E. Cheney, Victor, Idaho; Floyd C. Andersen, Mantua, Utah. A Missionary Convention in Aarhus, Denmark One of the greatest events that has taken place in the Danish mission was the visit of President James E. Talmage, February 27-28, 1925, on which occasion the elders of the entire mission were gathered in conference. 774 IMPROVEMENT ERA t On the 27th, President Talmage and John S. Hansen spoke to a congregation of 154 in Aarhus, at which a large proportion present were strangers. One baptism was performed after the meeting. On the 28th a special conference was held in the mission house in Aarhus. All missionaries were present and gave an opportunity to express their feelings and bear their testimonies. At the various meetings everyone felt the spirit of the gospel and only re- gretted that the time was so short. "We listened with pleasure to President Talmage's and President Hansen's instructions. We feel grateful to our heavenly Father for President Talmage's visit and wish him Godspeed on his travels through Sweden and Norway and take this opportunity of greeting our friends at home, with best wishes from old Denmark. The hospitality of Brother and Sister Niels Jensen and family of Aarhus during the visit will not soon be forgotten by all who came." — Brian L. Peterson. All the elders laboring in Denmark, back row, left to right: C. A. Malan, Ogden; W. M. Nielsen, Logan; T. Kilts, Ogden; H. S. Lund, Aalborg conference secretary; E. H. Sorensen, Salt Lake City; H. D. Jorgensen, Rigby, Idaho; H. M. Larsen, presiding Elder, Thisted, Ogden. Middle row: A. Mollerup, traveling elder Aalborg conference; W. L. Jensen, Esbjerg branch president. Salt Lake City; H. J. Christensen, Monroe; F. L. Curtz, E. F. Erickson, Salt Lake City; Peter Petersen, Randers branch president, Salt Lake City; L. E. Rasmussen, Midvale; H. N. Ogaard, Brigham City; A. B. C. Jensen, Odense branch president, Yost; O. C. Petersen, Hjorring branch president, Gunnison. Sitting: B. L. Petersen, Aarhus conference president; Muriel Hansen, Anna Hansen, president of Relief Societies; President John S. Hansen, Danish mission president; Elder James E. Talmage, European .mission president; Julius Bruun, Copenhagen conference president; Christen Larsen, Aalborg conference president, all of Salt Lake City. Sitting in front: W. P. Winkler, Aarhus conference secretary, Salt Lake City; O. W. Jensen, Union. Songs of Zion in New Zealand John B. Blackham, conference president of the Auckland conference, New Zealand, reports a conference held on November 2, 1924, of that branch, which was the first of its kind for some years: "The conference was highly successful and largely attended. A divine influence actuated and MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 775 attended all the speakers. A general Priesthood meeting was held prior to the opening session of the conference, at which latter ten-minute speeches were made by six of the elders. The branch choir rendered some of Brother Evan Stephens' favorite anthems with zest and spirit. A later session was devoted to the bearing of testimonies — a meeting that was very interesting. In the evening the final session convened where precious truths were pre- sented pertaining to the principal tenets of the gospel as restored in the latter days. The Saints in this part of New Zealand are comparatively few, but their spirit and willingness to serve fully compensate for the earnestness and diligence extended by the elders in their endeavors to preach the gospel. We enjoy the Era and the truths contained in its pages." Names of missionaries, standing, left to right: Rulon H. Tingey, mission secre- tary; F. Irvine Burnham, president Whangarei conference; Alvin A. Davis, Waikato; G. Lyle Palmer, Whangarei; Angus T. Wright, mission president; Arnel J. Talbot, Hauraki; William C. Carr, assistant mission secretary; A. Reed Halversen, president Hauraki conference;; George L. Young, president Mahia conference. Kneeling: Ezra H. Anderson, President Waikato conference; Clarence L. Rasmussen, Hauraki; Golden J. Webster, Whangerei; John B. Blackham, president Auckland conference; LeRoy B. Jex, Aukland. (Sister Wright was not present when the picture was taken, but was included as one of the fourteen missionaries from Zion present at the con- ference.) News from South African Mission Splendid results attend the efforts of the elders and Saints of the South African mission. Being the greatest distance from the headquarters of the Church, we are deprived of the spiritual strength and blessings received by many other missions, which come from occasional visits from the presiding authorities of the Church. The Lord, however, does direct the labors of those who are called to preside and officiate by virtue of the holy Priesthood throughout the nations of the earth. This truth is substantiated by the results obtained by the good men who in all humility