Messages from the Missions

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS Work Still Progressing in the Rhineland "Missionaries laboring in the Ruhr District and the Rhineland are still able to bring many people to a knowledge of the gospel and to hold regular baptisms, despite the fact that making converts is somewhat more difficult than it was two years ago, and extra effort is necessary. Reports indicate that all the seven organized branches of the Cologne conference are making steady progress, with as many as forty or fifty friends and investigators in attendance at the regular meetings, including the preaching service. We still enjoy the freedom of seven school buildings for our religious services, which are very suitable meeting places, being unoffensive to any class of people. A general conference was held Sunday, February 7, in the city of Dusseldorf, in the auditorium of the Luddendorf school. President Hugh J. Cannon was in attendance, and saints and friends from all parts of the Rhineland assembled to hear the message of the mission president. Three new fields have recently been opened to missionary work. We wait expectantly for each new edition of the Era, for it is a great help in our work. "Glenn R. Dorius, president Cologne conference. 5 3 J t-l 1 » I I '? MISSIONARIES OF THE COLOGNE CONFERENCE Bottom row. left to right: Hamilton Calder: Fred Crandal; Royal Hatch, of the Hamburg conference: Norman Pierce, of the Hannover conference. Seated: John Bauer: Johann Hense: Erwin J. Druk. president of the Stuttgart conference; Oliver L. Richards, president of the Frankfurt conference: Mission President Hugh J. Cannon: Glenn R. Dorius. president of the Cologne conference: Aaron T. Nibley, president of the Hamburg conference: Leroy Winter, president of the Hannover conference; Aaron C. Taylor. Third row: Stanley Goodwin, conference secretary; Stanley Brox; Willard O. Sandberg; Ralph C. Cutler; Francis I. Moore; Glennwood Froyd: Fisher Squires: Henry T. Wahlquist: Paul Hundsdorfer. Fourth row: Henry Weidmann. Frankfurt conference: Roland Esplin: Bates Gibbons: John S. Kunz; Reinhold Beckmann, Hannover conference; Ralph Chamberlin; George Poulter; Grant Neath, Hannover conference; David Calder, Louis Burgner, Frankfurt conference.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 669 Enthusiasm Prevails in the Koenigsberg Conference "We are enthusiastic over the progress in our field," writes Elder Max Lamprccht, president Koenigsberg conference of the German-Austrian mission. "The work in this outlying district has flourished the past year beyond all expectations. Being severed from the main body of Germany by a strip of Poland extending north to the Baltic sea, the people of East Prussia seem to be more humble and susceptible toward the teachings of the gospel, and the efforts of the elders and saints are crowned with success, there being ninety-five baptisms during 1925. Especially fruitful is the Masuren Sea district, where we have organized several Sunday schools. We travel from village to village, tracting and holding cottage meetings. Many spirited conferences have been featured during the last few months. As a result of a recent protest meeting conducted against 'Mormonism,' our attendance has greatly increased, the people expressing their desire to investigate our claims 'first-hand.' We derive much good from the invigorating lines of the Era." ELDERS IN THE KOENIGSBERG CONFERENCE Front row. left to right: Fred Dellcnbach. Ogden: Wayne P. Smith. Lehi: Max Lamprccht. conference president, Blackfoot, Idaho; Fred Tadje, mission president: Rowland H. Merrill, Stettin conference president; Herman F. Babbel, Salt Lake City; Rulon J. Ballard, Salt Lake City. Middle row: Adrian S. Pugmire, Salt Lake City: Wilmer C. Porter. Worland. Wyoming: Frank E. Miskin, Ucon, Idaho; Horace P. Becsley, Salt Lake City: Morris Butterfield. Riverton: Reeves V. Baker. Boulder, Utah. Top row: Leland Roswell. Salt Lake City; Clarence A. Kirkham. Provo; Edward A. Croft, Orderville, Utah; W. Maurice Hart. Ogden; James W. Quayle, Jr.. Logan. Ninety-nine Baptisms Sterling I. Tolton, Shreveport. Louisiana, reports that the work of the elders in distributing literature is doing much in that district to break down the prejudice existing in some of the larger cities. "We appreciate the help that the few short-term missionaries have given us. Their influence among the people has been felt for good. During the year 1925, ten elders labor- ing in Louisiana baptized 99 people; sold 794 Books of Mormon, and 1,725 small doctrinal books; one Sunday school was organized. Elders

