--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 12 published: 1925-10 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Messages from the Missions,” *Improvement Era* 28, no. 12 (October 1925): 1169–1179." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera28012unse 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: improvementera28012unse start_page: 1169 end_page: 1179 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1925-10) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera28012unse 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 To the Elders in the Field — Please, in reporting messages, give brief faith- promoting incidents, thoughts, and ideas; new methods of work; effective and rare travel events; answer to prayer; directions by the Spirit, notable conversions; mani- festations of the power and goodness of God, and other kindred subjects.- State the facts briefly and to the point... Let your illustrations show the persons and places, in these events. Activities and Baptisms in Central States Mission "In the work of the Lord ,only our best efforts will be accepted." This thought is instilled in the hearts of the missionaries of the Central States mission. Through energetic effort the honest in heart are searched out, and where literature can be placed in their hands, the seeds are sown which later will bear fruit. During the first four months of the year, 2,25 8 Books of Mormon have been sold, 1,708 loaned, and 14,467 other books. During the same period of time 120 baptisms have been performed. ... ■ JMwt* f *0[t§ mm 1 * ", CENTRAL STATES MISSION. INDEPENDENCE CONFERENCE First row: Harriet Larkin, Nellie Moncur, Ebba Bills, Mae Wolfley, Luella Anderson, Ruth Home, Lela Ward, Amy Anderson. Second row: Wilford T. Young, N. LeGrande Larsen, Pearson H. Corbett, conference president; Mrs. S. O. Bennion, president mission Relief Societies; S. O. Bennion, mission president; Riley A. Gwyn, mission secretary; Conrad Sorensen, former mission secretary; Gailord L. Taylor. Third row: Ressa Lounsbury, Thora Hatch, Iva M. Beus, Bessie Williams, Jessie Henricksen, Lavell Jones, Donna Durrant, Myrtle Johnston. Fouth row: Emery B. Nelson, John Daniels, Belmont D. Smith, Theron Griffin, Arden M. Thax- ton A. D. Burton, president South West Missouri conference; Glenn C. Schmidt, Karl Skinner. Fifth row: Otis Nielson, Glen M. Bennion, Lafayette Wright, Joseph F. Catmull, Elved B. Williams, Leland W. Rawson, R. Warner Davidson. 1170 IMPROVEMENT ERA One-Hundred Fifty Baptized in Dresden Elder Roland B. Smith, Dresden conference, Germany, March 21, 1925: "Dresden is the Paris of Germany, the music and art center of Europe, on the beautiful river Elba, and is one of the foremost cities o'f the German republic. The work of the Lord commenced here in the year 1855, a branch being organized on the 14th of October,- when Elders Franklin D. Richards and Richard Kimball visited Dresden. William Budge labored here at that time, having been transferred from Switzerland. On the above date the first baptism was held in the river Elba at which Karl G. Maeser, Edward Schoen- feld and Edward Martin were baptized, Karl G. Maeser being the first in this land to accept the restored gospel. The promulgation of the gospel was hindered in various ways until the late World War, but during these arduous times in which the elders suffered banishment and imprisonment, the seed of truth was planted and has held life through several decades to blossom forth as the rose at the present time. The Dresden branch now numbers 300. The Church owns a beautiful chapel. Hundreds have left here to make their homes in the valleys of the Rocky mountains, but the Dresden branch is still flourishing and growing. The Dresden conference numbers about 800, 150 having been baptized in the last twelve months. The number of missionaries is comparatively small. The fields are ripe, but the harvest workers are few. At a special meeting held February 19, President James E. Talmage and President Fred Tadje were present. Nearly 600 Saints and friends assembled in the chapel to hear their message. President Talmage was warmly welcomed on his first visit to Germany since presiding over the European mission. We thank him very much for the many good and help- ful instructions he gave us." Opposition in Manchester Subsiding Elder Rabald D. McGregor, conference president, Manchester, England, reports prospects brighter in that place than for some time, due to the splendid work of the mssionaries and the Saints and of the lessening of prejudice and opposition. A recent visit of President James E. Talmage had a marked effect upon all who heard him. The traveling elders are thoroughly united and are constantly and consistently aided by the local priesthood and lady missionaries, of whom there are considerable number in each of the seven