A. Hamer Reiser
Born: 31 August 1897
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1943
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1949
Released: 1952
Died: 25 April 1981
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1943
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1949
Released: 1952
Died: 25 April 1981
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Instructor, April 1937, May Anderson and A. Hamer Reiser
Instructor, January 1939, Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, May 1942, Family of Brother and Sister Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, April 1943, Albert Hamer Reiser - Second Assistant General Superintendent
Instructor, July 1949, A. Hamer Reiser
Instructor, January 1950, Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, February 1962, Meet Your Reappointed Board Member - Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, April 1937, May Anderson and A. Hamer Reiser
Instructor, January 1939, Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, May 1942, Family of Brother and Sister Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, April 1943, Albert Hamer Reiser - Second Assistant General Superintendent
Instructor, July 1949, A. Hamer Reiser
Instructor, January 1950, Albert Hamer Reiser
Instructor, February 1962, Meet Your Reappointed Board Member - Albert Hamer Reiser
Jenson, Andrew. "Reiser, Albert Hamer." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 221-222.
REISER, Albert Hamer, general secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, was born Aug. 31, 1897, a son of Albert S. Reiser and Nellie Hamer. He was baptized Aug. 31, 1905, by Alexander Burt, was ordained an Elder on April 21, 1931, a Seventy by J. Golden Kimball, and a High Priest May 24, 1936. He was educated in the public schools of Salt Lake City and at the L. D. S. High School and Business College. He graduated from the high school in 1916, and the same year was awarded a certificate of graduation in shorthand from the Business College. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's Degree in 1919 and acted as assistant registrar in that institution in 1919-1920. He served as part time instructor in English, economics and commercial law in the L. D. S. College for three years, studied law at the University of Utah and was admitted to the bar Oct. 20, 1926.
On June 1, 1922, he was appointed business manager of the "Juvenile Instructor" (now called "The Instructor"), and on Nov. 1, 1927, of the "Sunday School Lessons." On June 9. 1920, in the Salt Lake Temple, he married Elizabeth Baxter (daughter of Samuel E. Baxter and Lotta Paul), born Feb. 2, 1897, in Salt Lake City. Seven children have been born from this marriage, namely, Albert Hamer, Elizabeth Lucille, David Emerson, Marilyn Jeanne, Barbara Anne, Richard Evans, and Elaine Marie. Continuing his duties as general secretary. Elder Reiser became a member of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union Sept. 30, 1924, which position he still holds.
REISER, Albert Hamer, general secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, was born Aug. 31, 1897, a son of Albert S. Reiser and Nellie Hamer. He was baptized Aug. 31, 1905, by Alexander Burt, was ordained an Elder on April 21, 1931, a Seventy by J. Golden Kimball, and a High Priest May 24, 1936. He was educated in the public schools of Salt Lake City and at the L. D. S. High School and Business College. He graduated from the high school in 1916, and the same year was awarded a certificate of graduation in shorthand from the Business College. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's Degree in 1919 and acted as assistant registrar in that institution in 1919-1920. He served as part time instructor in English, economics and commercial law in the L. D. S. College for three years, studied law at the University of Utah and was admitted to the bar Oct. 20, 1926.
On June 1, 1922, he was appointed business manager of the "Juvenile Instructor" (now called "The Instructor"), and on Nov. 1, 1927, of the "Sunday School Lessons." On June 9. 1920, in the Salt Lake Temple, he married Elizabeth Baxter (daughter of Samuel E. Baxter and Lotta Paul), born Feb. 2, 1897, in Salt Lake City. Seven children have been born from this marriage, namely, Albert Hamer, Elizabeth Lucille, David Emerson, Marilyn Jeanne, Barbara Anne, Richard Evans, and Elaine Marie. Continuing his duties as general secretary. Elder Reiser became a member of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union Sept. 30, 1924, which position he still holds.
"May Anderson and A. Hamer Reiser." Instructor. April 1937. pg. 159.
