Priesthood Quorums

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS All Melchizedek 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. Group of Boys Brought by Bishop Rockwood and his Committee Through all of the Lesser Priesthood grades Is It Not Worth the Effort? By J. A. ROCKWOOD Former Bishop of Richards Ward, Granite Stake WE frequently hear that there is a falling off in attendance in religious duties by young men from fifteen to twenty years of age. The dea- cons' classes are generally larger than the teachers' and priests' class- es, reflecting a loss from these quo- rums as the boys advance in age. This we all admit is a serious problem, deserving careful atten- tion. Can anything be done? I an- swer "yes." A number of years ago it fell to my lot to labor as a bishop. This big problem was taken up in a very definite way. Several meetings with leading men of the community were held; plans were formulated; an excel- lent committee was selected, known as the Lesser Priesthood Com- mittee, consisting of five good men; detail blanks were prepared to register the boys' activities, and the work of making definite as- signments was undertaken. HTHESE men, through close analysis and careful observa- tion, were impressed seriously with the sacredness of their work. They felt that with their call to this work came the responsibility of bringing in the sheep that had strayed; just as important as a call on a mission to find the lost sheep in distant pastures. After a few weeks of careful planning these men got the spirit of their calling and went at it with the zeal of a missionary in the field. "By hard work and the help of the Lord we can and will bring them into the fold," was their slogan. The accompanying picture of fifty-seven priests of one ward in regular attendance in quorum meeting was the result. Twenty- two of these fine young men were called into the mission field dur- ing one year. The Scriptures recount how the seventies of old returned from their missionary work "with joy in their hearts," but I doubt if their joy could surpass that of these lo- cal men. To see the boys coming to the front, responding to mis- sionary calls, etc., is a joy and happiness that brings tears of grati- tude to the eyes. Feature, if you can, a widowed mother who rec- ognizes that her boy is slipping.

346 The Improvement Era for March, 1930 Then upon the scene a boy's man appears and with a strong arm of love draws this boy back. These boys of ours are the choice spirits of the world, born under the covenant, heirs of all God's special promises, upon whom the future of the kingdom depends, the most precious among our Father's jewels — surely they are worth the effort necessary to bring them in, and their return brings happiness beyond anything else in the world. Have you ever had a father or mother come to you and say with the deepest emotion, "God bless you for your interest in my dar- ling boy." First Step in the Plan A SK yourself the question, wherein lies the greatest power and influence in bringing these boys in? Shall we preach at them? No. Shall we coerce them? No. Shall we call atten- tion to the road that leads to Hell? No. Shall we chastise them? No. Shall we magnify their faults? No. Let us throw out the life line of love — it is the greatest power in all the world — and should be in constant use. With three to five men as a committee in a ward going out to disseminate love for the boys, their power will soon be recognized. Presidents and presiding officers all join in the one idea of winning them by love and kindness, and never forgetting to express it whenever opportunity affords. It is the only method. A true story, to illustrate: "D ICHARD, a small boy, comes ^ home from Mutual and makes this comment: "Father, we have a swell president this year; he came into our class and said he was mighty glad to have such a fine bunch of young fellows, and if we wanted any favors, in reason, he would try and get them for us. Last year we were told we were a bunch of rough-necks, and if we did not behave, out we would go." The latter attitude is all wrong. Boys are like the rest of Adam's race, they can enjoy a lit- tle praise occasionally, and it goes a long way with them. A special campaign of love, kindness, and praise for the boys was started by this Lesser Priest- hood Committee. It was carried by them into the auxiliary organ- izations; it was spoken of in the general Priesthood meetings, and soon it began to spread; the bishop preached it, and made use of it, and soon the boys commenced to recognize that they were not going to be singled out to receive a spe- cial scolding, but that they were among their friends whom they were not afraid to meet on the street or in the meeting house. This Lesser Priesthood Committee went out of their way to learn and know the first name of the boys under their supervision and direc- tion, and took special occasion to come in contact with them — not only on Sunday, but in every walk of life. They took occasion to talk with them, ask them how they were getting along in school, football, basketball, and all their activities, and very soon they be- came pals to their boys. After this condition had crystallized the work was easy. Second Step, by the