Below you will find Prince’s research excerpts titled, “Priesthood Bulletin, 1938-43.” You can view other topics here.
Search the content below for specific dates, names, and keywords using the keyboard shortcut Command + F on a Mac or Control + F on Windows.
Progress of the Church, June 1938
“The Monthly Bulletin of the Presiding Bishopric makes its appearance this month in new form, new dress, and new content. With the hope that important reports, figures, information and suggestions can be given effectively and that each bulletin will be full of interest and helpfulness, “Progress of the Church” makes its bow.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(1): 1, June, 1938)
Church-Wide Fast Offering & Welfare Contribution Campaign Chart was noted to summarize.
Priesthood Quorum Activities in Harmony with the Ward Welfare Plan
“…Quorum officers are encouraged to build up a Quorum fund to be used in rehabilitating member in harmony with instructions given by the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee, of the Council of the Twelve, as contained in the Improvement Era, for March, 1938, on page 168.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(1):4, June, 1938)
Stage Curtains
“The type of stage curtains installed in recreation halls has much to do with the appearance and attractiveness of the building. The Presiding Bishopric has recommended curtains made of velour or other similar material as being most appropriate for Church buildings. The use of curtains containing commercial advertising is discouraged, even though they may be secured without expense to the ward.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(1):4, June, 1938)
Important Temple Recommend Information
“When the new blue Temple Recommends for living endowments and sealings were printed recently, it was intended that they should be used ONLY for living endowments and Temple marriages. your present white Recommend form is still to be used in the regular way for other work.
When married women are recommended to receive their own endowments without their husbands, the written consent of the husband MUST accompany the wife’s Recommend to the Temple for permanent filing.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(1):4, June 1938)
Priesthood and Progress
“The strength and vitality of the Priesthood of the Church in the future will depend in large measure upon what is accomplished in the Aaronic Priesthood quorums today. The source of membership of the Melchizedek Priesthood and, in later years, of leadership of the Church is the Aaronic Priesthood. It is the preparatory Priesthood. Ours is the responsibility of searching out and training every boy and young man and preparing him for membership in the Melchizedek Priesthood and for future leadership in the Church.
as the years advance and the Church expands, the demand for leaders will be multiplied. we must prepare for it. Every possible effort should be made to so conduct our quorum programs and activities, that not one member shall be lost, but to the contrary a great army of trained, faithful, prepared leaders shall be advanced to the Melchizedek Priesthood each year.
We appeal to the Presiding Brethren in the stakes and wards to strengthen the Aaronic Priesthood and its leadership in every way possible. Select good men–men who are thorough Latter-day Saints–men who love boys–as Stake and Ward Chairmen, committeemen and supervisors. Encourage them to follow the program as outlined, to provide every possible opportunity for filling assignments and rendering service to the Church, to prepare and present the lesson material in the most interesting and effective manner, to provide social and fraternal activities, for every quorum and above all to develop faith in God and in His servants.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(2):1, July 1938)
Training of Youth Most Important
“”The most important problem of the Church today is the training of the members of the Aaronic Priesthood. What the leadership of the Melchizedek Priesthood and of the Church itself will be in the future will be determined by the training and development of the members of the Aaronic Priesthood today.”
This comment of one of the General Authorities recently sums up the responsibilities of leaders of Aaronic Priesthood quorums. The graphs on the following page emphasize its truth. The vast army of inactive men listed as Adult Aaronic Priesthood members, with their leadership, executive ability, and strength, which the Church could use to such great advantage, reflect the conditions which develop when boys and young men are not kept active and interested in the work of the Church.
With a view to definite improvement in Aaronic Priesthood activity it is urged that stake and ward leaders, especially bishoprics w ho form the Presidency of the aaronic Priesthood in the wards, make a survey of conditions affecting Aaronic Priesthood quorums for the purpose of having every quorum fully manned and ready for intensive promotion of the program not later than September 1, when the fall season begins.
It is suggested that the graphs on page 2 be studied carefully in order that their full importance may be gained. The information they present offers a challenge to the whole Church. Brethren, let us :set our houses in order.” Let us give more definite attention and leadership to the youth of the Church. The Correlation plan should be organized and followed faithfully in order that ever possible member may be attracted to our quorums and be retained in activity. Only by doing this can we reduce the number of inactive adults and cause the work of the Lord to progress as it should. The Adult Aaronic Priesthood plan should be no longer delayed. No more important opportunity exists today.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(2):1, July, 1938)
Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Activity
“The graph below is illuminating. The fact that 46.8% of the total are Deacons indicates that large numbers of our boys are not advancing. If we had Deacons for two years instead of three the comparative figures might read like this: Deacons 15,647, Teachers 12,948 (a loss of 2,699), Priests 9,184 (a loss of 3,754) or a net loss of 6,453–27 percent–between Deacons and Priests, with 9.1% not ordained. The actual loss is even greater than the comparative figures used. (See graph.) This loss is later reflected in the Adult Aaronic Priesthood group. The key to this problem is to attract and hold every boy and young man in the quorum program. Whatever is necessary to accomplish this should be done at the earliest possible date. May we encourage bishoprics and quorum supervisors to increase their efforts to seek out all possible members and bring them into activity.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(2):2, July, 1938)
Adult Aaronic Priesthood Plan
“There are 36,088 members of the Adult Aaronic Priesthood group reported by the stakes and wards. The graph below shows how they are divided. Some of those listed in the Priest’s division may still be active in Priests quorums but the fact that they are over 20 and still Priests indicates that they are properly listed in the adult group.
Definite progress is now being made with the adult plan. The number brought back into activity in the past four years now reaches into the hundreds and the rate is increasing. One of the most fruitful fields for missionary service in the Church today is among inactive adult Aaronic Priesthood members. It is suggested that the graph below be studied carefully and that the recommended plans of the Church be adopted and put into effect. The cottage classes meeting plan is responsible for much of the progress being made.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(2):2, July, 1938)
Aaronic Priesthood Correlation Plan
“If there were no other evidence of the need for the Aaronic Priesthood Correlation plan the figures in the graph below fully justify and indicate a definite need for it. This graph shows that nearly 50% of the total Aaronic Priesthood group have either slipped away from us, have been neglected, or have been overlooked and never ordained.
This graph clearly indicates our great responsibility to the Church. It demonstrates the desirability of immediate steps to change the picture. We are a great missionary Church. Shall we not be missionaries to our own who need us as well as to the world?
A plan, simple in organization and operation and effective in results has been developed to correct this situation. Where it is being followed results are most gratifying. It is our responsibility to look after every boy and young man of Aaronic Priesthood age.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(2):2, July, 1938)
Aaronic Priesthood Temple Excursions
“An exceptionally desirable activity project for Aaronic Priesthood quorums is that of baptismal excursion to Temples. In some wards this is a regular annual event and all worthy members are given this glorious privilege. All wards within reach of Temples are encouraged to conduct such excursions. The plan is to make all arrangements through ward Genealogical committee chairmen who have charge of this work. This project is especially recommended for the coming fall and winter. Plans should be made now for early fall excursions.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(2):3, July, 1938)
Belvedere Ward Follows Effective Ward Teaching Plan
“Bishop R. A. Brower, of Belvedere Ward in Wells Stake, recently described the effective and systematic Ward Teaching plan followed in that ward.
The plan as outlined is, briefly, as follows:
The Ward is divided into four districts; two on the east side, and two on the west side of the ward. There are 160 teachers, 80 on the west side and 80 on the east. The first Thursday of each month is Home Night ont he east side of the ward. On that night all members are expected to remain at home, prepared to receive the Ward Teachers, and to conduct home-night programs. On this night the ward teachers form the west side visit their districts, which are all on the east side. On the second Thursday it is Home Night on the west side and the ward teachers who live on the east side visit their districts, which are all on the west side. Each group meets at the ward chapel before going visiting and the regular missionary plan of the Church, that of having two elders visit together, is followed. Each teacher has the regular monthly message and also a ward bulletin from the Bishopric.
The work is usually completed in from one to two and a half hours, according to the size of the district. There are 21 supervisors, including the members of the bishopric, who also do their full share of Ward Teaching. The participation has reached as high as 74 out of 80 teachers reporting at the ward chapel on one night.
While such a plan is best adapted for compact city wards, the principle of setting a definite night for each part of the ward and checking on each pair of teachers can be used in any ward.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(3):1, August, 1938)
Worthy Men to Administer Sacrament
“In the administration of the Sacrament it is very important that all those who attend to this sacred ordinance shall be in every way worthy, and particularly that they shall all be clean in their habits, and be entirely free from the use of tobacco or strong drink. It is found that in some instances Bishops have appointed men to administer this important ordinance who are tobacco-users. This should not be. Great care should be exercised by the presiding officers of ever ward, so that any Priest or any member of the Melchizedek Priesthood who administers this ordinance shall be an abstainer from these things and otherwise worthy. Every one who holds the Priesthood, who is authorized to perform this ordinance, should be encouraged in kindliness to observe the Word of Wisdom.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(3):3, August, 1938)
Important Temple Recommend Information
“When the new blue Temple Recommends for “Living Endowments and Marriages” were printed, they were intended ONLY for living endowments and Temple marriages. Some bishops use these recommends for endowments for the dad and sealing of children to parents. This should not be done.
This new form should bring necessary information which the Temples have tried for years to obtain from the Ward records, namely, the complete genealogy of those coming for their own endowments and marriage. It has seemed difficult to obtain the required baptism date form the Ward records.
We are asking for your complete cooperation in using this new Recommend for living endowments and marriages ONLY, giving all data called for on the face of the form so that we can meet the requirements for proper Temple records. When persons already endowed are recommended for marriage, be sure to insist on obtaining and inserting their endowment date on the Recommend.
Bishops might, properly, suggest to brethren to whom a recommend is issued for marriage, that a consistent donation at the Temple would be the fee for a civil ceremony.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(3):3, August, 1938)
Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan Expands Correlation Plan
“Building upon the foundation of the Aaronic Priesthood Correlation Plan which, especially in its early years, demonstrated the value of correlated missionary work among our young people, the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan is being introduced throughout the Church.
The principal new feature of the plan is to enlist the thousands of clean, upstanding active members of the Church in the movement to interest every possible boy and young man–their friends and associates–in Church activity. An outline of the objectives of the plan appears on page 3.
Every mission in the Church is calling for more Elders. Yet in the Church there are some thousands, who, if conditions were different, would be available immediately.
The Church is expanding with great strides. The call is for leadership and more leadership. These calls can be met only by conserving the youth of the Church, retaining them in activity and giving them the training and experience that will develop the leadership qualities the Church so badly needs to meet its present growth; and even more important, to prepare for the greater leadership demands which undoubtedly are just ahead.
The time has come for all Youth Leaders of the Church to join in a unified effort to attract and hold ever possible boy and young man. This is the purpose of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(4):1, September, 1988)
An Outline of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan
“Objectives: To extend the benefits and privileges of the Aaronic Priesthood and the two auxiliaries assisting in the training of young men and boys to every member of the Aaronic Priesthood and all who should hold that Priesthood but have not been ordained; to extend the programs to make them more attractive and interesting; to make every possible effort to attract and hold every possible member in order that they may be trained for missionary service and leadership in the Church.
To make every possible effort to save our young men and boys from the temptations that confront them; to assist them to combat destroying influences; to lend every encouragement to live according to Church standards and be worthy to receive the blessings of the Lord; to save the Church and for the Church every possible leader to assist in meeting the present and ever-increasing demands for leaders.
A folder giving all details of the plan and individual record cards for listing the name of every member of the Aaronic Priesthood for consideration at the meeting each month of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Committee, are being supplied to all stakes for every ward and branch.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(4):3, September, 1938)
Aaronic Priesthood Making Record; Many Not Yet Active
“The Aaronic Priesthood has reached a high state of development. These figures are of interest: more than 100,000 separate quorum meetings are held each year in Stakes alone by nearly 3,000 separate quorums or classes. Approximately 1,000,000 acts of service in the Priesthood–assignments– will be performed this year. Nearly 10,000 members of the Aaronic Priesthood are serving as Ward Teachers.
This is a great record. It is probably not duplicated in any other group in the world. Yet it falls short of what should and could be done if the leaders of youth throughout the Church would devote themselves to the inactive members as well as to those who voluntarily join our groups.
The Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan is now given to the Church as a means of extending the benefits and blessings of quorum work and auxiliary organization classes and activities to every boy and young man in the Church. All leaders of youth are urged to become missionaries to the end that not one of our Father’s children shall be lost.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(4):3, September, 1938)
Sacrament Meeting Attendance a Duty, an Obligation and a Great Privilege
“Notwithstanding these vital reasons why we should attend Sacrament meetings the features in this issue of Progress of the Church show that an average of only 18% of the Church membership–only 18 members out of each 100-0-attend Sacrament meeting. These figures are for the first 8 months of 1938. The highest average attendance is 37%. The lowest is 11%.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(5):1, October, 1938)
Fast Offerings and the Church Welfare Plan
“All wards in the Church are now under an assignment form the Presiding Bishopric, with the approval of the First Presidency, to use the card and envelope system of collecting Fast Offerings. A great need is answered by this system in that it affords all members of a ward the opportunity of contributing to the Fast Offering fund. The Lesser Priesthood will visit every home in the ward, making it possible for many of our brethren and sisters to pay Fast Offerings who do not come to Fast Meeting. The success of this plan depends entirely upon these visits. The anticipated increase in Fast Offerings will come principally form those who have not paid in the past. If, for any reason, this plan is not being used in any of the wards, we earnestly suggest that it be put into immediate action. Cards and envelopes can be secured on application from the Presiding Bishop’s Office. The Presiding Bishopric are anxious to cooperate in every way possible.
the objective set for the Church of $1.00 per year per member is having the effect of fixing in the minds of our members a definite sum to be paid each year for ever member of the family. As a result, most wards and stakes are showing substantial progress. The gains being made are not only highly desirable, but are actually necessary to the success of this far-reaching plan.
It is important, however, that we should not lose sight of the original purpose and plan of Fast Day. The abstinence from two meals on Fast Day and the contribution of the equivalent for the care of the poor and needy is still the rule. The payment of $1.00 per year per member does not fully meet the obligation of members of the Church where the cost of the twenty-four meals, omitted on the twelve Fast Days of the year, would have exceeded that sum.
