Messages from the Missions

Messages from the Missions The Swiss-German Mission By President Fred Tadje [President Tadje returned to Utah, with his family, in the closing days of 1926, after more than three and a half years of missionary work. He presided over the Swiss-German mission until it was divided in 1925, then presided over the German-Austrian mission. After fifteen months at home he was again called to his old field as president. — Editors.] The Swiss-German mission com- prises the western part of Germany, Alsace-Lorraine and that part of Switzerland where the German lan- guage predominates. The dividing line begins just east of Rostock on the shore of the Baltic Sea, runs west of Guestrow and Erfurt to the south, then curves below Hof to the German- Czechoslovakian frontier. There are 1 6 districts in this mission, with 74 branches, a number of new fields and a membership of nearly 6,000 souls. The glad message of the restored Gospel has been proclaimed with con- siderable success to these German- speaking peoples for many years. A great number of honest souls have be- lieved and affiliated themselves with the Church in the manner prescribed by the Lord. This is especially true since the close of the great world war when freedom, to preach the Gospel, was granted our missionaries laboring in Germany. From the moment the Gos- pel was first introduced in that coun- try to the time of the outbreak of the war, in 1914, our representatives en- countered many obstacles. Through the constant opposition experienced by elders and members alike during that long period, missionary work was ren- dered extremely difficult. Many mis- sionaries were banished and a number • W .# <j*^ ?. ^J^T "**f:::- ". T^W :-:"- \ | PRESIDENT FRED TADJE AND SISTER ELIZA W. TADJE

412 IMPROVEMENT ERA Mar., 1929 were imprisoned. However, through the blessings of heaven, great changes were wrought which makes it possible now that all, who will, may hear and accept the divine word. The very re- markable progress made in this field, especially during the last decade, demonstrates how richly the blood of Joseph is represented among the Ger- man-speaking peoples. As a whole, those of this race who have covenanted with the Lord rank among the most faithful in the Church. Of their loyalty, integrity and hospitality one can only speak in the highest terms. It is a rare privilege to labor among them as an ambassador of the truth. The record the missionaries have been able to make is most gratifying. In the distribution of literature and general accomplishments the year 1927 was a most successful one. The ac- tivity report for last year discloses the fact that 1119 Books of Mormon, 2045 other standard Church works and 905,302 tracts were distributed. There were 303 persons who made sacred covenants with the Lord through baptism. The records further indicate that the elders had 111,618 Gospel conversations and held 19,889 meetings. In addition to this splendid work, there was organized at Cologne, under the leadership of President Hugh J. Cannon, in the month of January, a missionary school for the benefit of our new elders. The pur- pose of this institution is to instruct the new elder in the correct study of the German language, and in practical and effective ways of tracting and of general missionary work, under the careful supervision of devoted and en- thusiastic elders. The plan is to have them attend this school for from four to six weeks, after which they are as- signed to a field of labor. It is obvious that the brethren with this training are better prepared for missionary work in every way than they would otherwise be. It is very interesting to note the growth of the auxiliary organizations of the mission and the significant part they play in allaying prejudice and winning friends for the Church. The accomplishments of these organiza- tions are a revelation to the thinking class not of our faith. Little did they think that "Mormons," everywhere maligned for so many years, had such effective means for the training of young and old in the weightier things of life. That these auxiliaries, notably the Mutual Improvement Association and Sunday Schools, might become a still more potent factor in our mission- ary work and capable of accomplish- ing even greater things, and in order that the highest attainment of efficiency might be reached, it was held necessary to appoint a superintendent who would devote his whole time in the interest of these organizations. Dur- ing the year 1927, considerable at- tention was given to the Mutual Im- provement Association. The Boy Scout movement, which had its earliest beginning in this mission with the organization of the Mutual Improve- ment Association four years ago, re- ceived new life during 1926. In January of this same year, through the untiring efforts of Sarah R. Cannon, the Bee-Hive work for the girls was introduced in this mission. It required much preparatory work in translating the English Bee-Hive books into Ger- man and in organizing the work to the adaptation of the conditions in these lands. Through the institution of this activity, much good has already been accomplished and the possibilities for the future are very promising. In this field the Boy Scouts and Bee-Hive Girls are well established divisions of this great organization. The success of the Sunday Schools prior to 1924, in these lands was so great that it became necessary to pub- lish a periodical dealing exclusively with Sunday School problems. Our object was, above all, to systematize and to promote the Sunday School work in this mission. However, after

