History of the Bavarian Mission
NOTE:
Near the end of the Bavarian Mission, President Jacobs prepared a mission history. It does not include the final months of the mission, since it was printed prior to the end. Some Bavarian missionaries, like myself, who arrived in the final months of the Bavarian mission are not included.
The Mission History was printed in a landscape format, twice as wide as it was tall, or four normal pages wide when the booklet was opened. In our reproduction of the history here, we take all of the content from the original, but it is reformatted to better fit a web page.
As part of the History, there were several pages of photos of the missionaries who had already returned home. And there were a few photos of missionaries who were soon to arrive. These photos have been moved from the pages that are reproduced here, and have been put in the missionary photo section, to make them more searchable.
FOREWORD
We should like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all those who assisted in any way in the founding of the mission and the compiling of this book.
We are extremely grateful to President and Sister Theodore M. Burton and President and Sister Ezra Taft Benson for the love, kindness and consideration they continually display. We are grateful for their inspired leadership.
We should also like to extend special appreciation to those who have worked diligently in the preparation of this publication. We wish to give thanks to Elder Norman Douglas Peel who is responsible for all the typing and the compiling of the Bavarian Mission History; Elder David Harold Dixon who had charge of the art and the printing; Elder JanKristian Aase for the photography and the lay-out work; Elder Lewis Clark Christian for his history of Bavaria; Elder Paul Burton Richards for his history of the Church in Bavaria; and Elder Jeffrey Cannon Jonas for his continued assistance in the preparation and publishing. Further, we wish to express great appreciation to all those of the office staff, along with Nanette, Jill and Craig.
We regret that we were unable to procure all of the pictures we wanted to use, However, we would like to make mention of Brother and Sister Don G. Lassig and their family; Brother and Sister Frank C. Stringham and their family; and Brother and Sister William Kramer, whose pictures we did not have at the time of printing. There are many other individuals who could be mentioned, but may it suffice to say that we extend our love and appreciation to all those who have been affiliated with the development of the Bavarian Mission since its founding on March the 3rd, 1962, to the present time4 as well as all those who have worked in any capacity in the production of this issue.
Owen Spencer Jacobs
Presiden Ezra Taft Benson
President
European Mission
There are three primary obligations which rest upon this great Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: first, that of carrying the gospel message "to every nation, kindred, tongue and people;” second, that of building up the membership of the Church spiritually, temporally, culturally and socially; third, that of performing the sacred ordinances of the temple in behalf of the living and our kindred dead.
The first of these, at least in the order of emphasis in this dispensation, is that of missionary work. In reading the revelations which the Lord has given us in this dispensation, I have been impressed that at least twenty-five or thirty make mention of our responsibility to be missionaries ― to carry this message to the world.
Many times we are asked by others, outside the Church, "Why do you people of the Mormon faith send missionaries out into the world, particularly to Christian nations? Why do you not confine your program to the non-Christian people?" May I quote the words of the First Presidency of this Church, in answer to this question.
This is not a matter of our own choosing. It is not something that has been devised by man. It is a commandment of the living God, and it is His intent that this message shall be carried to all the world, for He Himself has declared that "... verily, the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape, "
I commend you for your faithfulness in accepting the call to serve the Lord in this great missionary work, and urge you to labor diligently, humbly and lovingly as long as the day lasts, that through your efforts the peoples of the earth may be warned and lifted up, as only the gospel of Jesus Christ can lift nations and peoples.
That our Heavenly Father will bless you in rich abundance in accordance with your faithfulness and desire to serve Him, is my constant prayer.
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the European Mission, with his daughter Beth, and Sister Benson
Theodore M. Burton
Former President, European Mission
"... blessed are you because you have believed; and more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach nay gospel…”
Remember the words;
"And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you until I come."
PRESIDENT OWEN SPENCER JACOBS
My mind continually returns to the words of the Savior:
"Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.
"And verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion; wherefore your mission is not yet full.
"Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is record- ed in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.
"And now continue your journey"
My soul is filled with gratitude and appreciation for the privilege that is mine of working with you in this missionary assignment. I know that you are truly blessed and have been blessed for the testimonies you have borne. I know that they are recorded in Heaven "for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you".
James confirms the fact that the sins of a successful missionary are forgiven him.
"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
What a glorious thought! Your sins are forgiven you! 'And now, continue your journey."
As I review the mission activities of the Bavarian Mission since its founding, the growth and the development of the missionaries and Saints are unbelievable. I think it not necessary that I go into detail, but only mention the thanksgiving which fiHs my heart as I contemplate the things that have been accomplished through the dedication, the devotion and the constancy of the work among the Saints, Church builders and proselyting missionaries. It is thrilling to hear the response of our Saints as they praise you missionaries in your various capacities. Your knowledge of the language, the scriptures, the lessons, the programs of the mission; your close adherence to mission rules and regulations, your obedience to counsel and your desire to serve are often repeated and discussed among the Saints. Our missionary conferences, member conferences and regular Sacrament meetings are inspiring to attend, with all this and the building program moving forward, surely there is a bright future for the Church in Bavaria.
However, of real importance is the continued assurance that our Bavarian Missionaries, those in the field and those who have been released, are continuing their life's journey in righteousness and service.
If you will "assemble yourselves upon the land of Zion and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most High", the success of the Bavarian Mission will be secure.