We congratulate the stakes and wards which have made such splendid progress, as shown in the graph in this issue, and extend our encouragement to those which have not done quite so well, that they will continue their efforts and at least reach the minimum goal of $1.00 per member per year.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(6):1, November, 1938)
Proper Dress for Baptisms
“Persons presenting themselves for baptism should be dressed in white clothing, which will permit the entire body to become wet as a result of the complete immersion. Bathing caps should not be worn. Boots, waders, or other articles of clothing worn by the person officiating for the purpose of keeping parts of the body dry are not in conformity with the spirit of the ordinance and should not be permitted.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(6):4, November, 1938)
Deseret Industries Expands
“The Deseret Industries, newest link in the Church Welfare Plan, has advanced far enough to solicit the help[ and assistance of Stake Directors, Bishops, Presidents of Relief Societies, and the general public in order to sell the various kinds of merchandise in the stores at 60 Richards Street and 342 Est 2nd South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
The general public will doubtless welcome an institution owned and operated by the Church where the following items and many others can be purchased: kitchen stoves $5.00 to $15.00, tables $1.50 to $15.00, chairs 50c to $1.25, rocking chairs $1.25 to $3.00, dresses 10c to $1.25, overcoats $1.25 to $7.00, suits $1.450 to $5.00, mattresses $4.50 and spring filled $8.00.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(6):4, November 1938)
Special Attention to Adult Aaronic Priesthood Urged
“One of the most fruitful fields for missionary service in the Church lies at our very doors. According to the last report–first nine months of 1938–there are 37,550 adults in the Church–men over 20 years of age–who still hold the Aaronic Priesthood.
For the most part these are men with families, some of them great grandfathers; many of them are leading citizens in their communities. Many of them are inactive because of indifference, lack of interest in religious affairs, lack of proper contacts with Church people and lack of encouragement from friends, relatives or local Church leaders.
The record covering five years of activity among these people indicates that large numbers of them can be returned to Church activity and induced to become efficient and effective Church workers.
Where it has not already been done it is urged that bishoprics organize this work as recommended and begin work early in the new year in an effort to win every possible member to Church service. Suggestions for organization and procedure are contained in the new guide for supervisors.
We take this opportunity of extending our most cordial greetings to all of our co-workers in the stakes, wards and missions and to pray that our Father’s blessings may be with you in the new year.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(7):1, December, 1938)
New Supervisors’ Guide for Adults
“A new guide for supervisors of Adult Aaronic Priesthood groups will be ready for delivery by January 1st. The new book contains suggestions for organizing, conducting and supervising the adult program and in addition a lesson guide for adult classes.
The lesson portion of the guide was prepared originally by Elder George W. Stanmore of Logan, Utah, who used it with outstanding success. The guide has been amplified and will doubtless be of material assistance to supervisors. The price is 10c. All orders, with remittance accompanying, should be sent to the Presiding Bishopric, 40 North Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(7):1, December, 1938)
Paper Cups for Sacrament Service
“Paper cups for Sacrament service which are well constructed and sanitary and which are proving to be wholly acceptable, are now available. Those interested are requested to communicate with the Presiding Bishop’s Office for full information.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(9):1, February, 1939)
Bishoprics Responsible for Aaronic Priesthood
“When we hear of the excellent and efficient work being done in many wards and stakes with boys and young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, we wish this same splendid activity might be provided for every quorum member.
When quorums maintain average attendance of 60% to 75% and even higher as reported in many instances, there is evidence that bishoprics area actively interested and that qualified, interested men are called to leadership in this important program for training the youth of Zion.
But, when the attendance is below 50%, and the chart on pages 2 and 3 shows far too many in that class, we are deeply concerned for the boys and their welfare. We should like to encourage bishops to accept full responsibility for the success of Aaronic Priesthood in their wards, to attend quorum meetings, see that the recommended program is being followed and assist wherever possible in advancing the interests of members.
This is one of the definite duties given to the bishoprics by revelation as the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood. While the appointment of supervisors is necessary and important, and they should expect to assume responsibility for the various duties assigned to them, the bishopric cannot be relieved of either authority or responsibility. It is our opinion that closer attention by members of bishoprics will greatly increase results. We urge that this be done.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(10):1, March, 1939)
Welfare Plan Objectives – An Assignment to Every Quorum
“In suggesting the Budget Assignments for 1939, the General Committee made the following recommendation:
“In addition to other assignments, it is proposed that every quorum undertake to assist at least one unemployed quorum brother to find permanent employment in private industry or to establish him in some form of agricultural pursuit or business that will enable him to become independent.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(10):4, March, 1939)
Adequate Equipment for the Sacrament
“A necessary prerequisite to an orderly and impressive Sacrament service, is sufficient water trays to serve all members of the Church present. It has been observed that there are a number of wards which have insufficient equipment, making it necessary to refill glasses during the Sacrament service. Where this condition prevails, wards should acquire additional trays and glasses. The cost of the best grade of tray with thirty-six glasses is $15.00 plus sales tax, where this is required. Trays of a little cheaper quality may be obtained for $12.00. These prices are quoted by the Deseret Book Company, 44 East South Temple, Salt Lake City.
In the February issue of the Progress of the Church, mention was made of paper cups (greg’s underscore). The cost of these cups in single lots of 1,000 is $1.75. If sufficient wards were to use this particular type of cup so that a large quantity could be purchased, prices of $1.40 and $1.31 may be obtained, depending on the number purchased.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(11):2, April, 1939)
Aaronic Priesthood Handbook Ready
“The Aaronic Priesthood handbook, a guide for all concerned with the leadership and supervision of Aaronic Priesthood work throughout the Church, has been issued by the Presiding Bishopric. the publication is the first compilation of the history, development and functions of the Aaronic Priesthood and its operation in the Church today.
The Aaronic Priesthood handbook is being distributed from the office of the Presiding Bishopric. The price is ten cents for the paper bound edition. A limited edition in cloth covers is available for sixty cents.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 1(12):4, May, 1939)
The Aaronic Priesthood in the Church Welfare Plan
“The contributions of members of the Aaronic Priesthood to the success of the Church Welfare Plan have assisted materially in the progress which has been made. One of the most helpful, in fact the principal means of financing the Welfare Plan, is the Fast Offering and Welfare Contribution Collection Plan, which has definitely been assigned to the Deacons of the Church. In hundreds of wards the operation of this plan has been an important factor in bringing about remarkable increases in these funds.
As this plan develops and the local supervision and follow-up become more effective, still further advances are certain.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,1(12):4, May 1939)
Baptism of Children
“Inquiries are frequently received as to whether it is permissible to baptize children before they are eight years of age. Where revelations have been given or definite rulings made regulating Church procedure, it is advisable to conform as closely as possible thereto.
the instruction in Handbook No. 15, suggests that bishops of wards obtain quarterly from ward clerks, a list of the names of children who will become eight years old within three months, and then consult with the parents of the children about the giving of proper instructions so that they may be worthy of baptism on or about (soon afteR) their eighth birthday. Section 68 of the Doctrine and Covenants specifies that children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of hands. When children are presented for baptism, presiding officers should satisfy themselves that they have arrived at the age of eight and are conversant with the fundamental doctrines of the Church as enumerated in verse 25 of the section of the Doctrine and Covenants herein referred to.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(1):3, June, 1939)
Suggestions for Passing the Sacrament
“In passing the Sacrament to persons seated on the stand, it is suggested that two deacons, (or others), be assigned to the stand and that they meet at the center and then pass to both ends, serving each person in order, regardless of office held. The practice of skipping some and serving others should be discontinued.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,2(1):3, June, 1939)
Fast Offering Collection Plan Again Urged
“Since the uniform Church-wide Fast Offering and Welfare Contribution plan was adopted, stakes and wards following it have reported substantial progress. Many wards have more than doubled their collections.
Reports indicate, however, that some wards have not yet accepted the plan and are following other methods, some of which vary considerably from the official plan. It is desired that these old forms now be discontinued and that the new cards and envelopes be used. This new plan was adopted after a careful check had been made of the most successful methods in use over the Church. It was given careful consideration and finally approved.
Cards and envelopes were provided for every family in the Church and these were sent to bishops. Results have fully justified that action. Thousands of members of the Aaronic Priesthood, principally Deacons, have been brought into activity. A large number of homes from which contributions were never received are now contributing regularly; a complete record of the contributions of each family is immediately available; and a considerably increased sum of money is provided each month for use in the welfare work of the Church.
When the plan was announced, it was with the full, approval of the First Presidency and was adopted as the official and authoritative plan for carrying on this important work. We see no reason why it should not be followed by every ward in the Church and urge that it be adopted without further delay by all wards which have not already put it into operation.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(2):2, July, 1939)
Oil for Administration by Ward Teachers Successful Quorum Project
“Pure olive oil, bottled in half-ounce glass containers and intended to provide a convenient method for Ward Teachers to be prepared to administer to the sick, is made available through the Ninth Quorum of Elders of the Walnut Park Ward of Los Angeles Stake.
Pure oil is obtained through a Latter-day Saint druggist and flat bottles are bought at wholesale. The Quorum began the project originally for the use of its own members. Then requests came from other quorums until the project is now as substantial one.
In view of the many requests being made it has been suggested that the oil be made available to all quorums desiring it, the oil to be unconsecrated, that ordinance is being left to the quorum or group which plans to use it.
Half=ounce bottles are 10 cents each, 84 cents per single dozen, 60 cents per dozen in six dozen to one gross lots, and $6.00 per gross.
Orders, with cash accompanying, should be sent to W. O. Whitaker, 8168 Cypress Avenue, South Gate, California.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,2(2):2, July, 1939)
New Fast Offering Plan Should e Followed in Every Ward
“In view of the unprecedented increases in fast offerings and welfare contributions made in wards where the new fast offering plan is being followed, there is no reason why this plan should not now be adopted without further delay by ever ward in the Church. Increases reported to the Presiding Bishopric run form 100% to 1000%. In addition, the Deacons of the Church are being given a direct responsibility in keeping with their calling and are making one of the finest contributions to the Church that has yet been made by any group in the Aaronic Priesthood.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,2(3):1, August, 1939)
Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan Now Increasingly Important
“Gratifying successes with the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan in Stakes and Wards where it is being followed as recommended indicate that such a plan is not only desirable but is increasingly important at this time.
The effects of the world ware are still fresh enough in the minds of many to cause deep concern for the welfare of the young men of the Church. The decline in moral ideals, the lowering of spiritual morale, and other conditions induced by the spirit of chaos made deplorable inroads into the ranks of young people of all Churches.
Now we are faced with conditions which challenge the leadership of every person assigned to the leadership of young men an boys in the Church. We cannot afford to lose a single member of the Aaronic Priesthood. As one leader has expressed it, “We should account for our boys as a bookkeeper accounts for his dollars. Not one should be neglected or overlooked.”
The Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan has been adopted for the purpose of accounting for every member who holds that Priesthood. Under this plan, those who are already responsible, by reason of the appointments they have received, are to meet together monthly to consider the boys and young men who are not active in the Church.
` This responsibility should not be treated lightly. Every leader should realize that his responsibility is to all members of his group in the ward, not merely to those who choose to be active and to participate in Church programs.
Responsibility for inaugurating the Extension Plan in the wards rests with the bishoprics, who are by revelation designated as the Presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood in their respective wards. No greater responsibility rests upon them. No greater opportunity to serve the Church lies before them.
The Church needs every member of the Aaronic Priesthood. Because so many have been neglected in the past, every ward and stake in the Church is today calling for more leaders than are available.
Considering the needs of the young men of the Church and of the Church itself, no more fruitful and desirable field of missionary service lies before us.
Brethren, we appeal to you, who have not adopted the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan yet, to do so at once. The need is urgent. Our boys need our help and guidance. If there are questions in your minds as to the operation of the plan, please confer with your Stake Officers or write to us. This plan is too important to defer longer. Your whole-hearted cooperation will be greatly appreciated.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(4):1, September, 1939)
Objectives of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan
“An understanding of the objectives of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan should be sufficient to arouse enthusiasm for the plan and determination to make it successful in every ward and stake in the Church.
Briefly stated, the objectives are to attract and hold in Church activity every boy and young man who holds the Aaronic Priesthood.
To accomplish this, three definite steps seem desirable and necessary, and are therefore recommended for the serious consideration of those responsible for the welfare of the boys of the Church.
1. The selection, training and supervision of boy leaders.
3. Coordination of the programs provided for the boys of the Church in Priesthood quorums, Sunday School classes, and in Scout, Explorer, and M Men Groups.
3. Coordination of missionary work among members of the Aaronic Priesthood who have become inactive.
In the selection of boy leaders they should be chosen with the idea of permanency. To become proficient the average leader requires training, experience, and development. Just as those who have been trained as Teachers are selected and retained in teaching positions, those who have had training and experience in boy leadership and are successful in it should be retained in that capacity.
The problems facing us in the leadership of boys are man problems, not boy problems. Where we have a good man, who knows and understands boys, there are no boy problems. Why is it that some quorums, Sunday School classes, Scout, Explorer, and M Men groups attract and hold every available member, while others struggle along with only a fraction of the group active?
The answer is Leadership. With this fact apparent should we not then give greater attention to our boy leadership? Should we not select the best possible men for leadership in our boy programs, give them all the training, cooperation, and assistance possible and then retain them in the leadership for a reasonable period?
One of the most frequently mentioned causes of failure in our boy programs is the constant change of leaders. Men who have had training and experience and are outstanding successes as leaders of boys are called to other positions, frequently of comparatively minor importance, and then untrained, inexperienced leaders take their places. The almost invariable result is the loss of a high percent of the boys and the creation of a “boy problem” in the ward.
Under the Extension Plan, it is intended that the boy leadership of each ward shall be listed, assigned to the most appropriate group, given every possible assistance and all the training available and then retained for a sufficient number of years to justify and take full advantage of training, experience, and ability.
Before successful boy leaders are released and assigned to other positions, two things should be considered: 1st, What will become of the boys in the group? 2nd, Will the man who has been successful as a boy leader be successful as a leader of men? This is not always the case. In many instances where such changes have been made, the boys have been lost to activity and the mean who was successful as a boy leader is not nearly so successful as a man leader.
There should be close cooperation and correlation between the boy leaders in quorums, Sunday Schools, and M.I.A. All events which affect boys who are members of all three groups should be correlated to avoid conflict in dates, overloading activity programs and interference with programs of companion organizations.
The missionary phase of the Extension Plan should provide for contact, under the plans already recommended, with every inactive boy in every ward in the Church.
These boys are all our Father’s children. They are precious in His sight. We should not neglect them. Every possible effort should be made to provide attractive programs that appeal to boys and then to see that every member is invited and encouraged to participate.
The Extension Plan has been demonstrated to be practical, workable, and productive of highly desirable results. Where it is not now in successful operation, the plans recommended should be followed and every possible effort made to attract and hold every member in Church activity.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(4):2, September, 1939)
Paper Cups for Sacrament Service
“The Presiding Bishopric have arranged for the manufacture of a special paper cup for the use of our wards in the passing of the Sacrament.
These cups have been made to fit the rectangular trays now in use and are fitted with a reinforced rom around the top.
