www.LatterDayTruth.org FORE\iVORD

The Amboy Centennial General Conference has been planned to be a significant occasion in the lives of all who attend. It is one which our members and friends will not only enjoy attending, but will look back on with pleasure for years to come. We could think of no better souvenir for you to take home with you and keep among your mementos than a brochure such as this. This booklet has epitomized the history leading up to Amboy, as well as the hundred years of progress since r 86o. It also contains pictures of many of those who have been intimately associated with the growth and development'of the church, and of those who are now responsible for spe­ cific fields of administrative work. Children and young people of the church often want to know about the General Church officers and their assistants. This brochure will provide you with a "who is who" as well as give you many important dates and events of church history. We thank the members of the committee, L. Wayne Updike, Charles A. Davies, Roger Yarrington, and Arthur Rock, for a task well done.

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY By W. Wallace Smith

www.LatterDayTruth.org Cover Design: By Dale Ballantyne. Joseph Smith III addresses the Church at the Amboy Conference, Amboy, Illinois, April 6, 1860

Reorganized

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

of Latter Day Saints

Independence, Missouri

www.LatterDayTruth.org FIVE PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH

Joseph Smith, Jr. 1830- 1844

Joseph Smith III Frederick M. Smith 1860- 1914 1914- 1946

Israel A. Smith W. Wallace Smith 1946- 1958 1958- www.LatterDayTruth.org SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AMBOY CENTENNIAL

THE DIVINE COMMISSION was written by the prophets; . . . that mine everlasting covenant might be es­ "Hearken, 0 ye people of my church, tablished; that the fullness of my gospel saith the voice of him who dwells on might be proclaimed by the weak and high, and whose eyes are upon all men; the simple, unto the ends of the world, yea, verily I say, Hearken ye people from and before kings and rulers." afar, and ye that are upon the islands ' From preface to the of the sea, listen together; for verily the Book of Doctrine and voice of the Lord is unto all men . . . Covenants. 1835 and the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disci­ ples, whom I have chosen in these last THE GROVE days, and they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have com­ The Church of Jesus Christ in these manded them." last days had its commencement in a situa­ "Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the tion involving two basic actions. calamity which should come upon the The first was the study of the Holy inhabitants of the earth, called upon my Scriptures. A restless concern for truth servant Joseph Smith, Jr., and spake in an age of error led the young man to unto him from hea:ven, and gave him a searching of the Word of God. As commandments, and also gave com­ he read the words of counsel of James, mandments to others, that they should pro­ the channel of revelation was opened to claim these things unto the world; and him, and acting upon the belief that God all this that it might be fulfilled, which is unchangeable, he sought the knowl-

www.LatterDayTruth.org Hill Cumorah where Joseph Smith uncovered ancient records buried by Moroni

edge and wisdom he so much needed. This is a fascinating story of human The second action was that of prayer response to divine leading. After many in faith. He accepted as literally true experiences and difficulties, Joseph Smith the Scripture which read, "If any of you presented this work to the world as lack wisdom, let him ask of God" being translated from an ancient lan­ (James 1: 5). He retired to the woods guage by the power of God. It is a record to pray. The result was the opening of of a branch of the house of Israel and the heavens in vision and the revelation bears witness to the divinity of Jesus of God and his Son. Joseph saw two Christ and of his teachings. personages, one of whom called him by name and said, ''This is my beloved Son, hear him." Eleven men shared sufficiently in the The foundations of the church were coming forth of this book to be able to centered on the teachings of Christ. testify that they had handled and there­ fore knew of the existence of the plates of metal from which the translation was BOOK OF MORMON made and also of spiritual witness of the divine power which moved the young A distinctive feature of the work in­ prophet. augurated in 1830 is the Book of Mor­ Although some of these witnesses did mon. not remain active in the church through­ In a vision in 1823 Joseph Smith was out their lives, not one denied his testi­ directed to ancient records hidden in the mony of the truth of the record or of earth by Moroni, the last prophet of the the circumstances connected with its pub­ ancient inhabitants of America. lication.

www.LatterDayTruth.org The translation was copyrighted on found in the field of religious literature. June 11, 1829, and the title page of the The emergence and expansion of the first edition bears the date 1830. Restoration movement is now recognized The facts of archaeological discovery as orre of the significant epochs of Amer­ are increasingly. attesting to the story told ican history. by the Book of Mormon, but most im­ The fascinating story of the movement portant of all is th'e confirmation of has formed the basis of many serious divinity promised by the book to anyone works of literature written from various who will seek this evidence in the spirit points of view. Some have written with of prayer. no other motive than to capitalize on the The complete original manuscript of moving drama that has been equal in the Book of Mormon is owned by the devotion and in persecution to the story Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of of the early Christians. Latter Day Saints. The message which the Latter Day Prophet conveyed to the modern world was a social gospel as well as a message of the destiny of man in the hereafter. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Both of these aspects, social and theo" logical, gave rise to laboratory experi­ History records that in Fayette, New ence in social conduct and to philoso­ York, on April- 6, 1830, Joseph Smith, Jr., phies which were noted both apprecia­ called a small group of six men into tively and negatively by their contempo­ council and organized the "Church of ranes. Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" accord­ ing to the commandments of God, and effected an organization according to the The history of the church in the early laws of the United States of America and days showed a constant movement toward of the state of New York. the frontier. The firsf migration was The story of the growth of the church from Palmyra, New York, to Kirtland, is one of the most dramatic that can be Ohio. There the Kirtland Temple was

Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon

Martin Harris Oliver Cowdery David Whitmer

www.LatterDayTruth.org Joseph Smith, Jr. Emma Hale Smith

built at great sacrifice. It still stands and death. Hyrum Smith, brother of the is known the world over for its distinctive Prophet, was with Joseph in custody at architecture and beautiful construction. Carthage, Illinois. A mob surrounded the The temple was not yet completed when jail and assassinated Joseph and Hyrum, pioneer groups began moving to Inde­ even though they were under the protec­ pendence, Missouri, and then on to Far tion of the governor of the state. West, Missouri, and then again to Nau­ The church withstood assaults which voo, Illinois. There on the Mississippi would have resulted in the 'early disin­ River, one of the most remarkable cities tegration of any movement not possessing of its time was planned by the Saints and divine sanction. became the largest city in the state. It was not until the Saints themselves engaged in activities and ways of life that were incompatible with the revela­ In Nauvoo a s·econd project to erect a tions given through the prophet that dif­ temple was launched. This was never ficulties came. A period of chastening wholly finished although drawings and was to follow. In fact it was inherent pictures remaining today indicate another in the very nature of the situation in architectural accomplishment of outstand­ Nauvoo that unless attention wa,s di­ ing beauty. That there is not a stone rected more vigorously to the high stand­ left standing on the original location is ards of the movement cracks would de­ significant of the poignant drama which velop in the organization. led to the decline of a city which was in Many of the members, newly won to a its time larger than Chicago of that day. growing organization, . were unable to It is estimated that up to 200,000 mem­ resist the false doctrines that were intro­ bers united with the church between 1830 duced by evil and designing men. Even­ and 1844 when Joseph Smith met his tually, there resulted such a loss of unity

www.LatterDayTruth.org that for a period of eight years follow­ Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of ing the death of the leader in 1844 the Latter Day Saints. The program and body of the church was really a number achievements of the church are the sub­ of confused fragments. ject of this commemoration book. By 1852 clearly visible signs made it evident that the Lord was still function­ ing through his divinely called and or­ GOOD NEWS AT AMBOY dained ministry. Elders Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley, who had sought This year, April 6, 1960, marks one in many places for spiritual consolation, hundred years since a Conference of were able by the light of revelation to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ guide a group of branches to a point of Latter Day Saints met in a community where they saw clearly that God had meeting house in Amboy, Illinois. The anointed the prophet's son to take up the Mechanics Hall thereby became the geo­ presidency of the church when the error graphical point from which the move­ of false leadership had been sufficiently ment was to expand that was destined to purged and a remnant of righteousness be preserver of the truths committed to gathered. the Saints in the early years of the nine­ teenth century. This was not a new move­ From 1852 to the Conference of 1860, ment but a divinely guided setting in order the Centennial which we celebrate this which brought faithful men and women April 6, was a period of divine blessing. together under a leadership which had The re-gathering became known as the the approval of God. To this confer-