Mar., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 413 HEADQUARTERS OF SWISS-GERMAN MISSION. BASEL, SWITZERLAND this magazine had been published for about two years it became apparent that the other organizations needed similar instructions and attention. To meet this situation, it was decided in the fall of 1926 to discontinue the publishing of the Sunday School organ and issue quarterly, beginning January 1, 1927, a magazine which would contain the outlines for all auxiliary ments for Bee-Hive Girls, Boy Scouts, organizations, with special depart- Priesthood quorums, teacher-training class and local tracting societies. This undertaking appears somewhat extreme to some. We believe, however, in the possibilities of its future development and in the success of its mission — better organization, better officers and teach- ers, better boys and girls, better men and women and better parents. That the officers and teachers who are directly responsible for the success of the auxiliary organization and Priesthood quorums might perform their tasks more intelligently and meet with greater results, "District Conven- tions" were instituted. Competent lead- ers took charge of the different depart- ments, where the general purpose, the aim and the proper functioning of these organizations were emphasized. It is a generally accepted fact that the success of an organization depends very largely upon the competency and adaptability of its leaders. That our elders who become, by virtue of their calling, the actual leaders of every movement and organization in the mission, might be able to perform their task of carrying this message of the restored Gospel to their fellow-men with more telling effect and also be in a position to direct the affairs of the Church in the field of labor assigned to them more successfully, it was de- cided to hold a convention of the pres- idents of districts, who are the leaders of leaders, and discuss with them topics vital to the mission. This con- vention was held in July, 1926, in the Mission Home at Basel, under the di- rection of President Hugh J. Cannon. Some of the points under considera-

414 IMPROVEMENT ERA Mar.. 1929 tion were: the new missionary and how best to develop him; tracting; cottage meetings; use of the organiza- tions as missionary factors; country work; some practical ways of decreas- ing expenses; conditions which con- tribute to misconduct among mission- aries; how to reduce gossiping in branches; organization of deacons quorums; drilling in making reports and other important matters relating to missionary work. None of the young men of the world today, regardless of how high their station in life may be, occupy a more enviable position than do the missionaries of this Church who are giving of their time and means in a self-sacrificing way to call the nations of the world to repentance. Our missionary system is a source of won- der to the outside world; they cannot understand that in this practical age, men will give up positions and leave homes and loved ones and with no ma- terial remuneration render service for a cause wholly benevolent in character. Only a few years ago this mission had an experience with a clergyman which was both interesting and pathetic. By all appearance this good man had be- come a sincere investigator. He mani- fested signs of conversion to every principle of the Gospel with one ex- ception: he lacked faith to obey. Covenanting with the Lord through baptism, and giving up his pulpit, made the possibility of earning a live- lihood look somewhat uncertain to him. No doubt fear came upon him lest he should become a pauper. By associating freely with our elders, and he was so close to them that at one of our conferences he took his seat with the missionaries on the stand, he learned the facts about our missionary system first hand. After months of investigation he decided to visit the mission office for the purpose of in- quiring further into the tenets of the Gospel. At this time, two local mis- sionaries were working in our publica- tion department. In meeting them, he concluded that finally his opportunity had come to learn the truth about the matter of maintaining the elders under our missionary system, for he was con- vinced his own countrymen would not hide the facts from him. On a suit- able occasion he ventured to make in- quiry of the two German brethren into the matter of material wage or re- ward for their services. But, oh, what a shock, when he was informed again that the Church had really no payroll for missionaries. This phase of the great latter-day work he was utterly at a loss to understand. And it is really no wonder, for the world will never comprehend fully the secret of this remarkable practice. Not until they enter in at the straight gate and become worthy recipients of the wit- ness of all truth through the imposi- tion of hands, by those who have authority, will they know to some ex- tent the worth the Lord places upon a soul; and without this knowledge, this most effective system will still remain a puzzle. To the young men of our Church who have not as yet availed themselves of the opportunity to bring unspeak- able joy into the lives of their fellows, by teaching them the true way to ever- lasting life, I commend for their perusal the revelation recorded in the 15 th section of the Doctrine and Covenants: * * * "For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of most worth unto you. Behold blessed are you for this thing and for speaking my words which I have given unto you according to my commandments. "And now, behold, I say unto you that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to de- clare repentance unto this people that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the king- dom of my father." God grant that the Latter-day Saints may continue to consecrate their lives to the great task of proclaiming to the world the principles of the ever-

