August 7, 1948 (Saturday):
We arose early, got a big breakfast and then hiked for a couple of hours and saw some of the territory beyond Hanakapiai - we were going to go to Kalalau but decided that it was too far. When we returned to Haena, we found the battery of the car dead and so we had to get help into the service station. When we arrived back home, we were so tired that it was all we could do to wait till bedtime.
August 8, 1948 (Sunday):
Today Sis. Sheldon spoke in both Sunday School and Sacrament meeting. The only thing wrong is that she didn’t know when to quit. I rested all day and it surely felt good to let down.
August 9, 1948 (Monday):
This morning we took Mike up to the Pono studio and had his picture taken - they should be pretty good. After that we had to go up and get a new battery for the car, and then we went out. Both houses we went to we were fed, - Sis Kaui made us sit down to a big dinner, and we spent most of the day there, coming away stuffed. This evening we were invited out to dinner at the Dew Drop Inn by Sis Pomani, and when we went there we weren’t hungry because we had had so much.
August 10, 1948 (Tuesday):
In the forenoon we went up one of the little visited valleys just out of Kapaa and got all of the houses there. We ran across one girl who had been a member at one time, but was now a Catholic. She showed promise. Later in the afternoon we visited Mrs. Costa and talked with her for two hours - she was absorbed in the Plan of Salvation and couldn’t get her mind off of it.
August 11, 1948 (Wednesday):
We spent the day in Anahola and while there were invited to eat dinner at the home of Mrs. Daisy Lovell, which is a step in the right direction. Also while there, we lined up a Cottage Meeting at Kaliohi’s. Priesthood meeting in the evening.
August 12, 1948 (Thursday):
I went to a Dr. Isunehiro to have my teeth checked, and I found that there is a possible infection in one of the roots of the tooth that had the root deadened. I had to go to Dr. Cockett to have another x-ray to make sure. While up there, I had a check up because I was feeling rather low - he took a chest x-ray and found everything all ok. Later we went to Lihue to get a haircut and bring some things that we were in need of including some new shoes for Mike. This evening we went to Anahola to attend a cottage meeting at Koleiohis.
August 13, 1948 (Friday):
Today is Ted and Janath’s seventh wedding anniversary. We went out and tracted around Kapaa heights and found a lot of Hawaiian People near around the School and were pleased at the reception that we got at most of them. We ran across another old member of the Church who had fallen away while she was in Honolulu because no one visited her. M.I.A. held forth in the evening.
August 14, 1948 (Saturday):
The usual clean up day, and then in the afternoon we went up and played several sets of tennis with Henry Sheldon and his sons. It seemed good to play again but it surely made me realize what poor shape I am in. Henry is pretty good and so is Elder Taylor and so it made it interesting. This evening we all went to the Bob Hope show at the Roxy and enjoyed it thoroughly.
August 15, 1948 (Sunday):
This morning went up to Kehapana and picked up the Kaui family for Sunday School, and this contributed to the largest attendance since we have been in Kapaa[63]. This evening I was supposed to go to Hanapepe to dedicate the addition of that chapel, but we had already promised to show pictures to the Fireside group and so were unable to attend. At the fireside there were about 50 present and I showed Ted’s slides on Germany.
August 16, 1948 (Monday):
I am reminded that five years ago today, and on a Monday, I was struck by that automobile in Chicago. This morning, Marg went up to the David Kaui Family to spend the day with them, while we came back and prepared to give the car a good going over. We got it all waxed, and then it started to pour and so we came in and did record work the balance of the day. When we went to pick up Marg, we found a flood coming down the Valley, and it was pretty good sized too. This evening we had the usual Badminton Schedule and so that took up the day.
August 17, 1948 (Tuesday):
Elder Crabtree and his new wife returned from Honolulu where they were married in the Temple. She is a girl from Australia, that he met there in the service. She seems to be a fine girl and will serve on a short temple mission until they are both released in November. They brought a letter from Pres. Smith with them informing us that a change was necessary due to the addition of Mrs. Crabtree, and so Elder Kirkham will go to Hanapepe and Elder Taylor will go to Koloa to be with Elder Neeley.
August 18, 1948 (Wednesday):
Today we went out to Anahola and worked and we contacted the woman who was interested in Spiritualism. We had quite a discussion with her. We enjoyed the day out there a lot.
August 19, 1948 (Thursday):
Elder Bartholomew came in form Kekaha early and we started in to work on the car to give the engine an overhaul. We worked all day at that, and then in the evening we went up to the Fernandez home for dinner. While there, we showed them the pictures of Germany.
August 20, 1948 (Friday):
We again got an early start on the car because we had to get some tools back to the owners. Finally around 4:PM we got everything back together including new piston rings, new gaskets, and ground valves. However when it was back together, it wouldn’t run - I had to perform a marriage out at Kilauea so I phoned and told them the car was out of order, and so they sent a car down for me. The couple being married were Filipinos[64] the woman being several months pregnant.
August 21, 1948 (Saturday):
While we were away last night Elder Bartholomew found out the trouble in the car - the gasket on the oil pennys[?] was too wide; thereby not giving enough oil pressure. Today is the day of the big Kahaunaele wedding, and so all day friends and relatives were around here preparing for the big luau. We watched and took pictures of them. Kalua three pigs and it was quite a sight to behold, and the final results were delicious. For the wedding proper, the chapel was filled, and afterwards, they served close to 500 people. I performed the ceremony[65] and also said grace at the meal. It was really quite a thrill and experience.
Dad had introductory remarks and the marriage ceremony, itself, written out and kept with his journals. These words were used at this ceremony as the names of the parties were listed with the wording. The introductory remarks were as follows:
We are here assembled to participate as principals or as witnesses in one of the most sacred ordinances instituted for mankind. Marriage is essentially a religious institution. It is a fulfillment of a divine command, and the finest of its products are spiritual.
There are really four parties to this compact, the man, the woman, the territory, and the church. You as contracting parties, enter this union of your own choice and volition, out of the love you bear each other. That love is the origin and basis of your union. If you always preserve it - and you always may through adequate consideration of each other - it will be the supreme benediction of your wedded lives. I charge you to cherish it as a priceless gem.
The territory is interested because the territory is concerned as to the welfare of society, and the home which you are to build is the foundation of the community and indispensable to a righteous society and an enduring nation. Let your home ever foster the great and lasting virtues of purity of life honesty, thrift, benevolence, and patriotism.
The church is deeply concerned because through its office is your marriage sanctified. By divine power your lives are to be united and consecrated to holy purposes. Faith and the hope of immortality should find a place in your hearts. The manifest implication of this ceremony is that you take God into this partnership with implied promise that you will sustain him and his truth as you look for him to sustain you.
The marriage ceremony was as follows:
You will please take each other by the right hand.
(Groom) you take (Bride) by the right hand in token of the covenant you now enter into, to become her companion and husband, to love, honor, and cherish her as long as you both shall live. And you hereby promise to observe all the laws, covenants, and obligations pertaining to the holy state of matrimony, and this you do in the presence of God, and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?
(Bride) you take (Groom) by the right hand in token of the covenant you now enter into, to become his companion and wife, to love, honor, and cherish him as long as you both shall live, and promise to observe all the laws, covenants, and obligations pertaining to the holy state of matrimony, and this you do in the presence of God, and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?
(ring is given) This ring is given and received as a token and pledge of the covenant between you. Let the precious metal be an emblem of the purity of your love; and the circle a symbol of its enduring nature.
August 22, 1948 (Sunday):
Quite a poor showing at church today as a result of the big event last evening - After sunday school we went to a birthday lunch for Johnny Querets - we weren’t however warned that it was to be a meal and so we ate beforehand. We were obligated to eat and so we did with discomfort - however it was delicious food. Elder Taylor gave his farewell speech in church and hit the nail on the head. He has surely been a cooperative worker and congenial as they come.
