Sabbath School for Deaf Mutes
A worthy labor, and one which ought to be more generally known by those interested, is being performed each Sunday in the Fifteenth ward schoolhouse, by Elders H.C. Barrell and Laron Pratt. It is a Sabbath school for deaf mutes; and during the year that it has been in operation the scholars have made admirable progress. The enrollment numbers about thirty-five and there would doubtless be many more if the good work of these brethren were more generally known. The school opens promptly at 10 o’clock; it is conducted in all possible respects on the same principles as the other Sabbath schools of the Saints.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Feb. 11, 1893, 6]
[Deseret News, Feb. 11, 1893]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Deaf Mute Sunday School Review
One of the most pleasing, interesting and long to be remembered Sunday School reviews was given at the Church University, Salt Lake City, yesterday (Sunday) morning. There was quite a large number of visitors in attendance.
The exercises consisted of ordinary conversation; sketch of the life of the Redeemer of the world; organization of the Church; brief histories of the Prophets of this dispensation; Articles of Faith in full, all of which were written on the blackboard; rendering of the hymn, “Nearer, My God to Thee” in signs by the little Misses Swift and Pearl Auit, accompanied by the singing of the words by Miss Maude Pratt, recitations by the two girls named, and Miss Amy Devine and Andrew Madsen, and others; rendering of the Lord’s prayer in concert, which was heavenly. Supt. Henry Charles Barrell spoke the words as the signs of the prayer were being given.
Superintendent Barrell and Assistant Elder Laron Pratt are entitled to the greatest credit that can be given teachers for their efficient labors, in view of very difficult obstacles they have to contend with.
Encouraging remarks on the blackboard were written by Elder Angus M. Cannon, Sister Bathsheba W. Smith, Elders Willard Young and Nathaniel V. Jones.
Joseph Olorenshaw, in choice words, wrote thanking the University board for the use of the nice room the class had to meet in this season. He also thanked the visitors for their presence and good feeling towards the scholars.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 22, 1894, 2]
[Deseret News, Apr. 23, 1894]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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A Truly Social Sociable
A very enjoyable afternoon and evening was spent last Tuesday by about twenty invited guests at the residence of Elder Laron Pratt, in the Seventeenth ward of this city. Following the substantial dinner at 5 o’clock, came vocal and instrumental music charmingly rendered by the Misses Pratt, an interesting exhibition by the host himself of the method of teaching children who are dear and dumb, addresses and sentiments of sincere friendship and hearty goodwishes by some of the guests besides prayers and blessings feelingly pronounced; all of which, with recitations, reminiscences and conversation caused the time to pass quickly and agreeably to everyone present. There was an entire absence of formality, and a corresponding abundance or real enjoyment and congenial relaxation. Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith were present, also Elder A.M. Cannon, president of the Stake, Dr. J.M. Benedict and others; and in addition the wives of those already named were Mesdames Zina D. Young, Bathsehba W. Smith and Emmeline B. Wells and Dr. Elvira Barnes, Misses Woodruff, Benedict and others.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, May 29, 1894, 7]
[Deseret News, May 31, 1894]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Sunday School Union
Proceedings at the September Meeting on Monday Evening
…Assistant Superintendent Laron Pratt, of the Deaf Mute Sunday school, very beautifully rendered in sign language that glorious hymn, “Nearer, my God, to Thee,” artistically accompanied with words and vocal music by his daughter, Miss Maude Pratt….
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sept. 17, 1894, 7]
[Deseret News, Sept. 18, 1894]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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Territorial Tips
The deaf mute Sunday school, which is composed of such pupils of the school for the deaf at the Utah University as belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and which is under the supervision of Elders H.C. Barrell and Laron Pratt, has resumed its session at the Latter-day Saints’ College. All deaf mutes residing in this city are cordially invited to attend and become members.
[Tooele Transcript Bulletin, Nov. 16, 1894]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
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