THE MISSION YEARS
1931 – 1935
PRESIDENT FRANCIS & SISTER LAURA SALZNER
SWISS-GERMAN MISSION President Franz (Francis) Salzner Sister Laura Salzner
Swiss—German Mission 1931-1935 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Millennial Star Appointment of Pres. Salzner 1 page German Booklet Article about Salzner Family 1 page
Title Page “The Accelerator” newspaper of the Swiss-German Mission
August 31, 1931 Article about Salzner Family 1 page October 31, 1931 Sister Laura Salzner’s 1st Letter 1 page October 31, 1931 President’s 1st Letter to mission 2 pages November 30, 1931 Sister Laura Salzner’s Letter 1 page November 30, 1931 President’s Letter 2 pages December 31, 1931 President’s Letter 3 pages
January 30, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages February 29, 1932 President’s Letter 2 pages March 29, 1932 Sister Laura Salzner’s Letter 2 pages March 29, 1932 President’s Letter 2 pages April 29, 1932 Sister Laura Salzner’s Letter 1 page April 29, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages May 31, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages June 30, 1932 Sister Laura Salzner’s Letter 2 pages June 30, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages July 31, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages August 30, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages September 30, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages October 28, 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages November 30. 1932 President’s Letter 4 pages December 15, 1932 President & Sister Salzner’s Letter 2 pages December 1932 Article about President Salzner 1 page
January 27, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages February 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages March 31, 1933 President’s Letter 3 pages April 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages May 30, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages June 30, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages July 31, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages August 30, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages September 30, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages October 31, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages November 30, 1933 President’s Letter 2 pages December 1, 1933 Sister Laura Salzner’s Letter 1 page
January 3, 1934 President’s Letter 1 page January 3, 1934 Article about Pres. Salzner 1 page January 3, 1934 Article on Trip to Hambach 2 pages February 1, 1934 President’s Letter 2 pages February 1, 1934 Article on Freemasonry 2 pages March 1, 1934 President’s Letter 2 pages March 30, 1934 President’s Letter 2 pages October 1, 1934 President’s Letter 3 pages December 1, 1934 Sister Laura Salzner’s Letter 1 page December 1, 1934 President’s Letter 1 page
May 28, 1935 President’s Farewell Letter 1 page May 1935 Article on Salzner’s Departure 3 pages
October 3, 1935 Sister Laura Salzner’s Talk at Relief Society Conference 3 pages October 1935 President Francis Salzner’s Talk at October General Conference 4 pages
Helen Salzner Dean’s Personal History of the Mission Years 1931 – 1935 8 pages
Missionaries of The Swiss-German Mission who Served under President Francis Salzner 1931 – 1935 3 pages
Appointment of Elder Francis Salzner Millennial Star Volume 93 / 1931 Thursday, September 10, 1931
Franz (Francis) Salzner, of Salt Lake City, has been appointed President of the Swiss-German Mission, in succession to President Fred Tadje.
Elder Salzner is a native of Germany, but came to America with his family in 1883, shortly after having joined the church at the age of thirteen years. He has always been active in church work. He filled a mission to Germany in his young manhood; has been a member of the Granite Stake High Council, President of the Stake German organization, and connected officially with many other church activities. At the time of receiving this call, he was President of the Granite Stake High Priests' Quorum.
President Salzner, who will be accompanied by his wife and three daughters, is expected to arrive in Europe during the first week of October, when President Tadje will transfer the affairs of the mission to him.
Brother Salzner and his family will receive a genuine welcome from the saints in Europe, and they will find in these lands much joy in proclaiming the eternal truths of the Gospel to a generation in deep need of divine guidance. - W (John A. Widtsoe)
The ACCELERATOR
Official Missionary Organ of the SWISS – GERMAN MISSION
Published and circulated from the office of the SWISS – GERMAN MISSION Leimenstrasse 49, Basel, Switzerland
Included in this section are letters and talks written by President & Sister Salzner While serving in the mission field 1931 - 1935 SUCCESSORS LEAVING AMERICA (Article in The Accelerator) August 31, 1931
Elder Franz Salzner, with his wife and three daughters, Helen, Edith and Frances, intend to leave, according to a report in the Deseret News, around the fifteenth of September to take over the duties of presiding over the Swiss-German Mission. The Deseret News report continues: “The new president of the mission was born in Hambach, Rheinpfalz, Germany, January 1, 1870, a son of George and Mary Lambert Salzner. He became a member of the Church with his family when thirteen years of age and came to the United States in 1883 making their home in Lehi.” “He was married in the Salt Lake Temple, June 21, 1893 to Laura Webb. His home was in Lehi for twenty years and he then lived in Sugar City, Idaho, for five years, coming then to Salt Lake where he has resided the past twenty-three years. He was a missionary to Germany in 1896 serving there twenty-eight months and was for one year president of the Dresden District.” He has been active in Church work in the Granite Stake. He was president of the stake German organization from 1909 to 1914. He then became a member of the stake high council which position he held until two months ago at which time he was made president of the stake High Priests’ Quorum.” According to shipping schedules, the new mission family should arrive on or near the first of October. The missionaries of the Swiss-German Mission want to extend them a hearty welcome and assure them heartiest cooperation.
R. K. Allen Managing Editor
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland October 31, 1931
My Dear Mission Sons:
At last we are more or less settled in our new home in Basel, and my heart goes out in thankfulness that I am able to devote my entire time to the work of the Lord, and that I have such a fine group of sons with whom to work. It seems a little strange to say “my sons” because we have had none of our own, but I love you all and want to be a real Mission Mother to you. When you have troubles I want to help you. When you are filled with joy in your glorious work I want to rejoice with you. I want to be proud of you as my sons in the fine manly way in which you conduct yourselves and in the sincerity with which you enter into your work. I have often thought as I walked along crisp leaves crunching under my feet, that invigorating pungency of fall in the air, cloudless skies above me, how beautiful this world of ours is. Yes, it is really beautiful, and if our lives are sweet and clean, filled with worthwhile activity and love for our fellow men, we will be able to look through the more sordid things of life into the brightness of tomorrow. I have had the privilege of attending one district conference and meeting a few of our boys, but I hope in the near future to become acquainted with all of you. I have heard splendid reports of the elders in our mission and I know that I will not be disappointed in you. Already I sense a spirit of co-operation and love that exists among you and I hope that this spirit will grow and become a greater factor in our work as time goes on. My work will be a little difficult until I learn to speak the language, but it is our earnest desire to continue in the wonderful work done by Brother and Sister Tadje in the upbuilding of this mission.
May the Lord bless you in all that you undertake.
Sincerely, Laura W. Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland October 31, 1931
My Dear Mission Sons:
It is an inexpressible joy to me to be here in the Swiss-German Mission and to be engaged in the work of the Lord in this field. Wherever I have been the members and you alike have received me with open arms and the joy it has been to me has been overwhelming. It is my humblest hope and prayer that I shall be able to fulfill my duties as it should be done. At the very outset I want to tell you all that I have found you to be strong and energetic in your work as far as I have become acquainted with you, and already I can begin to sense the strength of our organization. It is a sense of security to know that you are pure and upright young men and worthy to be serving in this great work. Through the bond of our work I feel close to you all and I want you all to feel close to me. If you have troubles come to me with them and I will do my best to assist you in settling them. I hope with all my heart that you will feel free to come to me as you would to your own father and pour out your heart to me. If I were to counsel you I would only tell you to be true to the Gospel and to the mission rules. Not only for the period of your missions should you be steadfast, but for your whole lives. What you do after your missions is determined almost invariably by your attitude and your faithfulness during your missions. You are laying the foundation stone for your whole lives. Don’t think that when you go back you can rest. There is no rest in this life. There is only work, work, work. If you rest you will become soft and weak and will be influenced. If you rest you will slip back into the old rut in which you were before you came. When you get back, go to work. If there is no job for you, go out somewhere and work without pay, but don’t be idle. It is only still water that freezes and idle men that spoil.
The worst disgrace which can come to you is if you go back and become a victim to the indulgences which might have been your master before you left to come over here, and which have claimed so many souls in the world. I knew a man once who caught a young returned missionary smoking, and he discharged him immediately. This man employed others who smoked, but he said if that young man went out and preached against such practices for more than two years and then couldn’t live the laws he proclaimed, he wouldn’t trust him out of his sight. That’s the responsibility which rests upon you – first of all to be true to yourselves, and next to help your fellow-men to be better and stronger. The joy of service is unbounded. The happiness derived from honest labor is the real happiness which is the native gift of all men. It is my wish that the Lord might bless us all at all times to be energetic and steadfast.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland November 30, 1931
My Dear Mission Sons:
About this time every year we mothers begin to feel just a little concerned about the health of our sons and daughters. We feel the nip of fall change to the chill of winter and we wonder if you are all taking care of yourselves. It is so easy in our enthusiasm to become neglectful and careless in looking after our health, that I feel it might be well to remind you again of those things which you have, no doubt, heard from your own mothers time and again. With the winter’s work demanding more and more energy it is very wise that you secure enough sleep. I think that you should have eight hours sleep every night. I realize that circumstances arise which make this almost impossible, but if we try hard we can do it. Our work demands that our nerves and bodies be strong and rested as we start the day. I would also advise that you make every arrangement so that you sleep warm and comfortable. The conditions many of you meet are not the most convenient, but you owe it to yourselves and to the Lord to take care of your health. Take time to eat properly. I am afraid that sometimes we become so rushed that we forget that this machine of ours needs fuel. It is much better to spend a few minutes more each day and a few more cents each day to eat properly prepared and nourishing food than it is to spend the remaining months of your missions and perhaps of your lives taking care of a ruined stomach or a weakened body. The work of the Lord can be done much more efficiently if we are warmly dressed, and not annoyed by those headaches, sneezes and coughs which are so prevalent in this season. We have a great work before us and we must work so efficiently that we will be able to do as much as possible during the time we are here. I know that you are working under different conditions and that any rules or advice I could give you would have to be cast to fit each individual case. But please be careful and take care of yourselves.
We are praying for your welfare and that the spirit of the Lord may be with you always.
Sincerely your sister,
Laura W. Salzner
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland November 30, 1931
My Dear Brethren:
Quite often it has come to my attention that missionaries waste a good deal of time in picture shows. Now that is easy to understand and I don’t want to criticize the practice. If you feel that is the only way you can obtain diversion from your strenuous work, and if you feel you have earned the privilege of diversion, go to a show now and then. The only thing about it which I would like to suggest is that you go see to good things. As nearly as I can tell from talking with the brethren in my travels about the mission, most of the shows over here are great disappointments. That is the picture shows. The German ones don’t seem to be up to the standard and the American ones come quite seldom. I can say from experience that the best talkies and picture shows in the world can be seen in most of the small towns in Utah more often and cheaper than they can be seen in Europe. On the other hand good operas and plays and concerts are a rarity in our western part of the United States, and it seems to me the wisest among us will go less often and then go only to the good things which come along. Go to operas. Go to hear artists such as Fritz Kreisler when the opportunity comes along. Go to good lectures – even at a higher price than a picture show. From all these things you will obtain a lasting benefit, and will taste of a culture which is only in the embryo in western America. VISITING FRIENDS: If any of us knows of a friend who is waiting hungrily for a servant of the Lord to visit him and give him spiritual food, we are duty-bound to go and make such a visit. If our whole day is taken up with such visits we can rest assured that we are not wasting our time nor stealing on any other phase of the work.
It is the education of the friends which boosts the baptism columns. A good many are nearly ready. They want to embrace the Gospel. They are convinced, but purely for the lack of someone to come along and encourage them they stay back and pass up the golden opportunity of accepting the glorious truth. Sometimes we are a bit hesitant about pressing the matter of baptism – this may be wise. But we should never be hesitant about making visits where we are welcome. Go often, and tell them everything you can about the Gospel. All our tracting is in vain if the visits aren’t made. GOING TO CONFERENCES: A good many requests for permission to visit conferences have been sent to me, and I would like to explain the policy in this matter. Any of you have permission to go to any conference in reasonable distance, provided you have your affairs in your branch arranged so they won’t suffer by your absence and provided your district president is willing that you go. It is just as essential that we meet often as that we be here, and it is a fine opportunity to travel and at the same time to partake of the spirit of cooperation with our fellow workers. JOY OF SERVICE: Every day to me is as a new and beautiful adventure in this world full of happiness and sorrow. Many are my experiences, and varied, and even so my blessings, but I can truthfully testify that my heart burns with sheer joy when I know that I have been a useful tool in the work of the Almighty. Peace of soul and divine satisfaction never come to the waiting man, nor are they tangible enough to be found in direct pursuit. They shower down rather like the cooling rain on the crop-beladen earth – reward for hard work and stimulus to do more. “Serve the Lord with all your might, mind and strength, and great will be your joy therein.”
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland December 31, 1931
My Dear Mission Sons:
Good fortune and the modern facilities of travel have enabled me to meet you all in this short period of three months, and I am truthfully very, very happy to know what a wonderful group of young men you constitute. We are at the end of another year and it is time for a reckoning. Statistics will say whether we have done well or not done well – statistics calculated by us. These statistics will be recorded in the records of our day in the mission field. There is, however, another record being made, more indelible, more accessible, more often reviewed – it is the record of our conscience, and it cannot be falsified. If you have done your best you deserve commendation, if not you should be encouraged to do better. If you have met requirements, well and good. If you have exceeded requirements, so much the better. But if you have failed in your own mind there is no comforting word, no encouraging solace which can ease the pain of your self-dissatisfaction. We are proud to report that you are all well, that you are happy and that you are busy. New branches are being organized, and old ones are growing. That makes us happy. The financial affairs of the whole world are topsy-turvy and we must suffer alike, but we must not let it discourage us, but rather it should spur us on to more concentrated missionary work. In the life of the missionary the last thing to suffer because of shortage of funds should be the mission spirit. The last thing to be economized on should be the mission work, and the least expensive activity we can indulge in is the preaching of the Gospel. If none of us had a camera, if none of us could go to moving picture shows, or operas or plays, we could still all go to our meetings and to our tracting fields. And after all, what brings the most lasting joy? A nearer unity is being striven for in the standard of the work in the various missions in Europe, and President Widtsoe has issued a circular stating that a tracting average of 50 hours per month should be established until the next convention of the mission presidents. Regardless of any past policies or practices, I would like to express my desire to you that you be honest in your work, however much or little it is. You might deceive your leaders and your associates, but you cannot deceive yourself nor your God. If you feel that you have worked and worked well, you should have no regrets at reporting the exact amount of work done. There is a difference between tracting for “hours” and tracting to find friends and meet the people. We are not seeking to reach the sky on paper, but simply to find the most possible people in the short time we are here, and it can only be done through conscientious hard work. If I shoot straight once and hit the mark, my game is bagged. If I shoot high and wide at a superficial target (a record of hours) a hundred times, my game is still at large and my ammunition is wasted. This change should not be interpreted to mean that you should all spend that much more time purposely, but rather that you should not feel driven. You are men, not boys, and you know your duties. If you cannot find enough friends in fifty hours to keep you busy the whole day visiting them, then tract 60 hours or 70, until you do find enough. It has been found that the man who sincerely and regularly seeks to find friends through tracting 70 hours a month is also enthusiastic enough to go back and visit those friends, thus bringing his average in all phases up. Work, and work hard, and go to sleep honestly exhausted if you will remain healthy, physically and spiritually. The primary object in this change is, then, not to reduce the amount of work done but to convert the energy used in excessive concentration on tracting into work with friends. Tracting not followed up is like prospecting without mining the discovered ore out. Let us begin, then, as is only possible with the closing of the books of the old year, to make the new year a fuller, better-balanced and more fruitful one than any in the past. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE “STERN”: Brother Widtsoe has cautioned in a circular that a good many of the missionaries do not subscribe for the “Stern”. If this is the case, I would like to ask you to do it as soon as possible. The “Stern” is the official publication of the mission, and you should feel duty-bound to keep in touch with it. It is also our duty to advertise the publication everywhere possible, and we can only do so when we are also listed among the paid subscribers. (We should not be as the director of the Naturist cult in Paris who directs the proceedings of his followers dressed in full, warm clothing, while they shiver in a “G” string. PRAYING TOGETHER: It is has been reported that some of the brethren have been a little neglectful of the joint prayers in the room at the beginning and the close of the day. These prayers, if spoken aloud in addition to the secret prayer, are the best means in the world of preserving harmony between companions. It is also a mission rule that this be done daily. Prayers spoken aloud, not only bring us closer to each other, but also closer to the Lord and inspire a spirit of humility and peace in us not approachable through any other means. Sister Salzner, the mission family, and I all want to wish you the most happy and successful New Year. May the Lord bless you all and keep you always.
Sincerely your mission father,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland January 30, 1932
My Dear Mission Sons:
A month of the new year has passed; a space of sacred time which the powers of heaven or earth cannot recall. The thought is in a way appalling – we shall never live to do that which we might have done during the time the hour, minute, or second ticked away – sealing its destiny. We have all, consciously or unconsciously, vowed within our hearts to do a finer, more systematic work during this new year, and we could not have been given a better beginning to test the thickness of our characters and the toughness of our soul fiber than, in the face of the damp, cold, perhaps depressing weather of January, to settle down to consistent endeavor. Have we succeeded to our own satisfaction or have we sought excuses to try to soothe or suppress the accusing murmur of our consciences? The festivities and programs accompanying Christmas and New Years seem to have retarded our proselyting intentions. Now, however with time enough to get the branches and other affairs in order we should be deeply engrossed in teaching the world to live life more fully. SEEK THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: You have all heard the members and friends remark about the different missionaries who were in the branches in the past. After the mention of several names one will suddenly stimulate the comment of those present in a special way. From these remarks, without ever seeing the forgoing missionaries, you automatically place them in a category with others you know of their type. You have occasionally heard this said, “There was a real missionary. He was deep and genuine. He understood the purpose of his mission and let nothing stop or delay him in the carrying out of the work assigned to him.” I have found that these brethren were not always the most outstanding in a gathering where hilarity and pleasure were the aim. They could not make the members laugh so readily or loudly, but when the deeper problems of life were in question they were sought for their counsel and judgment. Every person has more than one being, or side of life, and the development of these personalities in a balanced proportion should be the one aim in relation to our personal progression. This is especially significant in relation to successful missionary accomplishment. Allowing one characteristic to rule our beings constantly results in uncontrollable growth on the part of this characteristic and the shrinking of our other traits. The longer we live allowing one of our selves to live this life of ours the greater slaves we become to narrow existence, until eventually we are not capable of extracting ourselves from the deep but cramped channel worn by blindly following one path. Our entire fate is then thrown upon the powers we have developed, and as long as these powers have only their own field to compete with success is lustrous. If, however, we are taken out of this sphere we find ourselves clumsy and inadequate. It is therefore so imperative that we as missionaries lay the greatest stress upon the expansion of our spiritual faculties. Our presence must be felt as representatives of God and not as entertainers. Sacrifices are being made for every missionary by his parents or the Saints, and incessant levity is paltry remuneration for these offerings. Following a natural, balanced life gives us time and occasion to develop our talents and powers, and we do not need to repress the spontaneous impulses – when these impulses are based upon sanity and rationality. If there is any missionary in this mission who is discontented with his work, or feels an unrest in his soul, it is due to the fact that he has not yet really come to a full understanding of the significance of his presence and purpose in this work, and with what attitude he should see life while upon a mission. If you want to feel a soulful joy which radiates power, understanding and love, you must first know definitely why you are here, with what powers you are endowed, and from whom these powers came. Then with a tangible conception of your goal the attainment of that goal can be more successfully realized and there will be no pangs of regret or remorse.