August 23, 1948 (Monday):
I took Elder Taylor down to Koloa and Reuben Ohai came along as a rider. Along the way, we found that Rueben was made the mgr. of the Blue Lei and that accounts for his not being so enthusiastic any longer.
August 25, 1948 (Wednesday):
We visited with the Sheldons all afternoon and also received notice from Pres. Smith that we would be having visitors from the Primary General Board with us over the weekend[66].
August 28, 1948 (Saturday):
Mike is ten months old today, and he is surely a well developed young one for that age. We spent the day cleaning up and in the after noon had a quartet practice - Bro. Bonayales phoned up and said that Pres Smith had come in with Sis Boyles and Sis. Hodge of the mission office, and so we stayed up a little later and got everything in extra special order.
August 29, 1948 (Sunday):
I taught the childrens class in Sunday School and temporarily filled the gap left by Elder Taylor. The meeting scheduled with Pres Smith, and Co. was at 2:00 PM. but it was more like 2:30 or 2:45 that we got started. Just as the meeting got under way, Pres Smith called me out and we talked outside until the meeting was through. His organization is still not clear cut. We had a bite to eat before Sacrament meeting started and then attended it. At Sacrament meeting both Pres. Smith and Sis Hodge spoke; and we (our quartet - Henry Sheldon, Marg, Rueben Ohai and myself) sang the Bells of St. Marys. After sacrament meeting, the branch held a Hawaiian musical program in their honor, and at its close Marg and I sang “Ke Kali Nei Au” Sister Boyle and Hodge stayed with us all night and Pres. Smith went over to Sheldons.
August 30, 1948 (Monday):
We all arose early and got breakfast, and I drove Pres. Smith and the two visiting sisters out to Hanalei and back and it was a beautiful day for the trip. Returning to Kapaa we picked up their bags and, Marg and Mike came along, and we drove down to the Lihue Hotel for lunch. While we were eating, we let Mike play out on the lawn and he really attracted the eyes of the people around. We all then continued down to the airport, stopping at Koloa, and Hanapepe, on the way, and they left at 3:15 pm. On the way Pres. Smith gave me instructions or permission to do the following: 1. Make Bro. Battad of Kapaa, Pres. of the Island M.I.A., and release him from the Branch Presidency, and in time replace him by Brother Moa in that job. 2. Hold a Missionary meeting once a month, preferably on Fast Sunday with an outing every other month. 3. Read the organization draft that I sent into the Mission Office at the coming Union meeting and enforce it as of then.
August 31, 1948 (Tuesday):
Worked on records most of day and caught up on what I should have done previously. This afternoon I saw Bro. Battad and asked him to be the head of the Island M.I.A. Program, and he temporarily accepted.
September 1, 1948 (Wednesday):
Worked on records again as usual and then this afternoon, we went out visiting and saw Sis Hano, and the Ohais. This evening we attended a play practise in the Branch and then Bro Haase and I went up to visit Bro Moa in his new home.
September 2, 1948 (Thursday):
A letter from Grandmother Cannon to Mom and Dad, in part, as follows:
…A week ago yesterday I went to the Temple to see Elinor Critchlow, Angie’s daughter, married. I was unusually impressed by the spirit I felt. I had to battle the tears as I sat waiting in the hall outside the celestial room. Children were coming with their parents from sealing rooms and parents and children’s countenances seemed radiant with happiness. And, as I sat admiring that remarkable portrait of Pres. Snow, I thought of what Uncle William [T. Cannon] told us last week and please don’t tell this, for it is so sacred. As Uncle William told it, the tears streamed down his cheeks. Perhaps you have heard that the Savior appeared to Pres. Snow in the Salt Lake Temple[67]. I had heard that many times before, but I had not heard the circumstances under which this took place. Pres. Snow went to the Temple to pray concerning the choice of counselors he was to have. He had some misunderstanding of George Q. Cannon’s makeup and had about decided not to choose him. The Savior appeared to tell him he had his free agency in the choice of his counselors, but he warned him nevertheless that George Q. Cannon was the one who had been selected from on high. Of course he was chosen. Uncle William after grandfather Cannon’s death went to visit his father’s grave and there found Pres. Snow sobbing. He said how he had learned to love and honor and respect George Q. Cannon as he did no other man and said, the very things he did not understand him for he had come to appreciate as marks of true greatness in George Q. Cannon (So keep this sacred and to your own dear selves)…
I might add that Adrian Cannon has chosen Ted for his best man…
One more thing – in this week’s Church section of the “News” is an article concerning the cottage meeting you are holding in Kapaa. I’ll try to get an extra copy and send you.
September 4, 1948 (Saturday):
I worked out in the yard for the greater part of the day and then in the afternoon we both conked out and took advantage of the baby sleeping and took a nap ourselves. This evening the C.P.M. orchestra played in the hall here, and not too many people turned out to hear them. They really were pretty good too, and especially Elder Child on the singing.
September 5, 1948 (Sunday):
Bro Haase came in early this morning and asked me to take over his Sunday School Class, and so I took the two hours just before Sunday School preparing it. It was an interesting lesson to take, and we could have spent literally hours on it. After Fast Meeting, about the finest spirit that I have witnessed since coming here was manifested. Bro. Moa who just moved in from Kalihi-Kai Branch bore a powerful testimony, and he will surely be a marvelous example for good. This evening, a short pageant was given entitled “If you keep my commandments” written by Marvel Battad. It was quite well done considering all, and was one of the finest things put on that I have seen around here. I played a small part in it. After meeting, the usual semi-monthly fireside was held in the hall, and after that, we spent the balance of the evening visiting with Sis Kim.
September 6, 1948 (Monday):
We worked on the records most of the day, and then this afternoon, Elder Wyatt and I went to see the Football game between the University of Hawaii and the Kauai Broncos. It was nothing spectacular but a good game. The University won by a score of 20-0. After the game, we rode Bro. & Sis. Kaui home with us and they insisted on getting us a lot to eat - and so we came back and let Marg in on it. This evening Loraine Kaui came in and stayed most of the evening.
September 7, 1948 (Tuesday):
Today is the big family day - Pop’s birthday, Mary and Bobs wedding day, and Grandpa and Grandma’s wedding day[68]. We worked on the records most of the morning and then in the afternoon we went out visiting.
September 8, 1948 (Wednesday):
We finished up a report on members on the Island to check the records, and then on the way up to the Post Office I stopped in and counseled with Bro. Battad, and on the way back, Rueben Ohai picked me up and rode me home - he came in and we talked for several hours and I layed the cards on the table and suggested that the Blue Lei be cleaned up, or that he make a break with his Father. He suggested that we talk to his Dad and pointed out that he was between two posts and admitted that he didn’t feel right about doing what he was. Later on I talked for better than a half hour or so with a Portugese School Leader about Salt Lake, and he was quite friendly. Few turned out to Priesthood Meeting this evening due to several being away from town and Sis. Painari and Pedro Moring did come out though.
September 9, 1948 (Thursday):
This evening we went up to the Fernandez home and had a fine dinner, after which we went out for a ride with them in their new car. While out, a couple of opportunities opened up for us to talk a little about the gospel. I guess we’ll not be here to see the results of our work there if any.
September 10, 1948 (Friday):
I stayed in most of the day in preparation for Union meeting and then this evening we went to dinner at the Dew Drop Inn at the request of Sis. Paimani - after which we called on the Kame family. This evening, M.I.A. was originally scheduled to be held, but called off, nevertheless, we had a lot of them who came in spite of it all, and so they spent the evening playing games.
September 11, 1948 (Saturday):
Bro. Battad came in this morning and we had a conference with regard to our M.I.A. work, and in preparation for tomorrow. After that, we spent the day cleaning up, doing a thorough job of the floors, and then I went to the yard and spent several ours out there.
