It is interesting to see a “balanced,” nonjudgmental view of Mormons in the English speaking populations of Asia.

Thanks for those links, Bill — very helpful.

For instance, this report suggests how heavily these first missionaries relied on music and hymn singing, both to attract attention and to begin to present the gospel message. In many later Conference addresses Heber J. Grant told about his tin ear and absolute inability to sing, and how he practiced and practiced and practiced to become even moderately capable — I wonder what stage of his musical growth he was in, in 1901? At least this report doesn’t single him out as being so atrocious that the gentile observers were laughing at him.

On the other hand, Horace S. Ensign had an extensive musical background, having worked for years already with Evan Stephens and the Tabernacle Choir. Perhaps his talent was what inspired this group to rely on hymn singing, and maybe his skill made up for what others may have lacked.

I don’t know anything about the musical talents of Alma Taylor or Louis Kelsch.

Since none of the four spoke Japanese when they arrived (and for a considerable time thereafter), I think it was awesome that they were able to find some way to begin to teach, even while they were still staying in a European-style hotel and trying to get their feet on the ground.

It wasn’t until after the Japan Mission (in Japan, that is–there was a Japanese Mission in Hawaii during the 1930s and 40s) reopened in 1947 that missionary work began to make significant progress in Japan.