May we be eternally bound together with the love of our Savior, securely nestled within the confines of His eternal gospel plan, by virtue of our constant devotion and dedication to the promulgation of His holy purposes throughout eternity, that our joy might be fuH one with another, is my constant prayer.
With warm personal regards, I remain,
SISTER AGNES S. JACOBS
As I review the activities of the last year I want to thank you one and all for the splendid support you have given us. Truly we have seen great advancement, not only in the missionary work, but in the branches and Saints.
Recently I have attended some very inspirational baptismal services. Every meeting has been a credit to those officiating. The spirit was present in rich abundance. I am thankful for the people you have helped to come into the fold. I also enjoy meeting your contacts and appreciate becoming acquainted with them.
What a choice experience it has been for me to direct the missionary choruses as you have sung at several district conferences. This endeavor was whole heartedly accepted by each of you, and it proved what could be accomplished by a Saturday night and early Sunday morning rehearsal. I am sure many of those present were lifted in spirit and came closer to God through the blending of your sweet voices in hymns of praise. Many were moved to tears — and I was one of them.
I had a rather false idea when we came into the mission field. I thought my saying "Goodbye" was all over. But I found out I was wrong and I had only begun. It has not been easy to say "Auf Wiedersehen" to our released missionaries who have returned home. Our greatest prayer is for you to ever remain active in the work of our Heavenly Father — at home or abroad.
I know of no sweeter group of young women and no finer group of young men than those who have been clled to the Bavarian Mission as servants of our Heavenly Father. To you sisters, continue on in your own sweet way to bring this gospel to those whom you meet. Continue to strengthen the members in the branches by your leadership, talent and teaching. Support the elders and the Priesthood they bear. I know each one of you join with me when I say, "I honor you elders, each one of you, and the Priesthood you hold. May you ever magnify your calling!"
To you elders, be strong in your assignment! Be diligent and devoted in furthering this great work. To all of you, be united in all that you do, so that the spirit of God can guide and direct all that is done.
I know our greatest prayer is that the hearts of the people will be touched and mellowed, so that the gospel may be given them, and we may find the ones the Lord has pre- pared for us.
Sincerely,
Mission Home
Nanette, Sister Jacobs, Craig, President Jacobs, Jill
Earl R. Jensen, Paul B. Richards, Norman D. Peel, David H. Dixon
Earl Richard Jensen
Mission Secretary
Norman Douglas Peel
Secretary to the President
Paul Burton Richards
Statistical Secretary
David Harold Dixon
Publication Secretary
William Durlin Bailey
Lewis Clark Christian
Assistants to the President
Michael Marquis Pendleton
Rulon Owen Gibson
Main Zone Leaders
James Bruce Reading
Leo Ralph Jacobs
Isar Zone Leaders
Jeffrey Cannon Jonas
Jan Kristian Aase
Public Relations
FURSTENRIEDER DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Gary Bernell Jensen, Douglas Carter Holladay, David William Raddatz, Karl Franklin Lehndorfer
SECOND ROW:
Donald Dennis Lott, James Richard Sellers, William Eric Fritz, Stephen Wells Wilkinson, Michael Thomas Stroud, Douglas Jay Mellor, Roger Hill Rowbury, Lynn Eugene Powell
AUGSBURG DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Anna Marie Hammond, Robert Michael Harris, Delwin Charles Orr, Jr., Alma Elisabeth Toronto
SECOND ROW:
Michael Ray Grover, Karl Ali Peterson, Blaine Jackson Wixom, Donald Robert Brady, Alma Dale Jager, Lawrence Richard Peterson, Robert Warren Thompson, Paul David Baldauf
MILBERTSHOFEN DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Darryl Lynn Milczarek, Robert Henry Borden, James Clark McCowan, Robert Karl Rogers
SECOND ROW:
Lynette Jenkins, Michael Everett Manwaring, Gary Wilford Owen, Bill James Bouck, Leonard Max Wendel, Harold Michael Jensen, Jerry Spencer Wagstaff, Claudia Rae Wenzel
HAIDHAUSEN DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Lilo Elmer Aldous, Benjamin Thomas Blackham, Kelly Doyle Anderson, Eugene Nebeker Cook
SECOND ROW:
Linda Lee Madsen, George Cleon Housley, George Taft Benson IV, Kenneth William Wagner, John Stafford Sloan, Patricia Anderson Liddiard
PERLACH DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
James Lynn Palmer, Robert William McKell, John Richard Sharp, Thomas Michael Cannon
SECOND ROW:
Antje Koschmieder, Steve Jay Wilcox, Chandler Pratt Whitelaw, Evan Grant Parrish, Harold Reuben Turvey, Jr., Reed Harold Chase, Jr., James Emil Jensen, Rosemary Jean Zaugg
SCHWABING DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
LeGrande Loyal Christensen, David Evans Zitzman, John Milton Lundquist, James Quayle Cannon
SECOND ROW:
Kenneth Duane Spangler, Paul Clint Warby, Don B. Hawley, Robert Adam Patterson, David Richard Pahnke, Terrance Don McCombs
NYMPHENBURG DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Garrett Albin Kuehn, Merlin Lester Lords, Milo Owen Waddoups, James Frederick Schindler
SECOND ROW:
Michael Lorin Bingham, Don Verle Breinholt, Jr. Arvis Spencer Paschal, Robert Lee Gunther, Leo Kent Cutler, Donald Paul Kuester, Duke Joel Klein, Thomas Kent Ogden
SENDLINGER DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Charles Lenzi Sonntag, Richard Kimball Jones, Calvin Henry Bartholomew, Jr., James Glen Drollinger
SECOND ROW:
Conrad Lowell Jacobson, Arthur Gary Allred, Lynn Dean Crawford, Stephen Arthur Gibson, Clinton Cree Harrison, Ronald Eugene Weber
BAMBERG DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Stanley Richard Bennion, Farrell Kay Thompson, James Edward Seely, George Cannon Young, Jr.