In the early days of the Church the missionaries were forced to depend upon the Lord for their physical needs, and thus their spirits were forced into a humble attitude which made it possible for them to live as mediums through which the Lord could spread His spirit among the children of men. Today your physical necessities are, as a rule, supplied by your parents and to go before the Lord for guidance, when the present seems to demand no tangible help, requires great will-power and faith. It seems, therefore, to be the case that the transition into mission life often takes place without a complete severing of the light-minded attitude of the high school. We cannot live in two worlds at the same time, and until we understand and apply this, we shall not know what it means to serve the Lord to His or our own satisfaction. The first part of our lives was for correct physical development, and we were not expected to carry the mien of serious meditating men, but with the summons to this work of men we were expected to discard the foolishness of boys and think and pray as men. If it were not within our power to accomplish this the Lord would have never called us to act in His name. What could be a weightier responsibility? We should keep that thought before us at all times, and we shall find that after the channel of communication is open our hearts will swell with joy, deep and inspiring, and we shall see the honest in heart rise up and call us blessed. Our entire time should be taken up in study, meditation, and prayer upon the Gospel and its problems. Otherwise we shall be living without the communion of Him who directs this work and to do that is to assume that our own meager experience and strength is sufficient to replace that of God. What do you think of when you are not forced to speak of the Gospel? When you walk down the street does every fleeting object distract your trend of thought? If this is the case you should force yourself to concentrate upon the cause you proclaim to the world. It will, perhaps, at first seem impossible, but after you really become absorbed in the activities we have in our trust, you will find no time to dwell upon that which formerly stimulated you to unreserved laughter or participation.
This is one of the greatest problems missionaries have to deal with, and it is my prayer that you will exert your faith and prayers to live closer to your Heavenly Father. He rejoices when we go to Him for advice just as any mortal father does when his child comes to him with the confidence that his assistance is the most precious that can be desired. Remember this – you can pray to God at any time, and if you have done your part you are entitled to His strength, support, and approval, because He has bestowed upon you His authority – the scope of which extends into immortality. May you live in harmony with the Spirit of the Lord and rejoice in your labors.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland February 29, 1932
My Dear Mission Sons:
Spring will soon be upon us and “mother-earth”, as if awakening from a long sleep, will put on new life and do all in her power to show her appreciation to the maker for existence. We, as servants of God, should be touched by the same impulses and desires. We should express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for existence, and for the countless other blessings that we have received, by exerting ourselves to develop the talents and make use of the opportunities that have been given us. These talents have only been entrusted to us and if we do not use them in bringing joy and happiness to others who have not seen the true light we shall have them taken from us. We are all but weak mortals, full of imperfections, lacking in many of the fields which make men successful, and in many ways hampered by handicaps which have a tendency to discourage us. There is one thing, however, that we may all possess and that is humility and a prayerful heart. Sensing our inability will lead us to seek the Lord and His help, and if we do this we shall not be failures. We often do not realize just how much a humble, prayerful, God fearing, young man can do when guided and led by the holy influence of our Heavenly Father. When we feel His guiding hand over us, when He answers our prayers and provides for us, when we are lead to those who are honest seekers of truth and see them respond with joyful hearts we are tasting the greatest joy a man can experience upon this earth. Prayer and work - harmoniously combined, are the only gates to this joy. One without the other is useless, but together they are irresistible. EQUIP YOURSELVES WITH KNOWLEDGE: Our efforts to gain new friends are all in vain if we are not in a position to offer them something worthwhile when they visit our meetings. We may use all the methods and schemes known to mankind to advertise our religion, but after all is said and done the friends who are to be desired, and whom we should seek, are those who are searching for the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He preached it. It is therefore necessary that we “ground” ourselves well in the scriptures. The four standard works of the Church are the basis upon which we as missionaries should build. The Gospel is explained in these books in the simplest, clearest, but most perfect form we have. We may write commentaries about these books from every angle we desire, but we cannot create a work that can substitute for one of them. They were written by prophets who were authorized and guided by the Lord, hence it is futile to try to understand the Gospel without a thorough knowledge of the contents of the recognized scriptures. The friends who will eventually join the Church are people who are still seeking guidance from the Bible, and unless we are able to show them in their own Bibles that the Gospel has been restored and that God reveals His will to the world in the same way at all times they are going to turn away disappointed and seek elsewhere for truth. In such cases we are going to be held responsible to a certain degree for not having done our part in explaining the Gospel. I urge you, therefore, brethren to study these books regularly. It should be the practice of every elder to memorize at least one passage of scripture every week. You will be surprised at the fund of knowledge you can acquire within a few months. May the Lord bless and guide you at all times is my prayer for you.
Your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland March 29, 1932
My Dear Mission Sons:
Now that I am visiting the conferences it is my privilege to meet most of the elders and I want to take this opportunity of expressing my joy and appreciation to you for the kindness you have shown me in so many ways. The longer I stay here in the mission field the more I realize that I am working with some of the choicest young people of the Church – I can, in fact, say the world, because my testimony is strong that our Church produces the finest type of manhood on earth. I value this association highly – especially now that I may meet with you in your meetings, see how you cope with the problems that are appearing so often during this period of doubt, hear your testimonies and add my voice to yours in proclaiming the divinity of this work to the world. It was a joy for me to find you so happily engrossed in your activities and exerting your strength to further the cause you represent. The joy I find among the missionaries is a testimony to me, because this is God’s church, His mission, districts, and branches, and when we perform our duties honestly and consistently in His service our reward is a divine joy that has no substitute or duplication. It is, therefore, an easy matter to distinguish those who are really imbued with the spirit of their calling. I am sorry we cannot meet the new elders just as they come in from America, but we are glad to see you at the conferences and hope to be able to help you with encouragement or advise. The transition from life at home to the life of a missionary is not easy – especially when the mission entails the learning of a foreign language. The first few months in the field play a big part in the success of the mission – in fact our whole life is influenced by the way we approach our mission labors. For the first few months in the field we perhaps feel helpless and cumbersome. Unable to speak the language we feel as if we had been stripped of our power to think and act as individuals. It is at this time that we must concentrate our efforts, prayers, and faith more than ever before to master the situation. It is at this time that Satan tries pertinaciously to conquer us. If he can keep us depressed, discouraged, and despondent he is attaining his aim and will eventually rob us of our respect and confidence in ourselves and in our Heavenly Father. The battle with self is hard - the hardest in life; I am, therefore, so anxious for those who are just starting their missions. Pray often in humbleness and faith for strength and wisdom, and then work diligently day after day, and though the weeks may pass without tangible evidence of progress in the language or in other phases of the work the Lord will surely bless you with success and joy in your labors. Remember that the Lord has called you and has promised to endow every person in His service with the capacity and intelligence to fulfill the demands of his calling as long as this person does his part by striving, in humbleness and prayer, to carry out the duties he has been given. This promise has never been broken and can never be broken. If we become despondent and discouraged occasionally it shows, at least, that we have ideals and aims we wish to attain. The mistake is when we allow these depressive moments to defeat us instead of stimulating us to seek the Lord’s help. Everything is possible for him who perseveres. May the Lord bless you and guide you at all times.
Sincerely,
Laura W. Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland March 29. 1932
My Dear Brethren:
The spring conferences are being held now and those I have visited thus far have been very well attended and were beneficial and strengthening for all who were present. I am happy to see that the missionaries have endeavored so diligently to bring as many friends as possible to these meetings, and I am sure the joy you have found in making the conferences successful has richly repaid you for the hours of work you have spent. It has been very instructive and inspiring to meet with you personally in your missionary meetings – to hear you express yourselves in regard to your attitude toward the work, and I wish to commend you upon your efforts and achievements. I would like to say here that a general invitation is given to all elders to attend the conferences in districts adjoining their own. This is, of course, on the condition that your branches are so well taken care of in your absence that there is no possibility of them suffering. In branches where the elders have most of the work to do they should be cautious and leave the branch only in the hands of capable and dependable brethren. In cases where the missionary meeting is held on Saturday, the elders can come in to the city of the conference the evening before, and be back in their branches the following Monday. VISITING OTHER MISSIONS: Requests have come to the office occasionally for the privilege of leaving the field of labor for a short time for the purpose of visiting friends or relatives in other missions. These requests must be sent directly to President Widtsoe as he alone can grant permission to visit outside of our mission. CONSECRATING OIL: The last number of “The Accelerator” explained the misunderstanding that prevails in relation to the purpose and use of consecrated oil. To the instructions given last time I would like to add an exemplary prayer for this ordinance. The prayer in English, taken from the book “Instructions in Ordinance Work”, reads as follows: “……we consecrate, dedicate, and set this oil apart for the anointing of the sick in the household of faith….” I shall give you here a translation of the prayer which should be used for this ordinance, and I would like all missionaries to type a copy of it and paste it over the paragraph “Segnen von Oel” in the missionary daybook. When the occasion presents itself it would be well to explain to the Saints the true meaning of this sacred ordinance – tactfully emphasizing the fact that consecrated oil is to be used only by those who are invested with the authority of the priesthood. THE PRAYER IN GERMAN READS AS FOLLOWS: “Unser himmlischer Vater, wir nehmen dieses Gefass gefullt mit Oel in unsere Hande und angetan mit der Vollmacht des Heiligen Melchizedekischen Priestertums, das auf uns ruht, segnen und weihen wir dieses Oel zum Salben der Kranken im Haushalt des Glaubens. Wir tun dies im Namen Jesu Christi, Amen.” It is my constant prayer that you will strive continually to do that which you know to be right. It is doubtful whether life will ever again offer you such a splendid opportunity as does the mission field for molding your characters into the forms you would like them to be – at the same time doing your part in lifting humanity to a higher level. Now is the time to lay a spiritual as well as a practical foundation for the battles of life which are to come.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland April 29, 1932
My Dear Mission Sons:
We shall soon be commemorating Mother’s Day, and we are, of course, thinking more of our parents than we do as a rule because this day calls forth some open token or expression of devotion and appreciation for our parents and particularly for our mothers. Perhaps you stop at this time to think of your relationship to your mother, of your association with her while at home, of the ideals she tried so diligently to plant in your hearts, and of the sacrifices she makes to keep you in the mission field. Perhaps your hearts ache a little when you think of the many opportunities you allowed to pass by, while you were at home, when you could have made your mother happier by letting her know how much you appreciated and love her. Such thoughts may cause regret, but just remember this that her cup of happiness will be more than filled if your lives, especially during the time you are away from her, are clean and noble. As you kissed your mothers good-by at the train to come on your missions you left her educative sphere to stand on your own feet in the world and to teach the principles of righteous living you learned at home. You are the product of her ideals, prayers, and endeavors; her choicest contribution to the world, and her answer to a trust committed by God. She has done her best to equip you well in body and spirit for the work waiting to be done in the world, and now watches anxiously for the fruits of her work. If you would make her life happy, live in such a way that your lives will testify of the efforts your parents made to enrich the world with your presence. A mother is not so much interested in knowing whether her son holds positions of honor or not as she is in feeling that his testimony is deep, and that he is living in harmony with the Spirit of our Heavenly Father. Honor for honor’s sake is a mockery and as frail as a bubble, but duties well fulfilled, no matter how small, bring a righteous soul satisfaction. May the Lord bless you with the strength to live up to the ideals your mothers have taught you to foster, so that your lives may be examples to your fellow-men, a source of satisfaction to yourselves, and a deep joy to your mothers.
Sincerely,
Laura W. Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland April 29, 1932
My Dear Fellow Workers:
At the present time the world is trying to find its way through one of the most critical periods of history, and these conditions necessarily find a reaction in the work of the Lord in every nation of the earth. Our mission is feeling only too poignantly the seriousness of the plight in which mankind almost helplessly stands. Worthy saints, who have been independent their whole lives, must now rely on the government and the Church for the necessities of life. These demands for assistance are steadily increasing and the tithing and fast offerings are decreasing in the same proportion. As the unemployment increases, the government doles become smaller so that the struggle for existence is almost taking on a primitive aspect. This is the state of affairs that stares us in the face today, and the responsibility of meeting and helping to solve this problem rests upon our shoulders. It is, therefore, very imperative that we pay more attention to the expenses of the mission if we are to keep the work progressing. We must close the meeting houses in many of the smaller branches and hold our meetings with the saints and friends in their homes. My experience and the experience of the elders in the mission who have tried this method convince me that the meetings we hold in the homes are often more effective in explaining and spreading the Gospel than are the meetings we hold in a public hall. New friends can, with assurance, visit house meetings, and there, in the spiritual atmosphere a home lends to a gathering and where the association is more informal, they can present their problems and questions freely whereas in a public meeting they would be restrained by timidity. It often happens that friends lose their interest in the Gospel due to disunity which occasionally arises within the branch. I should, therefore, like to encourage you to increase your efforts to the investigators in their homes. They must be taught to love the Gospel for the Gospel’s sake and to disregard the mistakes of individuals. If we concentrate more upon this phase of missionary work I am sure we shall see more fruits of our labors and a better spirit of love will be felt in our branches. LENGTH OF MISSIONS: Due to the financial difficulties which practically every family has to cope with, some of our most efficient missionaries are being called home before the usual time has expired. We are receiving approximately one new missionary to every ten releases, so a great adjustment will have to be made to meet this situation. I urge you all, therefore, to assist as much as possible in meeting this condition. Stay your full time if it is at all possible, and please do not ask to be released early due to financial inability to complete your mission and then spend two months touring Europe – giving out enough money to have kept you in the mission field the full time. The following rules are given by President Widtsoe in relation to the length of a mission in a foreign land. “When a new language has to be learned, thirty months form a short period in which to perform sufficient missionary work. Nevertheless by the whispering of the Spirit these periods may be lengthened or shortened. Practical conditions also determine when a missionary may be returned. The exact date of a release is not known until the mission president takes action.” WRITING LETTERS TO SAINTS: Although it has been but a few months since instructions were sent out in the Accelerator explaining the rules of the mission in regard to correspondence with members in our old fields of labor, the reoccurrences of the mistake make it necessary for me to call your attention to the danger again. Our saints are still too human to see one or two families in the branch receive letters from missionaries who were previously there without being offended and showing their resentment against what they think is partiality. Ignoring this rule, brethren, causes untold difficulty for the branch officers, so please do not repeat it in the future. If you desire to send a letter of greetings to the saints in your former branches, write one which can be read in a meeting to the branch as a whole, but refrain from writing to the individual member.
Another phase of correspondence we should be careful of is in relation to the addresses and what appears on the front of the envelope or postal card. Affixing absurd titles to the names of missionaries and other people to whom we write, as an expression of humor, is too hazardous to be employed by men who are representing the Church of Jesus Christ. The members of our Church, and especially the missionaries, are under an uncompassionate observation at all times, and when letters are sent out, by Elders, that bear these supposedly clever appellations, the postmen, and all others through whose hands the letters pass, form conclusions of the entire Church which often cannot be obliterated in a lifetime. Brethren, we cannot afford to jeopardize the name of the Church as well as our own reputations by doing such things. It is permissible to place a “Read the Book of Mormon” sticker on your letters, but do not plaster them up with signs until they become cheaply conspicuous. TEMPLE WORK: I would like to request the missionaries not to take any Temple Lists or other genealogical papers, of the members, with them to Utah when they are released. Often the saints request the Elders to take genealogical work with them to be done in the temple, but the order of the Church is that all genealogical work should go through the mission office where it is checked, to make sure that all the required data and information has been supplied, recorded, and then forwarded to the Salt Lake Temple. This system saves a great deal of time and money since incomplete sheets which go directly to the temple are sent back to the mission office for completion. After the work has been finished in the temple the sheets are returned to the mission office, checked off the records, and then returned to those who sent them in. MAKE YOUR TIME COUNT: Spring is now here and the days are getting longer so make the hours count. It is surprising how much more can be accomplished in a day that has an early beginning than one which starts at 7:30am or 8:00am. Benjamin Franklin recognized this truth as he said, “He that rises late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night.”
This thought is well confirmed in the mission field. Get out of bed early in the morning and study one or two hours before breakfast whire your minds are refreshed and receptive. You will be able to derive a great deal more good from your study in the morning than at night, and you will be supplied with a basis upon which to speak during your hours of tracting. If you remain in bed until a late hour you feel sluggish physically, mentally and spiritually most of the day, and the tracting time will drag because the people at the doors will reflect the half-hearted spirit you bring with you. After an hour or two of study, however, your face will radiate the spirit of the Gospel you proclaim. And a good impression will be made upon those with whom you speak. If you desire to be truly happy in your work do not look at the clock, but seek opportunities to render service to your fellow men, and the days will pass by swiftly and satisfactorily. We must seek the honest in heart if we are to find them – that is our mission. May you enjoy the choicest blessings of the Lord at all times.