Joseph Smith, Jr., presiding at the organization of the church in Fayette, New York, 1830

www.LatterDayTruth.org Kirtland Temple, Ohio, a monument to the devotion of the early Saints

www.LatterDayTruth.org ence of the Latter Day Saints came Jo­ seph Smith, son of the martyred prophet of Palmyra. At this Conference he was accepted by common consent as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the church organized by his father under di­ vine command. The minutes of that significant occa­ sion show clearly the way in which the members regarded their efforts fb pre­ serve the message of the Restoration and to maintain the organism of the church through which the revelation of God in these last days was to .find expression. Members of a number of branches stem­ ming from the early period of the latter­ day church composed that Conference. They spoke of the gathering of these branches as a conference of the "Church of Jesus Chrisf of Latter Day Saints."

Joseph Smith III The leaders of this movement to unite the scattered groups, though shocked by the tragedy of Carthage when Joseph and which was to continue until the ful­ Smith, Jr., was assassinated, still had an fillment of its world mission. abiding faith in the power of the Restora­ As the people of these branches waited tion movement. They always regarded patiently for young Joseph, they were themselves as holding the priesthood aware that they lived in a period of necessary for the continuation of the crisis. This was only one of the crises restored church. It was in the year 1854, which had faced the Restoration. Joseph at one of the earliest conferences of this Smith, Jr., had experienced four crises new era of the church, that one, Elder centered in the problem of selecting a J. W. Briggs, was sustained as "Repre­ place where the ideals and principles of sentative President" of the Church of the Restoration could be made effective ]'esus Christ. Later when it became nec­ by an obedient people set in the social essary to distinguish between this lawful milieu of the times. His task was made continuation of the church and the false impossible at that time by violence, pas­ organization of others, the prefix "Re­ sion, prejudice, and persecution. Kirt­ organized" was used in the name of the land, Independence, Far West, and Nau­ church. voo were centers of this intolerance. Mi­ Thus Amboy does not signify a new gration did not solve thes'e crises. Mere­ movement, but a revitalizing of the ly to remove from the scene of one's faithful branches toward the achieve­ difficulties is never sufficient as a final ment of God's purposes. Amboy Con­ solution, be it by an individual or a ference is a milestone in the history of group. By the time Joseph III came to the work that was commenced in 1830, the leadership the situation had changed

www.LatterDayTruth.org PRESIDENTS OF THE COUNCIL

OF TWELVE SINCE 1853

Jason W. Briggs 1853- 1886

Alexander H. Smith William H. Kelley Gomer T. Griffiths 1890- 1897 1897- 1913 1913 - 1922

J. Arthur Gillen Paul M. Hanson Charl•es R. Hield 1922 - 1934 1934- 1958 1958-

www.LatterDayTruth.org considerably, although great wisdom and as on that day wherever six or more much restraint had to be exercised to find saints are organized according to the pat­ a basis that would allow the ideals of tern in the Book of Doctrine and Cove­ the church expression without compro­ nants." mise. One factor was that the Reorgani­ At the lOOth anniversary of the sig­ zation grouping at Amboy was forming nificant Conference of 1860 we can look at a time when the American nation was back on the steady growth and develop­ entering a period of internecine strife, ment of the church founded in the name and by the time the Civil War had ended of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830. the zest for conflict characteristic of the At this 1960 Amboy Centennial Gen­ persecutors of the church in earlier years eral Conference, the forward movement had abated. of the church will be supported by the people of this generation in the same manner that the followers of Joseph Smith, Jr., and Joseph Smith III sup­ The power which resurged through ported the leadership of their times. the church, just prior to and following Amboy Centennial affords us an op­ the Amboy Conference, was evidence portunity for reappraisal of the word of from God in confirmation of the integ­ the Lord, rity of this remnant whose calling was "The works, and the designs, and to preserve the Restoration for the build­ the purposes of God cannot be frus­ ing up of righteous Zion. These faith­ trated, neither can they come to ful branches held fast to the basic truth naught." revealed to the early church and were determined to complete their divirrely given task. They were blessed with di­ RESOLUTIONS OF 1852 vine direction. "I come in response to Resolved, That the successor of Joseph a power not my own," said Joseph III, Smith, Jr., as the Presiding High Priest president designate, as he stood to pledge in the Melchisedec priesthood must of himself in answer to the call of God to necessity be the seed of Joseph Smith, lead the church. "Amboy" is a monu­ Jr., in fulfillment of the law and prom­ ment to the patience of God, the integ­ ises of God. rity of the priesthood, and the faith and Resolved, That, as the office of First fortitude of a people. President of the Church grows out of the authority of the Presiding High Priest, in the high priesthood, no person can legally lay claim to the office of These people belonged to the church First President of the Church without a organized on April 6, 1830, and they previous ordination to the Presidency of saw the importance of so identifying the High Priesthood. themselves. In the minutes of the first Resolved, That we recognize the va­ major gathering of importance to reor­ lidity of all legal ordinations in this ganize the scattered forces, held at New­ church and will fellowship all such as ark, Wisconsin, April 6, 1852, is found have been ordained while acting within a resolution significant of their belief the purview of such authority. and contention. "Resolved that we be­ Resolved, That we believe that the lieve that the church of Christ organized Church of Christ organized on the sixth on the 6th day of April, A.D. 1830, exists day of April, A.D. 1830, exists as on that