SECOND ROW:
Bruce Eldred Erickson, Peter Lynn Doolin, Michael Cannon Miller, Eldon Howard Capener, David Orson Dunn, William Charles Hart, Clyde Boyd Fletcher, James Herrick Gipson III
NURNBERG DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Robert Dean Barlow, Keith WiHiam Irwin, Gerald Lynn Giles, Leon George Stucki
SECOND ROW:
Rosemarie Troche, Jon Darwin Sorenson, Gary Smith Kennard, Willard Joey Pectol, Stephen Lynn Halliday, Constance Belle Davenport
BAYREUTH DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
James Lee Pohlman, Gordon Lee Shill, Forrest Brent Stock, Howard Allen Dixon,
SECOND ROW:
Eugene Stewart Harris, Lowell Dwayne White, Brian Dean Hill, K L Hall, Peter Duane Thornton, Warren Robin Beus, George Hulbert Nelson, Eddie J, Ellis
ERLANGEN DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Lenard Wayne Garrard Jr., John Cranmer Dalton IV, Bruce James McGill, Dennis Gary Percy
SECOND ROW:
Charles Thomas Taylor, David Oran Brockbank Morris, Clark Jones Gordon, Davies Walker Lewis, Leland Boone, Richard Henry Casper, Jay Ronald Laws, LaVoy David Stanger
NURNBERG EAST DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Mark Don Vaughan, Richard Stanley Johns, Mark Alma Baer, William Don Wilson
SECOND ROW:
Kathleen Hedberg, Russell Duane Callister, Jeffrey Judd Stoddard, Alton Jay Walker, Thomas John Bott, Ardyth Gunnel
REGENSBURG DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
John Albert Lehndorfer, Weldon T. Richardson Jr., Mark William Greenwood, Terry Allen Young
SECOND ROW:
Raymond Arvin Wiker, Larry Thomas Clayton, Vernon Lowell Hansen, Alvin Curtis Bohi, David Richard Fagerburg, Ray Lindroth Cloward
NURNBERG WEST DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Bruno Vassel III, Rulon David Blunck, Howard Dean Umpleby, Andy Earl Hansen
SECOND ROW:
Michael Arthur Meacham, Murray Brent Gardner, Roger Stanford Blaylock, Arthur Elden Ball Jr.
WURZBURG DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Don Gary Archibald, David Grant Ovard, James Dixon Gardne,r Joseph William Lewis
SECOND ROW:
Ronald Fred Bailey, Paul Algene Clayton II, Joseph Briant Nelson, David Nelson Hansen, Erwin LeRoy Farnsworth, Philip Stohl Summerhays, Gary Paul Chasteen, Larry Ronald Tavenner
PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL
FRONT ROW:
James Lee Pohlman, Paul David Baldauf, Lynette Jenkins, Kathleen Hedberg, Darryl Lynn Milczarek, James Richard Sellers, Clyde Boyd Fletcher
BACK ROW:
Vernon Lowell Hansen, Evan Grant Parrish, Eugene Stewart Harris, Charles Lenzi Sonntag, Andy Earl Hansen
ITALIAN DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Paul Lamont Loveday, Joseph Harold Abegglen Jr., Preston Michael Anderson
SECOND ROW:
Byron Edwin Butterworth, Elwood Gordon Gee, John Spencer Snow
BUS DISPLAY
Kent Boyd Johnson, Robert Don Hunt
PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL - October 1964
FRONT ROW:
Michael Ray Grover, Ronald Eugene Weber, Donald Robert Brady, Stephen Wells Wilkinson, Kenneth Duane Spangler
SECOND ROW:
LoweU Dwayne White, Michael Cannon Miller, Alma Elisabeth Toronto, Linda Lee Madsen, Lynn Dean Crawford, Robert Lee Gunther, Arthur Elden Ball Jr.
Mormons in Bavaria
The growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day- Saints in Bavaria has a direct relationship with the strong traditions and customs of the Bavarian people. The Church in Bavaria has had to continually fight for religious freedom and acceptance.
The area now known as Bavaria was first settled about the year 15 BC. This is approximately 1875 years before the first two Mormon missionaries entered this historical country. Although the first elders entered Bavaria only a century ago, the Bavarian people have been taught a form of Christianity since the seventh century. This type of Christianity has formed a land and people steeped in tradition and custom. This is present today, and is an intregal part of Bavaria, its land, people and custom. This has hindered the missionaries in preaching the gospel, but has not been as great a barrier as the obstacles created by an unfavorable government.
On April 27, 1869, the first six Bavarian converts were baptized into the Church. To protect the missionaries and the converts, the first baptismal service was held at night in a secluded spot on the banks of the ice cold Isar River. Karl G. Maeser, the President of the Swiss- German Mission, traveled several hundred miles to perform the baptisms. The swirling currents of the Isar were treacherous. A rope, fastened to a tree, was tied to Brother Maeser, so that he could baptize without being swept down the river. This was nine years after the first elders arrived in this beautiful country. Hardships followed. The members lost their right to meet under threat of arrest and persecution, and were forced to conduct secret services.
