Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1904-08-10
Norwegian Monarch Kindly Re-
ceiyes and Pronounces Bless.
ing on Mormon Elders.
PIONEER DAY WAS CELEBRATED
Utah's Natal Day commemorated in
40 Enthusiastic Manner by People
Across the Seas.
Special Correspondence

Speclal Correspondence,
ChrIstiania, Norway, July 20, l9Oi.-on
the 23rd inst party OF 'Mormons'
consisting of President Gilbert Torger-
sen, Sister Anna Burgon ana her two
daughters. Rosa and Lillian from Salt
Lake City. Elders Charles W. Thorup.
Fin. II. Burg. Geo. I. Larsen, Lars
Olsen and myself. visited the royal pal
ace and made application to obtain
an audience with his majesty. Oscar
III, king of Norway and Sweden. We
explained that We were from Ameri-
ca and desired to meet and shake
hands with his majesty. Our desire
with our greetings were sent up to him
and we received the answer that he
would receive US IN one hour This hour
we spent In the park surrounding the
palace and when we returned. with
anxious step were ushered through wide
beautiful furnished halls and stair
ways, by servants who treated us with
the greatest respect and politeness, IN
to the large and richly furnished re-
ception room. A few moments waiting
here and we were asked by an attend
ant to step into the royal council
chamber which we did and found our
selves alone with his highness, King
Oscar III. He received US very kindly,
greeted us one by one asked us ques-
lions about our age, parentage, nation
ality. present place OF residence, etc,
etc. The conversation was OF course
short, but at parting President Torgen-
sen In behalf OF the party asked the
blessings of the Lord upon him and the
countries over which he reigns and he
answered with q hearty God bless you
and all your people" We greatly ap-
preciated this remark from such dig
nitary and go noble man as King
Oscar.
PREACHER DEAD.
Later In the day we attend
ed tho funeral services over the
romans OF Pastor Andreas Mortensen
who will be remembered by those who
have labored as missionaries in Nor
way, as one of the leaders In the fight
against "Mormonlsm." His voice Is
now stilled but his writings still speak
In loud tones to many credulous people,
causing prejudice and persecution
against the work of the Lord.
PIONEER DAY.
Our beautiful hall was testefully de-
corated with natures beauties gather-
ed from the Wild forest, mixed with
an abundance of roses az only NOR
way can produce, giving 1t festal APP
pearance and making a good impression
on the many Saints and friends who
came TO rejoice with us, At 10 a. m,
the people begin gatheHg The older
onss We're conveyed lnRarri$es and
furnished with badges ofShonorf Hearty
handshakings and greetings, were the
first order of the day. The festival be-
gan at IL a. m. Pioneer life, both Tn
America and Norway was recalled in
speeches, songs, recitations readings.
etc. President Gilbert Torgersen was
orator Of the day aud reviewed In
spirited manner, the trials and the
faithfulness of our beloved pioneers,
only few of whom are still on earth
ag living testimonies of those by gone
days At LIP. m. all the Saints over
80 years OF age, about so In number,
were seated as guests Of honor at ta-
bles prepared for them and served with
the good things, which the hungry man
dreamed about. These goodies we're
brought by the Saints and the surplus,
after all were satisfied, was distributed
among the needy. The Oldest brother
and sister In Chrlstlanla branch, Broth
er Lars Andersen. baptized Jan, Fl,
1867, and Sister Martha Petersen, bap-
tlzed June 9, 1859, were crowned with
wreaths OF honor as a token OF respect
and love for their faithfulness and
untiring energy. After eating and some
lively chatting, the program was con-
tinued, and the parts were rendered In
q spirited manner until p. m,
The hall was then cleared, and pre-
pared for our regular public meeting,
which was held at I p m. A good at
tendance was present. number Of the
ha hVa "a
the conference were present mt the fes-
tivlties, and spoke nj the evening meet
ing | must not forget to mention our
choir, which with its beautiful singing
helped TO make the day pleasant. A
spirit Of unity and love prevailed
throughout and a time OF rejoicing was
had by all The spirit OF God was so
manifest that even our friends who are
not Of our faith confessed that II was
the richest outpouring Of the Spirit
they had ever experienced
-Four applications for baptism were
made and one was Performed after the
meeting II not being convenient for the
other three, on this occasion for per-
sonal reasons, but will follow during
the week.
this part OF his vineyard. We Elders
are enjoying the Spirit to a great ex-
tent and rejoicing exceedingly IN the
great work. The prospects for the
future arc fine and we only hope that
we may be humble and faithful. that
We may retain that spirit which Is
poured out so richly upon us al the
present time We Elders laborlng I'm
the Chrlstana conference unite in
sending regards and best wishes TO rel
atIves and friends In dear old Utah.
OTTO ], MoNSoN.
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