Lesser Priesthood Committee "CIND your membership; visit the ■ ward clerk; obtain from his rec- ord the names and addresses of all boys from twelve to twenty years of age, then try to get their tele- phone numbers and learn what you can about them. You will find by definite search that there are more of these fine boys in your community, especially among the larger wards, than you ever thought there were, and there is your missionary field. This committee should co-op- erate with the bishop, Sunday School superintendency and Mu- tual president to see that good teachers are selected, and that in- viting class rooms are prepared. Go out after the boys personally, individually and systematically, and show that you are their friend. Third Step A MEANS of checking up on '■- your boys through the activ- ity blank mentioned before is very important. Do not let them slip unnoticed. This activity record is almost indispensable. A sheet ruled and divided into activity headings, and made applicable to one boy only, so that when he is assigned a duty it is recorded on his activity blank. When he ful- fills the assignment the mark is ex- tended into a credit mark. This sheet is a record that should go with the boy throughout all the years of his activity in the Lesser Priesthood. By carefully marking this activ- ity sheet, proper rotating of assign- ments can be followed. Each boy should be taught that it is only fair and just that he should take his proper turn in filling appoint- ments. It is doubly unjust to have a few boys, the willing kind, fulfilling all the assignments, for it is unjust to the other boys who do not get an opportunity. Do not let any boy get by with a fail- ure without special attention from the committee. The habit that some boys form of neglecting du- ties is very injurious to their de- velopment, and will reflect to their detriment throughout all future life. This special activity roll, of course, will indicate those who are magnifying their Priesthood. Those who are not should be vis- ited by a member of the Lesser Priesthood Committee in their home, and, in conjunction with their parents, encouraged through kindness to come back. Fourth Step T3 UILD up a quorum identity or quorum consciousness. This is very necessary and important, and can be done by adhering to the revealed order of the presi- dencies of the various quorums. The president with his counselors should take their places in all quo- rum meetings, and the Lesser Priesthood Committee should have something definitely prepared to give in a quorum capacity. A committee should be appointed to do something in the name of the quorum, such as visiting a sick member; attending as a quorum the funeral of a dead comrade; writing letters to missionaries in the field; giving special parties as a quorum, especially among the priests, as they generally are a live, active organization of boys, and at the right age to give parties. Establish a little fund in the quo- rum to be used by the boys for small presents for departing mis- sionaries, or for the buying of flowers for special occasions. Suggestive Activities for the Priests (A) Administering at the Sac-

The Improvement Era for March, 1930 347 rament table in Sunday School and Sacrament meeting. With the consent and co-operation of the bishop we suggest that this func- tion be placed upon the priests' quorum. (B) One member of the Lesser Priesthood Committee should see that proper appointment and credit for performance are given. This should be done in a way that the responsibility and duty is dis- tributed evenly among all mem- bers of the quorum. (C). Priests through co-opera- tion with the Stake Baptismal Committee should be given the privilege of performing baptisms. (D) Under direction of bish- opric, ordain teachers and deacons. (E) Members of the priests' quorum, by co-operation with the bishop, should be called upon to open and dismiss the Sacrament meetings. (F) Priests, in co-operation with the bishop, should be as- signed to make five minute talks occasionally in Sacrament meeting, and in Mutual as well. Supervi- sors should guide and help them in the preparation of these talks. (G) In the priests' classes as- signments mentioned above should be made, and the priests taught the Sacrament blessing so they can re- peat it without reading from the card. They should be taught that it is a prayer to God, and not a recitation. Suggestive Activities for the Teachers (A) Visit the saints in com- pany with the regular teachers ap- pointed by the bishop. (B) Collect fast offerings and ward maintenance every month by visiting the homes of the people. For this a leather or cardboard pouch should be provided that will hold money collected, and a receipt book. On each pouch five or six families should be listed as they live consecutively on a street, and one boy given the responsibil- ity of collecting from those five or six families. This collection of ward maintenance and fast offer- ings should be done at a specific and definite time, and the Lesser Priesthood Committee should ar- range to have the boys return either to the meeting house or their homes to check in on their collec- tions. Receipts should be given to the people where the boys collect. (C) Act as ushers in ward