Sonne Conference Report April 1959

From Karl G. Maeser

Alma Sonne, Conference Report, April 1959, p.26

I have been reading just recently the life of Dr. Karl G. Maeser. Brother Maeser was a remarkable man. Somewhere in the book it tells about a group of missionaries who had met together in Meissen, Germany, the birthplace of Dr. Maeser. One of the missionaries made this remark: "Think what Dr. Maeser has done for the Church." Another responded promptly: "Think what the Church has done for Dr. Maeser." That remark offers a real suggestion. Have you ever stopped to think what the Church has done for you individually? How it has enriched your life? How it has given you courage and strength to go forward in your daily pursuits, and how it has brought you comfort in times of sorrow and distress? It is wonderful to belong to the Church.

Many of our leaders, past and present have made great contributions to the Church. I know men who have laid upon the altar every worldly possession they had for the gospel's sake.

They have gone into strange lands, sometimes far away from home and friends, to teach the gospel of the kingdom, and to explain God's revealed plan of salvation to others. Dr. Maeser, as I have read, was reared in an environment of culture and refinement. He associated with the elite in Germany. He had access to libraries. He was familiar with the best books of his day. His education was broad and varied and included the study of music and art and several languages. God in his own way had prepared Dr. Maeser for his mission in the Church among the Latter-day Saints.

I can well imagine that it was difficult for Dr. Maeser to make the adjustment, yet I am sure that this good and great man did not complain nor compromise. He did not permit difficulties to obscure his vision of the truth. Brother Maeser had heard the voice of the Shepherd. That voice brought conviction to his soul. That conviction transformed his entire life but whatever happened, confusion and uncertainty disappeared, and he stood for the first time on the solid foundation of faith in the True and Living God.