September 12, 1948 (Sunday):
What a full day this has been - the usual Sunday School in the morning and then this afternoon, the first Union Meeting in Six months was held. Everything ran off rather smoothly in spite of the following things - Sis Sheldon got all upset because she didn’t have all of her music people with her, and she was very uncompromising through it all. She got me up in front of her class and started calling me down and giving me the business - she will still have to be straightened out. In the Priesthood section I gave them a new supply of report forms, and a statement of account, and also presented the new set up for the Island Organization. It came to our ears from Sis Bartholomew that Pres. Smith was sending us along with them and the Crabtrees home on the 20th of the month. Apparently Pres. Smith told this to Elder Crabtree and said that the reason he didn’t want to tell us was that he was afraid if we knew too long before hand that we would go charging off around the Island. Of course this made us upset and about ruined the day - I hope it isn’t true but am afraid it is. This evening we sat right down and wrote him a letter about it. This evening I spoke in the Kapaa Sacrament meeting on the life of Paul.
September 13, 1948 (Monday):
Today is our second wedding anniversary and the past two years have held much in store for us. We celebrated by going out and doing about the biggest days work of visiting that Marg has done. First we went up to Clara Ohais and then returned for the baby to nap and then we went up to see Ben Ohai, and made a date for him to come down the coming Thursday evening. This evening we went to dinner at the Dew Drop Inn and celebrated a little - after that, we went up to Kupihea’s, - and had a good visit, after which we returned, put Mike to bed and then went over to the Miyamotos and spent the balance of the Evening.
September 14, 1948 (Tuesday):
This evening I went out with Bro. Haase and we visited the Hano’s, Runnions, Bro. Keniki, and the John Kauis - at Kauis, they gave us a bunch of bananas, and a sack of avocados. I believe that a lot of good can be done by his getting out among the people.
September 15, 1948 (Wednesday):
We went up to Anahola today and had a wonderful time and visited some of the contacts we had made - held an especially fine talk with a Mrs. Carillo and loaned her a book called “What of the Mormons.” This afternoon we called on the Kahaunaeles and then a Seventh Day Adventist family by the name of Kaneakua. At Priesthood this evening, I set apart Bro. Kai On Soong[69] as a Priest.
September 16, 1948 (Thursday):
This morning I had to go to the bank in Lihue to make a deposit to cover an overdraft - on my return, I went to the Post Office and picked up a letter from Pres. Smith, and in it we had the news that we were going to go home in the middle of November, due to inadequate facilities to house the new baby, because a whole flock of new missionaries are due to come in, in the next few months. We were really up in the air after reading it, and decided that the thing we should do is that I would stay, and that Marg should take Mike home and stay with her parents until the completion, and so we wrote to Pres. Smith to that effect[70]. This evening we went over to Haase’s for dinner - which celebrated the first birthday of their baby. We rushed the dinner and returned home because we had an appointment with Ben Ohai to show pictures to him - he didn’t show up and so we spent the evening reading. Also in the letter from Pres. Smith we learned that Elders and Sis Nichols would be coming in from Hilo tomorrow at 1:10 p.m.
September 17, 1948 (Friday):
We spent the morning cleaning up in preparation for the arrival of the Nichols and I drove out to Mano and met both of them, and we had an enjoyable ride in and a nice visit. This evening we were called to go to the Mahelona T. B. hospital to administer to a Mary Mollino who had been given up to die.
September 18, 1948 (Saturday):
Today we had a Lauhanau at Waimea and Marg decided that it would be too much to take Mike down there, and so she stayed home, and the Nichols came along. A fine program was enjoyed by all, and it was too bad that Marg couldn’t have been there. Of course they fed us after the meeting and then we held a missionary meeting in the chapel after; and the spirit that prevailed there was surprising - I was surely happy to learn of the attitude of most of them - especially Elder Crabtree and the Bartholomews. After the meeting we all (missionaries) went over to the Waimea landing and enjoyed a nice swim, and then went over to the Bartholomews where we had chili, punch, and cake. This evening after returning we went over to Takemoto Studio and had our picture taken - that is Marg and Mike and I. After getting all settled in bed, I had to get up and answer the phone and it was Pres. Smith calling from Honolulu - He absolutely bowled me over when he said that he had just received a cablegram from the First Presidency approving my name as one of his counselors[71] in the Mission Presidency and then he asked me to be in Honolulu on Monday at noon to meet with Bro. Cowley and of course to be set apart by him. After hearing that news I got very little sleep, and I thought most of the night. It will surely be a big responsibility and I imagine an unpleasant one in many respects, but then we are taught to accept any call that comes from those in authority.
September 19, 1948 (Sunday):
Spent the day attending the usual meetings and the afternoon we caught up on a little correspondence. This evening a fireside was held - the smallest and most disorganized since arriving here.
September 20, 1948 (Monday):
I left from Kauai around 11:00 this morning and arrived in Honolulu at noon. Pres. Smith and Julian met me at the airport and took me over to the Tabernacle and I located in a little room in a garage that Julian had fixed up to stay in[72]. I had quite a conference with Pres. Smith and learned that Bro. Joseph Musser of the Oahu Stake High Council was to be his first counselor. This evening Julian and I went out to dinner at the Kaimucki Grill, after which we visited Sis Boyles (Jessie Grant) and her Uncle, Gen. Bryant S. Wells. It was one of the most interesting evenings that I have spent for a long time. Afterwords we went over and saw Irene Cannon - George Q. was not home - he was at Rotary Club.
September 21, 1948 (Tuesday):
Today I caught up on some of my correspondence and then later, Pres Smith and I went down and made reservations for Marg and Mike to leave via Pan American Airlines on October 25th at 11:55 PM. While in town we went over to see Bro. Musser and had a good talk, and made reservations to be set apart this afternoon. At 3:00 this afternoon Bro. Matthew Cowley of the Council of Twelve set us apart, and Sis. Hodge made a record of it by her shorthand machine. We then had our pictures taken for the Church News. Bro. Cowley surely did give us marvelous blessings. This evening I had dinner at the Smiths and then we went out for a drive.
September 22, 1948 (Wednesday):
This morning I took care of some incidentals in the Office and then went to the airport with Pres. Smith and left for Kauai arriving here at around 3:30. Tonight we went to the Kauai Camera Club and showed our pictures of Southern Utah and Germany - I think that we made a few friends as a result of it.
September 24, 1948 (Friday):
Yesterday and today, we worked on our Monthly Financial and Statistical Reports, and got them out of the way in pretty good time. Tonight was the opening of the Kapaa M.I.A.
September 25, 1948 (Saturday):
A day of cleaning and regular Saturday chores. This afternoon we had a wedding scheduled in Kapaia, but there was a misunderstanding and so it was postponed. Tonight we went to a Branch meeting at Lydgate park - we ate until we were stuffed but it was a lot of fun.
September 26, 1948 (Sunday):
This morning I arose early and got an hour or so studying in, after which I went down to Lihue Branch and set apart Charles Kulau as the Counselor for that area. Marg and Mike stayed back and attended Kapaa Branch. This evening, the family program was given by the Runnions and it was very good. After, we all went over to the local restaurant and got Hambergurs and ice cream.
September 27, 1948 (Monday):
Elder Nichols and I went out this morning to Anahola and spent the day there - we had an exceptionally fine talk with Mrs. Carillo, and didn’t make much head way otherwise. We returned and in the later afternoon we went up to Kehapana, - Marg and Sis Nichols went over to the Kauis, and Elder Nichols and I went up to Ben Ohais. Luckily we found him home alone, and he sat down and acted freer than he ever has. We had quite a talk with him, and told him that the Lord needed him to turn around, and elaborated on it. He promised that he would turn over a new leaf - sell his Blue Lei and try and come back. Tears came to his eyes, but I really think that he was sincere.
September 28, 1948 (Tuesday):
Elder Nichols and I went out visiting and called on most of the Saints close in and spent a pretty good day at it. Today is Mikes birthday - 11 months old.
September 29, 1948 (Wednesday):
Marg and I went up to the Dr’s office where we had Mike vaccinated for Small Pox. He raised quite a fuss of course, but was alright other wise. Afternoon we went out and had a good day of visiting, making a pretty good contact with the Aki Aau Boys. This evening we had a meeting of Branch Presidents and missionaries on this side of the Island for the purpose of planning conference. Afterwards, the regular Priesthood meeting was held.