gatherings. Suggestive Activities for the Deacons (A) Deacons should be regu- larly assigned to the passing of the Sacrament in Sunday School and Sacrament meeting, and given to understand that a credit is placed after their names for each duty ful- filled, and a circle placed after their name when they fail to perform their duty. (B) The ward supervisor should see that these boys are trained in the proper method of passing the Sacrament, that no confusion results. The ward super- visor should impress upon these boys that in performing their Sac- rament duties they are engaged in the most solemn service of the Church, and all frivolity and laughter should be strictly for- bidden. (C) One deacon assigned to sit beside the bishop on the stand to act as a messenger. (D) Act as minute men for bishop at all calls made. Sixth, Proper Appreciation of the Priesthood HT O my mind this topic is worthy ■*■ of very careful consideration — not only in the Lesser Priesthood, but in all the quorums of the Church. The authority to officiate in God's Kingdom, and have it binding and acknowledged by the Lord is something exceedingly sacred. A tentative age limit has been set for young men to be ordained to the Priesthood, but arriving at that age is not the sole qualifica- tion— -there should be some prepa- ration. Of course, young boys ap- proaching their twelfth year, if they are faithful in their attend- ance at Sunday School and other organizations and see the work of the deacons being done, especially in a dignified manner, naturally look forward to being honored by a call to that work. TN our ward where we worked with this Lesser Priesthood ac- tivity we had our Lesser Priest- hood Committee go into the class where the boys between eleven and twelve years of age were assembled in Sunday School and make a brief talk to those boys to pre- pare them for the work of the dea- cons, and when the time came for them to be ordained, this Lesser Priesthood Committee made rec- ommendation to the bishop, and the bishop through the ward clerk had a regular short form letter which he mailed to the boy telling him that the Lesser Priesthood Committee had recommended him for ordination, but before carrying out that ordination the bishop would like to hear from the boy himself, in writing, as to just how he felt about receiving this honor. He was asked to take it up with his parents and get their co-opera- tion, and then be on hand one- half hour before the fast meeting on Sunday to go into conference with the bishop over the matter. Then if everything was favorable the boy was asked to take his place on the stand. When his name was read in the meeting he was to stand up and have the people of the ward vote upon him. By this method he commenced to realize there was some significance, sacred- ness and responsibility attached to his call as a deacon. The answers which these boys sent back to their bishop were really inspiring, and very often a few of them were read in the Sac- rament meeting, causing tears of joy to come to the parents as they heard read in public the expres- sions of their boy with reference to this sacred calling. These details are worth all the time and effort that they require. The same procedure was followed in advancing from the different grades of the Priesthood. This plan and outline followed for a number of years in our ward solved the problem of holding the boys through the various grades of the Lesser Priesthood, and pre- pared them to be called as elders when they were advanced into the Melchizedek Priesthood. The number in attendance dur- ing the period of the priests and teachers did not diminish over the attendance during the period of the deacons' quorum. HTHE success of this undertaking, of course, will devolve mainly upon the ward supervisor and the co-operation which is given him. In selecting a ward supervisor and two or more assistants, we com- mend the following qualifications: (A) A ward supervisor should

348 The Improvement Era for March, 1930 be a detail man, dependable, ac- curate and careful in handling the record of the boys' activities. (B) He should always be on hand where the boys assemble in order to be one with them, and check up on their activities. (C) Not a preaching man, and above all, not a scolding man, not too exacting in the matter of his requirements from the boys. (D) He should be a man who recognizes that you cannot put "old heads on young shoulders." (E) He should be a diplomatic man, and guide the boys rather than force or coerce them. (F) He need not be a preacher, but must be clean in his talk and manners, and a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom. (G) He should be a man who attends to his Sacrament meetings and his Priesthood quorum in order that he may set a proper ex- ample. (H) He should be a man who really at heart likes the boys, and can mix with them. The Lord has said that, "If we labor all our life and save but one soul, how great will be our joy in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father with that soul," and in conclusion let me quote from the sacred record, "Ye who enter into the service of the Lord, see that you do it with all your heart, might, mind and strength." Improvement in Ward Teaching, PRESIDENT