Evan Call Family - 19330601

Historical Context

This letter, dated June 1, 1933, was written by Evan to his mother, Ethel Grace (Papworth) Call, as he was nearing the end of his mission. He is writing from 1940 Green Street, part of a historic district of Harrisburg, PA, located just blocks from the Susquehanna River.

Evan notes that missionaries are staying until late July for a special conference in Palmyra, New York, to witness "the raising of the monument on the Hill Cumorah."

In the early 1930s, the Church was actively purchasing land around Palmyra and planning a massive monument topped with a statue of the Angel Moroni. Though the monument itself was officially dedicated in 1935, Evan's letter indicates that major structural work, landscaping, or preliminary monument steps were happening in the summer of 1933, serving as a massive draw for regional church members and missionaries.

Evan mentions that the "World Fair... begins on the 1st of this month, (that is today)". The Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago officially opened to the public on May 27, 1933, and celebrated its grand opening festivities right around the turn of June. It was an incredibly popular marvel of science and consumerism, offering a rare beacon of hope and technological optimism during the darkest years of the Depression.

Harrisburg, Pa.,
1940 Green St.,
June 1, 1933.

Dear Mother:

And now it is your turn to receive a letter! I am afraid you think I have passed it up a good many times or had--possibly forgotten? But not so---I have thought of you many times during the past month and how good it is going to be to see you again, "in person". It is rather hard to believe--the fact that my mission in the east is to be terminated, but it must be soon as I could'nt hope to remain here indefinitely. I guess it seams almost that to you already, does it not? I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father that I have been privileged to remain here over two years in this work, and will always feel obliged to you and other good people at home who have assisted me in my labors with your faith and prayers as well as material assistance. I am very thankful to you.

Serving the Lord is made up of little sacrifices. In a true sense it could not be called just this, as it is our blessing, but in view of the things we would often rather do we could rightly term

it thus. By this sacrifice we learn to love. Love simply cannot exist where there is no sacrifice or service. Probably this is the cause of a mother's great love, which can hardly be equaled--the sacrifice she has to make for her children. The Lord told Mother Eve: "In thy sorrow shalt though bring forth children". He knew without this sacrifice and sorrow that thing called a 'mother's love' would not and could not exist, and in His infinite wisdom ordained it thus. This is true,is it not? The same applies in our love of God; we can never know or show him the love due Him without sacrifice and service. The reason people do not love their neighbors more is because they do not serve them. Love and service are synonyms in this sense.

All that the Lord expects of his children is their "reasonable service" and surely that is not asking for too much taking in account the many ways He has served us, even dieing on the cross that we might have eternal life, Salvation, a free gift to all who make themselves eligible to receive it. We are informed in the Book of Mormon, that "even though we labor all our days serving the Lord we would yet be unprofitable servants". This is something

for everyone to think about.

(Speaking to you and Dad) To change the subject--Are you going to plan to drive to Salt Lake City at the time I come home? I would like to see you do it if you can and am sure that you would be pleased to do so if you can get away from your work for a week. You both need that much of a rest anyway. We could go through the temple together which I would very much like to do and am looking forward to.

I do not see how I am going to get there until about the first of August unless I request President Moyle to release me before the Conference at Palmyra on the 24th of July. There is going to be a number of elders and lady missionaries released at that time and I would be certain of having company to come home with. I am certain that few missionaries will be released between now and that conference as they will make every possible effort to stay for the raising of the monument on the Hill Cumorah and other special services at that time.

On my trip home I would like to remain in Chicago for a day or two as the World Fair will be in good progress by that date. It begins on the 1st of this month, (that is today)

I am told that one could spend a couple of weeks in Chicago at this World's Exposition and not see a part of the things shown. It must be be a big affair. I am fortunate to be released during the time this Fair is being held. Wish you had the means I would suggest that you meet me in Chicago. Would'nt that be big business?

I have thought considerable about what I will do when I get home, but have come to no conclusion. Probably you may have a suggestion? I should go to school. I have deveolped appreciation for education since coming east and can see it's many benefits. After all "a man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge". There are many ways of aquiring knowledge, but the surest one is to go to school, otherwise we often do not take the time to get it by other means.

I will close by sending my love and best wishes to you all,

Sincerely,

Evan

P.S. Am enclosing a letter to Thelma

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