Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1897-03-20
PREACHING IN ARIZONA.

Elders John Henry Smith anu
Hsbsr ]. Grant, OF the Council OF
Apostles, have been holding meetings
in Arizona, where there are very
many Latter.dRy Saints anu several
organized Stakes Of Y On, and have
been making special efforts to get
people OF all grades OF religious con-
yiction to come and listen TO the
teschings OF the Gospel OF Christ. The
brethren are meeting with much sue.
cess IN their labors Ia presenting the
true plan OF salvation before the people.
An illustration OF the reception they
are meeting with and the work they
are doing may be seen In the press re-.
ports OF the meetings OF Ph9 ak, the
capital city OF Arizona. Says the
Phenix Gazette:
John Henry Smith and lIeber J.Grant,
the two mormon Apostles of tho Church
OF Lat,er-day Saints, spoke last night NJ
tho opera mouse. The place was packed
to its utmost, even tho stairway and
street being filled. The Mesa choir as
sisted In furnishing music. Both gem
tlemen arc eloquent speakers, ana tho
services last evening were listened to
with much interest.
The Arlz1na Republican. Phoenix,
gives the following account OF the
same services:
Apostles John Henry Smith and Hebor
j. Grant OF tho Mormon Church ad-
dressed as large crowd last night as
could conveniently find room in tho
l...sl - h,a
opera house. Both gentlemen arc Of
pleasing appearance and though their
doctrine is older thar most men now
living, ii was SO now that 1t was re-
ceived with the greatest interest. Mr..
Grant is u rapid and powerful speak or.
His defeuse OF his creed was able, and
his tribute to tho memory OF brigham
Young was beautiful. Ho resented the
charges of disloynlty which had been
made against tho Mormon Church, the
accusation of narrowness against II great
head. In refutation OF the one he called
attention to the organization 1.-THE Battnl-
ion which at the call of tho government
penetrated the southwest while tho
Church was being driven from post TO
post. 10 disprove the other he pointed
10 Salt Lake and Utah as monuments OF
the wisdom and power of Brigham
Young. Mr.. Smith is also a speaker OF
pleasing presence and great ability.
or the meeting held Friday eveding,
March ~. the Arizona Gazs.te,
Ph@aix, says:
Last night, TO large and deeply in
terestcd audience nt tho opera house,
Heber j. Grant and John Henry Smith,
Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ
Of IatteT-day Saints, expounded the
doctrines and practices Of their Church.
nntfa a IarUA pnntfnmnnl paTnn down fTnm
Mesa, including the Mormon choir, which
rendered some most excellent vocal
music The meeting was conducted by
Counselor Hakes, and several prominent
Mormons were on the stage, including
four members of tho Legislature. Mr..
Grant, who IL young looking man Of
about 80, spoke first, and in very elo-
quent and convincing manner gave tho
origin and history OF his Church. lie
was followed by Mr.. Smith, whose per-
nonal appearance is decidedly patri-
archal, who spoke of the divine mission
of Joseph Smith. His style OF oratory,
though entirely different 10 Mr.. Grants,
proved to be equally captivating, for 1t
was n quarter past ten when Representa-
tive George w. Skinner delivered the
final benediction. The remarks OF both
gentlemen were entirely free from AS
saults on other churches or their
members. Mr., Smith frequently used
Inc term 'lnb nlpIneT cuuIchs WAeu
referring to the Catholic church, aud
spoke OF his "bretbren in Chrisp' of The
Protestant churches. Altogether IL was
an enter aiming and instructive EXPOSE
ton, and undoubtedly was a revelation
to many OF the large audience as to what
the Mormon Church actually teaches.
II is most gratifying to note, in adj
ditlon TO the iucreast interest that is
being shown by the LAtter.day Saints
generally, aud the youth In particular,
In the principles Of the Gospel and the
work OF the Church authorities in pro-
mitigating the same, that the labors OF
the Elders among those who have not
yet obeyed the iullness Of the Gospel
message are bearing fruit, in calling
more general attention to the glorious
and marvellous work which the Lord
has Instituted in the latter days. The
Spirit of the Lord is working in mighty
power among all the people OF this ma.
t'on especially, TO lead them at least to
hear the testimony OF the Elders and
70 have opportunity Of receiving tho