www.LatterDayTruth.org day wherever six or more Saints are or­ for or by another in this life or the ganized according to the pattern in the life to come. Book of Doctrine and Covenants. 7. The doctrine of stewardship in all Resolved, That the whole law of the' things both spiritual and temporal ex­ Church of Jesus Christ is contained in pressing God's intent to establish a so­ the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book ciety of social justice and righteousness. of Doctrine and Covenants. Resolved, That we will, to the extent of our ability and means, communicate EVANGELISM to all the scattered Saints the sentiments It was evident from the first that the contained in the foregoing resolutions. early members of the ·restored church Resolved, That this conference believe understood that the organization did not it the duty of the elders of the church, exist for its own sake but for the per­ who have been legally ordained, to cry formance of a specific mission. The repentance and remission of sins to this preface to the Doctrine and Covenants generation, through obedience to the presents the mission of the church in clear gospel as revealed in the record of the and emphatic terms. The gospel was to Jews, Book of Mormon, and Book of be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Doctrine and Covenants. The organization was less than a year old when a move was made showing clearly that these early Saints knew their BASIC PRINCIPLES m1ss1on. Fifteen pairs of missionaries These truths were affirmed by the were sent out from Fayette on their first Saints who refocused their faith in the evangelistic enterprise. They traveled to church under the leadership of Joseph the West and toward the place which ·was Smith III, son of the founder. They to be known as Zion, the Center Place. pledged themselves to teach nothing con­ One of their objectives was to preach the trary to the revealed truth as endorsed by gospel to the Indians. This was prompted the Saints of the initial period of the Res­ by the revelation that the American In­ toration. Basic truths include: dians were part of the house of Israel. 1. Belief in God, the one eternal Father, a:nd his Son, Jesus Christ. The initial missionary journey culmi­ 2. The desire of God to reveal himself nated in the dedication of Independence as to man. the City of Zion. Traveling on the 3. The gospel plan as revealed through canals and on the rivers these men came the Scriptures in the Bible, Book of to Missouri by many routes. Some walked Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. most of the way, preferring the fatigue of 4. The obligation of the church to spread the roads to the hazards of traveling "up­ the gospel revealed to all nations of the on the waters." earth. It is interesting that the first mission­ 5. The sanctity of the saintly home which ary enterprise was toward the Center involved the exclusive partnership of Place. It was ma:ny years later before the one man and one wife and their chil­ direction was reversed and missionaries dren. went out over the world to the nations. 6. The justice of God in making every After the scattering of the Saints from individual soul responsible for his Independence, it was necessary to await own works and salvation, and not the period of gathering which began after

www.LatterDayTruth.org PRESIDING BISHOPS

SINCE 1860

Israel L. Rogers 1860- 1882

George A. Blakeslee E. L. Kelley Benjamin R. McGuire 1882- 1890 1891 - 1916 1916- 1925

Albert Carmichael L. F. P. Curry G. Leslie DeLapp 1925 - 1932 1932- 1940 1940-

www.LatterDayTruth.org Charles Wan dell Glaud Rodger

Amboy before missionaries went forth out­ E. M. Greene. One hundred and thirty of Zion. had been baptized in Maine the previous Both the early church a:nd the remnant summer. regrouped at Amboy were mindful of On June 4, 1837, Joseph Smith, Jr., the charge to cover the earth with the gos­ spoke under inspiration to Heber C. Kim­ pel. ball and directed him to go to England In September, 1833, Freeman Nicker­ to preach the gospel. Nine days after­ son, who had two sons in Canada, went wards Kimball, Willard Richards, Joseph to Kirtland with the intention of getting Fielding, and Orson Hyde set out for missionary help to convert his boys. This New York. After preaching in that city always has been a powerful factor in they obtained passage on a ship named eva:ngelism-this urge to share with one's the "Garrick" and arrived in Liverpool loved ones. Joseph Smith and Sidney on the nineteenth day after embarking. Rigdon responded to the call when they In a few days they were in Preston and saw the opportunity of the first interna­ Heber C. Kimball preached the first ser­ tional expansion of the movemer:tt, and mon in Vauxhall Chapel, July 23, 1837. so it was that on the twentieth day of This wa.s in the first year of the reign of October of .that year, services were first Queen Victoria. The devotion of these held on Ca:nadian soil, at Mount Pleasant men was to be equaled in 1862 by a stal­ and also at Brantford. On the first oc­ wart missionary of the Reorganization, casion the results looked for were forth­ Charles Derry. coming, and baptism resulted. The fol­ From England the direction of the evan­ lowing year missionaries were sent to the gelistic urge was naturally to other mem­ east to follow up excellent results that bers of the British family. In 1840 Wil­ had been achieved by J. F. Boynton and liam Barrett landed in South Australia to

www.LatterDayTruth.org do missionary work. In 1841 Elder An­ Rogers arrived in the Society Islands in derson was sent from Scotland to Austral­ 1843. They had embarked in New York ia as. a missionary and the earliest results and sailed south along the east coast of recorded are from his eHorts, but it was the Americas and rounded the Straits of not of a permanent nature. In 1851 Magellan to reach their destination in the Charles Wesley Wandell and John Mur­ Pacific. This work was to progress. The dock arrived in Sydney, New South withdrawal of missionary help consequent Wales, Australia. Wan dell returned to upon the disruption of the church follow­ America in 1852 to realize that serious ing the death of the Prophet left local division had taken place and that much Saints to carry the burden of the church error had been taught in a number of fac­ which they did remarkably well, faithfully tions. It was in 1874 that he and Glaud awaiting the coming of missionaries under Rodger landed aga~n in Sydney as repre­ the Reorganization. The first of these sentatives of the Reorganization. Wan­ were to be Wandell and Rodger on their dell died in that land the following year, way to Australia in 1873. but Glaud Rodger remained for some years and laid the foundation of the pres­ The Reorganization has set standards ent work there. worthy of the highest goals of evangelis­ While the movement of the missionary tic achievement as in the early days of surge had been_ seen ~n the east and west the church. Following 1852 and then in the United States of America, to the Amboy, 1860, men embued with the de­ north in Canada, and across the Atlantic sire to tell the story of Jesus Christ have to Europe, the people of the South Sea given lives worthy of their calling. Islands had not been overlooked. Addi­ Charles Derry's sacrificial service in son Pratt, Benjamin Grouard, and Noel England, the devotion of Wan dell and

Charles Derry Gilbert Waller

www.LatterDayTruth.org Rodger in Australia, and the determina­ dicated the wisdom of the establishment tion to establish the work in Hawaii by of a community at the place that was to Gilbert J. Waller are all monumental of­ be the center of Zionic development. ferings which gave a sure and worthy Fifteen pairs of ministers set out from foundation for the plans and active pro­ Kirtland by different routes in a westward grams of the immediate present. trek to preach the gospel. They were to meet lin the next conference in Missouri. DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS Independence, Missour1, was. on the border of the western settlement. It was The principle of revelation is at the this beautiful spot that, through Joseph heart of the churcfl. From the begin­ Smith, the Lord designated as the Center ning the Prophet was guided by revelation Place of Zion. This was August 31, 1831. as he set about to organize the church in The Saints gathered in large numbers, harmony with the blueprint of the New one entire branch migrating from New Testament. The messages received were York. In this wild frontier atmosphere a published as the "Doctrine and Cove­ mass migration appeared as a threat, both nants" after many difficulties, including to property and to political views and the destruction of the church press at In­ procedures of the earlier settlers. There dependence by a mob. were many points of conflict-slavery, re­ The book is a grow~ng text. To the ligion, and a clannishness among the revelations accepted by the quorums and new arrivals which the earlier settlers had members of the church at Kirtland in no disposition to tolerate. 1835, have been added subsequent mes­ ~~ sages of light and ins.truction coming The Saints set up in business and in through the divinely chosen and demo~ farming and the church established a cratically sustained prophets of the church printing press. Hostilities grew. It was since the Amboy Conference of 1860. against the printing press that a blow was This open channel of divine inspiration struck. A group of settlers wrecked the is a cherished gift and possession of the press and scattered the work in hand as church. Since 1860 the church has received the leadership of four prophet-presidents well as the type. The work in process of the family of the martyred first leader. was the first issue of the Book of Com­ mandments which had been ordered printed by the Conference of the church. THE CENTER PLACE A few incomplete copies were. assembled The Restoration had its beginning in from the scattered leaves. The final and Fayette, New York, in April, 1830. By successful publication of the revelations to 1831 it was realized that the purposes of the church was to await the printing of the church would be best served by mov­ the 1835 Edition of the Doctrine and ing westward as a body to a place where Covenants at Kirtland. the ideals of the new movement could The result of the growing intolerance have freer expression. By this time a and ofttimes unwise reaction of some of branch of 70 souls had developed and the Saints was expulsion from Independ­ the new location was Kirtland, Ohio. ence. The sufferings of these days makes Here the work flourished for a time stirring history as we read of flight in the through much labor and sacrifice. depth of a snowy winter. Asylum was At a conference in June, 1831, a reve­ found with the residents of Clay County, lation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., in- the Sa~nts later moving to Far West in

www.LatterDayTruth.org PRESIDING PATRIARCHS

OF THE CHURCH

Joseph Smith, Sr. 1833-1840

Hyrum Smith Alexander H. Smith Joseph R. Lambert 1841-1844 1897-1909 1910-1913

Frederick A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Roy A. Cheville 1913-1938 1938-1958 1958-

www.LatterDayTruth.org Eady Independence where the. Saints gathered in the early 1830's

