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Show Page 70<br><br>J. B. Caldwell, who was elected the second president of the union. Mr. A. J. Gorham was the second secretary. During this term several new societies were organized; the Territorial convention entertained, the enforcement of Sabbath laws agitated, an unsuccessful attempt made to persuade the Epworth Leagues to join our fellowship, and a grand Fourth of July excursion undertaken. Mr. A. J. Gorham "was the next president, and Mr. Wade Loofbourow the next secretary. Those who have served the union as president since then, are, Miss Gertrude Whiteman, January, '93 to July, '94; Mr. H. N, Tolles, July, '94 to January, '95, and Mr. J. B. Caldwell, January, '95 to date. The secretaries have been Miss Etha Dunshee, Mr. W. M. Hunsberger, Miss Belle Mace, Miss Bessie Larsen, Miss Gertrude Whiteman and Mrs. C. D. Savery, while Mr. L. E. Berkley was twice chosen to fill out two unexpired terms. The three years in which these officers have led us have been filled with earnest endeavors for the cause of Christ as indicated by the following outline. In the fall of 1892 Rev. B. Fay Mills held those ever memorab1e meetings in Salt Lake City in which the union aided materially as also in the special meetings held the year after during [PHOTO: MRS. C. D. SAVERY.] which time a special union prayer and testimony meeting was held. In 1894 the hotel work, than which none has been more practical, was inaugurated. This same year the Good Citizenship movement was started by the union and a page of the CHURCH REVIEW taken for Christian Endeavor topics and maintained regularly ever since. The present year has been characterized by a second revision of the constitution, and two rousing Good Citizenship rallies, one of which was the Fourth of July celebration up Parley's Canyon. Twice in its History the union has addressed a communication to the Mayor and police authorities thanking them for what had been done, and pledging support in further efforts to suppress the vices and immoralities of our fair city. National Convention echo meetings have been held every year, Christian Endeavor day observed nearly every year, many and helpful union meetings participated in and frequent and bright socials given. Rev. B. F. Clay represented us at the New York Convention. President F. E. Clark visited us in 1892, and General Secretary J. Willis Baer, in 1893. Five years have now passed over our heads, in which time the societies have increased from six to twenty-two in four different denominations. Through this union we have exemplified in a practical manner the blessed truth, we have taken for one of our mottoes, "One is your Master, even Christ and all ye are brethren," and we believe there is yet work to be done along this special line of Christian fellowship. Our forces are now larger, our experience is wider, our faith greater and the facilities for work much improved. If in the past we have done God service we shall not stand faultless before the throne of grace unless we serve him yet the more in the future. C. T. H. <br><br>THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY IN UTAH.<br><br> Rev. W. A. Hough.<br><br> The American Tract Society was organized in 1825 in New York City for the purpose of spreading abroad a knowledge of the Redeemer of mankind through the printed page. From the first it has been a union Evangelical organization. Its books and tracts treat only of the great Gospel doctrines on which all Christians can agree. Up to 1841 its publications were circulated by voluntary agents. During the year just mentioned the Colporteur system was adopted according to which the society employed men to act as their agents, whose duties were to visit the homes of the people, with the literature of this society, engage them in religious conversation and prayer, hold prayer-meetings, etc. The lives of some of these colporteurs are as thrilling as a romance. Harlan Page and Uncle John Vassar were men who were filled with the Holy Ghost. They spoke to nearly every person they met on the question of personal salvation, and they doubtless led thousands of souls to Christ. Previous to 1891 several had labored in this work in Utah for longer or shorter periods of time. In September, 1891, the Tract Society opened up work again in this Territory, and to date has employed the following persons, all of whom are still engaged, except Mrs. Hansen: Rev. W. A. Hough, September, 1891; Mrs. Jennie M. Hansen, March, 1892, until the fall of 1894; Peter Erickson, June, 1892; Mrs. M. Skewes-Preshaw, October, 1892; George D. Peacock, October, 1895. The amount of work done by these colporteurs up to March, 1895, is as follows: Years of labor, 9; volumes sold, 9828; volumes granted, 1932; families destitute of Bibles, 1113; public meetings addressed, 214; families conversed with on personal religion or prayed with, 14,313, whole number of family visits, 28,490. Mrs. Jennie M. Hansen labored most faithfully in this city, and in Park City, Bingham, Heber City, and Murray, until about a year ago. Her labors were greatly blessed and she was conscious of having led a few souls at least to the Savior, and undoubtedly scattered much seed that will sooner or later bear fruit to the glory of God. Mrs. Preshaw took up the work in Ogden and has rendered valuable service for the Master. Mr. E. P. Erickson commenced work in San Pete and Sevier counties. In a great many towns in adjoining counties he has also labored. He has been signally blessed in this work. He took a trip into southern Nevada, and came on to a little valley, where probably no Christian work had ever been done. He has addressed many Mormon Sabbath schools and meetings. In several cases he sat up nearly all night talking to families that were eager to listen to what he had to say. In September, 1891, the writer of this took up this work in Utah county. After canvassing nearly all the towns in that county, and Nephi and Mt. Pleasant in adjoining counties, he began work in Salt Lake City, and has labored here ever since. Among the books published by the society is a "Life of Christ in Picture and Story." This is very beautifully illustrated. My custom has been to open this book and explain the pictures, drawing practical lessons from them.<br><br> W. A. Hough.<br><br> Rev. W. A. Hough, born November 22, 1855, near Rockford, Ill., moved with his parents to Coffee county, Kan., in 1859; to Highland, Doniphan county, Kan., in 1864. Here he attended public and high schools and prepared for college at Highland University; entered Princeton college in January, 1875, graduating in June, 1878; graduated at Princeton Theological seminary in 1881; ordained to ministry by Presbytery of Highland June 9, 1881; came to Utah as a missionary under Presbyterian Board of Home Missions and was stationed at Fillmore, arriving on the [PHOTO: W. A. HOUGH.] field June 30, 1881. February, 1883, he returned to Highland, Kan.; was married June 10, 1886, to Miss Harriet B. Andrews of Princeton, N. J. On April 27, 1887, came to Utah again as a missionary and was stationed at Payson. Owing to a severe spell of sickness he relinquished work at Payson and took up colporteur work under American Tract society in September, 1891, and still continues in this work. He resides at Blaine avenue, Salt Lake.<br><br> KINDERGARTENS IN SALT LAKE.<br><br> The first kindergarten in Salt Lake was opened in 1883 by Miss Elizabeth Dickey, who was sent out by the Woman's Executive Board of the Presbyterian church to open kindergartens in connection with the mission schools of that church in Utah. Previous to this |
