Banquet, Program and Reception

Melvin J. Ballard Rey L. Pratt Rulon S. Wells BANQUET, PROGRAM AND RECEPTION A banquet, reception and program was given by the General Boards M. I. A. in the Beehive House, Salt Lake City, on Wednesday evening, October 28, 1925, in honor of Elder Melvin J. Ballard and Elder Rulon S. Wells, not forgetting Elder Rey L. Pratt, who was absent in the Mexican mission, prior to their departure to open the South American mission. There were 140 of the two Boards members and their wives and partners present at the banquet. The menu, which was enjoyed to the full, read: Brazilian Cocktail Buenos Aires Roast Turkey Amazon Dressing Andes Potatoes Giblet Gravy Peruvian Peas in Timbale Cases Cranberry Jelly Bolivia Olives Celery Rolls Argentina Ice Cream Spanish Cake The program consisted of community singing: a. "How firm a foundation," a song especially fitted for faith promotion; b. "There's a long, long trail"; and c. "The morning breaks," a very appropriate hymn for the occasion, sung as a duet by W. O. Robinson and Claude Cornwall. I President Rudger Clawson opened the proceedings with prayer and Professor Robert Lee Brasswell, for seven years a grand opera singer, rendered the "Trumpeter" by Dix, and "Until," by Sanderson. A short speech of welcome was given by Sup't George Albert Smith, who in part, said: "These brethren are going away with a message necessary for all the world to hear. We are delighted to have with us tonight, two of the Presidency of the Church, Presidents Heber J. Grant and Anthony W. Ivins. (President Charles W. Nibley was out of town.) We welcome you all. As an organization, we are thankful for an opportunity to do things. Elders Ballard and Wells, members of the Y. M. M. I. A. Board, have been faithful workers for

168 IMPROVEMENT ERA the great M. I. A. cause, and we wish them every blessing as they go into a new world, comparatvely, to prepare men for the gospel message. We pray God to bless them and be with them in all their labors. We shall miss them and especially, Brother Ballard, who has borne the brunt of Y. M. M. I. A. work for many months in the past." President Anthony W. Ivins followed, giving some interesting information concerning travel in early days in the South-west and compared it with what the brethren would now be favored with. He said, "Just 50 years ago I went to Mexico. There were no roads. We were weeks and months without a word from home. There was not a railroad between this city and the city of Mexico. The trousers I wore, I made for myself. I traveled horseback for nine months and never slept in a bed." He also gave some important information concerning the history of South America and its prevailing conditions, where the brethren are to begin their work. "South America is a great country. The coast is somewhat settled, but the interior is practically undeveloped. Argentina means the land of silver. This trip will take the brethren into Book of Mormon lands. We shall watch their work with interest. Our blessings and very best wishes go with them." Sister Emma Ramsey Morris sang a group of songs entitled, "Elf- land," "I passed by your window," "Sacr2ment," and "In dreams, I wept, oh! so sadly." These songs were followed by a short, humorous speech "For Auld Lang Syne" By Elder Orson F. Whitney My situation reminds me of a story — the story of a ventriloquist and his dog. They went into a cafe, and the man ordered breakfast. The dog sat up to the table opposite his master and ate his portion of the meal, much to the interest of all present. When it was through the man said: "How did you like your breakfast?" "Pretty well," answered his canine companion, "but next time don't put any mustard on my beefsteak." The cafe was now all agog with excitement over this wonderful dog that could eat and talk like a man. The proprietor of the place, when the owner of the animal went to pay his bill, said to him: "What'll you take for that dog?" "Oh. money couldn't buy him," was the reply. "I'll give you a hundred dollars for him." "No; I wouldn't sell him for a hundred dollars." "Two hundred, then," persisted the proprietor. "No: I wouldn't part with him for that." "Well now, look here — I'll give you three hundred dollars for that dog." The man was silent — this offer tempted him. Presently he said: "Well, I guess I could get another — you may have him for three hundred." The money was counted out, and the ventriloquist turned to go. Then the dog spoke again: "Did you sell me for three hundred dollars?"

