Mutual Work

Introductions to the M. I. A. Slogan — 1926-27 February, 1927 "We stand for a testimony of the divine mission of Joseph Smith." Monthly themes: October — How to obtain a testimony. November — The announcement of the restoration of the gospel. December- — The need of the restoration of the gospel. January — The heavens are opened and the Lord speaks. February — The Book of Mormon a testimony of the divine mission of Joseph Smith. - 1. The bringing forth of the Book of Mormon (an abridged history of the ancient inhabitants of America) is a strong evidence of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This book is a message to the Lamanites, the American Indians, a remnant of the house of Israel, to the Jews and to the Gentiles. It was written by divine commandment and also by the spirit of prophecy and revelation, and contains the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness to the ancient inhabitants of this continent, and is a witness for the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the Bible. It is a revelation from God translated by Jcteeph Smith through the power of the Holy Ghost. It is a part of the divine mission of Joseph Smith. 2. When the angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith, he told Joseph that there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, and giving an account of the former inhabitants of the continent and the source whence they sprang; and he also said that the fulness of the everlasting gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants. For a brief analysis of the Book of Mormon and a short statement of its origin, read the en- lightening account following the title page of the new edition of the Book of Mormon, 1920; and for the complete record, see Pearl of Great Price, pp. 43-57: and History of the Church, vol. 1, chapters 1 to 6, inclusive. The angel Moroni, having shown the Prophet the place of the hidden plates, commanded him to go once each year to this hiding place, and the angel would be there to meet him and give him instruction and intelligence at each interview, respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days. Joseph went as he had been commanded. Finally, on the 22nd day of September 1827, the same heavenly messenger delivered them to the Prophet with this charge, in the words of Joseph, "That I should be responsible for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, through any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but if I should use all my endeavors to preserve them until he, the messenger, should call for them, they should be protected." In this manner the ancient record was brought forth from the earth as the voice of a people speaking from the dust. It was translated into our language by Joseph Smith, through the gift and power of God, and was part of the divine mission of Joseph Smith. 3. The promises of the Lord concerning the bringing forth of the book, and the blessings that shall come through it to those who shall bring forth' the Zion of God at that day, and the testimony that shall come to the

3 78 IMPROVEMENT ERA Lamanites through it, are set forth in I Nephi 13:35-41. Since this work was accomplished by the Prophet Joseph Smith, it is an additional evidence of his divine mission. The Book of Mormon establishes the truth of the Bible; it makes known the plain and precious things which were taken from that book; it makes known to all kindreds, tongues and people that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, the Savior of the world, and that all men must come unto him or they cannot be saved. 4. To any person who has received a knowledge of the Book of Mormon, and who has read it with a sincere heart, these instructions are given on how to obtain a testimony, as recorded in Moroni 10:4: "I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sin- cere heart and real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost." It is through the power of the Holy Ghost that one may know the truth of all things, and, among them, that "the Book of Mormon was preserved by angelic guardianship and brought forth by revelation and translated by what men regard as miraculous means." The sentiment quoted from the Book of Mormon is God's promise to men, "and His testimony must ever stand above and before the testimony of men." The translation of the Book of Mormon was part of Joseph Smith's divine mission.. (See Robert's New Witness for God, vol. 2; also the testimony of three witnesses and the testimony of eight witnesses, which are men's testimony to men.) "And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true." (Ether 5:3.) A Challenge Superintendent Almon D. Brown and stake and ward officers of the Y. M. M. I. A. of the North Weber stake are deserving of special commenda- tion for the splendid support that they have rendered this year, and in the past, to the Improvement Era and to the general fund. Three hundred and nineteen subscriptions, with cash accompanying, were handed into the office in October last, and by the 20th of December the stake had con- tributed $200 for the fund for the year 1927. Superintendent Brown gives as the reason for their success, thorough cooperation with the Church officers and a complete conversion of the officers of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association in the stake and wards. Superintendent Brown be- lieves that as good work can be done in any and all the stakes of the Church, if officers are converted. He says they are not putting over these two special activities only, but are at the front with every other activity required of the association. When a requirement is put over at the proper time, it is not difficult to succeed. The stake stood well in the requirements on the Ef- ficiency Report for December, and was headed trying for perfect in January. The stake officers hold conference from time to time with the officers of each ward, where the outstanding needs of the M. I. A. are discussed pro and con and conclusions reached for the benefit of all concerned. They are supported by the high council committee of two, who meet with the stake officers once a month to discuss the needs of the M. I. A. The stake board meet weekly. Attendance is marked for each member, also his attendance at Sacramental meetings. A report is handed to the stake presidency each three months, showing the service the board members are giving to the Church. The board members and officers are as willing to help the bishops in their work as they are to put the Mutual Improvement Association on its feet. Brother Brown writes, "We know that the other stakes have it over us when it comes to education; but when it comes to humility and work, and obedience to those in authority over us, and in the end success, we will make them sit up and take notice."