Very sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland May 31, 1932
My Dear Brethren:
The district reports which are submitted each month reveal a graphic picture of the conditions in the mission and of the activity of the missionaries. With each report the need for thrift in our work becomes more apparent, so we wish to stress this principle in this issue of the Accelerator and in all of our undertakings and efforts during the coming months. The application of this essential practice requires more meditation and planning than we often think as it is not enough that we refrain from purchasing many of the articles which are not absolutely necessary, but we must study the necessary expenditures from every possible angle in all of our dealings so that we do not lose any money at the time of the transaction and run no risk being burdened with a “White Elephant” after the present conditions have altered themselves. The resources of the mission are distributed through you, brethren, so please do not forget the urgent necessity of utmost care and vigilance in the disbursement of the Church funds. Money of course cannot be given out without the necessary permission, but before applying for funds we should consider our request from all sides and see if it is not possible to avoid such an expenditure. Before leaving one meeting hall and making arrangements for another, the conditions in the branch should be thoroughly explained to the mission President so that we shall not bind ourselves with contracts to remain in expensive buildings when the income and attendance of the branch do not justify such a situation. Experience has taught us that it is unwise to sign long contracts for the halls of branches in which the attendance fluctuates a great deal. So let me urge you again to take such steps only after you have organized the many possibilities and weighed them prayerfully with the uncertain future. This same should be observed in the smaller transactions which entail the purchase of furnishings and fixtures for the branch. It is often unnecessary to go into a store to buy these things at the merchant’s retail price, as there are usually members in the branch through whom we can get them at a reduction or at least the cheapest price possible, because they are acquainted with the stores of their home cities and can help us in finding something suitable at a minimum price. It is not possible to mention the different circumstances with which we have to deal, but if we bear the fact in mind always that we are spending the money of the Church and that it should only be done after cooperation with the district and mission President and after careful consideration, I am sure we shall be able to keep the mission on a progressive level in spite of the negative influences with which we have to cope. STRESS TITHING: During the month of June we should preach tithing to the saints at every opportunity. Since the tithing of the mission is decreasing every month we must act immediately if we are to avoid financial embarrassment. President Lorenzo Snow found the Church in a precarious financial predicament and to solve the problem he traveled from ward to ward preaching the law of tithing to the saints. His words were heeded and the individual members as well as the Church as an organization were blessed with prosperity and success within a short time. The missionaries in one of the branches in Switzerland who analyzed the tithing, found the income of the members to be the same as it was last year, but the tithing had decreased 20%. They intensified their efforts of an honest fulfillment of this law and it was not long until the conditions returned to normality. We cannot, of course, hope to see a direct repetition of this example in Germany because of the unemployment is much greater there than in Switzerland, but we can check this steady decrease and return our operating basis to a secure level. WATCH YOUR PERSONAL EXPENSES: I have been very pleased with the personal economy of the missionaries in the past, but I should just like to add a word of caution for the future in this regard. With the coming of spring and summer our expenses should decrease somewhat, but to the contrary I see that they are increasing a little. Please watch your money very carefully because we never know during these times of incertitude when our source of support may become insufficient. Refrain from buying unnecessary articles during the mission period because this practice not only detracts our attention from our work, but wastes the money which is obtained only through tedious toil and saving. It is not necessary to reiterate the problems with which your parents have to contend in order to support you here in the mission field, but we cannot be cautious enough in the use of these funds. You have all seen children delight in rummaging through the old discarded souvenirs and clothes in the attic – articles which cost a great deal of money, but are now worthless – only the money itself retains its value, so we should bear this in mind when we are tempted to buy. The Bible teaches us with a beautiful example that economy is one of God’s eternal laws. The fifteenth chapter of Matthew relates of Jesus going up into a mountain near the Sea of Galilee where he was followed by thousands of people who sought His inspirational teaching. The story is well known of how He compassionately refused to send the people to their homes without giving them food to eat. “And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” “And they did all eat and were filled; and they took up the broken meat that was left, seven baskets full.” From the circumstances of the case and the instructions the Savior gave to His disciples, we may assume that He directed the proceedings, and His directions reveal that He was opposed to even the waste of the fragments of food left over. It had cost nothing and had caused labor on the part of no one, but Juses directed the disciples to gather what had been left for future use. When He, to whom the world and its inhabitants owe their creation, saved the crumbs, from a feast He had prepared himself, to show His disapproval for waste, how much more circumspect should we be in the use of money which comes to us only after arduous effort on the part of our parents. BE ECONOMICAL WITH YOUR TIME: Just as important as financial economy, is thrift in the application of our time. New opportunities present themselves every day, but their worth exists only in our use of these golden moments. Picture in your minds the horror and consternation of the gasping wanderer as his quivering hand dropped the canteen and he saw his small portion of water vanish into the shimmering sands. Although the present genius of man could not accomplish it, the laws of nature make the return of those precious drops possible. How much greater should our concern be about the hours of our lives in the mission field, because there is no existing power that can stay them in their ceaseless march. When our missions are completed no one will ask, “What kind of a camera did you buy? How many theaters did you visit? Did you see Rome?” The only vital question will be: “Did you serve the Lord to the fullest extent of your power every day of your mission?” It is then that our uncompassionate conscience will either sting us with regret deeper than we can now imagine, or make the memory of our efforts a source of joy and strength. Make use of the splendid opportunities furnished by the summer months. The weather during the month of May has been very good in most parts of Germany so I was rather surprised to see that our tracting has dropped considerably. It is not necessary to repeat the rules in relation to this phase of our work. The mornings should be devoted to tracting and if this is done consistently every day our records should show an average of 50 hours each month, and we shall be fulfilling the purpose of our calling. “LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT”: Since so many missionaries are being released during the coming month I should like to call your attention to the chapter entitled “Homeward Bound” in the letters from President Widtsoe. He says: “When your release comes, your first duty is not really to plan your return trip, but to lay out and prepare what may be called you missionary Last will and Testament.” This does not need to run into a great length, but should be written carefully and in the best style possible. May the Lord bless you continually in your work.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland June 30, 1932
My Dear Mission Sons:
Now that the last of the spring conferences have been held and I look back over the experiences I have had during the last few months I feel urged to write a short letter to you as a small expression of the deep gratitude and love I have in my heart for all of you who are laboring so faithfully here in this mission. It has been my privilege this spring of meeting practically all of the missionaries of our mission, and I want you to know how deeply impressed I was by the splendid spirit I felt among you, by the clean lives you are living, by the unselfish energy with which you apply yourselves to the heavy tasks you are called upon to bear, and by the joy you are finding in this divine work. From Schleswig-Holstein, on the north, to Zurich and Berne, on the south, despite the variability of conditions and local people, I walked with a harmonious brotherhood of boys who are men in every sense of the work, and as I made my observations and compared them with the compliments which were paid you by the friends and members with whom you labor, my admiration and trust in you surpassed my expectations. In many of your rooms we met your landladies and asked them how they were impressed by you, and you can well understand our pleasure as we repeatedly heard that you are, as a rule, living exemplary lives, and have won the deepest esteem and love from the strangers with whom you live. You are doing much more to spread the Gospel through your clean living than in any other way, so let be beg you to always guard yourselves from ungentlemanly conduct and the many temptations of Satan. I want to thank you also for your kind cards and expressions of regard which I received on Mother’s Day. It is not possible for me to tell you how thankful and happy I have been made by working here in this mission with you. You have been as kind to me as any son could be to his mother, and as we traveled from conference to conference and met in our missionary meetings where you bore your testimonies and thanked your earthly as well as you heavenly parents for the blessings and joys you have received in the mission field I could visualize what a joy it would be for your parents if they could visit just one of the missionary meetings I have been privileged to attend, and hear the strong and sincere testimonies you bear. These meetings have engraved a picture in my mind that I shall never forget. As it is, the greatest joy you can bring your parents is to make your missions as successful as possible, and let them know often how much you appreciate their sacrifices in your behalf. May you continue to find joy in your work, and may the Lord assist you in living lives above reproach.
Sincerely your sister,
Laura W. Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland June 30, 1932
My Dear Brethren:
After reviewing the work of the past month in relation to the special economy campaign we are carrying on in the mission, I wish to congratulate you upon the start many of you have made to reduce operation expenses to a minimum. I feel well satisfied with the beginning which has been made in many branches, and I know that if we all endeavor to lower our expenses and to increase the tithing taken in we shall be able to maintain the mission in a progressive state without going into debt. But, as I said, we have only made a beginning and it will require the cooperation of every one of us if we are to reach the ideal we have before us. So increase your efforts in emphasizing the importance of tithing and thrift, in order that every branch may be brought into the movement we have within the mission. SIGNING CONTRACTS: I should like to call the attention of all branch and district presidents to the rules of the Church pertaining to the binding or obligating of the Church in financial matters. The mission president, alone, has the authority to sign for the Church in making contracts for meeting halls and in borrowing or in paying out money. During the last few months it has come to my attention that some branch and district presidents have signed notes and made contracts in the name of the Church without submitting these contracts to the mission president for his consideration, approval and signature. All such negotiations are null and void as far as the Church is concerned, and it is impossible to hold the Church responsible for such business transactions. It is, of course, the privilege and duty of the branch and district presidents to negotiate with other parties in order to get more suitable buildings etc., but before a transaction can be officially closed the signature of the mission president is necessary.
STAYING WITH ELDERS: It has been becoming habitual for many of the released elders, on their homeward journeys, to go to the rooms of the missionaries, in the cities they visit, for suggestions as to what they should see during their stay, and to save the costs of going to a hotel. Although the active missionaries in these cities gladly entertain the visiting elders, the frequency of these visits in the larger cities of our mission have caused difficulties for the elders laboring there. The landladies in several places have objected to having so many strangers enter their homes to stay over night or longer. Because of the frequency of these visits it has been necessary for the elders of one city in Germany to change their residence twice during the last few months upon the request of their landlady. It would be well if the missionaries in the larger cities would seek out a respectable, but moderate, hotel or rooming house to which they could refer all visitors who come to their cities. And brethren, during your travels please be considerate of the missionaries in the cities you visit, because if they have to entertain visitors two or three times each week they are retarded greatly in their work. PUBLICATION DRIVE: The depression has made itself apparent in the number of subscriptions which have been lost by the publications of our mission. We are, therefore, going to have a publication drive – especially for the “STERN”, and I would appreciate the cooperation of all the missionaries in increasing the number of subscriptions for this organ. Encourage the friends as well as the saints to buy the “Stern” and it will aid us in preaching the Gospel as well as in supporting itself. It is, of course, expected that every missionary be a subscriber, because if we are to be efficient officers of the mission we must be thoroughly acquainted with, and converted to, the tools we use. FOLLOW UP TRACTING: Due, probably, to the fact that several districts were forced to wait upon the new tracts, our mission tracting average has dropped again this month. But now that everyone is supplied with the necessary material we expect to see a marked increase in the amount of tracting done. Our average for this last month was but 36 hours, which is the lowest it has been for some time. The standard being used by the missions of Europe is 50 hours each month from every missionary. To reach this average necessitates but from two to three hours tracting each morning, when it is, as a rule, not practical or advisable to do other work. I often wonder, brethren, whether we really realize why we should tract and what we receive from our tracting. From a physical point of view it is valuable because it is, as a rule, the only exercise we receive. The sudden transition from a life of bodily activity to comparative dormancy is often injurious, and tracting furnishes us this opportunity of keeping our health intact. At the same time we are going through one of the best schools we could attend to teach us humility, faith in the Lord, and to bring our Gospel into comparison with other religions of the world. We meet all classes of people, and thereby we are forced to depend upon the Spirit of the Lord to help us in meeting the situations which appear. It is necessary for us to display every phase of our plan and for our personal development we could find nothing better than such a method. We shall, however, not be able to see or obtain these advantages and blessings unless we approach our work in the right spirit. To pass the tracts out as if we had been hired for the job is utterly useless and is a waste of time as well as money. Tracting is a means to an end – or to make the personal acquaintance of the people, arouse their interest, and win their confidence. It is then possible to lead them into the principles of the Gospel. We use the tract as an excuse to knock on the door, and, as a rule, unless the impression we, as characters, make upon the people, stimulates them to read the tract and investigate our Gospel further, our visit is futile. The world is flooded with reading matter, so we cannot shift the responsibility of explaining the Gospel upon the tracts. The people must see something better in us if they are to study the Gospel. We should be dressed neatly to make the first impression favorable, and then our personalities should win their interest and admiration. Our greeting should be amiable – cultivate that smile which testifies of your sincerity and friendship, in order to assure them from the beginning that you are different from the usual salesmen. It is not necessary to make the first visit very long, but give them the tract and say it is a very important message for them; ask them to read it over during the coming week as you will return to see how they like it and to bring them something else. Then the important thing is to be sure that you are back again the next week. Ask them how they liked the tract, if they have questions about it, and if they would now accept another one discussing a different subject, to be read during the coming week, as you will be back again. Be back the next week with something new and interesting, and continue this method for six or eight weeks, gradually culling those out who become antagonistic and instruct you not to return. As your tracting increases, the number willing to receive the tract will become smaller, but you will discover people with real interest just as soon as you have visited them often enough to win their trust and to make them feel that you have love for your fellow men, and are there for their welfare. If you are living true to the lofty ideals and teachings the Gospel contains, and go out with confidence and courage the Lord will bless you with His spirit and it will so radiate from your beings that the people with whom you speak will feel that you are honest and that you are representing something higher than is commonly to be found among men. Go with the desire to serve others by showing them glories of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I can assure you that the results will not be lacking. Steady consistent tracting has proved to be the most efficient way of spreading the Gospel; follow up tracting is not an experiment I am urging you to try, but a proven method we should employ. May the Lord bless you in this work.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland July 31, 1932
My Dear Brethren:
Sister Salzner and I are very happy to be back in the mission after our absence in Prag, and are also very happy to bring many ideas and suggestions for the work during the next year. The conventions were very successful, and much was accomplished in the way of achieving unity among the missions. STUDY HOUR: Among other things, it was suggested and agreed upon that the idea of the study hour in the morning be more or less generally adapted to the same thing. In addition to the study of the language and the scriptural passage, it was thought well that the tracts be taken one after the other, read, thought about, and thoroughly digested. The tracts are new, and are the result of many hours of study and work on the part of those who have issued them. They are worked out according to definite needs and simply cannot be given just to anyone you might encounter. For instance, a Catholic could not be impressed by a tract calculated for a Free-Thinker, a Baptist, or a Bible Student. Also, the German in the tracts contains many words and expressions which we need almost daily. In addition to the daily study hour of the missionary, the study period of the monthly missionary meeting might be given more careful attention. If you have no outlined course of study at present you might begin one, on the scriptures, public speaking, or even on local history. You will be surprised how many conversations can be begun by knowing of some little interesting side-light of the history in the place where you are working. Nearly all people are anxious to hear the place they live in and love, praised by someone who knows enough about it to praise it intelligently. EARNESTNESS: Often as this point has been mentioned, it cannot be emphasized too much. Earnestness is best achieved through application. Some missionaries may think it easy to be frivolous, to wrestle in the rooms and be over-jovial, then go directly to a meeting or to the tracting field and present a serious and important message in a sincere and impressive manner. It is not easy. It is almost impossible. The man who makes the best impression in almost every case is the man whose under-current is serious and who is not faced with the necessity of changing his mask every time he goes to his missionary work. If you are thoroughly convinced of the truthfulness and essentiality of the message you proclaim, you will be guided by that message to be pleasant but not garrulous, friendly but not frivolous, and above all to maintain reserve and propriety at all times. Thus you will find yourself busily engaged and rising rapidly, which condition will produce earnestness. NEAT APPEARANCE: To be neat doesn’t necessarily mean to be dressed expensively. When you find you are dazed from over study or tired from walking and working, rather than just sitting idly talking or gazing out the window, make it a habit to brush your clothes and shine your shoes, and to mend the frayed edges, put on the buttons and to use the flat-iron. There seems to be a requirement for so much chatting among the missionaries, but you will find that the conversation can be carried forward while nearly all the necessary little domestic tasks of straightening around, mending, brushing, cleaning, etc., are being done. Let us make a redoubled effort to be as neat in appearance as possible. Remember: A PATCH WILL TAKE A PRESS. TRACTING: Just an additional word on tracting. Let us read the pamphlet, “Tracts”, often and take heed of the good counsel it gives. Remember the main points: Tract consistently, and follow up, follow up, follow up! VISITING: The best hint anyone can be given about visiting is to come often and stay short. The people may beg you to stay on and on, but they are often doing it to be polite. Excuse yourself early and go, then come back soon. KEEP BUSY: This should be the watchword of all missionaries. There are but two missionary holidays a year: the 4th of July and Thanksgiving Day. Any other days taken off are extra. BEING ALONE: Lurking in every shadowy place is the adversary or his accomplices. They seek to entice you by a thousand intriguing devices. Most subtle and most dangerous of all is the appeal to the innate desires. This appeal only becomes truly dangerous when you are alone, and then it becomes very nearly your master. Let me repeat: NEVER GO ANYWHERE ALONE. You will all recall the “Vital Message”. Read it again. Read the mission rules. He has never fallen who has not ventured too near the edge. There are so many tragic instances of good people who have been caught in one unguarded moment to be swirled away into oblivion and disgrace. Be cautious always, and you will always be happy. ECONOMY AND THE MEMBERS: There are untold advantages in the harmonization of economy and missionary work. The less we spend the more we have to work. The most voracious consumer of life’s sustaining materials is pleasure-seeking. Our work is more healthy and much cheaper. More important still than the efficiency and benefit we obtain from conserving our funds and dispensing them wisely, is the advantage of the position we gain in the eyes of our members and friends. Especially the members who are so very very kind to invite us to meals and to help us at every turn, and would do even more for us if we would talk more about the Gospel to them. We owe it to them and to ourselves to talk about the Gospel on our visits – there is basically no other purpose in our going, and we learn and they learn when we do it. Let us realize, too, for example, that most of the members cannot afford cameras and picture-taking, and that they look upon them as a luxury. Let us realize that when we talk about the family having an automobile, we are revealing to these people what seems like untold wealth. Let us also be aware of the fact that most of our members can rarely afford theater entertainment, and almost never pleasure trips, that we live in better rooms here than most of them do, and wear more expensive clothes. Realizing all this, let us be reticent about our financial conditions and more humble toward those who help us. THE ETTIQUETTE CORNER: Sister Gaeth has gone to considerable trouble to work out this department for all the missions and I want to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the fine work and the splendid helps which she has given us. I can honestly testify that I have not met one missionary yet who could not profit by some of the things she has pointed out. If anyone be inclined to think he is well-trained enough not to need these suggestions, then let him at least profit by the ones on tact and refrain from making any derogatory statements about them. We are never so polished that a good rubbing over wouldn’t make us shine even brighter. WEARING HATS: It is a popular notion among college fellows and young men in general that it is much more appropriate to go without a hat. This may be true in America, but all of the mission presidents, with their long experience by which they should be able to judge, are of the opinion that it is a very undignified habit to go bare-headed in Europe. Do not excuse yourself by saying you have seen Europeans go without hats until you are sure of the dignity of the hatless example. Please, brethren, let us conform in this matter. EFFICIENCY: How wise is the wood-chopper who follows each blow with another on the same place until the giant trunk is weakened and the tree crashes. How foolish the boy who cuts a few chips then moves to another place because it seems too hard for him where he is. Or how efficient is the stone-cutter who taps lightly, ever so lightly, along the same line over and over again until his stone breaks straight and true. They get more done with less effort, and that is what we few missionaries who are left must do. We must make every blow spring a chip if we keep up the work of a 160 with our ever-decreasing number. We waste hours, waiting for the mail, talking nonsense with the members, pasting pictures, and writing malicious things to friends in and out of the mission about our companions and places of labor. MAKE EVERY MINUTE DO SIXTY SECONDS WORTH OF WORK. May the Lord bless and keep you all.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland August 30, 1932
My Dear Brethren:
This month marks the beginning of our fall conference schedule, and it is with joy that we anticipate the opportunity of meeting you all again. Six months have elapsed since we have seen some of you and six months in the mission field mean unusual progress and development for those who are applying themselves, with heart and soul, to the work they have before them. CONFERENCES: For those who desire to visit district conference, outside of their own, the following rule is to be effective throughout the mission. Each missionary has the privilege of visiting one neighboring conference and district presidents may visit two during the fall season. Not more than one day should be taken in traveling to the conference and everyone is expected to be in his branch the day after conference. Please be careful to observe this regulation so that your working program will not suffer by long or frequent absences from your fields of labor. SPECIAL REPORTS: In order to become more familiar with the conditions in the individual branches I am requesting that each district president submit, with the regular monthly reports, a concise, but accurate report of the conditions, needs, and problems of each branch of the district. You should require such a report from each branch president and then to this account add the needs not mentioned by the branch president as your observations and investigations have revealed them to you. This report, in English, should be compiled on a separate sheet and will be expected each month – beginning with the coming monthly reports. “THE SUCCESSFUL MISSIONARY” It is assumed that every Elder in the field has a copy of the above mentioned book, in which President Widsoe has discussed the vital problems of missionary activity. There is a wealth of interesting information and advice in this small book for every missionary – be he between the first and second or striding toward the last milepost of service in this land. This work is being studied by the Elders in all the European missions, and I should like to urge you all to use it as the text for part of your morning study period every day during the next month. Analyze the thought in each sentence and meditate upon its meaning and application for you. Only in this way will you be able to grasp the full realization of the important principles underlying each statement. BE CAREFUL IN STORES: I am often reminded of a habit in which missionaries are very often prone to indulge. American tourists are ridiculed very severely by the proprietors of European stores, and not unjustly, because of an American habit of wandering from store to store, pricing and inspecting the wares, and leaving without a purchase. Articles become soiled and deteriorate in value through frequent handling. This loss, with that of their time, has embittered many business men against Americans. In order to do effective work in spreading the Gospel we must live, dress, and conduct ourselves so that we are distinguished from the tourists in Europe. I urge you, therefore, brethren not to idle in stores and handle the different goods. If you wish to buy something go in and get it and then depart as inconspicuously as possible, but do not wander from counter to counter, haggling over the prices, and then leave without purchasing anything. CARE IN PERFORMING ORDINANCES: A point which is occasionally neglected is in the performance of the holy ordinances of the Gospel. Elders should exercise the greatest care in this matter, because little errors and embarrassing confusion destroy the spirit of the occasion and leave the people in a little doubt as to whether the ordinance was correctly done or not. Before a baptism, and the same precautions should be taken before every ordinance is performed, every detail should be well worked out so that when the people, who are to participate, enter the water, they are properly clothed, and the person officiating knows the proper prayer and how to hold the hands of the prospective member during the immersion. In a few of our prayers certain forms are essential; the missionaries should, therefore, be well acquainted with everything that is necessary for the correct fulfillment of each ordinance.