The first branch of the Church in Bavaria was organized in the year 1870. Approximately fifteen members constituted its membership. The services of this newly formed branch were often interrupted by the local police, Many members were arraigned, and forced to pay a fine of 20 gold marks before being released, This was a whole weeks' wage for many. Because of continued interference many meetings were held in the forests and meadows of Munich. Brother Anton Schindler, the branch president, often took his team of horses and drove the members out of town so they could hold their meetings in peace. It was also possible to conduct Bible classes without songs and prayers to avoid further encounters with local authorities.
Missionaries experienced the same frustrations. They were often arrested and spent days in jail. The Catholic Church made proselyting almost completely impossible. Relations worsened, until in 1900 the government expelled all missionaries from Bavaria. The members were without missionary support for the first time. Their only connection with the Church was an occasional visit by the mission president. Even under such adverse conditions, converts continued to join the Church. The Church in Bavaria remained in this status until the end of the First World War.
After the war, missionaries once again returned to Bavaria. The members of the Church welcomed them with open arms. However, the missionaries soon discovered that many of the devout Saints had emigrated to America. Through the 1920's and 30's the Church once again grew in size and stature, with many fine people accepting the gospel. But one again the fortunes of the Church and the Saints lowered with the ascent of Hitler. The Church was again fighting for its existence. The outbreak of the War in 1939 caused the evacuation of the missionaries from all of Germany and Europe. They were not to return until after the war.
The close of World War II brought another upswing in emigration and left the Church struggling in Bavaria. The remaining members, through their devotion and testimony, and through the help of the Welfare program, were soon back on their feet. The missionaries again returned, and working with ever increasing efficiency, were able to find those searching for the truth. As the work continued to expand, additional German missions were founded. Bavaria was first a part of the Swiss-German Mission, then the German Mission, and later it became part of the West German Mission. In 1960 the West German Mission was divided to form the South German Mission, of which Bavaria was an important part.
The words of the Prophet, when he said that Europe was ripe for the gospel of Jesus Christ, are seeing their fulfillment with the growth of the Church and its missions upon this continent. Bavaria has kept pace with this growth, and as a result, the Bavarian Mission was formed on March 4th, 1962, with President Owen Spencer Jacobs to preside over it.
The Bavarian Mission has already made an impression for good on this wonderful Bavarian people and will continue to do so through growth and success. This is, in large measure, due to the faithful and dedicated members with which the Church has been blessed. The stirring testimonies of such members as Anton Schindler, Franziska Nussreiner and the father of President John K. Fetzer of the South German Mission and Percy Fetzer, formerly president of the Berlin Mission, have contributed to the growth of the Church and its branches.
Brother Anton Schindler, the first German branch president, was baptized in 1890. From this time on the Schindler family has remained strong and active in the Church. His grandson is serving on a mission for the Church in Bavaria today. Sister Franziska Nussreiner has been a stalwart of the Church in Bavaria for fifty years. Brother Fetzer, one of the earlier members, emigrated to America, with his sons returning later to preside over German speaking missions.
PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL
FRONT ROW:
James Lee Pohlman, Paul David Baldauf, Lynette Jenkins, Kathleen Hedberg, Darryl Lynn Milczarek, James Richard Sellers, Clyde Boyd Fletcher
BACK ROW:
Vernon Lowell Hansen, Evan Grant Parrish, Eugene Stewart Harris, Charles Lenzi Sonntag, Andy Earl Hansen
ITALIAN DISTRICT
FRONT ROW:
Paul Lamont Loveday, Joseph Harold Abegglen Jr., Preston Michael Anderson
SECOND ROW:
Byron Edwin Butterworth, Elwood Gordon Gee, John Spencer Snow
BUS DISPLAY
Kent Boyd Johnson, Robert Don Hunt
PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL - October 1964
FRONT ROW:
Michael Ray Grover, Ronald Eugene Weber, Donald Robert Brady, Stephen Wells Wilkinson, Kenneth Duane Spangler
SECOND ROW:
LoweU Dwayne White, Michael Cannon Miller, Alma Elisabeth Toronto, Linda Lee Madsen, Lynn Dean Crawford, Robert Lee Gunther, Arthur Elden Ball Jr.
Historical Bavaria
If you were to ask a tourist, who had just returned from sightseeing in Germany's Bavaria, what his impressions of this largest state in Germany were, he would probably answer you with the following words: "I found Bavaria to be a Kaleidoscope of every type of landscape known in Germany". The landscape of Bavaria is dotted with church towers and spires, such as the ones of the "Frauenkirche" in Munich, and of the gothic cathedral in Regensburg; majestic forests such as the "Bayrischer Wald"; several rivers such as the Danube, Main, Isar and Inn; many lakes, three of which, Chiem, Starnberg and Tegern, are famous international resorts; and of course the Bavarian Alps. All of these give Bavaria the touch of beauty often mentioned among those who have visited this historical land.
The land of Bavaria presents an unusual picture of landscape, history and people. Bavaria itself is divided into different sections such as Ober und Unter Bayern, Frankenland, Oberpfalz and the Allgau. These sections might be compared to counties. Each of these areas has its own customs dialects and costumes.