MUTUAL WORK 3 79 A Unique Meeting New situations, of course, are very interesting. What was a new situation appeared in the Granite stake M. I. A. organization, on Tuesday evening, January 1 1 , when all the ward organizations in the stake took automobiles to the stake house, and held a joint M. I. A. meeting of the associations. There were possibly more than two thousand young people in the Granite stake tabernacle to listen to the program, every seat and standing place being occupied. Appropriate songs introducing the slogan were sung. A young lady, Miss Whitbeck, gave a talk on the same topic, occupying probably six or seven minutes. At the close of her remarks, she stated that it was customary for the congregation to stand and repeat the slogan. Instead, owing to the large number present, she repeated it, "We stand for a testimony of the divine mission of Joseph Smith," and asked the congregation to bow their heads for just a moment, and prayerfully contemplate the statement, and ask for a testimony. As they were in this silent attitude, a chorus of young people, accompanied with beautiful organ music, sang a verse of the hymn, "An angel from on high." At the close of this very telling presentation, Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve, occupied an hour and twenty minutes in a very effective talk, which as its basis gave the reasons why and the method how the young people should prepare themselves to prove worthy to receive the rich heritage which the Church and its organiza- tions have prepared for them. It was an appeal to clean and righteous living; to think and act in harmony with the commandments of God. Elder Ballard's address was listened to with the closest attention, and at intervals complete silence prevailed. It was just such a spiritual feast as will greatly profit all who heard. Very appropriately, the large congregation joined with soirit in the closing song, "True to the faith." Some Objectives in Reading the Book of Mormon The following fourteen objectives in reading the Book of Mormon were given by Elder Kinkie, of the L. D. S. University, Salt Lake City, at a monthly union meeting of the officers of the M. I. A. in the Granite stake, and may be helpful to other officers and readers. He stated that no other book will create faith in the young people like the Book of Mormon: Objectives: 1. A choice land above all other lands, chosen by the Lord. (Ether 13.) 2. The journey to the promised land. To whom was the land promised? 3. Records and plates. 4. Fulfilled prophecies. There are fifty-six fulfilled prophecies, at least, in the Book of Mormon. 5. Prophecies yet to be fulfilled. (Ill Nephi 20 and 21.) 6. Miracles, signs and wonders. 7. Movements and migrations of the peoples. 8. Gospel doctrines taught by the prophets. 9. Lands, cities, highways and animals. 10. Commotion and upheaval of the earth. 11. Christ's ministry among the Nephites. (Ill Nephi 11.) 12. Miscellaneous teachings — economics, etc. 13. Hiding up the plates, and final destruction of the Nephites. 14. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the testimony of the two nations joining together. (II Nephi.) What to do in February . The M. I. A. are suggesting for this season's work in drama: 1 . A stake- wide contest in a one-act play; 2. The presentation of a standard drama.

380 IMPROVEMENT ERA We call attention, for information concerning the one-act play contest and the drama, to page 1 6 of the M. I. A. Year-Round Recreation Program and Contests for 1926-27. It is suggested that each ward put on three one-act plays, which would call a number of people into the activity and provide a full evening's entertainment. Extra programs may be obtained at the general office. The Unequal Yoke, by Blanche Kendall McKey, the Jubilee prize play, published in the July Improvement Era, 1925, is one of the contest plays. The Era will also have a new play for the coming season, now ready to be published and which is intensely interesting. Eleven plays for this season are suggested in the Recreation Program, page 16. Competent judges should be selected by the stake committee on Rec- reation to visit each ward. These judges will select, as a result of the ward production, three plays to come up for the grand stake finals. Much interest can be aroused for this big final stake night, at which time the stake prize winner will be selected. Rules for judgment are the same as the Church-wide drama contest, page 25 of the Year Round Recreation Program, in which nine plays are suggested to be used in case the one-act contest is not entered into. Points to be remembered: Get 100% for January on Efficiency and Statistical Reports, and send into the general office by the 10th of Febru- ary. Check on the study of the manuals. Ascertain how the contest in reading the Book of Mormon is going on in your ward and stake, and also the report on all the books of the reading course. See Improvement Era, page 198, for December. Why not determine in your ward to win the new reading course for 1927-28? Urge the Membership Committee to make plans for a continuation of a good attendance in your association till June. M. I. A. Scout Work in Hamburg, Germany The Boy Scout movement was inaugurated in the Hamburg, Germany, branches in January, 1926. It was hard to convert some of the old members to the new idea, but since they have learned to know the purpose and nature of the organization, the enthusiasm has waxed strong. The boys had just GERMAN SCOUTS. HAMBURG.

