Priesthood Quorums

(Priesthood Quorums Supervision of Inactive Members Holding the Priesthood Attention has been called to the fact that in a number of the quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood there are one or two, and sometimes more, of the members who, through carelessness in past years or for other reasons, have not been ordained to a higher office. The result is that they are older — in some cases much older — than the remainder of the members. This con- dition, however, it must be remembered is often the result of previous lack of care and supervision on the part of those who were at the time in charge of the work. The questions asked are: What shall be done with these "overgrown" members? Shall they be treated as our children over nine years who are unbaptized? That is, shall their names be taken off the membership of the quorum? Answering the latter questions first: It may be stated that there is no authority for taking the names of persons bearing the Priesthood from the quorum records in this manner. There is, in fact, no way of withdrawing their record of Priesthood except by action against their fellowship by those in authority. What then shall be done with them? The answer is: Labor with them and continue that labor. Select men of kindliness, of tact, and possessed of persuasive powers, to strive with them. The ward supervisors of the Aaronic Priesthood should be very well suited to such effort. Those who are appointed to this work should already enjoy or win the good friendship of those with whom they are laboring. The first step should be to get such members to attend Priesthood meeting in company of the one who has invited them to come. Quiet, persistent, enthusiastic efforts are needed to secure this result. They should be asked to attend whatever class befits their age, although credit should be given for their attendance in the quorum to which they belong. Whoever presides over the class which they attend should be informed beforehand of their coming into the class, and, while making them welcome, should avoid causing them embarrassment. Follow-up work in getting their continued attendance is very important. Cooperation between the bishopric and the ward supervisors, in giving them some interesting duties to perform, as they evidence some willingness, will encourage increased activity. As they show greater faith and attention to the work they should be ordained to a higher office, and the work of en- couraging and helping them should be continued until they are able to stand firmly for themselves. In anticipation of the question, "Can these results actually be obtained?" it may be stated that these results are being obtained repeatedly and with great benefits to those thus reclaimed. The Presiding Bishopric New South African President Elder Samuel Martin, of Ogden, has been called to preside over the South African mission, according to an announcement published on April 3. He is now a member of the Ogden stake high council. For several years he served in the bishopric of the Thirteenth ward.