Because of the great number ordered as special price has been obtained.
Single thousand or less than 5,000, $2.00 per thousand.
Five thousand, $1.90 per thousand.
In order to have the $1.90 price, order must be in units of 5,000, i.e., 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, etc.
At the prices quoted, cash must accompany your order which should be sent to the Deseret Book Company, 44 East South Temple St., P. O. Box 958, Salt Lake City, Utah.
There can be no better price in larger quantities because the prices have been made as they are so that the small ward may be on the same terms as the large ward.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(4):2, September, 1939)
Priesthood-Primary Cooperation
“The Bishop of each Ward is responsible for the preparation of the Aaronic Priesthood of all Latter-day Saint boys in his ward as they become twelve years of age. The Primary Association, however, has been given the privilege of assisting in this work. A three-year Trail Builder program, culminating in a three-month period of intensive training and checking, provides for the cooperation given by the Primary in this preparation.
At the beginning of each quarter (three month period) the Bishop will be given by the Primary a list of the names of all the Latter-day Saint boys in his ward who will be come twelve years of age during that quarter. The list should then be checked with the ward records to make sure that it is complete. a representative of the Aaronic Priesthood, preferably the supervisor of the Deacon’s Quorum, who will also have a list of the boys soon to become twelve, should then meet with these boys either in Primary or at some other convenient time and place at least three times during the quarter to give them encouragement and help. The Guide Director, the person who has charge of this work in Primary, will supply him with full information regarding requirements so that he can check on the progress made by the boys.
This cooperation from the representative of the Aaronic Priesthood will not only encourage the boys and make their work seem more worthwhile, but it will help them to realize the importance of the Priesthood which they are preparing to receive.
Every possible effort should be made to prevent boys from failing. If, however, some boys have not completed the Primary work, and are not graduated, they should be encouraged to remain in the Primary another quarter to complete the work. If they fail to do this, then the equivalent of the training provide din the Primary should be required of each boy before he is ordained a Deacon, to insure proper preparation, understanding, and appreciation of the office to which he desires to be ordained.
At the end of the quarter, the boys, having finished their preparation and being now twelve years of age, are graduated from Primary with a simple ceremony in Sacrament Meeting and are ready to be ordained Deacons.
No boy is to be ordained a Deacon before hie is twelve years of age.
These three-month period of checking and training, ending in graduation from Primary and preparation to receive the Aaronic Priesthood, continue throughout the year. The graduation dates are on or near the first of December, March, June, and September.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,2(4):3, September, 1939)
Those Passing Sacrament Should Stay for Services
“Members of the Aaronic Priesthood who participate in any way in the administration or passing of the Sacrament should remain in the meeting. If they desire to take seats less prominent than those in which they sit while officiating, there is no objection. They should not, however, leave the meeting.
Those in charge of the Sacrament service should make it clear that those who participate are expected to remain. It is a serious reflection upon the Aaronic Priesthood to have its members leave the meeting. It is especially urged that where this practice has been followed, that it be discontinued.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(5):1, October, 1939)
Excerpts from Minutes of Aaronic Priesthood Convention
“Bishop Richards prefaced his remarks by reading from the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 107, the instructions regarding the presidency of the Priests Quorum. It was pointed out that this responsibility is given in the revelation f the bishop who is not authorized to delegate it to any one else. At a recent meeting of the Presiding Bishopric with the First Presidency, this section was discussed and it was agreed that where Bishops are not regularly attending the Priests’ Quorum meetings and presiding over the quorums, that they now be called back to the quorums and be requested to discharge the responsibility which is clear in the revelation. In like manner, although it is not stated in the revelation, it is the order and practice in the Church for the counselors to meet with and direct the work of Teachers and Deacons Quorums. The counselors are now urged to meet this responsibility by meeting with the quorums each week.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(6):3, November, 1939)
Excerpts from Minutes of Aaronic Priesthood Convention
“2. Every ward should now be using its Deacons to collect Fast Offerings. This is the official plan of the Church, and every ward should follow it.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(6):3, November, 1939)
Temple Recommends
“Reports have been received from some of the Temples that in many instances the proper form of recommend is not being used.
Recommends for living endowments and marriages, or both, are to be issued on the blue form, which is designed to furnish necessary information for the Temple records covering these ordinances. Bishops should see that the information required on the face of the recommend is completely given and the date of baptism accurately established. Presidents of stakes should check the recommends carefully and see that they are complete in every detail before endorsing them.
The white form of recommend is to be used for baptisms and ordinance work for the dead, and for the sealing of children to parents. Each bishop should provide himself with both forms of recommends.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(6):5, November, 1939)
Steady Progress Marks Adult Aaronic Priesthood Program
“Steady progress in the promotion of the Adult Aaronic Priesthood Program is indicated in the reports tabulated elsewhere in this issue of Progress of the Church. In some stakes the progress has been truly phenomenal. The adoption of the cottage meeting method which is outlined in the Adult Aaronic Priesthood Guide has been responsible in a large number of wards for bringing encouraging numbers of Adult Aaronic Priesthood members back into Church activity.
The outstanding factor in the progress being made is the missionary spirit of those charged with the responsibility of these work. In many cases the spark of religious interest and Church loyalty must be rekindled: when this is accomplished, the results are decidedly satisfactory.
In some stakes the numbers of members who have been advanced to the Melchizedek Priesthood have reached into the hundreds. In many stakes, the numbers of those who have been returned to activity in the Church will correspond favorably with the numbers of new converts made in the Mission field. While the conditions may not be comparable, the return of one of our Father’s children to Church activity means as much as, and frequently more than the conversion of a new member.
Many of the members of Adult Aaronic Priesthood groups are members of Pioneer families who have been born under the covenant and should be much more easily reached than those who know nothing about the Church.
The plan which as been suggested, and which is now being followed successfully in many wards throughout the Church is again urged upon stake presidencies and bishoprics for adoption as early in 1940 as possible. Many choice souls are now listed as Adult Aaronic Priesthood members in the Church. Experience proves that with the proper approach and frequent contacts, a large percentage of them can be returned to Church activity and become active and valuable members.
During 1940, a special effort is to be made to have the missionary and cottage meeting plan as outlined in the Guide for Adult Aaronic Priesthood supervisors established throughout the Church.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(7):2, December, 1939)
Ten Months’ Average Per Cent of Adult Aaronic Priesthood Attendance
4% Median AP Adult Attendance (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(7):2, December, 1939)
“Priesthood Attendance
Church Averages
Deacons……………………..33%
Teachers…………………….26%
Priests……………………..22%
Elders………………………15%
Seventies……………………30%
High Priests…………………44%
Total Aaronic Priesthood………27%
Total Melchizedek Priesthood…..30%” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(7):3, December, 1939)
Adviser is New Designation For Priesthood Quorum Aids
“Special assistants to ward bishoprics in the conduct of Aaronic Priesthood quorums who have heretofore been designated as quorum supervisors are hereafter to be designated as quorum advisers. The announcement was made by the Presiding Bishopric after careful consideration of the duties, responsibilities and activities of these aids to bishoprics. In the announcement being sent to all stakes and wards by the Presiding Bishopric, the opinion is expressed that this new title will more nearly convey the real objectives of the appointment of men to assist members of the bishopric in the actual conduct of Priesthood quorum activities. It is intended that the advisers shall in every instance be advisers to quorum officers, leaving to the officers the actual presiding and conduct of all meetings, as set forth in the revelations directing Aaronic Priesthood work.
Special requests have recently been made by the Presiding Bishopric, with the approval of the First Presidency, that members of bishoprics in the future actually attend all quorum meetings of the groups to which they have been assigned and to assume full responsibility for the success of the quorum work. Under this plan the advisers will continue as heretofore to be special assistants to the member of the bishopric in charge of the quorums, following through all details, advising quorum officers in the preparation of programs and the conduct of meetings, as well as assisting in the preparation of members for the proper fulfillment of their duties. under this plan, the quorum advisers are expected to show a special interest in all inactive members and be responsible for the welfare of every member of the quorum. It is believed that with the introduction of this new plan with a member of the bishopric actually supervising the work of each quorum and the advisers acting in a consulting and counseling capacity to the quorum officers that 1940 will be a banner year in Aaronic Priesthood work throughout the Church.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(8):4, January, 1940
Paper Sacrament Cups Now Available
” The Presiding Bishop’s office has purchased a substantial quantity of Sunbeam Sanitary paper Sacrament cups. The purchase was made in order that these cups, which seem to be especially desirable, and which it is believed will eventually be used universally, should be available to all wards. A sample has been mailed to each bishop. The price, in 5,000 lots, is $1.90 per thousand, postpaid. All orders should be sent to the Deseret Book Co., 44 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, utah. Immediate shipment will be made.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(8):4, January, 1940)
Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Meetings to be Held Weekly
“Through a misunderstanding of information sent out sometime ago, an impression has been created that Aaronic Priesthood quorums are to meet on only three Sundays of the month, leaving the first Sunday, or Fast day, open.
This is not according to the plan of Aaronic Priesthood quorum meetings. It will be noted from all quorum manual that lessons are provided for fifty-two weeks each year, and that in all the instructions, provision is made for meeting regularly each week.
It is the experience of Aaronic Priesthood leaders that where a break comes in the continuity of meetings, it takes two or three weeks to bring the attendance back to normal. In addition, it is felt to be extremely desirable that the continuity of meetings be maintained in order that boys may become accustomed to the habit of performing some regular Aaronic Priesthood activity as assigned by the quorum each week of the year. It is, therefore, the recommendation of the Presiding Bishopric that where ever possible Aaronic Priesthood quorum meetings be held each week during the year.
Where Deacons are assigned to collect Fast Offerings and Welfare Contributions during the meeting period, they should be excused and given credit for filling this assignment. They should not, however, be given credit for attending the quorum meeting if they were not actually present.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(9):4, February, 1940)
New Adult Aaronic Priesthood Manual Ready
“A new Adult Aaronic Priesthood manual, which is intended not only for quorum advisers and teachers, but also for the members themselves, is now ready for distribution. The price is 10 cents and all orders should be sent to the Presiding Bishop’s Office. This is the first manual to be issued for Adult Aaronic Priesthood to be used by members for their own studies. It is intended that this manual should be used following the use of the first manual in all groups. It is in this manner that the best results will be secured.
The new manual includes a discussion of the first principles of the Church, studies in Priesthood, a section on spiritual growth, and an analysis of the Priesthood provisions in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is desired that this manual be given the widest possible circulation, as it is felt that it will be useful in increasing the interest of the adult members in their opportunities and privileges as members of the Aaronic Priesthood.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,2(9):4, February, 1940)
Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan Urged
“February 9, 1940. To Stake and Ward Leaders of Aaronic Priesthood Sunday Schools, and Y.M.M.I.A. Dear Brethren: The beginning of the year 1940 finds more boys and young men active in the Aaronic Priesthood program of the Church than at any time in the past. Still, there are many of our boys who are not yet active in any program of the Church. These inactive boys and you[n]g men need our attention. We appeal to every person in the Stakes and Wards of the Church, who has any responsibility whatever for the success of the program of the Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, Sunday School classes, or M.I.A. groups, containing members of Aaronic Priesthood age, to join in a Church-wide effort to attract and hold in the Aaronic Priesthood program every possible member. We cannot afford to lose one of them.
Responsibility for all the boys and young men of the wards already rests with those whoa re assigned to leadership in the groups mentioned above. The Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan is a means which affords opportunity for those who already have this responsibility in Priesthood Quorums, Sunday School classes, and M. I. A. groups to cooperate in fulfilling their assignment and discharging their responsibility. With the present demands for leadership in the Church and the unmistakable evidences that these demands are to increase, it is important to the welfare of the Church, and its future growth and progress, that every possible boy and young man be given the training, experience, and development which come from participation in the splendid programs which have been provided for the youth of Zion. One prominent leader has said, “We must save our boys, because if we save the boys, we save the Church.” Conversely, as we fail to hold the boys, and as we permit them to remain inactive, we retard the growth and progress of the Church.
To accomplish the objective which has been set up, four steps are of vital importance: First, securing, training, and retaining the best boy leaders available in each ward. Second, careful study, development, and correlation of the programs which are prepared by the central groups responsible for each of these programs. In this connection, it is extremely important that the programs, as provided, shall be followed according to the suggestions and recommendations of those who have supplied them, and that every possible effort be made to so enrich and develop each program as to make it attractive to every young man or boy. Third, that a proper activity program be provide by these three groups for the young men and boys of the ward, giving due consideration to the recommended programs of each group and to the needs of the boys of any age group. The activity programs should be adequate and properly distributed between the three groups, but care should be exercised that the activity and recreation phases of the program shall not be overdone. Fourth, after the first three steps have been taken, then the active missionary work among inactive boys and young men should begin, based upon an actual survey and a check of the ward records to make sure that the name of every person of Aaronic Priesthood age is lasted on one of the cards provided for that purpose, without charge by the Presiding Bishop’s Office. If any ward is not supplied with the cards, a request should be made immediately for the proper number, and they should be followed through and used as a basis for the missionary phase of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Program.
Brethren, the responsibility for the boys and young men of the Church is yours and ours. We have been called by proper authority to plan, prepare, supervise, and direct the programs which are designed to establish in the heart of every boy and young man o Aaronic Priesthood age a testimony of the truth of this great Latter-day work, and to provide a means and encouragement for securing the development and advancement of each of these respective groups.
We appeal to Stake Presidencies and Stake Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan Committees, to Bishoprics of Wards, Quorum Advisors, Sunday School Teachers, and M.I.A. Leaders to join in a Church-wide effort to be prosecuted diligently during 1940, to reach and hold the highest possible number of members of the Aaronic Priesthood, in order that they might be prepared as far as it is possible for leadership and service in the Church. Yours sincerely, The Presiding Bishopric LeGrand Richards Marvin O. Ashton Joseph L. Wirthlin The General Superintendency of Sunday Schools George D. Pyper Milton Bennion George R. Hill The General Superintendency of Y.M.M.I.A. George Q. Morris Joseph J. Cannon Burton K. Farnsworth” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(9):5, February, 1940)
Proper Dress for Members Participating in Sacrament Service
“Attention of the Presiding bishopric has been called to the fact that Deacons, who are engaged in passing the Sacrament, frequently are carelessly dressed in old, soiled clothes. This is regrettable, as members who participate in this sacred service should be instructed and admonished to be carefully dressed, and above all, to be neat and clean.