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? Some time ago some Elders confessed that outside of eating a few meals with the saints very little missionary work was done. Consider you own positions, brethren, and ask yourselves to what extent you are walking under the cloak of a representative of God and in reality living a life in which more hours are wasted and used for triviality than in sincere endeavor to serve and build. The Lord has said, “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in Heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” Our positions in relation to ourselves to our work, and to God should be perfectly clear, if we have taken time to consider the meaning of our presence here. We can expect no blessings in our work unless we fulfill the requirements upon which those blessings are predicated. If we do not study the language consistently we shall not be blessed with a command of it for our use. If we do not study the Gospel basically and conscientiously we shall be blessed with no testimony of its divinity and, being spiritually empty, we shall not be capable of being a source of inspiration and help to those who turn to us for guidance. If we do not tract and visit friends regularly we shall not be able to greet investigators in our meetings. These are points, briefly stated, which have made themselves apparent and thus again confirmed the truth of the eternal law I quoted. Also bearing upon our positions here is another law, closely related to the first, which we should seriously consider. “For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” As missionaries we have been given an enormous responsibility, consequently more is expected from us than from the average person. If the summons, which is being made every day, to accomplish something for the Lord remains unheeded, we shall be held accountable, not alone for our own undeveloped characters, due to our passiveness, but partially for the mistakes of those who committed them in ignorance when the Gospel, which they should have heard from us and which could have assisted them, remained unknown to them due to our negligence.
Our missions are, however, not alone for the purpose of preaching the Gospel to others, but also to build a foundation for our own future lives. Review your missionary activities and you have, as a rule, seen the stand you will take in relation to the Church in later years. We are here with nothing to do but serve the Lord and if we neglect our work here there is very little probability that we shall be diligent in our service at home where we are torn between the necessity of winning physical needs and devoting part of our time to our spiritual welfare. Train yourselves to fulfill every duty you have in the mission field and your later life will be a great deal more secure. These thoughts have been given to you, brethren, with a prayer in my heart and the hope that you will understand the necessity of conforming to the methods and rules we have in the mission. May the Lord bless you with the strength to fulfill every duty.
Very sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland September 30, 1932
My Dear Brethren:
My observations and investigations throughout the mission during the last few months reveal to me that we as missionaries are hardly utilizing the “Stern”, “Wegweiser” and the “Beobachter” as we should in our work. The opinion has often become prevalent that our two mission publications are printed for the use and development of the members alone, and that the responsibility of increasing their circulation is a problem exclusively for local officers to solve. You are all well acquainted with the story of the man who forsook home and family to seek precious stones in foreign lands. After wandering aimlessly from country to country he finally returned to join his family circle again – penniless, footsore and crestfallen because he had failed to discover the coveted treasure. His surprise was almost overwhelming when, in spading the old garden, he exposed ores of fabulous value which he had overlooked as he gazed toward “greener fields”. I often think we make a similar mistake as this mythical character when we dream and muse of miraculous conversions and allow golden opportunities to pass by day after day. The members we seek are those who join the Church after a normal, rational investigation of the living principles of the Gospel, and to win these people we must devise every means possible of creating a relationship between them and the Church so that they will have an incentive to take part in the activities and progress of this organization. An excellent, but unfortunately seldom used, method of creating this association is by making the “Stern” a permanent member of the household. The presence of this publication in the homes of friends and members should not, however, be due to a gift by the missionaries or members, because under those circumstances the interest will soon wane. It is a known law that man little appreciates that for which he does not have to struggle and sacrifice. If you give “Stern” and “Wegweisers” to the friends and members there is a possibility that they may read them, but the probability is that they will be indifferently neglected. If, however, a family has paid out RM 4.00 for a years subscription to the “Stern” every adult member of the family will await the arrival of this valuable publication with eager anticipation. They will read it from beginning to end and thereby learn to understand the principles of the Gospel. And they will then have a deeper interest in the Church because they will feel that they have an investment in the Church and are “stockholders” of the same to the extent of four Marks. They will have the welfare of the branch at heart and eventually the gospel will find such a dear spot in their hearts that they will declare themselves ready for baptism. I should like you to concentrate your efforts on this phase of the work and you will see that with every subscription you obtain you will receive another supporter for the cause you are declaring. You must, of course, apply a great deal of tact in obtaining subscriptions from new friends, because they dare not be mislead to think your efforts to obtain subscriptions to our publications is an end in itself instead of a means to an end. But after you have cultivated the acquaintance of a friend you should present him with a “Stern” and after he has read it induce him to buy a subscription for a year or for six months. The main thing is that he feels he has an interest in the Church and will be more inclined to consider its teachings in relation to himself. “BEOBACHTERS”: If the “Beobachter” is to fulfill the true mission of its existence here in German speaking lands it must be used as a missionary among friends and not among members. We are printing two publications in the two German speaking missions to which the members have access and these should be studied, because they carry the official messages for the missions. If, however, we supply them with the “Beobachter” free of charge they substitute it for the official organs of the mission, and at the same time defeat the mission of the “Beobachter” as a friend winner. It will therefore, be the custom in the future for the missionaries to use the “Beobachter” in their tracting and friend visiting instead of having this paper circulated among the members. In cases, of course, where the members are actively engaged in missionary work and can use this paper to advantage with their friends they should be supplied with copies, but the Elders will carry the responsibility of distribution.
“NEWSPAPERS”: A paper such as the “Beobachter” will often make contact with people who would scoff at a purely religious tract. Newspaper publishers are always delighted to have access to a paper printed in America, and in this way we can gain the friendship of the men who, who can either prejudice an entire city against us with groundless, perverted charges or open the doors to every class of people with a true presentation of facts. In a certain city in Germany one of the usual degrading articles about the Church was published. One of the Elders in this city visited the editor of the offending paper and informed him of the error which had been made. He then presented the publisher with a “Beobachter” and it was but a short time before the true doctrines of the Church were being printed in the city paper. Make such contacts, brethren, and the Lord will bless and assist you. Step out of the beaten path when you detect an opportunity and you will discover delicious, untouched fruit waiting to be gathered. You do not need to feel that you are treading upon forbidden ground when you carry your message into a newspaper office – even though the first reception be rather cool. Go with confidence and something to deliver and you will win a good friend. It happens so frequently that men, whom we meet tracting or in the stores we patronize, are utterly indifferent to anything of a religious nature. It is seldom, however, that such men will refuse to read an American newspaper. Unemployment has given everyone time to read, and has also sharpened the interest of the people in prevailing conditions in other lands. The destiny of every nation seems to lie in the same boiling cauldron during this international crisis. Every man knows the conditions of his own land and is watching the movements in other lands with unrestrained interest and eagerness. If you tell the people you meet that you have a newspaper printed in America they will take it gladly. By reading this paper they get the message of our Church, and in many cases will investigate deeper. LOCAL HISTORY: We are often prone to color our talks and lessons with stories and examples from American history and American conditions. This, of course, is only natural because we unconsciously apply that with which we are best acquainted. The people with whom we now work, however, are not Americans, their interests are not in America and they also have a nationalistic feeling of pride which we should respect and above all never offend. It would be very advisable for the Elders to arrange their time, without neglecting other missionary duties, and make themselves a little better acquainted with the history of the country and locality in which they labor. If you then draw your examples from local conditions and local history you will please the members and friends a great deal more than if you continually illustrate with foreign examples. You will also find it a wonderful asset during your entire lives to be acquainted with customs and history of the places in which you have labored. Apply these suggestions, brethren, and I assure you a deeper joy and success in your labors. May the Lord assist you in all that you attempt to accomplish in righteousness.
Very sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland October 28, 1932
My Dear Brethren,
Now that Sister Salzner and I are back at the Mission Home for a very short stay before leaving to visit the other conferences of the mission, I should like to take a few minutes to thank you for your kindness and hospitality to us during our visits with you at the conferences we have already held this Fall. As a general rule you are in good health and in equally good spirits, and I feel that we are making progress although there is yet much to be adjusted and improved. ELDERS MUST TIP BOAT STEWARDS: It has been called to my attention that some missionaries try to economize by leaving the boat without tipping the stewards who have served them during the voyage, or by leaving but a few cents. This action has made the Church a victim of criticism. It is expected from every passenger that he tip the stewards. We must also abide by this custom. With the return fares given to missionaries is a small allowance to defray the necessary tips and miscellaneous expenses, so there is no justifiable excuse for disregarding the rules of sea travel. Released missionaries should not spend this money during a trip in Europe and then be forced to board the ship without sufficient funds to cover their obligations. DEPENDABILITY: One of the greatest proofs for the divinity of the Gospel is the alteration it creates within the beings and lives of its advocates. It steadies the foundation of their earthly existence, purifies their thoughts and implants within them the desire to develop genuine, consistent, uplifting habits of living. A well-balanced, natural, reliable man will be happier, make greater progress and contribute more to the up-building of humanity than the genius who completes a masterpiece in one day, but disregards the governing laws and ideals of humanity on the next.
As the chosen representatives of a Church which lays claim to the power of awakening the slumbering talents in men, and organizing them into potent forces for good in the world, we must train ourselves with such care that our lives can be considered truly exemplary. We are attempting to divert mature people from an existence of almost spiritual torpor, and often derogatory social habits, to a life in which the advancement is much more rapid than they have been accustomed to, and where the spiritual responsibility of conduct is so perfectly fused throughout the temporal that a physical or mental misdemeanor, whether committed on Sunday or during the week, cannot be severed from the spiritual. We are trying to dissuade them from their old conception that man‟s life fails in two categories – his everyday, natural life and his spiritual. We must prove to them that our religion is not an ecclesiastical robe which can be donned and discarded at will, but that the Gospel exists to effect every phase of our lives – detailed or general, and that to cast off the spiritual is to reject the raiment which protects and supports us in our everyday efforts. What does that mean for us? It means that the pace we set and keep will influence, to a certain degree, those who are striving to learn the Gospel, and will determine whether or not some investigators deem it worthwhile to study the source of our living habits. It seems that some are prone to be impatient with the saints when they stumble and fall a little. Who among us can judge and say they are weak? Who knows whether or not we should have been able to remain steadfast under the same circumstances, and beset by the same problems? Our work is one of construction, not destruction. How are we going to educate them to dependability and firmness? We are sure to fail if we practice the foolish philosophy: “Do as I say, but not as I do.” Your lives must be honest, with your God, with yourselves and with mankind. No one can lead a double life and advance in either. You cannot be insincere or impure in thought or deed during part of the day or week, and successfully teach sincerity and purity during the other part. None of us is intelligent or clever enough to successfully disguise the offensive body of sanctimony for a long period of time.
Someone has said: “You cannot stand in Hell and preach, „don‟t come here.‟ You must stand outside and preach, „don‟t go in there.‟ Otherwise your preaching will be as feeble as wood being consumed by flames.” You must work and live consistently and be dependable if you desire to educate the Saints to a high standard. If your work is unorganized and spasmodic it will find a reflection in those whom you should lead. If you are to be considered dependable you must increase the quality and efficiency of your work as the months come and go. Do not relax after 15, 20 or 25 months and be carried along by the momentum of those who have not dropped their tools to look for the end of the road. Instances have come to my attention which indicate that some of us have been and are becoming a little negligent and indifferent as we near the end of the mission period. Thoughts of trips, purchases, and other minor matters have taken the foreground and resulted in half-finished work. I have in mind some branches which have been left in deplorable conditions by released missionaries. Friend and member cards have been left untouched, statistical and financial reports in the branch books have been left unbalanced, vouchers have not been sent to the office, etc. Some of these things may be considered small and insignificant, but it all has a deteriorating effect upon the branch, and causes the new branch president days and weeks of adjustment. Such practices undermine your characters, brethren, and also injure the efficiency of our mission system and the progress of some of the weaker Saints. If they observe that the ardor of a missionary cools off after two years of activity, instead of becoming deeper and more firmly rooted, they, who were not blessed with the heritage of having been born it the Church, will naturally think, consciously or unconsciously: “If the missionaries live lives contradictory to what they teach, rise late in the morning, neglect tracting, friend visiting, and think of their release more than they do of their duties, what can be expected of us who must adopt an entirely new life and often live that life in a family atmosphere which oppresses the teachings of the Gospel?”
Let me urge you, therefore, brethren to be firm, solid, and reliable as long as you live, and especially during this period when your time is not yours, but the Lord‟s. Dependability is the foundation upon which every successful life must be built. Bruce Barton illustrates this principle in the following words: “I was taken to lunch at a club one day where publishers, writers, and advertising men used to congregate.” “At length a handsome, well-tailored man passed us. My host leaned over and whispered in awe-struck tones: „That is So-and So. He‟s a twenty-five-thousand-dollar man!‟ “ “The intervening years have furnished more than occasional glimpses of So-and-So.” “He has always held good jobs, but lately they have not been getting better. The grand career which seemed to lie before him fifteen years ago has somehow failed to develop.” “A friend of his offered this explanation.” “ „So-and-So is a quick starter. He can get up steam faster on a new proposition and deliver more business in the first six months than any other man I have ever known. But by the end of a year he loses interest.‟ ” Don‟t be merely a “quick starter”. Take more pride, interest, and joy in your work during the second and third year in the field than you did during the first. Let your release find you so deeply engaged in your work that you are unaware of its approach, and then, with a deep and lasting joy, you will be able to say as did Paul: “…the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Sister Salzner joins me in praying that the Lord may bless you in your endeavors to become men of God.
Very sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland November 30, 1932
My Dear Brethren:
During our visits to the conferences this Fall, Sister Salzner and I have been able to broaden our knowledge relative to the existing circumstances among the missionaries as well as among the members and friends. There are a few things which I think should be brought to your attention in order that we may effectively smooth out the wrinkles in our work and strengthen our position as missionaries, branches, districts, a mission or as a church. Co-operation with local counselors: We are making an effort in the mission to place as many branches under the leadership of local brethren as possible. You who have been in the field for a longer period of time have not forgotten the anxiety and consciousness of weakness you felt as you were called upon to carry the responsibility of leadership in a branch. You felt the need of advice, of patience, and of assistance. As a rule our members have received little experience in executive work prior to their acceptance of the Gospel. Most of them have not visited the higher schools of learning, which, however, in no way casts a reflection upon them, and therefore the responsibility of leading a group of people, some young and some elderly, presents a problem of no little weight to them. Their sincerest desire is to fulfill their duties in a pleasing manner before our Heavenly Father, and as missionaries we are to share this desire and help them assume the responsibility of leadership. There are two dangers which we should avoid in branches under local leadership. We must not take an indifferent attitude toward the affairs of the branch merely because we are not directly responsible for leadership. It is assumed that every missionary knows that his place in the branch meeting is always on the stand. He should meet with the branch presidency and the auxiliary organization officers in their meetings, where he can help them solve their problems and difficulties. The local officers should feel that the missionaries are with them in all of their undertakings. Missionaries should, however, avoid offending aggressiveness in their association and relationship with the members. Where local members function as officers we should respect their positions and not disregard their responsibility by going over their heads to introduce our ideas. When we have suggestions for the progress of the branch or its auxiliaries we should discuss them with the responsible officers and have their introduction come through the correct channels and with the support of those concerned. In branches where the missionaries are still directly responsible for the execution of all mission policies, the spirit of co-operation should also not be forgotten. Complaints have reached me which indicate that several of the local brethren feel that the missionaries often regard them more or less as children. In many cases our local members are much richer in experience than are we, so we should utilize – not belittle – their wisdom and also give them room for growth. Do not try to run the branch alone. Meet and counsel with the priesthood bearers. Their advice is valuable and the practice will bind you together with a deeper understanding. Give the inexperienced every opportunity for development. Check up and see if you call upon the same ones to pray, speak and engage in the other activities week after week. If this is the case tactfully encourage the backward to take a more active part. Support your predecessor: When we are called to lead a new branch or district we are bound to discover policies and conditions which perhaps vary somewhat from our methods and aims. We should, of course, continually investigate and discover new means of spreading the Gospel and of instilling enthusiasm and harmony within the hearts of the Saints, but let us be courteous and considerate in speaking of and dealing with the work of our predecessors, especially until we become acquainted with the problems of our new field. It is natural that you will find places for improvement, just as your successor will and should improve some of the work you have been doing. This is necessary for advancement, but in making these constructive alterations, do not discredit your predecessor because he did not bring everything up to the highest standard in the time he was there. Perhaps his mission was to smooth out problems which he did so well that you will not be forced to encounter them during your stay. And then perhaps, he laid a foundation in another phase of the work before he left. Time would not permit him to erect the walls and place a roof upon it. Therefore, in its unfinished condition, it presents a problem which you will overcome. Do not criticize him. Honor him for his sincere efforts. A smoothly running branch or district is not the product of a few months of labor, but of many long months of striving on the part of many. Mormon made an abridgment of the plates of Nephi, which had been written on by many prophets. He did not look upon their work with disdain. He honored them. The Book of Mormon is the product of the co-operation and sincerity of many historians. That is one reason why it is so valuable. Let our branches and districts be the product of builders. Individual Transfer Reports: In the future I should like to request an accurate report from every missionary of his transfer from one district to another. This report should contain the date of his departure from the old field of labor, which cities he visited on his way to the new field of labor, how long he remained in each of those cities and when he arrived in his new district. Please do not fail to submit these reports as soon as you arrive at your ultimate destination. This special report is not necessary for transfers within the district. Personal financial policies: I should like to call the fact to your attention again, brethren, that you should be very careful with your personal money. Make it your aim to save part of your allowance each month. Spend money for the necessities of efficient work and living conditions and save the rest for a time when unexpected circumstances will demand extra money. You should always have enough on hand to pay your expenses in case of a transfer, dental bills or new clothes. In many cases you will receive more money than needed during the first part of your mission. In such cases, put enough away so that if circumstances should make it impossible for your parents to support you during the last part of your mission you will be able to use your surplus and avoid an early release. Living conditions in Germany are very reasonable at the present time, so it should be possible for practically everyone to save something each month.
Accelerator policy: The new financial policy relative to the publication and distribution of The Accelerator, is explained in the first section of this issue. It will be expected that every missionary subscribe for this publication for the coming year. It is our means of communication with each other in the field and should be studied by each one of us. Those who will be released during the coming year would nevertheless subscribe for a year and they can, after their release, receive copies at their homes until the subscriptions expire. Where it is possible I should also suggest that the Elders subscribe for their parents too in order that they may feel more closely connected with our mission activity. Analyze your own characters, brethren, and supplicate the help of your Heavenly Father in making yourselves instruments of value in His hands.
Very sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland December 15, 1932
Dear Brethren:
We have arrived at the end of another year: A year long to be remembered by many of us for the lessons that our experiences have taught us. Our Heavenly Father, alone, knows the efforts and struggles on the part of each individual in learning a new language and adapting himself to the ways of living in another land. Let us not dwell upon the year’s adversities, but upon our blessings and joys in this work which are often brought before our vision by adversity. We have learned the value of a dollar and that with less money, but more confidence in God, we can accomplish more than ever before. Although our ranks are and have been depleted rapidly we have been able to baptize more people than in previous years. The Saints are united and faithful, and although very poor and in distressing circumstances, they are doing more than ever to further the Lord’s work. Never before was there a more humble, united and brotherly spirit among the Elders than at the present time. Our good parents at home are making great sacrifices to provide us with even the most necessary means to defray our current expenses, and often do not know from where the money will come for the next month’s allowance. Still their faith has been strengthened by seeing ways opened, according to their faith, through which they could carry on their part. Could they be here and see you at your work, hear your testimonies and listen to your expressions of love and devotion for their kindness and support, when, with tears streaming down your cheeks, you tell your companions that you have the best fathers and mothers the Lord could choose, they would thank God for the privilege accorded them of making these sacrifices for the furtherance of His plan. We shall soon celebrate Christmas as the day of peace and thanksgiving and we have much for which to be thankful. Our greatest blessing is the privilege we have to be in the Lord’s service, to bring peace, joy and a formula of development to all who will listen to and accept our message. We can be thankful for the clean, healthy bodies and minds with which He has blessed us through parents who lived according to the Gospel; for the degree of intelligence and knowledge of the Gospel we have; for power and strength to consistently overcome our weakness and still to be tolerant with the weak, and for a more genuine love of the beautiful and noble. We also wish to express our thanks to our Heavenly Father for you, brethren, for the opportunity we have of working with you. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the spirit of love you have, for your helpfulness, your willingness to accept our advice and counsel, for your faith and prayers, for your hearty hand-clasp and the kindness you extend us during our visits with you. It is a joy to labor with you and we want you to know that we are ever ready to help you in any way we can. Look to us as you would to your own parents. If something troubles you come to us and you will receive every consideration. The coming year will bring new experiences to us. The work of the Lord is spreading and the laborers are decreasing. That means the work of two will have to be done by one, so get up earlier, study more diligently, pray more earnestly, tract more conscientiously than ever before and you will receive and enjoy the blessings of the Lord in double measure. We wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with success and joy.