BANQUET, PROGRAM AND RECEPTION 169 "Yes." "Well, I'll never speak another word as long as I live." (Laughter.) But that's not my decision. I propose to speak a few words more, though it requires almost the powers of a ventriloquist to throw one's voice in so many different directions. (An allusion to the seating of the tables.) My subject is "For Auld Lang Syne"; in other words, Melvin J. Ballard. I formed the acquaintance of this gentleman in 1896, the year that Utah became a state. It is not often that two great events come so close together (laughter) . He led the choir in the Brigham Young College, at Logan, and was known as the Caruso of Cache Valley. I had accepted a professor's chair in the same institution, and it was there that we two met. I went to Logan for a rest, after my strenuous exertions in the Constitutional Convention, where Brother Roberts and I locked horns over the Woman's Suffrage question. The struggle was fierce and exhausting, and at the close a period of recuperation was needed by both. The "Mormon" idea of rest is to stop what you are doing and do something harder (prolonged laughter) — as when the Apostles take a vacation to the stakes, and preach themselves to death in the wards. Well, Brother Roberts and I rested after that manner. He was given a mission to the Eastern States, and I went to Logan to teach school — "to show the young idea how to shoot." Some of them knew how already. They no longer covered the ceiling with spit balls, nor showered the teacher's shirt front with such missiles. They had graduated in those studies, and now shot loving glances at one another — the boys at the girls, and the girls at the boys. This has spacial reference to the members of the choir, who were mostly of the soft sex — I mean the tender sex. They sang noth- ing but hims, and the hims sang nothing but hers (laughter). Melvin the Musical, put a stop to this foolishness. "Look at me," he said, meaning of course the sopranos and altos. They looked, and from that hour all their glances were for him. I didn't get very near to him in Logan — couldn't — the crowd was too great. He was an island surrounded by girls. The second stage of our acquaintance was uneventful, save for the semi-annual meetings of the Twelve with the Mission Presidents, one of whom he had become. Then as now, I admired his fervent oratory in the General conferences, and waa charmed by his sweet vocalism, especially when he sang, "I'll sing what you want me to sing, and I'll stop when you want me to stop" (laughter). This seemed fair, but nobody ever took him up on it — nobody ever wanted him to stop. Next, he became an apostle, and then I began really to know the man and to prize him at his true worth. I had special reason for rejoicing over his call, and for welcoming him into the Council — especially on Thursdays. During many a "sweet hour of prayer" I

170 IMPROVEMENT ERA had led the singing in that Council, and now Brother Ballard, a trained and experienced chorister, relieved me of this duty. I tendered my resignation, which was promptly accepted, and nominated him as my successor. It went with a whoop! (laughter). Brother Ballard was the first man or woman I ever heard sing: "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord," and no one, to my knowledge, sings it better. He has sung it so well that it has been heard in Heaven, and the Lord has taken him at his word. He is now called to go "Way Down South," past "the land of cotton," even unto the land of coffee. And he is going, for he is a man who means what he says. Of course, our hearts will all go with him. We shall miss his genial companionship, and his numerous acts of kindness and courtesy. These include many a lift by automobile for Mrs. W. and myself, between Main Street and the corner of Fourth and L. Over his impending departure, no one can feel sadder than I, not even his wife. Until he returns, she must be the man of the house and sway the scepter under and over the family rooftree. I, in all probability, shall have to wield the baton as choir leader for the Presidency, Patriarch and Twelve. Brother Ballard has been a good and faithful friend to me and mine. So has Sister Ballard, God bless her! — God bless them both! "The bridegroom may forget the bride, Just made his wedded wife yestreen; The monarch may forget the crown That on his head an hour has been; The mother may forget the child. That smiles sae sweetly on her knee, But I'll remember thee, Glencairn, And a' that thou hast done for me." In conclusion, a toast to our three South American missionaries — Melvin J. Ballard, Rulon S. Wells and Rey L. Pratt: The first Elder who went to that land met with a Chili reception. May you escape a hot one on the other side of the Continent! A poem by Sister Ruth May Fox was read by Preston Nibley as follows: Inscribed to Elders Melvin J. Ballard, Rulon S. Wells and Rey L. Pratt On their departure to establish a Mission of the Church in South America. Throw wide your gates, ye southern climes, Thou tropic moon, in splendor beam. Sing, sing ye balmy trees, And tell each gleaming star And let the music of your song To twinkle forth the glorious news Float out on every breeze, That heralds from afar To thrill with joy each living thing — Are bringing in their out-stretched hands Behold! a message from the King. A record of our wonderous lands.

