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GENERAL HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS, 1928 (#14).
1928: Qualifications of Bishop.
“The bishop should be qualified to keep accurate account of the tithes and to check over the financial accounts of the ward. He should be wise and tactful. He should be sympathetic and considerate. He should develop system and executive ability in his labors.
Since the bishop is concerned largely with temporal affairs, he should be a man of judgment, integrity and thrift. Some knowledge of accounting is very helpful to him. A bishop should set an example in the systematic, careful handling of his own affairs, and of order in his home.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 6)
Selection of Bishops’ counselors.
“When thus approved the Bishops should have the opportunity to recommend the selection of their counselors. The names of the bishopric should then be presented to the people of their ward for their vote. They are then to be ordained by the members of the First Presidency, or under their direction.
Bishops’ Counselors–Counselors of bishops should be nominated by the bishops themselves, subject, however, to the approval of the stake presidency and high council, and also subject to the approval of the apostle setting them apart. The names of the bishops’counselors need not be submitted to the First Presidency.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 7-8)
Bishopric to sit on stand.
“The bishopric should, of course, all be on the stand at the time of beginning the meeting.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 8)
Employment specialist.
“In every ward a prominent and capable person should be appointed to give special attention to employment and the saints of the ward informed of this appointment. Where persons can furnish employment they should report to this agent, and those seeking employment should also apply to him. Every quorum of the priesthood should be prepared to assist its members and obtain employment whenever desired. Bishops should make it a part of their business at all monthly teachers’ report meetings to inquire if persons are out of employment. The practice of encouraging persons to come to large centers of population to obtain work should be discouraged. If there are any extensive construction or manufacturing plants being developed in any of the wards and there is difficulty in obtaining sufficient labor, the Presiding Bishop’s Office will appreciate receiving word of such opportunities for employment.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 9)
Bishop to help returned missionaries readjust.
“It is important, also, that the bishopric help these missionaries to adjust themselves upon their return. The bishopric can very appropriately invite them to attend their council meeting, and learn what particuolar activity in the ward they would choose to engage in. If possible, they should be appointed in accordance with their choice. Also, the bishopric should consult with them about the kind of employment they want, and endeavor to get them established at home, rather than to have them go elsewhere.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 10-11)
Requirements for temple recommends.
“The bishops are authorized to issue Temple recommends to all faithful members of the Melchizedek Priesthood and adult women members of their wards. Also, recommends for the performance of the ordinance of baptism for the dead may be issued to exemplary young people. It is important that all those who may desire to enter the temple for endowments or other ordinances should be encouraged by the bishopric to observe the principle of tithing as well as all other Gospel principles. Recommends are to be countersigned by the president of the stake. They are valid for six months or less, and are to be renewed on January 1 and July 1. Bishops should be careful not to issue Temple recommends until they are certain that those applying are members of record in their wards and otherwise worthy.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 11)
Annual visits by bishoprics.
“It is very desirable and important that a complete annual house to house visit be made at least once each year. Some of the reasons for this are: That all of the saints should be visited in their homes at least once each year by the bishopric; that special instructions should be given all of the families relative to the observance of the commandments of the Lord, such as the law of tithing, secret and family prayers, observance of fasting and fast donations, testimony bearing, keeping out of debt and cultivating thrift, attending sacramental, priesthood and other meetings, etc.
Inquiry should be made by the bishopric with regard to any complaints or dissatisfaction with any of the activities or policies, or with any of the officers or organizations. The ward members will feel honored to have a visit by the bishopric. If practicable all members of the bishopric should visit all of the homes. However, if conditions do not permit of this, then each member of the bishopric should take one or two ward officers and each group should visit their portion of the families.
In some wards it is advantageous for the bishopric to visit a certain number of families each week or month throughout the year. In other wards, the visits are made during the latter part of the year. In the event that the annual visit is not made during the latter part of the year, it is important that a special visit should be made by members of the bishopric or other ward officers, to invite all of the members to attend the annual tithing settlement and to observe the law of tithing fully by the close of the year.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 11-12)
AP quorums only if a majority exists.
“There should be strict compliance with the revealed word in the organization of the quorums of the priests, teachers and deacons. According to the revelation of the Lord, a priests’ quorum consists of forty-eight members, a teachers’ quorum of twenty-four members, and a deacons’ quorum of twelve members. Wherever there is the required number, or a majority of the number designated as the quorum limitation, a quorum organization should be effected. In case there are not sufficient members to form a majority and thereby form a quorum, a class organization should be formed and the same plan carried out as for the quorum.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p, 12)
NO SEPARATE CLASS for older non-MP holders.