No uniform style of dress is recommended for the Sacrament Service, but it is definitely urged that all who are called to administer or pass the Sacrament should be neat and clean. It may be necessary at times for boys to wear clothing that has been considerably worn, but every member can be neat and clean about both his clothing and his personal appearance. Carelessness in dress or personal appearance may mar the Sacrament Service for the entire congregation.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(11):2, April, 1940)
The Relief Society in the Welfare Plan by Presiding Bishop LeGrand Richards
“If from what I will say this morning regarding the place of the Relief Society in the Welfare Plan, it may appear to you that I am unduly enthused about their work or confident of their ability, may you not think that I have gained that from reading out of books. Remember I have been a Bishop and Stake President, and I know something of the value of the assistance that the Relief Society organization is able to render, particularly in Welfare work. There should be no feeling of jealousy. As we understand the Welfare program, there is ample to be done to call for the finest in each on of you, Stake Presidencies, Ward Bishoprics, Priesthood Quorums and the Relief Society. As in the home there are things that women can do much better than men, so also it is true in the Church. Therefore, we have reason to be grateful for the Relief Society organization and their assistance in the Welfare Plan.
I would like to refer to some of the different types of cases that we have handled in looking after the Welfare needs of our people. First, the faithful member, who is well-known to the Bishop and Ward Officers. Certainly there need be little check-up of men who have always been faithful and true and devoted in their service to the Church, in the payment of tithes and offerings and rendering service in the Ward and Stake organizations. Then there are others, equally as faithful, but they have moved from Ward to Ward. Sometimes they have resided in a Ward not long enough to allow Ward Officers to know of their faithfulness. There is a tendency on the part of Bishops to shun their responsibility too them where recommends have not been received. The Bishop should assume the responsibility of every member living in his Ward. It is his duty to obtain the recommend so that he may have proper jurisdiction. Then there are those who have been faithful in the Church and have become careless, indifferent and have been weaned away. When distress comes they turn back to the Church. We know little about them because of their inactivity. There are also the children of families where parents have been faithful but the children have drifted away and have known little of the Church. They come for assistance when distress comes. Then there are those who drift from Ward to Ward in the hope that they will find some Bishop more generous than the Bishop in the Ward they have left. Then there are the transients who roam about the country. They go to California or some other place, hoping they will be able to pick dollars off the orange trees. On the face of it, it is very apparent that we can’t deal with a group like that.
One of the greatest weaknesses in the work of a Bishop is handing out orders on the Warehouse or a few dollars and thinking the problem is solved. The problem is much more acute than that and requires a great deal of consideration, study and analysis in order that we might actually know the needs and that we might be able to get at the seat of trouble and help the family.
It is our feeling as a Bishopric that the Relief Society is in a position to render invaluable service to the Bishop in helping to make such analysis and in providing such information that will enable him to aid more intelligently to distribute the funds of the Church. We are not asking that you distribute fewer funds. We have made no complaint of the call upon the tithes of the Church. Bishops know that the door has been opened and all orders coming, properly approved by them and Stake Presidents, have been paid. What we are now asking is not in the interest of saving money only. we are asking for a more intelligent handling of cases so that we might do more good and do it where it is needed and to the extend that it is needed.
To illustrate what I have in mind, I would like to discuss briefly one phase of welfare work, the medical phase. We have hospitals to take care of such people. As far as the Bishops are concerned, many have felt that when they issued an order to someone in distress and sent them to the hospital, that the case had been well cared for.
Over a year ago we organized a Medical Welfare Department of the Presiding Bishop’s Office. We have a sister looking after that department. In order to illustrate what I mean by intelligent handling of cases, I would like to refer to what has been achieved in the medical department. If that same intelligent supervision may be applied to the other principles of our Welfare work, we will have made a great step forward.
There have been referred by the Bishops during 1939, 815 cases. We assume that had we not had this Welfare department that those cases would have gone into our hospitals. There may have been some exceptions. There may have been some closer investigations had they not know of our Medical department. But out of 815 cases, we have cared for 452 in the L. D. S. Hospital and other hospitals that we own, and in private hospitals, and the Primary hospital , and by the payment of fees where they have been taken care of privately. In other words, we have taken care of 60% out of the funds of the Church, but the other 40%, and that is the point I would like to make here, have not been turned away uncared for. There has been an intelligent handling of their cases. Out of this number that we have cared for, this 60%, there are 149 of those 452 that we could have sent to the General Hospital here in Salt Lake, they were eligible. But rather than do that, we assisted them because they were worthy Latter-day Saints. Twelve were sent to convalescent homes, where we took care of them, but at less expense. Ten were cared for in doctors’ offices at much less expense. One was referred to the Church Welfare Department. Five were provided with glasses, one with an artificial limb, one with physiotherapy treatment, etc. Those we did not care for were not just turned away. In every case they were sent where they could receive the attention they needed. These included the State Mental Hospital, County Infirmary, and Crippled Children’s Service. Out of a total of 815 who came to us, there were 52, who, by a proper checkup, were found able to take care of their own needs.
We have recommended to the Bishop’s of the Church that the Relief Society, and they are willing to assume this responsibility, train their workers in case and Welfare work so that they can take care of these cases; so that we can have a complete analysis of the needs, not with the thought of taking care of them only out of Church funds, but by following through to see that they receive the assistance they are entitled to from some agency because whether they are faithful Latter-day Saints or not, they are a part of our community and we owe a responsibility to them to see that they are properly cared for. There are agencies set up to take care of their needs other than the Church. We are recommending that every case should be cleared through the Relief Society. So that you will understand what we mean by “being cleared”; it means that the necessary check-up is being made to ascertain whether they are receiving assistance from other agencies. Our service agency is the Social Service Department, one of our own organizations, at 50 North Main Street, which is a member of the Social Service Exchange. In other localities they may clear through the County Welfare Departments. Then, if it is found that people who are applying to the Bishop are receiving help form other agencies, contact should be made with the other agencies in order that there might be an understanding and a unified effort. Thus each will know what the other is doing. Also, the Bishop should know what assistance is being rendered by the Relief Society and the Relief Society buy the Bishop where they are handling the same people.
Sister Lyman has mentioned some other things the Relief Society can do when they go into the home. The information they gather is laid before the Bishop. It does not take the place of the Ward Welfare Committee. It gives the information they need. When an analysis is made of the condition in a home, far more than just feeding or clothing the body should be considered. We should know about the health conditions and educational needs. One thing it seems to me that we must do, as far as possible in this great Welfare Plan, is to try and make the family feel that they have a right to live and to see that they become independent; and above all, that the children are not made to feel they are inferior because of unfortunate circumstances that have come into the lives of their parents. Our responsibility is to rehabilitate the family and to render such temporary assistance as necessary until work can be provided and they can take care of themselves.
In giving the Relief Society a place in this Welfare Plan, we ought the know that it is more than running a canning factory and making clothes. It is doing those things that they can to add to our program, in aiding to give the necessary information to enable us to render far more intelligent service in meeting our people’s needs than we have ever done before.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 2(11):6, April, 1940)
A Challenge to the Deacons of the Church and Their Leaders
“A great honor and a serious responsibility have come to members of Deacons’ quorums throughout the Church, and their leaders, in assignment to the Deacons to make Fast Offering collections throughout the Church. This movement, which is an important part of the great Church Welfare Program, which has brought praise and commendation to our Church from all over the world, is one of the most important assignments ever made to quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood.
The revelations declare that the Aaronic Priesthood is to administer the temporal affairs of the Church. Temporal affairs mean the erection and care of buildings, aid an comfort to those in need and those in distress, and in general–providing for the day by day needs of the Church. For this reason, the Presiding Bishopric,k the Presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, is responsible for the Tithing, the Fast Offerings, the buildings and grounds, and other practical phases of the work of the Church.
When the Welfare Plan was announced our Church leaders declared that it should be based principally upon Fast Offerings. Members of the Church throughout the world were requested to join whole-heartedly in this movement, which is designed eventually to remove distress, suffering, and humiliation from every member of the Church. An appeal was made to all Latter-day Saints to observe not only the letter of the law, but the spirit as well, in order that they may receive the promised blessings.
To the Deacons of the Church was assigned the responsibility of building and maintaining the very foundation of the inspired Welfare Program. A special card and envelope was provided for every family in the Church. A plan was devised under which Deacons of each ward are to visit every Latter-day Saint family every month throughout the year. This plan was accepted whole-heartedly and put into effect at once by most of the wards. Other hesitated, but later accepted the Plan. In some cases it is not yet in operation. This is unfortunate. Wherever the plan is being followed as recommended, Fast Offerings have increased, in some cases 200 to 2300 percent. In ward after ward throughout the Church, the Deacons have been faithful to the last degree and have visited 100% of the homes every month. In such wards the Fast Offerings continue to increase as more and more people become converted to the plan and look forward to the visits of the Deacons each month.
This assignment by our Church leaders to members of the Deacons’ quorums is a great challenge,. Under this plan, Deacons now have a special privilege of demonstrating their faith and devoting themselves to their calling. Every Deacon should accept this responsibility without reservation. He should determine to visit every family assigned to him every month without fail. If sickness, accident, or other unavoidable cause prevent him from doing this, provision should be made for someone else to carry on. Quorum advisers should cooperate with quorum officers and members demonstrating to the Church that those who are old enough to be given the great blessing of holding the Priesthood are old enough and capable enough to accept and discharge 100% of the assignments made to them. Deacons of the Church–you must not, you shall not fail. Your opportunity has come to render a great service to the Church, to those who are unfortunate and in distress, and to your quorum. What a glorious thing it would be if every Deacons’ quorum in the Church could report 100% visits and 100% collections each month. If you have enough faith, enough determination, and enough courage, it can be done.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,2(10:4, May, 1940)
Paper Cups for Sacrament Service
“As a result of the experience of many wards in the use of paper Sacrament cups, and, in consideration of the reduced expense made possible by their use, it is now definitely recommended that these cups be used in Sacrament service wherever possible. Wards using glass cups are requested not to replace broken cups with glass, but instead to order the paper cups. It is our desire that as rapidly as possible paper cups shall be in use in all wards.
Cups should be ordered from the Deseret Book Company, 44 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. The price is $2.00 per thousand in one thousand lots, and $1.90 per thousand in five thousand lots in which they are packed. Cups should be carefully covered until ready for use.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(2):1, August, 1940)
Priesthood Attendance – Chart noted (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(2):1, August, 1940)
Titles of Aaronic Priesthood Stake and Ward Officers
“Answering inquiries which have been made, and in an effort to correct misunderstandings which are evident, the following is published, giving correct titles of stake and ward Aaronic Priesthood officers:
In the stake a member of the stake presidency is Adviser to the Aaronic Priesthood Committee; a high councilor is Chairman. Two other high councilors and at least three additional persons are members. The term “supervisor” is not used in connection with the stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee.
In the ward, under the direction of the bishopric, one person serves as ward Chairman. He is not called supervisor, but Chairman.
Each quorum has an Advisor who assists the member of the bishopric in charge of the quorum by following-up all details and acting as Adviser to the quorum officers.
These quorum Advisers were formerly called supervisors, but at the beginning of 1940 the title was changed to Adviser, it being felt that this term more clearly defines his real relationship to the quorum and its officers.
In the Adult Aaronic Priesthood, at least two members of the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee should be assigned to supervise the missionary work among adult members. They are called supervisors.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(5):28, October, 1940)
Chart – “Attendance at Sacrament Meetings – Nine Months Ending September 30, 1940 Church Average – 20%” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(6):32, November, 1940)
Method of Conducting Funeral Services
“To refer to a funeral as a “program” and to participants as “numbers on the program,” is hardly in keeping with the purpose and dignity of the service. While, technically, these terms could possibly be used, they are out of place because of our association of the term “program” with parties and entertainments of various kinds. A funeral, of course, is not an entertainment, and hence, should not be referred to as a “program.”
It is equally improper and altogether too cold and formal for the conducting authority to stand up at the very beginning of the service and read off the entire “program” in once announcement. This procedure leaves participants in confusion. Frequently they forget where their “number on the program” comes in. The audience often goes into a whispering campaign to determine who is singing or speaking, since they have forgotten their identity, which was lost in the long announcement at the beginning of the service.
The suggestion is therefore made that the Bishop or other conducting authority proceed somewhat as follows:
“Brethren and Sisters-We are gathered here to pay our respects to Brother——-, and to offer words of comfort and consolation to his bereaved loved ones. The family has outlined the service, and those who participate will do so at the family’s request.
“Our opening song by the choir (or any other musical group) will be——-(naming the selection to be rendered); after which, Brother——-will offer the opening prayer.” The Bishop then sits down until after the prayer.
He then announces not more than two or three features of the service, thus–“Brother—–(or other musical feature) will render a baritone solo entitled—, He will be accompanied by ——-; after which, we will be addressed by Brother——-.”
This procedure should not make “sideline” or “after thought” comment upon the various features of the service. He should confine himself to the business of conducting the service as the family has outlined it. A brief word of appreciation on behalf of the family should be expressed at the conclusion, but nothing more should be said by him unless specifically asked to be one of the speakers. In that instance, he should present his thoughts the same as any other speaker, but should not take the liberty of making unnecessary comment throughout the service in summarizing what has been said.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(7):41, December, 1940)
List of Persons Excommunicated from Church – Caution to all Ward Leaders
“Some excommunicated individuals are cleverly imposing themselves upon several unsuspecting wards and are being called upon to participate in Church activity. The following instructions are quoted form the 1940 Handbook of Instructions, Number 16, pages 155-6, under the title “Excommunicants to be Denied Church Participation.”
“Tithing is not to be accepted from excommunicated members, and particularly those who have been severed from the Church for advocating or practice so-called plural marriage. Tithing receipts are displayed by them as an evidence that they are in fellowship with the Church.
“Men who may have formerly held the priesthood should be excluded from ward priesthood meetings, and both men and women be denied the privilege of speaking or participating in programs of the auxiliary organizations.”
Bishops are cautioned to be careful about asking strangers to participate in Church services in any capacity. Some excommunicants have a habit of appearing as strangers in various wards and making special efforts to impress Bishops and auxiliary heads in the hope that they will be invited to participate and thus establish themselves among the unsuspecting congregations of the Church.
We carry this caution just one step further. There may be those who are equally guilty and unworthy to participate in Church activity who have not been excommunicated for the simple reason they have not as yet been ascertained.
Let’s be careful, brethren. Their participation is a menace and must be stopped. It is the responsibility of Bishops to stop it.
Please read your Handbook of Instruction, page 119, for information on “Baptizing Children of Excommunicated Persons.”
The following list is published for your further and more specific information. These people have been excommunicated form the Church and should be treated as such. Other such lists will be published in Progress of the Church hereafter, as such action is taken in the wards and stakes of the Church.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(7):42, December, 1940)
“Instructions for the First Presidency on Making Out, Signing, and Delivering the New Temple Recommends
January 6, 1941
Presidents of Stakes
Bishops of Wards
Presidents of Branches
Presidents of Missions
Dear Brethren:
There appears to be some confusion as to the course which Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, Presidents of Branches and Presidents of Missions should follow with reference to making out, signing, and delivering the new temple recommends. In the following instructions–
Presidents of Independent Branches will follow the procedure laid down for Bishops.
