Eugene E. Closson

"A Self-Made Man"

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The Story: Chapter 6 - Church Appointment (1927-1931)

[ Introduction ] Chapters: [ 1 - Growing Up (1894-1909) ] [ 2 - The Church (1899-1917) ] [ 3 - World War One (1917-1919) ] [ 4 - Attending Graceland (1920-1924) ] [ 5 - Courting Julia (1924-1927) ] [ 6 - Church Appointment (1927-1931) ] [ 7 - Graceland Faculty (1931-1959) ] [ 8 - The Coliseum (1931-1948) ] [ 9 - Retirement Years (1960–1974) ]

Sections: The Calling The Game Book More Education

Photo Links: Young Man

The Calling

In 1927, the Joint Council of the church asked Gene to accept General Church appointment (full time ministry) when he graduated from the University of Iowa in June. He received a B.A. degree in history and education. After much thought and prayer, he accepted the appointment. Gene was the superintendent of the Department of Recreation and Expression and had an office at Graceland. His office moved to Church Auditorium in Independence in 1930, so he and Judy moved. His duties included traveling the United States to visit church reunions, camps and branches. One summer, on a trip to California, he went to 6 reunions, 15 branches and traveled over 10,000 miles. He would talk with young people, lead games and recreational activities and help local youth leaders organize the departmental work in the branch.

The Game Book

During this time, Gene wrote a book called The Game Book. This book contains games and activities for the youth. It included the sort of activities that could be done in the church building itself if there were no other recreational facilities. The churches publishing house, Herald House, published the book in 1930. Gene wrote the following Preface to the book:

THE GAME BOOK

Preface

Workers in the field of recreation are coming to realize that play is not only educational, but that life itself is made richer and fuller to the individual who chooses to retain his youth by occasionally dismissing from his mind the cares and worries of the work-a-day world and engaging whole-heartedly in a season of pure fun. Games call for a quick response to stimuli, both on the mental and physical side; by tolerance, cooperation, and fair play, some of the finer elements of our social and spiritual natures are developed. Social recreation is also proving itself to be a productive agency in drawing people of different ages, classes, and interest into a closer bond of fellowship and brotherhood. For this reason the church sees in it the possibilities of developing a healthy group solidarity among our church people, of attracting friends and strangers to our group, and of reclaiming many who have drifted because of some slight misunderstanding.

It is not the game itself that matters so much as the attitude of the players who take part in the game. The church is interested in people; in men and women, in young people, in boys and girls who are facing the realities of life. The task of the church is to make these people better able to adjust themselves to the conditions of their environment, and to choose each day that type of conduct which constitutes the abundant life. Every agency that operates to this end should be fully utilized. Work, play devotion, all have their part in the well-rounded life of an individual; none is sufficient in itself, and none should be overemphasized to the detriment of the others.

The material contained in this book has been collected over a period of years, from many sources. Originality is claimed for very little of it. Yet, most of the games have been modified somewhat to meet the particular conditions under which the writer has had occasion to use them. It is hoped that in this material will be found an inherent freshness and vigor that will make it of value to those who use it as a basis for their recreational activities.

The editor wishes to express appreciation and thanks to all who have contributed in any way toward making this book of games possible.

E.E. Closson January, 1930

More Education

In 1929, Gene got a leave of absence from General Church appointment to go back to the University of Iowa to get his master’s degree. Since he was dealing with young people throughout the church, the church officials wanted him to major in Social Psychology. He received his degree in the summer of 1931, majoring in psychology and minoring in philosophy.

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Another Crazy Gus Creation