The Romans were the first to settle in Bavaria. They made camp at the present sites of Kempten, Regensburg and Augsburg while traveling from southern Italy to the northern Germanic countries. The center of commerce and influence in Bavaria was moved from Regensburg to Nuremberg, and then to Augsburg. For a century, Augsburg competed with London for the position of being the "richest city of Europe".
During the prominence of these powerful cities, Munich, the present Bavarian capitol, was but a shadow. However, from being just a monastery, Munich has risen to become a leading trade and industrial center. It is the 3rd largest city of Germany with a population of more than one million people. Munich offers many attractions. The National Theater is considered the most beautiful opera house in Europe,
The "Deutsches Museum", a museum of science and industry, is one of the best museums in the world. One of the seven finest art exhibits of the world is the "Old Pinakothek". Karls Platz is the busiest square in Europe; for any one hour period, more people move through it than through any other square in Europe. The "Theresienwiese" is the scene of the famous "Oktoberfest" held every year in the Fall. This world famous carnival, which lasts sixteen days, brings visitors from all over the world. During this time over six million liters of beer are consumed, along with 300,000 barbecued chickens. All of these attractions are reasons for Munich being called a "melting pot" of all nationalities.
Throughout Bavaria one can find world-known points of interest. In the northern city of Bayreuth the famous opera composer Richard Wagner composed a number of his world famous operas. Every year, from May through August, the "Bayreuther Festspiele" are held during which Wagner's operas are presented in a theater specially built for this purpose.
Ober-Ammergau is the home of the famous "Passionsspiel" depicting the life of Christ. This pageant takes place every ten years. The castles "Neuschwanstein", "Linderhof" and "Chiemsee" are found in southern Bavaria. All three were built by King Ludwig the Second of Bavaria. The cathedral in Passau houses the world's largest pipe organ. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the Bavarian Alps, is located at the foot of the Zugspitze, which, at 9777 feet, is Germany's highest mountain. It is also a well known health and sport resort, where the 1936 winter Olympic Games were held. Berchtesgaden, Hitler's one-time retreat, is also a health resort and is a popular attraction the year around. In Nuremberg is the gigantic, never completed coliseum, designed and built by Hitler, from which he was going to rule the world.
These examples are only indications of the splendor and history of Bavaria. It is a region which attracts the eye of anyone who appreciates color and atmosphere.
Bavarian Mission History 1961 - 1964
On the 3rd of December, 1961, President Owen Spencer Jacobs of Emmett, Idaho, president of the Weiser Stake, received a telephone call from President Henry D. Moyle of the First Presidency requesting that he, with his wife, Agnes Emeline Sears Jacobs, report to him in Salt Lake City during the afternoon of December 5th, Upon their arrival at the Church office building, President Moyle took approximately two minutes to explain to them the unanimous decision of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve that President Jacobs be called as mission president of the new Bavarian Mission, which was to include all of the state of Bavaria in Germany and would be organized as quickly as it was possibly to have the mission home in order. President Moyle then graciously spent three hours with them discussing and explaining their future duties and what would be expected of the family. He said that this new mission was to be created from the South German Mission, which included the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria.
On the 10th of January, 1962, after having been released from his assignment as stake president, President Jacobs was set apart as mission president under the hands of President David O. McKay. Sister Jacobs was then set apart by President Henry D. Moyle.
President and Sister Jacobs, accompanied by Linda, Jana, Lynn, Nanette, Jill and Craig of their immediate family, arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, on February 28th, and were greeted by President and Sister Theodore M. Burton of the European Mission. After reviewing their mission assignment with President and Sister Burton, they drove with them to Stuttgart on the 1st of March where they met President and Sister Blythe M. Gardner. There they made preparations for a conference with the missionaries who were to remain in the South German Mission. This conference convened on March 2nd, 1962, and proved to be a most choice experience,
Following the conference President and Sister Jacobs, Jana and Nanette, drove the new Mercedes 220 SE, which was to be the Bavarian mission president's car, to Munich accompanied by President and Sister Burton and President Gardner. The other four children were taken to Munich on the 1st of March by Brother Alma Gigi of the Church Building Committee. Upon their arrival they all knelt in a prayer of gratitude for the safe arrival and privilege of expanding the work of the Kingdom. President Burton offered the prayer and gave a beautiful expression of the feelings of all present,
A conference with all the missionaries assigned from the South German Mission to the proposed Bavarian Mission was held, with President Gardner conducting and President Burton presiding.
On the 4th of March, 1962, a mission conference for the Saints was held, again with President Gardner conducting and President Burton presiding. At this time the Saints formaUy accepted and sanctioned the division of the mission, thus making the Bavarian Mission an organized unit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. In the evening President Burton interviewed, called and set apart Sister Jana Jacobs to be a missionary in the new mission.
At its inception, ninty five elders and two sisters comprised the total missionary force of the Bavarian Mission. Six of these elders were released within a month after the founding of the mission. Elder Sherman Johnson became mission secretary. Elder Craig Hugh McQueen was assigned as mission advisor and Munich Zone Supervisor and Elder Donald William Bryan was appointed Zone Supervisor for the Nuremberg Zone, there being but two zones in the mission. Both missionary zones corresponded exactly with the boundaries of the Munich and Nuremberg member districts. The Munich district included the branches of Augsburg, Ingolstadt, Landshut and Traunstein, while the Nuremberg district included the branches of Ansbach, Bamberg, Coburg, Erlahgen, Forchheim,
Twenty missionaries reassigned from the Austrian Mission arrived March 12th to bolster the missionary force of the new Bavarian Mission. On the 27th of March Elder George Frederick Henkel from San Diego, California, arrived as the first missionary assigned to the mission from the United States.
