Show 8 in Chapter II of this study the seminary program has been in operation since 1912 Since that time the program has expanded to over 125 seminaries with the main concentration of them being in the intermountain area of this program to Southern California al conferdid not come until 1950 During the ence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints The expansion semi-annu- held in Salt Lake City Utah April 1950 the eleven stake presidents from the Southern California region were invited to a meeting at the Department of Education office The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the possibility Elder Joseph of introducing seminary work in that area Dr FrankTwelve and of the Smith of the Quorum Fielding lin L West then Church Commissioner of Education dis- They went cussed the problem with the stake presidents on record as favoring the opening of seminary work in Southern California A committee composed of three stake presidents Howard Hunter Noble Waite and Hugh Smith asto and the to possibilities investigate appointed sist in the opening of the program Howard Hunter acted was as chairman In the same month April Ray L Jones then prin- Utah was contacted and at Logan the of seminary cipal invited to direct the seminary work in Southern California I |