September 30, 1948 (Thursday):
Today Bro. Haase came up and so we all pitched in and cleaned up the yard. I also did the bulk of the washing for Marg. This evening we took the conference program up to Sis. Sheldon, and after this, Elder Nichols and I went to a show called 1 Million B.C.
October 1, 1948 (Friday):
This morning I prepared my material for union meeting and the balance of the day was spent in taking care of odds and ends. We went to M.I.A. this evening, and I taught the special Interest class. The subject was Science and religion.
October 2, 1948 (Saturday):
We had a missionary meeting this afternoon in the Koloa Chapel, after which we all went down to Poipu beach where we played baseball had lunch and then played volley ball, after which we went for a swim in the surf. It was wonderful swimming and I had about the most enjoyment out of it possible. The breakers were just right, and it was really a thrill.
October 3, 1948 (Sunday):
A long day today, but one filled with a lot of happiness and a sense of accomplishment. We were going constantly from 7:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night. The program consisted of Sunday School, Fast Meetings, Union Meeting, Sacrament meeting in 1 Eloa, and Sacrament meeting in Kapaa. The Fast Meeting was about the deadest that we have had since being in the Islands - it was reflective of much of the nature of these people. All during the Sunday School, I packed Mike around - he is surely a hand full and is not content to stay still like most of the other babies. We traveled to Hanapepe for our Union meeting. Marg and Mike stayed home because they didn’t want to get worn out. The Union Meeting came off with a great deal of success - the Teacher Training class was the best since it was started, through no fault of my own. We also held the first council meeting, and it met with considerable success. I am certainly happy that that is the last Union Meeting that I will have to cope with. Sis. Sheldon got on her high horse again and she was uncompromising as usual. While there, we heard that Ben Ohai and Johnny Alemeado were going to speak in Koloa and so I resolved to go down and hear them if possible. When I returned to Kapaa, I drove up in front of the Blue Lei, and there found Ben, and asked him to take Marg and I with him. He gladly condescended. We attended the Kapaa meeting for almost an hour and then he came by and picked Marg and Mike and I back up. Johnny Alameado played and spoke, and then Ben spoke and he confessed all of his wrong doings and said that this was his first step back. It was a real thrill.
October 4, 1948 (Monday):
Elder Nichols and I went to the bank in Lihue and called on Sis. Aiu while there - she showed us around her yard and her flowers. Most of the day was spent in getting some book matters straightened out with Elder Nichols.
October 6, 1948 (Wednesday):
I spent the morning finishing packing some boxes to be sent home by mail and Reuben Ohai brought some wrapping paper over to help, and stayed and helped himself. All in all we filled five big boxes and the bill to send it home amounted to $9.40. The balance of the day I helped Elder Nichols work on the car - we painted the wheels, repaired the upholstery. Tonight after Priesthood and Margs play practise we all went up and got a hamburger and banana split.
October 7, 1948 (Thursday):
We finished doing some odds and ends around the house and then this afternoon, Marg and I went out and visited some of the Saints. We said goodbye to many of them. The Nichols stayed with Mike during the time we were out. Tonight we all went to dinner at Bro. & Sis. Billedos’s and we were given a case of pineapple to take home - and the meal was wonderful. Spare ribs, chicken and Chop Suey was the bill of fare and we all stuffed ourselves to capacity.
October 8, 1948 (Friday):
Elder Nichols and I took the morning out and mopped and waxed the floors. Just before noon we went out, and in three hours accomplished a good deal - we arranged for two baptisms on Monday and saw Sis. Panioni about being married - she promised that she would get it done before next week. We also saw the Kahamoeles and they didn’t have much to say - she has failed to come out for several weeks. Tonight was M.I.A.
We arose early, got a big breakfast and then hiked for a couple of hours and saw some of the territory beyond Hanakapiai - we were going to go to Kalalau but decided that it was too far. When we returned to Haena, we found the battery of the car dead and so we had to get help into the service station. When we arrived back home, we were so tired that it was all we could do to wait till bedtime.
August 8, 1948 (Sunday):
Today Sis. Sheldon spoke in both Sunday School and Sacrament meeting. The only thing wrong is that she didn’t know when to quit. I rested all day and it surely felt good to let down.
August 9, 1948 (Monday):
This morning we took Mike up to the Pono studio and had his picture taken - they should be pretty good. After that we had to go up and get a new battery for the car, and then we went out. Both houses we went to we were fed, - Sis Kaui made us sit down to a big dinner, and we spent most of the day there, coming away stuffed. This evening we were invited out to dinner at the Dew Drop Inn by Sis Pomani, and when we went there we weren’t hungry because we had had so much.
August 10, 1948 (Tuesday):
In the forenoon we went up one of the little visited valleys just out of Kapaa and got all of the houses there. We ran across one girl who had been a member at one time, but was now a Catholic. She showed promise. Later in the afternoon we visited Mrs. Costa and talked with her for two hours - she was absorbed in the Plan of Salvation and couldn’t get her mind off of it.
August 11, 1948 (Wednesday):
We spent the day in Anahola and while there were invited to eat dinner at the home of Mrs. Daisy Lovell, which is a step in the right direction. Also while there, we lined up a Cottage Meeting at Kaliohi’s. Priesthood meeting in the evening.
August 12, 1948 (Thursday):
I went to a Dr. Isunehiro to have my teeth checked, and I found that there is a possible infection in one of the roots of the tooth that had the root deadened. I had to go to Dr. Cockett to have another x-ray to make sure. While up there, I had a check up because I was feeling rather low - he took a chest x-ray and found everything all ok. Later we went to Lihue to get a haircut and bring some things that we were in need of including some new shoes for Mike. This evening we went to Anahola to attend a cottage meeting at Koleiohis.
August 13, 1948 (Friday):
Today is Ted and Janath’s seventh wedding anniversary. We went out and tracted around Kapaa heights and found a lot of Hawaiian People near around the School and were pleased at the reception that we got at most of them. We ran across another old member of the Church who had fallen away while she was in Honolulu because no one visited her. M.I.A. held forth in the evening.
August 14, 1948 (Saturday):
The usual clean up day, and then in the afternoon we went up and played several sets of tennis with Henry Sheldon and his sons. It seemed good to play again but it surely made me realize what poor shape I am in. Henry is pretty good and so is Elder Taylor and so it made it interesting. This evening we all went to the Bob Hope show at the Roxy and enjoyed it thoroughly.
August 15, 1948 (Sunday):
This morning went up to Kehapana and picked up the Kaui family for Sunday School, and this contributed to the largest attendance since we have been in Kapaa[63]. This evening I was supposed to go to Hanapepe to dedicate the addition of that chapel, but we had already promised to show pictures to the Fireside group and so were unable to attend. At the fireside there were about 50 present and I showed Ted’s slides on Germany.
August 16, 1948 (Monday):
I am reminded that five years ago today, and on a Monday, I was struck by that automobile in Chicago. This morning, Marg went up to the David Kaui Family to spend the day with them, while we came back and prepared to give the car a good going over. We got it all waxed, and then it started to pour and so we came in and did record work the balance of the day. When we went to pick up Marg, we found a flood coming down the Valley, and it was pretty good sized too. This evening we had the usual Badminton Schedule and so that took up the day.
August 17, 1948 (Tuesday):
Elder Crabtree and his new wife returned from Honolulu where they were married in the Temple. She is a girl from Australia, that he met there in the service. She seems to be a fine girl and will serve on a short temple mission until they are both released in November. They brought a letter from Pres. Smith with them informing us that a change was necessary due to the addition of Mrs. Crabtree, and so Elder Kirkham will go to Hanapepe and Elder Taylor will go to Koloa to be with Elder Neeley.
August 18, 1948 (Wednesday):
Today we went out to Anahola and worked and we contacted the woman who was interested in Spiritualism. We had quite a discussion with her. We enjoyed the day out there a lot.