The Battery Block in Independence where church offices were located in the early 1920's

www.LatterDayTruth.org The Auditorium in Independence, Missouri - the Center Place

Caldwell County, on the advice ailld with The great Auditorium is the center of the sympathetic h:elp of General Alex­ religious activity and houses the head­ ander Doniphan. quarters' offices of the church and the During these days of persecution the General Conference Chamber. In this Lord answered the cries of the distressed building, erected by the sacrifice and con­ Saints and promised that Zion would not secration of members throughout the be moved out of her place and that the world, are the offices of the First Presi­ church would return. dency, the Council of Twelve, the Presid­ ~~ ing Bishopric, and a staff of ministerial It was not until after the pa1nful experi­ assistants and other workers who consti­ ence of further expulsion from Far West, tute the center of a world-wide adminis­ the disaster of the city of Nauvoo, the tration. It is also a cultural and civic cen­ years of waiting by the faithful remnant ter, where a president of the United States centering in Amboy, and the reorganiza­ has addressed thousands, and where con­ tioo~ gathering strength in Plano and La­ certs, drama, and other arts contribute to moni that the prophecy was fulfilled in the community. Its great pipe orga:n is the Reorganization. , one of the truly fine instruments in the Today, 12,000 Saints reside within the world. area of Independence. Harmony with The church has never lost sight of the their neighbors and co-operation in civic primary significance of Independence as a affairs are testimonies of mutual respect. gathering place, .though the complexity of

www.LatterDayTruth.org the task has increased due to the rapid testimony in the Reorganized Church of changes in society. A review of the Cen­ Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. ter Place today in comparison with that Emma shared the privations and the of a few years ago reveals that solid and persecutions which followed her people. basic foundations have been and are be­ The duties of a mother were faithfully ing laid carehilly and systematically. The carried out. Though she did not unduly number of Saints now resident in the cen­ influence her sons into the path of their tral areas is a powerful spiritual witness father, when the time came for young and we move into an era when the radius Joseph to take the leadership of the of the shining light of the Restoration is church, she was able to present him to the being rapidly lengthened. people as a man of honor and integrity. In the Center Place the church ex­ ~~ presses its concern for the needs of people Emma accompanied Joseph and was by .the operation of a large modern gen­ present at the Amboy Conference when eral hospital, an up-to-date and efficient he accepted the presidency of the church. home for senior people, a social center On that day she united in fellowship with for good works, and an educational insti­ the Saints of the Reorganized Church. tution for the training of efficient min­ This "elect lady" also preserved .the istry and church workers. A score of manuscript of the Inspired Version of the worshipful and functional churches con­ Scriptures and presented it to the church. tribute to .the spiritual needs of residents. She was chosen in the early days of the The "Return". is one of the remarkable Restoration to select hymns for use by the fulfillments of the prophecies of the first. Saints. Copies of the first hymnal and prophet of the Restoration. one used personally by Emma Smith are among the treasured possessions in the safety vault of the church at 1ndepend­ EMMA SMITH ence. History would not be truly written were the noble women of each dispensation not given their place as valiant partners with THE INSPIRED VERSION their menfolk. Usually by the side of In a lifetime of thirty-eight years the every man who makes a worth-while con­ Prophet Joseph Smith performed a, pro­ tribution to church or nation is a good digious amount of work. From 1830 to woman. Such a soul was Emma Hale his death were fourteen years. Un­ Smith. learned, as the world knows higher edu­ Married to Joseph Smith, Jr., in days cation, he was impelled to interest him­ when he was bravely announcing his mis­ self in bnguages and peoples. sion to the world, she stood nobly with His translation of the Book of Mor­ him to the end. Of the marriage were mon was by inspiration, the physical in­ born eight children, of whom four sons, struments being the ancient Urim and Joseph, Alexander, David, and Frederick, Thummim. reached maturity. These eight were the Joseph Smith was instructed to prepare only children of Joseph Smith. Emma a version of the Scriptures in the Old and testified to the end of a long and virtuous New Testaments, correcting outstanding life that she knew her husband to be errors that had crept into the text through faithful to his vows and to his family. many and various translations over the She stood valiantly for her faith and centuries. This he essayed to do by in-

www.LatterDayTruth.org spiration, and the resultant text is known was manifest. J. W. Briggs bore this as the Inspired Version. The basis for testimony: the correction was the Authorized Ver­ While pondering in my heart the sion or the King James Bible. In the situation of the church, on the 18th new work significant and important pas­ day of November, 1851, on the sages have been rendered clear and un­ prairie, about three miles northwest ambiguous. The Bible, from which the of Beloit, Wisconsin, the Spirit of actual copying was· done, is in the Audi­ the Lord came upon me, and the torium museum. visions of truth opened to my mind, and the Spirit of the Lord said unto me, "Verily, verily, saith the Lord, REVELATION even Jesus Christ, unto his servant, The movement of the Holy Spirit Jason W. Briggs, concerning the toward the regathering which focused at church: Behold, I have not cast Amboy in 1860 was felt in more than one off my people; neither have I corner of the country where scattered but changed in regard to Zion. Yea, faithful groups held true to the teachings verily, my people shall be redeemed, of the church. Where the authority of and my law shall be kept which I priesthood had been transmitted by law­ revealed unto my servant, Joseph ful, divine procedure and where those re­ Smith, Jr., for I am God and not ceiving priesthood had retained their in­ 'man, and who is he that shall turn tegrity, the power of the Holy Spirit me from my purpose, or destroy

Latter Day Saint Scriptures -three testimonies of the divinity of Jesus Christ www.LatterDayTruth.org whom I would preserve? Wolves upon the seed of Joseph Smith, and have entered into the flock, and who will bring one forth, and he shall be shall deliver them? Where is he that mighty and strong, and he shall pre­ giveth his life for the flock? Behold, side over the high priesthood of my I will judge those who call them­ church; and then shall the quorums selves shepherds, and have preyed assemble, and the pure in heart shall upon the flock of my pastures."1 gather, and Zion shall be reinhabited, "Therefore, let the elders whom as I said unto my servant Joseph I have ordained by the hand of my Smith; after many days shall all servant Joseph, or by the hand of these things be accomplished, saith those ordained by him, resist not this the Spirit."2 authority, nor faint in the discharge This ministry of revelation has con­ of duty, which is to preach my tinued to this day and is one of the sig­ gospel as revealed in the record of nificant testimonies that the continuity of the Jews, and the Book of Mormon, the church 1n the body centered at Inde­ and the Book of Doctrine and pendence, Missouri, has received the Covenants; and cry repentance and blessing and recognition of the divine remission of sins through obedience Lord. to the gospel, and I will sustain them, and give them my Spirit; 1. History of the Church, p. 200, Vol. 3, paragraph 1 and in mine own due time will I call 2. History of the Church, p. 201, Vol. 3, parograph 4