Sincerely yours,
Francis Salzner and Laura Salzner
PRESIDENT SALZNER (Article in The Accelerator) December 1932
January 1st is of greater significance to President Salzner than to the average person, because for him it not only means the beginning of a new calendar year, but it also marks his birthday and another year of his life. Although President and Sister Salzner have been in the mission field but a little over a year they have endeared themselves in the hearts of all missionaries as well as the members and friends of the Church whom they have met. We can, therefore, with assurance speak for every elder in the mission when we extend to him our congratulations, our best wishes for the choicest blessings of the Lord during the coming year, our sincere pledge of service and assistance to him in his responsible work and our genuine love for the warm spirit of friendship and fatherly kindness he has given us. President Salzner was born in Hambach, Rheinpfalz, Germany on the 1st of January, 1870. In 1883 he, with his parents and sister went to America and made their home in Lehi, Utah. In June 1893, he married our Mission Mother, then Laura Webb, and they have reared seven daughters since their marriage nearly forty years ago. (Through “adoption” they now have over a hundred “sons”.) In 1901 he was sent to Europe by the Utah Sugar Company to do special research work in sugar chemistry and the cultivation of beet seed. He studied at the University of Halle. After his return to America, he broadened his knowledge and experience by taking an active part in the sugar, farming and building industries in Utah, Idaho and Washington. In 1908 he made Salt Lake City his permanent residence and has there, through his honesty, integrity and skill in building won a very enviable reputation. President Salzner has lived a very normal and balanced life – never becoming so absorbed in the commercial world that he lost his contact with the Church and its activities. In 1896 he returned to Germany and fulfilled an admirable mission. He was president of the Granite Stake German Organization for five years, served well in the High Council of the same stake for 16 years, was president of the Granite Stake High Priests’ Quorum during the year prior to his departure for Germany and now is doing an excellent work in our mission. May the coming year provide you with joy and success in your work, President Salzner.
Dilworth Jensen Managing Editor Mission Home Basel, Switzerland January 27, 1933
Dear Brethren,
President Widtsoe has requested all missionaries to submit their “Last Will and Testament” to the mission president before their departure from the mission field. As yet, however, very few released elders have availed themselves of this privilege to leave a legacy, in the form of experiences, impression, suggestions and perhaps also mistakes, to their successors. I should like to request that every elder send this work to me before he departs for home. The mission president cannot always see things as does the men in the field who is in daily contact with strangers and Saints. He may issue suggestions and directions, but must wait until he receives knowledge, either through personal contact or through letters, of the application and results of his instructions. The closer he can get to the vital problems of the mission and the more impressions he can receive from those who execute his suggestions, the more capable he will be of introducing and directing policies for the progress of the work. At the end of your missions you are in the best possible positions to sum up valuable conclusions, based upon months of practical experience, relative to our proselyting activity. Each individual views the circumstances from a different angle. Therein lies the worth of diversified opinion. Receiving this summary from you will enable the mission president to be of greater assistance to the elders and Saints. An explanation of your success and failures will assist others to avoid the mistakes you, unknowingly, made and thereby to increase their efficiency as missionaries. NEW TRACTS: You now have access to all of the new tracts and I hope you will utilize them to the fullest extent. We have devoted a great deal of time and effort to the preparation of this edition. The quality of the paper, the style and the printing of the tracts indicate, to a certain degree, the value of their content.
We now have something with which we can meet anyone to whom we may be lead. They are appropriate and applicable to the conditions of today. They meet the queries of the present world in a way, which cannot be disregarded or reproached by any people, regardless of their attitude. The ultimate goal of every man, whether he is conscious or ignorant of the fact, lies in the Gospel plan. They are endeavoring to reach that destination from different angles. The new tracts speak to them in a language they wish to speak and can understand, and throws the proper guiding light upon their path or advancement. In your tracting, conduct an investigation of the reaction the tracts have made upon the people. Question them, especially those who are most competent of submitting a rational opinion, relative to their impressions of these tracts. Ask them if they have read them: If they did, why? If they did not read them, why not? What thoughts contained in the tracts impressed them? With what did they agree? With what did they disagree? Etc. Let me urge you again to tract methodically: “follow-up” regularly - --once a week if possible and at least once every two weeks. After eight or ten visits you will begin to win friends. Do not forsake them after they have visited the meeting once. Your work really begins at that point. Let me also remind you again that the active in all European missions calls for 40-hour tracting average per month from each missionary. MONEY: Save your money, brethren. I cannot emphasize this too much, because every dollar you receive is the product of great sacrifice. Tracting and visiting investigators form the least expensive, but most joyful means of passing the time. Make use of it. Reduce expenses at every opportunity, and above all ---DO NOT BORROW MONEY FROM MEMBERS OR FRIENDS. May the Lord bless you at all times.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland February, 1933
Dear Brethren:
It frequently occurs that elders intimate or openly state to the members and friends in classes or meetings that at one time in their lives, or before coming to the mission field, they were without a testimony of the Gospel. Let me suggest to you brethren that you avoid this habit. It is not necessary that the friends and members know if your faith was weak when you arrived in the mission field. This has a negative reaction upon them. You have a testimony now. Tell them that it has been strengthened since coming into the mission. It is also indiscreet to let them know if you used tobacco or liquor earlier in life. You do not have to prevaricate, but you also need not reveal past facts where their appearance will avail nothing of a constructive nature. This same thought applies to all of the principles of the Gospel. If you were lax in the payment of your tithing, keep it to yourself. Give the members and friends thoughts and material of positive value. Live the Gospel NOW as perfectly as possible and those with whom you come in contact will respect you for what you are. It is, of course, assumed that the advice and instructions you give the Saints and friends here in the mission field are based upon your honest conviction that they are true. Therefore each missionary carries the responsibility of insuring an application of these principles in his life in the mission field and also after his return home. If you didn’t obey all of the laws of the Gospel before you came to the mission it might have been due to the fact that you were never brought to a direct realization of the truth that your attitude and response to every law of the Gospel has an eternal meaning for you -- that you will have to account for every mistake you make. This knowledge has now become part of your testimony, so when you return home remember that there is no excuse for the acquisition of habits against which you have preached for over two years. When tempted to act contrary to your present code of ethics remember the responsibility you carry as a result of your better knowledge. RECORDS. HISTORIES. ETC: It has come to my attention that some of the elders have failed to realize the purpose and importance of the Church records which have temporarily been committed to their care. Remember brethren, the history you write of your branch and the records you keep are the official registers of the Church for that branch. The history should contain, in a dignified language, the historical facts of value of the branch and should not be marred by the insertion of ludicrous or trivial comments on events or people. “What is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” The reports and records should be neatly, accurately and punctually taken care of. Making this rule your habitual method of work will simplify this duty for you and will result in a work of veritable value. If you find that a slip-shod attitude or procedure has characterized your work in the past you should overcome it as soon as possible. CONDUCT: I wish to remind you again, brethren of the utmost significance of living austerely according to the mission rule of conduct. Guard yourself from the power of temptation by becoming deeply absorbed in your work. Do not relax in your position in the least. Read the “Vital Message” again today and heed its advice.
With kindest wishes to all of you, I am
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland March 31, 1933
Dear Brethren:
Elder Henry Richards has reported an experience, which is a vivid portrayal of the danger that is constantly lurking near the elders of our Church in these foreign lands. It is a danger that assumes appalling proportions unless we remain unwaveringly in the path of our duty. As a rule, we should not be conscious of or molested by this form of temptation if we are fully absorbed in our work, but at times we are brought face to face with a situation which demands an inflexible answer – either “Yes” or an uncompromising “NO!” In carrying out a follow-up system of tracting, Elders Richards and Pieper made the acquaintance of a young couple -- after six unfruitful visits to the house. Several visits more created a friendship to the extent that the missionaries were invited to this home to spend Christmas night. On the night of December 25th, Elders Richards, Pieper and Webb went to the home of this couple. After supper had been eaten, a girl, of approximately 21 years of age, arrived who was also to be a guest of the family during the evening. The table was cleared and the wine, beer and brandy bottles were brought in. Although the man understood the attitude of the Church toward alcoholic beverages, he endeavored to induce the elders to “just taste a little so that you won’t have to return to America without ever having tried European drinks.” To the amazement of the girl, who had not as yet made their acquaintance to the extent that she knew the purpose of their presence in Europe, the missionaries firmly refused. When the man, his wife, and their feminine guest began to smoke and proffered our brethren cigarettes they politely refused again. In the course of the evening, the hostess and the girl tried all of their wiles to persuade the missionaries to become more sociable, according to prevailing conception of the word – even to the extent of literally begging the elders to kiss them. The steadfastness of the missionaries in maintaining a dignified conduct was unfathomable for the friends. They knew it was contrary to Church doctrine to drink intoxicants and smoke, but to see young men refuse to touch a girl and a young married woman, who practically threw themselves at the elders’ feet, was beyond their comprehension. It was the same old story, a repetition of the approach Satan always employs in breaking a resolution: “We are here by ourselves and no one will know what you do. It is all in fun. No harm will be done. We shall tell no one, so do not be afraid to be sports for one Christmas.” At that point the elders took the opportunity to explain to them that unless one lives according to its teachings his religion is of absolutely no value to him. Such talk bored the girl and thinking they had also spoiled the evening for the family, they departed – believing it would be useless to expect the seed of the Gospel to take root in that family. Three days later, while tracting the street again, they decided to call at this home once more. Upon seeing them, the lady blushed for shame. She said they had talked of the missionaries the entire next day and apologized for their conduct and invited the elders to return again. Upon their next visit they found several friends of the family who had come to hear the Gospel. The elders now have a standing invitation to the home and they have contact with several earnest friends. The young husband stated that he now knows that a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ can be trusted under any condition. This should be an excellent lesson for every one of us brethren. Each one of you will have to make decisions under similar or equally hazardous circumstances. It is on you, that if you remain true to the principles of the Gospel, the ideals you have been taught by Latter-day Saint mothers since childhood, you will come forth from every experience with greater strength and as the winner. It matters not in what environment circumstances may place you – whether it be in the lowest unfaltering adherence to what you know to be right will command the respect, honor, confidence and approval of your friends, enemies or tempters. Your associates may tempt you, joke with you, deride you, and outwardly despise you, but in their hearts they will recognize your superiority and concede to your rights – if you remain true. When you know your ideal is good, do not be shaken by the apparent disdain of the individual, or mob, that is trying to alter your course. Derision is the effort of a week character, to mantle its inferiority before one whose conduct reveals a nobler ideal and greater strength, and to silence the accusing murmur of a partially benumbed conscience which, quickening at the sound of a kindred voice, also speaks reproving truth to the body of its soul. POLITICAL UNREST: Let me caution you brethren to be very careful in all that you say and do during this time of political uncertainty. Refrain from engaging in political conversation with anyone. Do not discuss the present conditions among yourselves in places where there is a possibility of being overheard – in cars, on the streets, in meeting halls, etc. This will avoid any possibility of your opinions being misconstrued. It would also be advisable for you to speak, as little English in public as possible. Do not be boisterous or conspicuous thereby drawing attention to you; and avoid all large gatherings or crowds where a political issue might be the center of attraction. Insist that the Saints make no mention of politics in the meetings. If we observe a few of these simple rules there will be no danger of involving the Church or ourselves in any difficulty. May the spirit of the Lord guide you.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland April, 1933
Dear Brethren,
Within another month we shall have completed another conference schedule throughout the mission. It is a joy and an inspiration to mingle closely with the Saints and elders. Most of the members, though severely tried in many ways, are living in accordance with the Gospel and are receiving the blessings accompanying obedience. They are endeavoring to obtain a better knowledge of the plan of salvation and the prevailing conditions at the present time present them with an opportunity to apply the principles they learn. RUMORS OF DANGER AND WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT FOUNDATION: A letter was received from President Widtsoe in which he requested the mission presidents to forward a message from the First Presidency to the elders of the missions. His letter reads, in part, as follows: “A few of our European missionaries have written home, especially from Germany, raising the question whether, on account of present economic and political conditions, they would be able to remain to complete their missions. This, of course, has made their parents anxious. A letter from the Presidency assures us that missionary work in these lands will not be interrupted until it becomes imperative to do so. For the present there is no thought of interruption.” Brethren, let me urge you not to write letters home to your parents that may cause them alarm for your welfare. The consolidation of dictatorial power in Germany is being realized through rigorous methods, but you are not in danger of molestation as long as you live in accordance with mission rules. When, in your letters, you write of the conditions in Germany, you do it, perhaps, in a casual way – a casualism born of daily association with European conditions, but your parents, who are thousands of miles away and not acquainted with the circumstances, are easily alarmed. They are being caused needles worry, so let us not contribute to their fears by writing misleading letters.
The authorities of the Church are thoroughly informed of the existing condition in Germany and they want you and your parents to be assured that you will be protected while in Germany. They also desire to inform you that you should devote your time, strength and thoughts to the promulgation of the Gospel as in the past. If the need or advisability of withdrawing the missionaries were to make itself apparent, the instructions to that effect will come through the proper channels at the proper time. The fact that unrest still exists in these lands clearly reveals how necessary it is that we redouble our efforts in teaching the principles of the Gospel to the inhabitants of these nations. PRAYER: I should like to call your attention again to the advisability of praying jointly in your rooms at night before retiring as well as upon arising in the morning. You will, through this habit, create a more harmonious link of understanding between you and your companions. The recommendation to pray jointly twice daily does not eliminate your secret prayers. At any time you feel the spirit of prayer upon you, or feel in need of divine strength to withstand temptation or overcome a problem, you should pray without hesitation. And when you pray let me advise you to pray with sincerity. A habitual repetition of one prayer is of little avail. We must concentrate our spiritual powers in invoking help from our Heavenly Father.
May you be in harmony with the spirit of God at all times.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland May 30, 1933
Dear Brethren:
We have just finished another series of conferences, and I would like to express my thanks to you for the splendid work you have done in helping to make these conferences a success. I should also like to thank you for the courtesy and kindness you have shown Sister Salzner and me. You have shown us that you really have the spirit of your work, and we feel that we can depend on you for anything we might ask of you. I realize that most of you have more duties and responsibilities now, than you have ever had before. A lack of missionaries has necessitated this. In the future, there will probably be less than there are now. This means that we must increase our efficiency to cope with the new problems that arise. We must start hitting on all cylinders, in order to meet all the requirements made of us. This presents a splendid opportunity of development. Every one of you has discovered, that it is really surprising what we can do, when we receive responsibility, and the aid of the Lord to carry it out. We are able to accomplish objectives that we never dreamed of before. I am sure the Lord will give us strength to carry the added responsibility we may receive. Most of you are now taking care of several branches. This makes it necessary for you to speak more often and to more friends and members. Did you ever stop to think that many of our Saints have been in the Church for many years and that they have heard the same subject treated time and time again? It might be rather boresome to them when you speak. We have to speak about Gospel subjects, but let’s try to find new examples and stories, new slants and views on these subjects, and then we can hold their interest. There is plenty of material to be had on Gospel subjects without staying with the same all the time. Be original in your speeches, give your audience new ideas, and they will progress more rapidly in the Gospel. Originality is not all that is necessary in order to make a good speech. We must be forceful, impressive, convincing, if we expect to put over our message. Complaints are coming to me almost continually, that missionaries don’t talk loud enough, or as though they meant it. We cannot convert anyone, no matter how good the content of our speech is, if they cannot hear it, and feel that it is important. You needn’t be afraid of being heard because you have something that everyone would want if they understood it. MISSIONARY EXPENSES: There seems to have been some question in the past, about what should be listed as missionary expenses on the missionary’s personal report. It has happened that missionaries who buy presents for the family or friends at home have listed these with their missionary expenses, thus making them much too high. It makes it appear, as though we were wasting our money. I would like to say that just the money spent for necessities, and recreation are to be listed as missionary expenses, such as: food, clothes, rent, repairs, candy, shows, typewriters, travel, and dental bills etc…. Linen and other presents, for which the people at home send special allowances, are not to be listed on the missionary expense report.
Sister Salzner joins me in wishing you the blessings of the Lord.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland June 30, 1933
Dear Fellow Missionaries:
At all of our missionary meetings, I have laid great stress upon systematic labor and study, and also, upon the importance of regularity and persistency in all good undertakings. Doing this will mean a great deal to your work here and will create within you habits, which will aid you materially in becoming successful in your life at home. We have received the following suggestions from President Widtsoe on this very thing, and we hope that you will apply them in your work.
DAILY PROGRAM: The secret of missionary success is: Study, Study, Study; Practice, Practice, Practice; and Pray, Pray, Pray. That regularity is a fundamental condition of a successful mission. Let the following be an expression of our views relative to the daily program of missionaries: A. Guiding principle: It is deemed advisable to stress few definite hours, but to emphasize what should be done rather than when it should be done. B. The following outline is suggested as giving the requirements for each day. 1. Arise no later than 7:00am – toilet, bathing and breakfast 2. Morning devotion and study hour 8:00am (a) Elders should pray together vocally and in the language of the country in which they are laboring. (b) Reading together of the standard works of the Church. (20 min) (c) Memorizing of choice scriptural passages. (20) (d) Studying together one of the following books dealing with Gospel principles: “Studies in Priesthood”, “Branch Supervision”. “The Successful Missionary”, “Articles of Faith”, “Vitality of Mormonism”, “Saturday Night Thoughts” and “Rational Theology”. (30 min in the morning and more time as convenient) 3. Morning tracting two hours – This time not to include (to and from) 4. Daily follow up of friends from previous tracting districts. 5. Daily study of the language. (One hour) (a) Grammar study (20 min) (b) Oral reading (20 min) (c) Word study and memorization of idiomatic expressions (20 min) Elders are advised to read some good newspaper daily. 6. Visiting of friends according to a well-planned schedule. Visits should terminate not later than 10:00 pm 7. Street meetings and other meetings. 8. Vocal evening prayer in the language of the country.