August 19, 1948 (Thursday):
Elder Bartholomew came in form Kekaha early and we started in to work on the car to give the engine an overhaul. We worked all day at that, and then in the evening we went up to the Fernandez home for dinner. While there, we showed them the pictures of Germany.
August 20, 1948 (Friday):
We again got an early start on the car because we had to get some tools back to the owners. Finally around 4:PM we got everything back together including new piston rings, new gaskets, and ground valves. However when it was back together, it wouldn’t run - I had to perform a marriage out at Kilauea so I phoned and told them the car was out of order, and so they sent a car down for me. The couple being married were Filipinos[64] the woman being several months pregnant.
August 21, 1948 (Saturday):
While we were away last night Elder Bartholomew found out the trouble in the car - the gasket on the oil pennys[?] was too wide; thereby not giving enough oil pressure. Today is the day of the big Kahaunaele wedding, and so all day friends and relatives were around here preparing for the big luau. We watched and took pictures of them. Kalua three pigs and it was quite a sight to behold, and the final results were delicious. For the wedding proper, the chapel was filled, and afterwards, they served close to 500 people. I performed the ceremony[65] and also said grace at the meal. It was really quite a thrill and experience.
Dad had introductory remarks and the marriage ceremony, itself, written out and kept with his journals. These words were used at this ceremony as the names of the parties were listed with the wording. The introductory remarks were as follows:
We are here assembled to participate as principals or as witnesses in one of the most sacred ordinances instituted for mankind. Marriage is essentially a religious institution. It is a fulfillment of a divine command, and the finest of its products are spiritual.
There are really four parties to this compact, the man, the woman, the territory, and the church. You as contracting parties, enter this union of your own choice and volition, out of the love you bear each other. That love is the origin and basis of your union. If you always preserve it - and you always may through adequate consideration of each other - it will be the supreme benediction of your wedded lives. I charge you to cherish it as a priceless gem.
The territory is interested because the territory is concerned as to the welfare of society, and the home which you are to build is the foundation of the community and indispensable to a righteous society and an enduring nation. Let your home ever foster the great and lasting virtues of purity of life honesty, thrift, benevolence, and patriotism.
The church is deeply concerned because through its office is your marriage sanctified. By divine power your lives are to be united and consecrated to holy purposes. Faith and the hope of immortality should find a place in your hearts. The manifest implication of this ceremony is that you take God into this partnership with implied promise that you will sustain him and his truth as you look for him to sustain you.
The marriage ceremony was as follows:
You will please take each other by the right hand.
(Groom) you take (Bride) by the right hand in token of the covenant you now enter into, to become her companion and husband, to love, honor, and cherish her as long as you both shall live. And you hereby promise to observe all the laws, covenants, and obligations pertaining to the holy state of matrimony, and this you do in the presence of God, and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?
(Bride) you take (Groom) by the right hand in token of the covenant you now enter into, to become his companion and wife, to love, honor, and cherish him as long as you both shall live, and promise to observe all the laws, covenants, and obligations pertaining to the holy state of matrimony, and this you do in the presence of God, and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?
(ring is given) This ring is given and received as a token and pledge of the covenant between you. Let the precious metal be an emblem of the purity of your love; and the circle a symbol of its enduring nature.
August 22, 1948 (Sunday):
Quite a poor showing at church today as a result of the big event last evening - After sunday school we went to a birthday lunch for Johnny Querets - we weren’t however warned that it was to be a meal and so we ate beforehand. We were obligated to eat and so we did with discomfort - however it was delicious food. Elder Taylor gave his farewell speech in church and hit the nail on the head. He has surely been a cooperative worker and congenial as they come.
August 23, 1948 (Monday):
I took Elder Taylor down to Koloa and Reuben Ohai came along as a rider. Along the way, we found that Rueben was made the mgr. of the Blue Lei and that accounts for his not being so enthusiastic any longer.
August 25, 1948 (Wednesday):
We visited with the Sheldons all afternoon and also received notice from Pres. Smith that we would be having visitors from the Primary General Board with us over the weekend[66].
August 28, 1948 (Saturday):
Mike is ten months old today, and he is surely a well developed young one for that age. We spent the day cleaning up and in the after noon had a quartet practice - Bro. Bonayales phoned up and said that Pres Smith had come in with Sis Boyles and Sis. Hodge of the mission office, and so we stayed up a little later and got everything in extra special order.
August 29, 1948 (Sunday):
I taught the childrens class in Sunday School and temporarily filled the gap left by Elder Taylor. The meeting scheduled with Pres Smith, and Co. was at 2:00 PM. but it was more like 2:30 or 2:45 that we got started. Just as the meeting got under way, Pres Smith called me out and we talked outside until the meeting was through. His organization is still not clear cut. We had a bite to eat before Sacrament meeting started and then attended it. At Sacrament meeting both Pres. Smith and Sis Hodge spoke; and we (our quartet - Henry Sheldon, Marg, Rueben Ohai and myself) sang the Bells of St. Marys. After sacrament meeting, the branch held a Hawaiian musical program in their honor, and at its close Marg and I sang “Ke Kali Nei Au” Sister Boyle and Hodge stayed with us all night and Pres. Smith went over to Sheldons.
August 30, 1948 (Monday):
We all arose early and got breakfast, and I drove Pres. Smith and the two visiting sisters out to Hanalei and back and it was a beautiful day for the trip. Returning to Kapaa we picked up their bags and, Marg and Mike came along, and we drove down to the Lihue Hotel for lunch. While we were eating, we let Mike play out on the lawn and he really attracted the eyes of the people around. We all then continued down to the airport, stopping at Koloa, and Hanapepe, on the way, and they left at 3:15 pm. On the way Pres. Smith gave me instructions or permission to do the following: 1. Make Bro. Battad of Kapaa, Pres. of the Island M.I.A., and release him from the Branch Presidency, and in time replace him by Brother Moa in that job. 2. Hold a Missionary meeting once a month, preferably on Fast Sunday with an outing every other month. 3. Read the organization draft that I sent into the Mission Office at the coming Union meeting and enforce it as of then.
August 31, 1948 (Tuesday):
Worked on records most of day and caught up on what I should have done previously. This afternoon I saw Bro. Battad and asked him to be the head of the Island M.I.A. Program, and he temporarily accepted.
September 1, 1948 (Wednesday):
Worked on records again as usual and then this afternoon, we went out visiting and saw Sis Hano, and the Ohais. This evening we attended a play practise in the Branch and then Bro Haase and I went up to visit Bro Moa in his new home.
September 2, 1948 (Thursday):
A letter from Grandmother Cannon to Mom and Dad, in part, as follows:
…A week ago yesterday I went to the Temple to see Elinor Critchlow, Angie’s daughter, married. I was unusually impressed by the spirit I felt. I had to battle the tears as I sat waiting in the hall outside the celestial room. Children were coming with their parents from sealing rooms and parents and children’s countenances seemed radiant with happiness. And, as I sat admiring that remarkable portrait of Pres. Snow, I thought of what Uncle William [T. Cannon] told us last week and please don’t tell this, for it is so sacred. As Uncle William told it, the tears streamed down his cheeks. Perhaps you have heard that the Savior appeared to Pres. Snow in the Salt Lake Temple[67]. I had heard that many times before, but I had not heard the circumstances under which this took place. Pres. Snow went to the Temple to pray concerning the choice of counselors he was to have. He had some misunderstanding of George Q. Cannon’s makeup and had about decided not to choose him. The Savior appeared to tell him he had his free agency in the choice of his counselors, but he warned him nevertheless that George Q. Cannon was the one who had been selected from on high. Of course he was chosen. Uncle William after grandfather Cannon’s death went to visit his father’s grave and there found Pres. Snow sobbing. He said how he had learned to love and honor and respect George Q. Cannon as he did no other man and said, the very things he did not understand him for he had come to appreciate as marks of true greatness in George Q. Cannon (So keep this sacred and to your own dear selves)…
I might add that Adrian Cannon has chosen Ted for his best man…
One more thing – in this week’s Church section of the “News” is an article concerning the cottage meeting you are holding in Kapaa. I’ll try to get an extra copy and send you.