Miss May Anderson, Superintendent L. D. S. Primary Association and A. Harder Reiser, General Secretary Deseret Sunday School Union, Eating Poi in Honolulu.
Miss May Anderson, Superintendent L. D. S. Primary Association and A. Harder Reiser, General Secretary Deseret Sunday School Union, Eating Poi in Honolulu.
Pyper, George D. "Albert Hamer Reiser." Instructor. January 1939. pg. 7.
ALBERT HAMER REISER
General Secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union
By George D. Pyper
Our cover picture this month is that of our genial, efficient, and much beloved secretary, Albert Hamer Reiser, It is used without his knowledge or consent, and the writer will have to make peace with him in an endeavor to overcome his native modesty, a quality with which he is abundantly supplied.
Born August 31, 1897, in Salt Lake City, Utah, of parents who were faithful Latter-day Saints all their lives. Brother Reiser's boyhood and youth were spent in a religious atmosphere in which he absorbed the fundamental principles of the restored Gospel. He was, in fact, a good student in all the avenues of learning.
He was graduated successively from the Salt Lake City public schools, the Latter-day Saints Business College, and the University of Utah. He is an expert book-keeper and stenographer. In addition to the theory, which he acquired in school, he has had ample practice in these arts at the University of Utah, where he was assistant registrar for one year and in the office of the Sunday School. He is a full-fledged lawyer, having been admitted to the Utah bar after having studied law at the local university. He has also had expert tutorship in visual education at the Brigham Young University.
In 1920 he and Elizabeth Baxter were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They have eight children, viz.: Albert Hamer, Elizabeth Lucille, David Emerson, Marilyn Jean, Barbara Anne, Richard Evans, Elaine Marie, and Carolyn Robina. Their home is a model for any Latter-day Saint family to follow.
Brother Reiser came up through all the grades of the Priesthood and is now a High Priest. He was appointed General Secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union January, 1921, and in the Fall of 1923 sustained a member of the General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union, serving also as General Secretary.
These eighteen years of constant service, devoted exclusively to the Sunday School cause have given Brother Reiser a knowledge of the work involved which perhaps no one else possesses. His cheerful disposition, his natural aptitude for details, and his long experience have made this possible.
The General Superintendency wishes him a long life of service in the Sunday Schools, and in this we feel sure all our workers everywhere join us.
ALBERT HAMER REISER
General Secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union
By George D. Pyper
Our cover picture this month is that of our genial, efficient, and much beloved secretary, Albert Hamer Reiser, It is used without his knowledge or consent, and the writer will have to make peace with him in an endeavor to overcome his native modesty, a quality with which he is abundantly supplied.
Born August 31, 1897, in Salt Lake City, Utah, of parents who were faithful Latter-day Saints all their lives. Brother Reiser's boyhood and youth were spent in a religious atmosphere in which he absorbed the fundamental principles of the restored Gospel. He was, in fact, a good student in all the avenues of learning.
He was graduated successively from the Salt Lake City public schools, the Latter-day Saints Business College, and the University of Utah. He is an expert book-keeper and stenographer. In addition to the theory, which he acquired in school, he has had ample practice in these arts at the University of Utah, where he was assistant registrar for one year and in the office of the Sunday School. He is a full-fledged lawyer, having been admitted to the Utah bar after having studied law at the local university. He has also had expert tutorship in visual education at the Brigham Young University.
In 1920 he and Elizabeth Baxter were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They have eight children, viz.: Albert Hamer, Elizabeth Lucille, David Emerson, Marilyn Jean, Barbara Anne, Richard Evans, Elaine Marie, and Carolyn Robina. Their home is a model for any Latter-day Saint family to follow.
Brother Reiser came up through all the grades of the Priesthood and is now a High Priest. He was appointed General Secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union January, 1921, and in the Fall of 1923 sustained a member of the General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union, serving also as General Secretary.
