-- Saturday, Jul 8, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Clear and warm. 8 a.m. Left for Brigham City, arriving at 10 a.m.
11 a.m. Gathering of the old folks of Box Elder Stake—aged 70 and upwards—at the tabernacle, about 150 being present. Meeting called to order by Coun. Chas. Kelly, Chairman.
Coun. Chas. Kelly made opening remarks, welcoming the old folks. Bp. Preston followed and said he was pleased to meet the old folks, but was not in favor of calling them old—inasmuch as many people at 70 and 80 are as young in spirit and feeling as others at 50 and 60. Spoke of the old folks excursion from Salt Lake to Geneva, Utah Co. There were 21 carloads and they had a splendid time. Some of the young folks were as lively and active as young men and women of 20 and 30. There were, he said, 1000 old folks in the Salt Lake Stake. Did not like to hear the brethren in their prayers ask the Lord to bless His aged servant, President Snow. We are not growing old while engaged in the service of the Lord.
Remarks were made by Apostle A. H. Lund. Spoke in terms of great respect for the aged. Related an incident wherein his little son, in speaking of a certain brother who had reached the ripe age of 90, said he must have been very obedient to his parents—thus fulfilling the scripture which says, Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long in the land [cf. Exodus 20:12].
Pres. Snow made brief remarks. Said it was not only the privilege but the duty of the aged brethren and sisters present to live just as long as they can. They were entitled, he said, through faithfulness to have with them the Holy Spirit, which would strengthen their bodies and lengthen out their lives. Admonished those present not to brood over the unpleasant things of life, but always look on the bright side. It will not be long, he said, before the saints—many of them—will live 100, 105, 115, and 120 years old.
In the afternoon a dramatic performance was given in the opera house by the Home Company for the benefit of the old folks. The title of the piece was the "Cuban Spy," and [it] was very much enjoyed by all. (1)
-- Sunday, Jul 9, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Brigham City. Clear and hot. 8:30 a.m. Accompanied by Lydia and the children I left for Bear River City to attend the dedication of the new meeting house there.
10 a.m. The saints of Bear River City Ward and surrounding settlements were gathered in the new meeting house—a beautiful and substantial brick building erected at a cost of $6896.00, consisting of a large assembly room, vestry, and room above vestry. The walls were finished in white and the woodwork was painted in oak. The stand for speakers and singers occupying one end of the assembly room was built in a substantial and convenient manner being ornamental to the room. The vestry and upper room were also finished off in good style. In fact, the workmanship throughout was first class in every particular.
Meeting was called to order by Bp. Carl Jensen. As Pres. Snow and party—consisting of Apostle A. H. Lund, Bp. Preston, presidency of stake, and others—approached the meeting house, the band struck up a lively air, and as they entered the house, the Sunday School children sang "We thank thee, O God, for a Prophet."
The dedicatory prayer was then offered by Pres. Lorenzo Snow. Brief opening remarks were made by Bp. Jensen in which he reported that the building had cost $6896.00, and [the expenses of] which had all been paid for but $400.00, and this had been assumed by a number of the brethren to relieve the house of debt that it might be dedicated to the Lord.
I made remarks expressing great satisfaction with the new meeting house in which we were assembled. Gave as a reason for the accomplishment of this great work, the faithfulness of the people in observing the law of tithing. Referred to Bp. Jensen as being a priesthood man willing to take counsel, and when he got word from the presidency of the stake to go ahead and build a new meeting house, he accepted it, and you see the result.
2 p.m. Pres. Snow made remarks. Spoke of the great and varied experience we had passed through since embracing the gospel, and took it for granted that none present would like to go back and pass through those things again. Said if the saints would get out of debt, keep the commandments of God, control their amusements, and pay their tithing, it would not hurt his feelings at all to hear that they had erected a theatre in this ward for amusements. Under proper control amusements were acceptable to the Lord. Asked God to bless the people of Bear River City and told them not to be discouraged. Spoke of tithing and said the saints were driven from Jackson County because they failed to obey the law of consecration. The saints are now under the law of tithing. The same fate will follow you and me and the Church, if we fail to obey the law of tithing. It is because of your faithfulness in observing this law that you have been so abundantly blessed in obtaining this new meeting house.
Apostle A. H. Lund made brief remarks, complimenting the people upon the possession of such an excellent building. Exhorted the saints to fill it at times of worship. Dwelt upon the import[ance] of being pure in heart. (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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