September 4, 1948 (Saturday):
I worked out in the yard for the greater part of the day and then in the afternoon we both conked out and took advantage of the baby sleeping and took a nap ourselves. This evening the C.P.M. orchestra played in the hall here, and not too many people turned out to hear them. They really were pretty good too, and especially Elder Child on the singing.
September 5, 1948 (Sunday):
Bro Haase came in early this morning and asked me to take over his Sunday School Class, and so I took the two hours just before Sunday School preparing it. It was an interesting lesson to take, and we could have spent literally hours on it. After Fast Meeting, about the finest spirit that I have witnessed since coming here was manifested. Bro. Moa who just moved in from Kalihi-Kai Branch bore a powerful testimony, and he will surely be a marvelous example for good. This evening, a short pageant was given entitled “If you keep my commandments” written by Marvel Battad. It was quite well done considering all, and was one of the finest things put on that I have seen around here. I played a small part in it. After meeting, the usual semi-monthly fireside was held in the hall, and after that, we spent the balance of the evening visiting with Sis Kim.
September 6, 1948 (Monday):
We worked on the records most of the day, and then this afternoon, Elder Wyatt and I went to see the Football game between the University of Hawaii and the Kauai Broncos. It was nothing spectacular but a good game. The University won by a score of 20-0. After the game, we rode Bro. & Sis. Kaui home with us and they insisted on getting us a lot to eat - and so we came back and let Marg in on it. This evening Loraine Kaui came in and stayed most of the evening.
September 7, 1948 (Tuesday):
Today is the big family day - Pop’s birthday, Mary and Bobs wedding day, and Grandpa and Grandma’s wedding day[68]. We worked on the records most of the morning and then in the afternoon we went out visiting.
September 8, 1948 (Wednesday):
We finished up a report on members on the Island to check the records, and then on the way up to the Post Office I stopped in and counseled with Bro. Battad, and on the way back, Rueben Ohai picked me up and rode me home - he came in and we talked for several hours and I layed the cards on the table and suggested that the Blue Lei be cleaned up, or that he make a break with his Father. He suggested that we talk to his Dad and pointed out that he was between two posts and admitted that he didn’t feel right about doing what he was. Later on I talked for better than a half hour or so with a Portugese School Leader about Salt Lake, and he was quite friendly. Few turned out to Priesthood Meeting this evening due to several being away from town and Sis. Painari and Pedro Moring did come out though.
September 9, 1948 (Thursday):
This evening we went up to the Fernandez home and had a fine dinner, after which we went out for a ride with them in their new car. While out, a couple of opportunities opened up for us to talk a little about the gospel. I guess we’ll not be here to see the results of our work there if any.
September 10, 1948 (Friday):
I stayed in most of the day in preparation for Union meeting and then this evening we went to dinner at the Dew Drop Inn at the request of Sis. Paimani - after which we called on the Kame family. This evening, M.I.A. was originally scheduled to be held, but called off, nevertheless, we had a lot of them who came in spite of it all, and so they spent the evening playing games.
September 11, 1948 (Saturday):
Bro. Battad came in this morning and we had a conference with regard to our M.I.A. work, and in preparation for tomorrow. After that, we spent the day cleaning up, doing a thorough job of the floors, and then I went to the yard and spent several ours out there.
September 12, 1948 (Sunday):
What a full day this has been - the usual Sunday School in the morning and then this afternoon, the first Union Meeting in Six months was held. Everything ran off rather smoothly in spite of the following things - Sis Sheldon got all upset because she didn’t have all of her music people with her, and she was very uncompromising through it all. She got me up in front of her class and started calling me down and giving me the business - she will still have to be straightened out. In the Priesthood section I gave them a new supply of report forms, and a statement of account, and also presented the new set up for the Island Organization. It came to our ears from Sis Bartholomew that Pres. Smith was sending us along with them and the Crabtrees home on the 20th of the month. Apparently Pres. Smith told this to Elder Crabtree and said that the reason he didn’t want to tell us was that he was afraid if we knew too long before hand that we would go charging off around the Island. Of course this made us upset and about ruined the day - I hope it isn’t true but am afraid it is. This evening we sat right down and wrote him a letter about it. This evening I spoke in the Kapaa Sacrament meeting on the life of Paul.
September 13, 1948 (Monday):
Today is our second wedding anniversary and the past two years have held much in store for us. We celebrated by going out and doing about the biggest days work of visiting that Marg has done. First we went up to Clara Ohais and then returned for the baby to nap and then we went up to see Ben Ohai, and made a date for him to come down the coming Thursday evening. This evening we went to dinner at the Dew Drop Inn and celebrated a little - after that, we went up to Kupihea’s, - and had a good visit, after which we returned, put Mike to bed and then went over to the Miyamotos and spent the balance of the Evening.
September 14, 1948 (Tuesday):
This evening I went out with Bro. Haase and we visited the Hano’s, Runnions, Bro. Keniki, and the John Kauis - at Kauis, they gave us a bunch of bananas, and a sack of avocados. I believe that a lot of good can be done by his getting out among the people.
September 15, 1948 (Wednesday):
We went up to Anahola today and had a wonderful time and visited some of the contacts we had made - held an especially fine talk with a Mrs. Carillo and loaned her a book called “What of the Mormons.” This afternoon we called on the Kahaunaeles and then a Seventh Day Adventist family by the name of Kaneakua. At Priesthood this evening, I set apart Bro. Kai On Soong[69] as a Priest.
September 16, 1948 (Thursday):
This morning I had to go to the bank in Lihue to make a deposit to cover an overdraft - on my return, I went to the Post Office and picked up a letter from Pres. Smith, and in it we had the news that we were going to go home in the middle of November, due to inadequate facilities to house the new baby, because a whole flock of new missionaries are due to come in, in the next few months. We were really up in the air after reading it, and decided that the thing we should do is that I would stay, and that Marg should take Mike home and stay with her parents until the completion, and so we wrote to Pres. Smith to that effect[70]. This evening we went over to Haase’s for dinner - which celebrated the first birthday of their baby. We rushed the dinner and returned home because we had an appointment with Ben Ohai to show pictures to him - he didn’t show up and so we spent the evening reading. Also in the letter from Pres. Smith we learned that Elders and Sis Nichols would be coming in from Hilo tomorrow at 1:10 p.m.
September 17, 1948 (Friday):
We spent the morning cleaning up in preparation for the arrival of the Nichols and I drove out to Mano and met both of them, and we had an enjoyable ride in and a nice visit. This evening we were called to go to the Mahelona T. B. hospital to administer to a Mary Mollino who had been given up to die.
September 18, 1948 (Saturday):
Today we had a Lauhanau at Waimea and Marg decided that it would be too much to take Mike down there, and so she stayed home, and the Nichols came along. A fine program was enjoyed by all, and it was too bad that Marg couldn’t have been there. Of course they fed us after the meeting and then we held a missionary meeting in the chapel after; and the spirit that prevailed there was surprising - I was surely happy to learn of the attitude of most of them - especially Elder Crabtree and the Bartholomews. After the meeting we all (missionaries) went over to the Waimea landing and enjoyed a nice swim, and then went over to the Bartholomews where we had chili, punch, and cake. This evening after returning we went over to Takemoto Studio and had our picture taken - that is Marg and Mike and I. After getting all settled in bed, I had to get up and answer the phone and it was Pres. Smith calling from Honolulu - He absolutely bowled me over when he said that he had just received a cablegram from the First Presidency approving my name as one of his counselors[71] in the Mission Presidency and then he asked me to be in Honolulu on Monday at noon to meet with Bro. Cowley and of course to be set apart by him. After hearing that news I got very little sleep, and I thought most of the night. It will surely be a big responsibility and I imagine an unpleasant one in many respects, but then we are taught to accept any call that comes from those in authority.
