Priesthood Quorums

(Priesthood Quorums (All of the matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood presented under this heading are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric) Instructions to Aaronic Priesthood Quorums by Bishoprics Under the plan now in operation for the supervision of the Aaronic Presthood quorums, the members of the bishopric are expected to have charge of the various grades of the Priesthood. They are to act in an advisory capacity with the presidency of the quorum and to train them in the business of directing the proceedings of the meeting. Of course, in the crse of the priests' quorum, the bishop has im- mediate direction as the president of that quorum. But even in that quorum he may call assistants to conduct the exercises, so as to furnish development for the young men in the matter of presidency. In this connection it may be well to remind all those connected with this work that an order of business for each quorum should be outlined, by those in charge, in cooperation with the quorum presidency, and then be regularly carried out in the meeting. A suggested order of business has already been submitted by this office for the consideration of all ward officers. Such an arrangement will promote system and dispatch in the business of the meeting. The plan above mentioned for the Aaronic Priesthood provides for a class supervisor in each quorum, who shall be thoroughly prepared to con- duct the class work after the preliminary business of the class or quorum is put through. In addition to this work it would appear from our per- sonal experience with deacons' quorums that in these quorums particularly it might be advisable for the supervisors to. call the roll and make the proper entries, since most deacons are hard y experienced enough to keep a roll book accurately and neatly. The particular phase of the work, however, which we desire to stress here is that the member of the bishopric in charge of the quorum should occupy from two to five minutes time in each meeting, after the preliminary matters have been carried out, and before the lesson work, in a brief dis- cussion of some topic that has to do with the duties, qualifications or habits of the members. For instance, it is important to discuss with the boys from time to time such topics as the names, quorums and duties of the General Authorities; stake and ward organization officers; observance of tithing; avoiding pro- fanity; how to do good ward teaching; developing moral stamina; the bad effects of the use of tobacco; developing will power; personal cleanliness; proper administration of the Sacrrment; having purpose in life; learning a trade or profession, and many other details that are very timely and vital in the training of the boy. Such topics treated briefly, but in some detail and in such a manner as will appeal most to the boys, will prove very interesting and influential in their growth and progress. Think what it will mean to have such prac- tical and stimulating matters discussed from thirty-five to fifty times each year in addition to the splendid lessons provided! Richards Ward Lesser Priesthood Rally- Bishop Clarence L. Gardiner of the Ricrnrds ward. Granite stake, reports a rally held Sunday morning, October 10, at the regular Lesser Priesthood meeting- at which there were present 104 boys holding th<

78 IMPROVEMENT ERA Aaronic Priesthood, 1 1 instructors and 9 visitors, including the bishopric and representatives of the stake Aaronic Priesthood committee. The pur- pose of this meeting was to encourage the boys to renewed activity in their priesthood quorums at the beginning of the Fall and Winter seasons. The rally proved to be a very enthusiastic meeting. At this meeting, twenty-three boys were approved for advancement in the priesthood quorums. These boys had been previously prepared for ordination by the supervisors, who had instructed them in the duties and responsibilities of these higher callings, and had impressed upon them the importance of keeping free from the use- of tobacco, and of being physically and morally clean. Letters had also been written to the parents requesting their assistance in encouraging the boys in their duties. A meeting had been held prior to this meeting, at which the boys to be advanced were present. They were encouraged by the Bishopric and others in various phases of their work. This ward has arranged that whenever any special affairs are given in connection with the Aaronic priesthood work the stake committee are invited to attend and be shown every consideration. Changes Reported by the Presiding Bishopric Jewett ward. Young stake, Joseph E. Wheeler ha: been appointed bishop. The Lee's Ferry branch, Kanab stake, which was a dependent branch, has been disorganized. The address of the Northcentral States mission has been changed to 3 044 Eliott Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Oneida stake Fathers and Sons' Outing was held this year at Willow Flat up Cub River canyon. The picture shows Scout Master Christen Hansen, Troop 45, of Mink Creek, and Deputy Commissioner George Glade, entertaining the fathers and sons with an Indian dance during the outing. We are indebted to Victor Lindblad, Scout Executive of the Cache Valley Council Boy Scouts of America, for the picture and the information. By the crowd shown in the picture, it is evident that a good time was enjoyed both by the youngsters and their fathers.