branches of the conference. They go out willingly for one or two hours and often more after a long day's work in mill or factory, and receive willingly the rebuffs of many in giving away tracts and literature, all of which manifests a deep sincerity and an abiding testimony of the gospel. Through this work and the prestige of President James E. Talmage, opposition so current two years ago is rapidly subsiding and new openings are constantly and daily presented. Hundreds of people are manifesting a keen interest in our message in Safford and showing us unusual courtesy, and the detectives appointed at headquarters to attend our meetings for the purpose of preserving order are our genuine friends. We hope soon to open a branch here. Seventeen Baptized in Compton, California Lorin C. Miles, president of the Los Angeles conference, reports on August 1 1, that the missionaries are striving to implant the gospel spirit in the hearts of all, whether in the cities or the rural districts. A marked increase is noted in the distribution of various Church books and tracts, also in the number of converts receiving baptism and confirmation. In Madera the city marshal informed the elders that because of complaints which had reached him, they'd better leave town. He said, "We cannot uphold your doctrine." The missionaries presented the matter to the city mayor who invited them to attend their council meeting to be held a few days later. The accusers were asked to be present, but failed to appear. The missionaries learned later that MESSAGES FORM THE MISSIONS 1171 the complaint came through the Ministers' Union. This is a fair sample of the complaints against "Mormon" missionaries and the usual result of the investigation. Elders in the Compton branch have worked wonders in preaching and teaching the gospel. There are 100 Saints in this city of 10,000, and they have a well organized Sunday school and Primary and hold regular Sunday evening services. In six months past 1 7 converts have been baptized in Compton. k*.+- %i^ :r=i;^Mv;: }PsSS£- Missionaries are as follows, back row, left to right: Willis E. Dutson, Maynard Summers, Sacramento-Gridley conference; Mark C. Black, Kenneth A. Nielson, San Jose conference; Griffith Kimball, San Bernardino conference; Lucille Holdaway, San Diego conference; Lloyd A. Peery, Lorin C. Miles, incoming conference president; Marion A. Halliday, Ferdinand Hansen, Axie Spackman, San Diego conference; George E. Harris, Fresno conference; Luther Y. Smith, Clyde Thompson, Sacramento-Gridley conference; Lucy Eldredge, Fresno con- ference; Leland R. Wright. James E. Crook, Leo J. Huskinson, San Bernardino conference. Middle row: Annie B. Quist, Louis S. Iverson. Calimis Editor: Moselle Michaelson. president Y. L. M. I. A. and mission Primary; Frank Brown, Los Angeles conference; Charlotte Stahr, assistant president mission Relief Societies; President Joseph W. McMurrin; Margaret K. Miller, president mission Relief Societies; Lewis E. Rowe, superintendent mission Y. M. M. I. A. and Sunday schools; Laura I. Astle, corresponding secretary; Reed S. Gardner, mission secretary; Mrs. John Spencer, visitor. Front row: President Ellii M. Orme, San Diego conference; Arnold C. Brems, Thelma Taylor, Milton W. West, Evelyn Schank, Sarah Cornick, President Ernest M. Horsley, Long Beach conference; Verene Adams, Noel A. Fuller, Madora Lund, John Spencer, visitor. A Place of Baptism In Bielefeld, Hannover Conference, Germany, it is a wonderful feeling for the Saints to go through the woods to the place where their branch 1172 IMPROVEMENT ERA baptisms are held. The spot is situated away from all traffic which adds to its spirit of sacredness when the Saints are gathered around it. It is seldom PLACE OF BAPTISM AT BIELEFELD that a service is held that the baptism of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery is not mentioned, for the spot is very much like, judging from the pictures that are printed, the renowned place on the Susquehanna. The grounds are private property and no transgressing is allowed, but special priv- ilege has been given the Bielefeld branch to hold services at any time for which the Saints are very thankful, for to attend the spiritual baptisms held there is indeed a joy and faith promoting. — Llewelyn R. McKay. Latter-day Saints' New Church in Kidderminster Elder Alvah N. Stout, president of the Birmingham conference, England, writes of an interesting occasion in that conference in the form of the dedica- tion of a house of worship at Kidderminster, under direction of President James E. Talmage, June 14, 1925. This has been made possible through the combined efforts of the elders and Saints who have worked incessantly. The chapel was purchased from the Countess of Huntingdon Connexion — an evangelical organization — and under the supervision of the traveling