September 19, 1948 (Sunday):
Spent the day attending the usual meetings and the afternoon we caught up on a little correspondence. This evening a fireside was held - the smallest and most disorganized since arriving here.
September 20, 1948 (Monday):
I left from Kauai around 11:00 this morning and arrived in Honolulu at noon. Pres. Smith and Julian met me at the airport and took me over to the Tabernacle and I located in a little room in a garage that Julian had fixed up to stay in[72]. I had quite a conference with Pres. Smith and learned that Bro. Joseph Musser of the Oahu Stake High Council was to be his first counselor. This evening Julian and I went out to dinner at the Kaimucki Grill, after which we visited Sis Boyles (Jessie Grant) and her Uncle, Gen. Bryant S. Wells. It was one of the most interesting evenings that I have spent for a long time. Afterwords we went over and saw Irene Cannon - George Q. was not home - he was at Rotary Club.
September 21, 1948 (Tuesday):
Today I caught up on some of my correspondence and then later, Pres Smith and I went down and made reservations for Marg and Mike to leave via Pan American Airlines on October 25th at 11:55 PM. While in town we went over to see Bro. Musser and had a good talk, and made reservations to be set apart this afternoon. At 3:00 this afternoon Bro. Matthew Cowley of the Council of Twelve set us apart, and Sis. Hodge made a record of it by her shorthand machine. We then had our pictures taken for the Church News. Bro. Cowley surely did give us marvelous blessings. This evening I had dinner at the Smiths and then we went out for a drive.
September 22, 1948 (Wednesday):
This morning I took care of some incidentals in the Office and then went to the airport with Pres. Smith and left for Kauai arriving here at around 3:30. Tonight we went to the Kauai Camera Club and showed our pictures of Southern Utah and Germany - I think that we made a few friends as a result of it.
September 24, 1948 (Friday):
Yesterday and today, we worked on our Monthly Financial and Statistical Reports, and got them out of the way in pretty good time. Tonight was the opening of the Kapaa M.I.A.
September 25, 1948 (Saturday):
A day of cleaning and regular Saturday chores. This afternoon we had a wedding scheduled in Kapaia, but there was a misunderstanding and so it was postponed. Tonight we went to a Branch meeting at Lydgate park - we ate until we were stuffed but it was a lot of fun.
September 26, 1948 (Sunday):
This morning I arose early and got an hour or so studying in, after which I went down to Lihue Branch and set apart Charles Kulau as the Counselor for that area. Marg and Mike stayed back and attended Kapaa Branch. This evening, the family program was given by the Runnions and it was very good. After, we all went over to the local restaurant and got Hambergurs and ice cream.
September 27, 1948 (Monday):
Elder Nichols and I went out this morning to Anahola and spent the day there - we had an exceptionally fine talk with Mrs. Carillo, and didn’t make much head way otherwise. We returned and in the later afternoon we went up to Kehapana, - Marg and Sis Nichols went over to the Kauis, and Elder Nichols and I went up to Ben Ohais. Luckily we found him home alone, and he sat down and acted freer than he ever has. We had quite a talk with him, and told him that the Lord needed him to turn around, and elaborated on it. He promised that he would turn over a new leaf - sell his Blue Lei and try and come back. Tears came to his eyes, but I really think that he was sincere.
September 28, 1948 (Tuesday):
Elder Nichols and I went out visiting and called on most of the Saints close in and spent a pretty good day at it. Today is Mikes birthday - 11 months old.
September 29, 1948 (Wednesday):
Marg and I went up to the Dr’s office where we had Mike vaccinated for Small Pox. He raised quite a fuss of course, but was alright other wise. Afternoon we went out and had a good day of visiting, making a pretty good contact with the Aki Aau Boys. This evening we had a meeting of Branch Presidents and missionaries on this side of the Island for the purpose of planning conference. Afterwards, the regular Priesthood meeting was held.
September 30, 1948 (Thursday):
Today Bro. Haase came up and so we all pitched in and cleaned up the yard. I also did the bulk of the washing for Marg. This evening we took the conference program up to Sis. Sheldon, and after this, Elder Nichols and I went to a show called 1 Million B.C.
October 1, 1948 (Friday):
This morning I prepared my material for union meeting and the balance of the day was spent in taking care of odds and ends. We went to M.I.A. this evening, and I taught the special Interest class. The subject was Science and religion.
October 2, 1948 (Saturday):
We had a missionary meeting this afternoon in the Koloa Chapel, after which we all went down to Poipu beach where we played baseball had lunch and then played volley ball, after which we went for a swim in the surf. It was wonderful swimming and I had about the most enjoyment out of it possible. The breakers were just right, and it was really a thrill.
October 3, 1948 (Sunday):
A long day today, but one filled with a lot of happiness and a sense of accomplishment. We were going constantly from 7:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night. The program consisted of Sunday School, Fast Meetings, Union Meeting, Sacrament meeting in 1 Eloa, and Sacrament meeting in Kapaa. The Fast Meeting was about the deadest that we have had since being in the Islands - it was reflective of much of the nature of these people. All during the Sunday School, I packed Mike around - he is surely a hand full and is not content to stay still like most of the other babies. We traveled to Hanapepe for our Union meeting. Marg and Mike stayed home because they didn’t want to get worn out. The Union Meeting came off with a great deal of success - the Teacher Training class was the best since it was started, through no fault of my own. We also held the first council meeting, and it met with considerable success. I am certainly happy that that is the last Union Meeting that I will have to cope with. Sis. Sheldon got on her high horse again and she was uncompromising as usual. While there, we heard that Ben Ohai and Johnny Alemeado were going to speak in Koloa and so I resolved to go down and hear them if possible. When I returned to Kapaa, I drove up in front of the Blue Lei, and there found Ben, and asked him to take Marg and I with him. He gladly condescended. We attended the Kapaa meeting for almost an hour and then he came by and picked Marg and Mike and I back up. Johnny Alameado played and spoke, and then Ben spoke and he confessed all of his wrong doings and said that this was his first step back. It was a real thrill.
October 4, 1948 (Monday):
Elder Nichols and I went to the bank in Lihue and called on Sis. Aiu while there - she showed us around her yard and her flowers. Most of the day was spent in getting some book matters straightened out with Elder Nichols.
October 6, 1948 (Wednesday):
I spent the morning finishing packing some boxes to be sent home by mail and Reuben Ohai brought some wrapping paper over to help, and stayed and helped himself. All in all we filled five big boxes and the bill to send it home amounted to $9.40. The balance of the day I helped Elder Nichols work on the car - we painted the wheels, repaired the upholstery. Tonight after Priesthood and Margs play practise we all went up and got a hamburger and banana split.
October 7, 1948 (Thursday):
We finished doing some odds and ends around the house and then this afternoon, Marg and I went out and visited some of the Saints. We said goodbye to many of them. The Nichols stayed with Mike during the time we were out. Tonight we all went to dinner at Bro. & Sis. Billedos’s and we were given a case of pineapple to take home - and the meal was wonderful. Spare ribs, chicken and Chop Suey was the bill of fare and we all stuffed ourselves to capacity.
October 8, 1948 (Friday):
Elder Nichols and I took the morning out and mopped and waxed the floors. Just before noon we went out, and in three hours accomplished a good deal - we arranged for two baptisms on Monday and saw Sis. Panioni about being married - she promised that she would get it done before next week. We also saw the Kahamoeles and they didn’t have much to say - she has failed to come out for several weeks. Tonight was M.I.A.
FOOTNOTES:
[63] Dad had a Hawaiian Book of Mormon
titled “Ka Buke A Moramona.” On the first page, in his writing, it states:
“Elder Wm. W. Cannon August 15,
1948 given by Joseph K. Moa President of Kalihi-Kai Branch Island of Kauai Territory of Hawaii” Following Moroni 10,
there is a 1 1/4 page piece authored by George Q. Cannon who is known as Keoki
Pukuniahi (big gun that shoots fire). It is impossible for me to know exactly
what it says, because it is in Hawaiian, but it apparently tells about his
arriving in Hawaii in 1850 and the translation of the Book of Mormon.