670 IMPROVEMENT ERA Jesse L. Jolley, Sterling I. Tolton and Cloyd B. Berry, Shreveport, through the courtesy of the management, recently obtained permission to hold a meeting in one of the large hotels in the city. Much literature was distributed and we have prospects of holding more meetings there. We enjoy the spirit of the Lord and are enthusiastic in the advocacy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." — Sterling I. Tolton, Shreveport, Louisiana, Choir Aids in Conference Work "One of our most important aids in the work of this conference is the Koenigsberg conference choir 'Dcseret,' which, according to Elder David O. McKay, who witnessed its presentation of 'The Creation' by Haydn in March, 1924, is one of the best choirs in the Church. The singers, many of whom are not members of the Church, have devoted their untiring efforts in developing an organization of renown, and yet is a willing supporter of all the auxiliary organizations of the conference, and has been instrumental in providing financial means to aid many worthy causes. The choir, which consists of approximately 100 voices, has been ably conducted the last year by Brother Willy Reske, opera singer and composer; and it deserves special recognition for its having presented before large audiences such works as 'Christrosen,' 'The Youth of Nain,' 'Christmas Oratorio,' by Willy Reske, The Restoration' by B. Cecil Gates, and scores of hymns and anthems by prominent Church composers and such masters as Mendelssohn, Schubert, Mozart and Handel." — Max Lamprecht, president Koenigsberg conference, German-Austrian mission. Maori Agricultural College Holds Commencement Exercises President J. Howard Jenkins of the New Zealand mission reports that the Commencement Exercises of the Maori Agricultural College, Hastings, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, were held on October 2, 1925, "when five of the fine products of that institution were graduated and thereby entered into the new experience of facing the world with the power of a well-founded educational training. The occasion was an inspiration to all who attended," continues President Jenkins. "The five graduates, three of the Maori race, and two of the Tongan, are worthy representatives of the Polynesian people, and examples of what the spirit of the gospel can do for mankind. These young men were made to feel, by the addresses given, that their future activities should be devoted to the service of God and their fellowmen, actu- ated by the principles of life inculcated within them at their 'Alma Mater.' The various musical selections, vocal, orchestral and band, added much to the inspiration of the occasion." The day's program consisted of athletic activities at 2:30 p. m.. demonstrating the proficiency of the boys; a banquet at 6, at which speeches and presentations were made by various Student Body officers; a school play at 8, enacted by the members of the graduating class; and a dance at 9, at which the chivalry and gentlemanly conduct of the College boys were evident. Supper was served after the dance. "Many prominent business men, not of the Church, were among the visitors," concludes the report, "all of whom expressed themselves in words of strength as to the great work this institution is accomplishing in preparing efficient and God-fearing citizens."

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 671 MAORI AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND FACULTY Standing, left to right: E. Lester Brown. Mathematics and Industrial Arts; A. Reed Halverson. former acting mission president: Stanley C. Kimball, secretary, bookkeeping; George R. Henderson. Coach. Music. Animal Husbandry; Thomas W Hickman. Science and Physiology; Marion K. Everton, editor mission paper. Sitting William C. Carr. Agronomy and English: Albert E. Sells, principal of college. Science and Agriculture; Nina E. Sells, wife of principal, and baby: J. Howard Jenkins, mission president; LeRoy B. Jex. English and History, Eight Records Established A conference was held on February 7 and 8 at Charleston and Hunt- ington, South West Virginia, Eastern States mission. Meetings were well at- tended, especially at Huntington where 300 were present, of this number fully 150 were investigators. The local papers of these two cities gave good reports of the conference, and excellent sermons were delivered by President B. H. Roberts. Through our efforts we have established eight records for periods of one month, including baptisms, children blessed, hours spent in attend- ing meetings, study of the gospel, gospel conversations, and number of