Mar., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 415 lasting Gospel as they have been re- revelation, create an earnest desire in vealed anew from the heavens in this the hearts of the young men of this dispensation for the temporal and eter- Church to be messengers of Jesus nal salvation of the children of men. Christ, to go forth to convey to a dis- May the word of the Lord, declared tracted world this glorious message of to John Whitmer in the foregoing peace. Basel, Switzerland. First Picture from the New Eastcentral States Mission The following report is sent to the Era by Elder E. W. Bosgieter: Herewith is a group picture of the missionaries of the Virginia district of the Eastcentral States mission. The picture was taken at the time of the Virginia district conference, November 24 and 25, 1928. Apostle Stephen L. Richards and wife, Pres- ident Chas. A. Callis of the Southern States mission, and President Miles L. Jones of the new Eastcentral States mission were in attendance and deliv- ered inspiring and instructive addresses. The conference was held in Richmond and was probably the largest ever held in that district. A wonderful spirit prevailed and the people were spiritu- ally refreshed. The work of the Lord is making ex- cellent progress in the Virginia district and the future is bright for further / / rM% m B ■//: ^f\ J t- t. % r ■: " w 1 1 . l If II:* rt' V i ™ > if? T m * «b %m i _ IBjWW'-'^"" Virginia District in the Newly Organized Eastcentral States Mission Front row, left to right: Eugene Beckstead, Helen Thomas, Grace Mickelsen. Sister Richards. Elder Stephen L. Richards, of the Council of the Twelve; President Chas. A. Callis of the Southern States mission; President Miles L. Jones of the new Eastcentral States mission; District President Wm. Guy Lund. P. O. Buttars. Middle row: M. O. Evans, D. O. Wright, Wm. S. Holt. LaVell Horrocks. M. C. Luke, James Fannin. Frank Epperson, Lavon Stallings, M. C. Ellis. Back row: C. W. Austin. Robt. Horrocks. R. B. Greenhalgh. S. M. Reeder. CJaud^ Ashton, Wm. Behle. Jr., Wm. C. Nelson. Darrell Goodrich. Wickley Gubler.

416 IMPROVEMENT ERA Mar., 1929 development. The Richmond branch especially is enjoying a vigorous growth. A number of people have been added to the branch by baptism in recent weeks. The missionaries find the Era most interesting and helpful. Recent issues particularly have been full of very use- ful information. The Samoan Mission By President Willard L. Smith "Samoa? Where is it? To what nationality do its people belong? Do any Europeans live there? Are the natives a savage people, and missionary work not only becomes a pleasure but is soon viewed as a sacred privilege. Samoa lies or a civilized race?" These are only a few of the conflicting queries which arise in the mind of the man who is startled by receiving his appointment t o labor as a mis- sionary in Samoa, "The Paradise of the P a c i f i c." These questions may be due to the fact that prior to this call he has really heard very little about the islands or it may be due to the many conflicting stories which have been screen- ed, written and told about this land and its peo- ple. Some learn all about Samoa during the two or three days that their vessel is in port; with others it requires a month, while the old residents say with them it has been a life's study. The mis- sionary, however, in the face of these many conflicting statements, finds soon after his arrival that conditions are superior to his anticipations. His work brings him into direct contact with the President w. L. Smith south of the equa- tor some 14 de- g r e e s and 173 degrees west longitude. It is reached after a thirteen - d a y s' journey from San Francisco. This allows one day in Honolulu. The Samoan or Navigator Islands enjoy per- petual summer. The highest ther- mometer - reading during the last 30 years was 94° F., and the lowest was 61° F. The climate varies but little from year to year, with an average tempera- ture of 78.4° F., at sea level. The two seasons are marked only by the one enjoying more rainfall than the other. The rainfall averages around 125 inches per year. The greatest precipitation is from Decem- ber to the beginning of April, during these months it rains almost daily. This is also the hottest part of the year, but the air is cooled constantly by the rain. Except in those regions where the outflow of lava is too recent.

Mar., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 417 the whole of the group of islands is clothed in dense forest, and presents to the traveler, as he approaches the land, a most inspiring sight. The natural beauty of the Pago-Pago harbor is one of the most unique in the world. The inspiration one receives upon entering this harbor, in the early dawn, bound on the three sides by high mountains covered with dense foliage, is not soon to be forgotten. It is especially im- pressive to one who has been thirteen days on the water and has seen land but once during the voyage. The natives form the greater part of the population. They belong to the Polynesian race, so widely spread throughout the Pacific. The Samoan is perhaps the purest surviving type of Polynesian. In character he is mild, friendly, hospitable and easily con- trolled by those who gain his respect, but a very difficult problem is presented to those whom he does not trust. No missionary can succeed with this people unless he can command their respect and confidence. Once you obtain the good will of the Samoan, he can not do enough for you. The present gen- eration is departing somewhat from these good qualities, owing to the fact that former ideas are being changed considerably through too close contacts with commercial life and modern im- provements of the outside world. The Samoan mission was opened June 18, 1888, by Elder Joseph H. Dean and wife, who were transferred to this field from Honolulu. Later in the same year, October 10. other help arrived in the persons of Elders Wil- liam O. Lee with his wife and child, Edward J. Wood. Brigham Solomon and Adelbert Beesley. Missionary work has been successfully carried on from that time. Some time later mis- sionaries were sent from Samoa to the Tongan Islands and were successful after some disappointments in estab- lishing the work among that race. The Tongan Islands remained a part of the Samoan mission until April, 1916, when the present writer, accompanied by his wife and child, was called by the First Presidency to organize it into a separate mission. Since that time the work among the Tongans has made a wonderful growth. The nature of missionary work re- quired here is somewhat different from that done in most missions of the Church. Almost from the beginning, our elders have accomplished much good among these people through our schools. We still carry on largely in the same way as formerly, though most of the schools are now taught by the native Priesthood. We still main- tain several central schools with an elder in charge. Our native Priest- hood, especially the capable young men, accept this work as a mission and labor without remuneration. Some have served in this capacity for years and are still doing so. Thus we have the greater part of our Priesthood either laboring as branch presidents or teaching school. The mission is divided into three districts, each of the three main islands forming one district. At the begin- ning of 1928, our membership, accord- ing to mission records, was 4061. We have a total of 34 branches in the mission, the greater number of which are under the direction of native mis- sionaries and their wives. In only two branches at present have we Utah elders in charge; thus we find work for a great portion of our worthy Priest- hood. We have native missionaries who have labored as such among their own people for the past 25 years. These men are changed quite frequent- ly from one district to another as con- ditions warrant, so it means that they are practically giving all their time to the work. This willingness on their part to assist in the work has pro- duced our strongest characters. It is from these ranks that so many have been found worthy to go to the tem- ple in Hawaii to get their endowments and do work for their kindred dead.

