The Missions of Europe in Wartime

IT is a very great privilege for me to be associated with such fine, outstanding men as are here present, and I express my thanks humbly and before you brethren, to my Father in heaven for this privilege. I am very thankful also to be able to report the conditions in the missions included in the European group as very favorable. All those missions are functioning, and most of them are making progress. Some of them are handicapped in the holding of their meetings; especially has that been the case during this past winter because of the lack of fuel and light. They are continuing, however, to hold all meetings, including their district conferences, but they must all be held during the daytime. Generally the sacrament meetings convene immediately following the Sunday school, and the Priesthood, Relief Society, and M. I. A. gatherings are held at the same time. ¶

We continue to get letters; but, of course, as you know, they are all censored. A report just received yesterday from the Danish Mission was sent by regular mail on the eleventh of October. It had been censored by both the German and the English authorities, but it came through in its original form. On one end of the envelope was stamped Geoffnet, the German word for opened, and on the other end Opened by Examiner, the words used by the English censor. ¶

In that report it stated that thirteen members had been baptized for the ten months ending October 27, 1941. ¶

The letters and reports from the British, South African, Swedish, and Swiss Missions and the French, Swiss, and Syrian Districts come through quite regularly, while those from the other missions since the United States entered the war are very irregular; some of my letters are being returned, with the words "Service Suspended. Return to Sender," stamped on them. ¶

The yearly report from the Swedish Mission shows an increase of twenty-two percent in tithing over last year, and twenty baptisms. ¶

The British Mission also is doing exceptionally well. They have home missionaries. It is their aim to have such missionaries in every branch. They report for the year 1941 sixty baptisms and a very substantial increase in tithes and fast offerings. From a letter received day before yesterday, the following paragraph is taken: I regret to inform you that we have been advised by the Air Ministry in London that Pilot Officer Hugh Card Brown is posted as missing. A telegram, we learn from the same source, has been sent to his parents. The news is a very great shock to us. We saw him two days ago, smiling and bright, full of life and joy. We spent an evening with him in town. He was in London for a couple of days to undergo medical examination, which he told us was A-l. We all feel very keenly the sad news. We are fasting today with hope and prayer that he is safe. We are awaiting further news from the Air Ministry in London. This information was received last night, that is, March 17, 1942. ¶

I am sure that hundreds of us here have also united our prayers with members of the British Mission that our young pilot officer, Brother Hugh Card Brown, is still safe. ¶

Many families are afflicted as are President Hugh B. Brown and his family, and thousands of others, I fear, will be before this war is ended. As you know, President Brown and his good wife, Sister Zina Card Brown, were presiding over the British Mission when war was declared; they evacuated all missionaries in the British Mission at that time. ¶

In speaking of our soldiers may I presume to recommend that it be a Priesthood project to write at least once a month to the members of the Priesthood quorums who are in the service. The personal welfare committee, presided over by the president of the quorum, should follow this up. We cannot estimate the good that will come from these letters, especially to members of the quorum, who have been, perchance, inactive at home. There are many very interesting events that can be told that will be very beneficial to these members of the quorum. May I suggest also that others be instructed to write? These soldiers should receive a letter weekly at least. I am sure, and I testify, good will come from this method if it is followed up. ¶

I desire also to express before sitting down my great appreciation for the opportunity I have had of visiting so many of the stakes and one mission. I did enjoy my visit to the Eastern States Mission. President Gustave A. Iverson and his good wife are doing a splendid work, working too hard, but they certainly have the love and respect of all the missionaries. Two groups there are doing especially good work with their singing: The Mormon Missionary Male Quartet of Philadelphia, and also the Ensign Chorus, comprised of mixed voices. They seem to have no difficulty in getting permission to sing over the radio, and at the same time announce their conferences and other meetings. ¶

I appreciate also the opportunity I have had of meeting and getting better acquainted with you presidents of stakes. My faith in the inspiration of the leaders of the Church has been encouraged and strengthened since meeting you men. I testify that these men — these leaders — are called of God and they are inspired in their leadership. May God continue to bless them, and bless you, and bless our boys in the service, and also our members in the war-torn countries, I pray earnestly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