“Oh, good,” Mitch said. “How are they doing?”
“Very well, I think. They were sad to hear that President and Sister Cannon will be returning to the U.S. in December. The new mission president will be a President Ballif.”
At that moment, Jacob returned and rejoined them. “They’re still out,” he said to Adelia. Then he grinned at Mitch. “I hope he doesn’t crush his cowboy hat. It’s right beside him on his pillow.”
“We’re serious about you coming down to visit us,” Edie said. “Fall is a wonderful time down there. Roundup is going on. And the temperature starts cooling down.”
“And we’re serious about doing it,” Adelia said. “The kids would love it. When do you start school again, honey?”
“The twentieth of September.” Jacob answered.
That gave Mitch an idea. “I assume the bank is closed on Labor Day, right?”
“Yes.”
“So, what if you took the Friday before Labor Day off? You could leave Thursday afternoon and make it as far as Thompson Springs by train. Then we’d pick you up and you could stay until Monday.”
“Could we, Jacob?” Adelia exclaimed. “The kids would love it, and it would be so good for you to get a break before you start school again.”
Jacob sat back, smiling. “Okay. Sounds like you’ve got company for Labor Day weekend.”
“Marvelous,” Edie said. “Our kids will be so excited. Even Tina keeps saying how anxious she is to see your kids again.”
“Go on, dear,” Jacob said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Well,” Adelia went on, “one thing I thought was interesting was when Inga talked about the political situation in Germany, she wasn’t nearly as negative about it as Hans. She said that in spite of how much the people hate the Versailles Treaty and the Weimar government, the new constitution they put in place offers many more freedoms than they had under Bismarck and the Second Reich, including freedom of religion.”
Nodding, Jacob came in. “She also said the Church’s work in Germany last year is widely known and greatly appreciated. The cash the Church sent as well as the purchase and distribution of the army commodities have been widely reported. So the government is already responding more favorably to the Church and our members.”
“And this was especially interesting to me,” Adelia said. “Paula said that one of Munich’s leading newspapers even wrote an article on the branch there in Munich, describing how the members cared for each other during those difficult times and how that has created considerable interest in Mormonism among the people. According to them, some Mormon meetings have as many visitors in attendance as members.”
“That is wonderful news,” Mitch said. “I would love to be a missionary in that kind of climate. Maybe our missionaries won’t end up in jail so often.”
“According to Inga,” Jacob said, “President Cannon says that he’s already been told that by next summer, the government will start issuing visas to our American missionaries. He won’t be around to see that, of course, but he’s very excited by the progress that is being made.” He turned to his wife. “Tell them about the visit of Elder George Albert Smith.”
“Oh, yes. This summer, Elder Smith of the Twelve toured the missions in Europe, visiting numerous districts and branches. He was originally scheduled to go to Nuremberg, which is only about a hundred miles north of Munich.”
“And Paula and Inga went to the meeting?” Edie asked in surprise. “With their economy like it is, that must have been a sacrifice for them.”
“Even more than expected,” Jacob explained. “For some reason, they had to move the meeting to Chemnitz, which is another two and a half hours by train north of Nuremberg. But here’s the real surprise: Emilee and her mother went as well.”
Mitch straightened. “You don’t say. Her mother, too? I thought she was a devout Lutheran.”
“That is what surprised us,” Adelia said, “but Emilee and her mother, and Emilee’s one brother, the one who’s mentally handicapped, have been going to the branch meetings with Paula and Inga now for some time. They have been warmly welcomed by the branch members and feel more comfortable there now than they do at their church.”
“And how did their attendance at the meeting turn out?” Mitch asked.
“Both Paula and Inga say it was an incredible experience,” Adelia said. “In spite of harsh economic conditions, people came from hundreds of miles to hear an Apostle of the Lord. They met one man that walked over sixty miles on foot because he couldn’t afford the train fare.”
“And walked that far back home, we assume,” Jacob said. “The Church rented a hall there in Chemnitz that seated about five hundred fifty people, which they thought would be more than adequate. They ended up with another two hundred and fifty people standing out in the yard, huddling around the open windows so they could hear Elder Smith speak.”
“And our kids complain if we make them walk the quarter of a mile into town,” Edie huffed.
“Yes,” Adelia answered, “and we get one of the Twelve at almost every stake conference we have, but think what it means for them over there to have an Apostle come speak to them.” She handed one of the two letters to Jacob. “See if you can find that part at the end of Inga’s letter where Emilee wrote a long P.S. to us. Read that to Mitch and Edie.” Then to them, she said, “I think you’ll find this interesting.”
Jacob opened the envelope, extracted two sheets, and quickly found what he was looking for. “Okay, this is Emilee speaking now. It’s in German, so I’ll translate as best I can.
“‘Dear Bruder and Schwester Reissner—’” He looked up. “I think it’s interesting that she calls us Bruder and Schwester and not Herr and Frau.”
“Very interesting,” Mitch replied.
Jacob read on. “‘I send warmest good wishes to the both of you and to your two beautiful children. Thank you, Sister Reissner, for sending a picture of your family. Your children are adorable. How anxious I am to meet you. I am very disappointed that it will now be another year before that happens. I wish that you could bring your children with you when you come, but I realize that this is not possible.