William A. Hyde of -- Pocatello stake is preparing month- ly messages for the ward teachers of that and adjoining stakes, and in con- nection with the latest message, he has presented certain suggestions to the ward teachers, as follows: "To the Teacher: "This is for you. You have not done your work well, if you act as a peddler only of this leaflet. Study it — get its message if you can, then use your own mind and inspiration in presenting the thought. "Better to commit to memory if you can the references given. If not, then have your Doctrine and Covenants with you, and from it, read to the people some of the sayings of the Lord. "You are not a teacher in the fullest sense, unless you try to know your peo- ple, and have something to apply to their individual needs. For instance: If you know that a family are not properly ob- serving the Sabbath, say to them as you leave: 'I hope to see you out next Sun- day. We are having some splendid Sac- rament meetings, you will enjoy coming I am sure.' "Encourage and bless, and do it out of your own heart. This leaflet is only to open the way." TN commenting on this plan Presi- -• dent Hyde states: "This leaflet is devised in an attempt to improve the quality of our ward teach- ing. There is a tendency for the teacher to deoend too much upon the leaflets. This is an attempt to try to have some individuality in this work. If we con- tinue this plan, we shall try to analyze the topics, with the thought in mind to assist the teachers in presenting the mes- sage most effectively." The topic in that stake for the oast month is given herewith: The Willing Mind "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes keep my ways." Thus said a wise man of old. Proverbs 23:26. "Behold the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." "Verily I say, men should be anx- iously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness." Doc. and Cov. 58:27 and 64:34. These are the messages to us in this day. ^ HE Lord has put a premium upon - wilting obedience. It is a splendid thing that we obey. It is necessary that we keep the com- mandments, and by living the law of the Lord we shall surely receive a blessing; but more blessed it is to have the spirit of desire to do something without being commanded, for it shows the earnest use of our agency. The Lord said: "For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves, and inasmuch as men do good, they shall in no wise lose their reward." Doc. and Cov. 58:28-29. (Read all of reference.) The man who keeps the command- ments of the Lord, only because he fears him, is not entitled to as much credit or reward, as the man who keeps the commandments because he loves the Lord, and desires with all his heart to serve him. The man who will do more than he is commanded is the valiant man,' — to him is given all things. There are others who are limited in their glory and exaltation. "They are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus, wherefore they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God." Doc. and Cov. 76:79. Let us first of all be obedient, then let us strive to get faith sufficient to be enthusiastic and valiant. There is a call now as always, for the willing and valiant man and woman. They are needed in the Church. They are needed in every department of our work, — the man, who with a smile and a cheerful "yes" accepts an invitation to service — not the man that requires an argument to make him reluctantly consent to do something. We may not always be permitted to volunteer for any particular work in the Church, but it is given to us to cheerfully accept, when the inspiration of the Lord through his appointed servants, invites us into his service. Read Doc. and Cov. 27:15-18. Let us first obey the commandments, of the Lord so far as we know them, and then let us, with all our might, mind and strength, love and serve him. Success in Ward Teaching, 'T'HE following letter from Bishop -- J. Wesley Andersen of Moore ward, Lost River stake, is a splendid example of success in ward teaching: "Our ward teaching has been so much improved for the last two months over the previous years, that I felt you would like to know how it came about. Our old method of having one young teacher and one older man, or two older brethren, go together has never given such results as our present method. Last November, we advanced our deacons, teachers and priests and paired them off two and two, and asked them to do 100% ward teaching, with four families to each pair of teach- ers. We requested that they go out the first Thursday night in each month and spend 10 to 15 minutes in each home, deliver the message, and report any sick- ness or need in the homes. These young brethren started out the first month (De- cember) and visited 100% of the fam- ilies, while some of our older brethren did not get their teaching done till toward the last of the month. This month (Jan- uary) the older brethren, when seeing the- results of last month, went on the ap- pointed night, with the result that our ward teaching was performed 100% for this month on the first Thursday night. These young men all sent in complete reports of their visits. This indicates what our young brethren will do when they are given responsibility."

