Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “Home Teaching.” You can view other subjects here.
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“Wed., 2 Aug., 1950:
“Brother Elias L. Day then called at the office. He came to call my attention to the fact that the Church is losing a large percentage of children between birth and baptism. It is surprising that there is such a large number that are lost between those ages.
I suggested to Brother Day that he continue his investigation along these lines, and made the comment that the surest, most effective way to improve this condition is to have more efficient ward teaching.”
Sat., 23 Sep., 1950:
“This morning at 8 o’clock I met by appointment Bishop Joseph Wirthlin. He discussed the following matters with me:
(1) Ward Teaching matters. He said the Presiding Bishopric would like to have one Sunday morning a month to be used as a report meeting for Ward Teachers. I asked him to present this matter in writing to the First Presidency. . . .”
Fri., 6 Oct., 1950:
“Bishop Wirthlin called to present the question of a Bishop who when his ward is dedicated wanted to have a special meeting for the ward officers and teachers, where the sacrament would be administered. Pres. McKay said it would not be wise to pass the sacrament, but that a testimony meeting could be held for this group. If they wanted to administer the sacrament in one of the dedicatory sessions where the whole membership is invited, that could be done; but thought it would be unwise to have the sacrament for just a select group.”
Wed., 25 Oct., 1950:
“At 7:30 a.m. this morning came to the office and was busy with regular duties until 8:30 a.m. at which time Spencer Kimball of the Council of the Twelve came in. He wanted to know if he should recommend a young man who is a spastic subject to go on a mission–his face is distorted, and he is paralized down one side. I told Brother Kimball that I thought it would be better for the young man if he should remain at home and do local missionary work.”
Wed., 4 Apr., 1951:
“At 7:30 a.m. I met the Presiding Bishopric–Bp. Richards, Wirthlin, and Isaacson, and approved of their presenting to the BIshops next Friday night suggestions on Ward teachings. Also promised to present to the Twelve tomorrow morning at their regular meeting the recommendations that Ward Teachers’ meetings be held on the first Sunday of each month throughout the Church.”
Fri., 9 May, 1952:
“Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin, and his counselors, Brothers Thorpe B. Isaacson and Carl Beuhner called at the office–they discussed several matters pertaining to–
1. The Purchasing Department.
2. Under whose direction are the Presiding Bishopric operating–the First Presidency or the Twelve. It was mentioned, when I presented this matter at the First Presidency’s meeting this morning, that the Twelve would like to direct the ward teaching. The sentiment was expressed by the brethren, though not officially or formally, that the Presiding Bishopric should have charge of the ward teaching.
3. Statistics showing a great increase in the number of adult men not holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, notwithstanding the thousands that have been reclaimed. They attribute that increase to the number of young men who went to war while they wtill held the Aaronic Priesthood; soon they were classed among the adult members not holding the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Bishopric recommend the advisability of ordaining worthy young men elders at the age of 18, before they go into the army–instead of 19. The brethren at the First Presidency’s meeting today could see no objection and did see some advantages.”