A DECADE OF THE BEST

In 1960 Elbert A. Smith, former presiding patriarch and longtime member of the first presidency, was memorialized by the establishment of a journalism award in his name. Writing had been his most appreciated talent. He had been a contributor and editor for the Saints' Herald for over a half century.

The Elbert A. Smith Memorial Award was to be given annually to the person "writing the Saints' Herald article judged best to reflect...the high standards of originality, insight, and constructive emphasis set by Elbert A. Smith." The first award was made in 1961 to Clair E. Weldon, a seventy serving at that time in Central and South America. His timely article, "Brazil—An Open Door," presented a view of the opening of new missions abroad, then in the midst of dynamic expansion. Since that date, ten additional awards have been given.

In most instances, the chosen articles have had a timeless quality—they will have value for years to come. It is for this reason that they have been collected into book form. The award-winning articles of the last decade (1961-1970) comprise the bulk of this volume.