mis- sionaries, who, for months have labored at it, has been renovated and the grounds beautified, with the result that it stands as a testimony of the integrity and unselfish sacrifce of the Latter-day Saint people. The building is an imposing structure of red brick and sandstone after the Gothic style of architecture. More than 350 people can be accommodated. The ceilings and walls of the interior have been redecorated to harmonize with the oak color of the benches and stand. At the rear of the chancel an elevated platform provides for choir seats and organ. In front of the organ a beau- tiful stand and pulpit have been erected under which a baptismal font has been installed, being equipped with a coil heater, the heat supplied by the chapel heating system. Splendid class rooms, with modern conveniences, are MESSAGES FORM THE MISSIONS 1173' found on either side of the stand, and the building is equipped throughout with an electrical system. This is the second chapel to be dedicated in this conference. The oc- casion was marked with an inspiring address by President Talmage, who dwelt on the meaning of "Dedication"; and then offered the dedicatory prayer. Sister May Booth Talmage and a number of the elders present spoke also. The Handsworth choir and male quartet gave special musical numbers, and Charles C. Edwards and Lucy Nightingale sang solos. The missionaries feel that the acquiring of this chapel is going to be an added help in bringing the gospel to the people. Many are seeking to know the teachings of "Mormon- ism"; others have applied for baptism. CHURCH BUILDING OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS IN KIDDERMINSTER Birmingham. England, dedicated June 14, 1925, by President James E. Talmage, purchased from an Evangelical Organization — the Countess of Huntingdon Connexion. 1174 IMPROVEMENT ERA Above front row: John H. Smeath, Thomas S. Griffiths, Kenneth F. .Schade, mission secretary; Joseph E. Tillotson, outgoing conference president. Dr. James E. Talmage, mission president; May Booth Talmage, president mission Relief Societies; Alvah N. Stout, incoming conference president; Howard Cook, mission secretary-treasurer. Back row: George T. Harrison, Ellis L. Rees; Joseph L. Muirbrook; Leland N. Wight; Lester D. Hovey, conference clerk; James H. Bowns; Morgan Hawkes; David H. Newman. Below: interior view Kidderminster Church, a Gothic structure with seating ac- commodations for 3 50 people. MESSAGES FORM THE MISSIONS 1175 On the Temple Grounds, Hawaii The other morning I dropped in to see Brother Nelson at the Bureau office, and found him looking through the Tourists Register at the many peculiar names and divers places written on its pages. At once my interest was aroused and I joined him in the amusing perusal. We opened the book at random to a page which happened to be on an ordinary week day, but see what its 3 7 signatures revealed: Hawaii, 3; Alabama, 1; Texas, 2; Japan, 5; N. Wales 1; Cuba, 1; China, 7; California, 7; Massachusetts, 2; New York City, 1 ; Connecticut, 1 ; Minnesota, 2 ; Phillipines, 1 ; Australia, 2; Rhode Island, 1. There were as many from China as California registered; more from Japan than from right here in the islands; Australia's representatives equaled those from Massachusetts; and all together they represent one-sixth of the states, several of the territories and four foreign countries of the world. An- other page proved that representatives had been here from Russia, England, Austria. South Africa, San Pete county, Brigham City and almost one-third of the states in the Union. We had heard of Brigham City but we could not find San Pete county in the Almanac of the world. Last Sunday over 150 signatures were registered, which only represents, however, approximately one-third of the visitors on the grounds for the day. This was an ordinary Sunday crowd — nothing special — but they came from 33 states of the main- land, five islands of the sea, and eight continental foreign countries. On some special occasions we have as many as four or five hundred visitors in one day, four hundred names is the most registered in the book in one day, so far. Since January, 1924, over 10,000 have registered at the Bureau, while the number since Thangsgiving Day of 1919 has reached near 66,000. This, however, is only one-third of the actual number of visitors, which means that almost 200,000 or upwards of a quarter of a million people have be- held the transcending beauties of our wonderful Laie temple, most of them openly admiring and praising all they have seen and heard before leaving the grounds. The Tourists Bureau of Hawaii is beginning to recognize the fact that the "Mormon" Temple at Laie is one of the main attractions of the Islands, and each year the number of tourists visiting the temple grounds is increasing rapidly, as will be seen by the following estimate taken from the signatures in the register: 1920 — 4,800, 1921 — 5,100, 1922 — 5,700. 