Presidents of Dependent Branches will work through their respective Bishops.
No recommends should be granted to anyone in the Mission except he has been first interviewed by the President of the Mission, who must fully satisfy himself as to the worthiness of the person applying for the recommend. The Mission President should have the Branch President sign the recommend with him.
The giving of a recommend to enter into the House of the Lord and to participate in the ordinances therein performed, is a most serious matter, not a mere formality to get the member past the entrance to the temple. Bishops should, of course, urge all members of their wards to fit themselves by right thinking and living, to enter the temple do temple work, and should urge the worthy members to get recommends; nevertheless, Bishops should not indiscriminately urge all members of their wards to come and get recommends for that purpose. Bishops should always remember that only those who are really worthy members of the Church should be given recommends.
The rather loose supervision which it appears has in some cases been exercised in these matters by Bishops has resulted in some persons going into the temple who are not worthy.
The Bishop should interview every applicant who applies for a temple recommend. He should see that the statement on the back of the recommend is signed by the applicant in triplicate. That is, the statement on the original recommend should be signed, the statement on the duplicate which is given to the applicant should be signed, and the statement on the copy retained in the office of the Bishop should be signed, so that there shall be no mistake as to the actual signature by the applicant.
If the Bishop feels that the statement has not been honestly made and signed, or if he feels for any other reason that the applicant is not worthy to go to the temple, he will, of course, not sign and issue the recommend.
After the Bishop has so examined the applicant, and being satisfied of his worthiness, has had him sign the statement, and has himself signed the recommend in triplicate, he will forward to the President of the Stake the original recommend, and the duplicate which is to be delivered to the applicant after its countersignature by the President of the Stake. Upon receiving them, the President of the Stake will examine them and determine whether or not he believes the applicant is worthy of a recommend. In case he has any doubt about the matter, either because he is not acquainted with the applicant or because the statements as signed by the applicant are not satisfactory to him, the President of the Stake will call in the applicant, interview him, and make his own determination as to whether or not the applicant should be given a recommend.
If the President of the Stake decides that the applicant should not be given a re commend he will return to the Bishop the original and the duplicate, without his signature and with a statement that he does not approve of the issuing of the recommend, and the recommend will in such a case not be issued by the Bishop.
If the President of the Stake decides, after such investigation and interview, that the recommend should be issued, then he will sign both the original and duplicate and return them to the Bishop the original and the duplicate, without his signature and with a statement that he does not approve of the issuing of the recommend, and the recommend will in such a case not be issued by the Bishop.
If the President of the Stake decides, after such investigation and interview, that the recommend should be issued, then he will sign both the original and duplicate and return them to the Bishop; or, if contributive to the applicant’s convenience, the Stake President may give the applicant the signed duplicate and return the original to the Bishop. The Bishop will thereupon forward the original recommend to the temple, and if it has not already been given, will hand the duplicate to the applicant.
Neither the President of the Stake nor the Bishop will sign the recommend unless and until the applicant has fully made out the statement and signed it.
Furthermore, it is not intended that these recommends should cover more than one applicant. Bishops should not issue these recommends, for example, to a man and his wife, but each person going to the temple should have a recommend by himself.
The only exception to individual recommends is where groups of children are sent to the temples to do baptismal work for the dead. There the regular group form of recommend may still be used. However, in this case the Bishop should satisfy himself that each child recommended is a good child who is exemplary in his life and is attending to such Church duties as are incident to his age. Great care should be taken to see that the children of apostates, as also children of parents belonging to or affiliating with apostate groups, are not included in such groups nor given individual recommends. The President of the Stake will also sign this recommend, But, as stated above, in all other cases, except only where such groups of children are involved, there must be an individual re commend given to each person who is to go to the temple.
We earnestly request that the foregoing directions be implicitly followed so as to make sure that no unworthy person enters the temple.
Faithfully your brethren,
Heber J. Grant
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
David O. McKay
The First Presidency.”
(Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(8):47, January, 1941)
Uniform Dress for Passing Sacrament not Recommended
“Before the practice of requiring boys to dress in white shirts and black ties to pass the Sacrament takes on any greater proportions, will not all Bishops please turn to page 78 of Handbook No. 16 or page 137 of the Aaronic Priesthood Handbook and read carefully the instructions given on this subject? In all kindness, brethren, we ask you to follow these instructions.
Boys are not to be required to dress in white shirts and black ties. They should not be asked to remove their coats or any other clothing for the sake of being dressed like other boys. They should, of course, be clean in body, mind and dress but no further requirements made of them.
If boys will not wash themselves clean and appear manly for this service they should be labored with in all kindness and asked to comply with the principles of cleanliness if they expect to be called upon to pass the Sacrament. In come cases it will be necessary to tactfully approach the parents and solicit their cooperation. Extreme care should be exercised to avoid offense to either the boy or his parents. It is generally just boy thoughtlessness, which a kind word will correct.
It is not in keeping with the is sacred service for boys with unclean clothing, faces or hands, to officiate in administering or passing the Sacrament. It is far more in keeping with Church standards to insist on boys being clean than that they be dressed a certain way.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(8):49, January, 1941)
Sacrament Prayers Should be Memorized
“So universal has become the sue of the card for reading the prayers for the blessing of the Sacrament that is indeed a rare experience when someone is able to kneel at the Sacrament table and repeat the prayers from memory. Reading a prayer precludes the possibility of its coming from the heart.
The Sacrament prayer, repeated from memory, provides the heart with the privilege of being moved and heard, and thus to ennoble the soul. One could hardly commit to memory such soul-stirring prayers and not feel himself more reverently attracted to the Redeemer of the World, whose flesh and blood are symbolized in the emblems we ask God to bless.
To the end, therefore, that the heart may speak, as well as the lips, in this important service, bishops are asked to encourage all Priests, especially, to memorize the Sacrament prayers. All members in the quorums of the Melchizedek Priesthood should be urged to do this. It is a most desirable thing if the Sacrament prayers were in the hearts and memories of all who officiate in this service.
If each young man in the Church, as he becomes a Priest, is taught by his Bishop, as the President of the Priests’ Quorum, to memorize the Sacrament prayers, it would soon become quite general that those who officiate would do so from memory. It would please the Presiding Bishopric if, through following the above suggestions, all wards could be in a position to discontinue the use of cards or books containing the prayers at the Sacrament table.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(8):49, January 1941)
“Excommunicated from the Church
CARL OTTO NATHANIEL HOLM–
Ammon Ward, Idaho Falls Stake
BETSY LEE–21st Ward, Emigration Stake
WILLIAM K. DYE–Neola Ward,
Roosevelt Stake
MARGARET CRAZIER DYE–Neola
Ward, Roosevelt Stake” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(8):50, January 1941)
Appeal for Prompt and Detailed Reports of Excommunication and Disfellowship Actions
“It has come to our attention that many persons have been excommunicated or disfellowshipped without any record whatever having been sent to the Presiding Bishop’s Office. This is a serious matter, and we respectfully urge close compliance with the following instructions appearing on page 150 of the Handbook of Instructions, Number Sixteen:
Recording and Reporting Actions Taken
“In the case of persons who have been disfellowshipped, or excommunicated from the Church, entry should be made on the Ward Record of Members and the record of proceedings of the bishop’s court and of the high council should be entered in the Ward Historical Record, so that if a certificate of membership is requested for a disfellowshipped person, there should be written across the face of the certificate of membership, in bold letters, the word ‘Disfellowshipped,’ giving the reason.
“It is the duty of the stake clerk, whenever a person has been excommunicated, whether by the high council or a bishop’s court, to report immediately to the Presiding Bishop’s Office the following information:
“Name in full; priesthood, if any: date of birth; names of parents: date of excommunication; ward and stake where membership was recorded; and the cause of excommunication. The same rule will apply for persons who have been disfellowshipped.”
While it is the duty of the Stake Clerk to report all such information to this office, it should be carefully and thoroughly checked and followed through by Stake Presidencies and Ward Bishoprics.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(9):56, February, 1941)
“Extension Plan Simplified for Greater Clarity and Efficiency
New Adult Aaronic Priesthood Plan
To insure wider application of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan, to make it more definitely a part of the Aaronic Priesthood program, and to eliminate duplication of committees, meetings, and reports, a simplified plan of organization and procedure has been adopted. An outline of the new plan follows:
Stake Organization
Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee
Whose duties and responsibilities, under the Stake Presidency, include promotion and supervision of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan in the wards.
Member of Stake Presidency – Adviser
Stake Chairman
To be a member of High Council
First Counselor
To be a member of High Council
Second Counselor
To be a member of High Council
Three Members
These three members to be selected at large. They may or may not, be members of the High Council.
Meetings:
This committee will meet once a month as a stake committee, and once a month with ward chairmen and quorum advisers in the regular leadership meeting.
A suggested order of business for each of these meetings is as follows:
Stake Committee Meeting
Opening Exercises:
1. Plans and activities for the month, quarter, and year ahead.
2. Reports of visits to wards: (a) conditions found, (b) recommendations made, (c) suggestions for follow-up. Include both quorum and Extension Plan activities.
3. Review of latest monthly reports from wards: (a) compare
ward progress in each activity, (b) plan visits and assistance to wards below stake average in any activity.
4. Plans for improving ward leadership: (a) through more careful selection, (b) through leadership training, (c) through closer supervision and cooperation.
5. Promotion and supervision of the Extension Plan in the wards.
6. Review of Aaronic Priesthood articles in current issue of Progress of the Church.
Stake Leadership Meeting
Aaronic Priesthood Department
1. Plans and activities for month, quarter and year ahead.
2. Review of ward reports for past month with comparisons in various activities.
3. Suggestions for improvement and greater progress in quorum and Extension Plan activities.
4. Discussion of one or more chapters of Aaronic Priesthood Handbook.
Ward Organization
Responsible for all quorum activities, and also for the success of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan.
Bishopric
Presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood
Ward Chairman
Is also to be special assistant to the bishopric in the operation of the Ward Extension Plan.
Adviser to Priests’ Quorum
Adviser to Teachers’ Quorum
Adviser to Deacons’ Quorum
Where there are two or more quorums of Teachers or Deacons, there is to be an adviser to each quorum. These advisers automatically become members of the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee.
Meetings:
This committee is to hold two meetings each month. The first meeting, to be held during the second week of the month, is to be devoted to a discussion of quorum matters, including Standard Quorum Awards, quorum projects, assignments, etc.
A suggested order of business for this meeting is as follows:
Ward Committee Meeting
1. Check of each quorum on the seven items of the Standard Quorum Award, and plans for assistance to quorums below standards.
2. Planning of quorum service projects. (These do not include regular quorum assignments.)
3. Planning of social and fraternal program.
4. Assignments: At least one assignment each week for each member. Consider ways of encouraging members and teaching them how to fill assignments.
5. Review of Aaronic Priesthood articles in current issue of Progress of the Church.
Extension Plan Meeting
This meeting is to be held during the fourth week of the month, and will be devoted to the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plans, including correlation of leadership, activities and missionary work among inactive members.
Attending this meeting, in addition to the members of the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee, headed by the Bishopric, will be the Sunday School teachers of Junior, Advanced Junior, Senior, and Advanced Senior Classes, and the Y.M. M.I.A. Scoutmaster, Explorer leader, and M Men leader.
The first part of the meeting is to be devoted to a discussion of matters affecting Aaronic Priesthood members in general, and specifically to their participation in the three organizations represented.
A suggested order of business follows:
Part I–All in One Group
1. Instructions from Bishopric.
2. Consideration of problems affecting members in general, and specifically in Quorums, Sunday School, and M.I.A.
Part II–Divide into Three Groups
3. Correlation of, and distribution among Quorums, Sunday School and M.I.A. groups of social and fraternal programs.
4. Consideration of names of inactive members: (a) personal missionary visits, (b) reports of visits and results, (c) suggestions for improving methods of approach and follow-up.
5. Consideration of methods of making meetings and activities more attractive and appealing to members.
The second part of this meeting ins to be conducted in three departments–the Bishop, with the leaders of Priests’ age groups; the first counselor, preferably, with the leaders of Teachers’ age groups; the second counselor, preferably, with leaders of Deacons’ age groups. In these departments the specific problems of that particular age group, affecting inactive members particularly, will be discussed, and plans considered for increasing attendance and activity. Missionary work among inactive members and means of so conducting programs, meetings, and activities that those who are induced to attend may be retained in activity, are the principal objectives of these department sessions.
Correlation of social, fraternal, and recreational activities of the three groups involved is another important objective. These activities should be properly balanced according to the needs and desires of the three groups, and through the development of a year-round program, in cooperation with the ward budged committee, undue emphasis by any one group and conflicts in either dates or activities avoided.
An effort should be made by the leaders of the three groups to work together in such a manner as to make all three programs more attractive and appealing to boys and young men involved.
This plan has been developed with the cooperation of the General Superintendencies of Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A. and has their approval.
What the New, Simplified Plan Will Do
1. Eliminate the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Extension Committee. Its duties, with one exception (see No. 2 below), will be taken over by the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee.
2. Transfer correlation of social, fraternal, and recreational activities of these three groups, which are conducted on a stake basis, to the Stake Budget Committee in setting up its year-round program for all stake groups, as provided in the Budget Plan. It is provided that the Stake Chairman of Aaronic Priesthood is to be a member of the Budget Committee.
3. Center responsibility for all phases of Aaronic Priesthood activity of the stake in the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee under the Stake Presidency: and in the ward, in the Bishopric and the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee.
4. Combine the Aaronic Priesthood quorum activity report and the Extension Plan report into one simplified, clear-cut, easily-understood report form.
5. Separate the Adult Aaronic Priesthood work from regular quorum supervision, setting up separate stake and ward committees for adults, with their own program of missionary work, supervision, and reports. These committees will operate entirely independently of the Stake Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committees, but in close cooperation, under the guidance of the member of the Stake Presidency assigned to Aaronic Priesthood in the stake, and under the bishopric in the ward.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,3(10):61-62, March, 1941)
Explanatory Notes
“Under the new procedure, the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Extension Committee is eliminated entirely, as duties are now assigned to the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee, with the exception of the correlation of stake social, fraternal, and recreational activities, which, under the Budget Plan, are assigned to the Stake Budget Committee. In this correlation of activities, the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee will cooperate, as all such activities which concern boys or young men of Aaronic Priesthood age become a part of the Aaronic Priesthood program.