“When persons have grown to manhood without having been advanced in the priesthood, special efforts should be made with them to secure their regular attendance at the weekly priesthood class meetings, and they should be permitted to meet with one of the classes of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and thus be encouraged to attend the priesthood meetings until such time as their good works justify their advancement. In such cases their attendance should be credited on the record of the quorum to which they belong.” [Note the departure from the idea of separate classes for these men, which was present in General Handbooks #12 and 13, 1913 and 1921.] (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 12)
Ward AP supervisors.
“The primary responsibility for the direction of the Aaronic Priesthood rests upon the bishopric. But, in the very nature of things, because of their manifold duties, the bishopric cannot ordinarily give the time necesary for the preparation of the class lessons in the various quorums nor to the detailed follow-up of the assignments of duty to the various members, nor give attention to the individual welfare of each member of the priesthood. For these reasons a committee of ward supervisors should be appointed by the bishopric to labor under their direction in handling the details. They should be men who are thoroughly interested in boys and who have the boys’ viewpoint. Each member of this committee is expected to attend to the details of supervision of one of the quorums. As a committee they will consider the prevailing conditions of all the quorums and the individual members, make up the necessary reports, and plan to secure the activity and interest of every member of the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward. Under the new arrangement of Priesthood-M.I.A. work, they will, also, act as scoutmasters and assistants, and ‘M’ men leaders.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 13)
Adequate preparation of boys for ordination to AP.
“For some months, at least, previous to the time when any person is selected for ordination to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood, the bishopric and ward supervisors should have such a person in training. He should have learned the duties which will be expected of him. He should have shown an appreciation of the privilege. He should have manifested faith in the Gospel, and evidenced good habits. He should have shown willingness to do the things that may be asked of him. Just before his name is presented, the bishopric should be assured that he is prepared to fulfil these requirements. No one should be ordained to any office who does not understand the duties and responsibilities thereof. When the bishopric are satisfied that the candidate is prepared to receive, or to be advanced in, the priesthood, his name should be submitted to the congregation of the saints for approval. Ordination shoiuld take place either in the fast meeting, or in the quorum or class meeting, under the direction of the bishopric.
It is very advantageous, wherever possible, to arrange for the ordinaction of members of the priesthood at the date nearest their birthdays, provided they are worthy of such ordination. For instance, it is very desirable to prepare the candidate for ordination as a deacon at the nearest possible date to his twelfth birthday, for a teacher as near as possible to his fifteenth birthday, and for a priest to his seventeenth birthday.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 13-14)
Form of ordination to AP.
“The form of ordination authorized by the First Presidency, is as follows:
By (or in) the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I (or we) lay my (or our) hands upon your head and ordain you a deacon (or other office in the Lesser Priesthood) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and confer upon you all the rights, powers and authority pertaining to this office and calling in the Aaronic Priesthood, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[Note that this form does not include “conferring the Aaronic Priesthood,” which later became an issue.] (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 14)
Weekly Priesthood Meetings.
“In every ward and branch a priesthood meeting should be held weekly at such time as may be designated by the stake presidency. Every person in the ward holding any office in the priesthood should be enrolled. The bishop will preside at the weekly meeting. All should meet in a general assembly for the opening exercises. During this meeting brief and timely instructions may be given, and any item of business to be considred by the priesthood be presented. Then the members should adjourn to their different classrooms, according to their priesthood, and proceed with the regular order of business and consideration of assignments of duty in the priesthood for the ensuing week, and with the discussion of suitable topics pertaining to the priesthood. At the close of the quorum or class work, all members of the priesthood should return to the general assembly for the closing exercises.
Under the new arrangement for Priesthood-M.I.A. work, it is expected that an officers’ meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., preliminary to the regular meeting of all the priesthood and members of the M.I.A.; or at some other convenient time. The Priesthood-M.I.A. meeting will conform, in general, to the instruction given above; but after thirty to forty-five minutes shall have been given to priesthood work, the deacons and teachers, will take up scout work, and the priests ‘M’ men’s work for the remainder of the session. During the summer months, when the M.I.A. is not in session, the priesthood meetings can be started at 8:00 p.m., and be concluded in an hour. Or, if desired, the meeting can be held at some more convenient time. The teaching of the Gospel principles to members of the priesthood will be carried out in the Sunday School classes.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 16-17)
Care of the Poor.
“Responsibility for Charity Assistance–The first responsibility of caring for those in need rests with the family of the needy. ‘But if any provide not for his own, and specially those in his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.’ (I Tim. 5:8) The Utah State law holds relatives primarily responsible.