SIGNIFICANT DATES IN CHURCH HISTORY

1805-Joseph Smith, Jr., born Sharon, Kirtland, Ohio Vermont (Demember 23) Dedication of Independence as 1820-Joseph Smith's vision in grove, at Zion (August 2 and 3) Palmyra, New York 1832-Joseph Smith ordained President 1823-Book of Mormon plates revealed of High Priesthood and of the 1829-Book of Mormon copyrighted church (January 25) 1830-Book of Mormon published Evening and Morning Star printed (March) 1n Independence, Missouri Church organized at Fayette, New 1833-Joseph Smith, Jr., completed In­ York (April 6) spired Version of New Testament First missionaries appointed ( Oc­ Scripture (February 2) tober) Completed revision of Old Testa­ 1831-Saints established branches at ment (July 2) Kirtland First Presidency ordained (March First bishop ordained (February) 18) Missionaries reached Independ­ Independence printing press de­ ence, Missouri stroyed, delaying publication of First High Priests orda~ned in revelations (July 20)

www.LatterDayTruth.org Exodus from Jackson County, Mis­ 1866-Church headquarters established souri (November 7 and 8) at Plano, Illinois 1834-Standing High Council organized 1867-Inspired Version of Scriptures (August) published 1835-Twelve apostles chosen (February 1872-Mission to Switzerland and Pales­ 14) tine First seventies chosen (February 1873-Branch organized in Independence, 28) Missouri Book of Doctrine and Covenants 1874-Missionaries arrived in Australia accepted by General Assembly, and Germany Kirtland, Ohio (August 17) 1880-Reorganization cleared legal title 1836-Kirtland Temple dedicated to Kirtland Temple (March 27) 1881-Joseph Smith and church offices 1837-First missionaries arrive in Eng­ moved to Lamoni, Iowa land General Conference in Independ­ 1838-Joseph Smith and family arrived at ence, Missouri Far West 1890-Mission to Hawaii Governor Boggs's extermination 1894-United States Circuit Court named order issued (October) Reorganization original church Joseph Smith III designated suc­ 1895-Graceland College opened at La­ cessor (December) moni, Iowa Saints' exodus from Missouri 1903-Book of Mormon manuscript de­ 1839'---Purchased land at Commerce for livered to Reorganization by city of Nauvoo gra1ndson of David Whitmer 1841-Book of Mormon published in 1906-Joseph Smith moved from Lamoni England to Independence 1843-Missionaries named for South 1909-Sanitarium dedicated in Irrdepend­ Seas (May 23) ence, Missouri (December 15) 1844-Joseph and Hyrum Smith assassi­ 1915-Frederick M_ Smith ordained presi­ nated (June 27) dent of high priesthood and of 1851-Jason Briggs and Zenas Gurley re­ church (May 5) ceive revelations in response to 1926-Auditorium construction began prayer 1930-Centennial Conference held m 1852-First conference of scattered Saints Auditorium in Wisconsin 1946-Israel A. Smith ordained president 1853-Reorganization of Council of of high priesthood and of the Twelve began church (April 7) 1860-True Latter Day Saints' Herald 1956-First session of School of the Res­ published monthly toration Joseph Smith III ordained presi­ 1958-W. Wallace Smith ordained presi­ dent of high priesthood and of dent of high priesthood and of the church at Amboy, Illinois (April church (October 6) 6) 1960-Amboy Centennial Conference in Auditorium

www.LatterDayTruth.org The General Conference Chamber of the Auditorium

www.LatterDayTruth.org AHEAD: DAYS OF DECISION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Days of decision mark the church of W. Wallace Smith became the fifth today. Decisions are evolving concern­ president of the church October 6, 1958. ing missions abroad, departmental organi­ In the year and a half since his ordination zation, building programs, lines of ad­ he has proved himself to be a capable ministration, development of the Zionic and assured man of God. He has already program. won the affection of the Saints and is The first one hundred years of the Re­ known to most as "Brother Wallace." organization, reviewed in the preceding His preparation for the presidency in­ pages, have been full, productive years, cluded three years in the Council of but they have also been years for laying Twelve and eight years as a counselor to foundations, deep and solid. They have President Israel A. Smith. been years of preparation and unification. Following the death of President Israel The year 1960 and the years that lie on June 14, 1958, a document was ahead are years of decision and imple­ bmught forth in which the late prophet mentation. had named W. Wallace Smith as his Our decisions can be faced with assur­ successor. At the October, 1958, General ance. Our foundations are on solid rock Conference Brother Wallace was accepted and God is our architect. by the body as the president of the high priesthood and of the church. F. Henry Edwards and Maurice L. Dra­ Fundamental to all that has gone be­ per became his counselors. President Ed­ fore and all that lies ahead is the belief wards had served as a member of the that God is; that he is at work today Council of Twelve for twenty-three years among men; that this is his church; and before becoming a member of the First that he has called men to lead. Presidency as a counselor to President Is­ All Saints can sing with meaning, "We rael A. Smith in 1946. President Draper thank thee, 0 God, for a prophet to guide served in the Council of Twelve eleven us in these latter days." From 1830 to years before being orda1ned a member of the present, God has provided a prophet the First Presidency in 1958. to lead the church. The prophetic line These three men form the quorum of runs from Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and the First Presidency of the church. The martyr, to W. Wallace Smith, present effectiveness of th'eir leadership stems president and prophet, and a grandson of from their faithfulness, co-operation, in­ Joseph Smith, Jr. dividual abilities, and devotion, and also from the support of the church.

www.LatterDayTruth.org W. Wallace Smith

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

F. Henry Edwards Maurice L. Draper

www.LatterDayTruth.org THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE

The Twelve Apostles are called to be Apostle Charles R. Hield is president special witnesses for Jesus Christ in all of the Council, having succeeded Apostle the world. They form a council which is Paul M. Hanson who serv~d in this office described as a traveling, presiding high from 1934 to 1958 and as a member of council, to officiate in the name of the the Council since 1913. Arthur A. Oak­ Lord, under the direction of the Presi­ man is secretary. At the approach of the dency, to build up the church and regulate 1960 General Conference there are ten all the affairs of the church in all nations. members of the Council.

Charles R. Hield Arthur A. Oakman

D. Blair Jensen Roscoe E. Davey

www.LatterDayTruth.org Percy E. Farrow Reed M. Holmes

Donald 0. Chesworth Donald V. Lents

Charles D. Neff Clifford A. Cole

www.LatterDayTruth.org G. Leslie DeLapp

Henry L. Livingston Walter N. Johnson

THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC

The temporal affairs of the church are approved by the General Conference. administered by the Presiding Bishopric. They share responsibility with the First G. Leslie DeLapp serves as Presiding Presidency for the promotion of the Bishop, with Henry L. Livingston and Walter N. Johnson as his counselors. To­ Gathering and they preside over the gether they have major responsibility in Order of Bishops. The Presiding Bish­ preparing the General Church budget and opric form the presidency of the Aaronic in its administration after it has been priesthood.

www.LatterDayTruth.org Left to right, seated: Charles F. Grabske, Carroll L. Olson, F. Henry Edwards, W. Wallace Smith, Maurice L. Draper, D. 0. Cato, Arthur B. Taylor. Standing: Fred L. Young (secre­ tary), Howard W. Harder, Amos E. Allen, Howard P. Anders•en, Franklyn S. Weddle, C. Myron Zerr, L. Wayne Updike, Sanford Downs, Lloyd L. Bland.