1923—14,400, 1924 — 28,800. 1925 — Many admire the beauty of the land-scape gardening: others stand spell- bound at the architectural grandeur of the temple itself; a few, however, more farsighted and spiritual minded than the multitude, see beyond the surface beauties into the wonderful principles that caused the erection of such an edifice. Here the principles of the gospel are presented in a most effective manner by means of the splendid figures so cleverly arranged on the four temple friezes. Keen interest is aroused right from the start by these. In natural consequence an explanation is at once desired as to the significance of each. Then comes the opportunity few missionaries in the world enjoy — that of presenting the gospel message by request to a group watching, listen- ing with eager interest. The desired purpose is accomplished — a seed of truth is sown, the gospel is here reaching the ears of thousands upon thou- sands from the four quarters of the earth, yea. indeed, "Every nation, kindred, tongue and people," and under such favorable circumstances that most of this enormous number have left the grounds with entirely a new con- ception of "Mormonism." The Lord works in mysterious ways, but true it was when the angel told Joseph Smith, the plowboy. that through his instrumentality "a marvelous work and a wonder would be accomplished in these latterdays." — J. Wesley Williamson. MESSAGES FORM THE MISSIONS 1177 New German-Austrian Mission Created On August 22-24, 1925, a most successful large conference was held at which time the official division of the Swiss-German Mission took place. In attendjnce were President and Sister James E. Talmage of the European Mission; President and Sister Fred Tadje of the German-Austrian Mission; President and Sister Hugh J. Cannon of the Swiss-German Mission and President and Sister Charles Hyde of the Holland Mission. This is perhaps che first time that four European mission presidents have been in attendance at one conference. The main session of the conference was held on Sunday afternoon at which time the division of the mission took place, forming two missions as follows: The German- Austrian mission with headquarters at Dresden and the Swiss-German mission, headquarters at Basel. The German- Austrian mission includes the Berlin, Stettin, Konigsberg, Breslau, Vienna, Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz conferences; President Fred Tadje was ap- pointed to preside over this mission. The Swiss-German mission includes Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Frankfort, Stuttgart, Basel, Bern and Zurich conferences, with Hugh J. Cannon as president. At this afternoon meeting between fourteen and fifteen thousand people were in attendance. Five large overflow meetings were held at which nearly five thousand people came to hear the word of the Lord, hundreds of whom were friends and investi- gators, showing that many people are anxious to hear the gospel. Needless to say, all the Saints and missionaries were spiritually renewed and in- vigorated, returning to their different fields of labor and homes with great rejoicing. Prospects in these conferences are good for the future. Up to date, over one hundred persons have been baptized this year. We thank the Lord that he has prospered us in our efforts to teach the Gospel and we send greetings and best wishes to all friends and supporters of the Truth. — E. DeMar Anderson, president Chemnitz conference. Elder Richard R. Lyman in the Mexican Mission The first of a series of conferences to be held in different parts of the Mexican mission by Elder Richard R. Lyman, of the Council of the Twelve, and President Rey L. Pratt was held in El Paso, Texas, August 1, 2 and 3. Missionaries of the states of Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico, were in attendance in addition to those laboring in El Paso, Texas. The interest of the members and investigators was manifested by an unusually large attendance at the public meetings. Many visitors were present from neighboring branches of the Mexican mission. Aside from the talks of the missionaries several excellent sermons were given by President Pratt and Elder Lyman, those of the latter being given in English and interpreted into Spanish by President Pratt. At the priesthood meeting reports of the work in their respective fields were given by the missionaries, which included reports of the American branch of El Paso, and of work being done among the Papago Indians of the Pima Reservation of Arizona. Instructions to the missionaries were given by Elder Lyman and President Pratt and assignments were made. On the 8th and 9th of August the missionaries working in San Antonio, the border towns of Laredo. Piedras Negras, Brownsville, Monterey and