672 IMPROVEMENT ERA gospel conversations. Priesthood meetings, and meetings attended. We have two branches and two Sunday schools. The Charleston branch, where the chapel is located, is nearly fully organized, having in it the following fully organized: Sunday school, Teacher-Training, Relief Society, Young Men's and Young Ladies' M. I. A.. Primary: and the Priesthood is partly organized. The people of this section are becoming much more friendly and we feel like a good work is being accomplished. — Marcus H. Burton, president, West Va., conference. South. Front row. left to right: Richard H. Christiansen, Lyman C. Pedersen, President Marcus H. Burton. President B. H. Roberts. Doctor Margaret C. Roberts, Ben R. Thomas, Arthur Palmer. Middle row: Stanley Jones, Mary A. Christensen, W. Q. Dispain, Mabel Larsen, J. Frances Giles, Viva A. Elton, S. R. Godfrey, L. Clark Showalter. Top row: Wm. S. Bailey, Thomas G. Barton, Ernest A. Richards, Lowell R. Berry. W. H. Ohlwiler. M. Verdell Rigby, David O. Wilcox, and Nile G. Matthews. Gertrude Blomquist, absent when picture was taken. Work Progressing in Northwestern States Mission Elder Ralph B. Stratford, secretary of the Northwestern States mission, reports that the missionaries of the East Washington conference of that mission are making a splendid showing in their work. The mission was recently honored with a visit from Elder Richard R. Lyman, of the Council of the Twelve, who, together with Mission President Brigham S. Young, attended three successful meetings held in Spokane, February 14. Fervent testimonies were borne by the missionaries, and instructive discourses given by Elder Lyman and President Young. "It was veritably a spiritual feast," the report states, "for which all felt to thank God." Elder Lyman and President Young accompanied by the Spokane missionaries, also attended a meeting held in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, where they delivered inspirational addresses to an audience composed mostly of persons not of our faith, and much interest was manifested and good accomplished. Elders Neldon Jacobson and Parley N. Winn and Sister Gladys Williams, who are laboring at Coeur D'Alene. have recently established a Sunday school- in this district, and are now endeavoring to organize Primaries. At Bonners Ferry, Idaho, an entirely new district, Elders Frank E. Stevens and Owen W, Park have made

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 673 a remarkable showing in the short time of three months. One family has al- ready applied for baptism, and many others are sincerely investigating. A Sun- day school has been organized, and they are holding two cottage meetings each week. Similar reports of success and encouragement have come from Elders James E. Sim and Elmer Colby at Wenatchee, Washington; from Elder L. E. Peterson, who is on special duty at Moscow, Idaho, where he has charge of all Latter-day Saint work; from Sisters Helen Hamilton and Emma Harris, who are making a special effort among the Primaries of that conference, besides their regular missionary work, and are making aNfavorable impression among non-members. The other missionaries are laboring in different parts of the city of Spokane, and are making substantial gains in the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. Sister Hazel Wells was recently transferred to Van- couver, B. C, and Elder Earl C. Bradshaw to Seattle, Washington. A baptismal service was held in Spokane on February 7, when three more converts were brought into the fold. "As part of our regular endeavors," writes Secretary Stratford, "we prepare ourselves to meet every phase of missionary work, by regular missionary classes on Tuesday and Saturday after- noons, and a Priesthood class every morning." MISSIONARIES OF THE EAST WASHINGTON CONFERENCE. Top row, left to right: George E. Hughes, Earl C. Bradshaw, Hazel Wells, Leland C Laney Henry R. Daines. Second row: Neldon R. Jacobson; Joseph T. Allen, conference president: Brigham S. Young, mission president: Ralph iB. Stratford, mission secretary; Anthon E. Neilsen. Third row: C. Christy Thorpe, Gladys Williams. Emma Harris. Helen Hamilton. Owen W. Park. Bottom row: Frank E. Stevens, Parley N. Winn. Albert M. Belnap. James E. Sim.

674 IMPROVEMENT ERA The Hague Choir Doing Its Part Dirk Mooy, secretary of the Hague Choir, Holland, writes that music is playing an important part in softening the hearts of the people, and their choir is doing its utmost to help prepare the way for the furtherance of the gospel. "Efforts have been made to permit us to sing in the local hospitals and other places, where we endeavor to give the people a more favorable impression of the Latter-day Saints. We appreciate the association of the elders from Zion, and through their efforts many are brought to a knowledge of the gospel. We sing the 'Songs of Zion,' although not all of them are translated into the Dutch language, and they bring a sacred spirit, and I am certain cannot be duplicated except by the inspiration of God." tVl I4»4 * t A % %»*■ THE HAGUE CHOIR, HOLLAND The officers of the choir are: Annie De Bruin, chorister, shown in the picture with baton in hand: Thys Winkle, president, to right of chorister: Agatha Homes, organist, to left of chorister: Dirk Mooy. secretary, to left of Sister Homes. In the picture also are three missionaries: Wm, F. Ashton, Salt Lake City; H. Poelman. Magna, Utah: S. B. Woolley. Vernal, Utah. Banner Year in Tasmania Elder Rollin C. Smith of the Tasmanian conference reports that the work is gaining a place of prominence among the people of Tasmania, many having recently been added to the fold, and the elders feel assured that there are yet many more who are anxiously waiting for the truth. The annual conference was held on February 14, the sessions of which were enjoyed by more than one hundred saints and friends. Mission President Charles H. Hyde presided. He expressed his appreciation for the splendid work accomplished in 1925, and voiced his confidence that 1926 would be a banner year. Elders from both the Launceston and Hobart branches were present. Twenty-two baptisms were performed during the past year, and several applications have been made for the near future. We find the

