Every Mormon missionary in Germany today is fairly walking on air, head high, shoulders back, chest out and a song and a prayer in his heart, as the result of a thrilling experience, the like of which, perhaps, has never come to the servants of the Lord here since the opening of missionary labors in 1851.

What happened? What caused all this outburst of enthusiasm on the part of the missionaries, members, and friends throughout Germany. It was the appearance of an illustrated article in the most widely read, most influential daily in Germany, "Der Volkischer Beobachter." (The People's Observer) official organ of the government and the party. It was a full five column, illustrated story, occupying the outside back page of that publication: an interview headed, "In the Land of the Mormons," written by our president, Alfred C. Rees.

We could scarcely believe our eyes as we read that impressive, concise, and comprehensive story of the rise of Mormonism. But there it was in that powerful medium that has a reading clientele of over 2,000,000 throughout the realm. It was no illusion; it was a glorious reality.

A wave of enthusiasm swept over the entire mission. Papers were bought up and hung in conspicuous places in all our houses of worship. The story was read and re-read and passed along from hand to hand; home to home. It seemed to life a ponderous weight from the mind and hearts of the missionaries and members because through this cooperation of the press, in the minds of the people, a badge of respectability and decency had finally been given to our cause, indifferent and wayward members again caught their old enthusiasm, and joined in visiting friends, displaying the published article and declaring their alliance to the faith.

Never before have we ever experience such a reception, so many open hearts and homes. Then came a stream of letters from all over the mission to the mission headquarters, telling of the joy, and experiences in their respective branches.

All that we desire is to proclaim the happy message of this unprecedented occurrence to our friends, loved ones, and fellow workers at home. Furthermore, it cannot fail to correct certain unfounded, prevailing rumors and impressions at home that have sprung from the scantiest investigations concerning the German people.

We hope that the publication of this article in that influential paper and at this time will serve to refute and to blast the unfounded charges, claims, and myths that seem to have gained credence among our own people.

In commenting on this subject, I make no reference to the political situation, but deal wholly with the economic and social aspects of Germany. Among the the many erroneous and unfounded Impressions which seem to have gained ground at home, and which we believe are completely exploded through the appearance of this article, are the following:

That Germany Is being "Paganized."

That the word "God" does not appear in the public press.

That all religions are taboo.

That Christianity is frowned upon

"That any wholesome movement of foreign origin is completely suppressed

That a greatly misunderstood religion that had its beginning in another country could never hope to have a hearing in the public press.

And finally, that the official spokesman and representative of such a church of foreign origin may never look to be invited to expound the doctrines of his faith in his own language and to be given space in the most conspicuous place In the most powerful reading medium in the country for that purpose.

We appreciate that this is a unique consideration that we should be singled out for this honor, and to be accorded such friendly treatment, and to be extended such a valuable courtesy, but the fact remains that it has happened.

The article was illustrated with pictures of the Salt Lake Temple illuminated at night; of Brigham Young, a map showing the place Utah occupies in the West, a birds eye view of Salt Lake City's [illegible] section, showing the temple block, and the facade of the Karl G. Maeser Memorial Building of the Brigham Young University at Provo. As will be seen, this article touches all the high points in our history and our beliefs. The vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith; the persecutions, exodus, and leadership of Brigham Young; settlement of the West, self reliance, tithing and fast offering, our Self-Help program, the Word of Wisdom, the concept of eternal life, the sanctity of the home, and our belief in a personal God and our own divine possibilities.

Prefacing the article is the explanatory note of the editor himself which reads:

[Reproduction of the Article]