Sports was also important in the stake's activities. In the winter there was M-Men basketball. The teams competed ward against ward within the stake; then the winner went on to region competition. Finally, the region winners played at an All Church competition in Salt Lake City. In 1949, Porterville won the stake championship and went on to region, but was defeated there.38 All of these programs had as their purpose an increase in the fellowship between ward members. In addition to activities, the members ofthe stake often worked together. One example took place in June 1949, when a call went out for volunteers from the stake to work at the grain elevators in Kaysville. Morgan responded with men and labor which reportedly was greatly appreciated by the Church's General Committee on Welfare.39 In September 1949, Elder Clifford E. Young, Assistant to the Twelve, was the visiting General Authority at conference. His closing remarks were memorable. He bore his testimony to the truthfulness ofthe gospel and then said, "May the children ofthe future say of us as we say of the pioneers of this Church, They were sincere and faithful to the [ ir] belief.'"411 The high council meeting of 25 September was very inspiring, even touching. All present wanted to bear testimony to the truthfulness of the gospel. The meeting extended well past the regular time for dismissal. According to Roy Francis, those in attendance witnessed an unusual outpouring ofthe Spirit.41 In November, Elder Levi Edgar Young, of the First Council of Seventy, attended stake conference. During one of his talks, he discussed the beliefs of the American Indians as shown by their legends. In his closing address, he encouraged the Saints to study the gospel more. President Rich then spoke of love, as he often did at conference. He spoke ofthe love given by Christ, saying, "What we keep we lose, what we give to others, we keep forever."42 The stake held a special Christmas program on 21 December in lieu of their monthly priesthood meeting. All priesthood holders and their partners were invited. The program featured many of the talented and devoted members ofthe Stake, and went as follows: Preliminary music on the organ: Ilene Johnson Christmas carols by the congregation Prayer: Patriarch George Sylvester Heiner Stake Presidency Season's Greetings: President Clarence Rich Male Quartet: "Christmas Lullaby," John Johnson & Company Trumpet Solo: "Christmas Song," John Tooler Reading: "A Candle in the Forest," Sharlene Francis Vocal Duet: "Star ofthe East," Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thatcher Organ Selection: "The Holy City," Ada Waldron Retold Story: "The Village's Strangest Christmas," Sister Ivy Francis Vocal Solo: "Can't You Hear Me Calling," Dorothy Rose Vocal Duet: "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thatcher Reading: "The Little Angel," Mrs. Carma Newbold