Alice and I, being invited, took 9 A.M. train to Ogden where we attended an outing of the North Weber Stake at Farr’s Park in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the organization of the Stake. Elder D. O. McKay & I assisted in effecting the division of the Weber into three, the Weber, Ogden and the North Weber Stakes.

I made a talk to-day in the meeting in the grove. Clarence and Mamie called in the evening and took us for a ride.

Attended a weekly Temple meeting of the Presidency & Twelve & Patriarch and a committee meeting of the Twelve where it was decided to recommend for priesthood study in the Church for the ensuing year the New Testament history of Christ and his Disciples. Later the Presidency approved.

I offered changes in the veil ceremony where the man & woman have had their endowments and are now to be married. Approved. [page break]

About 5:00 P.M. it rained hard and flooded the streets.

I took 10:30 train for Manti arriving there at 3:50 P.M. Was met at the depot by President Lewis R. Anderson and taken to his home where I stayed during conference and conjoint convention work. Pres. Rulon S. Wells stayed there also. Other convention visitors were Frank Seegmiller, & Sister Hyde, Neuman and Ross. After our arrival we went with the Stake Presidency in auto to look over the towns of Manti and Ephraim and in a meeting of the Presidency at night we decided to divide these towns into three wards each. These are now two wards and more than 2000 population in each.

Manti.

I attended morning and afternoon conference meetings and was very busy between & before and after in council with my brethren. In the evening we met the Melchizedek Priesthood of Ephraim in Ephraim Tabernacle and later the people of those wards and they approved the recommendation for division and the nominations for Bishop & Counselor, Peter C. Peterson, Jr., Bp & Andrew Christensen Counselor. Later Wilford Breinholt was chosen second counselor. [page break]

Manti, Utah.

I attended and spoke at three regular conference meetings. At afternoon meeting it was decided to divide Manti into three wards. The South Ward, Bishop to remain and New Bishoprics to be chosen for North & Central wards. We completed the organizations of the North Ward. The man wanted for bishop of Center ward being about that Bishopric was not organized. I set apart a number of officers including two bishops. A very busy day.

Manti.

Warm weather.

With other visitors I went through the Temple. Had a lengthy interview with President Anderson and Counselor Jacobsen of the Temple and offered a number of important suggestions.

I took noon train for home arriving in Salt Lake at 6 P.M. I cut and watered the lawn.

I went to the Temple and had a busy day. Called on Pres. Grant and with J. F. Smith discussed matters pertaining to Canadian Temple dedication, and other important matters.

This following the receipt of a letter from the Presidency which reads as follows: “Elders [page break] Geo. F. Richards and Joseph Fielding Smith: [blank] Building.

Dear Brethren:

The Presidency feel that it would be wisdom for you brethren to go a week or ten days ahead of the dedication of the Canadian Temple, so as to be making all arrangements for the dedication and initiating the people into the work that they will have to do.

Sincerely yours,

Heber J. Grant

A. W. Ivins.[”]

I took 6 P.M. train to Saltair where I met Sister Richards, Rega & Lucena and with them took a lake bath & supper. Got home at 11 P.M.

I arose at 5:40 A.M. Watered the lawn, made ready and took 7:20 A.M. car for my work at the Temple. I solemnized the marriage of Albert George Eitner and Carla Johanna Kreipl in the Temple. Had a busy day at the temple. Improvements going on nicely.

Attended regular council meeting in the temple 10 to 2 o’clock. I went with my son Oliver to the Doctor’s office by appointment where Dr. Ralph T. Richards gave him an examina[page break]tion and pronounced him fit for a mission.

I bought a $55.00 brown striped suit at Z.C.M.I. for half price $27.50. I was released from my appointment to Wayne Stake this week to go to Canada to prepare for the dedication of the Canadian Temple and the opening of the Temple for ordinance work.

Jack & Ruby came in their auto in the afternoon to spend a few days.

Word came this morning that our daughter Nerva gave birth to a baby boy yesterday at 9:45 in Inkom, their home, Idaho. I wired Edna at Eugene, Oregon as follows: “With Mother going Canada tomorrow conflict your visit? Wire collect. This was sent about 10 A.M. and about 2 P.M. we received ans. as follows: “Not sure of any vacation. Take your trip to Canada.[”] This decides us to leave for Cardston, Canada tomorrow no[on].

In the evening I wrote letters to Nerva and Edna.

Made check of $138.05 to Beneficial Life Ins. Co. which with what I am privileged to borrow of the Co. makes my eighth premium in that Co.

Mother & I tended children while the other folks went to Saltair. [page break] The improvements being made at the Temple are progressing nicely.

I attended to important business down town in the forenoon and made ready to leave for Canada.

