You’ll have to reach way back to The Waltons or wherever you learned about World War II rationing to understand some of the humor in the church magazines of 1944 —

The Joneses

“I wonder why we never manage to save anything.”

“It’s the neighbors, dear. They’re always doing something we can’t afford.”

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

During these trying times, had the people been weak and wavering, there would have been plenty of opportunity to become lax in their social and moral consciences. All the while, however – all honour to those glorious people – the exalted position of womanhood was maintained on a beautifully high level. The Latter-day Saints have ever held inviolate the single standard of virtue for men and women, the sanctity of the spirit’s fleshly tabernacle. Non-Mormons have openly avowed and agreed with the statement of members that there was no iniquity in the Mormon communities until the “Gentiles” entered. Of this, President John Taylor said:

Our actions are all honest, open and above board. We have no gambling hells, no drunkenness, no infanticides, no houses of assignation, no prostitutes. Our wives are not afraid of our intrigues and debauchery, nor are our wives and daughters corrupted by designing and unprincipled villains. We believe in the chastity and virtue of woman, and maintain them. There is not to-day in the wide world a place where female honour, virtue and chastity are so well protected as in Utah. [Quoted in The Real Mormonism, pp. 244-245, written by Robert C. Webb, a non-Mormon.]

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From the Juvenile Instructor, 1920:

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[This review appeared in Journal of Mormon History 33 (Summer 2007), 226-234. Whether or not you are familiar with Jean Rio Baker's journal (links to online excerpts appear in the endnotes), you'll enjoy this exploration of what can go wrong when a non-Mormon non-historian wades into Mormon history far beyond her depth. -- Ardis]

Sally Denton. Faith and Betrayal: A Pioneer Woman’s Passage in the American West. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. xviii, 216 pp. Notes, illustrations, bibliography, index. Cloth: $23.00; ISBN: 1–4000–4135–X

Reviewed by Jeffery Ogden Johnson

Sally Denton, an award-winning investigative reporter, wrote this “history” of her great-grandmother, Jean Rio Griffiths Baker Pearce, a nineteenth-century convert to Mormonism. She and her family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in London. After her husband’s death on September 3, 1849, she brought her children, ranging in age from four to seventeen, a daughter-in-law, Eliza, her husband’s brother and her husband’s uncle and aunt to the United States.

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

“THIS IS THE PLACE”: Under the able leadership of president Brigham Young the first company of Saints entered Great Salt Lake Valley on the 24th of July, 1847. President Young, who had seen in vision the place where the Saints were to settle, was ill and was riding in a carriage. The company stopped. For a few moments he gazed silently over the expansive valley which lay at their feet. Then, stretching his arm over the valley, he prophetically exclaimed: “This is the place. Drive on!” The destinies of the fugitive Saints were settled.

Looking from the Wasatch barrier, the colonists gazed upon a scene of entrancing though forbidding beauty. A barren, arid plain, rimmed by mountains like a literal basis … No green meadows, not a tree worthy the name, scarce a patch of green-sward to entice the adventurous wanderers into the Valley. … Off to the westward lay the lake, making an impressive, uninviting picture in its severe, unliving beauty; from its blue wastes sombre peaks rose as precipitous islands, and about the shores of this dead sea were saline flats that told of the scorching heat and thirsty atmosphere of this parched region. [The Story of Mormonism, Talmage, pp. 56-57.]

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Remember when the Ensign, and before that the Improvement Era, had a regular feature where readers could write in and ask gospel questions that were puzzling them? I always wondered if those were genuine questions, or whether the feature was only a sneaky way for the editor to preach a sermon on a topic of his own choosing.

Questions sent to the Juvenile Instructor in 1894 and answered by, or with answers at least approved by, George Q. Cannon suggest what was on the minds of Latter-day Saints that long ago. Would these same questions be asked today? Would the answers be the same?

