which was not only the first organization of its kind in Norway, but the first in all Scandinavia, and perhaps the first Latter-day Saint association of young ladies ever organized among a people who do not speak the English language. It is pleasing to state that this Christiania Branch Y. L. M. I. A. has had a continued existence ever since its first organization and is still doing efficient work. On Thursday, Jan. 26, 1882, Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted, president of the Scandinavian Mission, and Hans J. Christiansen, president of the Copenhagen Conference, and other Elders from Zion, met with about seventy-five sisters in the Saints' assembly hall at Store Regnegade 26, Copenhagen, Denmark. The object of this meeting was the organization of a Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association in the Copenhagen branch. Elder Christiansen explained that there were a great number of young sisters in the Copenhagen branch who needed special instruction and such timely advice as young women needed, and while it was not the intention to discontinue or in any way interfere with the Female Relief Society of the branch, which, since its first organization in 1879, had indeed done much good, yet it was considered best that the younger women, ranging in age from twelve to forty years, should have an organization of their own. The proposition met with the approval of all present, after which a Y. L. M. I. A. was organized, (the first organization of its kind in Denmark) with the following officers: Miss Inger Marie Larsen, president; Miss Sophie Hansen Egesen, first, and Miss Ida Jonassen, second counselor: Miss Marie Hansen, secretary. Forty-five of the sisters enrolled themselves as members at once. President Fjeldsted, in a short speech, explained in some detail the objects of the organization, and how the sisters should devote their time and talents in meetings and elsewhere for mutual improvement for instructing each other in the principles of the Gospel and learning more about those fundamental principles which mean much to the young sisters of the Church. The speaker also explained that such organizations had already been formed in nearly all the large wards and branches of the SO a Church in Zion. Ever since its inception this society has been live and active asset to the work of the Lord in the Danish capital. The first Y. L. M. I. A. in Sweden (as far as the writer knows) was organized in Stockholm, May 24, 1898, by Conference-President Peter J. Sandberg. with the following officers: Mrs. Lovisa Dahlman, president; Miss Augusta Bergquist, first, and Miss Theresa Henriksson, second counselor. About a month later (June 27, 1898) Miss Bernhardina Kristina Krantz was chosen as secretary and Anna Jonsson as her assistant. This association entered at once upon a successful career and proved a great help to the young sisters of the Stockholm Branch, who attended the meetings to the number of from 40 to 50 persons. Interesting programs were generally carried out and much useful information imparted to the young women who desired to lav a foundation for future usefulness as members of the Church and otherwise to qualify themselves for the responsibilities naturally resting upon our young sisters who were look. ing forward to a happy future in the land of Zion. Besides the three organizations OFFICERS OF THE FIRST Y. L. M. I. A. IN STOCKHOLM SWEDEN the leading part in the singing in the various branch choirs and congregational singing, and in every other way doing all in their power to spread the truths of the everlasting Gospel among the hardy people of the north lands. Some of the Y. L. M. I. A. in the smaller branches in Scandinavia have had a continued existence ever since the first came into existence and have done an immense amount of good, while others only existed a few years, as the young sisters, who composed their membership emigrated to Zion or removed to other localities as the years went by. Opening exercises. Reading of the Slogan. Scriptural reference: Matt. 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Items from the Annual Report, General Secretary. How the Stake Board can more Our Relations to the National Council of M. I. A. Social Friday Evening, Saltair All M. I. A. workers are invited to participate in the outing. Special entertainment will be provided. SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Separate Y. L. M. I. A. Officers' Meeting, Assembly Hall, 9. 10, 11 a. m. Senior Department Coun. Ruth M. Fox, directing Brief Reports of results of last season's work. The Class Leader; Her Opportunity. Luncheon to Y. L. M. I. A. Stake Opening Exercises. Scriptural reference: Doctrine and Cov- "Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion-THE PURE IN HEART; therefore let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn." Our Great Objective, Lucy W. Smith. Means of Obtaining it, Emma Goddard. Joy of Attainment, Mary E. Connelly. Joint Officers' Meeting Assembly Hall, 8 p. m. Reading of the Slogan with Scriptural Passages, Prest. Martha H. Tingey. Scriptural Reference: I Cor. 3:16,17"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple. of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." Advanced Senor Class Work, Dr. George H. Brimhall. Summer Work, Emily C. Adams. Selection, Y. M. M. I. A. Quartet, Brigham City, Box Elder Stake. Fast Sunday Evening Joint Programs, Oscar A. Kirkham. Address on the Slogan, "We stand for a Pure Life, through Clean Thought and Action," Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve. General Session Tabernacle, 2 p. m. This meeting will be under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church.) (Music for this occasion will be furnished by the Tabernacle choir, A. C. Lund director, and J. J. McClellan, organist. GENERAL MEETING Tabernacle, 7:30 p. m. "Processional" representing the Primary and Mutual Improvement Associations. Song. "Hope of Israel," Congregation. Prayer, A Boy. Theme for evening program, "Youth's Opportunity for Growth in the Primary and Mutual Improvement Associations." "The Child's Opportunity," conducted by Primary Association. "The Youth's Opportunity," conducted by the Y. L. and Y. M. M. I. A. Flag Ceremonies, conducted by Boy Scouts, Bee-Hove Girls, and Primary Junior Nurses. Repeating of the Slogans by M. I. A. members. Closing Remarks, President Heber J. Grant. Closing Song, "True to the Faith," Congregation. Solo, "The Flag Without a Stain." Reading, "Columbus," by Miller. America, A Land Choice Above all Other Lands. 10 min. "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean." Our Inspired Constitution-The Supreme Law of the Land. 10 min. Reading, Holland's "God Give us Men." The Meaning of Good Citizenship in a Republic. 10 min. Concert recitation-12th Article of Faith. Obedience to Law-The Life of the Republic. 10 min. Instances of Disregard for Law. a. Prohibition. b. Anti-tobacco. c. Games of chance. d. Present-day forms of lawlessness. COLUMBUS By Cincinnatus Hiner Miller Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind the Gates of Hercules; Before him not the ghost of shores, Before him only shoreless seas. "My men grow mutinous day by day; My men grow ghastly wan and weak." The stout mate thought of home; a spray Of salt wave washed his swarthy cheek. "What shall I say, brave Adm'r'l. say, If we sight naught but seas at dawn?" "Why, you shall say, at break of day: 'Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!'" Until at last the blanched mate said: "Why, now not even God would know Should I and all my men fall dead. These very winds forget their way, For God from these dread seas is gone. Now speak, brave Adm'r'l; speak and say" He said: "Sail on! sail on! and on!" They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the mate: "This mad sea shows his teeth tonight; He curls his lips, he lies in wait, With lifted teeth, as if to bite: Brave Adm'r'l, say but one good word; What shall we do when hope is gone?" The words leapt like a leaping sword: "Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!" Then, pale and worn, he kept his deck, Of all dark nights! And then a speck- It grew, a starlit flag unfurled! It grew to be Time's burst of dawn. He gained a world; he gave that world Its grandest lesson: "On! sail on!" GOD GIVE US MEN God give us men! A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, truth faith, and ready hands. Men whom the spoils of office can not buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie; Men who can stand before a demagogue And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking! Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog In public duty and in private thinking; For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds, |