[64]
Engacin F. Apilado, a non-member, was one of the parties (see Record of
Ordinances Performed).
[65]
David R. Harbottle, a non-member from Honolulu (see the Record of
Ordinances Performed), married Eliz Kahaunaele in the Kapaa Branch (she is
identified in the written marriage ceremony found among Dad’s papers.
[66] Dad also ordained William Montgomery of Kapaa to the office of a Teacher (see Record of Ordinances Performed).
[67] …President Woodruff was taken to California where he died Friday morning at 6:40 o'clock September 2nd, 1898. President George Q. Cannon at once wired the information to the President's office in Salt Lake City. Word was forwarded to President Snow who was in Brigham City. The telegram was delivered to him on the street in Brigham. He read it to President Rudger Clawson, then President of Box Elder Stake, who was with him, went to the telegraph office and replied that he would leave on the train about 5:30 that evening. He reached Salt Lake City about 7:15, proceeded to the President's office, gave some instructions and then went to his private room in the Salt Lake Temple.
President Snow put on his holy temple robes, repaired again to the same sacred altar, offered up the signs of the Priesthood and poured out his heart to the Lord. He reminded the Lord how he plead for President Woodruff's life to be spared, that President Woodruff's days would be lengthened beyond his own; that he might never be called upon to bear the heavy burdens and responsibilities of the Church. "Nevertheless," he said, "Thy will be done. I have not sought this responsibility but if it be Thy will, I now present myself before Thee for Thy guidance and instruction. I ask that Thou show me what Thou wouldst have me do."
After finishing his prayer he expected a reply, some special manifestation from the Lord. So he waited,—and waited—and waited. There was no reply, no voice, no visitation, no manifestation. He left the altar and the room in great disappointment. Passing through the Celestial room and out into the large corridor a glorious manifestation was given President Snow which I relate in the words of his grand-daughter, Allie Young Pond, now the wife of Elder Noah S. Pond, recently president of the Northern States Mission:
"One evening while I was visiting grandpa Snow in his room in the Salt Lake Temple, I remained until the door keepers had gone and the night-watchmen had not yet come in, so grand-pa said he would take me to the main front entrance and let me out that way. He got his bunch of keys from his dresser. After we left his room and while we were still in the large corridor leading into the celestial room, I was walking several steps ahead of grand-pa when he stopped me and said: 'Wait a moment, Allie, I want to tell you something. It was right here that the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to me at the time of the death of President Woodruff. He instructed me to go right ahead and reorganize the First Presidency of the Church at once and not wait as had been done after the death of the previous presidents, and that I was to succeed President Woodruff.'
"Then grand-pa came a step nearer and held out his left hand and said: 'He stood right here, about three feet above the floor. It looked as though He stood on a plate of solid gold.'
"Grand-pa told me what a glorious personage the Savior is and described His hands, feet, countenance and beautiful white robes, all of which were of such a glory of whiteness and brightness that he could hardly gaze upon Him.
"Then he came another step nearer and put his right hand on my head and said: 'Now, grand-daughter, I want you to remember that this is the testimony of your grand-father, that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior, here in the Temple, and talked with Him face to face.'"
During the June conference in 1919 at an M. I. A. officers' meeting in the Assembly Hall I related the above testimony. President Heber J. Grant immediately arose and said:
In confirmation of the testimony given by Brother LeRoi C. Snow quoting the grand-daughter of Lorenzo Snow, I want to call attention to the fact that several years elapsed after the death of the Prophet Joseph before President Young was sustained as the president of the Church; after the death of President Young, several years elapsed again before President Taylor was sustained, and again when he died several years elapsed before President Woodruff was sustained.
After the funeral of President Wilford Woodruff, the apostles met in the office of the First Presidency and brother Francis M. Lyman said: "I feel impressed, although one of the younger members of the quorum, to say that I believe it would be pleasing in the sight of the Lord if the First Presidency of the Church was reorganized right here and right now. If I am in error regarding this impression, President Snow and the senior members of the council can correct me."
President Snow said that he would be pleased to hear from all the brethren upon this question, and each and all of us expressed ourselves as believing it would be pleasing to the Lord and that it would be the proper thing to have the Presidency organized at once.
When we had finished, then and not till then, did Brother Snow tell us that he was instructed of the Lord in the temple the night after President Woodruff died, to organize the Presidency of the Church at once. President Anthon H. Lund and myself are the only men now living who were present at that meeting.
May the Lord bless and guide us by his spirit continually and may the testimony that we possess of the divinity of the work ever abide with us and our faithfulness be an inspiration to lead others to a knowledge of the gospel, is my prayer and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
A few days after the M. I. A. conference, in an interview with President Lund in his office, he retold the incident to me as given by President Grant regarding the meeting in the office of the First Presidency on Tuesday morning, September 13th, 1898, at which Lorenzo Snow was chosen President of the Church. He also said that he heard father tell a number of times of the Savior's appearance to him after he had dressed in his temple robes, presented himself before the Lord and offered up the signs of the Priesthood.
I
related this experience in the Eighteenth ward sacramental service. After the
meeting Elder Arthur Winter told me he also had heard my father tell of the
Savior's appearance to him in the Temple instructing him not only to reorganize
the First Presidency at once but also to select the same counselors that
President Woodruff had, Presidents George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. (An
Experience of My Father's by Leroi C. Snow, Improvement Era, 1933,
Vol. Xxxvi. September, 1933. No. 11. .)
[68] Edwin Quayle Cannon (Dad’s father)
was born September 7, 1886; Mary Cannon Barnes (Dad’s sister) and Bob Barnes
were married on September 7, 1935; George Gibson Wareing and Mary Ann Critchlow
(Luella Wareing Cannon’s parents) were married on September 7, 1887.
[69] Of the Kapaa Branch (see Record of Ordinances Performed).
[70]
“We soon learned that we were to have another child. After having
notified President Smith of this, he suggested that we return home in October
(18 months after our arrival in Hawaii) to give birth to our second baby. I
felt that this was a good decision and was perfectly comfortable with it. On
the other hand, Marg, in a leap of faith and complete devotion to our call,
insisted that I stay on and permit her to return to Salt Lake with Mike and
have the new baby with the watchful assistance of her parents. At the time, I
felt that was one of the toughest decisions of my life, to agree to let this
happen. In retrospect, it was she who was to carry the heavier burden.”
Mother’s Day Tribute. Mom says that she found herself saying, “you stay and
finish out the mission, I’ll go home.” All the while she could not believe what
she was saying because she did not want to leave the mission or Dad. But she
knew that the Lord had put the words in her mouth and that He wanted her to
leave. In retrospect it was one of the most difficult things she has ever had
to do, but it gave Dad the experience he needed to later become the mission
president. Mom did not want Dad to know how sad she was, but she cried almost
every night with her head under the pillow, until one night she got up and went
into another room. She told the Lord that she was willing but needed help. If
Dad had known, he would not have stayed. Mom was blessed with a peaceful heart.
[71] Dad told me that up until this
time, the mission president had no counselors. After this call, a missionary
served as one counselor and a local resident served as the other counselor.
[72] Dad told me that the garage he
lived in was near the Honolulu Tabernacle. He had no companion and
traveled alone on special assignments
for President Smith, traveling to all the islands at least once and also writing
the procedures manual for the mission which was used in the mission up until
the Church adopted the church wide Handbook of Instructions.
Again and again, your mother's strength is just so incredible. What a woman. (Contrast her with Sister Sheldon, who sounds like a piece of work. It's unlike your dad to have been in constant conflict with someone.)
ReplyDeleteIf you knew Sis. Sheldon, you would never say this. She was an angel and a Saint for putting up with all the complications brought on by all the extra people that she had to deal with.
ReplyDelete