Called on Pres. Grant who sent letters by me to Pres. E. J. Wood of Cardston giving him notice of his appointment to preside over the Alberta Temple at Cardston. President Grant authorized me to see that necessary arrangements be made for the dedication exercises of the 26th inst and to be continued from day to day three sessions daily until all the people shall have been accommodated. I am also to assist in selecting the Temple workers, assigning the posts and seeing that they are properly instructed and coached.

I paid my Beneficial Life Ins. Co. Premium and renewed $1600. note at the bank.

My son George took his Ford Sedan Car and Mother, Ray, Nina & children & me to Inkom. We left Salt Lake at 1:40 and arrived in Inkom at about 9:30 P.M. via Logan.

Nerva gave birth to a nice baby boy on the 9th and we were desirous of seeing her and she was desirous of seeing us so we called them and spent the night. Nerva feeling fine. [page break]

Inkom, Idaho.

All well. Nerva & baby doing well.

Weather dry and warm.

Assisted by his father, I blessed and named Nerva’s baby, Melvin Glenn Tate.

Geo F. Richards, Jr., Nina & children and Ray left for home about 3:00 P.M. by auto.

Mother & I took 5:30 P.M. train to Pocatello where we changed and left Pocatello at 6:40 P.M. for Butte.

Butte, Mont.

We arrived in Butte in the early morning and got Gt. Northern at 8:30 A.M. arriving in Gt. Falls at 2:30 P.M. Weather very warm.

We studied the ordinances on the train and the time passed quickly. We took a room at Park Hotel and after cleaning up we went out to supper and to a show. Retired early.

Gt. Falls, Mont.

All well.

Mother & I took the 7 A.M. train for Cardston. We had quite a pleasant trip and making three changes we arrived at Cardston at 6:45 P.M. Pres. Wood met us with his auto and took us around the Temple and Tabernacle block and to his home where we were given a generous reception and where we [page break] were invited to stay while in Cardston. On the train I did some hard studying on Temple ordinances. It rained at night.

Cardston, Canada.

We are well.

Rain again.

I studied the Temple ordinances. Spent some time in the Temple. The afternoon and evening were spent at [illegible] Pres. Woods home in consultation. Pres. Wood and I decided that he as president of Temple in Cardston would have Joseph Y. Card for his first assistant and ask him to[13 words redacted relating to a temple ceremony]. He was sent for and accepted with good grace. Bro. Zebuland W. Jacobs was chosen second assistant and asked to [5 words redacted relating to a temple ceremony]. Together, we selected other brethren and sisters to assist with the work.

Annie Steed her son Merlin and wife called to see us in the evening. This is one of the best seasons Canada has ever had, so far as our people here is concerned. Bumper crops all along the line.

Cardston, Canada.

We are well.

Fine day.

I had a very busy day from early morning until late at night. I interviewed a number of persons selected as Temple workers and gave each information pertaining to their part. Did some proof [page break] reading of past books.

Cardston, Canada.

We are well.

I awoke at about 4:30 and after thinking over [9 words redacted relating to a temple ceremony] I arose at 5:30 A.M. took a bath shaved and after making my toilet I proceeded to study my part and later to proof read the past books. Went to temple & suggested change in lighting the creation room &c.

Spent several hours with the Presidents of the three stakes in regard to the approaching Temple dedication. It has been a busy day. Mother assisted me with the proof reading.

Cardston, Canada.

Mother and I are well.

We went with Bro. & Sister Wood to Hill Spring ward, 26 miles distant and attended a part of the S. School and the 1:30 meeting. I spoke at both. Occupied 20 min at S.S. and 40 min on Bearing False Witness,” at latter. We called and got lunch at Pres. Wood’s daughters home Sister Smith. 168 of a pop. of 970 present. We took supper at Joseph Y. Card’s. I was the speaker at the Tabernacle in the evening. Large attentive congregation. I occupied about 50 minutes. Subject. Marriage vs. Celibacy; Temple vs. Civil Marriage [page break] Causes of unhappy marriage and of divorces &c. Good liberty. May the Lord be praised. The Premier, Greenfield of Alberta Province called at Pres. Woods’ in the morning with other members of his party and spent about an hour. Rain in the evening.

The above is for Sunday. I omitted Saturday & it follows.

Cardston, Canada.

We are well.

I spent part of the day at the temple with Alice following companies through. Gave some instructions in regard to the creation room, lighting & darkening of it &c. Spent some time at Pres. Woods office & part of his home. Busy all day. Hot flashes of weather between the clouds indicated storm approaching. By invitation I took dinner at the hotel with the Premier of Alberta, Mr. Greenfield and members of his party and Cardston people. Attended the evening meeting in the Tabernacle and heard the Premier Meeting Continued until 11 o’clock.