Experience has shown that if this course is consistently followed, great progress can be made towards gaining knowledge of the Gospel and the language and developing the real spirit of your mission within you that will give you confidence, courage, and faith. Your labors will be a source of great joy and you will find the days too short, the weeks and months passing all too rapidly. You will then have a feeling of remorse in your heart as your mission draws to a close and you’ll realize that thirty months of spiritual happiness have ended. You must then adjust yourself to new conditions, those of making a living and applying the knowledge and the good habits, which you have gathered and formed. Your success will be in proportion to the degree in which you have conformed to the duties of a missionary and applied the practical suggestions made for your development. That the Lord may bless you that you might grasp the importance of these truths, and aid you in doing your daily tasks, is my wish.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland July 31, 1933
Dear Brethren:
As the fall conferences will soon begin, preparations should be underway to make them successful. Special thought should be given to the Saturday Evening Program. There is a great deal of talent in every district, so the programs should be arranged to bring out diversity of talent, and give as many as possible an opportunity to take part. Wherever possible, every organization should be allowed to give a number on the Saturday Evening Program, even though the M.I.A. is in charge of the enrtertainment. Invitations will be sent from the office in Basel to each district in time to distribute them. Judging from past experience, the distributing of invitations from door to door has brought very meager results, while such invitations given by members and missionaries to personal friends and acquaintances—especially those made while tracting— bring practically the only visitors to our conferences. Work out the distribution of invitations very carefully and systematically so that the maximum results are realized from each invitation. Remember that it is not the printed invitation that brings people out, but the personal warm-hearted appeal from you or the Saints. Organize your meetings so as to obtain the best order possible, as disorder distracts from the enjoyment and spirit of a meeting. Have someone at the outer door to direct people to the right location; someone in the hallways to show them where to put their wraps; and someone at the door to welcome them and show them their seats. See that the seats farthest from the door and near the front are occupied first, thus leaving room near the door for latecomers, and women with little children. Have your choir and soloists in their places before the time of commencing. These are just a few details that add to the enjoyment and success of a conference. There are many others that have not been mentioned which you will have to work out yourself. Where many visitors from out of town may be in attendance, it would be well to have the Relief Society prepare a light lunch to be sold at a reasonable price. This should of course only be done where conditions are favorable, and sufficient room is available at the meeting place. Work and pray for the success of the conferences, and the Lord will bless us with His spirit, that all who attend will feel its up-building influence. This good spirit is only present when noise and disorder are absent from the meetings, so every provision should be made to insure good order. That you may be guided to do the things that will make these conferences spiritual feasts, is the sincere prayer of your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland August 30, 1933
Dear Fellow Workers:
Many conditions have arisen of late which call for adjustment and we are called upon to use more energy, faith, and courage than ever before, in order to meet and overcome these obstacles. One of our foremost duties is to prepare the Saints to govern themselves. We must be patient but persistent; kind yet forceful, ever teach them that obedience means progress, humility leads to greatness, that strong must assist the weak, and that the Gospel is to save and uplift and not to cast out. I wish to call to the attention of all District Presidents and Elders that one of our best means to help our Saints is to encourage them to subscribe and read the Wegweiser and Stern. This also holds well with friends. It is through these periodicals that they have contact with the leaders of the Church and its doctrines. We must stress the importance of these publications, and use every effort to increase the sale of them. Every Relief Society, every Young Men’s and Young Ladies Mutual Organization, and every Sunday School should subscribe to the Wegweiser and have it bound at the end of the year, and placed in the library for future use. Of course, it is understood that every missionary buy one each month. Often the Saints excuse themselves because the Wegweiser is a few days late. We do everything humanly possible to get it out in time, but as we depend on the organizations in Utah for most of our lessons, we often do not get them in time, and thereby delay the date of issue. We have done everything possible, as has also President Widtsoe, to have the lessons come sooner, but have not yet fully succeeded. The lesson work in the Wegweiser extends over a two-month period, so there is very little excuse for not buying even if it is a few days late. Please use every effort and means to put the Wegweiser over.
I was very sorry to hear that the conduct of some of the Elders, upon receiving word that they may prepare to leave for home, is not becoming of an ambassador of the Lord. Let me call your attention again to the fact that you are a missionary until you have reported to your Bishop at home, and therefore you are expected to conduct yourself as such. There is no excuse for a missionary to break loose, as soon as he is informed that he may leave for home, and perhaps sample some beer, propose to some girl, carouse around in strange cities on the way home, just because he thinks no one will know what he is doing. By doing this, a missionary is throwing to the wind that for which he has been struggling during his whole mission. If he can only live his ideals because he is restricted by a set of rules, or because someone is watching him, his labors will be of very little benefit to either himself or others. Please read the instructions for missionaries, as given in your Day Book, and also the Vital Message, occasionally, and you will be reminded what is expected of you. I rejoice in the thought of being able to meet with you all again soon, and wish you the Lord’s blessings.
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland September 30, 1933
Dear Fellow Workers:
With a shortage of Elders in the mission, it is very necessary that we give one another our loyal support. You should especially support you District President by answering all communications promptly, and seeing that your reports are on time and correct. Give strict attention to any request made by your District President. This will help put the work over with a minimum waste of time and without causing any friction. By doing this the District President will be in a better position to put over the work required of him by the mission office. If we all do our part, we will realize a better spirit of unity, and see greater results of our efforts. During the last few weeks we have been stressing the sale of the Wegweisers, and are glad that definite steps have been taken in some districts to accomplish this end. There are now two plans working in some parts of the mission, which promise to be successful. We hope that you will try them, or if you have a better idea put it to work. In some branches, agents who have plenty of pep and salesman ability have been appointed to go to the people and sell the Wegweisers, instead of having the people come to them. They use a subscription list and ask the Saints to sign up for a year. The list is headed with words to this effect: “We the undersigned agree to take the Wegweiser for a year at Rm. .80 a copy.” In other branches time payment systems have been established, allowing the members to pay ten Pfennigs weekly, and thus at the end of two months their Wegweiser is paid for. Both of these systems have been tried with good results. This periodical is a vital factor in the mission work, and every member should be a regular subscriber to it. We must use a little honest psychology on them. Make them see that we are doing them a good turn by urging them to take one. I am more than delighted with the splendid work being done in the mission. I believe that both missionaries and Saints enjoy a better spirit now, than they have for a long time. The local people are doing a splendid work, and are magnifying the offices that they have been called to fill. I would also like to urge you all to exchange your Swiss francs and American dollars for a “Reisescheck” as explained in a recent circular. The fellows who have availed themselves of this opportunity have realized a 20 to 25% higher exchange. This means a lot in times like these. Brethren economize, -- in the past you have been Dutch, but now is the time to be Scotch. With the best of wishes for your success and happiness in this work, I remain,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland October 31, 1933
My Fellow Workers,
I am happy to see the progress we are making in the mission. The seeds sown by our predecessors and also some of our own have sprouted, matured and yielded a fairly abundant harvest. Have you ever reflected on the question, why do people join the Church? In answer to this question, one could give diverse answers, as there are many reasons why they do so. Not everyone who applies for baptism is converted to the Gospel, or has a clear understanding of its principles. They do not all know what to expect of the Gospel, and what they are expected to give in return. It is one of the greatest responsibilities of the missionary to know the investigator that he might know if he is a fitting candidate for baptism. If he finds him wanting in the knowledge of the Gospel it is his duty to instruct him in the first principles, and show him what he must do to obtain a testimony of the Gospel. He must explain to him the responsibility he is taking upon himself by joining the Church, and further, help him see the joy and peace that will come to him by shouldering this responsibility. He must also show, how he can, thru continued service in the Church, obtain a more profound knowledge of the Gospel. Some people are converted to a missionary and show interest until this particular missionary is transferred or returns home, and then no further interest is manifest. Others are converts to baptism only and will get no further. Others have some ulterior motive which is at first not perceivable, and after they have succeeded in gaining that for which they joined the Church, or failed in it, whichever the case might be, they have no further use for the Church. These are only a few of the motives that bring people to the waters of baptism. You can readily see the responsibility resting upon you in determining whether the motive justifies baptism. Every case requires careful diagnosis, and you should, therefore, never rush the convert to the waters of baptism. Be assured that the person has a clear understanding of the principles of the Gospel and shows a willingness to live them, that he has a clear understanding of what the Gospel requires of him. He should know that the principles of Tithing and the Word of Wisdom are not only something to be believed in, but that their literal application in life is very essential. The convert should show a willingness that arises from a righteous joy in doing well, to conform to these principles. In the past few months Germany has been seething of patriotic fervor. Parades have become almost daily occurrences. Several missionaries who are laboring in Germany have been annoyed and on one occasion maltreated by over zealous patriots, because they did not salute the flag as it passed by. Foreigners, who have no inclination to salute the German flag, are not required to do so. On several occasions, however, Americans, being mistaken for seditious natives, have been attacked and maltreated. It is my advice that you do not pay unnecessary attention to these parades. If you stop to the curb to watch the parade, take off your hat when the German flag goes by, as a matter of courtesy to the country whose guests you are. If you have no hat (You should have one!) just keep going and do not pay any attention to the parade. I would also like to warn you against attempting to send money out of Germany; it is contrary to German law to do so. “It pays” to have all your money from home sent directly to the Mission Office. With sincere wishes for your continued success and happiness in this great work, I remain,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland November 30, - December 1, 1933
Dear Fellow Workers:
I have just completed my fall conference tour. It has been a great pleasure to have met you all again, to see the work you are doing, and to partake of the fine spirit which accompanies you in the fulfilling of your duties. On the whole, I have been well pleased with the conferences. They testify of much work and planning. They have made it possible for me to obtain a fairly good estimate of conditions in the field, and also the general attitude of the members. I rejoice that they are measuring up so well. Although, things in the mission are in fine shape, there is, yet, room for improvement. That is the beauty of the Gospel; it has as its goal, perfection, which fascinatingly lures us to new and greater heights. The conferences revealed many strong points of the mission, but in like manner uncovered some of the weaknesses. These are our problems for the future. I trust that you all have made some observations, and that you will devote your efforts to strengthening that which is weak. A suggestive program will be sent to all districts before our spring conferences, thus giving you ample time to arrange your plans for making the conference successful. The end of the year is rapidly approaching, with it comes the joyous Holiday Season. At this time of the year we are somewhat inclined to slacken our pace, to lay down on the job so to speak, consoling ourselves with the thought that a new year will soon be at the door and that we will then, fired by new resolutions, do big things. Let us not be found doing this, but rather giving the year a final finishing touch by exerting our greatest efforts. Christmas is the time to reach the hearts of the people with the glad message of the restored truth. Visit with the saints during the holidays, especially the aged, those who are unable to attend meetings because of illness or infirmities, and the poor saints, who are struggling in their poverty to live the Gospel. Give them encouragement through the spirit of your calling, and they will enjoy being visited by you.
At Christmas time we celebrate the advent of Christ into the world. He was and is the world’s greatest advocate of love, service, and devotion to our fellowmen. His famous aphorism, “It is better to give than to receive,” if lived by mankind would practically cure the social ills of the world. We moderns have made it a custom to give material gifts at this time, forgetting that spiritual gifts are those of enduring value. As missionaries you are largely dependant on others for the material things of life, and are, therefore, in no position to give material gifts. Still you have a chance to give, that which brings even greater joy. To your parents and loved ones, who have sacrificed to make the blessings of your mission possible, you are indebted more than you can repay. You would like to give them a token to show your appreciation at this joyous time. A letter, sincere and filled with the spirit of love and the gospel, will serve that purpose. To pay your debt to them is to a degree possible. They await no material remuneration, but rather fine young men, whose characters have been cast in the die of the gospel, the ingredients being the virtues of eternal life. You are in the casting now. You are being formed into a gift, which will bring honor and joy to those who love you – or remorse and sorrow – depending upon how you allow the die to form you. Every good deed, every service rendered, every duty fulfilled, and every moment constructively used are invisible forces working to perfect that gift you are going to present. You cannot afford to shirk your duty, to waste your time. The reward awaiting you and your loved ones is too great to put at stake. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and the joy that comes through achievement, I remain,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
OUR MOTHER LENDS A WORD OF CHEER:
My Dear Mission Sons:
We are nearing the end of another year. A year filled with varied experiences; long to be remembered for the lessons they have taught us. They have benefited us to the extent that they have assisted us to understand and strive for the real values in life. We will soon celebrate Christmas, a time when the joyous message of peace and good will toward men will be retold in song and story in many lands and climes. What a blessed privilege is ours, to be in the service of the Master, and to labor among the many faithful, sincere saints throughout this mission. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for you, our mission sons, and to your worthy parents and loved ones for their efforts and sacrifices in making it possible for you to enjoy the privilege of bringing peace and joy to all who will accept your message. We have met you all during our recent conferences, and wish to express our thanks to you all for your many kindnesses and the consideration you have shown us. We enjoy your association. We appreciate your confidence, your loyalty and cooperation in carrying forward the message of truth. God bless you for the good work you are doing. Honest effort, clean living and right thinking always bring their own reward. May the New Year bring you health and success; may your hearts be filled with the joy of a duty well done and your lives be made richer and happier through the blessings you bring to others. I send my greetings and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.
Sincerely your mission mother,
Laura W. Salzner
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland January 3, 1934
Dear Brethren:
Again we have arrived at the end of one year and the beginning of another. It is at such a time, that our thoughts turn back and we try to count the successes and failures, the joys and sorrows of the past year. It is then that we strike a balance in our books, count up the profits or loses as the case may be. This is all very good, providing we profit from our reflections upon the situation, and do not commit the same mistakes and failures again, but rather put forth more effort to secure the success, which fills our hearts with joy. The work, in the mission, has passed a very critical year. The revolution in Germany, the uncertainty of our standing as a church under the new government, the threat of a state church to which all would be forced to belong have had a very great influence on our work, making progress more difficult. We have also had to contend with the ever diminishing numbers of our ranks, having released seventy-three missionaries in the past year and only received twenty to replace them. The near future offers little hope for an increase in our numbers. How much rests upon us, who are left to carry on the work that is here to be done! Brethren, the situation is serious. We must work harder, pray more diligently, use every grace and gift, God has given us, in order to combat evil, to bring faith and hope to those, who are still in darkness and praying for light. The Lord holds us responsible for them. We must go in search of them. If we go in faith, He will lead us to them. If we seek, we shall find. The Lord is still mindful of us and will reward our labors, as he has those of others in times past. His hand is still outstretched and ready to give us aid, if we only do our part in humility and faith, trusting Him in all things. The world needs our message, now, more than ever before. It alone will bring peach on earth and good will towards men. We, who are enjoying the blessings of this message, owe it to the world and to our Lord to promulgate it among the people, with whom we are laboring. I wish to thank you all for your loyalty and support in the past year. I am grateful to you for your good wishes which reached us during the holiday season. May the Lord bless you for this.
With greetings and good wishes for your welfare, I am,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President PRESIDENT SALZNER (Article in The Accelerator) January 3, 1934
January the 1st is not only the beginning of a new calendar year for President Salzner, but also, the beginning of another year on earth. On January 1, 1870, in Hambach, Rheinpfalz, Germany, he for the first time beheld the light of day. Although Hambach is an obscure place seldom heard of a few miles beyond its own limits, it has given the world at least one man who has been a blessing to many. In the year 1883 he, with his parents and sister, emigrated to America, making their home in Lehi, Utah. Ten years later he married Laura Webb (our Mission Mother) and they, in due time, became the proud parents of seven daughters. Under the influence of the Church and the responsibility of providing for a family, the many good qualities, which were inherent within him, were given a chance to develop. Because he was always humble, willing, and capable, he has been given many positions of trust and responsibility, both in the Church and in public life. In filling these positions, he has always rendered useful service to his fellow men. Those of us, who are personally acquainted with him know that he is successfully magnifying his present calling. We all have and will always have a warm spot in our hearts for him. May his coming years be many, and filled with health, joy and success.
Elder Albert Pieper Managing Editor for the Accelerator Swiss-German Mission
A TRIP TO HAMBACH (Article in The Accelerator) January 3, 1934
One bright spring morning May 19, 1932, President & Sister Salzner and their daughters, Edith, Helen and Frances, boarded a northbound train. After a beautiful ride through the fertile country of Alsace-Lorraine, we entered Germany and at one o’clock took a street- car for the interesting town of Hambach, my father’s birthplace. This town is noted for its wine. As the country is quite hilly, every available piece of ground on the slopes of the hills have been cultivated and vineyards can be seen everywhere. We wound up through these beautiful hills with the villages nestling up to them as though for protection of their highly prized vineyards. The people were all working, clearing away the underbrush, trimming and tying the first small tendrils to wires, which were held in place by the sell made iron posts or cultivating the soil. As we walked up the main narrow cobble-stone street, there seemed to be a head at each window following us up the street. We visited an old school friend and playmate of my father. As soon as we entered the house the first thing said was, “Bring up the wine.” Father explained to them that we didn’t drink wine. When we girls told them we had never tasted it, they looked at us and wondered how we had lived without it. This good man is the same age as my father; but one would never think so. He looked many years older and his working ability was very limited. I compared these two men and wondered just where the difference could be that one is to say, in the prime of life and the other a broken old man. The thought suddenly came to me of the Word of Wisdom and the blessings one may receive by obeying this commandment. One afternoon we followed the winding path up through the heavily wooded hillside. On the top of this beautiful hill is the ruin of a one time magnificent castle. From the tower of it one can see the fertile valley of the Rhine, and on very clear days, the boats of the river and the Black Forest on the opposite side.
We spent two days in this town visiting friends, making “Ausflugs” into the hills and getting acquainted with the people. I left this town with a spirit of thankfulness burning in my soul for the missionary, who brought the wonderful gospel message to my parents. I am the one, who is enjoying the blessings of their hardships and labors. They were the only ones in this town to accept the gospel. I only hope that I may live worthy of all these wonderful blessings and help someone else to find the true light of the restored gospel.
Sister Frances Salzner Daughter of President & Sister Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland February 1, 1934
Dear Fellow-workers:
The matter of utmost importance in our mind at this time is our Spring Conferences. These conferences will soon begin and I am sure that we are all looking forward to a grand reunion and a spiritual feast which usually characterizes these occasions. Permit me to make a few suggestions relative to how we would like to have the conferences put over this year. As usual, we will have the Saturday evening program. The success of your conference depends largely on this program, as here you make the first impression. If the people enjoy the first session, they will surely attend the second; if not, the contrary is to be expected. The Saturday night program must be given in the spirit of the Gospel and be in harmony with the message we proclaim. It must give as many people as possible an opportunity to participate. Two or three persons should not be permitted to present the whole program merely because they are more talented than others. The Relief Society and Primary should be permitted to give numbers on this program along with and under the direction of the MIA. The Sunday School need not participate on this program, as they have Sunday morning to their disposal. The actual program must not last more than one and one-half hours, leaving thirty minutes for the opening and closing numbers, and a short time for the mission president to deliver a message, which is just as important as any other part of the program. I shall have to ask you to strictly adhere to the matters I have mentioned here. If you have any arrangements in mind, that are different than I am suggesting, please write me, giving all details. If they meet with our approval, we will gladly compromise with you, and assist all we can in putting the program over. Please do not forget that the main object of this program is to help the Saints, especially the young people of the Church to develop their talents, and also to give the people a sample of the good, clean entertainment for which we stand. The Sunday program will be as in the past: Sunday morning Sunday School; Sunday afternoon and evening preaching meeting. I should also like to call your attention to the matter of appointing a clerk for the conference, whose duty it shall be to make a short report of the conference proceedings, giving the number in attendance at each meeting, the names of the visiting authorities and those who speak, and also any outstanding features of the conference. This report is to be sent to the mission office, and should not exceed the length of one-hundred and twenty words. Trusting that these suggestions will be of assistance to you, and wishing you success in preparing for your conferences, I am,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
JOSEPH SMITH AND FREEMASONRY (Article in The Accelerator) February 1, 1934
It is not an uncommon thing to have the Reorganites poison the minds of the Saints, by parading distorted facts, about things connected with the Church and its leaders in the early days, before them. One point of attack, which is not infrequently used, is that Joseph Smith was a Freemason. As the members of our mission know very little about the order of the Freemasons, they often get very distorted conceptions about them. I will endeavor to give you a few high points in the matter, which will assist you in defending yourself, should you ever find it necessary to do so. Many of the early converts to the Church were members of the Freemason organization before joining the Church. They always enjoyed protection, received and gave assistance from and to fellow Masons. Naturally after joining the Church their sympathies for this organization did not completely disappear. When the persecutions began, and they were subject to all manner of unjust hardships and abuse, they prevailed on the Prophet to organize a lodge and thereby receive the protection of fellow Masons, of which there were many, especially among the state and county officials. Hence we read (Church History Vol. 4, page 550 and 552) that the Prophet officiated as Grand Chaplain at the installation of the Nauvoo Lodge of the Freemasons’ under the decree issued by grand Master Abraham Jonas, head of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, who was also present at the installation of this lodge. As has been said, the reason that Joseph Smith joined the Masons is because his brethren and friends, who were Masons before the Church was organized, pointed out to the Prophet that he could receive protection from them, if he were a member of that fraternity. That the Prophet did not receive the promised protection, we know only too well. Often the accusation is made that the temple ordinances, performed in our temples, were copied from the rites of the Freemasons. We find in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 124, a revelation given January 19, 1841, which is fourteen months before Joseph Smith knew anything about the rites of the Freemasons, that the Lord commanded his people to build a Temple, where he could restore what was lost, even the fullness of the Priesthood. Verse 39 explains fully what he would reveal, and you find mentioned in this verse everything that is done in the temples. You can see from this that it is impossible that our temple ordinances were copied from the rites of the Freemasons. I do believe, however, that the Lord wanted the Prophet to see the differences between that which the Lord revealed and that which is practiced by secret societies. Since that time, all Latter-day Saints are cautioned not to join such societies. There is nothing, the Lord has ever revealed, of which the devil has not made a counterfeit with the purpose of deceiving mankind. He surrounds it with high ideals, coats it over with some good deeds to make it appear real and thereby, deceives many. Chapter 3, Book of Abraham, Pearl of Great Price, shows us that the Prophet had an understanding of sacred rites as early as 1835, which was seven years before he became connected with the Freemasons. He only aspired to the third degree of which there are thirty-three, so his knowledge of them could not have been very great. The Nauvoo Lodge only lasted a short time.