During the first month of their tenure in the mission field, President and Sister Jacobs conducted missionary district conferences with every district in the mission. During these conferences President Jacobs interviewed every missionary under his direction. Since, it has become standard policy of the Bavarian Mission that every two months each missionary in the field be interviewed personally by President Jacobs. The frequency of these conferences and interviews has proven to be of great benefit in facilitating the growth and development of the mission in program and spirit. Out of these conferences has come the motto which has continually been a guide line to missionary work in Bavaria- "Every minute a missionary".
On the 5th of April Elder Reed T. Warnick was appointed acting second counselor to President Jacobs, with Elder Clinton Christian Groll as his traveling companion. At the same time Elder Sheldon Baxter Waite was called as Zone Supervisor for the Nuremberg Zone.
Twenty elders arrived from the Central German Mission April 2nd. With this addition of forty new missionaries from Austria and Central Germany, the cities of Aschaffenburg, Bayreuth, Erlangen, Fuerth, Passau, Rosenheim, Kempten and Kaufbeuren were opened to proselyting activity.
On the 17th of March Elder Rex Lee Wirthlin was released after
In June, Elder Steven Allen Hedquist was appointed personal secretary to President Jacobs, with Elder Hans Fingerle replacing Elder Johnson as Mission Secretary. Elder Melvin Hugh Martin (statistical secretary) and Elder Wendell Miller (in charge of supplies) had previously been assigned to the home as part of the first office force of the mission.
On the 29th of May, Elder Erich Koerlin was called and set apart as first counselor in the Mission Presidency.
Early in June Elder Warnick was released from his mission and Elder Groll was named second counselor with Elder Waite as his traveling companion. Elder Arthur Martin Amann replaced Elder Waite as Zone Supervisor of the Nuremberg Zone.
During the summer of 1962 many new missionaries were received from the United States, creating a unique situation in the mission. Many of the elders who were transferred from various missions to Bavaria were nearing the end of their missions. The sudden addition of large numbers of new missionaries left an extreme lack of experienced leaders and senior companions upon the release of these older missionaries. Because of this, many of these new missionaries were of necessity called to be senior companions at 4, 5, 6 and 7 months.
On the 26th of July a conference was held in Munich. All missionaries from both the South German and Bavarian Missions were present. President Henry D. Moyle presided, with President Gordon B. Hinckley assisting and President Theodore M. Burton conducting.
By the middle of September the new mission was subjected to a renovation in organization and procedure. A new missionary plan was devised and presented to the missionaries. Under this plan three new zones were created with missionaries assigned to branches instead of to cities. Thus, missionaries were able to take part in branch activities and help build them up. The nomenclature of mission leaders also underwent change. No longer were the leaders known as supervising elders or zone supervisors, but as district leaders and zone leaders. "Co-senior" and "Bishop's" programs were completely discontinued.
Elder Sheldon Baxter Waite and Elder Burton Ross Brown were assigned as zone leaders for the Isar Zone which included the districts of Schwabing, Nymphenburg, Fuerstenrieder, Perlach and Kaufbeuren. Elder Robert Malan Waldron and Elder Rodger Peterson Neve were appointed zone leaders for the Main Zone in northern Bavaria including the districts of Erlangen, Wuerzburg, Bamberg and Bayreuth, In the Donau Zone in central Bavaria Elder Grant Wayne Boam and Elder Dean Reynold Wixom were assigned zone leaders, leading the districts of Augsburg, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Nuremberg North West. The mission home likewise underwent changes with the appointment of Elders Grant William Mason and Murland LeRoy Rydalch as mission secretary and statistical secretary respectively.
Concurrent with the changes in the mission organization and program, a new "Daily Work and Teaching" report was introduced. This report necessitated the computation and reporting of all 24 hours in the day, including sleeping, eating, visiting members etc. As the missionaries learned to use this report, it proved a help in utilizing time more profitably and efficiently in the service of the Lord.
From November 14th through 18th, the Bavarian Mission was honored with the visit of President Theodore M. Burton of the European Mission. President Burton presided over two missionary conferences, one in Nuremberg and one in Munich, both of which were conducted by President Jacobs. President Burton gave a very inspiring talk on how missionaries should conduct, dedicate and devote themselves in the service of our Heavenly Father. President and Sister Jacobs also spoke and gave timely instructions in each of the meetings. Following his talk, President Burton interviewed every missionary in the mission force.
Many new missionaries were received to increase the strength of the mission despite the ever growing number of "former" Bavarian missionaries. As usual, every few months found the mission under new missionary leadership. During the winter of 1962-63 Elder Arthur Martin Amann followed Elder Waite as acting second counselor, and on the 4th of January, 1963, he was succeeded by Elder Melvin Hugh Martin. Changes were also made in the zones with the appointment of Elder Richard LaVell Ward as zone leader in the Main Zone with Elder Waldron, and Elder Arthur Lynn Michaelis as zone leader in the Donau Zone with Elder Boam. Elder Grant William Mason and Elder Stephen D. Larsen were appointed zone leaders of the Isar Zone, but at the same time retained their positions as mission secretary and publication secretary in the mission home.
