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Show conserving foods. The use of food substitutes was also discussed because much more food was needed to feed the soldiers and the people of Europe.62 The war came even closer to home in September of that year when, at the Stake Union Meeting, Sister Emeline Bond requested a prayer for her son George, who was in the service of his country and very ill. In August, Bishop Alonzo Francis asked the farmers who were raising wheat to let families who didn't have any wheat go into their fields to glean. President Heiner announced that October 28 would be a day of prayer for our nation "to implore the help of the Lord in fighting the cause of truth and liberty in the earth."63 As plans were made for the 142nd quarterly conference to be held in September 1917, it was decided to hold a special priesthood meeting. Arrangements were made for the sisters to meet for the first session of conference at a special testimony meeting in the Opera House. The priesthood of the stake met together at the stake meetinghouse. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the priesthood of the stake. Encouragement was given by the stake presidency. Elder Seymour B.Young spoke of the "cloud that has arisen in Europe," and promised, "if the boys that are called will be faithful and attend to their prayers God will sure [sic] show his power." At the Sunday afternoon session of conference, Elder David O. McKay gave a stirring address. He expressed his appreciation to the Saints in Morgan for their support to the nation, particularly in the preservation of food. Over 140,000 cases of peas had been canned. He said that for every boy who goes into the war, four are needed to remain at home to take care of him by way of support. "I believe my country is right and those that are going to fight are fighting for the greatest principle that any people or nation ever fought for 'Liberty.' The present war has its purpose and God will bring good out of it. I am not fearing as much about our boys giving up their lives in the trenches as I am about them keeping themselves pure and unspotted from the sins of the world." President Heiner closed the conference with a plea to the people to take good care of the bounteous crops they had been blessed with.64 As winter approached with its shortages, the Saints in Morgan joined the nation in having meatless and wheatless days. On Mondays and Tuesdays each week everyone would refrain from eating meat orwheat respectively so there could be more food for the soldiers and those starving in Europe. In addition the school schedule was changed to a six day week so that young men and women could work longer into the fall on the farms.65 At the December Stake Union Meeting, President Heiner offered words of encouragement to the Saints, advising them to try to make each other happy regardless of the world war that was raging.66 Elder George Albert Smith was the presiding authority at the stake conference in March 1918. He related incidents of the war abroad telling the 1(T |