Saltillo, Mexico, met in conference in San Antonio, Texas. Elder Richard R. Lyman of the Council of the Twelve, with President Rey L. Pratt were in attendance at the largest conference ever held in any part of this section of the mission. The newspapers gave considerable space so that many were advised of our gospel message as a direct result of the conference. President Pratt interpreted Elder Lyman's instructive sermons into Spanish and President Pratt also spoke powerfully on various gospel subjects. Many non-members attended the sessions and after the meetings several people requested that the 1178 IMPROVEMENT ERA missionaries visit them Fourteen elders and four lady mssionaries are work- ing here, all of whom, at the priesthood meeting on Monday, the 10th, reported much success during the past six months. Twenty-three baptisms were reported. Instructions looking to bettering the work in this part of the mission were given by President Pratt and Elder Lyman. — Elder Charles V. Langlois. , [ j i 'j Left to right, front row: Robert E. Miller, Bessie Burnham. released; Zareta Farns- worth, Rey L. Pratt, mission president; Apostle Richard R. Lyman, Elizabeth N. Thomas, mission stenographer; Carol Bird, english work; Frank L. Copening, Jr., mission secretary. Second row: Ronald G. Bateman, LaVar M. Black, C. Vernon Jackson, mailing clerk; Gaius D. Call, Grace Linton, english work; Edwin C. Santeo, Pima Indians of Arizona; Jose Apolinar Bladeras, El Paso branch president; Leonard Ahlstrom, english work. Third row: Grand L. Bayles, Jesse C. Holt, Dolan B. Condie, Douglas K. Simons, Kenneth Haymore, Ivins P. Macdonald, H. Harold Davis, Wallace A. Wood, English work; Willis L. Jacobson, Samuel W. McKnight, S. Mario Topham, James E. Sellers, Dale A. Brantner, Forrest E. Lowe and Dewey S. Farnsworth were also in attendance at the conference but were not present at the time the picture was taken. The Book of Mormon Illustrated In spite of July's hot weather, a large and spiritual conference was held here July 18, 9 and 20. The main feature of the conference was the Sunday school in which the message of the Book of Mormon was given. A large, black book, draped from the wall with a red curtain, stood in the middle of the stand. Upon the book, in large gold letters "Book of Mormon" was to be seen. After the eighth article of faith, prophecies, the title page, and explanations of the Book of Mormon were given, the book opened and out of its leaves stepped Mahonri Moriancumr in his native dress and told the history of his people the Jaredites. Ether, Nephi, Alma, Mulek, Mormon and Moroni followed, each in turn, and related the conditions of their times. After the narrative of each people, the children's choir sang songs MESSAGES FORM THE MISSIONS 1179 telling of iis downfall. An inspirational talk from Mission President Fred Tadje put a wonderful climax on the message that we wished to give to the many new friends present. A musical program Sunday evening was made successful with the help of Charolette Kowelewski, Berlin, at the piano, with instrumental selections from missionaries from Hamburg and Dresden, with local talent and with a choir of seventy-five (75) voices accompanied by an electric organ. The work in this part of the Lord's vineyard is enjoyed by us all. We are only sorry that we haven't more missionaries to enjoy it with us, for there is much work to be done and many souls eager to hear the gospel. — Llewelyn R. McKay, Conference President. pf* f 1 00 & V r * f ^ 1 ! ? ? * V f! r ^H# Br _ _3W p> * * : M^ / 1 : ••■:'. • ■'■'■*- P** 1 i s - ^ MISSIONARIES, HANNOVER, GERMANY Back row, left to right: Jacob Wagner, Salt Lake; Ralph G. Cutler, Salt Lake; Milton Leishman, Baker, Oregon; Emil Reiman, Salt Lake; Arthur Claus, Salt Lake; J. Milton Barrett, Logan; Albert J. Huber, Salt Lake; Will O. Millius, Salt Lake. Center row: Fred L. Crandall, conference secretary, Provo; LeRoy Llewelyn, R. McKay, conference president, Hannover, Ogden; Oliver L. Richards, conference president, Frankfurt, Salt Lake; J. Hubbard, Frankfurt, Salt Lake; Elder Matheuson, Hamburg, Salt Lake. Front row: G. Raymond Poulter, Ogden; Joseph Sartor, Salt Lake. Special Privilege for Open Air Meeting Granted The secretary of the Groningen conference, Holland, reports a general conference held in that place April 5. The Spirit of the Lord was greatly manifest, and a most successful conference held. Mission President Charles S. Hyde with Sister Hyde attended. The Monday following it was a Dutch holiday and a large open-air meeting was held in the high school grounds of a neighboring town where about 200 people attentively listened to the words spoken. "We do not often obtain special permission, as is required, because of the stand taken by some of the authorities towards 'Mormonism,' hence, this was a special privilege granted us."