THE STANDING HIGH COUNCIL

The Standing High Council is made up against a General Church officer or where of twelve high priests presided over by no other church court has jurisdiction. It the First Presidency. It is the highest ap­ also has the authority to construe and in­ pellate council or court of the church. terpret laws of the church relating to Its purpose is to settle important diffi­ church court procedure. culties which arise in the church which Besides hearing and ruling on church cannot be settled in elders' courts or court cases, the Standing High Council bishop's courts to the satisfaction of the may be used by the First Presidency, and parties. also the Presiding Bishopric, to give ad­ The Standing High Council has origi­ vice an.d counsel-especially in the field nal jurisdiction when a complaint is made of church law.

www.LatterDayTruth.org THE PRESIDING PATRIARCH

Dr. Roy A. Cheville, Presiding Patri­ arch, is the seventh patriarch to hold this high and holy office in the church. In 1958 he succeeded Elbert- A. Smith, who ha:d held the office for twenty years. The Presiding Patriarch is a father to the church. He is to advise, counsel, and pray over the church. He presides over the order of Evangelists. Besides these duties he may meet with quorums and councils where he may be asked for coun­ sel.

Roy A. Cheville

THE QUORUM OF HIGH PRIESTS

Garland E. Tickemyer Byron Constance President Secretary

www.LatterDayTruth.org THE QUORUMS OF SEVENTY

Members of the Quorums of Seventy are traveling ministers, called to preach the gospel and to be special witnesses to all the world. They are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the· twelve Apostles, in building up the church. The law provides for seven Quorums of Seventy with seventy men in each quo­ rum. At present there are ninety-seven men who hold the office of Seventy. The presidents of the several quorums are selected from among the Council of Seven Presidents of Seventy. This coun­ cil also has the responsibility of selecting Zenos Z. Renfroe Senior President by the spirit of wisdom and revelation from among the elders those who should minister in the office of Seventy.

The seven presiden~s of Seventy. Seated, left to right: George A. Njeim, Z. Z. Renfroe, Glen H. Johnson. Standtng: Harry L. Doty, Russell F. Ralston, Sylvester R. Coleman, James E. Daugherty.

www.LatterDayTruth.org The Stone Church in Center Stake - Independence, Missouri

STAKES, DISTRICTS, AND BRANCHES

The church is organized into stakes, dis­ dren are scattered, they that remain tricts, and branches. At the center is and are pure in heart shall return Independence, Missouri, which is the and come to their inherita!ilces; they Center Place. Besides being the church's and their 'children, with. songs of world headquarters, Independence is or­ everlasting joy; to build up the ganized as the Center Stake of Zion. It waste places of Zion. . . . And, be­ now has twenty-two congregations. hold, there is none other place ap~ The relationship of Zion to her stakes pointed than that which I have ap~ and the philosophy of the Gathering are pointed, neither shall there be any brought into focus by a revelation given other place appointed . . . for the to the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., in 1833 work of the gathering of my Saints, when the Saints in Independence were until the day cometh when there is being severely persecuted: found no more room for them; and "Zion shall not be moved out of then I have other places which I will her place, notwithstanding her chil- appoint unto them, and they shall

www.LatterDayTruth.org be called stakes, for the curtains, or presiding councils. There should also be the strength of Zion." a sufficiently stable economy to assure permanence, and the possibility of ad­ The first stakes of the Reorganiza­ vancing the Zionic program. tion were those centering at Independ­ At present there are seven stakes in the ence and at Lamoni. They were organ­ church: Center Stake, Lamoni Stake, Cen­ ized in 1901 in accordance with a revela­ tral Missouri Stake, Far West Stake, Kan­ tion received by Joseph Smith III. sas City Stake, Los Angeles Stake, and Divine instruction is .that stakes are to Detroit International Stake. be presided over by a presiding high priest and his counselors, a high council of twelve high priests, and a bishop and his counselors. Branches are the primary congregation­ Church law states that stakes are the al organizations of the church. In areas most highly co-ordinated units of church where they are not organized into stakes organization. Ideally, a stake is not an they are organized into districts. There association of branches but a well-inte­ are presently 103 districts in the United grated organization of related congrega­ States, Canada, Australia, French Poly­ tions. nesia, and Europe. Stakes are formed in major centers of Branches may be presided over by a gathering for more complete honoring of high priest, an elder, priest, teacher, or the law of Christ in both spiritual and deacon, chosen and sustained by the vote temporal affairs than is possible m of the branch. Districts may be presided branches and districts. over by a high priest, or an elder, who is In approaching the organization of received and sustained in his office by the stakes the following factors are consid­ vote of the district. If a branch or dis­ ered: There should be available a suffi­ trict is large, the presiding officer should cient number of members of mature ex­ be a high priest. perience in the church who live in close As this booklet is being prepared there proximity to a given center and a suffi­ are 615 branches, 219 missions (small cient number of ministers of high priest­ groups not yet organized as branches), ly caliber to provide personnel for the and 156 congregations inside the stakes.

CENTER STAKE

Charles V. Graham Harold W. Cackler President Bishop www.LatterDayTruth.org KANSAS CITY STAKE

Fred 0. Davies Joseph E. Baldwin President Bishop

CENTRAL MISSOURI STAKE

Emery E. Jennings Willard C. Hecker President Bishop

LAMONI STAKE

Harry J. Simons Leslie W. Kohlman President Bishop

www.LatterDayTruth.org FAR WEST STAKE

John Blackstock Fred L. Dickson President Bishop

LOS ANGELES STAKE

Duane E. Couey Francis E. Hansen President Bishop

DETROIT INTERNATIONAL STAKE

W. Blair McClain 0. Kenneth Byrn President Bishop

www.LatterDayTruth.org THE CHURCH INSTITUTIONS

Three months before the church met highs; Zi01n's Hope for primary age chil­ for .the Amboy Conference in 1860 a new dren; Guidelines to Leadership for lead­ magazine appeared to call together the ers; and Daily Bread< for family worship. scattered Saints. The publishing house also prints thou­ The first issue of the True Latter Day sands of books. tracts, and study materials Saints' Herald appeared in January, 1860. each year. It was, by the description of its publishers, Herald House operates branch offices in a. six months' experiment to see if the Canada, Australia, and the British Isles. church could support a magazine of its Each year the publishing house contrib­ own. Today the Saints' Herald, one utes over $20,000 to local church work hundred years old, is still serving the through BoobSteward commissions. church as a medium of information and Through the years many persons have inspiration. been associated with Herald House as editors. . Perhaps those whose names are The Heerald was the beginning of the most familiar to Latter Day Saints are church's first institution. As the new peri­ Isaac Sheen, Joseph Smith III, Mark odical grew and other printing projects Forscutt, David H. Smith, W. W. Blair, were undertaken, it became advisable for R. S. Salyards, Frederick M. Smith, Elbert the church to purchase a press. Gradu­ A. Smith, Marietta Walker, John F. Gar­ ally there evolved a publishing institution ver, Christiana Salyards, F. M. McDowell, -Herald House. C. B. Woodstock, Estella Wight, Israel Today Herald House publishes the A. Smith, R. J. Lambert, and Leonard J. Saints' Herald weekly, plus a variety of Lea. other periodicals: Stride for young Today the First Presi.dency-W. Wal­ people in high school and college; lace Smith, F. Henry Edwards, and Stepping Stones for juniors and junior

