Priesthood Quorums

All matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood in this department are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Aaronic Priesthood Problems Almost daily requests come to the Presiding Bishop's office for informa- tion explaining more fully the sub- ject-matter to be treated in the Aaronic Priesthood quorums at the Tuesday night Priesthood quorum meetings. Under the new arrangement, these meetings will be taken up largely in the discussion of quorum problems, an active membership being one of the most important. Dependable members of the Priesthood will be required to labor with inactive members until all are earnestly participating in quorum work. Reports of visits and assign- ments made will be given and reported in the roll book. Assignments to be filled during the following week should be made and a record made of these appointments, so that each week a complete quorum record may be made of all quorum activities. This plan should be followed in each quorum of the Aaronic Priesthood and under the direction of the Aaronic Priesthood supervisor, who each week should meet with the bishopric, submit his plan for approval and arrange his work to fit in with the general scheme of ward activities, keeping in mind always sec- tion 4, verse 2, Doctrine and Cove- nants: "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blame- less before God at the last day." In those stakes which have not yet held their Priesthood conventions, an effort should be made not only to have all the officers present, but a special effort should be made to have each member of the Aaronic Priesthood in attendance, especially at the session set aside for the Aaronic Priesthood. It is hoped that young men ordained to these offices shall learn to apply the principles of the Gospel day by day in all their activities. Theoretical teach- ings are of little value until we can ap- ply them in our daily work. Your Priesthood convention and the practical presentation of quorum work will afford an opportunity of not only becoming familiar with Gos- pel principles but also an opportunity to apply these principles in a way that will surely bring to the individual joy and happiness. Regarding Deacon's Quorums The question has been asked wheth- er it would not be satisfactory, where there are more than one quorum of deacons, to have the two or more quo- rums meet together under the direction of one or more supervisors. The vari- ous quorum presidencies might take turns in presiding. In answer thereto, we desire to call attention to the fact that the Lord, by revelation, has particularly provided for separate quorum organizations, each to consist of twelve members. We can see the divine wisdom in thus forming these quorums, small in num- bers. This permits each one to take active part, which is very important, and makes possible a more rapid check- ing up on the work done by each mem- ber. In view of the activities of the boys, these are both vital matters. Where two or more quorums meet together, the presidency of each quorum does

156 IMPROVEMENT ERA not have the opportunity of presiding It is, of course, a very desirable thing each time, and the members do not have that each quorum should have associ- as frequent opportunity of taking part, ated with it a competent supervisor such as praying and answering ques- who can advis£ ^ fa jn ^ tions, as they would in separate quo- , , , . / ... rums. Then, too, there is the difficulty matter of checking up their activities, of maintaining order in a group as and who can take charge of the lesson large as that of two or more quorums, work. If Man Would Understand There are man-made temples of learning. Where seekers of wisdom are found; There are ornate churches to enter, Where great preachers the Scriptures expound. There are thousands who come together Each Sabbath to worship the Lord, Vho earnestly seek for a knowledge Of his divine and beautiful word. But, oh, what feelings of reverence, As, alone on the mountain high, Man raises his eyes up to heaven And beholds the tranquil, starlit sky. It is there he feels God's near presence And knows that his work is divine; And there need be no church to enter But the shelter of odorous pine. No proof needed but that of nature, No song but the carol of birds, No light but the bright stars of heaven, Where the quiet voice of night is heard. And he needs no great books of learning, For the voice of all nature speaks, And gives to the heart an assurance Of the truth which he earnestly seeks. God's love one needs never to question, For he shows it on every hand; He reveals to each one a knowledge If his children would but understand. Meta. Arizona IDA R. ALLDREDGE