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 675 Era very helpful in bringing the spirit of the gospel into the homes of the saints and investigators. MISSIONARIES AT TASMANIAN CONFERENCE Back row, left to right: Ivor H. Sudweeks, Nephi. Utah; J. Cash Smith, Smithfield, Utah; Calvin R. Woolley, Centerville, Utah; Milton F. Pexton, Murray, Utah; Dow P. Brian. Loa. Utah: Reuel E. Christensen, Ephraim, Utah; Lewis L. Pilkington, Smithfield. Utah. Front row: Rollin C. Smith, conference president. Salt Lake City. Utah; Caroline S. Hyde, president Australian Relief Society, Salt Lake City, Utah; Charles H; Hyde, president Australian mission, Salt Lake City, Utah; Edith Woodford, Sydney, Australia; Ezra D. Richardson, outgoing conference president, Benjamin, Utah. Honolulu to the Front The past year has indeed been one of success for the Honolulu con- ference, and can be fittingly called a banner year. At the beginning of 1925, the recreation hall valued at $30,000 was built by the Saints and elders, and is indeed proving to be indispensable as a gathering place for the young people through the auxiliary organizations. It was opened to an audience of fifteen hundred, at the Mutual Improvement Associations' contest work and Jubilee celebration at the April conference. The past year was also the celebration of the Diamond Anniversary of the arrival of the first ten missionaries to Hawaii, December 12, 1850. The work, which was begun by this small group of- missionaries, has grown by leaps and bounds, and at the present time one-third of the Hawaiians are members of the Church. However, the work in this con- ference is not confined just to the Hawaiian people; for a list of the converts of the past year includes the names of Europeans, Hawaiians. Japanese, Chinese, Samoans, Marshall Islanders, and Filipinos. All phases of the work are steadily growing, and the results are indeed gratifying. The conference records show one hundred eighty-three baptisms during the past year, an increase of twenty-three per cent. The number of tithe payers has increased forty per cent over the pervious year. The average attendance in the eight Sunday schools of this conference has reached a total of one thousand, with classes being conducted in three languages.

676 IMPROVEMENT ERA One of these Sunday schools is being held at the Kalihikai Leper Hospital. In area, the Honolulu conference is one of the smallest in the Church. It is six miles long and two miles wide, and embraces the city of Honolulu and its outskirts. Two new branches, Kakaako and Papakolea, have just recently been organized, making, with Kalihi and Waikiki, a total of four fully organized branches. A new chapel for the Kakaako branch is now under construction, and will be completed in the near future. The arrival of the Samoans who have come here especially for temple work, the immigration of Hawaiians from the country districts, and the arrival of many of our Utah people have also had a tendency to bring about an increase in our numbers. And at the present time we have, in this cosmopolitan city, a membership of approximately four thousand. The Saints here are, in every way possible, rendering assistance to the missionaries in order that this great work might continue to grow and pro- gress; that it might reach the ears of all who are residing in these lands. — Elder G. Elroy Nelson. Front row: Robert S. Sant, president mission Y. M. M. I. A., Twin Falls; Athen L. Reese, president mission Sunday schools, Logan; Ralph S. Roberts, incoming mission secretary, Lehi; Eugene J. Neff, president Hawaiian mission, with Lehua Neff, Salt Lake City; Louise C. Neff, Salt Lake City; Francis J. Russell, outgoing missipn secretary, Salt Lake City; G. Elroy Nelson, president Honolulu conference, Pleasant Grove. Second row: Marian Clark, president mission Y. L. M. I. A., Salt Lake City; Ardis Neff; Chloris Rich, mission stenographer, Salt Lake City; Eugene Neff, Jr.; Flora Amussen, Logan; Sydonna Willardson, May field; Julia Kaluna, local. Third row: Stephen Kila, local; J. W. Jonah, local; J. W. McGuire, local; Joseph Luahiwa, local; Lorenzo Torrefiel, local, (working among the Filipinos) ; Wesley Neff. Fourth row: Harold Allred, Gannett, Idaho; Walter Steffen, Brigham City; Albion Caine, Salt Lake City; J. Wesley Williamson, Salt Lake City; Rulon Willardson, Mayfield. Fifth row: Fred E. Lunt, Salt Lake City; Wayne L. Bcnnion, Salt Lake City; George Kaluna, local; Walter N. Fieldgrove, local, (working among the Whites and Chinese.)