and prayerfulness have directed the work of this mission. The South African mission consists of five con- ferences. The allotted quota of missionaries is twenty-five. At the present time we have but fourteen. Three of the conferences have regular organized 776 IMPROVEMENT ERA branches. This organization tends to greater efficiency in the conferences. The Relief Society and the Mutual Improvement Associations are progressing effectively, due to the untiring and unselfish labors of Sister Magdalen Sessions. In order to make the M. I. A. more effective and extend its influence into all the branches of the mission, Elder Waldemar Young Clayton was recently appointed mission superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. The annual elders' conference and convention was held this year in Johannesburg, the Gold City of the world and one of the richest cities. The convention served a two-fold purpose; that of dedicating our new chapel recently erected there and the planning and outlining our year's work. The evening prior to the convening for conference a grand concert was rendered under the auspices of the M. I. A. The chapel was filled to its capacity. The convention opened January 3 1 at 9:00 a. m. with an elders' testimony meeting. Mission President James Wiley Sessions presided and conducted. The spirit of love, charity, humility was manifested in the burning testimonies of the elders. Such bonds of strength, vitalized through the keeping of God's commandments can never be broken. The dedicatory service was held Sun- day, February 1, 1925. Once more the chapel was crowded with people, curious and anxious to see and hear the services of the Latter-day Saints, and to learn more of their teachings. Some splendid addresses were given at this meeting. With the united faith and prayers of all assembled, Presi- dent James Wiley Sessions offered the dedicatory prayer. The work of the convention was then divided and assigned to various committees to study the problems and outline the year's program. At the close of the conference, January 5, plans were outlined and put into proper form to be sent to the missionaries as a guide to follow throughout the year. — Elder George Pug- mire, Jr., president Cape conference. f: t Missionaries attending the African conference, standing: Leon S. Saunders, Clarence L. Rockwood, Keith P. Heiner of Salt Lake City; Wilford D. Harris, Ogden, president Natal conference; George Pugmire, Pocatello, Idaho, president Cape conference; Cornelius Vanderende, Salt Lake City; Royal D. Crook, Heber, president Port Elizabeth conference; H. Lorden Baker, Salt Lake City. Sitting: Kenneth C. Woodruff, Salt Lake City; Leonard N. Judkins, Ogden, president Transvaal conference; Kenneth D. Wright, Salt Lake City, president Bloemfontein conference; Sister Magdalen Funk Sessions, president Young Ladies M. I. A. and Relief Societies; Mission President James Wiley Sessions, Pocatello, Idaho; mission secretary, Waldemar Young Clayton, Salt Lake City; Miles P Romney, MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 777 Salt Lake City, the architect and builder of the new chapel; Hyrum L. Crane, Pocatello, Idaho. Progress in East Texas Missionaries of East Texas and Arkansas met on the 28th of February, to the first of March in conference. A priesthood meeting was held on the first day when President S. O. Bennion gave timely instructions con- cerning their work. From the reports of the missionaries it appears that the cause is progressing rapidly in that part. Many meetings have been ar- ranged for the summer months and the missionaries are determined to press forward in the cause of truth, with faith that many will enter into the fold. — Joseph T. Lindsay, president of the East Texas conference. Front row, left to right; Jos. T. Lindsay, president, East Texas conference; W. L. Crabb, former conference president; E. L. Christiansen, pricipal of Kelsey School; Luella Christiansen, Baby Francis; LaVerne J. Stone, Minerva Jensen, teachers of Enoch School; James A. Davis, Pres. Arkansas conference; R. D. Iverson, former conference president. Middle row: O. Gubler, A. R. Forbes, V. J. Holmes, W. L. Kirkham, W. W. Potter, C. R. Funk, Floyd Humphries, E. S. Evans. Top row: A. L. Rosenhall, O. W. Bunker, Ray Oman, Darrel Welling, LeGrand Rassmusson, S. C. Perry, R. P. Green. S. L. Gillette, E. H. Anderson. Bruce Barton, in an article in The American Magazine, gives the result of an interview with Patrick Crowley, president of the New York Central Railroad, with its 20,000 miles of track, serving more than 56,000,000 people. He says Mr. Crowley began as a messenger boy with the railroad. Now before you read any further, shut your eyes and make a guess as to the man's attitud'e toward tobacco. You think he doesn't smoke? Well, you're right, for that's just what Bruce Barton says about him. — Will H. Brown, Oakland, Calif.