418 IMPROVEMENT ERA Mar., 1929 In our village of Mapusaga, on the island of Tutuila, which is the United States naval base, we have one of our largest schools. An agreement has been entered into with the American government there, that beginning with the first of the year our school shall be known as a government school. We shall still be in charge, but the institu- tion is to be operated in connection with the general policy of the other government schools. We will supply two white teachers, while they are to furnish the other help needed. The mission will be remunerated for the work done by the elders in the school and be given the privilege of purchas- ing supplies at the Navy stores. Those acquainted with the price of mer- chandise will know how much we will gain by this privilege. This is a mark of recognition on the part of the gov- ernment which we deeply appreciate. Years ago it was deemed advisable to found two large villages where the Saints could gather, have a home and be trained in the Gospel as well as being able to put their children in proper schools; hence the plantations of Mapusaga and Sauniatu. The Mapusaga lease contains some 320 acres, the major part of which has been planted to cocoanuts. Sauniatu is twice as large in area, is partly planted, but its soil and location are not suited to the growing of cocoanuts. Its greatest value to the Church has been that it serves as a gathering place where the natives are free to live the Gospel and be educated. These two villages have supplied the local missionaries as they have been needed in outside vil- lages as the work has gradually ex- panded. Had these steps not been taken in the past we would be greatly handi- capped at the present, as the number of elders from Zion would be far too few to carry on the work as it must be carried on here. The past year has been a banner one for us in many respects. We have baptized 205 souls, nearly all of whom are converts. The attendance at our schools has increased. The im- portance of this will be recognized when it is remembered that only mem- bers or those who are friendly or in- vestigating will allow their children to attend our institutions. All sectarian missions here maintain their own schools, the government at present being unable to offer sufficient oppor- tunities for education for all parts of the island, and naturally parents are anxious that their children be educated in places where their views of religion are taught. The returns from our plantations have also been very satisfactory. Usu- ally they have been operated at a loss; however, we have now been able to overcome that condition. The pros- pects for the present year give promise of a good harvest. We have on our building program the erection of sev- eral churches, an elders' headquarters for the Savai'i district at Fagamalo. and the opening of another plantation and school at Tapueleele. Work will be commenced there immediately on an elders' home and school building. The question arises: Is our mission- ary work among these people worth while? Unquestionably they are La- manites and belong to the house of Israel. Through the blessings of the Gospel, they will yet become a de- lightsome people. It has been evident from the very day of the organization of the Church that the time has arrived when these people are not only to have the Gospel taken to them but are to enjoy other blessings as well. This , condition was clearly seen by Alma when he said: "For there are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites; for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land. And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his work, and

Mar., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 419 to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers; and many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name." (Alma 9: 16-17.) The same future for this race of people was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose." (Doc. and Cov. 94:24.) If we have the attitude which should be taken by one bearing the holy Priesthood, the land or people to whom we are called to carry the mes- sage of salvation will make little dif- ference to us. The missionary spirit is well expressed in the hymn, "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, I'll be what you want me to be." Let not the missionary feel to select his own field of labor, but go willingly, remembering the divine words found in Doc. and Cov. 4:2-7. The elders laboring here at the pres- ent time are happy, diligent and in- terested in their work; satisfied with the land and its people, and above all grateful for the honor which has come to them to be bearers of the truth to the nations yet in darkness. Hamilton District Missionaries Sets Book of Mormon Record ylvERJiGE 26 Books Oc r. 1-28 1928