The first mission wide Temple trip to the Swiss Temple was made
On the 19th of February the first "Top Twelve" meeting was conducted. This was a group of twelve missionaries who were judged the top proselyting elders for the last three months of 1962 according to a new incentive program. Under this program missionaries were credited with points for every baptism, for every hour teaching the six basic discussions, for every hour tracting and for every ten first contacts they met while tracting. At the end of each quarter the twelve missionaries who compiled the most points were brought into the home for a family night. The following day they participated in a meeting with President and Sister Jacobs to discuss mission policies and programs, and to air any complaints or suggestions they might have.
In March, Elders Robert Paul Kitterman, James Byron Sterzer, Ernest Thatcher Bramwell and David Duane Gibby were appointed zone leaders in the mission. Elder Gaylon Sanford Campbell, who had replaced Elder Hedquist as President Jacobs's personal secretary, was released from his mission and was replaced by Elder David Alma Burton. Also added to the mission office staff were Elder Robert Andrews Hunter as publications secretary and Elder Jack Herbert Claws on as statistical secretary.
The Book of Mormon has likewise been a proselyting asset. The idea behind this program is to loan the books without any effort to sell them, They are not there necessarily to be sold, but rather to be read.
Contrary to many mission programs in the Church, emphasis was not placed on the number of hours or baptisms per missionary. Instead, emphasis has been continuaUy placed on teaching by the Spirit, thoroughly converting and feHowshipping contacts and learning and understanding the scriptures and the gospel. With the arrival of President and Sister Jacobs, statistical goals were abolished. From that time forward, the missionaries were expected
On March 15th, the Kaufbeuren District was discontinued and the Memmingen District created which included the six missionaries in Memmingen and the two elders in Kempten. The mission leadership changed again during April and May. New zone leaders were found in each of the three zones of the mission; Elders Manfred Mueller and William Durlin Bailey in the Isar Zone, Elders Jack Herbert Clawson and Murland LeRoy Rydalch in the Donau Zone and Elders Jack Warren Meyer, Jr., and James Russell Wagstaff in the Main Zone. Elders Hyrum Huxhold Loscher and Mark William Greenwood were appointed mission secretary and statistical secretary respectively. With the release of Elder Melvin Hugh Martin on the 8th of May, Elder Grant William Mason became acting second counselor.
In July and August, Elders Charles David Richards, David Richard Fagerburg, Robert Don Hunt, Kent Boyd Johnson, Ronald Otis Miles and Albert Cordell Perkes were called to be zone leaders. Elders Manfred Mueller replaced Elder Mason as acting second counselor.
The overall picture in the latter part of 1963 showed outstanding growth in the elders, in their spirit, dedication and devotion to the work. The missionaries were now discussing the lesson plan and the scriptures among themselves. One elder said, "I never believed it would be possible to get the elders to work because of their love for their work and their testimonies. I thought you always had to have goals for so many hours and so much work, but knowing what I do know now, I can see that this is by far the better way". It was really the way the Lord intended that his gospel should be administered--in love and with a desire to serve.
By the end of the year, 145 persons had joined the Church, giving added strength to the branches of the Church in Bavaria.
In November Elder Gerald Thorpe Bowns was appointed mission secretary, and Elder Allen Roy McClain statistical secretary. New zone leaders called were Elders Gordon Walter Creer and Rulon Owen Gibson. On the 11th of December Elder David Duane Gibby replaced Elder Mueller as acting second counselor. At this time President Jacobs requested permission from President Burton to have two assistants from the missionaries, instead of calling missionaries to be second counselors. He also requested two local brethren be counselors in the mission presidency so the work with the Saints could be improved. President Jacobs was instructed to proceed with assistants and President Burton would submit the proposal to the brethren for a decision. Since that time the Church has ruled that no missionaries will be called as second counselors in mission presidencies. Two or more missionaries will be called as assistants to the president. Two local brethren will fill the counselor positions. Elder William Durlin Bailey was called to be Elder Gibby's companion.
President Ezra Taft Benson was called to preside over the European Mission at the beginning of 1964. President Burton returned home to assist in the genealogical work of the Church.
During the week of January 27th, 1964, the second Temple excursion took place. The trip was organized the same as the trip in 1963.
On the 23rd of March Elder Jack Warren Meyer, Jr., was appointed First Assistant to the President, with Elder Rulon Owen Gibson as Second Assistant. Elder Lewis Clark Christian was called to be zone leader in the Isar Zone with Elder Ronald Otis Miles. Elder Gerald Bowns was replaced as mission secretary by Elder Earl Richard Jensen.
Also on the 23rd of March the first two missionaries were assigned to the new Italian program of the mission. Elders Byron Edwin Butterworth and Preston Michael Anderson were assigned to be the first to learn the Italian language and to labor among the Italian speaking people of Munich. On the 12th of September, the Leone Michelini family, a family of four, were baptized as the first Italian converts in Bavaria through this program.
On April 1st changes were made in the missionary district boundaries. Landshut became part of the Schwabing District in Munich; Rosenheim became part of the Haidhausen District; and Freising became part of the Perlach District.
