Priesthood Quorums

All matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood in this department are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. An Example Worth Following Elder C. I. Goff recently made a report to the Presiding Bishop's office, which is so interesting that it is deemed worthy of publication. "In appreciation of the labors of the Aaronic Priesthood of the East Jordan stake, the High Council Com- mittee, consisting of C. I. Goff, Dr. C. C. Jensen, M. Burgess Andrus ;and Henry Jorgensen, conducted an excur- sion of the boys to Salt Lake City on December 28, last. "They were first taken to the taber- nacle, where two members of the Pre- siding Bishopric, Sylvester Q. Cannon and David A. Smith, explained the points ;and items of interest on the temple grounds, after which they ex- amined the console of the great taber- nacle organ and greatly enjoyed the organ recital rendered by Brother Tracy Y. Cannon. "A visit was then made to the Des- eret Museum in the Bureau of Inform- ation building. Later a trip was taken to the state capitol, where special guides explained the various state exhibits showing Utah's great resources. The government room and especially the senate chamber and the house of rep- resentatives were of great interest to the boys, as they had the privilege of sitting in the seats of the various pre- siding officers and law makers of the state and had explained to them the procedure of making laws, etc. "The .entire group of 173 with their guides, which in many cases con- sisted of ward bishops, bishops' coun- selors, scout leaders, and Aaronic Priesthood supervisors, proceeded to one of the theatres, where a very en- tertaining program was enjoyed by all. The caravan of 35 automobiles then proceeded homeward, arriving there after dark. "The stake committee feels that some recognition should be given to all members of the Lesser Priesthood who are diligent and faithful in the discharge of their duties. It is, there- fore, the intention of the committee to conduct two such excursions during each year, the first during the holiday season to various points of interest, and the other during the summer months, when the ,boys can get close to mother nature in the nearby can- yons and resorts." Ushering We desire to call the attention of bishops of wards to the requirement of the Aaronic Priesthood activities which provides for regular assignment of duties and report of duties per- formed. At the present time our at- tention is called to the apparent condi- tion of disorder in our meeting houses immediately preceding the opening ex- ercises. While it is a practice in many wards for a member of the bishopric to be stationed at the door to welcome those who attend, practically no attention is given to the matter of seeing that they are properly seated. The result is, the seats near the rear of the build- ing are filled first, leaving the front seats practically empty. We feel this condition should be reversed and the people of our wards encouraged to give more attention to this matter. To encourage them further young men of the Aaronic Priesthood quo- rums should be stationed at the door. When the officer in charge extends

Feb.. 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 337 greetings to those entering he could at the same time assign one of these young men to escort them to their seats. This would lend an air of dignity to the proceedings and Church members, no doubt, would feel it their duty to occupy the seat to which they had been assigned by these young men. We desire that there be in our places of worship at all times a spirit of peace, love, and order. Thoughtful atten- tion to these matters will not only im- press upon older members their duty, but will develop in the young men who are called to take part a spirit of reverence and a desire to do their part in bringing about this most de- sirable condition. Presiding Bishopric. Systematic Supervision of the Aaronic Priesthood The Stake Aaronic Priesthood Com- mittee of Liberty stake is actively working to advance this great move- ment. They have sent to each ward an outline showing what the ward supervising committees can do to pro- mote Priesthood activity. Therein it is stated that the responsi- bility of doing the various things out- lined should be placed definitely upon the individual committee members and class teachers in such a way as to as- sure the prompt and efficient perform- ance of each duty without over-taxing any member. Everyone on the com- mittee must have something important to do. The aim of the program is, first, to save and train the boys; and second. to render actual assistance and relief to the bishopric in the work of the ward. The work to be done is out- lined under the following headings: (a) Find your membership. (b) Provide interesting and worth- while classwork. (c) Keep the boys active in the ward and community. (d) Be missionaries. (e) Build upon and amplify these suggestions, and make a program of your own. Under these various headings de- tailed suggestions are made -which are very helpful in the matter of accom- plishing the purposes set out in the outline. Sample Letter by Young Man Proposed for Ordination The following letter was addressed to his bishop by a boy who had been invited to state his feelings regarding the proposed ordination: Dear Bishop: I have looked forward to this call for some time and think it is a great honor to be worthy of being ordained to the office of a deacon. I will try at all times to do my best to magnify my calling. Father said that he knew nothing better could happen to me in this world. I also consider the matter of being ordained a deacon a matter of great importance. You can trust in me to fill the office of a deacon to the best of my ability. Respectfully 'yours, We ought not to judge of men as of a picture or statue, at the first sight. — La Bruyere,