Messages from the Missions

Messages From the Missions Central States Mission Crying for More Help The reports of the missionaries show that the work is progressing very favorably in all parts of the Central States mission. President Bennion holds conference with the Saints and missionaries in each of the twelve dis- tricts once every ninety days. These visits give the missionaries an oppor- tunity to bring up any question which they may have to ask on doctrine, be- sides discussing the things that help them to be more efficient missionaries. Thus they are profiting by the expe- rience of one who has spent decades in this wonderful work. "The harvest is great and laborers are few," are the words which come to us very forcibly in the mission Missionaries of the Louisiana District Front row. left to right: John Daniels (released), Rock Springs, Wyoming; Grant M. Andrus. Idaho; Siemon Bowman, Ogden, Utah: S. O. Bennion, mission president; W. L. Nichols, districtt president, Salt Lake City (released) ; Bryant Whiting, district president, St. Johns, Arizona; Frank Hartle, Pocatello, Idaho. Second row: Cecil A. Putnam. New Orleans, branch president; R. W. Salmon, Alberta, Canada; Louis C. Jensen, (released). Salt Lake City; Genile Whiting (released), Rupert, Idaho; Beatrice Stringham, Salt Lake City; George T. Strasburg, Lehi, Utah; Howard G. Woodbury (transferred), president Missouri district; R. A. Broomhead. Salt Lake City. Back row: Jay J. Giles, Los Angeles. California; L. E. Leavitt. Bunkerville, Nevada; Lawrence II. Stubbs, Provo, Utah.

Aug.. 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 859 office. The district presidents from all parts of the mission are calling for more elders. In the district of North Texas, there are six cities larger than Salt Lake, but we can allow them only ten missionaries for the entire district. It can easily be seen how impossible it is for so few elders to reach everyone with the important message of the Gospel. The other eleven dis- tricts are in almost or quite as great need as North Texas. However, there is considerable progress being made in spite of difficulties. Not only has there been a sub- stantial addition to the mission mem- bership (which was over 10,000 at the first of the year) , both by converts being baptized and children being brought up in the Church by the members, but there has also been a marked increase in the payment of tithes, indicating that the people are making a greater effort to live the Gospel. They are reaping the blessing which follows obedience to this law. As missionaries we thank the Lord for his goodness to us. We feel the need of the faith and prayers of the Saints all over the Church. The Priesthood Centenary of the German-Austrian Mission In this age of celebrating, each week brings some historical anniver- sary. Among the interesting Penta- costal celebrations was the gathering of the Latter-day Saints in Leipzig, Germany, on May 18, 19, 20 and 21, to celebrate the 100th anni- versary of the restoration of the Priesthood. Members came from all parts of the mission, and the diver- sified program displayed talent hardly comprehensible for so small a mem- bership as the mission has. The city of Leipzig placed a large office, in the railroad station, at our disposal. The celebration commenced with contests in public speaking, re-telling of stories, ladies' trio and chorus, male chorus, debating, painting, and draw- ing. The contestants were represen- tatives of the different districts of the mission. After the contests the Boy Scouts, Bee-Hive Girls, and M Men met in different departments. The L. D. S. Boy Scouts, an organization affiliated with the German Scout Fed- eration, which is the only internation- ally recognized Scout organization in Germany, met under the direction of Mission Scout Executive M. C. Rich- ards. An interesting part of the pro- gram was the presentation of Knight badges to the first Knight Scouts of the mission. The rank of Knight is given to the Scout who attains about the same rank as 8 merit badges in America. It was an impressive mo- ment as the Scouts came forward and knelt down before Dr. John A. Widt- soe, president of the European mis- sions, and President Valentine of the German-Austrian mission to be dubbed Knight Scouts as the warriors of old in the days of chivalry. Scouts numbering 155 took part on this pro- gram. The Bee-Hive Girls met under the direction of their leader, Sister Rose Ellen B. Valentine. The program featured special activities from some of the districts of the mission, showing the typical costume, dances, and music of that section. There were two other features worth praise, the filling of two cells in the Bee Hive work, one depicting the cycle of life according to the Gospel, the other, demonstrating good social conduct in society. Sister Leah D. Widtsoe, president of the women's organizations of the Euro- pean missions, was the special guest of the program. A banquet for the M Men, under the direction of mission Secretary Joseph E. Symons, was another fea-