Secondly, next to relatives, the county is responsible for the poor. (A general fund is provided by law for the care of the poor who have lawful settlement in the county. Widows’ pensions are also provided by law.)
Thirdly, the church undertakes responsibility for the care of those in need.
Bishoprics and Relief Society workers and our people generally should understand this relative responsibility. Wherever possible, the relatives or the county should first be called upon by the bishopric or the Relief Society for assistance before drawing upon the church for aid. It should be clearly understood that while the ward bishopric and the Relief Society will undertake to see in every instance that no church member suffers for lack of the necessities of life, that, at the same time, they are fully justified in endeavoring first to secure the necessary assistance where possible from those who are more directly responsible. It should be the policy also, in every case, to strive to help those in need to help themselves.
The Worthy Poor.–Poverty may be caused by any one of a number of unfavorable conditions. It may be due to sickness, injury, infirmity, unemployment, lack of education, poor management, or mental or physical deficiency. It should be relieved by getting at the root of the trouble, and adopting ways and means of remedying the same as permanently as possible. Consequently, the practice of giving financial aid without first carefully investigating the cause, is not the proper or permanent means of relief. What is needed is a careful study of the family affected by persons trained in social service work, and possessed of sympathy and good judgment. The policy of the church is that no faithful members nor their children shall lack for the necessities of life. Investigation should be made of all cases as to the faith and activity of those desiring help. Anyone asking for assistance from the church should appreciate the fact that his past life and actions should have shown faith and devotion to the Gospel.
Care of the Poor.–It should be the effort of the bishopric of the ward and the Relief Society officers, after the cause of the trouble has been determined, to devise ways and means to permanently overcome the condition. If the cause is sickness, medical examinations should be obtained and suitable attention given looking toward relief. In case of unemployment, efforts should be made locally to find employment of suitable character such as will lead, if possible, to permanent occupation. If employment cannot be obtained, then some kind of work should be temporarily created, in order that the person receiving assistance shall render service therefor. Where lack of education is the cause, efforts should be made to enable those concerned to secure training in vocations that will enable them to become self-sustaining. Where the cause is poor management, proper advice and supervision should be given in a kindly way, looking to the development of those qualities in the persons affected that will enable them to exercise economy and care in their affairs.
Whenever financial help is rendered, it should be, if possible, in such a way as to be assured that it will serve the purpose intended. It is, therefore, preferable to give orders on stores for supplies required rather than cash. In transient cases unusual care should be exercised to avoid being imposed upon by persons who are unworthy of assistance. Only in emergency cases should help be rendered directly before investigation is made, and then only in such amounts and in such a way as shall be temporary, pending the study of the case.
The bishopric of each ward should be personally acquainted with the condition of the poor in the ward. The Relief Society should cooperate with the bishopric and act under their direction in caring for them. The agencies to labor in the ward as aids to the bishopric are the ward teachers and the Relief Society officers. The ward teachers should promptly notify the bishopric of any cases of sickness, distress or need that they may discover while visiting the saints.
Plan of Charity Administration.–The plan of church charity administration is outlined herewith. To carry it out will require one or more social service workers in the stake and ward Relief Societies. The members of the General Board of Relief Society should be prepared to direct social service institutes in the various stakes for the training of the volunteer stake and ward workers in approved methods of social service.
(a) All charity aid to be dispensed by ward bishoprics, subject to general supervision of the Presiding Bishopric; except that from funds donated by the Relief Society.
(b) Funds for the purpose of assisting the poor to be obtained from the fast offerings, Relief Society aid, and, whenever necessary, be requisitions on the tithing funds.
(c) Under the instructions of the ward bishopric, investigation of all cases to be made promptly by trained ward Relief Society workers, and definite recommendations submitted. Only in emergency cases should temporary aid be given by the bishopric or the Relief Society before careful investigation.
(d) To assure the most effective results, meetings to be held by the ward bishopric with the Relief Society presidency as often as necessary, but at least once a month, where joint consideration of all recommendations may be had and definite policy outlined.
(e) Whenever conditions will permit, the bishopric to delegate to the ward Relief Society officers the distribution of aid.
(f) All charity cases considered to be held in strict confidence beteen the bishopric and the Relief Society officers.
(g) All correspondence concerning charity cases to the ward bishopric to go through the office of the Presiding Bishopric. All correspondence to ward Relief Society officers through the General Board of Relief Society.
(h) The General Board of Relief Society to keep in touch with outside agencies. Cases referred to them to be reported immediately to the presidency of the ward Relief Society.
(i) The General Board will confine its work to the treatment of transients, aggravated cases and emergencies only. The General Board of Relief Society shall act as a clearing house for information on transient cases.