MUTUAL WORK 381 been waiting for some opportunity to satisfy their inborn longing for out- door life. The enrollment has steadily increased from the first day on, and now there are 55 boys enrolled. The accompanying pictures were taken in July. The troops are now fully organized and equipped and have earned their own paraphernalia. Fests and entertainments, entirely arranged and led by the scouts, have been given and money has been raised to buy banners, staves, bugles, first-aid kits, tents, etc. A spirit of cooperation, not unlike that of the pioneers of Utah, prevails among these pioneers of scouting in this land. Money was provided by the group to buy material for uniforms for all and the sisters of the Relief Society made them. In all their under- takings the boys with more means help those with less, and no one has to stay home from trips on account of lack of money. The boys Have dis- played good business ability, and this little financial achievement of theirs is worthy of praise, considering the present depressed financial conditions of this country. Many hikes have also been undertaken in the neighboring forests, and on one occasion the boys were separated in pairs and left upon their own resources to find their way at night to a city approximately 40 miles distant. Although the country was strange to them, they all arrived safely after "hoofing" it all night. SCOUT MASTERS AND ASSISTANTS. HAMBURG, GERMANY The boys are friends, and once they become Scouts, they become in- terested in the gospel and attend all the meetings, bringing their parents with them in many cases. The future of the Scouts in this country is bright, and the time is not far distant when this organization will play an important part in spreading the gospel among the youth of this nation. — Aaron C. Taylor. M. I. A. in the California Mission Commencing October 4, and ending November 8, Elder Rulon A. Snow, president of Y. M. M. I. A. and superintendent of Sunday schools, and Sister Evelyn Schank, president of Y. L. M. I. A. and Primaries, together with Elder Jacob O. Gardner, mission secretary; Sister Dycie J. Law, cor- responding secretary; Elder George H. Marchant and Sister Gerda Hendrickson. made an extended tour through Arizona and Southern California, in the

3 82 IMPROVEMENT ERA interest of these organizations in the California mission. On November 1 1 , President Snow was released to return home to St. George, Utah, and Elder George H. Marchant succeeded him, taking charge of the party on their tour through Northern California and Nevada. The Mutual work consisted of general instructions and discussion. All the young people were invited to attend, as well as officers and teachers. The Young Men and Young Ladies separated for their individual work. The mission officers and missionaries presented a musical program and one-act play. The program consisted of vocal solos, duets and trios, and piano solos and duets. The Unequal Yoke, the prize-winning play of the Jubilee year, 1925, was presented also. The program was given in a splendid manner and was greatly appreciated by all. Many investigators were in attendance and expressed appreciation and interest in the work accomplished by these young people. The M. I. A. work is progressing in a splendid manner; the young people are taking keen interest, and the officers and teachers throughout are putting forth every effort to place the M. I. A. in the California mission on a high level. The tour was completed December 15. — Evelyn Schank. M. I. A. OFFICERS, CALIFORNIA MISSION Front row, left to right: Gerda Hendrickson, pianist, !Salt Lake City, (released) ; Evelyn Schank, president Y. L. M. I. A. and Primary, Salt Lake City; Dycie J. Law, corresponding secretary, Delta, Utah. Back row: Jacob O. Gardner, mission secretary, Afton, Wyoming; Geo. H. Marchant, superintendent mission Sunday schools and Y. M. M. I. A., Holliday, Utah. Fremont Stake to the Front We trust that it will encourage all the other stakes to know that Fremont stake, with 65 7 who should be enrolled, has an enrollment cf 75 6, with an average attendance of 504, in fourteen wards, all of which reported; and ten points in every activity were made by the wards, and, of course, by the stake. That means that seventy-six, .or 10% of the enrolled membership, or more, read twenty-five pages in the Book of Mormon during December. The average attendance in the Advanced Senior class was 151 out of an enroll- ment of 191. We congratulate Fremont stake upon its achievements in the activities of the M. I. A., and ask that the stake be not left alone in this achievement, but that many stakes will equal them. Quite a large num- ber of them stood upon the brink in December, and were confident of going over completely in January.