It now becomes the responsibility of the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee to promote the Extension Plan in the wards, to confer with bishoprics and ward Aaronic Priesthood chairmen, to encourage them to adopt the new plan and put it into effect at once.
In the ward, the Extension Plan will operate very much as at present, but with the Aaronic Priesthood Chairman and his committee given more direct responsibility under the bishopric.
The Bishop will continue to preside in his capacity as President of the Aaronic Priesthood of the ward. His counselors will also continue in their present responsibilities–one, preferably the First Counselor, directly responsible for the Teachers’ age group; and the other, preferably the Second Counselor, responsible for the Deacons’ age group. The Bishop will personally be responsible, as at present, for the Priests’ age group.
Responsibility for the routine details of the Ward Extension Plan will rest with the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Chairman, who becomes special assistant to the Bishopric in the Extension Plan. It will be his duty, under the direction of the Bishopric, to see that the regular monthly meeting is called; to see that the individual record forms are properly filled out, checked, and segregated in age groups for each monthly meeting; to contact the Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A. groups to insure their attendance and participation in the monthly meetings; and, with his committee and secretary, to follow through the operation of the Extension Plan.
At the monthly meeting the Bishop may delegate as much of the detail as desired to the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Chairman; but, in all cases, the three members of the Bishopric, as the Presidency of the Ward Aaronic Priesthood, and responsible for all activities which concern members of the Aaronic Priesthood, are to attend, to direct the meeting, and to take charge of their departments when the meeting divides for consideration of specific problems of their respective age groups.
In these separate departments, the Bishop will meet the leaders and advisers of Priests’ groups consisting of the Priests’ Quorum Adviser, the Sunday School teacher of the Advanced Senior class, and the M Men leader. The First Counselor, preferably, will meet with leaders of the Teachers’ age group consisting of the Teachers; Quorum Adviser, the Sunday School teacher of the Senior Class, and the Explorer leader. The Second Counselor, preferably, will meet the learners of the Deacons’ age groups consisting of Deacons’ Quorum Adviser, the teachers of both the Junior and Advanced Junior classes in the Sunday School, and the Scoutmaster.
In each of the groups the names of inactive members will be discussed and assigned for personal visits. It is recommended that two names be assigned to each leader, except the members of the Bishopric, each month for visit and report. In ma[?] visits, every possible effort should be made to discover the causes of inactivity. When reports of visits are made, these causes should be carefully considered, and where they concern leadership, lack of preparation, program activities, or any other cause within the control of Extension group, every possible effort should be made to remove the causes as quickly as possible.
An active, dependable secretary for the stake committee, and one for the ward committee are indispensable to the success of this plan. One secretary should serve in the ward for both the Aaronic Priesthood Committee and the Extension Plan.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(10):63, March, 1941)
“New Adult
Aaronic Priesthood Plan
STAKE ORGANIZATION
Member of Stake Presidency – Adviser
Stake Chairman
(To be a member of the High Council)
First Counselor
(To be selected at large)
Second Counselor
(To be selected at large)
These members may, or may not be members of the High Council, as desired by the Stake Presidency.
Meetings:
This committee should meet at least once each month to consider ward reports, progress of work in the wards, and ways of making this missionary work most effective. It should also meet with ward adult committees in the regular monthly leadership meeting to discuss ward reports, exchange experiences and suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of the missionary work and the development of social programs and Welfare Plan projects.
WARD ORGANIZATION
Two, four, six or more members, according to the size and needs of the ward.
This committee is to direct and carry on active missionary work among adult members of the Aaronic Priesthood. Being a missionary committee, specifically for adult members of Aaronic Priesthood, it will function separately from the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee or other missionary groups.
Meetings:
At least once a month.
At this meeting experiences should be exchanged, reports of progress considered, and plans developed for greater effectiveness in missionary contacts.
A definite program should be provided for social activities for the Adult group. Participation in the Church Welfare Plan should be a part of the Adult Aaronic Priesthood activities in every ward.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church,3(10):63, March, 1941)
“EXCOMMUNICATED
FRED W. MORRISON, Wandamere
Ward, Grant Stake, March 11, 1941.
ESTHER ELGGREN MORRISON,
Wandamere Ward, Grant Stake,
October 28, 1940.
HAROLD ALLRED, Center Ward,
Riverside Stake, February 26, 1941.
ALMA A. TIMPSON, Twentieth Ward,
Ensign Stake, February 13, 1941.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(11):73, April, 1941)
New Extension and Adult Aaronic Priesthood Plans now in Effect
“The simplified plan of organization and supervision of the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan, and the plan for separate committees for Adult Aaronic Priesthood in stakes and wards is now in effect. Report forms covering the revised methods are now being printed and will be effective with the month of April. It is suggested that those responsible in stakes and wards set up these new plans immediately, in order that no time or momentum may be lost.
The high-lights of the Extension Plan are these:
1. The Stake Extension Committee is now eliminated, its duties being assigned to the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee, which, in the future, will supervise the Extension Plan in the wards as a part of the regular Aaronic Priesthood Plan.
2. The bishopric of each ward will be expected, in the future, to meet with the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee during the second week of each month to discuss strictly quorum matters, the Standard Quorum Award Plan with its seven requirements being the principal topic for discussion.
3. The bishopric will be expected to meet during the fourth week of each month with the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee, and, in addition, the teachers of Junior, Advanced Junior, Senior, and Advanced Senior Classes in the Sunday School (whether men or women), and the Scout Master, the Explorer leader, and the M Men leader form the Y. M.M.I.A. These officers, with the bishopric presiding, will constitute the Aaronic Priesthood Extension Plan group. The Enlistment Director and Enlistment Secretary of the Sunday School should be invited also.
Complete details of the plan were published in Progress of the Church for March.
New Adult Plan
High-lights of the plan for separate Adult Aaronic Priesthood Meetings include:
1. Setting up a separate committee in each stake to carry on the Adult Plan, to include the Chairman, who is to be a member of the High Council, two counselors, who are to be selected at large, and who may, or may not, be members of the High Council, and a Secretary. This committee will promote and supervise the Adult Aaronic Priesthood program in the various wards.
2. The setting up of a separate Adult Aaronic Priesthood Committee in each ward to be composed of two, four, six , or more members, one to be designated as Chairman and another as Secretary. This committee will be responsible for visiting inactive adult members of the Aaronic Priesthood in their homes, and for the development of cottage meetings and Adult Aaronic Priesthood classes. Details of this plan, likewise, will be found in Progress of the Church for March.
The new plans are simple, and it is believed will be more effective. In order that the changes suggested may be made at the earliest possible date and the new plans put into effect at once, it is suggested that stake presidencies and bishoprics make the necessary modifications in the two plans and inaugurate them before the summer season sets in. This is considered to be very important.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(11):77, April, 1941)
Adult Aaronic Priesthood Members Should be Advanced to Each Office in Order
“For the purpose of giving members of Adult Aaronic Priesthood groups proper and desirable training and experience in the various offices of the Aaronic Priesthood, it is recommended that this procedure be followed: Adults who now hold the office of Deacon should be advanced to the office of Teacher and Priest before being advanced to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Those who are now Teachers should first be made Priests and then Elders. Adults who now hold no Priesthood but are brought into activity, may be first ordained Teachers and then advanced to Priest and Elder.
This recommendation does ont mean that adults should be required, or even requested, to meet with the regular quorums. This is inadvisable. They should continue with the adult group until they are ready to be ordained Elders.
The length of time each adult remains in each office will be determined by the Bishop, the purpose of this suggestion being not to retard the advancement of any member, but to provide the training and consciousness of responsibility which will come through following this plan.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(11):77, April, 1941)
Graph Reflects Necessity for More Attention to Adult Aaronic Priesthood
“The graph shown herewith, comparing the attendance of adult members of the Aaronic Priesthood at cottage meetings or ward adult classes during 1940 with 1939, indicates the necessity for special attention to this group.
In studying the adult graphs compared with those showing activities of Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, it should be noted that the adult graph is on a ten percent scale, while the others are on a fifty percent scale.
It will be noted also that for eights months out of the twelve, exactly the same figures were given for 1940 as for 1939. Whether this is an actual reflection of conditions, or an indication of incomplete or inaccurate reports is a question which cannot be determined from the information available.
Under the new plan which is now in effect and which sets up separate adult committees in stakes and wards, it is hoped that special attention will be given to reports in order that future graphs will reflect accurately the actual conditions in this group.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(11):77, April, 1941)
The Church Welfare Plan is Permanent
“”This (the Church Welfare Plan) is a great undertaking; it came through the inspiration of the Lord to our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, Heber J. Grant–the Welfare Plan is, in my judgment, permanent, because we shall always have the widows, and the orphans and the poor, but the employment through this organization should be always dealt with as temporary.
“We are approaching troublous times. I have been talking about them for years. They seem to be upon us. We shall have a period–how long I know not- of what we shall call prosperity, and then there will be something else. I have felt form the time this plan was put into operation that what wee were really doing here was not alone caring for our people at this time, when there were some any other avenues open for them to get their help, but we were building for future times when we might need all of our experience, all of our training and skill, all of our intelligence to preserve ourselves and those who might be less fortunate among us than we ourselves may personally be.
` “I for one can visualize a condition, it may or may not come, when the best of us today will be not much better off than the poorest of us are now. I do not want to seem too pessimistic, but the world faces one of the greatest crises in its history, and no mortal man, without the inspiration of the Lord, can tell where it will lead.”” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(11):84, April, 1941)
Group Orders for Sacrament Cups will Effect Saving
“The Church Purchasing Department makes the suggestion that by grouping together, wards or stakes may effect a substantial saving on the purchase of paper Sacrament cups which are now definitely recommended for use throughout the Church.
When purchased in lots of 50,000 at one time, the price is $1.53 per thousand, delivered. When it is considered that a large ward will use nearly 1,000 cups each Sunday, it is apparent that a supply of 50,000, if ordered by several wards, would be a reasonable purchase. Where such combinations of stakes or wards can be made, the saving is worthy of consideration.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 3(12):86, May, 1941)
“EXCOMMUNICATIONS
ROBERT E. L. CLEVELAND, Aug. 11, 1940,
Rigby First Ward, Rigby Stake.
RUSSELL L. KUNZ, April 3, 1940,
Mill Creek Ward, Cottonwood Stake.
BIRDIE FINLAYSON, June 14, 1941,
Kanab South Ward, Kanab Stake.
CLYDE JOSEPH NEILSON, Feb. 29, 1940,
Mt. Olympus Ward, Big Cottonwood Stake.
BERTRAM M. JONES, June 4, 1941,
Montebello Ward, Pasadena Stake.
ETTA FINLAYSON, July 28, 1941,
St. George South Ward, St. George Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 4(3),110, August, 1941)
Are Your Ward Teachers Following the New Plan?
“It will be recalled that in January a new plan to be followed by Ward Teachers in visiting the homes of the Saints was inaugurated. under this plan the Teachers were to visit the homes
for very definite and specific reasons, and were directed to make certain inquiries regarding the various members of the families. The questions to be asked are as follows:
1. Are you in harmony–
a. With your neighbors and associates?
b. With Ward, Stake, and General Authorities of the Church?
2. Are you attention to your Church duties–
a. As a member
Attending meetings, fasting once each month and paying Fast Offerings, paying tithing, and participating in ward social functions?
b. As an officer
Setting proper example, attending council meetings, etc.?
3. Are you attending to secret and family prayers?
The importance of teaching in the Church is so great and the results so beneficial to all concerned that a definite effort should be made in every ward to have all teachers follow this new plan religiously.
It is not sufficient for the purposes of the Church in the Ward Teaching plan to visit a home and make general inquiries regarding the family. It is now the plan that specific inquiries should be made, as listed above, indicating a genuine interest in the welfare of the family on the part of the visiting teachers, and also providing the bishopric with an accurate picture of conditions in the ward as they affect the several family groups.
It is requested that Bishops make a check to learn whether or not this plan is being generally followed in the wards. The suggestions are printed on the top of each Ward Teacher’s message, making it very simple to follow the plan.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 4(4):119, September, 1941)
Church Welfare Plan Extended to Include Every Aaronic Priesthood Quorum in the Church
“One of the important items of business at the Special Bishops’ Conference, held October 2, 1941, in a department under the direction of Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin, was the announcement by the Presiding Bishopric of its hearty approval and endorsement of the General Welfare Committee’s plan to include every Aaronic Priesthood Quorum in the Church in welfare activities. In addition to the usual assignments made to Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, the General Committee Plan contemplates that all quorums will participate in fulfilling assignments to produce food, clothing, shelter, etc., to assist those in need.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 4(5):126, October, 1941)
Aaronic Priesthood Members not to be Transferred to Adult Rolls Until 21 Years of Age
“Beginning January 1, 1942, all young men bearing the Aaronic Priesthood, who are not ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood by the time they reach their 21st birthday, are to be accounted for on the regular rolls and reports of the Aaronic Priesthood quorums. Heretofore, the names of young men reaching the age of 20 and still holding the Aaronic Priesthood have been transferred to the Adult Aaronic Priesthood rolls. Under this new ruling no Aaronic Priesthood member is to be placed upon the Adult rolls until he reaches his 21st birthday. His name is to be kept on his own Deacons, Teachers, or Priests Quorum roll until the age of 21, unless previously ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
All stake and ward committees for both groups of the Aaronic Priesthood should give prompt and special attention to this new rule, and make the necessary adjustments at once, so that all records will be in order at the beginning of the new year. The new monthly report books for both groups of the Aaronic Priesthood will call for information in keeping with this modification.
With a little careful thought, the reasons for this procedure will become quite obvious. The young men will not be ostracized quite so quickly form their own quorum and age group. They are far more likely to become active, through proper encouragement, when they can still associate with the quorum group of their own age than where they are expected to go with the Adult group with which they have nothing in common.
They will still be enrolled in the regular quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood, where the ward bishopric is expected to be in direct charge each week in the Priesthood meeting. This association will be invaluable, and, undoubtedly, give many a young man the opportunity to become active and make himself worthy of the higher Priesthood before he reaches his majority and becomes a man in his own right.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 4(7):132, December, 1941)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
HENDRIKUS DEBUIZER, Nov. 10, 1941,
East Orange Ward, New York Stake.
EDITH D. KOESTER BOHNER, March 23, 1941,
Baltimore Branch, Washington, Stake.
RULON T. JEFFS, April 14, 1941,
LeGrand Ward, Bonneville Stake.
MERCEDES L. HARDY, Dec. 17, 1941,
Caldwell Ward, Nampa Stake.
ROMERO G. MARTINEZ, May 11, 1941,
(ward and stake not given)
FLORENCE RUNSWICK, Sept. 25, 1941,
Wilshire Ward, Los Angeles Stake.