860 IMPROVEMENT ERA Aug., 1929 Priesthood Centenary Celebration, German-Austrian Mission ture of the evening. An excellent program was given by the M Men, after which a very instructive debate was held between the winning teams of the mission on the question, Re- solved, "That the calendar should be changed to include 13 months of 28 days each." After the close of these departments, at 9 o'clock, all visitors, friends and local members, gathered at the hall of the famous Kyffhauserhaus in Leip- zig, for a social, under the direction of F. Artell Smith. The music was furnished by a group of missionaries under the direction of Mclvin B. Wat- kins. During the intermission ribbons were given to the winners of the dif- ferent contests as a recognition of their achievement. Sunday morning at 8 o'clock one of the most inspirational meetings of the whole conference was held, a fast and testimony meeting for all that carried the Priesthood, under the direction of President Widtsoe and led by Presi- dent Valentine. The time was short, but the spirit of testimony rested on those present and a spiritual feast was enjoyed by all. About 70 men bore testimony to the truth of this work. The first service open to all members and friends commenced at 10 o'clock, Arthur Gaeth, mission superintendent of Sunday Schools and Mutuals, con- ducting. The program featured the unveiling of the painting, "The res- toration of the Priesthood by John the Baptist to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery," and the presentation of the German and Austrian flags to new Scout troops by Helmuth Plath, president of the German Scout Federa- tion. The last number was a pageant entitled, "The Restoration," written by Brother Arthur S. Schumann of Berlin and accepted as the winning presentation in the play-writing con- test conducted by the mission. The production depicted the different dis-

Aug., 19 29 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 861 pensations of the Priesthood from the time of Adam until Joseph Smith. At this session 1466 people were present. At the second service an illustrated lecture was presented, "The story of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery," by Helmuth Plath, editor of the Stern; also an illustrated lecture, "The Priesthood from Adam to Pres. Heber J. Grant," by Supt. Gaeth. Pres. Widtsoe gave a very interesting talk on the power and authority of the Priesthood. More than twelve hundred people attended this meeting. The evening meeting was a fitting climax to the others. It was led by Mission President Hyrum W. Valen- tine. The speakers of the evening were, Bishop Casper J. Fetzer of Salt Lake City, Richard L. Evans, secretary of the European mission, Karl M. Nelson now laboring in the Danish mission, and Sister Leah D. Widtsoe. More than fifteen hundred people attended the evening meeting. Monday morning all assembled at the grounds of the Leipziger athletic club. The Boy Scouts and Bee-Hive Girls gave a practical demonstration of their work, and afterwards the Boy Scouts appeared in dress parade to be reviewed by mission officials. After the review President Widtsoe was pre- sented with an official Boy Scout badge. Mr. Stolberg, international commissioner of the Boy Scout Federa- tion in Germany, was one of the spe- cial guests. On Tuesday all elders of the mis- sion, together with Pres. Widtsoe, Sister Widtsoe and guests, met in a special fast and testimony meeting. The celebration did much to give the people a clearer picture of the ac- tivities of the Church. Illustrated Lecture Experiences in the British Mission By Elder Alvin G. Pack Since November, 1928, a series of 67 successful illustrated lectures on the "History, Principles and Leaders of Mormonism," which includes the Book of Mormon and American Archaeology, have