(j) No charity assistance to be rendered directly by the Presiding Bishopric or by the General Board of Relief Society, except in cases of emergency.
. . . .
Relief Society.–The ward Relief Society will operate under the direction of the bishopric and be their chief aid in caring for the poor and unfortunate. The Relief Society teachers should visit every family once a month, or oftener if necessary, and report immediately to the president cases of sickness or distress. The president, under the direction of the bishop, should see that suitable relief is given. In large centers of population there is an advantage in cooperating with local charity organizations, through the stake presidencies of Relief Society, for the purpose of preventing duplication of charity work, but no affiliation with outside organizations should be effected without the approval of the church authorities.
. . . .
Social Service Work.–Relief Society officers should be trained int he best methods of caring for the poor, and this training in social service work should be given in our annual institutes and organizations, based on plans, policies and ideas approved by the priesthood. The persons engaged in the work of caring for the poor should be unpaid workers. It would be very proper, indeed, for ward Relief Society officers and for stake Board members, under the direction of the General Board of Relief Society, to take special training in better methods of caring for the poor. Stake board members should then continue the training of ward Relief Society officers, or members who may seem specially adapted to such work. The work of caring for the poor should be carried out under the direction of the ward bishopric and not by stake officers. Transients only may be taken care of by stake officers under the direction of the stake presidency.
Widows’ Pension Law.–There is in operation in the states of Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada a law known as the Widow’s Pension Law, which authorizes the probate judge or county commissioners to provide allowances for widows having dependent children. Wherever there are widows with dependent children, who are members of the church, the bishopric should take the necessary steps to see that they obtain the benefits of this law.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 30-35)
System of Ward Teaching.
Effective ward teaching calls for regular visits each month to every family of church members in the ward by a pair of ward teachers, and the accomplishing of the purposes set forth in the previous section.
In order that the work shall be performed systematically, the teaching corps should be well organized. A sufficient number of ward teachers should be appointed to provide a pair of teachers for not more than six to eight families. The ward should be districted in the most convenient way to permit each pair of teachers to visit the families under their direction with the least loss of time in going from house to house. This important work should be properly supervised under the direction of the bishopric. In medium sized or large wards particularly, it is found that division presiding teachers or division presidents appointed to direct the work of several pairs of teachers can best supervise a larger section of the ward. The same result may be obtained by placing this responsibility on the presidencies or group leaders of elders or other quorums to direct the work of their members.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 37-38)
Increased use of AP quorums in ward teaching.
“The ordained priests and teachers are particularly charged with the responsibility of ward teaching, under the direction of the bishopric. All members of the Melchizedek as well as the Aaronic Priesthood living in the ward may be called by the bishopric to this duty. In many instances members of the Melchizedek Priesthood are selected as senior teachers with members of the Aaronic Priesthood as their assistants. In other wards excellent success has been had in placing the prime responsibility upon the priests’ and teachers’ quorums for a certain number of families. In one or two instances the Aaronic Priesthood quorums have the responsibility of this work with members of the Melchizedek Priesthood associated with them in an advisory capacity. With the approval of the stake presidency, the bishopric may ask the elders quorum presidency to be responsible for a certain section of the ward.
In the selection of ward teachers the bishopric should have personal talks with them to learn of their willingness to accept and fulfil this responsibility. All of those selected should be men of exemplary habits and character, possessed of some knowledge of, and faith in the Gospel and imbued with love and consideration for their fellowmen.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 38)
Monthly Ward Teachings Messages.
“It has become a practice in many wards and stakes to prepare typewritten or printed messages or topics by the bishopric or stake presidency for the ward teachers or the families generally. In many ways it is preferable to have such mesages or topics furnished to the teachers only, and by them presented in their own language, or read, to the individual families. Such messages should be pointed and timely.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 39)
Monthly Ward Teaching Report Meeting.
“At or near the close of each month the Ward Teachers’ Report Meeting should be held. It should be arranged at such time as to insure the largest possible attendance of ward teachers and also enable the ward clerk to prepare the information in time for submission to the stake presidency not later than the 5th of the following month.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 40)
Bishopric and Relief Society to meet monthly.
“The bishopric should make it a point to meet at least once a month with the officers of the Relief Society, and oftener if necessary. This could very well be at one of the bishopric’s council meetings. At this meeting the bishopric could properly refer to the Relief Society for investigation any families in need, and receive from the Relief Society reports and recommendations regarding families previously investigated. If desired, the bishopric could also authorize the Relief Society under their direction to administer such assistance in such form as may be needed. All matters pertaining to the care of the poor should be discussed in confidence. There should exist between the bishopric and the Relief Society officers a feeling of harmony and cooperation. Each should feel free to call upon the other. These meetings are conducive to this spirit.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 69)
Blessing of children.