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MARCH: Early in the year 1847, President Brigham Young made known “The Word and Will of the Lord Concerning the camps of Israel in their Journeyings to the West.” [Doctrine and Covenants, Section 136.]

Very properly President Brigham Young and a chosen cohort of Apostles and elders formed the band of pioneers who bore the standard of their people to the Rocky Mountains. On the 7th of April, 1847, that famous company left Winter Quarters in search of another Zion and gathering place. Three women only went with them. These must be honoured with a lasting record. They were Clara Decker Young; her mother, Harriet Wheeler Young; and Ellen Sanders Kimball. [The Women of Mormondom, p. 331.]

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The original Keepapitchinin printed this “editorial” in 1870:

Confidential.

We have received the following letter:

”Dear Sir: – A confidential friend having notified us that you can be relied on we send you the enclosed circular.”

The “enclosed circular” informs us that they will send us “$50.00 worth of counterfeit greenbacks, which cannot be distinguished by the best judges, from the genuine currency for the sum of $10.

Stubbs & Co.”

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From the Improvement Era, 1932:

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

THE EXPELLED SAINTS OF GOD were fleeing from civilization. They traveled, nothing daunting, through snow, blizzards, rain, cold, mud to the wagon hubs. Cows and horses were hitched to the same wagons. Husbands and sons also toiled at the wheels, the frail wife and mother piloting the obstinate teams, often while holding the reins in one hand and a fretful babe to her breast with the other.

“CAMPS OF ISRAEL”: Temporary settlements were made at Garden Grove and Mount Pisgah, where farming operations were started for the benefit of those who should follow. All was not gloom among these people; indeed, their optimism was outstanding. The practical philosophy of Brigham Young, applied constantly to the changing conditions, and coupled with the great faith of the Saints, did much to carry them through these difficult periods. He well understood the psychology of diversion and relaxation – he did not allow them to think of the hard going – for he assigned to Captain Pitt and his “Nauvoo Band” the duty of providing merry entertainment to make the people forget their sorrows. These faithful brethren gave frequent concerts in the camps and among the citizens along the way.

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When people ask me what foods I like, I usually say, “the edible kind.” In about 1985 I had some steamed okra that was a little slimy, but that’s the most recent time I had an adverse reaction to a food. Please note, however, that I ate all of that okra.

At my age, I can no longer eat whatever I want without causing damage to my delicate and finely honed vanity. I have become the sorriest – whiniest – partially sunny day between 60 and 70 degrees – runner on the face of the planet simply because I love to eat more than I hate to run.

I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for, let’s see, {finger, finger, finger; hold on, gotta take off my shoes} 89 days. (more…)

Lesson 9: “The Only True and Living Church”

As with last week’s lesson, there is no shortage of lessons from the past dealing with the organization of the Church on 6 April 1830. Here are the points that lesson-writers considered important, and how they advised presenting them:

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

A PROPHECY: On August 6th, 1842, Joseph Smith prophesied that the Saints “would be driven to the Rocky Mountains,” there to build cities and become a mighty people. A Prophet of God foresaw the destinies of his people! He spoke truly in the name of the Lord, as after events amply proved.

TREACHERY AND CONSPIRACY began to be evident the year previous to this prophecy. At a sham battle of the Nauvoo Legion, a plot to kill the Prophet was discovered, after which many falsehoods intended to defame his character were circulated. Attempts were also made to have him return to Missouri to be tried on the false charge of conspiracy to assassinate Governor Boggs. During this time Joseph gave important instructions concerning the work on the Nauvoo Temple, which was then in construction, and on the doctrine of baptism for the dead. [Doctrine and Covenants, Sections 127 and 128.]

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The theme for Primary lessons for all ages in February 1923 was “Meeting Other Peoples,” stressing the motto “He Who Plants Courtesy and Kindness Reaps Respect.” As helps to the teachers, the Children’s Friend published outline drawings of scenes from Church history that could be colored and mounted and used as teaching aids.