MUTUAL WORK 3 83 M. I. A. Merry-Go-Round The Shelley stake recently gave a splendid entertainment, under the direction of the stake boards, which was both a social and a financial success. Each of the nine Wards of the stake were responsible for one part, not ex- ceeding fifteen minutes time. The schedule worked out perfectly, and the program was carried smoothly, as the performers went from one ward to the next. The numbers consisted of one-act plays, aesthetic dancing, panto- mimes, acrobatic features, folk-songs, a flower basket, short comedy skits, piano and vocal solos, etc. A cash prize of $15 and a second prize of $10 were awarded to the wards selling the greatest number of tickets according to the ward population. The Fifth ward won first prize, and the Taylor ward the second. The houses in each case were crowded to capacity. It has been decided, because of the success, to make it an annual affair. In case any of the stakes desire a copy of the program, we will gladly furnish the same. Wishing all a bigger and better M. I. A. for the coming year. — Benj. B. Stringham, stake secretary, Y. M. M. I. A., Shelley, Idaho. M Men of Lund Ward hold Reunion On December 22, 1926, the Third Annual Reunion of the M Men of the Lund ward, Idaho stake, was held at Lund. It went over big. Holiday colors decorated the hall and tables. Adhering to the custom of other years, the M Men brought partners, and sixty people sat down to the banquet, the main feature of the evening. Alexander I. Wilson, president of the M Men, delivered the welcoming speech. Humorous talks and debates were enjoyed, and jokes were prolific. Community singing and social dancing were enjoyed, before and after the banquet. President Wilson, master of ceremonies; Victor Frandsen, toastmaster; Henry W. Blauer, song leader. One former member and five honorary members were present. The organization is annually growing. — Alexander I. Wilson, president. M Men and Gleaner Girls' Banquet The M Men and Gleaner Girls' banquet was held at Mt. Pleasant, December 4, in the North Sanpete high school gymnasium. The Relief Society did the serving of the banquet, and 235 M Men and Gleaner Girls, together with officers, were served. The affair was in the charge of J. Seymour Jensen and A. W. Anderson, stake M Men and Gleaner Girls leaders, the latter acting as toastmaster. Each ward of the stake responded with a part on the program. Excellent music was furnished by the North Sanpete orchestra. Other numbers on the program were toasts, readings, songs, and a short address by Bishop John Wells of the Presiding Bishopric, who was attending the stake conference at the time. A most enjoyable time was had. A social dance followed the banquet, and the whole was a great success in every way. Stake Board Change in Idaho Falls On January 9 the stake board of the Y. M. M. I. A., Idaho Falls, was reorganized. Superintendent Sylvan Olson and his counselors, Guy A. Poulsen and Reed Scott, and Secretary A. B. Wheeler, were released, and the following were sustained: Rolf C. Wold, superintendent; Ira J. Stoker and William Francis Burtenshaw, counselors; members of the board: Melvin Armstrong, chairman of stake Recreation Committee; John O. Mellor and J. W. West. The secretary will be selected at an early future date. The Y. L. M. I. A. stake board was reorganized at the same ti.me with Sister Sarah S. Pond as stake president.

3 84 IMPROVEMENT ERA | Current Events A Study for the M. I. A. Advanced Senior classes 1926-27 (Prepared by the Advanced Senior Committee) LESSONS FOR FEBRUARY, 1927 I— POLITICS AND INDUSTRY. 1 . Farm Relief. One of the biggest questions before Congress in the present session will likely be the subject of farm relief. This question has been upper- most before the American people and Congress for the last year or two, and it does not appear as if there can possibly be any early solution to the problem. Each year the farmers are moving toward concerted action in order to push their own economic interests. The corn and cotton forces, for instance, have united in their demand for government relief. In the event that they should get it, it doubtless means that the surplus in the Treasury will not return to the tax payers. "Much will depend upon the form and scope of the farm relief measure," says the Post: "If it should include a proposal to revise the tariff downward it will meet with stubborn re- sistance. The legislators who firmly believe that the protective tariff is the backbone of all prosperity, including agriculture, will fight any proposal to reduce tariff." This means, of course, that the farmer cannot expect much tariff relief from them. There may be, however, efforts made in this Congress to try for both farm relief and tax relief, but the chances of suc- cess of either are quite remote. At least, if the tax payers are to benefit by the Treasury surplus it will be after a hot battle in Congress. QUESTIONS 1. What are some of the most important questions before the agricultural interests in this country at the present time? 2. What is agricultural prosperity dependent upon after all? 3. Have the farmers in the past been inclined too much to the production of standard crops? 