1915-01-26-New York Tribune-Women in pet as men heed fair Mormon aids

Women In Pet As Men Heed Fair Mormon Aids

Daughters of Utah Invade Ridgewood Section of Brooklyn Seeking Converts—Door to Door Campaign Causes Woe Among Wives of Residents.

New York Tribune, 26 January 1915, page 5

Fascinating disciples of Utah's prophet have dismayed the Ridgewood section of Brooklyn by their activities in the Mormon cause. At least, the women residents are dismauyed and even horrified. If the emotions extend to the male inhabitants they conceal their feelings successfully. Which, of course, adds to the dismay and horror.

From door to door the engaging missionaries ply their trade. If the man or a man of the house answers their ring, there is sure to be a cosey chat, in the course of which the advantages of the Mormon religion are set forth.

Miss Gertrude Phelps and Miss Edna Crowther are the Mormon scouts. Miss Phelps lives in Salt Lake City and Miss Crowther in Mesa, Ariz. It will be eighteen months before they see home again. For that length of time they will be engaged in the preliminary work of converting New York. Of course, if they finish their work before the time limit expires they will probably get permission to return.

Their presence in this city is said to be a part of the Mormon activity that has developed here since the outbreak of hostilities in Europe necessitated the recall of many Mormon missionaries. Once they have established a welcome in a household they make several calls, each time instilling a few attractive Mormon doctrines. When they believe that the time is ripe they turn the household over to an elder of the church. He takes up the work where the young women left it and endeavors to make the conversion complete.