--- 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: 33 number: 3 published: 1930-01 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Priesthood Quorums,” *Improvement Era* 33, no. 3 (January 1930): 218–220." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3303unse 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: improvementera3303unse start_page: 218 end_page: 220 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1930-01) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3303unse publication_year: 1930 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 1930, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Priesthood Quorums PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS All Melchizedeh Priesthood material is prepared under the direction of the Council of the Twelve; and all Aaronic Priesthood material is prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Weekly Quorum and Group Meetings YX7HETHER the labor is done " whole-heartedly and well, or slothfully and slovenly, depends upon the leaders. The following suggestions for conducting weekly quorum or group meetings for the Melchiz- edek Priesthood are submitted by the committee: Week of January 26 Open. Week of February 2 1. Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meetings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. Call for specific reports from (1) committee ap- pointed at a previous meet- ing to visit quorum mem- bers, (2) committee on social, (3) committee or individuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc. b. Standing. Receive report from one of the four standing commit- tees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Service, Miscellaneous. Re- port should be in writing and signed by members of committee. 4. Assignments. 5. Consideration of Principles of Conduct. Topic: Baptism foe the Dead. 1. Baptism essential to Salvation. a. Must be accepted by all. b. Gospel is for all mankind. Those living now as well as the countless millions who have died. Romans 14:9. 2. The Gospel preached to dead. Peter 3:18-20. 3. Baptism applied to dead. I Cor. 15:29. 4. The mission of Elijah. Doc. and Cov. 27:9. 5. A temple ordinance. Doc. and Cov. 124:28-31, 36, 39. 6. What quorum members may do and should do in relation to this ordinance. Note: This topic may be con- sidered during several sessions with profit to all members. Give practical instruction on how to secure Genealogical records. How to keep records. How to secure help in temple work, etc., etc. Week of February 9 1. Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. Call for specific reports from (1) committee ap- pointed at a previous meet- ing to visit quorum mem- bers, (2) committee on so- cial, (3) committee or indi- viduals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc. b. Standing. Receive report from one of the four standing commit- tees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Service, Miscellaneous. Re- port should be in writing and signed by members of committee. 4. Assignments. 5. Consideration of Principles of Conduct. Topic: Confirmation. Definition. — A Church rite sup- plementing baptism, which admits the person to membership and to the privileges of the Church. 1. Proper time and place for confirmation. If surroundings are conducive to fellowship, worship and inspira- tion, the ceremony of confirmation may be held at the water's edge, as soon as those baptized shall have put on dry clothing following im- mersion. It is highly appropriate, though not necessary, to sing a hymn and offer an opening prayer before pro- ceeding with the confirmation cere- mony. Often this service can be more conveniently and inspiringly held in a chapel, or private residence. In general practice throughout the Church the confirmation cere- mony is made part of the Fast Day service. 2. The Holy Ghost. a. Conferred at confirmation. b. How conferred. 1. By the laying on of hands. c. Blessings and gifts. (John 14, 15, 16.) d. Sins against. Doc. and Cov. 132:27. "The ceremony of the bestowal of the Holy Ghost is called confirmation. As baptism is the birth of water, so con- firmation is the birth or baptism of the Spirit. Both are necessary to entrance into the kingdom of God, whether that is viewed in the light of the Church on earth, or the glorious dominion of the Father in heaven. Only they who are truly led by this Spirit are truly the 'sons of God.' As it is bestowed through obedience, so it may be withdrawn through disobedience. The condition of those who lose this gift after having enjoyed it is truly lamentable. The light that was in them becomes darkness, and their last state is worse than their first. Their spiritual tastes become dead or vitiated, light seems to them darkness, and that which was once their greatest delight becomes the object of their deepest aver- sion. They then become a prey to in- fluence of evil; hatred and malice spring up in their hearts towards the children of light; and the culmination of their career, if persisted in, and reclamation does not come, is the shedding of innocent blood, for which there is no forgiveness. "The possessor of the Holy Ghost is infinitely rich; those who receive it and lose it are of all men the poorest. But there are various degrees of its possession. Many who obtain it walk but measurably in its light. But there are a few who live by its whisperings, and approach by its mediumship into close communica- tion with heavenly beings of the highest order. To them its light grows brighter every day. For them are joys, anticipa- tions and glorious hopes that thrill no The Improvement Era for January, 1930 219 other bosoms, sweet experiences that earth- ly pleasures cannot bring, and a spiritual growth towards the stature of Christ Jesus that eternity only will fully unfold to general view." — Elder Chas. W, Pen- rose, Millennial Star, Jan. 3, 1881. Week of February 16 1. Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. Call for specific reports from (1) committee ap- pointed at a previous meet- ing to visit quorum mem- bers, (2) committee on so- cial, (3) committee or in- dividuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc. b. Standing. Receive report from one of the four standing commit- tees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Service, Miscellaneous. Re- port should be in writing and s'gned by members of committee. 4. Assignments. 5. Consideration of Principles of Conduct. Topic: The Priesthood. (Read Doc. and Cov. 84:6-44; also 107.) 1 . What it is. a. A commission to officiate in things pertaining to God. b. A comparison. 1. Dignity and power of an ambassador from one country to another. 2. Dignity and power of an ambassador of Christ. "An ambassador is one 'who is au- thorized to represent or act for another in the fullest manner possible; especially a minister of the highest rank sent by one sovereign to another, as the personal representative of the appointing power, r.nd intrusted with the management of public matters between the two sover- eigns.' "If one of your number were chosen to represent our government at a foreign court, what an honor you would feel had been conferred upon him! And not only the man would be honored, out the quorum, the town, the state. "It may be that such an honor may someday come to some of you; let us hope it will, and that when it comes, it will be merited. "In the meanwhile, however, let us realize that right now men who hold the holy Priesthood are ambassadors of the Most High God. If we rightly feel the honor that comes from an appoint- ment from man, how much more should we appreciate an appointment from God! Elders are divinely commissioned, and are the representatives of God, as they officiate for man, in the offices whereunto they are called." "What is Priesthood? It is nothing more nor less than the power of God delegated to man, by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately." — Joseph F. Smith, Seventy- fifth Semi-Annual Conference Pamphlet, p. 5. History of the Church, Vol. 3, pp. 385, 386. 388. Men who hold the Priesthood should be the very choicest men on earth, and no man having had be- stowed upon him this power should ever be guilty of an un- righteous act. Week of February 25 Open. Weekly Aaronic Priesthood Meeting, A TTENTION of the stake pres- •**• idencies and ward bishoprics is called to the fact that arrangements have now been made whereby the weekly ward meetings of the Aaronic Priesthood in all the wards throughout the Church may be held either (a) as at present, on Tuesday evenings in conjunc- tion with the M. I. A., or (b) on Sunday mornings in conjunc- tion with Sunday School, or (c) at 11:30 a. m. Sunday immedi- ately after the Sunday School class exercises. If the meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, then the Priest- hood quorums or classes should occupy about 45 minutes for class work as already outlined. If it is decided to change to Sunday morning jointly with Sunday" School, then the plan is that, after the general assembly, and upon separating for class work, the Aaronic Priesthood quorums shall carry on their quorum or class meeting under the direction of members of the bishopric and the supervisors. This would include .about 15 minutes for the activity period as already outlined, and the remainder of the class period for lesson work, with the Sunday School lessons for material. It is intended that the deacons' and teachers' quorums, at least, shall meet separately from the girls. If this plan is followed, we would urge that the Priesthood lesson books for 1930 be used as an out- side reading course. TF there are not sufficient class ■*• rooms for the Aaronic Priest- hood quorums to meet separately from the girls, or for any other desirable reason, then the meetings can be held at 11:30 a. m., im- mediately after the Sunday School class period. Under this plan, the Priesthood members would remain in the class rooms and organize as quorums and proceed with the ac- tivity period and with a brief les- son period, summarizing the les- sons contained in the Priesthood lesson books for each grade of the Priesthood. In this case it would be very helpful for the securing of effective ward teaching if the bish- opric could call all the Priesthood members together with the acting ward teachers, sometime during this period, and consider for a few minutes each week ways and means to promote more thorough teach- ing in the homes of the Saints. The length of this meeting would be from about 11:30 a. m. to 12:15 p. m. In each stake the determination as to the best time for these weekly meetings is to be made by the stake presidency, high council and ward bishoprics, keeping in mind as prime considerations, always, the magnifying of the Priesthood, se- curing the largest possible regular attendance the year round, and the finest training and activity of the Priesthood, as also the most ef- fective ward teaching. T'HE suggested order of business •*■ for the quorum or class meet- ings to be followed by each quo- rum presidency, with the direction and counsel of the members of the bishopric and the supervisors is as follows: (a) Activity Period (15 minutes, more or less) . Prayer. Roll Call (audible) . 