Cardston, Canada

This day the Salt Lake Temple is open for ordinance work. I am sorry to have to be absent; but by appointment I am here to assist in [page break] preparing for the Temple dedication and the commencement of ordinance work in the Temple after it is dedicated. Later, I am informed by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith who with his wife arrived here today that Pres. Grant had notice given in the Des. News that the opening of the Salt Lake Temple would be deferred for one week. Alice and I with others met Jos. Fielding Smith at the train at 6:30 P.M. and went directly to the temple where Bro. Smith, the Temple Presidency and I held consultation over Temple affairs and there I made the suggestion that in view of certain conditions the opening of the Cardston Temple be deferred until after Oct. Conference. This suggestion was heartily concurred in for reasons given some of which are, a. the time is too short for the workers to learn their parts properly, b. The people are too busy with harvesting to settle down to Temple work at present. Bumper crops and scarcity of help makes the responsibility of harvesting the grain, great. If this meets with the approval of Pres. Grant it will carry. I had a busy day.

Cardston, Canada.

All well.

By appointment I met Joseph Fielding Smith and others at the temple in the morning where we spent the forenoon considering Temple matters. Alice and Sister Smith had a good visit in the Temple. [page break]

By previous appointment and mutual arrangement Alice’s Nephew, Merlin Steed, came from his home in Mountain View with his Ford and took Alice and me to his home there. We left here soon after noon and drove the 18 miles through muddy roads in less than one hour.

This is Merlin’s 34th birthday anniversary. We had a splendid dinner, turkey and vegetables of their own raising, butter, milk &c. With them were Bro. John Green and wife. We stayed with them all the afternoon and over night.

Mountain View, Canada.

Mother & I are well.

We left Mt. View with Merlin Steed and wife at 9:45 A.M. and arrived in Cardston at about 10:40 A.M. Alice and I went to the home of Pres. Wood where we have been staying and I shaved, cleaned my shoes, clothes &c and wrote up my journal before noon.

At 2:15 P.M. I received a telegram from J. S. Barrett of the Utah Imp. V. Co. as follows. “With great sorrow I convey to you the sad news, W. F. Burton passed away at his home today.” I went to the Temple, after dinner and attended to some important matters and from there went to the home of Br. Jos. Y. Card and with him, my wife, Jos F. Smith & wife rode out to the Card farm. [page break]

Cardston, Canada.

All well.

More rain this A.M.

I wrote a letter of condolence to Robert I. Burton of Ogden condoling with him and family o/c the death of his brother Wm. F. I also answered Mr. Barretts telegram with a letter.

Attended the first rehearsal of the parts in the Temple at 6:30 to 9 P.M. Visited the temple in the forenoon giving some direction to certain changes in the rooms, lighting &c. Sister Wood invited Jos. F. Smith and wife, Jos. Y. Card & wife & Aunt Zina Y. Card to dinner and Alice & I being already here we indulged with them. Had pleasant visit. By the evening mail I received a letter from the First Presidency and one from our Son George.

Cardston.

All well.

Pleasant morning.

I mailed a check of $10.00 to the U.S.N. Bk of Salt Lake City for the Flood Relief Fund. I spent the forenoon assisting the Temple workers in rehearsing their parts. I was at the temple again in the afternoon checking up the work &c. With Pres. Wood and Jos. F. Smith I went to the home of Chas. Thomas Marsden who is 69 years of age and afflicted with what is supposed to be a cancer of the Stomach. Elder Smith anointed and I sealed the anointing.

Cardston, Canada

Alice & I are well.

It rained quite hard at 5:00 o’clock in the morning. The special [page break] train bearing about 160 people from the states arrived in Cardston at 7:30 A.M. There were in the Company two of the First Presidency 8 of the Twelve two of the First Council of Seventy & one of the Presiding Bishopric and the Patriarch. All had their wives with them except the Patriarch & the Seventies. Jos. Fielding Smith and I with our wives came up in advance, my wife and I a week in advance of them to prepare for the dedication and Temple opening.

The general authorities held an informal meeting at the Tithing office at 9 A.M. and we were in council between meetings. At 10 A.M. the First meeting opened with President Grant with our wives taken through the Temple. We then decided to hold services in the two upper rooms and decided where the speakers would stand. Men were set to work to take down the veils and seat the rooms. After dinner the General Authorities and some others with their wives started to the Cootney lakes about 40 miles distant. The latter part of the road was very muddy and we turned back about 4 or 5 miles this side of the Lakes. Arrived in Cardston about 9 P.M. Alice and I retain our quarters at Pres. Wood’s home and [page break] President Grant and wife and daughter and Pres. Ivins and wife and daughter were added. We feel honored to be associated with these people.

Cardston, Canada.