4. Should the farmers give their time to three or four specialty crops each year in* order to avoid over production in some standard commodity? 5. If the farmers should resort to specialty crops, how would it affect the farmer who must buy wheat, corn, and cotton? 6. Is it likely that the agricultural interests will favor any tax relief unless they get farm relief? 7. What should this farm relief be composed of; that is, in what way can the government give the agricultural classes relief? 8. Should the government appoint a Federal Farm Board to study con- tinuously agricultural conditions and ascertain where there is a surplus and what effect it has on prices?- — See Literary Digest, December 18, 1926, page 8. 2. The British Rubber Monopoly. > There is much talk of a credit "pool" which is about to be formed in the United States of $30,000,000 with which to buy crude rubber in the hope of stabilizing the price of that commodity, at least this is said to be the primary object of this "pool;" but by it they hope, also, to "break the monopolistic grip of Great Britain on the rubber market. "This 'pool' plan," says the New York World, "was suggested by Secretary Hoover last year when rubber prices soared to $1.20 a pound. The present price is thirty-six cents a pound. Such a wide variation in the price of rubber has likely caused losses to many tire manufacturers," "But this buying 'pool'

MUTUAL WORK 3 85 of our country," it is said by the New York Evening Post, "is a defense against, rather than an attack upon, the British rubber monopoly." "Accord- ing to present plans about $30,000,000 worth of rubber will be purchased out of stocks in London, Singapore, New York, and the Dutch East Indies markets." QUESTIONS 1. How will the American consumer and the American rubber and automobile manufacturer benefit by this combination? 2. What effect will it have upon the price of an automobile? 3. What causes competitive prices? 4. How far will the law of Supply and Demand and the cost of production apply in the price of rubber? of automobiles? 5. Will this pool stabilize prices, and if so, downward or upward? 6. Briefly, what are the motives behind this "pooling" of American resources and should it be taken seriously by producing interests? — See Literary Digest, December 18, 1926, page 12. III. Utah and Her Resources. "Considering all basic resources that contribute to the economic wel- fare of the race and the equally important natural wonders and scenic glories that yield the sources of geological history and stimulate the aspirations of heart and soul, the area marked by the boundaries of Utah is more richly endowed than any equal area that might be marked off on the sur- face of the globe," said President A. W. Ivins at a recent meeting before the Chamber of Commerce. QUESTIONS 1. Is this statement of Utah's resources extravagant, and if not, why not? 2. What is the area and the population of Utah? 3. How does Utah compare in metal mining with other states in the Union? In silver? In copper? In lead? 4. How many square miles of workable coal has Utah? Of recoverable coal in tons? 5. In 1925 Utah broke the world record in the number of tons of tomatoes harvested per acre. She also produced one-half of the nation's alfalfa seed, and this year the yield from her farms equals nearly $100,000,000. In poultry, sheep, and cattle there has also been a great increase running into the millions, and her hay crop alone equals $13,500,000. Too, in scenic wonders and educational oppor- tunities few states of the Union, if any, surpass Utah. Is it any wonder, therefore, that President Ivins made the above statement? — See Christmas edition of the Deseret News for 1925, and Section 6 for 1926. II SCIENCE 1 . A bill is now before Congress to bring about the adoption of the metric system of weights and measures in the United States. The Senate Committee on Commerce has already conducted several hearings on the subject. 1. What is the metric system? 2. How does the metric system differ from the system of weights and meas- ures now in vogue in most English-speaking countries? 3. What are the arguments for and against the proposed change? 4. Is it the business of the States or the Federal Government to legislate on such 3 matter? Why? — Science, December 3 1, 1926.