been given in the British mission. During the six months of lecture campaigning, all districts, except the Irish Free State District, which will be visited later, were visited in the following order: The Scottish, Newcastle, Hull, Leeds, Liv- erpool, Nottingham, Norwich, Lon- don, Manchester, Sheffield, Welsh, Bristol, Birmingham and Ulster. The lectures have been given in many important cities in Great Britain. A grand total of 5,028 persons, a great percentage of whom are not members of the Church, attended. Among them were people of many different stations in life. Although some were drawn by curiosity, we have been able to give them a reasonable conception of what the "Mormon" people have accomplished by their valor and will- ingness to serve mankind. "Mormon- ism" has been graphically and practi- cally illustrated. The true social and religious status of our people has been explained, everyone has been greatly interested in what we are doing; and it has become obvious to our friends why "Mor- mon" missionaries are so zealous in their efforts. Anti-"Mormon" meetings, in many cases held previous to ours, have served only to increase attendance at the lec- tures. Good-will and a desire to learn more of the truth were apparent. Friends have been raised up on every side, and the seeds sown will eventu- ally result in the conviction that God has re-established his Church upon the earth. The newspapers, many of which have heretofore been bitter in attack-

862 IMPROVEMENT ERA Aug., 1929 ing "Mormonism," have given us favorable front-page articles with such headings as "Revelation of Mormon- ism," "Mormons Are Not Seducers," "Truth About the Mormons," "Speaker Corrects Many False Doc- trines About the Mormons," "Mor- mons As They Are." These and other splendid titles and comments have served to place our work in its true light and to correct the common fal- lacies held that the "Mormons" live far off in a mountain fastness where only members of the Church may go; that a high wall surrounds Salt Lake City, from which there is no escape once the "clutches of the 'Mormons' have closed; that women are merciless- ly carried off to lives of sorrow; and that the missionaries come into the world secretly to wreck homes. I have often been surprised at these foolish conceptions which are held about our missionaries. While in Glasgow, a lady reporter from the Daily Express, Great Britain's largest newspaper, asked for an interview. She entered the room and approached, in- quiring for "Mr. Pack." Upon being directed to me, her face expressed sur- prise and possibly a little disappoint- ment at finding me so ordinary a per- son, because she exclaimed: "Why, you are no different from other men!" It seems that she had come expecting to meet a black-frocked, bearded cen- tenarian. She said she was pleased to find me and my colleagues, as she de- scribed us in her article next day, "pleasant young men of college ap- pearance, quite unlike the traditional stories told of the 'mysterious Mor- mon Elder.' " Actual photographs of scenes in Church history, of Salt Lake City and Utah, showing the temple and taber- nacle, other Church buildings and those of other denominations, depict- ing the contrast between the deserts of 1847 and the blossoming fields of 1929, illustrating the valiant lives of the pioneers, and showing Salt Lake as the center of scenic wonderland, have driven home the lesson of hon- esty, purity and nobility of purpose which led the early settlers to Utah. The courage and optimism expressed in the hymn, "Come, Come, Ye Saints," which has been sung at the lectures during intermission, have touched many hearts. Truly songs often preach great sermons. In Alloa, Scotland, a group of staunch Scotch Presbyterians gathered to hear the lec- ture. Four missionaries were the only Church members in the audience, and when the time came to sing, some wondered at the outcome. However, after a little coaching, our good non- "Mormon" friends warmed to the spirit of this beautiful song and were soon heartily singing it as though they had known it for years. Then we proceeded to Saltcoats, where the Town Hall had been booked for the lecture. During our previous street meetings word was given out that a huge "Mormon" meeting was to be held, at which pictures of the famous Salt Lake City were to be shown. Enthusiasm was aroused, even extending to the opposition, stirring them also to greater efforts