We had a meeting of the General authorities at 9 A.M. in the Temple where we heard read the prayer prepared by President Grant for the dedication & commented upon same.

At 10 A.M. the first of the series of dedicatory services was held. There were in attendance about 525 people. The dedicatory prayer was read by Pres. Grant, the shout of Hozannah, Hozannah, Hozannah to God and the Lamb; Amen, Amen, Amen” was given. Anthems were sung and the speakers were in order as follows. Pres. Ivins, Pres. Clawson, Elder Geo. A. Smith and myself and President Grant. A very impressive service. I was in council with the Presidency and others all through the intermission.

At the 2 P.M. meeting it is reported that the attendance was about 560. The speakers were in order as follows: Jos. Fielding Smith, Jas. E. Talmage, Stephen L. Richards, Richard R. Lyman and Melvin J. Ballard. The shout of Hozannah was given and beautiful choir singing [page break] The prayer was given by Pres. Grant. After this meeting the people shook hands with the General authorities as they passed out of the Temple annex. We were grouped and photographed.

At the 7:00 oclock session the Hozannah was given. The Prayer was read by Pres. Grant and the speakers were as follows: Jno. A. Widtsoe, Rulon S. Wells, Jas. W. McMurrin and Pres. Grant. At the close of this meeting we went to the Tabernacle where a meeting was in progress and Pres. Grant spoke about 25 min. It has been a strenuous day, especially for President Grant. The services were very satisfying. The weather was ideal and we trust that all is acceptable to the Lord. Between meetings in the Lord. Between meetings at the home of Pres. Wood the Bishop of Calgary ward were set apart. Pres. Grant ordained & set apart the Bishop (Ellertson). Pres. Ivins set apart the First Counselor and I the second counselor.

Cardston, Canada.

All well. Fine day.

I attended the three sessions of dedication and spoke 15 minutes at the evening session. The ceremonies were much the same as those of the first day but some different speakers. I went to the Tabernacle after the Temple services in the evening and witnessed a part of the services [page break] there. Took dinner at the home of Pres. Duce. Attended to several items of business facilitating the work Obtained approval of Pres. Grant to [14 words redacted relating to a temple ordinance]. Arranged for these to be at the temple tomorrow morning at 8 oclock. This has been a strenuous day.

Cardston, Canada.

All well.

I went to the Temple at 8:00 A.M. Attended the three sessions of the dedication which were conducted much the same as the former sessions. I made my second talk In the early morning, assisted by Pres. Jos. F. Smith and Edward J. Wood, I [20 words redacted relating to a temple ordinance] We arranged to administer the Endowment to a company of people. [8 words redacted relating to a temple ceremony] A busy and a strenuous day.

Cardston, Canada.

Am well. Fine day.

Two sissions, morning and afternoon finished the dedication services, eleven sessions in all. By request of Pres. Ivins & to meet the wishes of many of the people we arranged a session of endowments for the evening. We commenced taking records before 6:00 P.M. and I finished sealing the last couple at ten minutes to two A.M. About 75 people [page break] received endowments and nearly all of them were sealed as husband and wife. Quite a number of children were sealed to parents. Elder Jos. F. Smith assisted with the sealing. [10 words redacted relating to a temple ceremony] I also did the washing and confirming of the washing in one of the two rooms. This is the first time I have ever done either and I got along fine, praise the Lord. We took whom we could get as workers. [39 words redacted relating to a temple ceremony] It was a successful session though we were handicapped for want of male help who knew the ceremonies.

At the 2 P.M. dedicatory services there was 17 speakers. They were, excepting the Presidency, limited to five minutes. All the General authorities present & others spoke.

I regard the services all the way through as a great success and the evening endowment service was a fitting climax and to me it Seemed to more fully sanctify the Temple.

Cardston, Canada.

I wrote up my journal for yesterday. At about 11 A.M. with the President’s [page break] party and others in number requiring ten or eleven cars to carry, Alice and I went up to the Waterton Lakes and had a fish and chicken dinner, attended a concert and took a ride on the lake with about 50 others in an electric launch. We rode across the boundary line and back about 21 miles. We sang songs, conversed &c and had a very enjoyable time. Leaving the Lakes at 8 P.M. we arrived at Cardston at 10:10 P.M.

Cardston, Canada.

All well.

Warm day.

Before leaving Cardston I went down to the home of a Brother Winegar who was afflicted and administered to him, assisted by Bro. Zebuland W. Jacobs.

We left Cardston at 8:10 A.M. in a standard Pullman homeward bound. Arrived in Gt. Falls at about 9:30 P.M. and we were met by a committee from the representation men of the City and were driven in autos to the Rainbow Hotel where a reception consisting of speeches, songs &c was held. On my suggestion, President Grant sang The Flag without a Stain.