3 86 IMPROVEMENT ERA 2. At the recent International Conference on Bituminous Coal, held at Pittsburg, Pa., Dr. Frederich Bergius of Heidelberg, Germany, announced the results of long research in the extraction of gasoline and other valuable motor fuels, from low-grade coal. Eminent authorities express the belief that the process of extraction "has passed beyond the experimental stage." 1. How much coal is there in the world? 2. Is the discovery of new oil resources keeping pace with the increasing con- sumption of gasoline? 3. How much is known about the oil and' coal resources of this Rocky Mountain region? 4. What would be the effect of a sudden discovery of a new form of fuel oil? — Literary Digest, December 11, 1926. 3. Indian graves yielding more than five hundred skeletons, and large quantities of pottery, weapons, ornaments, utensils, etc., have been dis- covered in a group of mounds known as "The Fisher Mounds" near Joliet, Illinois, by George Langford of that city. Authorities regard this as "one of the outstanding archaeological developments of recent times in tlii^ country." 1. What is archaeology? 2. How does science determine the age of skeletons, weapons, pottery, etc.. discovered in this way? 3. How reliable are these scientific methods? 4. Of what significance is such a discovery to Latter-day Saints? — Sciu'nce. December 3 1, 19 26. 4. In search of the origin cf cataracts on the human eye, Dr. John M. Wheeler of New York University Medical School took bits of living tissue from the eyes of embryo chicks. These bits he placed in hollow-glass slides and kept them in incubators. Every two days these detached tissue- cells reproduced themselves, proving, as Dr. Alexis Carrell of the Rocke- feller Institute of Medicine has been doing for nearly fifteen years with his chicken-heart tissue, that "cell life can be maintained immortal ap?rt from the parent body." 1. How does research of this sort benefit humanity? . 2. Is it ethical for man to promote science and his own welfare by means of experimentation on animals? 3. Who are the anti-vivisectionists, and upon what arguments docs their case rest? I 4. Does Dr. Carrell's search for the physiological principle of eterna' life seem justified religiously? — Time. January 3, 192 7. TEN OUTSTANDING MAGAZINE ARTICLES FOR DECEMBER, l'H6 (Selected by a Council of Librarians) 1. "Our Predicament Under the 18th Amendment." Walter Lippman, Haraer'r. 2. "Love, Arms, Song and Death." Henry M. Robinson, Century. 3. "The Book Collecting Game." A. Edward Newton, Atlantic. 4. "The Man Behind The Times." Benjamin Stolberg, Atlantic. 5. "Where Can I Find the Rules for Success?" Edward W. Bok. S .ibnec's. 6. "Portrait of an Olympian." Rollo W. Brown, Harper's. 7. "Ringside Seats," Katernine Fullerton Gerould, Harpvi s. 8. "The Scientific City of the Future," Interview with Thomas A. Luii n. Forum. 9. "Americans Wanted." William S. Wasserman, Atlantic. 10. "Phantoms of the Snow." Herbert R. Sass, Good Housekeeping*

MUTUAL WORK 3 87 III— RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS 1 . Church Music. The committee on Church Music of the United Lutheran Church of America, which recently held its fifth semi-annual convention in Richmond, Virginia, condemns "show pieces" by the choir. The report says: "All the choir's acts must be acts of worship, and if an anthem be sung, it must be chosen with due reference to the day, season or occa- sion, and be sung in a manner to inspire devotion." (See Literary Digest, November 20, 1926, page 37.) Should the choir be regarded as a group of entertainers? What is the choir's place? What is the value of congregational singing? Is enough care given to fit the choir singing to the service? What may be done to have choirs and congregations sing with spirit and understanding? 2. A Dearth of Intellectual Ministers. Dr. Henry Sloane Coffin, new president of Union Theological Semi- nary, New York City, claims that the church is not living up to its oppor- tunity because of the mental deficiency of its ministers and "the unin- telligible controversy over unimportant points." (See Literary Digest, November 27, 1926, page 31.) Why is there such a dearth of intellectuals in the ministry? Does the condition of the religious world today show the need of preaching a Restored Gospel? What are requisites for one who would teach the gospel of Christ? 3. What of Zionism? Dr. Henry S. Pritchett says, "The movement to colonize Palestine with Jews is unfortunate and visionary. " (See Literary Digest, November 27, 1926, page 32.) What has been said in refutation by those who favor Zionism? What do the Latter-day Saints think regarding the return of the Jews to Palestine? 