to belittle and "expose" us. On the night of meeting the large hall was filled long before starting time. Standing room was at a pre- mium. Along the two back rows sat a group of town ruffians who had come with the avowed intention of "run- ning the 'Mormons' out." They sat with hats on, feet on the benches, re- fusing to cast away their cigarettes, and abusing us and those who had come to learn the truth. Feeling ran high. Out of the 230 persons present, there were but five missionaries to maintain the cause of truth. But the Lord gave us strength. President George W. Romney, conducting the meeting, warned the rough element that any disturbance would mean ejection. They laughed. I started to speak, but had not uttered twenty words before

Aug., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 863 the group in the rear of the hall made a terrific noise by yelling and stamping their feet. We could do nothing but make good our promise. Accordingly the lights were turned on and we five elders took the prominent offender and summarily dropped him on the side- walk outside the door. This helped, and the lecture continued. But again, another interruption caused us to re- peat the procedure, and out went an- other; three times it happened and soon matters became so bad that I had to in- vite the whole group to leave. They hesitated, but seeing we were serious, departed as if they didn't want to stay anyway. As they were leaving, I apologized to the ladies and gentle- men, who had come to learn the truth, for having to reprimand these few "hooligans" who had come to defeat our cause. The crowd applauded our action, and soon the meeting con- cluded. However, upon leaving the building the ruffians, waiting outside, threatened us with bodily violence. "Who's a hooligan?" they shouted, voicing with imprecations and oaths an intention to make "the tall bloke (referring to me) take back his words." Although it was not easy to control our feelings, we smiled at their threats, and moved away, remembering the words of the Savior: "Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." A funny thing happened during one of the lectures. A serial photograph of the University of Utah was on the screen. I was explaining it, and as I mentioned the word, "airplane," a lady cried in a shrill voice: "Oh, is that an airplane picture?" "No!" re- torted a disgusted bass voice from somewhere in the dark, "it was taken from the top of a step-ladder!" The English people often exclaim, "Hear, hear!" at public meetings when the speaker pleases them. At Leeds, the famous cloth-weaving center, in the benediction, the words: "We thank thee, Father, for the splendid illus- trated lecture we have enjoyed," were used. Immediately from the rear of the hall a voice boomed: "Hear, hear!" Though it caused a flutter, it proved conclusively that the lecture had been received with interest. A lecture on Scenic Utah and West- ern America was delivered at the Carton Street Boys' School, Bradford. The class master told hi$ boys not to believe a tenth of what they had heard about the "Mormons." This people had his highest respect. He appreciated our missionary system and the volun- tary service of those engaged in it. An invitation was extended for a similar lecture before the Bradford Geograph- ical Society at an early date. The class master entertained us afterwards at "tea." He was very much surprised when we requested water in- stead of tea, which gave use a splendid opportunity to explain the Word of Wisdom and to show the harmful re- sults coming from the use of tea and tobacco. Everywhere we are respected for the high standard of living which the Gospel teaches. A very interested lady came to me after my lecture in Rochdale, a city in the heart of the cotton-spinning in- dustry of England, and shook my hand, fervently expressing her grati- tude for the truths portrayed. Among her remarks she said: "Tonight is the first time in my life that I have ever heard anything good about the 'Mor- mon' people." In Eastwood, near the traditional center of Robin Hood's activities, an inspiring incident occurred, when nearly one hundred children arose in a body to sing, "Come, Come, Ye Saints." They had previously list- ened intently for almost an hour to pioneer experiences, and when they sang, "All is well, all is well," their joy in thus portraying the gallant pio- neer optimism stirred the hearts of all who listened.