The Improvement Era for March, 1930 349 Aaronic Priesthood Progress TN order to stimulate the work of the -• Aaronic Priesthood throughout the various wards, stakes and missions, the following letter has been sent out to the authorities of these various divisions of the Church, and is here presented for the information of all who are concerned with the welfare of that Priesthood: Dear Brethren: The success of Aaronic Priest- hood training and activity dependis primarily upon the stake presidencies and ward bishoprics in the various stakes; and upon the mission presi- dents, missionaries and branch presi- dencies in the various missions. Where this important work, under the direc- tion of these presiding officers, is placed directly in the hands of competent, (energetic, faithful supervisors, the suc- cess of the movement is assured. The Presiding Bishopric have outlined gen- eral plans for the holding of weekly Priesthood meetings and for the activi- ties and the lessons to be given. Those in charge of the various divisions of the Church have the opportunity to use their initiative in applying these plans in the most effective way for the systematic advancement of all these boys and men who bear these sacred callings. We would urge that, during the next stake conference in each stake, and during the next district conference in each mission, special consideration be given to the progress of the Aaronic Priesthood in whatever way the stake presidencies and mission presidents feel will be most helpful to the mem- bers of the Priesthood, to those in charge thereof and to the parents. During this great Centennial year we appeal to all presiding officers to have every possible effort put forth: (a) To provide most energetic, spirited, sympathetic supervision of the details of this great work. (b) To endeavor to bring every member of the Aaronic Priesthood into active, interested service. f 1 1 (c) To train all members thor- oughly and enthusiastically in the per- formance of all their respective Priest- hood duties; in up-standing personal habits; in the application of Gospel principles to their growth in righteous- ness and capacity; and in faith and devotion to the Church. The selection as supervisors of men of faith and energy, who are interested in, and helpful to young men, is bound to result in increased activity and de- votion of the Priesthood members. The arranging of interesting meetings, making all members welcome, giving everyone some part in the meeting, as- signing every member regular duties and encouraging him in the perform- ance of the same, promoting sociability and fine ideals, all help to develop greater diligence. Wishing you success in this im- portant effort, and with cordial wish- es, we are, Sincerely your brethren, The Presiding Bishopric. Aaronic Priesthood Suggestions 'T'HE following constructive sugges- ■- tions for quorum improvement were prepared by the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee of the Ogden stake : I. Organization. a. Chairman. b. Two members for each quo- rum or class. II. Duties. a. Weekly meeting of committee, 20 to 30 minutes. 1. Chairman presides. 2. Discuss matters pertaining to all of Lesser Priesthood. 3. Check up on supervisor of each group — class prepara- tion, individual records, stake and Church reports, etc., assignments, attend- ance, social and fraternal activities. 4. Suggestions for future bet- terment, programs, and ad- ditional fields for activity. b. Weekly meeting of supervisors with quorum officers, 10 to 15 minutes. 1 . Report of assignments filled during past week. 2. Assignments for coming week, by quorum officers. 3. Check up of delinquents and report on efforts to remedy conditions, by visits, etc. 4. Quorum announcements to class, and other business, by quorum officers for coming week. 5. Discussion of social and fraternal work. c. Quorum or class meeting. 1. Prayer. 2. Check up of assignments by quorum officers. 3. Assignments for coming week by quorum officers. 4. Check up on secretary as to posting of individual rec- ords. 5. Lesson by supervisor. 6. Lesson assignments for fol- lowing meeting, by super- visor. Suggestions to Supervisor 1. Do not displace quorum officers in presiding and conducting quorum meetings, making or checking assign- ments, etc. 2. In the priests' or teachers' quo- rums devote one class period every month or six weeks to practice in the ordinances pertaining to respective of- ficers in the Lesser Priesthood. 3. Be constantly looking for ward activities that may be well assigned to members of the Lesser Priesthood. 4. Check up the individual records frequently to insure that assignments are distributed as much as possible to all members. 5. Devise means for reaching de- linquent members. 6. Do not overlook the fraternal and social activities. 7. Never be unprepared with the quorum lesson. Suggestive Assignments For the Priests. 1. Ward teaching. 2. Baptizing. 3. Administration of the sacrament. 4. Talks in sacrament and other meetings. 5. Lesson assignments. 6. Ushering at meetings. 7. Class teaching in Sunday School, Mutual, etc. 8. Officiating or assisting in ordi- nations. 9. Visiting sick members. For the Teachers. 1. Ward teaching. 2. Passing of sacrament once a month, preferably on Fast Day. 3. Talks and prayers at ward meetings. 4. Messenger service for the bishop- ric. 5. Lesson assignments. 6. Visiting sick members. 7. Ushering at meetings. For the Deacons. 1. Collection of fast offerings and ward donations. 2. Passing of sacrament. 3. Messenger service for the bish- opric. 4. Lesson assignments. 5. Prayers and talks in ward meet- ings. 6. Collecting food and clothing for poor. 7. Visiting sick members.