“‘Would you please convey my good wishes to Brother and Sister Westland as well? I would love it if they could write to me. I still remember the look in Brother Westland’s eyes when he spoke of his wife and family back home. It warmed my soul to see the love he had for them. Tell Sister Westland that I very much look forward to meeting her in person.’”
“Oh, yes,” Edie breathed. “I look forward to that very much too.”
“‘Brother Reissner, I was deeply moved last fall when you and Brother Westland and President Cannon came to Munich to distribute food supplies. It was a modern-day miracle, and you were like angels from heaven to these people who were in such need. To my surprise, I had many of those same feelings come to me again in Chemnitz. My mother and I went with Inga and Paula to hear your Apostle speak. The whole idea of having Apostles today intrigues me. I was quite surprised by how deeply it affected me and Mother. Even Heinz-Albert seemed to enjoy it.
“‘It was amazing to me that Elder Smith had come all the way from America to serve people who were his former enemies. But the moment he got up to speak, I sensed a deep love emanating from him. It was so unusual. It almost felt like I could reach out and touch it. As I marveled about it, I suddenly realized it was the same thing I had felt when you and Brother Westland were here serving the members. Truly, your church is doing what Jesus asks all of us to do.’”
“Isn’t that a sweet thing to say?” Adelia asked softly. “I feel like I know her already. I am so anxious to meet her and all the rest of the family.”
“Yes!” Edie and Mitch exclaimed together.
Jacob nodded. “She finishes by saying, ‘We are all eager to have you and your wives come to Germany. I, like you, am very excite
d to see the Passion Play. In Germany we all know of it, of course, but many of us have never seen it. How delightful that we shall share that experience together. With warmest affection, Emilee Eckhardt.’”
Chapter Notes
America did take a strong stand against the harshness of the Versailles Treaty and tried to persuade the Allied Powers not to be too draconian in their demands from Germany. This was rejected by France and Britain, but it did create a thawing in the relationship between America and Germany. Later, America extended significant loans to Germany to help aid in its recovery.
The information about Elder George Albert Smith’s visit to Germany in the summer of 1920 comes from Mormonism and Germany, 84, 88; and Mormons in Germany, 32, 60.
August 20, 1920, 12:15 p.m.—Brigham Young High School, Provo, Utah
Carl Oveson, the principal of BY High School, handed Frank Westland his diploma and vigorously shook his hand. “Congratulations, Brother Westland. Very impressive. Very impressive, indeed.”
He turned to where Edie and Mitch and their three children were sitting. “And congratulations to the both of you, as well. We’re checking the records to make sure, but we think Frank is the youngest graduate from our high school ever. This should be a proud moment for your family.”
Edie’s eyes were glistening as she went to Frank and gathered him in her arms. “We are very proud of him,” she said. Then, in a whisper, “I’m so happy for you, Frank.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
Christina came over and shook her brother’s hand. Then she went up on tiptoes and whispered in his ear, “Congratulations, show-off. Way to put pressure on the rest of us.”
He laughed aloud, but before he could say anything, Tina threw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m proud of you too,” she said, her voice catching.
That took him aback, and he found it hard to speak. “Thank you, Tina. It’s your turn to come here next.”
Mitch came over and shook hands with the principal and then with Frank’s favorite teacher, Mr. Kittle. “Thanks to you both for making this possible.”
“It has been our privilege,” Mr. Kittle said. “This is what education is all about.”
“Indeed,” Principal Oveson said. Then he chuckled. “I can definitely say that this is the first graduation ceremony we’ve ever held in my office.”
“Frank kind of made it sound like he’d just come to the office and someone would hand him his diploma,” Edie said, giving Frank a chiding look. “His grandmother is not going to be happy to learn she missed all of this.”
Frank looked almost startled. “Yeah, where is Grandma, by the way?”
“She’s going to stay with Martha for another couple of weeks.”
Mr. Kittle turned to Frank. “You are invited to walk with the other graduates in our full commencement ceremony next spring. Your grandmother could attend then, if she’d like.”
“That is,” Mr. Oveson added, “if Frank’s schedule is such that he can take time to come down from Salt Lake.”
That startled Frank, and he shot a panicky look at his parents as his face flamed. “Um . . . thank you. I’ll see what I can do.” Then he quickly went over to Benji and Abby. “Come on, you two,” he said in a rush. “Don’t I get a hug from my favorite twins?”
Mitch’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched them. Frank had deliberately turned away from his parents. He looked at Edie and saw that she had seen it too. What just happened? But she was as taken aback as he was and could only shrug.
They shook hands all around again, and then Mr. Oveson and Mr. Kittle walked them out into the main hall and said their farewells. A moment later the family walked out of the building into a blast of summer heat.
“All right, son,” Mitch said. “Do you have a favorite place you like to eat? This calls for a celebration. Then we’ll go back to your dorm and get your things and head for home.”
Frank managed a strained smile. “Uh . . . Dad, could I talk with you and Mom for a few minutes before we go eat? Um . . . some things have happened that I need to tell you about.”