864 IMPROVEMENT ERA Aug.. 1929 At Ipswich we put up the curtain and adjusted the machine. As starting time approached, the hall filled com- pletely. Excitement was in the air. Individuals watched us as if we were persons of mystery. After prayerfully placing myself in the hands of the Lord, for I felt that this was no or- dinary meeting, I was introduced. There was a restless silence. All the well known prejudice of this city seemed to rush at me with terrific violence. Fear — overwhelming fear of an unseen adversary — was there; a painful consciousness of weakness, too, and a half-moment of irresolu- tion: Then, as courage came to utter the first words, the peaceful assurance of the Lord helped me to continue. All went well, except for a few minor interruptions, until intermis- sion. However, the second half of the lecture had not proceeded three min- utes before a series of flashes and sharp reports echoed from the back of the hall. From my position I could see that someone had placed about fifteen giant fire-crackers in the fire-place, but our visitors undoubtedly thought they were the victims of a "Mormon" at- tack. Pandemonium broke loose! Screaming women climbed over chairs. Children cried. Everyone frantically made for the doors. Panic! My shouts were unavailing amid that confusion, until someone turned on the lights. The missionaries went among the clamoring people, calming them, en- deavoring to get them to return to their seats. Several of the weaker ones could stand no more, and hurried- ly departed. I was heart-sick. As a semblance of order was re- stored, I managed to say through clenched teeth, that this action was a "sign of ignorance," adding for em- phasis, "it is merely a sign of extreme ignorance!" Tears filled my eyes, and a prayer of gratitude filled my soul as some man, seconding what I had said, shouted: "Hear, hear!" The crowd burst into a roar of confirmatory ap- plause. This squelched further out- breaks; we had won! The meeting closed in peace and unity. The lectures have also been a means of bringing about more harmony among our own people. In the mission field, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, are often at variance one with another over religious views. Some of those who have constantly refused heretofore to have anything whatsoever to do with the Church, have been persuaded to attend one of the lectures; and to our joy, they have gone away with their prejudiced views entirely changed. A gentleman at Handsworth, Bir- mingham, arose, after I had borne my testimony, and said: "I thank the speaker and committee for the very impressive lecture given here tonight. It is something that I will not soon forget." Many similar testimonies have been borne by persons whom we had never seen before. In Stavely, a little Yorkshire village situated in the moors, we advertised our lecture by distributing literature. Snow covered the ground, but by af- ternoon practically every villager knew of the "Mormon" meeting scheduled for that evening. Consequently the village buzzed with excitement. As we left the upper end of town, school dismissed. Boys and girls poured out of the building in care-free enthusiasm, and, sighting us, decided that we would make good targets. I have never seen the like of it! Imagine a group of men driven helplessly down the street before a barrage of snow- balls, for we dared not return the fire. As we went farther, more boys col- lected, and soon they set up the cry of "Mormons!" It was hard to take, and although we were forced to retire to the hall for protection, their derisive shouts served as a climax to our day's advertising campaign. It bore fruit in a deeply interested crowd. Then I journeyed into beautiful

Aug., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 865 Wales, and marveled at the panorama before me, green moors, valleys dotted with cultivated fields, hedge fences di- viding the fields into natural checker- boards of numerous hues. Wooden- soled clogs with horseshoe-shaped metal plates on the bottom, are worn by the farmers, some of whom till the soil with skillfully turned home- made instruments. The peaceful, old- fashioned country folk live in quaint thatched-roofed cottages. But I must return to my story: A very picturesque crowd attended the lecture in the little mining town of Caerphilly. The unemployment conditions here are serious, but the local elders helped one destitute miner by employing him to carry a sign, advertising the lecture, through the streets. He was thankful for the relief, for he loyally announced the event to everyone and attended the lecture himself in the evening. Men sat through the meeting with hats on, even refusing to remove them during the prayers, and insisting upon constantly using their briar pipes. So large a crowd attended that it was necessary to blockade the entrance against an invasion of urchins who manifested their displeasure by throw- ing stones at the doors and denouncing us for refusing them admittance to a "free" entertainment. I have tried in my humble way to fulfill the commandment of our Mas- ter: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations * * * In this work com- fort is found in the words of Nephi: "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded me, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall pre- pare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he com- mandeth them." Temple Excursion from New Zealand Soon after the arrival of President John E., Magleby, in March, 1928, a clarion call was sent throughout the New Zealand mission for