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Show The minutes are silent as to when each ward finally had its own Scout troop. However, it seems that by 1922 the Scout organization was fairly well established in the Morgan Stake. At a meeting held for the high councilors and bishoprics 10 February 1922, President Heiner asked the bishops who had not yet organized a Scout troop in their ward to do so immediately. He further encouraged the high council and bishops to support the program. In July, October, and December members of the National Association of Boy Scouts visited Morgan and held training sessions for the leaders in the stake and wards.57 World War I The Saints were to face great hardships as the United States was pulled into a dark cloud of war which was enveloping the world. War broke out in Europe in 1914, and even though the Saints were not part of the initial conflict, they were involved in other ways. October 4,1914, was set aside as a special Peace Day by the president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, and the Morgan Stake Sunday School Board prepared a special program to be held on that day and also on the following Sunday, 11 October, as 4 October was general conference. As early as February 1915, the Saints of Morgan were contributing to the war stricken Saints in Europe.58 One of the aspects of life in Morgan Stake which gained added emphasis as the war spread, was the participation in county and state fairs. For example, in August 1913, President Heiner encouraged all members of the stake to participate in and support the state fair. Then at the general priesthood and officers meeting on 26 October, it was announced that Morgan County received first prize on "Best Display of Farm Products" at the state fair. A vote of thanks was given to Joseph Durrant for his efforts in preparing the display.59 The winter of 1916-17 was severe. The price of food went higher than it had been in twenty-five years; hay sold for $40 a ton and was very difficult to obtain. Much of the livestock in the Valley died before spring.60 Because of the severity of the previous winter, the stake presidency encouraged the Saints to plant gardens and preserve food. In March 1917, President Heiner asked the people to make every effort to utilize every foot of ground because it appeared there would be a shortage of almost all food supplies the following winter. He personally offered a $10 bill to the man or woman who could raise the best garden of not less than 'A acre. Brother Wm. Smith received the prize in August.61 The United States entered the war in April 1917 and troops were sent to Europe. At the same time the stake received a letter from the leaders of the Church urging the preservation of all food stuff because, "America has entered the big world war to fight for liberty for the world and we must stand at her back." At the next Union Meeting (meeting of the auxiliaries and priesthood), members of the Stake Relief Society presidency gave talks on 106 |