220 The Improvement Era for January, 1930 Consider ways and means of getting attendance of absent members. Reports on assignments of duties performed. Assignments of duties for en- suing week. (b) Social and fraternal activities. Any instructions by member of bishopric. Lesson Period (25 to 30 minutes) . Under direction of supervisor. Aaronic Priesthood Standards Monthly Reports. Monthly union meeting of (bishoprics) , ward su- pervisors, and presidencies and secretaries of quorums, under direc- tion of stake committee, are very advantageous. However, at least systematic weekly visits, if pos- sible, by stake committee members and the securing of monthly re- ports from all wards should be carried out. rPHE Presiding Bishopric are very desirous that the following standards be fully met, as far as possible, in all stakes and wards: ( 1 ) Ordinations. Advance- ment'— based on their diligence, boys to be ordained to and in the Priesthood, as follows: Deacons — 12 years (3 year course) . Teachers — 15 years (2 year course) . Priests — 17 years (3 year course) . Candidates to be individually prepared, under direction of ward supervisors, for at least six months before advancement. Boys to be ordained, if prepared, as near their birthdays as possible. (2) Meeting. Ward Priest- hood meetings weekly throughout year, if possible. Lesson outlines for each year to be completed by December 31st, ready to begin fol- lowing year's outlines. (3) Stake Supervision. Com- mittee of High Council with other assistants. Organize somewhat as a stake auxiliary board. Visit all quorums in wards regularly. Make weekly visits, if possible. See that these standards are met. Get monthly reports from all wards. Occasional stake gatherings. Pre- pare summary of ward reports for stake presidency and Presiding Bishopric. (4) Ward Supervision. Bish- opric, assisted by Committee of Supervisors — qualified men, with one as chairman. They act also as class supervisors. Each mem- ber of the bishopric has general charge of one grade of the Priest- hood— the bishop as president of the priests' quorum and each of the counselors in charge of another grade. (5) Supervisors' Duties. Act individually as class supervisors in quorums. Hold weekly committee meetings as a board, preferablv after Priesthood meeting. Follow up (a) attendance of members; (b) weekly assignments of duties to all members in rotation; (c) prepare monthly reports to stake committee; (d) prepare young men for ordination and advance- ment; (e) direct social and fra- ternal activities; and (f) consider general welfare of quorums. Best fitted men in ward to be selected as supervisors. They should be largely relieved of other responsi- bilities. (6) Quorum Meetings — Class Work. Each quorum or class to meet separately. Arrange definite order of business. Presidency of quorum in charge (aided by mem- ber of bishopric.) Only one roll of all members. Prayer, roll call, consider ways and means of getting attendance of absent members, report on pre- vious assignments, assignments for ensuing week, social and fraternal activities, brief talk by member of bishopric or supervisor. (7) Assignments of Duty. Every member of each quorum or class should have assignments in rotation, preferably each week. (See List of Assignments, Roll Book.) Assignments made to be noted in Roll Book at the time; if performed, mark (1) through let- ter indicating assignment at meet- ing following that in which assign- ment was made; if unfilled, mark (0). Supervisor's business to see that all assignments are performed. Short weekly meetings of super- visors, as indicated under (5), to check up on assignments, etc. (8) Fraternal Matters. Quo- rums to visit and assist members in sickness or distress. Welcome new members. Farewell to members leaving ward. Letters to absent members. (9) Social Gatherings, Out- ings. Gatherings that will pro- mote sociability and refinement. At suitable times, every month or two. Let presidency and members suggest and carry out plans and fix rules, with advice of supervisors and bishopric. (10) Union Meeting s — - Aaronic Priesthood Lesson Books Lesson books are now being printed and will be available by January 1, 1930, for the various grades of the Aaronic Priesthood. Separate books will be provided for the deacons, teachers and priests. These books will cost 10 cents each, postpaid. Money should accompany order. They are ob- tainable at the Presiding Bishop's Office. It is very greatly desired that every member of the Aaronic Priesthood throughout the Church should have a copy for the grade to which he belongs and read the leslsons systematically. The co- operation of all those who have direction of the Aaronic Priesthood is desired in this matter. Aaronic Priesthood Roll Books There are two Roll and Record Books, one for the Priests' quo- rums and one used by the Teachers and Deacons. These may be se- cured from the Deseret Book Com- pany at a cost of 75c each. Sylvester Q. Cannon, David A. Smith, John Wells, Presiding Bishopric. "But dost thou know what I would tell thee? In the prim- itive church the chalices were of wood, and the prelates of gold; in these days the church hath chal- ices of gold and prelates of wood." — Savonarola. 'The only sacrifice which Jesus asked of his people was the same sacrifice which the farmer makes when he throws his seed into the soil." — Babson.