Saints to prepare to go to the Hawaiian temple in the ensuing year. This excursion was looked forward to with eagerness, and, as the year rolled along, volunteers came to the front and expressed their desire to go to the house of the Lord to receive their endowments and do vicarious work for their progenitors. The invitation was extended to all those who would put their own house in order and make themselves worthy of the responsibility and enlighten- ment that would follow such an op- portunity. A company of twenty-one souls from the several districts made all nec- essary preparation and departed from New Zealand in their "Modern Canoe," the S. S. Aorangi, on the 7th of May. Thus they are re-tracing the voyage of their forefathers who trusted to the Controller of the ele- ments to bring them from the distant ^ "Hawaiki" (Hawaii) to this "Para- dise of the Southern Cross." This is the largest company of Maoris which has ever left New Zea- land for this specific and sacred pur- pose. Others have gone before but in smaller groups. However, those who have gone in the past have all returned with renewed spiritual vigor, to be pillars of strength in building up the cause of righteousness in the midst of this distant branch of the house of Israel. They returned home real "Mormons." Evidently the adversary anticipated this inevitable result, and he began his work of opposition just as soon as definite steps were taken in arrang- ing passports, etc., for their departure. Pressure was brought to bear by some of the government officials, and had there been any law or regulation on

866 IMPROVEMENT ERA Aug.. 1929 New Zealand Group bound for Hawaiian Temple President Magleby is seen in the front row and from left to right. Sisters Himiona, Hoterene, Mataira and Hapuku. Second row: Te Ara Paerata, Sisters Paerata, Duncan, Tengaio, Maru, Cecelia Maru, Pomare, and Reweti. Third row: Rawhiti Paerata, William Duncan, Runga Tengaio, Peneha Maru, Irapareta Pomare, George Jury. Back row: Elder Orrice L. Murdock, mission secretary. Elders Elmer S. Palmer and William Smith, Wiremu Karauria and Elder William T. Ogden. Elders Palmer and Ogden will be in charge of the company to Honolulu. which to base their objections they would have prevented the Maoris from leaving New Zealand. When our people applied for pass- ports for the journey, they were met by a request from the government, caused through some biased individ- uals, to furnish $500.00 as a guarantee for their safe return to the Dominion. This regulation was unprecedented and seemed preposterous, inasmuch as re- turn tickets had already been secured from the steamship company. It necessitated our calling in legal aid. President Magleby interviewed the officials and finally got a hearing be- fore the prime minister who called a cabinet meeting to decide the issue. After eight hours of deliberation it was decided that the pecuniary guaran- tee would not be required, but the Church was obliged to give a bond to insure the comfort, feeding and lodg- ing of the people during their sojourn in Honolulu as well as their safe return to New Zealand. Another obstacle in our way was an official demand that return tickets be purchased before passports would be issued, and at the same time the steam- ship company advised us of a ruling that no tickets would be given until passports were produced with an American vise on them. Through the leniency of the steamship company we found it possible to break the lesser law but in so doing fulfilled the great- er. Thus the purposes of our Father in heaven were not frustrated. We thought it unfair that the liber- ties of these people should be tampered with, and at the same time marveled at the special interest taken in the welfare of these "Maori Mormons" when so many of the natives are suffering at

Aug., 1929 MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 867 the hands of their oppressors and from lack of sustenance. However, we struggled over one barrier after another until our ob- jective was reached. The last obstacle to overcome was to pass the group through a special medical examination. Our worries in this regard were soon alleviated. The doctor from the health department declared them physically sound and the brightest and happiest group of Maoris he had ever seen. The "Word of Wisdom" was our theme in explaining this phenomenon. How grateful we were to have the practical side of our religion shown in the brightness of the countenances of these adherents! We are very proud of these repre- sentatives of our mission, and as they journeyed to Hawaii for so worthy a purpose we bid them Godspeed, a bon voyage and a safe return when they have finished the work they have set out to do. We are sure that President Wad- doups of the Hawaiian mission will do everything in his power to make their visit pleasant and instructive. Would that the whole world could see them as they go, with sincere hearts and faith in their righteous pur- pose, and then judge whether or not this religion is bearing worth-while fruits among their people. — O. Mur- doch, mission secretary. Joy Song I thank Thee, O Lord, That Thou hast made My spirit free and unafraid To soar, a-wing, And soaring, sing. I pray Thee, O Lord, That Thou shalt keep My spirit clean and pure and sweet. To thus prolong My simple song. I beseech Thee, Lord, When days are drear, And bleak despair is hov'ring near, I may beguile Gloom with a smile. Sigurd, Utah I ask Thee, O Lord, My days to fill With smiles and songs of joy, until My friends, though blue, Are smiling, too. IRVIN L. WARNOCK