These eighteen years of constant service, devoted exclusively to the Sunday School cause have given Brother Reiser a knowledge of the work involved which perhaps no one else possesses. His cheerful disposition, his natural aptitude for details, and his long experience have made this possible.
The General Superintendency wishes him a long life of service in the Sunday Schools, and in this we feel sure all our workers everywhere join us.
"The Family of Albert Reiser and Elizabeth (Baxter) Reiser." Instructor. May 1942. pg. 247.
THE FAMILY OF ALBERT HAMER AND ELIZABETH (BAXTER) REISER
(Our Cover Picture)
On this month's cover of The Instructor is a picture of Brother and Sister Albert Hamer Reiser and their family of eight children. They are: front row, Elaine, Carolyn, and Sister Reiser; second row, Elizabeth, Richard, and Barbara; back row, Marilyn, David, Albert Hamer, Junior, and Brother Reiser.
From any angle you wish to view it, the family is a rare one.
First, it is a sizable group. As many spirits have come to rest in this home as, possibly, were intended. No triangle, no quadrangle, here, no race-suicide! In this respect, therefore, it is model, an old fashioned Mormon home.
Second, it is thoroughly modern. The parents are college graduates, and the father is entitled to practice at the bar. Two of the children—"Junior" and "Betty"—are in the University of Utah; David is in high school, Marilyn in junior, high school; and Barbara, Richard, and Elaine are in the grammar grades. Carolyn is only four.
Third, religiously it is all that one could wish. They all attend Sunday School. "Junior" is a priest, and David a teacher. David and his father are companion block teachers in the Bryan Ward. Sister Reiser is instructor of a class in the Relief Society.
Fourth, the Reisers are ultra-modern, in that they have no child-problems and, from present indications, are not likely to have. Thus far, no wild oats! No running off on adolescent tangents! Only self-control, self-restraint, in all.
What more could one ask?
The main reason for all this lies in Elizabeth (Baxter) Reiser, the ideal mother. That should go without saying. But Sister Reiser is a mother in a special sense.
She is devoted to her family—as what good mother is not? But Sister Reiser has a special talent in this respect. Not only is she kindly, considerate, orderly, affectionate, but she has never been known to lose her temper! (That deserves an exclamation point.) And she is ingenious. To her resourceful mind is due the first suggestions for the large supply of amusement tools in the Reiser home and yard—bicycles, balls, game apparatus, what not.
Besides, Sister Reiser is the Neighborhood Mother, also. One finds many children in the Reiser back yard that are not members of the family. And they are always welcome, too. They use the apparatus as freely as if they belonged. A low bicycle, bought originally for six-year-old "Junior," has been the means by which all the boys in the neighborhood have learned to ride. (Included in this vast mother-complex of Sister Reiser's are scores of persons, old and young, who are "odd" or needy or lonesome. And hereby hangs many a tale!)
If it be true, as it surely is, that all human happiness turns upon one's relationship to some other personality than ourself, what stabilizing and abiding joy must come to the Reisers in their home and neighborhood life!
And largely because of a Mother!
THE FAMILY OF ALBERT HAMER AND ELIZABETH (BAXTER) REISER
(Our Cover Picture)
On this month's cover of The Instructor is a picture of Brother and Sister Albert Hamer Reiser and their family of eight children. They are: front row, Elaine, Carolyn, and Sister Reiser; second row, Elizabeth, Richard, and Barbara; back row, Marilyn, David, Albert Hamer, Junior, and Brother Reiser.
From any angle you wish to view it, the family is a rare one.
First, it is a sizable group. As many spirits have come to rest in this home as, possibly, were intended. No triangle, no quadrangle, here, no race-suicide! In this respect, therefore, it is model, an old fashioned Mormon home.
Second, it is thoroughly modern. The parents are college graduates, and the father is entitled to practice at the bar. Two of the children—"Junior" and "Betty"—are in the University of Utah; David is in high school, Marilyn in junior, high school; and Barbara, Richard, and Elaine are in the grammar grades. Carolyn is only four.