4. A Crisis in the Church of England. It is said that "A Supreme Crisis in the history of the Church of England is approaching, and some authorities think the day not far distant when it will become merged with the Church of Rome." — See Literary Di- gest, November 27, 1926, pige 30. In America, too, the Episcopal Church is astir over the growing power of the Catholic party within its ranks. The Churchman says, "Many in- telligent laymen throughout the church are genuinely concerned, and not without cause. They see in the Catholic Congress a determined and organ- ized effort toward a revival of magic and superstition in the church of their birth. They are beginning to fear the results of their own ignorance of what has been taking place. They have wished, and wish now, to be toler ant; but they are questioning whether under the plea of tolerance, they must sit idly by while primitive superstitions are promoted in the Episcopal Church by well-defined organization. They are coming reluctantly to recog- nize the truth of Bishop Randolph's statement that what we have in the Episcopal Church is not two schools of thought but two religions." — See . Literary Digest, November 20, 1927, page 36. What are the great differences in belief of the Roman Catholics and the Episcopalians? What is common in the belief of the two churches? , Wha' is the aim of the Anglo-Catholics?

IMPROVEMENT ERA Y. M, M. I. A. Statistical Report, December, 1926 STAKE Q Sg S-a ■3 O la a £ e c 7"1 « g o u S 5 §•3 O S •— -a •a £ So & w c a I| ,2| II .2 E 3 ■a -2 xfa ■§■§ "2 2* £ c ^ £ Eh •2» js -^ -^ ^ ■o c < w K <k 62 << < < -• 5 S tz rt ^ "~ w^ Alpine Bear River __ Beaver Benson Box Elder - — Cache Carbon Cottonwood __ Deseret Emery Ensign Garfield Granite Grant Gunnison Hyrum Jordan Juab Kanab ___ Liberty Logan Millard Morgan Nebo North Davis . North Sanpete North Sevier .. North Weber Ogden Oquirrh i Palmyra , Parowan Pioneer Roosevelt St. George Salt Lake San Juan Sevier South Davis .. South Sevier Summit Tintic Tooele Uintah Utah Wasatch r Weber Bannock t Bear Lake .. Boise , Burley i Cassia Curlew Franklin Fremont Idaho Idaho Falls __ Lost River __ Malad 1000 18 13 104 142 209 .... 3 3 9 1 480 12 10 81 127 90 49 93 309 7 3 27 60 51 34 47 706 14 13 135 171 196 57 201 771 14 14 138 240 213 35 216 566 8 8 89 102 172 226 590 10 4 31 20 34 8 45 727 10 10 110 70 181 30 250 493 12 12 102 160 104 20 155 476 9 8 56 46 141 154 927 8 8 89 117 180 92 260 308 8 4 33 36 22 30 1000 9 9 97 140 203 88 306 1400 14 14 129 109 310 59 357 279 7 7 50 73 68 25 68 500 10 6 52 82 85 20 74 1011 16 8 68 83 135 64 230 337 5 5 39 74 73 120 226 6 6 50 52 38 25" 72 1407 12 12 147 197 315 219 331 597 11 7 74 60 116 12 197 344 8| 6 48 64 59 ....... 76 205 10 7 55 59 38 9 55 454 9 8 69 78 90 4 213 462 7 6 54 48 80 19 112 700 10 9 73 59 170 20 176 275 6 6 40 62 65 57 617 13 13 103 49 155 8 231 848 10 10 99 144 231 65 250 495 5 5 69 61 106 10 163 487 8 8 68 121 115 42 197 532 10 10 67 141 82 10 89 785 10 10 101 98 215 15 233 303 13 6 43 50 44 15 55 680 14 13 193 189 156 59 597 1072 13 13 143 137 225 134 238 192 4 3 26 43 50 38 46 353 6 6 54 77 120 54 105 532 8 3 25 29 33 83 327 8 4 27 30 8 7 41 467 12 7 45 47 64 9 52 271 5 5 38 78 20 14 107 390 10 5 46 53 44 27 51 410 10 10 75 118 128 134 1100 16 1? 1 18 178 735 ?4 76? 382 9 7 60 84 90 124 711 9 9 78 70 120 48 173 240 6 4 30 39 21 9 33 363 11 11 95 79 113 141 365 305 10 9 8 4 34 65 24 17 44 170 6 6 39 57 44 2 59 124 10 6 39 56 27 53 420 11 11 103 119 114 174 657 14 14 161 191 167 31 206 178 9 9 77 86 26 12 42 1 530 12 8 104 175 115 30 124 69 3 3 20 46 14 37 | 305 7\ 6 63 79 69 11 90 794 440 219 760 842 589 138 641 541 397 738 121 834 964 284 313 580 306 237 1209 459 247 216 454 313 498 224 546 789 409 543 389 562 207 1194 877 203 410 170 119 217 257 221 455 767 358 489 132 428 329 184 201 175 510 756 243 548 117 312 79 57 106 • | 58 97 66 19 20 54 42 22 81 97 91 29 120 163 116 17 66 53 95 27 36 28 81 50 121 23 71 94 60 15 1741416 45 77 22 81 107 40 34 53 39 46 116 56 42 46 60 40 54 32 80 72 51 50 48 72 33 70 105 19 38 19 22 28 26 30 58 78 47 60 17 59 23 831 71 28 103 99 50 50 49 37 38 100 27 48 43 50 27 ,36 35 27 60 33 66 75 44 39 99 75 34 40 20 21 17 43 26 78 89 46 39 25 67 49 48 22 56 151 52 60 23 49 119 17 131 226 28 51 93 40 30 164 65 40 28 50 43 92 37 84 133 54 72 46 115 33 114 130 36 73 21 8 40 18 22 110 152 53 70 13 84 " 18 24 14 79 110 17 40 3 38 60 ~67 26 14 18 39 ~18 139 9 79 34 129 178 130 43 176 90 131 169 16 208 233 60 50 152 54 45 235 104 319 172 427 594 344 134 451 330 282 496 83 590 691 192 203 386 170 177 754 261 67 197 38 150 62 118 40 133 148 96 135 63 111 34 105 156 30 73 51 27 29 75 23 100 182 92 109 10 80 14| 35 161 310 188 313 144 328 456 236 347 244 346 153 403 537 134 258 111 85 123 172 116 346 523 238 296 72 290 296 144 145 87 299 1351504 153 215 57 198