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland March 1, 1934
Dear Co-workers:
It is with happy anticipation that Sister Salzner and I look forward to seeing you all again. We will begin visiting the conferences March 4, at Hanover, and continue until May 27. The attendance at our missionary meetings will in most cases be small, because our force is being reduced each month. At the same time, the same spirit of joy and happiness should be with the few as was with the many. The reduction in our missionary force demands that each and every one of us carry a greater responsibility. If the work is going to continue to progress as it has done in the past, greater efforts must be put forth to meet the existing conditions. I want each of you to make a prayerful study of conditions in your field of labor. Try to find a way to meet present problems; study the trend of thought among the people, find out what their interests are. We must do this if we are going to find new ways and means of reaching them. If we are to reach them, we must interest them in what we have. Tracting is still the main means of contacting people. Greater efforts should be made along this line of activity. Due to the decrease in missionaries, your duties along other lines have increased. You have more friend and member visits to make, more meetings to hold, and many other duties that occupy some of the time that should be devoted to tracting. Nevertheless, tracting is still an important part of missionary work, and you should not allow your other work to interfere with it too much. Tracting fulfills a two fold purpose; First, it places our message in the hands of the people; and second, it is the greatest factor in the development of a missionary, an experience which cannot be replaced by any other activity which we have as yet found. With the conferences approaching, it would be well for you all to do your best to arouse the interest of the people with whom you have become acquainted for this conferences. Encourage the Saints to make all their neighbors and friends acquainted with the date and location of the conference. Personal invitations and enthusiastic commenting, will have much more effect than printed advertising. President and Sister Merrill expect to visit our mission this Spring. Let’s be prepared to meet them with the best monthly report possible. Work creates enthusiasm; enthusiasm brings success. Wishing you all continued success and happiness in your work, and looking forward to seeing you all soon, I am,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
Mission Home Basel, Switzerland March 30, 1934
Dear Fellow Missionaries:
While attending the conference in Hanover, my attention was called to a man who is going from branch to branch “sponging” off the Saints. This fellow was dressed in a S.S. uniform and palmed himself off to the Elders and Saints as an ex-local missionary, giving a different name in every branch. On several occasions he has been taken in by the Elders and Saints. He only stayed long enough to get his hands on the few marks that were in the home and then left, never to show up again. After one or two such escapades in a branch, he goes to the next and does like-wise. Will you kindly notify all the branch presidents to tell the Saints never to take anyone in, whom they do not know personally, regardless of any story he or she tells. Latter-day Saints do not go from place to place begging entertainment. As a thing of this kind occurs quite often, I am asking you to watch your step and also to warn the Saints. It has been customary in the past for released Elders to bequeath to us their “Last Will and Testament”, as has been requested. Some splendid thoughts and experiences have come to us by means of these documents. Of late, the released Elders have neglected to comply with this request, consequently much valuable advice which rises out of the experience of each individual missionary has been lost. We can profit much by the experiences of others. Please do not neglect this opportunity to serve the mission by leaving them a few gems from your treasure of ideas and experiences. You will be none the poorer for it, and those remaining to “carry on” will be much the richer. It happens occasionally that missionaries, in speaking, branch off into subjects that neither they nor the Saints really understand. Often by waxing eloquent on the mysteries of life, more harm than good is done. Many of the misconstrued ideas of Mormon doctrine, harbored in the minds of some of the Saints, had their origin in a speech made on the “mysteries.” I should like to caution you not to get too far from the first principles. These principles are inexhaustible and reach into everything pertaining to this life. After all, we are working out our salvation here and now – not in the past or future. By remembering this, you will not get into deep water, as no one can dispute their truthfulness. More people have been converted through the first principles than through any other principles. If any of you labor in a city where you are forbidden to tract, go from house to house inviting the people to your meetings. You will get more gospel conversations by this method than by tracting. If you are forbidden to preach, sit down and talk to the people. In short, if you cannot go through the mountain, go around it.
With all good wishes, I am,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President Mission Home Basel, Switzerland October 1, 1934
Dear Brethren:
It has been a great joy for me to be able to meet so many of the Elders again during my visits to conferences. It is always a means of great happiness to me when I can get out into the mission field with you Brethren to enjoy the spirit which you carry with you, to hear of your successes, and to try to help you out of your difficulties. We should always be seeking for ways and means of increasing our efficiency as missionaries, and, in our offices as such, realize that we are always being watched. We are the objects of great observation, Brethren, and we should endeavor, at all times, to conduct ourselves as missionaries and strive to posses those qualities which are expected of those who occupy offices of such magnitude. I have listed some guides and observations, Brethren, and I trust that you will follow these instructions faithfully so that you may not make mistakes for which you must account. It is better that the mistakes were not made in the first place.
Arise never later than 7:00 am. Late rising causes sleepiness and indifference. Get a full day’s work in each day. Tracting: The first visit should be brief. Do not tell everything at the first visit but try to arouse your listener’s curiosity. Return the next week, and the next and the next, until your hearers know and trust you. Then as soon as possible invite yourself to visit the family in the evening when the father and children are home. Take plenty of pictures of Utah to stimulate interest. Pictures will usually interest those who are inattentive to your introduction into the gospel. Above all know the contents of your tracts. A salesman who doesn’t know his goods is never successful. Constancy, regularity, and concentration must be applied to carry out a full program every day. Keep at your job. Do it day after day without exceptions.
Sincerity: You must impose the people with the fact that you believe what you are teaching if you expect them to believe. Appearances: In order to make a good impression as a missionary you must dress in clean, neat clothes. Press your clothes more often. American comparisons are not welcomed in Europe. Speak of local things and characters. These people love their country just as you love yours and don’t like to have their land belittled. Save money, if it is possible, for transfers, emergency bills etc. Now that we are unable to give you the advantage of registered Reich marks, you will have to be more careful. This unfortunate condition is going to make it hard for a lot of Elders and, from now on we must try to live as economically as possible. However, do not try to save money by starving yourselves. Always eat well, and save your money by doing away with things that are not necessary. Letters: Write to your parents every week and tell them what you are doing. Write to your girl friend occasionally, but do not let it take too much of your time or distract your thoughts and interests from your work. Write to your friends once in a while, but avoid a heavy correspondence. Keep appointments: It often happens that missionaries become lax in keeping appointments. This reveals ingratitude to those who have invited us and makes it impossible for us to demand punctuality or attendance at our meetings. Familiarity: Above all, missionaries should guard themselves from familiarity with women or girls while in the mission field. The rules are: 1. Never be alone with a woman. 2. Never address a woman by her first name. 3. Never touch a woman except to shake hands with her. READ THE VITAL MESSAGE OFTEN. Speaking English among Saints is a habit conductive to distrust on the part of the members, because they think we are speaking of them. Above all we should never teach Germans, English words of slang The Saints are quick to take offence if the missionaries are partial to some of them. Elders should be just and fair with all people and should help those most who are most in need of help.
Reiseschecks: This decree is to go into effect on the 1st of October and after that date we shall not be able to give you the advantage of Reiseschecks unless special arrangements are met. Therefore, Brethren, if you have not already done so, it would be advantageous for you to write your folks and tell them to send you money to this office, Leimenstr. 49, Basel, Switzerland. It is highly important that you follow this instruction. We are sending out a circular today concerning this matter and trust that you will study it and act according to its instructions. We will endeavor to give you all possible aid and will inform you of any new developments. Visiting old branches never does any good, but it often does a great deal of harm, because such a visit causes jealousy among some of the members, and the missionary who returns is there not as Branch President, but just to have a good time and the danger exists of breaking mission rules.
Trusting that these instructions may act as useful guides in your work, and wishing you the Lord’s choicest blessings, I am,
Sincerely your brother,
Francis Salzner Mission President
From Our Mission Mother (Article in The Accelerator) December 1, 1934
My Dear Mission Sons,
With the approach of the holiday season, when thoughts of friends and loved ones fill our hearts, I am thinking of you and hoping you are well and happy in the service you are giving. It has been a joy to be with you in the recent conferences and to hear your expressions of love and gratitude to your dear parents for the sacrifices they are making to give you this great opportunity. Many of your parents are making great sacrifices that you may have the blessed privilege of being in the service of the Master, to bring peace and joy into the lives of those who will accept your message. And I sincerely pray that your dear parents may have the assurance that all is well here this Christmas season and that they may feel a joy and satisfaction for the sacrifices which they are making. Our Heavenly Father alone knows the efforts that are being put forth that you may accomplish the work that you have been called to do, and He will reward accordingly. As representatives of His Church our lives should be so fully in harmony with its teachings that we should deliver our message to the world through our actions each day. We all have our weaknesses. Let us remember that it is easier to avoid temptation than to overcome it. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the opportunity we have of working with you, for your faith and prayers, for your loyalty and the many kindnesses you have extended to us. We hope that your new friends here will make your holiday season a merry one. Christmas, the happiest time of the year, is the time when everyone makes a real effort to spread happiness by bringing joy to others. God bless you with every needful blessing. May you have a merry and blessed Christmas. May the new year add to your health and success, and may the blessings you have given to others be rewarded to you many fold, I remain,
Very sincerely your Mission Mother, Laura W. Salzner Mission Home Basel, Switzerland December 1, 1934
Dear Brethren:
The month of December brings to us that joyful event to which millions of people look forward in happy anticipation. It brings to us, who are far away from home and loved ones, pleasant memories of family reunions and celebrations with friends and companions. Although we remember these in love, we are happy in the many friendships we have gained while laboring in a foreign land among strangers. Where, up until our advent into the mission field, we have been mostly the recipients of gifts and favors, we are now in the place where we are to be the givers of the same. We are bearers of that great message of “Peace on earth, good will toward men”. This we bring to all with whom we come in contact, and to those who receive this message will come a peace and joy which make them happy and grateful to the one who brought them this message of peace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, if obeyed and lived, would redeem mankind from the sorrows and fears which now bear so heavily upon them. It would redeem them from envy and covetousness; would instill in their hearts a love for all that is upright, clean and wholesome; would make mankind into a brotherhood. The song of the angels that memorable night, bearing the message that through Christ peace should come to the earth and good will to men, has never been realized because men have rejected Him and His teachings and have gone their own way. Because of this the world is in the condition in which we find it today. Our duty as messengers of the Lord is to bring to the attention of mankind the necessity of obeying the Gospel of Christ, for through that alone can peace and good will come to the people of the earth. Trusting that the Lord’s choicest blessings may be with you in your Christmas preparations and throughout the Yule season, I remain,
Sincerely your brother, Francis Salzner Mission President FAREWELL MESSAGE Basel, Switzerland May 28, 1935
Dear Mission Sons:
There is a last time to most everything; so also to our messages, which we have sent to you through the Accelerator every month. We have aimed to keep in touch with you and have contact with you and your work. We aimed to give you timely counsel and advice. We tried to replace your parents, to keep close to you, to merit your confidence. We wish to thank you for your enthusiastic response to everything we have asked of you, for your loyalty to the great cause in which we are all engaged, for the love you have expressed for us and the kindness to us whenever we were with you. We will never forget these associations with you and hope that your lives have been influenced for good by these experiences. We leave here rich in experience, with greater faith in the Lord and His work and its destiny. May you, at the conclusion of your labors, return home filled with the spirit of your work, that your influence may there be felt and that your loved ones may be enriched and blessed through it. You will find in President Kelly and his good wife, a new father and mother who will also have a parental interest in you and will help you by their counsel and advice. That the Lord may ever be your nearest friend, and may His Spirit be your constant companion, is the prayer of
Your Mission Parents,
Francis Salzner and Laura W. Salzner
SALZNERS DEPART (Article in The Accelerator) May 1935
An incoming mission president carries the release for his predecessor, and is commissioned by the First Presidency to present the release to the retiring president. This little formality took place in our mission on May 15, when President Kelly delivered his message from the First Presidency to President Salzner. Thus our beloved Mission Father received definite notice that his labors were completed, that the load, which he had carried until the last minute, was taken from his shoulders. No doubt he still felt the load, as many who carry great burdens are definitely conscious of it even after they have been relieved of them. President Salzner spoke in the Basel Conference on May 26 and bore a powerful testimony --- a sort of last blow before leaving a well- finished job. On the following evening the Basel Branch favored the Salzner Family with a farewell program. Every organization showed its appreciation for the labor, which the various members of the family had done, by presenting a number on the program and each giving a little remembrance. The tone of that meeting is too strange to be clothed in words. The congregation laughed through tears as the Swiss “Landler Kapelle” rambled crazily through a number of folk tunes. Some speakers choked, and others spoke in firm praises. A father was to leave his home. On the morning of May 28, the Basel Branch gathered at the “Badischer Bahnhof” to give the family a last farewell. The station was full of friends, shaking hands and wishing well. As the train began to move the friends sang “Gott sei mit euch bis Auf's Wiedersehen”. And with dimmed eyes and a faint smile Brother Salzner replied, “Auf Wiedersehen, Kinder!” And four handkerchiefs waved from the train window until the train moved out of sight. “He was a wonderful mission president,” someone was heard to say. The Salzner Family has planned a trip, which will take them to Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Frankfurt, Hambach (President Salzner’s birthplace), Rostock, Copenhagen, Malmo, Rotterdam, Brussels, London, and America where they will visit relatives in the eastern states. We wish President Salzner and the family a very pleasant journey. We hope that upon their arrival home, they will find their loved ones well and happy. We wish to extend President Salzner our sincere thanks for the editorial work he has contributed to the ACCELERATOR. He has been faithful to his missionary sons by supplying them with his “President’s Message” every month. On this page, which was reserved for him in every issue, he gave the missionaries timely advice, encouragement, suggestions, and now and then a paragraph of admonition, but all of his messages were for the sole purpose of bringing aid to his fellow workers. The “President’s Message” has been the real feature of every ACCELATOR and has made it an important missionary organ. We do not feel to flatter Brother Salzner, and even know that he is a man who places little stock in flattery, but in all sincerity we can say that if one sentence were to describe him it would be, “He is a good Priesthood holder”. In all our acquaintance with him in the mission field he preached and exemplified the words in D&C 121:41-46: “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by longsuffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile -– Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.” President Salzner made it his program to teach the Priesthood holders the correct order of the Priesthood. In his own language he resounded the following words of the Doctrine and Covenants: “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen.” President Salzner’s words were just as direct: “The order of the Priesthood is not that of the army!” And another of his expressions that will not soon be forgotten is: “The deacon who does his duty, is more blessed than the apostle who neglects his duty.” I am sure that the Swiss-German missionaries join us in extending Brother and Sister Salzner heartiest thanks for their consideration and actual parental interest in us. One of President Salzner’s greatest messages to the missionaries was that they could preach the Gospel much better through their example than by their sermons, and he himself, although he gave vital counsel, illustrated just what he expected from the brethren by setting a good example. We are indeed grateful for this example and feel that it has given us invaluable strength. Those missionaries who have lived under this example, who have basked in its influence and have been inspired by its vigor know that a mission is not a dream nor a trip abroad, but a period of labor, a practical assignment that must be fulfilled with humility and prayer. And, finally, his example was a practical gospel. It taught that the Lord would do nothing for us that we could do for ourselves. Thus he has taught us and we treasure his friendship, and shall endeavor to keep the trust that he has placed in us.
Elder Edwin Butterworth Managing Editor for The Accelerator Swiss-German Mission Talk Given By Laura Webb Salzner (Mission President) Salt Lake Tabernacle Relief Society Conference October 3, 1935
In September 1931, we left our home for the Swiss - German Mission. We have recently returned most grateful for this experience and the privilege of laboring among the fine people of Switzerland and Germany. We have greatly enjoyed our work, the association of the faithful saints and the wonderful missionaries who have labored with us.
No doubt there are many mothers present whose sons were with us in that far-off land. I wish to say that we feel there are no finer or better young men than we have had the privilege of working with. We have learned to love them and to honor the parents of these 250 sincere, capable, humble missionaries.
In the Swiss - German Mission all auxiliaries are organized and doing good work. The Relief Society was organized 52 years ago in Bern, Switzerland. Two years later an organization was effected in Berlin, Germany. Until 10 years ago the Swiss - German Mission comprised Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. It was then divided with Switzerland, and the western half of Germany belonging in the Swiss - German and the eastern half of Germany and Austria in the German - Austrian Mission.
At the present time in the Swiss - German Mission where we were called to labor, there are 54 Relief Societies organized with a membership of 1,100. Although these members are often separated by many miles there are 150 faithful visiting teachers who carry a Relief Society message into the homes each month. They are following the lesson course prescribed by the General Board, enjoying them, and progress is being made. In the Swiss - German Mission the organizations are presided over by the local women who love the work and find joy in the opportunity for service and the educational advantages offered to them.
In each of the 14 districts, which may be compared to stakes, two conferences are held each year, and it means saving from a meager income in order to attend these conferences where they receive instructions from mission authorities.
In 1933 an important step was taken in the advancement of auxiliary organization work, when general mission boards were organized, one for each auxiliary organization. This gave local men and women a greater opportunity to assume responsibility and to give service. Local district supervisors were also appointed to further perfect the organizations and to bring a closer cooperation between the mission and branch societies. These Relief Society district supervisors visit the branches within their districts once a year, their traveling expenses being paid from the annual membership dues.
Although the members are poor, their hearts are in the work. They are faithful tithe-payers and loyal in supporting the auxiliary organization. About five years ago the members were asked to pay an annual membership fee of RM 1.00 which is equal to $0.25. They responded so well to this request that we now have sufficient funds sent in each year to pay all mission office expenses of the Relief Society and traveling expenses of the district supervisor and a mission board member.
Two years ago the singing mothers were organized throughout the mission. At each district conference last spring these groups furnished the singing for one session of these conferences. They are a music-loving people. They sing well and love to sing their beautiful folk songs and the songs of Zion in their homes and meetings.
In order to keep more wholly in touch with the branch organization, a monthly report is sent in to the mission office. These reports are compiled into a district report and a copy sent to the supervisors.
On account of the expense of translating and printing the fine handbooks sent out by the general boards, the organizations have been somewhat handicapped. This difficulty is gradually being overcome. Some books are now in use and others including a Relief Society handbook are being translated.
These instructions will do much to standardize the work and solve many of the organization problems. During the last few years, because the people in Switzerland are in a better financial condition than those in Germany, the Relief Societies in Switzerland have collected new and used clothing and sent from 30 to 50 large packages each year into Germany. This work is under the supervision of the Relief Society mission board and is distributed through their district and branch presidents among the needy members of the church. Much of this clothing is contributed by nonmembers who have learned of the charitable work of the organization and sent their contributions in unsolicited.
