Arizona republican., 1922-01-01
DAY SAINTS
CHURCH ONE Of THE
LEADING IN COUNTY

The first members of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
to come into the present confines OF
Maricopa county were the members
Of the Mormon Battalion, who came
in 1847 in defense of their country
against MEXICO. The following mis-
sionaries came among the Indians in
the '70's, and after establishing nine
permanent missions among the Pimas
at Lehi, colonists were chosen by the
leaders of the church in Utah and
sent down to become permanent set
lers in 1877.
Their first settlement at Lehi was
extended on to the mesa. An old
canal believed by the Mormon peo-
pie to have been built by the early
inhabitants of America was dicovered
here, The Book of Mormon being their
accepted history These canals were
built between 54 B. C. and 400 A. D.
To the Mormons of latter days it was
indeed a romance to remove the de-
posit of hundreds of years and de-
rive benefit by the work of the early
people of Nephi. Water was turned
out Of the Salt river through these
Nephite canals in the early SOS.
Given Bible Names
The wards were given Book of
Mormon names, viz, Schi, Nephi, and
Zenos. Later Nephi became Alma
Ward and Zenos became Mesa Now
there are three branches with a
church population of approximately
1000.
In each ward there is a Sunday
school, primary association. a
Young Mems and a Young Ladies'
Improvement association, a Religion
class, a Relief society, and a Genea-
logical society. The activities of the
church members within these organ
izations are so complete that there
Is no need of any other social, reli-
gious or benevolent club or order.
Everything social, religious and ben
evolent is provided for within the
church. Each member has some ac-
tivity either in an organization, quor-
UNI or appointment. 1t is claimed
that nine out of ten male members
over Is years of age have some posi-
ton, activity or priesthood
There are six quorums OF the
priesthood, viz, deacons, teachers,
priests, elders, seventies, or high
priests, and within these every
worthy male member over - years
of age officiates. Each quorum has
a special calling. Deacons to act as
messengers for the bishops, and pass
the sacrament; teachers to visit the
people in their homes and instruct
them; the priests to baptize and hold
cottage meetings.; the elders to ad-
minister at home and labor as home
missionaries; the seventy, minute
man, ready at all times to be sem
abroad to preach the gospel, and the
high priest to preside and officiats
at home.
Bishop Presides
Then there is the bishop, who pre-.
sides, with two colnselors, over 6
ward, and a patriarch, whose duty II
is to give blessings to the church
membership. Over each quorum, ex.
cept the seventies, there is a presi.
dency Of three and a. clerk. Eacl
organization has a secretary, treas.
urer, class leaders. instructors, teach.
ers and aids. Each ward is divided
into districts with two or more ware
teachers over the district to visi
monthly or oftener each family, t.
! care for the sick, help the needy, etc
Over the 10 wards and
sbranches (Which unit is called {
Stake of Zion) is a presidency O
three, and a high council Of 12, will
two to six alternate high counselors
Also there is a stake clerk and {
stake superintendency or presidency
over each of the seven organization!
with complement of secretaries, aid.
! and treasurers.
Each one has corresponding head
4 RI tn oL trrt41
general superintendency and genera
board. Each has a magazine that
outlines and makes plain it's specifi,
work.
4 over the entire church stands tn,
first presidency. twelve apostles, pre-
u siding bishopric, presidents OF sew.
enties Quorums, and presiding patri
arch.
/ One member from each group O.
association is on a social advisinl
committee. another representation
Zone from each organization), forms
music committee. There is n,
clashing. Nothing is overlooked 70
the social or spiritual welfare of tn
church membership. 1t IS wonder
full organization.
Marieopa Stake
In the Maricopa stake the presen
leadership stands as follows: Stalk
! presidency, James w. Lesueur, Orle,
S. Stapley and John Cummard; stalk
! clerk, w. B. Richins; stake superin
! tendent of Sunday schools, G.. c
! Spilsbury; stake superintendent o
] Y. M. M. l. A., Delbert Stapley; pres
! ident Of the Y. u. NJ. !. A., Ida f
: Alldredge; president OF primaries
Ruth Homes: president of relief so
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