Third, religiously it is all that one could wish. They all attend Sunday School. "Junior" is a priest, and David a teacher. David and his father are companion block teachers in the Bryan Ward. Sister Reiser is instructor of a class in the Relief Society.
Fourth, the Reisers are ultra-modern, in that they have no child-problems and, from present indications, are not likely to have. Thus far, no wild oats! No running off on adolescent tangents! Only self-control, self-restraint, in all.
What more could one ask?
The main reason for all this lies in Elizabeth (Baxter) Reiser, the ideal mother. That should go without saying. But Sister Reiser is a mother in a special sense.
She is devoted to her family—as what good mother is not? But Sister Reiser has a special talent in this respect. Not only is she kindly, considerate, orderly, affectionate, but she has never been known to lose her temper! (That deserves an exclamation point.) And she is ingenious. To her resourceful mind is due the first suggestions for the large supply of amusement tools in the Reiser home and yard—bicycles, balls, game apparatus, what not.
Besides, Sister Reiser is the Neighborhood Mother, also. One finds many children in the Reiser back yard that are not members of the family. And they are always welcome, too. They use the apparatus as freely as if they belonged. A low bicycle, bought originally for six-year-old "Junior," has been the means by which all the boys in the neighborhood have learned to ride. (Included in this vast mother-complex of Sister Reiser's are scores of persons, old and young, who are "odd" or needy or lonesome. And hereby hangs many a tale!)
If it be true, as it surely is, that all human happiness turns upon one's relationship to some other personality than ourself, what stabilizing and abiding joy must come to the Reisers in their home and neighborhood life!
And largely because of a Mother!
"Albert Hamer Reiser - Second Assistant General Superintendent." Instructor. April 1943. pg. 179.
ALBERT HAMER REISER
Second Assistant General Superintendent
The name of Brother Reiser went on the list of General Board members in November, 1924, although he had been General Secretary since March, 1921, succeeding Lawrence W. Richards; and he had been a worker in the Sunday School office before that.
In addition to passing through all the grades of the Sunday School, Superintendent Reiser has taught in every department, excepting only the Primary. At a time when he was married, but before he was a father, he taught what was then known as the Parents' Department.
Then he came into the Sunday School office.
At first he did stenographic work, after that, as already noted, he became General Secretary, subsequently a member of the General Board, and finally Executive Secretary and manager of The Instructor.
When he was appointed manager of the Deseret Book Co., of which the Sunday School is part owner, he retained his membership of the General Board. He is one of the regents of the University of Utah.
Brother Reiser is both a detail man and what may be called a general man. He can see both the trees and the forest, both the houses and the town, as Yankee Doodle was unable to do, according to the legend. It would be hard to name another man who has the same firm grasp on the intimate details of Sunday School work. But he does not forget or omit to consider, the relation between these details, to gather from their drift a general meaning.
ALBERT HAMER REISER
Second Assistant General Superintendent
The name of Brother Reiser went on the list of General Board members in November, 1924, although he had been General Secretary since March, 1921, succeeding Lawrence W. Richards; and he had been a worker in the Sunday School office before that.
In addition to passing through all the grades of the Sunday School, Superintendent Reiser has taught in every department, excepting only the Primary. At a time when he was married, but before he was a father, he taught what was then known as the Parents' Department.
Then he came into the Sunday School office.
At first he did stenographic work, after that, as already noted, he became General Secretary, subsequently a member of the General Board, and finally Executive Secretary and manager of The Instructor.
When he was appointed manager of the Deseret Book Co., of which the Sunday School is part owner, he retained his membership of the General Board. He is one of the regents of the University of Utah.
Brother Reiser is both a detail man and what may be called a general man. He can see both the trees and the forest, both the houses and the town, as Yankee Doodle was unable to do, according to the legend. It would be hard to name another man who has the same firm grasp on the intimate details of Sunday School work. But he does not forget or omit to consider, the relation between these details, to gather from their drift a general meaning.
