Brooklyn Semi-Annual Conference
15 September 1918

The semi-annual conference of the Brooklyn Conference convened Sunday, September 15. The attendance was larger than ever before, there being present at the three sessions 150, 250 and 200, respectively. Nearly every Saint in the conference was present at least once, and a marked feature was the large number of investigators and strangers in attendance.

The first session commenced at ten o’clock. President Ezra C. Knowlton was in charge. In a short address of welcome, he pointed out the significance of the first conference in our own building in the State where the latter-day work was born. Elder Card Greaves and Sister Edna L. Holdaway each gave expression to their joy at being ambassadors of truth. Sister Holdaway has been honorably released to return to her home. President [Walter P.] Monson gave a forceful address on the apostate condition of the world and the perpetual antagonism toward new revelation.

During the luncheon hour, the Relief Society sisters prepared a splendid meal for all, which was served in the basement of the church. It was an inspiring sight to see people from all walks of life partake of the good things provided in a spirit of true Christian unity.

The second session began at two o’clock. Sister Elizabeth Thomas spoke on the benefits to be derived from obeying all the commandments of god. Elder Del Mar Egbert followed with a talk on the goodness of the Lord in sending prophets to warn His children of impending evils. President Monson dwelt on our attitude as a people with regard to the war. His address was very instructive and inspiring. A splendid spirit prevailed, even though many non-members were present. A feature of the meeting was the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” by the congregation, led by Brother Squire Coop and Sister Margaret Tout Browning. ((Both were well-known professional musicians working in New York.))

At the evening session, Elder G. Wilford Guthrie, who is to be released after a three years’ mission, bore a powerful testimony of the Gospel and expressed his great joy at having been thus engaged. Sister Bertha Eccles Wright in a very pleasing way read the story of Belshazzar’s Feast from the Bible. In a powerful sermon on “The Personality of God,” President Monson pointed out the errors the world has fallen into regarding this important doctrine. The same good spirit prevailed at all the sessions.

Special mention should be made of the array of artists who furnished the musical numbers for each meeting. We were favored with vocal solos by Del Mar Egbert, W.C. Bradford, Margaret Tout Browning, Edwin F. Tout and Lillie Shippe. Stanley Schaul rendered a piano solo. The selection rendered in the evening by Brother Tout was an exceptional classic. He was accompanied on the piano by his daughter Eleanor, upon the organ by Venna Monson, and his daughter Hazel played the violin obligato. All present appeared to fully enjoy the splendid rendition of the piece.

Priesthood meeting was held Monday morning, at which the missionaries gave reports of their labors. After President Monson had given some excellent counsel and instruction, the assignments were made to the respective districts of labor.

This conference will be long remembered and the missionaries and Saints greatly rejoice over the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon them in enabling them to meet for the first time under their own roof.