AMELIA VOLMER, Dec. 2, 1941,
Sugar House Ward, Highland Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(2):6, February, 1942)
Church Hospitalization
“The following statement is made to clarify the last paragraph on the Hospital Recommend form, with reference to [?]cting county relief agencies for assistance in connection with providing hospitalization for worthy members of the Church:
Church hospitalization is extended to worthy members of the Church who find themselves in financial circumstances wherein they are unable to meet the expenses involved. The bishop, being a common judge in Israel, should determine the worthiness of the applicant upon the basis stated in the Handbook of Instructions, No. 16, page 47, under the title, “Who Should Be Assisted”:
“Faithful members of the Church should receive first consideration by the bishopric of the ward and the Relief Society. A faithful member is one who paid tithing when in a position to do so and who attends ward meetings and performs the duties required of him by his presiding officers.
“Then, there are cases which may be termed divided families, where the head of the family is not a member of the Church, but his wife and children are devoted and active members. This class is entitled to assistance by the Church, because the mother and children cannot always control the acts, ideas, or religious inclinations of the head of the family. Such families should receive the attention of the special missionaries or ward teachers in order that the family as a whole may be stimulated and encouraged to participate in Church activities.
“There are also families where both the father and mother are members of the Church, but one or the other is inactive. This situation should not preclude the rendering of assistance.
“In every ward there are families who are inactive and have contributed nothing to the Church in the way of service or finances, consequently the Church is not obligated to care for them. The federal government, county, or community should assume responsibility for these cases. If, however, these inactive members fail to secure aid form government agencies, and they are willing to work for what they may need, it is our responsibility to see that none lacks the necessities of life. Kindness and charity must always characterize the Church. Families classified as inactive should also receive the attention of the special missionaries or ward teachers.
“There are also cases which may be termed borderline, where the head of the family fails to earn sufficient to adequately meet the family needs. In such cases, if careful investigation warrants, the Relief Society president may, with the approval of the bishop, work out a program for supplemental assistance.
“Transient members of the Church frequently call on bishops for assistance. It is advisable in these cases to determine where the persons came from, and if possible, to secure information which will indicate whether they are entitled to call upon the Church. This information can be obtained by clearing the cases,l as suggested in a preceding paragraph.”
Members of the Church making application for Church hospitalization, who are not included in the above instructions, should be assisted by the bishop of the ward to secure hospitalization and medical aid from county and public agencies.
Through lack of understanding, some bishops have contacted public agencies in securing financial assistance for worthy members who have been sent to Church hospitals. In the full light of the above instructions, this is not the recommended procedure as the Church is desirous of taking care of all worthy members from Church resources.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(2):7, February, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
MARIE MOSS, December 28, 1941,
San Jose Ward, San Francisco Stake.
RAY L. CHENEY, June 6, 1941,
Fairview South Ward, North Sanpete Stake.
HENRY DEELSTRA, February 2, 1942,
Nineteenth Ward, Salt Lake Stake
ANDREW C. SCHADE, March 9, 1941,
Mt. Tabor Ward, Portland Stake.
BYRLE ELTON BLADES, March 9, 1941,
Mt. Tabor Ward, Portland Stake.
GERRET B. J. DEBUISZER SR., February 22, 1942,
East Orange Ward, New York Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(3):10, March, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
CHARLOTTE M. STAEDTLER ENGLE, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
HILDE M. STAEDTLER BRANDON, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
RICHARD L. STAEDTLER, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New Your Stake.
FRIEDA M.L. STAEDTLER, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
HILDEGARD E. STAEDTLER, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
GEORGE J. LAMBROS, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
OLGA LAMBROS, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
YOITA P. LAMBROS, Feb. 1, 1942,
Manhattan Ward, New York Stake.
FREDRICK W. FINK, March 9, 1942,
Southgate Ward, South Salt Lake Stake.
AGNES KATHERINE ANDERSON, 1941,
Vallejo Ward, Oakland Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(4):14, April, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
RUTH BOHNETT, Sept. 2, 1941,
Wilshire Ward, Los Angeles Stake.
MARTHA GOOD, April 15, 1942,
New England Mission
WALTER VERNAL MORGAN, April 15, 1942,
Tooele Third Ward, Tooele Stake.
HYRUM FRANCIS SYNDERGAARD, April 8, 1942,
14th Ward, Salt Lake Stake.
RUSSELL JAMES TOLMAN, April 15, 1942,
New England Mission
ESSIE F. STOKES ZITTING, April 14, 1942,
Mill Creek Ward, Cottonwood Stake. ” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(5):20, May, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
HUGH J. FRESHWATER, March 31, 1942,
Second Ward, Liberty Stake.
FR[?]K DUPBOIS, March 31, 1942,
Second Ward, Liberty Stake.
JOSEPH DETTON, April 26, 1942,
Nampa Second Ward, Nampa Stake.
ARTHUR FREDERICK HOLLAND, March 22, 1942,
Canadian Mission.
ANNIE EVELYN GORTON HOLLAND, March 22, 1942,
Canadian Mission.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(5):22, June, 1942)
Sacrament Cups Should Be Sterilized
Paper Cups Recommended
“It is hoped that all ward bishops are using proper precaution in the regular weekly sterilization of glass or metal sacrament cups. It is not safe to keep using cups over and over, week after week, without proper sterilization. It is not fair to take chances on exposing ward members to mouth or other serious infections through neglect in this matter.
It is not sufficient to just poor hot water over them each week. Water should be heated to 180 [degrees] F., and the glass submerged for 2 minutes at least to effect thorough sterilization. There are also recommended chemical compounds for this use. When chemicals are used, instructions should be followed strictly in each case.
The Presiding Bishopric have long recommended the use of the sanitary paper drinking cups to replace glass or metal cups. This recommendation is again urged upon all bishops not now using them. They are available at the Deseret Book Company, 44 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah, at $2.10 per thousand in 1,000 lots, or $2.00 per thousand in 5,000 lots.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(6):22, June, 1942)
Ward Bishopric Cannot Delegate Responsibility for Aaronic Priesthood
“Under no circumstances can a ward bishopric delegate to the ward chairman of Aaronic Priesthood or any other person the direct responsibility for the conduct of the Aaronic Priesthood program.
The ward chairman and secretary of the Aaronic Priesthood Committee together with the quorum advisers are suggested by the Presiding Bishopric as aids toward bishoprics in the conduct of the Aaronic Priesthood work. It is not intended that these committeemen be expected to take over the full responsibility of this program. They are to act at all times under the direction of the Bishopric whose responsibility it is to personally supervise this work.
Where ward bishoprics feel they have the time to actually teach the Aaronic Priesthood quorum lessons or perform any or all of the other responsibilities of the program, it is their privilege to do so without feeling that they are not in harmony with the program suggested by this office.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(7):25, July, 1942)
Changes in Aaronic Priesthood Program Announced
“With a view to efficiency, the Presiding Bishopric announce the following changes in the Aaronic Priesthood program. It is felt these changes will be welcomed by stake and ward workers throughout the Church and be conducive to more effective work.
Monthly Ward Aaronic Priesthood
Committee and Extension Plan
Meetings Combined
The monthly meetings of the ward Aaronic Priesthood committee and extension plan workers heretofore held separately are now to be combined. During the past, the suggestion has been that these meetings be held during the second and fourth weeks of the month respectively.
It is recommended that this meeting be held before the fifth of each month. The orders of business heretofore suggested for each of these meetings are to be followed closely in this new recommendation.
Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A.
Boy Leaders to Attend
The meeting is to be held under the personal direction of the ward bishopric who will not only preside but conduct the exercises. In addition to the bishopric, those who should be in attendance include the chairman and secretary of the ward Aaronic Priesthood and the advisers to the deacons’, teachers’, and priests’ quorums; the teachers of the Junior, Advanced Junior, Senior, and Advanced Senior departments of the Sunday School; and the Y.M.M.I.A. M Men leader, Explorer leader, and Scout Master.
Provision for Teacher Training
The new recommendation includes a provision for leadership training during the opening exercises of the meeting. A period of 15 minutes is to be devoted to this project.
A competent teacher, well trained in the principles of effective teaching of young men, should be selected by the ward bishopric and assigned this responsibility.
Subjects and outlines will be published two months in advance of each meeting in the Aaronic Priesthood pages of the Improvement Era and in the Progress of the Church beginning next month.
Departmental Divisions
After the completion of the leadership training period, members of the bishopric will meet in three departments for the consideration of problems properly coming before their respective groups.
The bishop will meet the adviser of the priests, the Sunday School teacher of the Advanced Senior class, and the M Men leader. The first counselor, preferably, will meet the adviser of the teachers, the Sunday School teacher of the Senior class, and the Explorer leader. The second counselor will meet the adviser of the deacons, the Sunday School teachers of the Junior and Advanced Junior classes, and the Scout Master.
Social and Fraternal Activities
In these three departments, the member of the bishopric in charge should properly check not only the inactive boys but actively promote the social and fraternal activities of these various groups, having the leaders thereof coordinate their programs in the interest of all.
In other words, assuming the second counselor to the bishop is meeting with the leaders of the deacons’ age group of the Priesthood, Sunday School, and Y.M.M.I.A., he should properly raise the question as to what social and fraternal activities are planned for the ensuing month, quarter, or year ahead and make such modifications in the schedule as will guarantee to each activity its share of these attractions for boys. No one organization should be permitted to promote any feature of the program at the expense of the other.
Rolls and Individual Record Cards
In each of the departments the member of the bishopric in charge will call the roll of all boys in the ward in his respective quorum or group. This roll is to be called form the individual Aaronic Priesthood record cards.
For instance, in the department conducted by the bishop, he will have before him the individual record card for each member of his quorum or group. He will call each name recorded on its respective card. As he gives the name, the quorum adviser, from his roll book, reports the number of times this boy has attended quorum meeting during the month. The Sunday School teacher, from his roll book, reports to the bishop the number of times this boy has attended Sunday School during the month. The Y.M.M.I.A. leader reports, from his roll book, then umber of times this boy has attended his particular department during the month.
As these three leaders report the number of times each boy has attended his respective organization, the bishop records this information in the proper space on the individual record card.
If this system is followed closely, it can be readily appreciated that the making of the monthly Aaronic Priesthood report will be much easier than in the past.
When the meeting is finished, all of the activities of each boy in the ward, 12 to 21 years of age, will have been recorded on his individual record card.
Term “Inactive” Defined
For this department of the meeting, the term “inactive” applies to boys not attending Priesthood quorum, Sunday School, or Y.M.M.I.A. classes during the month.
With the roll call now completed, it is a simple matter for the member of the bishopric in charge of this respective department to observe which boys need attention. In other words, if, after the roll is called as suggested above, a boy is reported absent form Priesthood meeting during the entire month, the leader of his Priesthood group should be assigned to work with him in an effort to revive activity. This is true also of the Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A. departments and leaders.
Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A. Leaders Dismissed
After full consideration has been given to each boy inactive one month or more in any one or all of these specified activities, this will complete that part of the meeting which concerns the Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A. They my therefore by dismissed at this time.
Bishopric and Priesthood Leaders Assemble
Without any break whatever, the bishopric, together with the ward chairman and secretary and the quorum advisers, immediately reassemble for a discussion of strictly Priesthood problems.
The term “inactive” as it applies to this group of workers will indicate boys absent from Priesthood meeting only from one to four weeks. These should no be assigned to quorum advisers to be labored with in addition to their assignments just given them pertaining to boys absent one month or more.
Again it is simple for the bishopric to make these assignments from the individual record cards, since they will show a complete record of the activity of each boy in the ward.
In other words, the bishop now consults the cards for priests, teachers, and deacons and makes assignments to his Priesthood leaders of each boy not having attended all of his quorum meetings during the past month.
In addition to the making of assignments, this meeting should never go by without full and adequate consideration given to the progress made by the respective quorums toward earning the Standard Quorum Award.
Ward bishoprics should at this time make certain that the ward monthly Aaronic Priesthood report will be mailed on time before the fifth of the current month to the chairman of the stake Aaronic Priesthood committee. Bishoprics should take pride in seeing that their wards are properly and adequately represented in the Aaronic Priesthood report sent to the stake chairman, ultimately to be compiled and sent to the Presiding Bishop’s Office.
This individual welfare of each quorum member should constantly be the concern of this group of Priesthood leaders.
The proper training and education of quorum presidencies and secretaries should consistently receive the attention of this group in the development of leadership in the Aaronic Priesthood quorums of the Church.
No Conflict If Recommendations Are Followed
In the final analysis, it will be observed that if the procedure as outline above is followed, there will be no duplication of effort on the part of those assigned to work with the “inactive” boys. In the first part of the meeting, Priesthood, Sunday School, and Y.M.M.I.A. leaders are assigned to work with boys currently absent one to four weeks.
It will be observed that Priesthood leaders may receive assignments from the ward bishopric in both departments of this meeting. In this way the boy is always the concern of his ward bishopric and Priesthood leaders.
Plan to be Effective Immediately
The above suggestions are to be adopted at once by all ward bishoprics. Stake committeemen should become thoroughly conversant with the plan so that they may assist bishoprics in setting it up and carrying it forward.
It is anticipated that these revisions in the program will be received enthusiastically throughout the Church. It is just another step forward in an effort to eliminate unnecessary meetings and detail and at the same time look to the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(7):25-26, July, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
KATHERINE UNFRIED JONES, May 17, 1942,
Elysian Park Ward, San Fernando Stake.
CATHERINE LUCY COLLINWOOD, April 16, 1942,
Hawthorne Ward, Granite Stake.
LORENZO RANGEL, October 30, 1941,
Piedras Negras Branch, Mexican Mission.
LELAND GEORGE TAYLOR, May 29, 1942,
Ogden Ninth Ward, Weber Stake.
CORRECTION
In the March, 1942, issue of Progress of the Church, GERRET B. J. DEBUIZER, SR., East Orange Ward, New York Stake, was listed among those excommunicated from the Chruch. This should have read GERRET B. J. DEBUIZER, JR., instead of SR.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(7):26, July, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
CARL EUGINE CHATEL, July 13, 1942,
Denver First Ward, Denver Stake.
ROBERT CECIL CLEMENTS, June 16, 1942,
Wisconsin District, Northern States Mission.
PEARL GAMMON, July 12, 1942,
Provo Second Ward, Utah Stake.
GLEN MELVIN HAYS, June 17, 1942,
Wisconsin District, Northern States Mission.
LUCILLE EVELYN HAYS PEDERSON, June 18, 1942,
Wisconsin District, Northern States Mission.
