LEAMINGTON WARD MEETING HOUSE This house is located at Leamington, Deseret stake, and was erected in 1910 and dedicated in May, 1911. It is built of brick and cost $6,788. The height of the building is 14 feet to the square, outside measurement 65 by 50 feet. It has four rooms and a seating capacity in the main hall of 400. There are two acres connected with it, and the people have just planted lawns and flower beds, trees and ornamental shrubbery, on the north and east side of the building. The south side is parked, there being at present, one hundred trees of a four-year old growth. This park contains playgrounds, seats, etc. The building is cared for by a janitor, and the grounds are tended and kept in order by the various auxiliary organizations of the Church. The trees were planted by the Primary Association, the flower beds by the Relief Society, and the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, while the lawns and trees are being cared for by the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Assoication, the Sunday school and the Priesthood. The building to the left is the new school house. by priests directed by the bishop; at other times the elders, seventies or high priests, are appointed, and each quorum is often assisted by deacons. Bishops distribute this honor among the various grades of priesthood, thus affording service with its consequent pleasure to many. And since the introduction of the individual drinking cup there is nothing disagreeable to detract from the eating and the drinking, so that all who desire may partake with unalloyed pleasure. Another item that may be mentioned in this connection is the fact of the intense satisfaction which comes to parents who see their sons-often young deacons-performing such holy service. Emotions that are awakened in the parental breast cannot be described; they must be felt to be appreciated. In fact, everything that connects the words of an ordinance with life and action takes a powerful hold on the human mind. In some wards particular attention is paid to the sacrament service. For instance, the bread is furnished with great care as to its appearance and wholesomeness, likewise the water; the linen, the utensils and all about them are scrupulously clean and in order; those who pass the emblems remain in the rear of the hall until each has finished his section, then all march in file to the table; several times during the year the bishop appoints a gifted brother to give some enlightening remarks on the sacrament so that the young, who are always needing instruction, may be informed on the meaning and efficacy of this ordinance; during the first half of this service the organist plays a soulful voluntary, or the choir sings a verse or two of a sacramental hymn; during the latter half, a selection is read from the scriptures-and other minor details are occasionally added which lend zest and completeness to this part of the service. "HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?" Evidently the object of the speaking in Church is to impart instructions, to shed light on the doctrines and principles of the gospel, to receive the word of the Lord through the channels of authority, to encourage an outpouring of the Spirit, to engender partiotism for the institutions of the Church, to teach the love of God and man—and to discourse on many other things that make for human progress here and hereafter. It is marvelous how much benefit the Saints receive through this medium. There is no small coterie of a specially ordained ministry to do the preaching and thinking. Every man holding the Priesthood is expected to be fully equipped with the word of God and be able and ready On a moment's notice to divide that word to his fellows. Critics outside contend that only mediocre results follow this course. Not so, for where there might appear less of learning, there is more of feeling. After all, it is the heartpall that counts in religion. In these local communities where everybody is acquainted with his neighbor, it has a remarkably steadying effect on a man or woman who admonishes in public or essays to teach his fellowmen. But here again many ward presidents avoid much of what would be spiritless talk or dry discourse by a little forethought and planning. In every ward there are scores of men and women, too,-who, being given a few days' notice to prepare on selected subjects assigned them or on topics of their own selection, when called on to deliver in their own way and fashion the results of this research do so much to the enlightenment and satisfaction of their hearers. The Lord has pointed the way and given the counsel: "Seek ye deligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom: seek ye learning even by study, and also by faith." (D. and C. 88:188). Moreover, in those wards where the presiding authorities are keeping in mind the spiritual needs of their respective congregations, and are exercising intelligent forethought and tact in the light of the Spirit, they are succeeding admirably in balancing varied interests and satisfying all reasonable demands. "THOU SHALT GO TO THE HOUSE OF PRAYER" The testimony meeting on fast day service differs in several essentials from other Sabbath meetings. First to be mentioned is the privilege extended to each member, as far as time permits, to bear testimony of the goodness of God and of the verity of his divine work in our day; also to sing, to pray, to exhort, and to exercise within bounds, gifts of the gospel as the Spirit leads. Old and young participate alike in these exercises; and for the most part these are "times of refreshing" from the Lord. There are RANDOLPH WARD HOUSE, WOOD- Located in Randolph, a few things noticeable, however, connected with this service which contributes largely to its success or to its hindrance. It is a singular fact that environment which acts directly on the bodily senses influences materially the spiritual activity. For instance, a chilly atmosphere in the assembly hall benumbs the mind; bad ventilation, or over-heat, causes drowsiness; inattention of officials on the stand, by members of the choir, or by anyone, for that matter, causes a wavering or a breaking of that subtile Essence which otherwise should flow from heart to heart. To say the least, such an unfitness of things is always a cause of depression and is justifiable only under the pressure of necessity. While on the other hand, neatness, cleanliness, and the orderly arrangement of things in the hall which are there for use or adornment, the rapid dispatch of necessary business, a comfortable temper-. ature, fresh air, good light-all these make for successful conditions. On the fast day, persons recently baptized are confirmed members of the Church, when it was not convenient to confirm them at the water's edge. In some wards the bishop takes advantage of this opportunity and invites young elders to assist in this ordinance, thus adding to the importance of the occasion, besides giving valuable practice to young men. But not least among the important things belonging to the exercise of the fast meeting is the blessing of children-infants. It would be hard to find a more interesting and touching ceremony than that of the blessing of children by elders of the Church. Here is life, and the beginning of life; and curiously enough nearly every person present is attracted. And where the father of the child, the grandfather, and others, are called upon, as the occasion suggests, to officiate with the bishopric, the circle of interest is enlarged. "SING WE NOW AT PARTING" The words and sentiments of the closing hymn, which might be mentioned here, frequently have reference to what has gone before as an expression of appreciation and gratitude for the mediate blessings enjoyed. Sometimes the song is so well known that the whole assembly joins the choir. When the congregation is not already standing, the practice is now becoming general for the congregation to remain seated until after the benediction is pronounced, as anything that creates confusion detracts from the sanctity of the occasion. As a rule a short prayer containing words of gratitude and blessing is the one most effective. PROVO, UTAH Our Hymns BY LEVI EDGAR YOUNG, OF THE FIRST COUNCIL OF SEVENTY The songs of our Church services are message-bearing and sacred to the average Latter-day Saint. We have many hymns that carry with them a gospel sermon and are a source of light and life to those who sing and read. The ordinary hymn is beautiful because it is simple; simple in that it stirs some emotion common to every human being, and appeals to the saint and the This building was erected in 1878, and was dedicated November 22, 1903, by President Joseph F. Smith. It is built of oolite stone, at a cost of $50,000. The seating capacity is 1,200; there are three rooms in the building. The height of the building is 30 feet to the square, outside measurements 90 by 55 feet; William H. Folsom, architect. Nearly two acres of land are connected with it, and surrounding the grounds are two rows of ash and ever-green trees. A splendid grove of ash trees is located in the center of the lot affording cooling shade. A part of the lot is used as a playground. The grounds and the house are cared for by the people of the Manti North and South wards. The building was erected by the Saints of Manti, so that it is not a stake tabernacle. In 1903 the building was remodeled and made quite modern. It is heated by steam, electriclighted, and well equipped. |