He turned to Tina. “There’s a playground out behind the school. Why don’t you take Benji and Abby around there and let them play?” Then, to his parents, “There are also a couple of picnic tables back there in the shade. We can talk there.”
Father and son removed their jackets as they followed Tina and the twins around the building. Mitch noted that doing so took them away from the traffic on University Avenue and provided a quieter place to talk, and he wondered if Frank had been planning this all along.
As they sat down at the tables and the twins shot away, Edie called after them. “Benjamin! Abigail! Those are your Sunday clothes. Don’t get them dirty.”
They waved, pretending that actually was a concern to them. Frank led his parents over to a table beneath a large maple tree, and they sat down, him on one side, his parents on the other. He glanced up at them and then away again, and then he laid his coat on the table and started fidgeting with his buttons. Mitch and Edie sat back, letting him take his time.
When he finally looked up at them, he was visibly nervous. “I was going to talk to you about all of this earlier, but. . . .”
“All of what?” Edie asked.
“But I decided it would be better to wait and do it face to face rather than over the phone.”
Mitch nodded but said nothing.
“Go on” was Edie’s only response.
“Okay.” Frank took a quick breath. “Lots of things have happened since you stopped here on Monday night. I. . . . ” He started fidgeting with the buttons again.
Mitch leaned forward. “You know, son, when you’ve got a prickly pear needle stuck in your big toe, it’s better not to sit there and think about it for too long. It’s best to just yank it out and get it over with.”
Frank considered that, and his head bobbed once. “All right.” He took a quick breath. “Here goes. It all started about a month ago. Mr. Kittle was tutoring me and a couple of older kids in an advanced calculus class. Well, one day a math professor from the Y came into class. He’s a longtime friend of Mr. Kittle’s, and he asked if the two of them could talk. So Mr. Kittle gave us something to work on, and he and the professor went off to one side. But I was close enough that I could overhear what they were saying. The professor had found a calculus problem that he couldn’t solve in one of the textbooks and asked Mr. Kittle to take a look at it. They spent the rest of class huddled around the blackboard working on the problem. When class was over the others left, but I was curious and went over to listen.”
He smiled briefly. “You know me. If someone says there’s something that can’t be done, then I have to prove them wrong.”
“I had never noticed that about you before,” Mitch said dryly.
“Yeah, well, I asked Mr. Kittle if I could take the problem home and work on it over the weekend. The professor gave me this pitying look, like, ‘Who is this freckle-faced little punk?’ But Mr. Kittle said, ‘Sure, why not?’”
Edie’s mouth fell open. “And you solved it?”
A grin broke out and filled Frank’s face. “It took me all weekend, but yes, I finally did. When I showed it to Mr. Kittle on Monday, he was astonished. That afternoon he took me up on campus and we met with his friend. At first he accused me of cheating, of getting someone to solve it for me, but when I worked it out on the board for him, he finally had to admit I was right.”
“Good for you,” Edie said. “And did he apologize?”
Frank laughed aloud. “No, he was still in shock.” Then he quickly sobered again. “But two days later, he asked Mr. Kittle to bring me up for a meeting with the chairman of his department.”
“Well, well,” Mitch said, shaking his head.
To their surprise, Frank’s expression turned gloomy.
“What?
” Mitch asked.
“Well, that’s when it all started.” Frank took another deep breath and exhaled slowly. “As it turned out, the chairman of the math and physics department here is a University of Utah graduate. With Mr. Kittle’s permission, but without me knowing it, he had called some of his old professors at the U and told them what I had done.”
“Really?” Edie’s face was wreathed in smiles now.
“Yeah. And the following week the chairman and I and Mr. Kittle and his math professor friend drove to Salt Lake City and met with the dean of the School of Math and Physics and a couple of the faculty members up there. They grilled me for most of that afternoon and gave me some problems to solve.”
“I can’t believe this,” Edie said to Mitch. “This is our boy we’re talking about here.”
Mitch looked at Frank. “And why would you not tell us about all of this? Surely you couldn’t think we’d be displeased. My word, son, this is wonderful news.”
“I’m not through yet,” Frank said softly.
Mitch and Edie exchanged glances, and then Mitch said, “Go on.”
For a long moment Frank was silent, studying his hands. Then he finally looked up. “On Monday, not long after you stopped by, I was called into Principal Oveson’s office. When I walked in, there was the chairman of the BYU math department and the dean from the University of Utah. And Mr. Kittle, of course.
“Mr. Oveson said that after conferring together, they had come to an agreement and had a recommendation. He said that while they were all agreed that I had an unusual talent for math and that I was ready to move on to the university level in my studies, the question at hand was, where should that be? Would it be best for me to stay at the Y or to transfer to the U beginning this fall?”
Edie’s hand flew to her mouth. “You mean, move to Salt Lake?”
He nodded. “To my surprise, the math chairman at the Y said that while it pained him deeply to say it, he had to admit that the U’s program was more established and had a better academic reputation. Since BYU was only made a university in 1903, they were still building their program and their academic credentials. So their joint recommendation was that I transfer to the U and begin classes there next month.”