BANQUET, PROGRAM AND RECEPTION 171 A priceless book, whose ancient page Reveals brave Nephi's fame; Contains the precious Pearl of truth Whose luminous, holy flame Exalts the soul and marks the way- Mankind may reach the perfect day. * * * Ye mighty men of Israel, This honor comes to you, As messengers of God on high; The arch is wide, go through, And teach the remnant of that land The prophecies to understand. Show them his word is not in vain, His covenant is sure; Redemption calls. Sweet Mercy pleads: "O would your race endure, Turn now to him — your Father's God, And grasp once more the Iron Rod." Haste ye, beloved Brethren, On wings of faith and prayer; And God shall be your rising Sun To light you safely there; And palms shall wave and stars shall shine Your welcome to that southern clime. Elder Melvin J. Ballard sang, with spirit and great effect, his favorite song, "I will go where you want me to go, dear Lord." Elder Richard R. Lyman made an interesting speech in behalf of the General Boards of M. I. A., presenting a suit-case to Elder Ballard. Elder Ballard made a happy response in which he expressed himself as having joy in the call that had come to him to fulfil this mission. He was delighted to go, and expressed himself as willing to do his best to further the cause of the Lord in that new land and mission, but hoped that his associates here would not be disappointed in the results nor except too much. "I am overwhelmed with the attention and kind things that have been said here tonight. All my life I have wanted to do something for this great cause. But I have never sought honor nor place. When I was made a teacher at 1 6 vears of age, I was happv. I loved the work. Ever since I have put my whole heart into' it. I have joy and companionship in my labors with the members of these two Boards. Everything that is in me, with God's help, I jwill give to this new mission, but I know that I cannot succeed without God's help. I go, and I will stay as long as the brethren want me to stay." Then followed a presentation, by President Martha H. Tingey, of a beautiful brief case to Elder Rulon S. Wells, in behalf of the Boards. She said in part: "It is an easy task to pay tribute to a worthy one. Brother Wells and I have been friends since our youth. The same lovely feeling is with us today as it was fifty years ago. We say in behalf of the Boards, Brother Wells, we esteem you very highly. We honor you for your de- votion to the cause of truth. We shall miss vou. But we are happy in the knowledge that you have been called to aid in opening this important mission. Our love and blessings go with you." Elder Rulon S. Wells responded, saying in part: "I don't know that I can master my own feelings. The attentions we have been receiving have overwhelmed me. I was surprised when the call first came to me. I have felt very serious about this appointment. It has met with general approval. We are not going on a pleasure trip. May we have the help of the Lord in establishing his work in that land. I go with that feeling and knowledge." President Heber J. Grant, who wore an M. I. A. life membership button, followed with remarks on the opening of the new mission. He

172 IMPROVEMENT ERA said the brethren were not over-estimating what the elders would do. They are sent with a belief that it is a duty we owe to the whole world to preach the gospel to all nations whatever the results might be. He called attention to the mission to Japan, saying that while the elders did their best, the results were very unsatisfactory because the people were not prepared for the gospel message. He had hopes that the new field in South America would be more fruitful. "I have listened to the remarks of the brethren with interest. I sbaU be satisfied if we only make a humble start in that southern land. We, each and every one of us, have a knowledge of the truths of the gospel. We are ready to go to the ends of the earth, and go willingly, to beat our message. We are rewarded bv our work when we do it." This part of the program finished, it was followed by a moving picture of the late M. I. A. parade, celebrating the Jubilee of the Y. M. M. I. A., shown to the company by Mr. Clawson. It was followed by a number of pictures of the Presidencies of the Church, including President Heber J. Grant and his counselors, Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose, and also a picture of former President, Joseph F. Smith, in different places and occasions. The happy party closed with benediction by Sister Lucy Grant Cannon of the Presidency of the Y. L. M. I. A. The evening was voted a splendid and a happy gathering, by all who participated. — A. A Divine Light It's a priceless light, worth seeking; And if we really knew — We'd strive to do our very best! Ah! Yes! We'd find it, too. It's that which makes my heart rejoice! — This light that shines so nigh. It's rays can mend a broken heart — It's something gold can't buy. Yet, gold buys things, yes — many things! And silver does, as well. But when you want what gold can't buy — That's poverty — and Hell. So, far be it from me to crave The yellow metal stamp, I'd rather have what I possess — E'en though I were a tramp. It's "Faith in God:" A light divine! It shines on all who care, To have, to hold, to know and love— And speak to God, in prayer. Magrath Aha., Canada. JOSEPH WILLIAM REESE