During the district conferences in April, it was emphasized that the missionaries should only spend one hour in a cottage meeting. It was found that missionaries often wear out their welcome when they remain two to three hours in a meeting. At the same time the investigators seem to comprehend less as the meeting lasts longer than one or two hours. For this reason the elders were asked to stay only one hour in a home and continue the lesson at a later cottage meeting. This program has proven successful in teaching the gospel and in making a good impression, showing the investigators that the message is important, the missionaries want to tell them about it, but do not want to monopolize time.
On the 15th of April, President Ezra Taft Benson presided over the first all-Bavarian Mission conference held in Munich, and conducted by President Jacobs. A good spirit was present at the conference. President Benson spoke to the missionaries on the subject: "Teach by Testimony, Humility, Love of the People and the Spirit of the Lord".
The Volkswagen buses were also put to use for proselyting' purposes. Through the work of Elder Horst Dieter Schirm, a display depicting the teachings and organization of the Church was created. The display is mounted on the buses (see picture). These bus displays were used in various areas of Munich and Nuremberg and have proved invaluable in presenting the true image of the Church to the people. It was discovered that the same percentage of referrals was received from this display as was from the New York
On the 2nd of June, after the release of Brother Meyer, Elders William Durlin Bailey and Lewis Clark Christian became First and Second Assistant to the President. Elder Max Mason Brown was called to be zone leader.
To further improve the image of the Church in Bavaria., a public relations program was inaugurated on July 1st with Elders Jeffrey Cannon Aase and Jan Kristian Aase assigned to this work. Through their efforts the mayors and newspapers of the larger towns in Bavaria were contacted and presented with positive information about the Church and its activities in Bavaria and in the world. A highlight of this program was the visit of President Jacobs and these two brethren to Herr Doktor Andreas Urschlechter, the mayor of Nuremberg,
During the first half of 1964 the point system and the "Top Twelve" council were discontinued. The "President's Council" took its place. The purpose of this council, which is called every three months, is primarily to obtain suggestions and ideas and hear complaints from the missionaries, much like the previous council. However, all leaders in the mission are excluded from this group as President and Sister Jacobs desire to obtain a good cross-section of the missionaries not in leadership capacity. Every twelfth person is picked for this assignment from an alphabetized list, according to release dates. It has proved very successful and helpful in formulating new mission policies and programs.
During the months of July and August, Elder Paul Burton Richards replaced Elder Muecke as statistical secretary, and Elder Leo Ralph Jacobs, Michael Marquis Pendleton and James Bruce Reading were called to be zone leaders.
However, in October, 1964, President and Sister Jacobs felt that the district leaders were strong enough in knowledge of mission programs and procedures to warrant the discontinuance of zone leaders. The line of authority now goes directly from the President through his assistants to the district leaders.
President and Sister Jacobs have continually stressed Church order. There have been no "co-senior" or "Bishop's" programs in the Bavarian Mission because it is Church order that someone must always preside. They also felt that the leading missionaries should be called district leaders, zone leaders etc,, and not supervising elders or zone supervisors. The leaders should lead and not just supervise, It is interesting to note that at the Mission Presidents' Conference for the Germanic area in November, 1964, President Benson stated that the Church has ruled there will be no more missionaries called as second counselors; instead the mission president will have missionaries as assistants and local members as counselors. There will also be no more "co-senior" or "co-junior" programs, and the nomenclature of all leaders will be district leaders, zone leaders etc.
Through November, 1964, 159 people have been converted and baptized into the Church in Bavaria, This is fourteen more than the total last year. Many complete families have come into the Church, The Priesthood activity has been greatly improved. To help these new members become strong and active in the gospel, President and Sister Jacobs have continually stressed the importance of thoroughly teaching and fellowshipping these members into the Church.
Over the past two and one-half years, a spirit, of love and unity has grown between the Saints and the missionaries. Now, it is often heard from the Saints about how well the missionaries speak German, how well they conduct themselves and how devoted and industrious they are. It is a wonderful tribute to the missionaries and to the Saints for the efforts and progress they have made.
The members of both Munich and Nuremberg are looking forward to the day when the cities will become stakes of Zion. When President and Sister Jacobs first arrived, there were but two branches of the Church in Munich and one in Nuremberg. In the summer of 1962 the Nuremberg Branch was divided into the Nuremberg and Nuremberg North West branches. Elder Richard Nitschka was at that time district president, but was succeeded on the 1st of September, 1963, by Elder Wilhelm Burger.
In order to give more people a chance for leadership development, and in order to begin the organization of a potential stake of the Church, President Jacobs, with his counselor Erich Koerlin, supervised the division of the two Munich branches into six branches on the 14th of October, 1962. Six new branch presidencies were sustained and set apart. Elder Paul Gildner was then district president and has continued in this position.
For a year and a half Elder Erich Koerlin served as first counselor to President Jacobs in the mission presidency. In November, 1964, Brother Koerlin was succeeded by Elder Willibald Sachs, who presently fills this position.
The building program in Bavaria is starting to move forward. The Nuremberg chapel has just been completely remodeled and will be dedicated in February, 1965, by President Benson. The Augsburg chapel will also be ready for dedication then. The new Coburg chapel should be completed in June of next year. The remodel work on the Munich chapel has begun and it will be dedicated during the May district conference by President Benson. The money has been appropriated and the projects have been approved for a stake house and a two-ward house in Munich. As soon as arrangements are completed with city officials these building projects will get underway. Approval has already been given to purchase land in Landshut for a ward house. The Building Committee is at present negotiating to complete this transaction.