Chris B. Hartshorn Kenneth L. Graham Herald House Managing Editor Herald House Manager

www.LatterDayTruth.org Administration Building and Briggs Hall at Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa

Maurice L. Draper-are editors of the In 1894 a Joint Council of the First Herald. Chris B. Hartshorn is managing Presidency, Council of Twelve, and the editor and is assisted by Roger Yarring­ Presiding Bishopric met to consider sev­ ton who is also editor of Stride, Paul A. eral questions before the church at that Wellington, book and tract editor, and time. One decision to come out of the four other editors who work on the meeting was a resolution "That we look Herald' and other publications. with favor upon the effort to build a col­ Herald House's temporal affairs are un­ lege at Lamoni, to be controlled by the der the direction of a Board of Publica­ church. . . . We believe it should be a tion consisting of Walter N. Johnson, purely educational Lnstitution and free Harry G. Barto, David S. White, How­ from sectarian influences or bias." ard P. Andersen, Arthur B. Taylor, Shank­ The college began classes in September, land S. Arnson, and Montague L. Parker. 1895. In January, 1897, the Administra­ Kenneth L. Graham is Herald House tion Building was dedicated. manager. Originally the college was to be self­ supporting. But the history of the first years is a story of troublesome debt. In Just as the church has always placed 1904 the college debt was such a prob­ great emphasis on publishing, so has it lem the General Conference voted 851 emphasized education.

www.LatterDayTruth.org to 826 1n favor of closing Graceland. The bmad, roomy campus of Grace­ However, many men and women sacri­ land College today boasts of a group of ficed to keep the college open. The rais­ buildings. Another is under construction ing of a two hundred thousand dollar en­ and several more are on the plann1ng dowment in 1925 was an important fac­ boards. tor in putting the college on a sound basis. Directing the growth of the college is Early Graceland was a four-year institu­ the Board of Trustees: Earl T. Higdon, tion and included academy as well as L. F. P. Curry, D. R. Carmichael, Dr. college training. Later the policy was Addison Brown, L. Merle Spence, Don­ changed to include only junior college ald E. Manuel, Verne Deskin, Mrs. work. Blanche Mesley, and Ronald G. Smith. In the fall of 1956 an experimental four-year liberal arts curriculum with a major in religion was initiated. The first "It is the will of the Lord that a sani­ four-year graduates received the B.A. de­ tarium, a place of refuge and help for gree on June 1, 1958. the sick and afflicted, be established by the Now more thJJn two hundred students church, at Independence, Missouri." are graduated from the college's two-year These words of divine revelation her­ and four-year programs each year. They alded still another church institution in represent every state in the Union and 1906. Three years later the Independence many lands abroad. This year's student Sanitarium opened. It was organized as body includes young people from Paki­ a place of retreat and rest. It was in­ stan, Holland, Germany, Japan, Tahiti, corporated as the Independence Sani­ Australia. Just as the church is measur­ tarium and Hospital in 1930. ing up in its potential as a world church That same year the cornerstone was so is Graceland becoming a world college. laid for a new hospital building adjacent It is the hope of its president, Dr. Harvey to the first building. It was occupied in H. Grice, to make Graceland the Mount 1943. The hospital's orig1nal building Zion of education, a light unto all the now serves as home for the School of world. Nursing which was begun in 1910. As the

Harvey H. Grice A. Neal Deaver Graceland College President Independence Sanitarium Administrator www.LatterDayTruth.org J. Stanley Kelley Norman E. Hield Resthaven Administrator Social Service Center Manager

1960 Amboy Centennial convenes, a new Just across Truman Roa,d in Independ­ unit of the School of Nursing building ence is a sister institution to the Sani­ has been completed. tarium. It is Resthaven, the church's There are over one hundred young home for the aged. women studying each year in the three­ There have been several such homes year School of Nursing program. in the past, at Lamoni, Independence, When the hospital first opened its Kirtland, and Holden. In recent years doors, Dr. Joseph Luff of the Council of the church maintained homes in Lamoni Twelve was in charge. Later Miss Ger­ and Independence. In 1955 these were trude E. Copeland served as superintend­ consolidated with the completion of the ent for many years. Bishop A. Neal new Restha,ven. Deaver has served as hospital administra­ It is a modern, pleasant, efficient insti­ tor since 1952. tution recognized as one of the finest of Today the "San" has 240 beds and is a its kind in the area. It is administered fine city hospital, capable of caring for by Bishop J. Stanley Kelley, an assistant the health needs of a growing community to the Presiding Bishopric. and a growing church. It is valued at nearly five million dollars. The Social Service Center located in The hospital and School of Nursing are Independence is another church institu­ fully accredited. Patients are accepted tion dedicated to service. It is organized without regard to race or creed. A lim­ on the storehouse principle of receiving ited program of charity caxe is carried on. from those who have and supplying to The Sanitarium is owned and operated those who need. by the church and is governed by a Board The Social Service Center has gone by of Trustees made up of the First Presi­ various names in various places. It has dency, the Presiding Bishopric, the chair­ been known as the "Commodity Shop," man of the Medical Council, and two ex "Home Arts and Industries," and the officio members-the mayor of the city of "Campus Shop.'' Independence and the judge of the eastern It has been housed in the Auditorium, district of Jackson County. Bartholomew Hall, and Swope Mansion.

www.LatterDayTruth.org Now the Social Service Center is in a The school is dedicated to learning by fireproof downtown building in Independ­ study and by faith. It offers a wide range ence. The building was purchased with of college level courses in the areas of oblation funds. communications, education, history, prac­ The work of the Social Service Center ticum, psychology, Scriptures and theol­ is directed by a general policy board. ogy. Students may study in residence or Bishop Norman Hield is manager. in home study program. Similar centers have operated in other L. Wayne Updike is director of the places, such as Kansas City Stake, Lamoni school. To date nearly 2,500 persons Stake and Detroit International Stake, and have studied at the school, representing Far West. many areas of the church in the United About 250 volunteers contribute their States and abroad. time in operating the Social Service Cen­ The institutions of the church present ter in addition to a staff of full-time paid a challenging front for advancement as employees the church faces the years ahead. All of them .feel a need to grow and improve Youngest of the church's institutions is their areas of service. Each feels it is, the School of the Restoration. It was or­ along with the church at large, entering ganized in 1956 and is also located in a period of growing implementation of Independence. Zionic ideals.

Resthaven in Independence is an outstanding home for the aged

www.LatterDayTruth.org HEADQUARTERS AND THE DEPARTMENTS

Charles A. Davies, Church Historian

Kathryn Westwood, Director of the Department of Women

www.LatterDayTruth.org Department of Religious Education. left to right: Donald D. Landon, Church School Division; Richard B. lancaster, Youth Division; Athol B. Packer, Children's Division; Clifford P. Buck, Director of the Religious Education Department; and William Clinefelter, Adult Division

Right: Franklyn S. Weddle, Director of the Music Department with Frank K. Hunter, assistant to the director.

www.LatterDayTruth.org Left to right: Cecil Ettinger, radio mrmster; Harold Higgins, radio engineer; Charles F. Church, Director of the Radio Department; and Bethel Knoche, staff organist.

Arthur J. Rock, Director of the Audio-Visual Department

www.LatterDayTruth.org Fred L. Young General Church Secretary

L. Wayne Updike, assistant to the First Presi­ dency for Priesthood and Leadership Educa­ tion and director of the School of the Res­ toration.