PARLEY KELO WILLIS, May 17, 1942,
Flagstaff Ward, Snowflake Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(8):30, August, 1942)
Quorum Presidents Should be Given Opportunity to Select Counselors
“Presidents of Aaronic Priesthood quorums should be given the privilege of selecting their own counselors, provided their selections are approved by the ward bishopric. In no case are the prospective counselors to be approached or consulted by any other than the member of the ward bishopric in charge of the quorum.
In some instances, ward chairmen and quorum advisers have selected counselors to the quorum president without his knowledge or approval.
Chairmen and quorum advisers should confer with the president in the selection of counselors. All appointments, however, are to be approved, confirmed, and made by the ward bishopric, who preside over the Aaronic Priesthood.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(8):30, August, 1942)
Designating Quorum Presidencies and Group Officers
“Only when there is the required number, or a majority thereof, of deacons, teachers, and priests in a ward is a quorum to be organized and the presiding officers set apart and designated as president and counselors.
When there are less than a majority of [?] deacons, 24 teachers, or 48 priests, these young men are to be organized into and known as, a Group and not as a Quorum. Their officers are to be designated as chairman and assistants and may be set apart as such.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(8):31, August, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
VIOLET FRASER BARLOW, July 13, 1942,
Whittier Ward, Wells Stake.
ELIZABETH CECILA MATUSZZAK BAUMAN, May 12, 1942,
Lynhurst Branch, Northern States Mission.
FREDERICK J. LANDIS, June 8, 1942,
Jamestown, Eastern States Mission.
VADA TRIFFENA POWELL LEWIS, August 3, 1942,
Northern States Mission.
MARTIN JOHN SCHRIEBER, May 12, 1942,
Lynhurst Branch, Northern States Mission.
BERT CONRAD SILVERTHORNE, August 5, 1942,
Ogden 12th Ward, Mt. Ogden Stake.
MARTHA MAE VILLERS, August 3, 1942,
North Indiana, Northern States Mission.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(9):34, September, 1942)
Worthy Fathers should be given Opportunity to Ordain Sons
“Fathers having sons who are to receive, or be advanced in, the Aaronic Priesthood, should be given the opportunity of performing such ordinations, if worthy, and if holding the office of Priest in the AARonic Priesthood, or bearing the Melchizedek Priesthood. This should be a father’s privilege, and, in some cases, it is being overlooked by ward bishoprics.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(9):34, September, 1942)
Designation “Adult Aaronic Priesthood” Changed
“When referring to adult brethren still holding the Aaronic Priesthood, it is suggested that the term :”Adult members of the AARonic Priesthood” be used in stead of “Adult Aaronic Priesthood.” Technically, there is no such thing as Adult Aaronic Priesthood. Priesthood is either Melchizedek or Aaronic. The term :”Adult Aaronic Priesthood,” however, implies that in addition to the Melchizedek Priesthood there is no priesthood for young men 12 to 2,1 and another priesthood for those over 21. This, of course, is not true, and any practice suggesting such is out of order.
This same suggestion will apply to stake and ward committees formerly known as Adult Aaronic Priesthood Committees. In the future, these will be termed :Stake (or Ward) Committee for Adult Members of the Aaronic Priesthood.”:
Beginning with the new year, all reports, handbooks, publicity, and communications will be based upon these suggested designations.
This announcement is being made at this time so that we may train ourselves in the use of these terms preparatory to the program for 1943.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(9):36, September, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
KENNETH EDWARD LIVINGSTON, Feb. 17, 1942,
Portsmouth, Northern States Mission.
SARAH DEAN TUSSEY LIVINGSTON, Feb. 17, 1942,
Portsmouth, Northern States Mission.
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Feb. 17, 1942,
Portsmouth, Northern States Mission.
RUTH JANE LIVINGSTON PORTER, Feb. 17, 1942,
Portsmouth, Northern States Mission.
JOHN JOSEPH DEICHMILLER, Aug. 13, 1942,
Southern Illinois, Northern States Mission.
INEZ EDNA PENROD WELSH, May 4, 1942,
Central Ohio, Northern States Mission.
CLAIR EDWIN PATTERSON, May 4, 1942,
Central Ohio, Northern States Mission.
MARTHA ANN BYBEE WATTIS, Aug. 17, 1942,
Riverdale Ward, Lakeview Stake.
EFRAIM AMARA, Sept. 3, 1942,
Chimal, Mexican Mission.
FRANCISCO SANDOVAL, Sept. 8, 1942,
La Libertad Branch, Mexican Mission.
BRIGIDA BELMONT, Sept. 8, 1942,
San Pedro, Mexican Mission.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(10,11):38, October-November, 1942)
Quorum President Should be Given Opportunity to Select Counselors
“The attention of the Presiding Bishopric has been directed to the fact that in some instances chairmen of the Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committees, and even quorum advisers, have selected the counselors to the Aaronic Priesthood quorum president and gone ahead with their appointment without consulting the president of the quorum or the ward bishopric. Obviously this is a wholly incorrect procedure.
Without exception, a quorum president should be given the opportunity of making recommendations to the bishopric as to whom he would like to have serve as his counselors. The quorum president will, undoubtedly, desire to confer with the adviser and this is proper. But the actual appointment is to be effected by the ward bishopric in all cases.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 5(12):46, December, 1942)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
WILHELMINA JACOBA DEBUIZER FILLIPPI, November 24, 1942,
East Orange Ward, New York Stake.
ADRIAN LEONARD KEARL, November 2, 1942,
Ogden 21st Ward, Ogden Stake.
MAUDE EMMA M. S. RICHARDS LACKEY, December 21, 1942,
Peoria, Illinois, Norther States Mission.
PHYLLIS ANTHEA COBURN NYBORG PRIEBE, December 21, 1942,
Peoria, Illinois, Northern States Mission.
LAVONA RUGG, April 29, 1942,
Elmo Ward, Emery Stake.
BERNICE EDEL MAY SMITH, September 21, 1942,
Indianapolis, Northern States Mission.
THELMA SUTRELLA RICHARDS TOHME, December 21, 1942,
Peoria, Illinois, Northern States Mission.
EDNA MAY TONEK, December 3, 1942,
Bridgeport, Connecticut, New England Mission.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(1):2, January, 1943)
Suggestions for Increasing Sacrament Meeting Attendance
“Administration of the Sacrament
Priests should be encouraged to memorize the sacrament prayers, so that they will not be obliged to read them from the card.
Deacons and Teachers who pass the sacrament should be encouraged to dress neatly and always be clean, having their shoes polished. It is not recommended that white shirts and black bow ties be a requisite for passing the sacrament. This smacks of formalism and is undesirable in our Church services. These young men should also be taught to avoid such formalities as walking with one arm behind them, or standing with arms folded when not in use. etc.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(2):7, February, 1943)
Aaronic Priesthood Quorum or Group Meetings to be held Separately
“One of the reasons why young men do not care to attend Priesthood meeting, in many instances, is the tendency of some ward bishops to have the Priests meet with the Elders, or the Teachers meet with the Deacons, or all of the Aaronic Priesthood meet together, or some other combination when there are only a few present in each group. These objections are registered by the boys themselves. Their contention is right, and should be borne in mind by all Aaronic Priesthood leaders.
The Presiding Bishopric recommend that, without exception, separate quorum or group meetings be held, even though only one or two are present in each group. Some of the finest Priesthood group meetings being reported are held when only one or two boys attend. Why should any young man who resides in a ward where there are only two or three of his age group be denied the opportunities care he would enjoy if he lived in a larger ward?” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(4):17, April, 1943)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
AFTON WILLIAMS JOHNSON, Feb. 11, 1942,
Pocatello Fifth Ward, Pocatello Stake.
JOHN WM. SHURRUM, Dec. 21, 1942,
Buhl Ward, Twin Falls Stake.
HANNAH WILSON SHURRUM, Dec. 21, 1942,
Buhl Ward, Twin Falls Stake.
RUTH MASSEY, Dec. 28, 1942,
Hollywood Ward, Los Angeles Stake.
JACOB CORNELIUS VANDERVIS, Oct. 12, 1942,
Second Ward, Liberty Stake.
WENTELINA VANDERVIS, Sept. 29, 1942,
Second Ward, Liberty Stake.
MARGARET PRICE, June, 1942,
Helper Ward, Carbon Stake.
GLADYS ARLENA BURNS BECK, February 23, 1943,
Oakland Ward, Oakland Stake.
JOHN JONGKINDT, March, 1943,
Centinela Ward, Inglewood Stake.
THOMAS WILLIAM COLLINGS, March 8, 1943,
Pleasant Green Ward, Oquirrh Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(4):18, April, 1943)
Aaronic Priesthood Members Should Not Leave Meeting After Passing Sacrament
“In some wards in the Church the undesirable practice of Aaronic Priesthood members leaving the sacrament meeting immediately after passing the sacrament is being allowed to develop. It is the feeling of the Presiding Bishopric that such a practice is out of harmony with the dignity of the Priesthood these young men must bear in order to officiate in this sacred service.
Not always is this the fault of the boys. If they are not taught that this is in error, they will assume that such a practice is approved. It is hoped, therefore, that bishoprics and Aaronic Priesthood leaders will make a special and concerted effort to correct this tendency where it exists.
When young men are given this assignment it would be well to specify that they are expected to remain for the entire service. Occasionally a young man may be unable to remain through the meeting and should properly be excused. But for all, or most, of the boys to feel that their responsibility is finished as soon as they have passed the sacrament and that they are at liberty to leave the service is in error and a kind suggestion from their leaders should correct it.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(4):19, May, 1943)
Expiration of Temple Recommends
“Bishops are reminded that all Temple Recommends expire March 31 and September 30th, regardless of the dates of issue, and regardless of the fact that expirations dates June 30th and December 31st are printed in the lower right hand corner. As soon as new forms can be printed they will bear the correct dates. Until then, or until the present supply is exhausted, please keep this in mind to avoid embarrassment and disappointment to those who frequent the temples.
It is suggested that each bishop inform [?] ward membership on this matter. He should also scratch out the old dates and write in the expiration dates March 31st and September 30th on each Temple Recommend issued currently.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(4):19, May, 1943)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
RICHARD CLEAVE FITZPATRICK, April 20, 1943,
Dublan Ward, Juarez Stake.
FLORENCE EVA RITTER HALL, October 5, 1942,
Maxwell Park Ward, Oakland Stake.
LULU GERALDINE VARNEY RICHARDSON, April 9, 1942,
Cambridge, New England Mission.
JAMES VINER, March 26, 1943,
California Mission.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(4):20, May, 1943)
Blessings and Confirmations in Fast Meeting
“Those who bless babies and confirm members in the Church during the fast meeting each month should face the congregation and speak in sufficient voice to be heard by all present. In many instances, few, if any, members present hear what is being said. These ceremonies are very impressive if the audience is able to hear each word.
Bishops could very appropriately suggest to each officiating brother that he face the audience and speak so that he may be heard by all present.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(4):22, May, 1943)
Bishops Should Teach Priests How To Baptize
“The ordinance of baptism should be performed in a reverent manner and with proper and becoming dignity. Priests should not be asked to perform baptisms until after the bishop has exercised every care in training these young men in this procedure.
The training should take place in the quorum meeting and should include the following:
1. Standing in the proper position and allowing plenty of room for immersing the body without injury.
2. The proper holding of the candidate’s hands in the left hand of the one officiating with the latter’s right hand and arm raised to the square behind the candidate.
3. After repeating clearly the candidate’s full name, recite the baptismal prayer in a slow, distinct, and reverent manner.
4. The proper placing of the hands of the candidate on the upper chest region to assist in immersing the body.
5. The placing of the officiator’s right hand between the shoulders of the one being baptized so that proper assistance may be rendered in coming up out of the water.
There should be no boisterousness or unnecessary talking allowed during the actual baptismal service. Those who officiate, those who are being baptized, and all who attend the service should be taught to assume and maintain a reverent and becoming attitude–bishops should so teach them.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(6):23, June, 1943)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
MARY ANN HOMELANI KAHINU BRIGHTER, October 31, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.
JAMES KALEMAEMAE BRIGHTER, October 31, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.
WILLIAM KEAVE CHAU, October 30, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.
REBECCA WAILAU KANIPAE CHAU, October 30, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.
FERN AMACK CLARK, August 11, 1942,
West Kansas District, Central States Mission.
SYLVIA STELLA D. DRAVES, November 16, 1942,
West Colorado District, Western States Mission.
BEATRICE KAUALANA KAHIAMAE KAAEAMAKU, October 30, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.
IRENE McALLISTER REEVES, April 18, 1942,
West Kansas District, Central States Mission.
SUSE SOARES, October 30, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.
ANNIE SOARES, October 30, 1942,
Kohala District, Hawaiian Mission.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(6):24, June, 1943)
“EXCOMMUNICATED FROM THE CHURCH
HUGH ELMER SNOW, February 15, 1942,
Jensen Ward, U[in]tah Stake.
SARAH ELSIE FULLER, May 9, 1942,
Englewood Ward, Denver Stake.
NELLIE MAY HOUSTON, May 9, 1942,
Englewood Ward, Denver Stake.
MARY ELIZABETH BOOKER, May 9, 1943,
Englewood Ward, Denver Stake.
MARION GERTRUDE COLHOUN JOHNSON HOLTKAMP, May 9, 1943,
Englewood Ward, Denver Stake.
LAWRENCE COWLEY CURTIS, May 12, 1943,
New Haven, Conn., New England Mission.
EDWARD CLINTON FULLER, June 6, 1943,
Englewood Ward, Denver Stake.
VERGINIA CLARE MECHAM, June 8, 1943,
Burley First Ward, Burley Stake.
RUTH MARIE NEWSON FRANKLIN LLOYD, June 2, 1943,
Tenth Ward, Liberty Stake.
THOMAS WILLIAM FRANKLIN, June 2, 1943,
Tenth Ward, Liberty Stake.
ARTHUR LEONARD FRANKLIN, JR., June 2, 1943,
Tenth Ward, Liberty Stake.
DARLENE RAY LLOYD, June 2, 1943,
Tenth Ward, Liberty Stake.
EDWARD RALPH LLOYD, June 2, 1943,
Tenth Ward, Liberty Stake.
LEONARD HICKS, May 25, 1943,
Second Ward, Liberty Stake.
EDITH L. ALLRED PETERSON, June 20, 1943,
Queen Anne Ward, Seattle Stake.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(7):28, July, 1943)
Progress of the Church Will Appear Weekly in Church Section of the Deseret News Hereafter
“In keeping with the desires of the First Presidency, and concurred in by the Presiding Bishopric, the publication of the Progress of the Church as a monthly bulletin will be discontinued with the August 1943 issue. Hereafter, all of the instructions and information which would ordinarily have been published in this bulletin will appear on a special page each week in the Church Section of The Deseret News, beginning September 18, 1943.” (Presiding Bishopric, Progress of the Church, 6(8):31, August, 1943)