Could they be used as a quiet reading and coloring activity for today’s children during Sacrament Meeting? (I recognize that some skirt the edges of political correctness, but I don’t think any lines are crossed, especially with the historical context. YMMV.)

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

MOVE TO ILLINOIS – NAUVOO LOCATED: The travel-weary Saints found refuge in the state of Illinois. Three months later Joseph and Hyrum escaped from Liberty Gaol and joined their families at Quincy, Illinois, on the 22nd of April, 1839. Committees had been appointed to locate and buy land for the Saints, but came to no definite terms. Some distance up the Mississippi River was a small settlement, an insignificant village with only six houses, called Commerce. Here the Prophet bought tracts of land from Hugh White and Dr. Isaac Galland, on long time notes. Here the leaders decided to locate the headquarters of the Church. Though the site was marshy the location was beautiful, and the Saints moved there practically in a body. They began to build anew, drained the fever-ridden swamp lands and converted them into a fit habitation. The name of Commerce was changed to Nauvoo, meaning beauty and rest.

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Somewhere along the line, the humor of the church magazines became a lot more dignified and, well, a lot less funny. You won’t be slapping your knee and laughing uproariously at anything in these quips from the 1964 Improvement Era, but maybe you’ll find yourself smiling now and then:

—oooOooo—

Some folks demand the benefit of the doubt when there isn’t any.

If there were more self-starters, the boss wouldn’t have to be a crank.

All women’s hats are different – milliners seldom make the same mistake twice.

If your wife wants to learn to drive, don’t stand in her way.

Nature is amazing. Who would have thought of growing a fly swatter at the end of a cow?

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

MOVE TO FAR WEST: In the summer of 1836, after a brief period of peaceful struggle to plant homes, the spirit of mobocracy reappeared and the people of Clay County who had kindly received the Saints now asked them to depart. Accordingly, they moved into the wilderness of upper Missouri. Far West was settled in October, where rapid advancement was made.

THE PROPHET MOVES TO MISSOURI: In January, 1838, persecution in Ohio became unbearable. The Prophet, following his brethren, fled from Kirtland, arriving at Far West in March.

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“A Temple Hymn” is the name chosen by George Manwaring for a poem he wrote celebrating the near-simultaneous 1877 dedication of the St. George Temple and announcement of the temple to be built in Logan.

We want to see the temple
With towers rising high,
Its spires majestic pointing
Unto the clear blue sky;
A house where Saints may gather,
And richest blessings gain,
Where Jesus, our Redeemer,
A dwelling may obtain.

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

ANOTHER MOVE WEST: The fourth general conference of the Church was held in Kirtland, June 3rd-6th, 1831, and the following day a revelation [Doctrine and Covenants, Section 52.] was given commanding the Prophet to go to Missouri. Joseph, in company with others, left Kirtland on June 19th, traveling by wagon, stage and canal-boat, and reached Independence, Missouri, about the middle of July.

Immediately after their arrival another revelation [Doctrine and Covenants, Section 57.] was given making known that Independence was to be the central gathering place of the Saints, and locating the spot for the Temple. Elder Sidney Rigdon dedicated the land, and on August 3rd, the Prophet consecrated the site for the Temple. Thus was Zion located on the western border of civilization. Joseph left for Kirtland again on the 9th, arriving there August 27th.

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Time for a little Thursday morning fun.

The Juvenile Instructor published this puzzle, written by T. Green, in 1877. I am unable to further identify T. Green.

As usual, please solve only one (two if you just can’t help yourself) letter(s) and leave the rest for other readers to play along. Thanks!

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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

RELIGIOUS PIONEERS: The Mormon people are distinguished pioneers. They pioneered in New York and in Ohio; they built the first modern-day temple at Kirtland; they were also religious pioneers in the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the early stalwart converts to the Church, Parley P. Pratt, was a Campbellite preacher, which sect had its main branch at Kirtland, Ohio. In August, 1830, he left Kirtland for the east where he intended to devote his life to the ministry. While on the journey he heard the Prophet’s teachings and accepted the gospel. After his baptism Parley started with his companions on a mission to the Lamanites, who, according to the Book of Mormon are a branch of the House of Israel. Stopping at Kirtland, he immediately sought an interview with his former teacher, Sidney Rigdon. Soon thereafter Mr. Rigdon and many of his prominent followers accepted the gospel. In about three weeks the missionaries had baptised 127 persons, which number soon increased to a thousand.