James E. Lancaster, Church Statistician

www.LatterDayTruth.org Gordon W. Mesley, left, and Carl Mesle, assistants to the First Presidency.

Lyle W. Woodstock, assistant to the First Presidency in charge of camping

www.LatterDayTruth.org Harold T. Downey, left, and John H. Boren, assistants to the Presiding Bishopric

Carroll L. Olson, left, and Donald E. Benton, legal assistants to the Presiding Bishopric

www.LatterDayTruth.org G. Everett Berndt, supervisor of the Auditorium and the Guide Service

Willard C. Becker, left, and Earl T. Higdon, right, of the Executive Com­ mittee of the Farm Council meet with Don Elefson, center, Farm Manager

www.LatterDayTruth.org Dr. Vance E. Link, right, Chairman of the General Church Medical Council

N. Ray Carmichael, Agriculture Consultant and Farm Appraiser

www.LatterDayTruth.org Leonard J. Lea Roy St>earns Editorial Assistant to Assistant General Church the First Presidency Secretary

William Timms Odess L. Athey Assistant to the Presiding Bishopric Chief Accountant

Roger Yarrington Paul A. Wellington Stride Editor Books and Tracts Editor www.LatterDayTruth.org Ferdinand Frohmut of Sao Paulo, Brazil, receiving ·his elder's ordination card from Apostle Charles R. Hidd, president of the Council of Twelve

THE MISSIONS ABROAD

One of the greatest challenges facing Today, more than ever before, the way the church today is in the field of missions seems to be open for the church to carry abroad. its message -to all nations, kindreds, and Events during the past several years tongues. have pointed toward an expansion of the The church operates formally organ­ church's efforts to carry the Restoration ized missions in Scandinavia, the British gospel into all the world. Servicemen Isles, Holland, Germany, Australia, New with the Armed Forces, government em­ Zealand, and Tahiti. However, this list ployees working abroad, exchange stu­ of countries is only a small indication of dents and teachers, all have contributed the opportunities for the church abroad. vital testimonies that have helped to open There are church members living in about new missionary opportunities for the thirty-five other countries. And we know church. that other Christian denominations are

www.LatterDayTruth.org In 1957 Kisuke Sekine, a Japanese stu­ dent at Graceland College, was ordained an elder. Later that year he and his wife returned to Japan and began building a Japanese mission. They were helped by Elder and Sister Miyamoto from Honolu­ lu, and others. Now Elder Kisuke Sekine has completed translating and printing several tracts and conducts regular church meetings. There is a small group of Japanese Saints that has grown recently with several baptisms by Elder Sekine. The following year Elder W. E. Con­ nell, of Fort Collins, Colorado, teaching at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan, baptized the first Pakistani, Justin James now a student at Graceland Col­ lege. Elder Connell also traveled to In­ dia that same year to baptize the first In­ dian members of the church-the John Gideon family. Later he ordained John Elder Kisuke Sekine. of Japan and his wife, Gideon an elder. Now Elder Gideon is Saku working on translations of church litera­ ture. having marked success in areas where we have yet to venture. Wayne Jackel, left, and Clair Weldon ordain In the fall of 1959 the missions abroad Pedro Cardona of Mexico reported these membership figures: Australasian ------3,983 French Polynesia------2,393 British Isles ------1,648 Germany ------1, 372 Holland ------·------400 Scandinavia ------·------71 Besides the growing number of mem­ bers in m1sS1orts abroad, increasing strength has been marked by new church buildings from Auckland, New Zealand, to Rotterdam, Holland; by new periodi­ cals and publications; by new missionary personnel; and by new translations of tracts and Scriptures. Representative of the way new mission­ ary opportunities have opened up in the past few years are the wonderful events that have taken place in Japan, India, and Brazil.

www.LatterDayTruth.org The Rotterdam Church and headquarters of the Holland Mission

In May, 1959, Ferdinand Frohmut, a In October, 1959, Apostles D. Blair Brazilian floriculturist who flew to the Jensen and Charles D. Neff left for a United States to be baptized following a three months' survey tour of the Orient. long correspondence with Elder Henry They visited and studied Japan, Korea, Schaefer of Independence, was ordained the Philippines, Okinawa, Hong Kong. to the office of elder shortly before his As this booklet goes to press their report return home to Sao Paulo. In recent of missionary opportunities for the church months Elder Frohmut has been host to is being studied by the leading quorums three elders who visited him in Brazil to of the church. hold missionary meetings and further in­ struct him in evarngelistic methods. We can look forward to an even great­ Studies have shown that the Orient, er response to the great commission, "Go South America, and the Near East are to­ ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptiz­ day's growing edge of Protestant Chris­ ing them in the name of the Father, and tendom. Truly the Lord has moved in of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teach­ wondrous ways to open the door for the ing them to observe a.ll things whatsoever church in these very lands. I have commanded you."

www.LatterDayTruth.org A PROGRAM OF DEVELOPMENT

Where are We goi:ng? are called according to the gifts of What are our goals? God to them." The great goal is Zion-the kingdom 3. For enlightenment of the church of God on earth. This we believe is be­ through gaining a new sense of its ing realized through preaching the gospel destiny. of Christ to every nation and through a 4. For increased effort in locating future systematic gathering of the righteous be­ leaders. lievers into a center place where the doc­ 5. For new creative research and writing trines of the kingcl.om can be lived out in projects in history. peace. 6. For utilization of the Auditorium This one goal, while simply stated, re­ building for cultural programs, wor­ quires attention to a number of intermedi­ ship, and civic activities. ate goals. 7. For enrichment of our worship by These, perhaps, more clearly state the improving techniques of worship and church's goals in the years immediately worship leadership. ahead. They delineate the problems of 8. For increased financial response from decision and implementation now before all Saints. the church. 9. For i:ncreased and improved education­ al facilities, personnel, and ministry to students. President W. Wallace Smith, in an ad­ 10. For better use of our resources dress before the High Priests' Conference through a clearer awareness of our at Kirtland last October, outlined some distinctive message. of these intermediate challenges. He 11. For a wiser use of instruments and mentioned these needs: procedures for training skilled and de­ 1. For a wise and energetic leadership voted workers. by the high pri'esthood. 12. For advancement in the field of heal­ 2. For an increasingly wider participa­ ing and health education. tion by the Saints in Zionic endeavor 13. For enrichment of stewardship insight, through attention to the counsel, "All achievements, and practices by im-

www.LatterDayTruth.org President W. Wallace Smith speaking at Kirtland Temple

proving motivation and interpretation. As we approach the 1960 Amboy Cen­ 14. For increased membership in the tennial Conference it is with a growing priesthood quorums through alertness sense of our heritage and the great chal­ to responsibilities for calling, training, lenges that lie before us. and trusting devoted men. If a.ll that has gone before is to be 15. For better teaching of the restored effectual, then the days ahead must be gospel to our children-the need for productive days of decision and imple­ a vigorous campaign for conservation mentation. of our increase and stabilization of our family lives. We are strengthened by the promise 16. For increasing the tempo of our mis­ given through the Prophet in 1958: "It sionary outreach-both at home and is my will that the day shall soon come abroad. when th~ provisions within the law may Inclusive as this list is, many more be sufficiently understood to enable the items could be added. But it is indicative bonds of indecision to be loosed and of the direction in which the church is the fulfillment of my purposes to be ac­ looking. complished."

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