Although the majority of the women must work and help earn the living as well as take care of their homes and family, they find time to do beautiful handwork for their bazaars which are held each year to gather funds for the organizations.
The members of the Swiss - German Mission felt highly honored and greatly appreciated the visit of our dear President, Sister Robison. The saints in that far-off land feel isolated from the body of the church and this personal contact with one of our leaders brought a closer bond of unity and understanding.
I bring you greetings from the Swiss - German sisters, for they feel you are interested in them as they are interested in you.
May our Heavenly Father bless the Relief Society work the world over. May we all follow the teachings of our leaders and cultivate a spirit of love and service. Elder Francis Salzner Former President of the Swiss and German Mission
My dear brethren and sisters, only once before in my life have I beheld such a sight as I see today. I shall never forget it. I pray for your indulgence and the Spirit of the Lord to guide the few remarks that I may make today, that they may be worthy of the cause that we represent and of this great occasion.
In returning from presiding over the Swiss and German Mission, having been home some three months now, I wish to bring to you the greetings of the missionaries and the saints of the Swiss and German Mission. Of the missionaries I may say that I don't think there has ever been a finer lot of young men sent out into the world at any time than the missionaries who have labored with us in the mission.
I also wish to commend the fidelity and the faithfulness of those good saints who make up the Swiss and German Mission. They are surely an example to us, and I have received from them and their influence a great deal of benefit, for I have seen things there which I never beheld before. I have seen how the Gospel has taken hold of them, and the living of the Gospel has brought unto them the greatest of blessings.
Yes, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power unto salvation to those who obey it and live it, and there we see those faithful saints trying with all their might to live it, and the blessings of God are showered upon them. Peace and joy and happiness are in their homes and their hearts, and they appreciate the Gospel. I wish that we also would appreciate its blessings as those saints do who are in that far-off land.
There was, while we were there, what is known as a revolution, inasmuch as the government changed from a democracy to a dictatorship. We had expected perhaps to be curtailed in our rights or in our privileges, I may say, but until now we have been free to preach the Gospel. We have preached repentance and baptized people. What the future will bring of course we do not know.
Brother Ballard has mentioned the religious contention over there. This perhaps is somewhat misunderstood by us here; perhaps taken much more seriously than it really is. This idea of a pagan religion, as fostered by Dr. Rosenberg, who has a following of perhaps two hundred and fifty or three hundred thousand out of sixty-five million people is of small consequence, although we can see from all this contention that the people are not satisfied with the religion which they have and are looking for something different.
In the western part of Germany, which is mostly Catholic, I noticed this summer there has been a new movement started, namely, the people want a Rome-free church, devoid of pagan ceremony and rituals. They want to come back again to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to the things which influence men and help them to become better and make life better for others.
I wish also to relate a visit that I made to a world-known establishment there, which is called Bethel. It is located near the city of Bielefeld, and was started nearly a hundred years ago by a pastor by the name of Dr. Bodelschwink. It is an entirely benevolent institution, and is built for the purpose of taking care of epileptic patients. The day we were there, there were over five thousand patients in that institution, and I saw the most pitiable sights I have ever seen in my life. After going through the institution we talked to the guide and he told us that in every case they make a thorough study of the ancestry of the patient, to try to determine what is the cause of that condition in the patient. He said they have determined that sixty-five per cent of those unfortunates have been brought to that condition through drunkenness of the parents and grandparents, twenty-five per cent from sexual disease, ten per cent they were unable to determine.
Sometimes when I hear Latter-day Saints say: "I wish they would not talk any more about the Word of Wisdom," I say, let us cry out the Word of Wisdom to the four ends of the world, that the people may know what God says about this thing. When I looked at those thousands of unfortunates there, I felt shocked when I realized that the responsibility for their condition rested upon someone else, that their parents through drunkenness were responsible and that the suffering could have been avoided had those parents and grandparents been properly taught from their youth up.
We as a church stand out in the world today as teaching the great principle, that a clean life is the one thing that will bring happiness and joy to us and to our posterity. We don't know how far-reaching this is. We don't know how many are affected by our living clean, upright, honorable lives.
When I listened yesterday to Elder Hinckley giving us a eulogy on these men who are sitting here upon this stand, I thought how blessed are we to have such men as our leaders,--men experienced in almost every walk of life, who can give unto us counsel and advice, who can look ahead and show unto us the way which we should go, who can see the pitfalls ahead of us and warn us of the dangers. How thankful we should be for such leaders, and we should go home and put into practice the counsels that they give us, and by doing so we would all be blessed.
Many times I have said if the Latter-day Saints were to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ they would be the greatest power in the world today. Men would come here from every corner of the world to see the accomplishments and the lives of these people. The reason why this prophecy which was read to us this morning--that men should come up to the mountain of the Lord to learn of the Lord's ways--has not been fulfilled is because we, as a people, are not living the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we should. We have a power in our hands, but as yet, we haven't made use of it.
A professor in one of the largest universities in Germany called upon me just a few days before I left for home. He had been here in Salt Lake City for six months, studying the economic side of Mormonism, and he said: "You people have got the greatest thing in all the world, but you don't know how to use it."
Now brethren and sisters, let us go home from this conference and disseminate the spirit of this conference among our neighbors and friends, using our influence wherever possible to build up, to raise up, and to induce our brethren and sisters to live the Gospel. By doing so we shall make a better state, a better community, and a nicer place in the world to live.
May God bless you all. May the spirit of this conference emanate from here to every corner of the Church, that its influence may also be made manifest with those who are not present here, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Conference Report, October 1935, p.74 The Hosanna anthem (Stephens) was sung by the Choir
The following pages are from the personal history of Helen Salzner Dean. She gives a good summary of their mission experiences from 1931-1935.
“On September 15, 1931 Father, Mother, Edith, Frances and I left from the D&RG Railroad Station for New York and then by ship for Europe. There were about 200 people at the station to bid us goodbye and wish us well. About 25 of my sorority sisters formed a circle around me, sang some of our sorority songs and pinned a gorgeous corsage on me. It was yellow roses, lavender sweet peas and lilies of the valley. That is when I got teary eyed. While we were in Europe, the Sorority joined the national chapter of Delta Gamma. Our first stop was in Denver to see Mildred, Howard and boys, Warren, Arthur and Howard Jr. Mildred was worried about her husband Howard who was very sick, but the doctors couldn’t diagnose the illness. Sometime later they said it was Multiple Sclerosis. He got steadily worse and died on September 22, 1932 after the family moved back to Salt Lake City. Melba and Don met us in Chicago, our next stop, and after spending a few days there we left for Buffalo and New York City. We spent a few days here and sailed on Saturday morning, September 26th, on the ‘Leviathan’, the largest ship at that time. It seemed huge to us. We hit rough water and all had a taste of seasickness. But when it is over – it is over – and we enjoyed the rest of the 8 days on board. We arrived at Cherbourg, France and went on to Paris. This was such a big, busy, interesting and confusing place, but with the help of two friends from Salt Lake, we got to all the right places. We spent one whole day at Versailles, where royalty lived for centuries. It covers 250 acres of castles, gardens, fountains etc. It was at the castles here that I became interested in French Provincial furniture. We arrived in Basel, Switzerland by train from Paris at 6:00 am on October 5th. It had been a long trip and it seemed good to have somewhere we could call „home‟ once more. The mission home was a large three story white structure and was very attractive. Part of the main floor was mission offices and all the Elders working there lived in the house. There were nine at this time, plus the cook, plus five of us, so it made a big family for meals. Our apartment was on part of the 2nd floor. We had a family room and two bedrooms. We got acquainted with Basel fast and liked it very much. We also learned to walk, as no cars were furnished at that time. We girls took German and French lessons from a private tutor to get us into the work faster. I also took vocal lessons and Frances piano at the Baseler Musicschule. I visited some Kindergartens and gathered material to bring home for use here. We got acquainted with the branch members, especially the girls our own age, and participated in the activities. We went to Conferences with our parents to cities in Switzerland, half of Germany from Hamburg on the North Sea to the Swiss area. It was an 18 hour train ride from Basel to Hamburg so Father usually planned Conferences along the way to break up the long trip since trains or street cars were our only choice, except, of course, WALKING. I was made Mission President of the Primaries with two Swiss counselors to help with the lessons and translating. When I went to Conferences I met with missionaries to help organize Primaries and with Presidents where it was going strong. It is difficult to summarize 4 years into a few short paragraphs. The joys, frustrations, and excitement I found in visiting big cities, the lasting friendships I made with Elders who lived in our home, and met along the way, and close associations I had with friends, many of whom came to Salt Lake in later years and I still see them. We had season tickets to the Opera House in Basel one year and saw whatever was performed on Friday - Opera, Play, Concert etc. Whenever we went to a big city with a big Opera House, father would plan a free night so we could attend the Opera. They were exciting to see but just as interesting were the big Opera Houses with their several tiers of balconies and the special place where Royalty used to sit. Wagner Operas were my favorite. I attended the Mission President Conference held in Prague, Czechoslovakia with my parents, and presided over by John A. Widtsoe, European Mission President. Presidents and wives from all missions in Europe, British Isles, Holland, and Scandinavia were there. A former Missionary companion of Father‟s, O.H. Budge, and his wife were presiding over the German-Austrian Mission with headquarters in Berlin. So, we took the opportunity of visiting them and seeing Berlin. Edith just stayed one year. She and Harold were engaged and she left to go home and get married. I had all the exciting experiences all missionaries have, attending Missionary Testimony Meetings that sometimes lasted all day, and yes I also received the big „DEAR JANE LETTER‟ and the boys laughed and accepted me as a charter member of the group. One experience I would like to give in detail was a trip we took beginning on May 19, 1932. We left Basel at 6:45 am and arrived in Hambach, Germany, father‟s birthplace, about 2:00 pm going by train and streetcar to get there. It was a beautiful sunny day. We walked up the same cobblestone street that Father did 49 years before. It was just 49 years ago May 16th that he left there. We visited with an old school friend of his, Mr. Jungman, his wife, daughter, son-in-law and their children, the Hoffmans. We had dinner there and then went for a walk up on one of the hills in back of the town. It was only a two minute walk until we were in the Black Forest and it was beautiful. There were huckleberries growing, the first we had ever seen. I heard a real cuckoo bird call. We walked to the top of the hill where the ruins of the old Maxburg Castle were. From the tower we could see all over the valley which was a beautiful sight of vineyards terraced up all the hills. We stayed in the only Hotel-Restaurant there and in the morning we heard a real live „Town-Crier‟ standing in the street calling the latest news at the top of his voice. The next day we visited more friends, the two Catholic Schools and Church he attended, the home where he was born, and the lady, who bought it from Grandfather Georg Salzner, was still living there. I am very grateful that my Grandparents accepted the Gospel and came to Utah. I can also understand how hard it must have been to leave this beautiful valley to settle in sagebrush covered Lehi, and face a new language. With vineyards terraced on the hills, wine making was a main industry there and everyone drank wine, even the children. They were surprised that Father hadn‟t had wine since leaving the village and neither did his family. It was here I received a strong testimony of the Word of Wisdom. I compared my father with his school friends – he looked many years younger, was strong in body and mind, and had become a leader in church and in the business world, had traveled extensively and educated himself. He spoke fluently in both English and German. In January 1933 Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor in Germany by President Paul von Hindenburgh and started making his presence known more prominently. In August, Dad and I were refused a Visa into Germany. Ours had expired. Father had a conference in Bielefeld, Germany so they left to go there with only two days left on his Visa. They came back in time and we got it straightened out at another city in Switzerland. It seemed the man at the Consul Office in Basel was the jerk. People who had enough money to get out of Germany were leaving in droves, so a limit was put on the amount of money a person could take out. By April, 1000 Jews had come into Basel from Germany. We wondered what the future would bring. This resulted in more questions and more thorough searching of all luggage. Of course there was no problem going from Switzerland to Germany, but coming back was getting more and more nerve-racking. In July 1934 we had the wonderful opportunity to go to Oberammergau to see the Passion Play (The Life of Christ). Our group included Father, Mother, Frances, myself and several missionaries from our mission. Father encouraged them to take advantage of this opportunity and worked out a schedule for a few to go at a time and still leave the districts covered. This little village is nestled in the Bavarian Alps not far from Munich. In 1633, a plague hit the village. Many people died, and they feared their village would be wiped out. The city officials and ministers prayed to God, that if He would stop the plague they would perform the tragedy of the Passion every ten years from then on. The plague stopped, people recovered and no more deaths. The first was in 1634, the next in 1640 and every 10 years after that. In 1934 they gave a special performance celebrating the Jubilee year (300 years since the first one). It was only performed every third day during the summer. We arrived late afternoon, by train, on July 3rd. Our tickets included a place to stay, and five meals at the same place. We had dinner and then went sightseeing on the main street. The next day, July 4th, we had breakfast and then went to the theater. The play started at nine o‟clock and went to 12 noon. A two hour break was for lunch and mingling with tourists from all over the world. The actors were out on the street also, to sign autographs and pose for pictures. The play in the afternoon was from two to five o‟clock. There was not a roof over the stage so the scenery included the beautiful mountains and a very blue sky. It was so fascinating. Time went fast. The stores stayed open late for shopping, wood carvings their specialty, and actors mingled again. The actors for the main parts are voted on a year or two before the play and try to „live‟ the part in preparation. The townspeople fill in all other parts, choruses etc. The next morning we had breakfast, said our goodbyes to our wonderful hosts and left, by train, through the beautiful Bavarian Mountains to the outside world again with a lasting love for „The Passion‟. Our next stop was Munich and as I thought back I hadn‟t seen a single Nazi Uniform in that special village of Oberammergau, and Munich was swarming with them. On August 7, 1934 we listened to the funeral of President Paul von Hindenburg on the radio. Hitler was one of the speakers. It was broadcast world-wide. Shortly after that, Hitler took over the Presidency and assumed the title „Der Fuehrer‟ (The Dictator). Things got worse after this. We saw the Strom Troops marching in several cities we visited, and the flags with the „swastika‟ on, were hanging everywhere. Church members told Father in whispers that if anyone was heard criticizing the government that person was questioned and some had been sent to concentration camps. So they had to be careful not to say anything at any time because if someone overheard, they would turn their name in, even neighbors. However at this time missionaries were still allowed to work, and church services were still being held. Forbidding them came later. Hitler was very much against religion, especially any ministers from out of Germany. A Swiss man, Brother Max Zimmer, was very fluent in English as well as German and worked in the Mission Office as a translator of Church publications into German. He and Father worked on a letter they sent to the German Government explaining about our Religion. They listed the Articles of Faith and stressed #12 – „We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.‟ They said we would obey the laws of the government and not oppose them in any way. We were allowed to stay, but the missionaries could not distribute tracts. They could only talk to people. The Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah‟s Witnesses had already been sent out. As Hitler started invading other countries more restrictions were put on missionaries and members. Finally in 1939 all missionaries were called out of Germany. We loved traveling in Switzerland, visiting members there and their districts. I had a girl friend in Zurich I visited often and she came to Basel. We saw very interesting places, like Bern, Luzern and Interlaken where all the tourists go. We saw the very first indoor artificial ice skating rink in Zurich. We were up in the Alps at a ski resort in winter. It was so cold our hands froze to the handle of our luggage. It was beautiful and warm up there in the summer. We stayed at a Chalet where they made cheese and had herds of goats. I can see why Swiss people like Midway, Utah. It is very similar, but of course the Alps are much higher. If anyone goes to Europe and doesn‟t see Switzerland, their trip is a waste. In September, Frances and I and some missionaries from the office went, by train, to Stuttgart, Germany for conference and met Mother and Dad, who were coming there from another conference. After a few days there my parents went on into Germany for other conferences and we went back to Basel. As usual there was the German customs to face. Two missionaries went first, then me and Frances and another Elder. We were all so busy with our own luggage that we didn‟t notice until we got to the end of the line that Frances was not with us. We couldn‟t see her anywhere. It was terrifying. The only answer we got to our questions to the officials was a shoulder shrug. We couldn‟t reach our parents so we just waited – very scared. Finally she appeared. She had told them she had ten dollars in American money and then couldn‟t find the money. A matron took her in a room for further search. They even took her skirt and held it up to a strong light to see if money had been pushed into the hem. They also checked her shoes for a second sole being put on with money in-between. (Two Catholic nuns had been caught doing that.) They said if she had ten dollars maybe she had a lot more too. They dumped everything out of her purse and checked in everything. One of the Elders, Harvey Hatch, was pulled in also, but not checked as thoroughly as she was. When we went into Germany we had to declare our money, and it was marked in our Passport, so we couldn‟t bring more than that out. It was several days after we got home when she finally remembered putting the money in a small compartment in her purse and it didn‟t fall out, nor did they find it. We didn‟t want to go back into Germany very soon after that – especially alone. On October 18, 1934, we received a telegram telling us of the sudden death of little Jeannie, (Viola Jean Sullivan) five year old daughter of my sister Viola and husband Jim Sullivan. She was only sick a few days and it was not immediately diagnosed as Spinal Meningitis. When it was - it was too late. This was the second death in our family since being gone, and it was hard to be so far away from everyone. Viola and Jim had two other children, Jimmy 2 years old and Laura 4 months. As I stated before, Frances and I both studied at the Music School in Basel - she on the piano and me in voice. We both participated in musicals and programs in the church and I sang often at mission conferences. I sang duets with Mother and also with some of the missionaries. I really enjoyed singing. While in the Mission Home we changed cooks three times. Between cooks, Frances and I did the cooking, and Mother when she was home. Also on Thursdays – the cook‟s day off – we took over. There were from 10 to 15 people or more for three meals a day. This was not one of my favorite assignments. We were all glad when a new cook arrived. As I was Mission President of Primaries and with things so unsettled in Germany, I started turning more of the work over to my counselors. I was then appointed Private Secretary to my dad. My desk was in his office and I enjoyed our close relationship. He was a remarkable man. He understood the German and Swiss people, could talk to them fluently in German about any subject or any problem. He was just the same with the missionaries, always calm in leading, directing and counseling. He liked some humor in his life and was always ready with a good joke. He made everyone around him feel comfortable. We always had visitors at the Mission Home, people on tour, missionaries going home, friends going home from other missions, etc. On February 23, 1935 we received a letter from President Heber J. Grant that our successor had been appointed, Dr. P.M. Kelley from Idaho, and would arrive in May. We spent the next months bringing everything up to date, packing and planning our trip home. Dr. Kelley and his family arrived May 20th and on May 28th we left for home. It was hard to leave. We had been there so long, four years and made friends we didn‟t think we would every see again. We first went to Hambach to see Father‟s friends once again. We were in the living room when the son-in-law came in with his 10 year old grandson. They were both in Hitler army uniforms, and as they reached the door they both raised their arm in the Hitler salute, clicked their heels together and said „Hiel Hitler‟. I froze in my chair. This tiny village had been invaded and the boy was a member of „Hitler Youth‟. We just stayed a few hours this time and I was glad to get out of there. We continued on, stopping in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Paris, London, where we visited Aunt Mary Ward, a relative of Grandma Mary Ann Ward Webb. Then we went to South Hampton where we were booked on the S.S. Washington to sail June 20, 1935. (No air travel at that time.) On board was the Calder family from Vernal, Utah who had come to pick up their missionary son and had visited us in Basel. There were also several missionaries we knew so the 7 days on board were fun. We arrived in New York June 27th. Mildred, Melba and Don met us. Don had a new car for us, as we had planned to drive home, visiting major cities along the way. Don and Melba went back to Boston where they were living at this time and Mildred joined us for the long drive home. I hadn‟t driven a car for 4 years so it was great to be driving again. This was before air-conditioning in cars, motels, hotels, and restaurants, so it was a very hot trip in July. But we enjoyed each other and seeing the great United States again. We arrived home in Salt Lake on July 8th.”