“Whenever practicable, parents should take their children to the fast meeting in the ward where their membership is carried, to be blessed. There should be prepared by the ward clerk at that meeting the certificate of blessing for the signature of the bishop; and it should be delivered to the parents immediately after the close of the meeting.
. . . .
In the blessing of children the bishop may very properly call upon the father to be mouth in pronouncing the blessing and giving the name, if the father holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 69-70)
Blessing of children at home.
“Children may be blessed and named at home by father, grandfather, or any other elder whom the parents may choose to officiate in that capacity, but they should also be taken to the ward fast meeting and blessed in accordance with the revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants, so that proper entry can be made in the ward records.
If for justifiable reasons, parents are not able to bring children to fast meeting, they may be blessed at home under the direction of the bishopric, and the ward clerk should not fail to make the proper record. This practice should not be encouraged, but permitted only through very exceptional circumstances. If an infant less than eight days old be critically ill, it may be blessed and the proper information reported to the ward clerk for entry in the ward record of members.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 70)
Father may perform baptism and confirmation.
“In the performing of baptisms of young people, it is proper that the bishop should invite the father to perform the baptism and confirmation if so desired and he bears the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is desirable that all priests in the ward and other brethren holding the higher priesthood shall have the opportunity to perform some baptisms. It is preferable to have the priests baptize young people and elder brethren baptize the older candidates.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 71)
Confirmations to be performed in fast meetings.
“Those who have been baptized should be confirmed preferably in fast meetings, and complete and accurate record should be made of the same by the ward clerk and entered in the Ward Record of Members, and the proper certificate issued.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 71)
High Councilors to be set apart by visiting apostles.
“High councilors, alternate members of high councils, and stake clerks are to be chosen by the stake presidency with the approval of the high council, subject, however, to the sustaining vote of the stake conference and the approval of the visiting apostle under whose direction they are to be set apart.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 73)
Blessings to sick should be made conditional.
“In the performing of this ordinance the head of the sick person should first be anointed with oil by one of the brethren with the accompanying brief prayer, followed by the sealing blessing pronounced by one or the other. All blessings and promises made to a sick person should, in general, be sealed upon them according to their faith.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 74)
Confessions may need to be made in Fast Meeting.
“Where publicity has been given to [the sin] the confession should be made before the Priesthood of the ward at the regular weekly Priesthood meeting; or if it be deemed advisable that a still more public confession be made, it should be at the monthly fast meeting and not at the regular Sacramental meeting. [Differs from 1921 GHI, which made no provision for Fast Meeting confessions.]” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 75-76)
Withdrawing membership: Now called excommunication.
“If a certificate of membership is received for a person who does not desire to become accepted in the ward nor to be considered a member of the church, and desires his name taken from the records, he should first be labored with in kindliness and patience to endeavor to bring him to repentance. If, however, he still persists in his determination to leave the church, he should be invited to appear before the bishop’s court or to send a letter expressing his wishes. The bishop’s court should then take formal action to excommunicate such person for ‘apostasy and at his (or her) own request.’ If the person is a man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, the bishop’s court can, of course, only disfellowship him and report its action to the stake presidency and high council for further action of excommunication.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 76-77) [In prior GHI’s, this was never referred to as “excommunication.”]
Bishop’s court–changes from 1921 GHI.
Screening of witnesses: “They should first be consulted by the bishopric in order to determine the extent of their knowledge of the facts and their willingness to give the evidence.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 80)
Witnesses not to be pressured to testify: “If any witnesses object to the giving of testimony undue pressure should not be brought to bear upon them.” [1921 GHI said they could be held in contempt of court for refusing to testify.] (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 80)
Readmission: “Persons who have been excommunicated should not be rebaptized until approval has first been had from the stake presidency and high council of the stake or the bishopric of the ward in which the action was taken against them; and until permission is given by the stake presidency in which the person lives.” [Removes wording from 1921 GHI: “or by that of a tribunal having superior jurisdiction.”] (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 84)
Each stake to have stake mission.
“Every stake presidency has been urged to inaugurate in their stake a stake missionary system, calling the seventies and other active brethren and sisters to visit from house to house and to carry the message of the Gospel similar to that which is done in the world, and where there are no non-members to visit, the same missionaries should revive interest in the lukewarm and indifferent members of the church. This work should be thoroughly organized and monthly reports should be made. Quarterly reports are called for by the Presiding Bishopric.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 85)