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This discussion between the viewpoint of Science and the viewpoint of Scripture was credited to “Beth” when it was published in 1874. “Beth” was really Joseph Lindsay Barfoot (1816-1882). His positions as curator of the Deseret Museum and menagerie and as territorial fish commissioner, together with his mentoring of the young scientist/apostle James E. Talmage, suggest his interest in natural history, while missionary service in his native England, his membership on the Salt Lake High Council, and the frequent references to him as “Elder Barfoot” in the writings of men like George Reynolds (Barfoot’s boyhood friend) speak for his faith loyalties.

It was inevitable that he consider the apparent conflicts between what he read in the Bible and what he read in the rocks. He reconciled those seeming conflicts to his own satisfaction, chiefly by assigning distinct purposes to the scriptural and scientific accounts. The cooperation between religion and science was so clear in his own mind that he could explain his ideas to children, for whom this dialogue was intended.
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Please see the Introduction to this series for the origins of these lessons, written by Elder A.G. Pack, a missionary to England in 1930.

INTRODUCTION: There were priestesses and prophetesses in early Biblical days but for centuries after women were doomed to lives of social and spiritual obscurity. It seems to have been a mark of the apostasy. When the pall of paganism hung over the minds of men, women were deemed but servants, and held as property to be used or abused at the will of their lords.

With a knowledge of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, women – our mothers of Zion – assumed their rightful and true position as man’s helpmate. In the dramatic founding of God’s kingdom and throughout the varied history of the Church, we find inseparably interwoven the sweet influence of the wives and mothers of those stalwart leaders. (more…)

B.H. Roberts makes a suggestion in Volume 1 (1907) of his Seventy’s Course in Theology that terrifies me, confident as I generally am in speaking before a group or in directing a class discussion. In amongst the paragraphs on selecting “efficient” teachers and the necessity for class members to study quorum lessons at home before meeting for discussion (it “should be insisted upon”), he offers this proposal, which I have never seen echoed in any other church manual:

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From The Children’s Friend, April 1926:

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Under the leadership of Mission President and Apostle John A. Widtsoe, a set of lessons was prepared for use by the Relief Societies of the British Mission in 1930 – hence their title, “Centennial Lessons.”

The women studied three courses during the ten months of the curriculum year (only work meetings were held during two summer months):

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Aurelia Spencer Rogers, the originator of the Primary program, envisioned every type of wholesome activity as falling within the purview of the program – if it engaged the attention of children, if it taught them something worthwhile, if it trained them in knowledge or service or manners or morality, it belonged in Primary. One of the early activities she organized for her ward in Farmington, Utah, was a community garden where the boys raised beans and popcorn.

The sisters of the Blackfoot (Idaho) 2nd Ward drew on that tradition when they planned their activities for 1914.

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There is no shortage of material for this subject in past lesson manuals — lessons on the same theme appear in manuals for adults and for children, in Sunday School, Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, Primary, and Seminary.

Lesson 8: The Restoration of the Priesthood

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Bernice was two years old before she met her father: He was away in England when she was born, serving his second mission. When he was released, her father wired her school-teacher mother to bring Bernice from the southern Utah mining camp where she had been born to Salt Lake City, where Bernice grew to young adulthood.

Folk wisdom has it that a child’s experiences in the womb shape his future life. That may be true in Bernice’s case: with a gospel-teaching father and a readin’-’n’-writin’-teaching mother, Bernice was a born teacher. (more…)

Utah Valley University (Orem, Utah) has scheduled two Mormon Studies events this spring:

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