--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 30 number: 9 published: 1927-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Editor’s Table,” *Improvement Era* 30, no. 9 (July 1927): 827–830." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3009unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera3009unse start_page: 827 end_page: 830 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1927-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3009unse publication_year: 1927 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1927, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editor’s Table Editors ^Table Review of the June Conference Enthusiasm, pleasant association, a large attendance, and a gen- eral good time characterized the annual June conference of the young people of the Church this year. To these wasi added an excellent program of religious, musical, literary, oratorical, social and recrea- tional activities and contests, which sharpened the edge of action, and should therefore end in practical, pleasant and laudable results. The meetings were well attended by officers from all the stakes of the Church, and the speakers gave full value to the eager listeners, anxious to learn how more fully to carry on their work. Young people and officers were present from Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah, the delegates who registered numbering over two thousand. Many failed to register. From the hour of registration, on Saturday morning, until the close of the final, inspiring meeting, on Sunday night, a constant round of meetings, instruction, play and worship was the order. All appeared to enjoy themselves. The opening meeting in the Assembly Hall, packed to over- flowing, set the pace. The theme was "Spiritualizing Life's Work." Superintendent George Albert Smith and President Martha H. Tingey gave the opening addresses. The former presented the slogan for 1927-28: "We stand for a fuller knowledge of the Book of Mormon, and a testimony of its divine origin." Dean L. John Nuttal, of the Brigham Young University, spoke on "Spiritualizing Vocations." He lauded work, and quoted the saying, "A detour around work is not the end of education." He said, among many other excellent statements, "As long as there is a boy or girl unoccupied, there is great opportunity for M. I. A. workers to teach worthy things." "Spiritualizing Life's Work in Political, Civic and Social Re- lationships," was the subject of a very impressive speech by Con- gressman Don B. Colton, of Utah. He was followed by Dr. Adam S. Bennion, on "Spiritualizing Life's Work in Religious Institutions and Activities." He asked that all should read Romans 8:1-13. The music and singing were especially pleasing: a male quartet from Hyrum stake, William Hoskins conducting; a contralto solo by Claire Thomas; a ladies' chorus from the Second ward, Liberty stake, Rosalie Madsen, conductor; and a rendition of Eulene by the Dixie orchestra. The afternoon meeting, 2 to 4, had for its theme, "Spiritualiz- ing Leisure Time." At this meeting President Heber J. Grant and members of the Council of the Twelve favored the audience with 82 8 IMPROVEMENT ERA their presence. The speakers were Executive Director Oscar A. Kirk- ham, on "Leadership;" Lucy W. Smith, "Projects for the Individual and the Group;" and Elder Melvin J. Ballard, on "Problems that Challenge Our Leisure Time and ^our Great Objectives." Elder Ballard asked the audience to repeat the new slogan, which they did with zest and spirit. His enthusiastic speech had an electrical effect upon the great audience of officers. James E. West, National Chief Scout Executive, New York, being asked to speak, expressed his deep appreciation of the M. I. A. scout organization. An instrumental trio by Ellen Nielsen, Alice Anderson, Beth Walton Nelson; baritone solo, "Hear me, ye winds and waves'," by Harold H. Bennett; and a soprano solo, "Solvejg's song," by Margaret Anderson, and an M. I. A. closing song, by a chorus, were on the excellent musical repertoire of this meeting. From 4:30 to 1 1 p. m., the time was spent at Saltair, the officers and directors of the Primary Association participating with the M. I. A. More than six thousand people took advantage of the oppor- tunity to see the lake and to witness the finals of the dance contest, "The Lancers," a most beautiful sight, in which eight divisions of eight people each took part. Luncheon followed; then a program of entertaining features, a demonstration of the 1928 contest dance, and general dancing. In physical appearance, cleanliness of habit, dress, language and deportment, this group of young people could not be excelled in all the land. It was a delight to mingle with them. On Saturday morning, the Y. M. M. I. A. had a general meet- ing in the Tabernacle. There were three speeches, "Temples of God," B. S. Hinckley; "Chivalry," John F. Bowman; and "A Man Among Men," by Richard R. Lyman. These will be reproduced in the Era for August, with other matter pertaining to the M. I. A. conference. At the close of this meeting, through the courtesy of station KSL, the audience was privileged to hear President Calvin Coolidge in his speech of welcome to Captain Charles Lindbergh, and Lind- bergh's short and modest response, also the tumult and the shouting incident to his arrival in Washington from Europe at that moment and hour. It was a wonderful privilege to receive these immediate and direct communications, marking a new epoch in the history of the world in aeronautics. Following this a celebrated chorus of Swedish singers appeared, on their way west, and treated the congregation to two numbers. They sang the "Star Spangled Banner," with wonderful power, which elicited rounds of applause. It was a real musical treat. From 10:30 to 12, an M Men's convention was held in the Tabernacle, touching problems in this division of our work. The speakers were Thomas Hull, Oscar A. Kirkham, Serge M. Benson (a Logan M Man) , and Colon Lauder (an Ogden M Man) . At 12 o'clock, a luncheon was tendered the superintendents at the Hotel Utah. On this occasion, finances were discussed and the methods of furthering the circulation of the Improvement Era, organ of the Y. M. M. L A. It was announced by Elder Melvin J. Ballard, manager