MUTUAL WORK 389 STAKE .Sa il o En « a a ■a £ g< .2 •a O J 8 U en -a ■a £ << o Ji i = oE-S < © 5 109 18 23 14 418 53 56 62 7 421 64 50 42 6 513 70 65 71 28 105 16 9 12 3 485 80 120 52 25 381 61 74 43 177 15 22 20 281 44 64 34 294 45 27 58 13 203 22 60 22 23 349 59 52 46 21 621 78 90 162 8 306 42 86 58 5 441 61 - 75 81 8 351 38 43 67 6 162 28 43 6 9 279 39 23 36 17 31 4 5 5 327 35 58 40 15 411 69 42 64 400 55 71 90 51 244 34 37 24 5 165 28 20 40 13 880 137 213 155 5 Minidoka Montpelier „.. Oneida Pocatello Raft River i Rigby Shelley Twin Falls ... Yellowstone . Big Horn Juarez , Lethbridge ___ Los Angeles _. Lvman Maricopa , Moapa , Nevada St. Joseph San Luis , Snowflake Star Valley ... Taylor Woodruff Young Calif. Mission 240 367 370 561 160 521 319 210 370 322 128 234 526 220 428 237| 1 58 j 214 200 280 359 344 335 95 1046 9| 8 4 6 3 1 19 40 23 27 84 95 98 7 134 92 100 73 8 148 102 102 119 24 166 28 26 22 7 22 116 146 87 38 98 96 119 76 90 24 62 34 57 60 93 60 68 53 77 50 41 73 27 68 26 27 55 76 96 80 24 73 108 138 241 15 119 55 98 80 5 68 80 90 129 11 131 65 88 92 10 96 34 48 14 12 54 56 58 59 29 77 5 9 9 8 57 102 71 20 77 115 75 128 93 67 88 125 73 47 | 39 71 64 7 63 33 25 58 19 30 174 314 213- 24 155 71 239 258 329 56 336 233 91 188 190 174 227 418 241 313 229 125 154 25 189 232 308 3 6| 1 3 6 281129 115 625 16 61 96 95 16 59 55 34 4 6 47 47 49 80 50 88 75 39 39 11 41 57 31 Y. M. M. I. A. Efficiency Report , December, 1926 a - O a m o. ■a a .H *A & STAKE O < te £ s S3 *C3 1 3 £ o EH tf « a CO ■3 ■as < a 3 « 1 Alpine 8 5 7 7 7 4 10 6 10 9 73 Bear River i 9 10 8 10 6 5 8 7 8 8 79 Beaver 7 10 10 6 8 9 7 9 8 6 5 4 5 7 8 7 8 8 7 9 73 Benson 75 Box Elder 1 .. 10 10 10 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 92 Cache 10 6 9 10 10 6 10 8 10 9 88 2 9 10 10 10 10 8 8 5 4 6 1 6 10 10 10 | 71 Cottonwood 10 10 9 | 85 10 8 6 10 7 9 10 9 6 8 8 4 10 7 8 6 8 9 7 9 80 Emery 79 Ensign __ 8 10 10 10 10 9 10 6 10 10 93 Garfield 4 10 10 5 8 10 7 4 10 10 78 8 7 < 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 10 3 10 10 8 5 4 8 7 9 7 5 3 7 10 10 8 10 10 9 84 83 Gunnison 79 Hyrum .. 6 7 6 5 6 4 6 6 6 6 58 Jordan 6 10 5 5 5 3 4 3 5 5 51 Juab 9 6 10 6 10 9 9 7 10 8 84 Kanab 10 10 10 8 10 5 10 8 10 8 89 Liberty 9 6 10 10 10 9 9 10 10 10 93 Logan i 8 6 10 10 10 6 7 7 10 10 84 Millard 7 10 8 5 7 2 5 4 8 7 63 Morgan 10 10 5 1 4 5 9 10 I 9 7 | 70 Nebo 10 7 7 4 6 3 6 6 1 8 9 1 66

390 IMPROVEMENT ERA STAKE <D g < s i 05 s s s ■< K 0 1; T3 -- North Davis _ North Sanpete North 'Sevier North Weber Ogden Oquirrh , Palmyra Pa rowan Pioneer , Roosevelt St. George __. Salt Lake San Juan Sevier South Davis _. South Sevier - Summit Tintic Tooele Uintah Utah Wasatch Weber Bannock Bear Lake , Boise Burley Cassia Curlew Franklin Fremont Idaho Idaho Falls Lost River Malad Minidoka Montpelier Oneida Pocatello Raft River ____. Rigby Shelley Twin Falls Yellowstone ' _ Big Horn Juarez Lethbridge Los Angeles __ Lyman Maricopa Moapa - Nevada St. Joseph San Luis Snowflake Star Valley _ Taylor Woodruff Young Calif. Mission 1 7 6 1 7 6 1 8 7 1 9 6 9 6 8 6 10 6 7 6 8 5 7 10 10 3 8 6 10 10 10 6 3 10 3 10 5 6 10 10 6 5 10 10 7 10 9 10 7 6 6 6 10 10 9 9 5 10 10 10 10 5 10 . 6 10 10 10 6 10 4 10 5 10 6 5 10 10 5 10 6 9 6 6 5 9 10 10 6 8 5 8 10 9 6 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 7 10 10 10 6 2 10 10 6 10 6 10 10 7 6 10 10 1 8 10 10 8 10 10 7 8 9 4 10 10 7 7 3 3 5 10 5 10 9 6 10 5 7 9 4 10 7 10 10 9 10 10 7 10 7 9 10 7 7 10 9 10 9 10 7 10 8 10 9 8 9 10 6 9 10 10 10 9 10 10 8 10 10 10 9 6 7 1 10 10 4 7 2 2 3 10 1 3 9 6 10 4 5 2 4 9 To 10 9 8 7 10 3 4 9 10 ~6 9 4 2 5 8 10 8 7 10 6 2 4 10 5 5 10 10 9 10 10 8 10 1 9 10 2 6 2 4 1 4 1 8 10 7 10 4 7 6 2 10 1 8 10 8 9 7 9 10 5 5 9 1 5 5 4 3 4 9 9 10 6 10 7 6 6 10 5 4 5 6 5 2 9 8 ' 7 7 5 5 4 10 6 7 4 5 4 3 8 4 10 5 4 6 4 7 8 3 10 5 7 10 5 7 7 6 3 10 2 8 7 7 6 6 6 10 2 5 10 7 1 8 10 2 7 10 6 10 9 3 10 10 9 9 6 8 4 9 7 7 10 1 4 10 6 5 3 10 7 3 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 7 8 9 10 4 8 9 5 9 6 10 10 5 8 10 8 9 10 10 7 8 10 5 7 7 6 5 10 10 9 10 10 10 9 7 5 6 6 10 4 4 8 10 6 6 7 9 10 1 3 3 3 6 4. 3 8 3 ' 4 7 10 6 10 7 7 4 10 4 3 8 8 4 9 3 4 10 10 10 6 10 9 10 10 9 6 8 8 5 8 10 10 7 10 8 5 8 7 10 10 8 5 8 8 8 7 5 4 9 7 8 6 10 10 10 5 8 10 6 .4 5 10 10 4 10 10 10 4 5 10 6 10 10 10 9 8 10 5 10 10 7 10 1 4 4 10 4 8 10 6 10 5 8 9 4 10 4 8 10 6 8 10 10 10 6 6 10 10 10 6 10 6 10 6 9 10 7 84 70 62 90 91 90 83 65 78 44 79 83 67 79 31 40 47 81 37 84 84 68 78 44 82 72 42 99 58 88 100 81 82 77 89 77 66 74 94 44 75 79 59 72 67 88 96 83 71 99. 76 56 77 82 57 73 98 68 69 76