that, beginning with the November issue, volume 31, the EDITOR'S TABLE 829 magazine will be enlarged, have a new cover, new and larger type, and in several other respects be greatly improved, with no increase in cost to subscribers. The afternoon was spent in important department meetings. Here the real business of the organizations was carried on. The de- partments included executive officers, organization and membership, recreation, standards, Advanced senior, finance and publication. Junior and Senior departments. At the same time, division tryouts from the eight divisions of the Church were also held, in Public Speaking, M Men's Quartet, Male Chorus, Drama, Band and Or- chestra, Gleaner Girls' Public Speaking, Ladies' Chorus. In the evening grand concert the finals in contests were held in the Taber- nacle with thousands in attendance. With the ward tryouts, stake try- outs, district tryouts, and eight division tryouts throughout the Church, then the final division tryouts here in Salt Lake City, eliminating all except two in each contest, one may surmise the importance and in- terest centering in these finals. It is estimated that at least sixteen thousand young people took part in the preparation of these exercises. On Sunday morning, a spirited testimony meeting was held for M. I. A. officers in the Assembly Hall, which was again crowded to capacity. So many were anxious to speak, that hundreds were un- able to obtain the floor. The testimonies were inspiring and faith- promoting, and dwelt upon the happiness and joy that come to those who labor in the cause of the young people of Zion, faith in the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in the inspired contents of the Book of Mormon. The testimonies of Superintendents George Albert Smith, Melvin J. Ballard and Richard R. Lyman were especially to the point and inspiring. The largest meeting was held Sunday morning at 10:30 to 12, in a general gathering in the great Tabernacle. The theme was, "The Contribution of the M. I. A. and the Primary Association in Building Latter-day Saints." The theme was presented in story, song and action. Thousands of young people took part, thrilling the audience with their excellent presentation. At 2 o'clock on Sunday, a general meeting was held at which President Heber J. Grant presided. The Tabernacle choir furnished the music, under the direction of B. Cecil Gates. A eulogy of President Brigham Young was delivered by Elder Junius F. Wells. President Anthony W. Ivins gave a thoughtful addtess on "Man's Relationship to God." He was followed by President Charles W. Nibley, who alluded to marriage, and gave important counsel on this vital subject. President Heber J. Grant uttered excellent counsel and advice to the young people. His remarks on good manners and courtesy in public assemblies should be remembered by every organ- ization throughout the Church. He advised the young people to read the commandments of Alma to his sons, Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton, and urged them to remember to do the thing that the Lord requires. 830 IMPROVEMENT ERA At the evening service, at 7 o'clock, the music was furnished by the Tabernacle choir, under the direction of B. Cecil Gates. Super- intendent George Albert Smith and President Martha H. Tingey presided. As an introduction to the dramatization of Book of Mor- mon themes, the choir sang, "O ye mountains high," and "Gospel restoration." The slogan was presented by Elder Richard R. Lyman and repeated by the congregation. The dramatization of Book of Mormon scenes: (a) records, (b) Abinadi before King Noah, (c) Moroni's farewell, and the finale, was one of the most striking pre- sentations of three important Book of Mormon stories ever pre- sented. The large audience was thrilled by it. As a part of the finale to the dramatization, "An angel from on high," was sung. This was followed by a learned discourse by Elder Orson F. Whitney, of the Council of the Twelve, on "Latter-day Saint Ideals and Institutions." The Superintendency and Presidency of the M. I. A. are to be congratulated upon the splendid programs prepared. Elder Oscar A. Kirkham, Executive Director; W. O. Robinson, field secretary, and their associates of the General Boards, in carrying out the program, are entitled to commendation for their efforts in making the conference a big success. The dramatization of the Book of Mormon scenes is particularly due to the labors of W. O. Robinson. Judging from the enthusiasm, attendance, and spirit of the conference, there need be no fear as to lack of earnestness, faith, testi- mony, determination and spirit of righteousness, among the youth of Zion. — A. Books In the Temples of the Great Outdoors, by Theodore E. Curtis; forty-six pages: price, 50c. On the reading course list. The Contents of this poem consist of a description of a Boy Scout out- ing in one of the canyons near Salt Lake City. Three days were spent in the camp, and what the boys did and saw are pictured in the poem, in the delight- ful description of which the author seems so adept. Here and there in the poem are passages that are delightfully beautiful. His "Apostrophe to the Night" is one of these; -*"In a Little Snug Nook" is another; The book has four beautiful photographic illustrations of mountain scenes and lakes, and hundreds of beautiful descriptions in words. A poem that should be read in every Fathers and Sons' Outing. The book is on the reading course list. It closes with these words : "May such occasions be increased To sire and son. To say the least, That was a hike most any scout Would like to pause and read about." Fathers and Sons' Annual Outing — Summer of 1927, an interesting, appropriately illustrated booklet of twenty-four pages has just been pub- lished by the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A. The purpose of the pub- lication is to give both information and inspiration to fathers and sons throughout the Church for their big outing this summer. Many valuable suggestions are also given in the matter of preparation, supervision, and out- door program suitable to the occasion. A copy of the booklet will be sent free to all officers who ask for it. Send your request to General Office of Y. M. M. I. A., Room 406 Church Office Building, Salt Lake City.