Bennett, Wallace F. "A. Hamer Reiser." Instructor. July 1949. pg. 316-317.
A. Hamer Reiser
Wallace F. Bennett
To understand his interest in children is easy, because service to young people has been the keynote of the life of A. Hamer Reiser, second assistant general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board.
Even as a boy, his chief concern was children—his own brothers and sisters. He was the oldest son of the 8 children of Albert Reiser and Nancy Ellen (Nellie) Hamer Reiser; and after his father's death, in 1911, when young Hamer was thirteen years of age, he became the man of the family. I am sure his patient love for children and his profound understanding of their problems grew out of this experience when he had to mix his own childhood with responsibilities that usually come later in life.
To be a widow's son is often an advantage—if one can grow under responsibility—and Hamer could.
I met him first at high school, where he found time, with all his burdens, to get his first taste of business management, on the old L.D.S. High School monthly magazine, "The Gold and Blue." There he demonstrated those qualities of dependable leadership that attracted the support of the youngsters of his own age. There our own friendship began, with a strength that has carried through the years. There Hamer mastered the shorthand which did much to direct the course of his whole life, and which is still the envy of his contemporaries.
At the University of Utah, from which he graduated in 1919 with a bachelor's degree in English, he paid his expenses with his pencil—as a' secretary and assistant in the registrar's office, again giving service to young people. During his years there, he met and helped hundreds.
After graduation, he went on into the study of law, expecting to practice that profession as his life's work. But he had married Elizabeth Baxter in 1920, and children were again to become extremely important in his life. Through the years, there have been eight of them (Albert Hamer, Jr.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Mitchell W. Hunt, Jr.; David; Marilyn; Barbara; Richard; Elaine; and Carolyn), and in no family have children been more welcome or more loved. And, as one could expect, never have I met children who have honored their parents more, in their love and by the credit they reflect in their lives.
In 1921, the office of secretary of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union became vacant, and, remembering Hamex's proficiency as a secretary and accountant, I had the privilege of suggesting him for the position to my father, John F. Bennett, who was then general treasurer. Hamer accepted and moved into the Sunday School office on what he thought was a temporary basis. He continued with his study of law and was admitted to the bar in Utah in 1926; but, again, he was right where he belonged, in the service of children. This time his field of service included the hundreds of thousands in all the church, and he is still serving them. During the twenty-one years he was our general secretary, he wrote many lesson texts, helped to develop many important Sunday School features, and travelled to most of the stakes and many of the missions. One of the high lights of his travel experiences was a trip to the Hawaiian Islands in 1937.
In 1942, he gave up his position as general secretary of the Sunday School to become manager of the Deseret Book Co., but he continued his service as a board member. In 1943, when Brother Milton Bennion became general superintendent, he chose Brother Reiser as his second assistant, thus bringing into an even larger sphere of opportunity his great experience gained in his nearly thirty years of service to the children of the Church.
Brother and Sister Reiser can look forward to many more years of child-centered activity, with two grandchildren as a beginning. In a way, these are a reward for all the years of service to children, because now the Reisers can hope for some of the joys without all the responsibilities. Their interest in youth has kept them young, and we who love them know that interest will never diminish, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."
A. Hamer Reiser
Wallace F. Bennett
To understand his interest in children is easy, because service to young people has been the keynote of the life of A. Hamer Reiser, second assistant general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board.
Even as a boy, his chief concern was children—his own brothers and sisters. He was the oldest son of the 8 children of Albert Reiser and Nancy Ellen (Nellie) Hamer Reiser; and after his father's death, in 1911, when young Hamer was thirteen years of age, he became the man of the family. I am sure his patient love for children and his profound understanding of their problems grew out of this experience when he had to mix his own childhood with responsibilities that usually come later in life.
To be a widow's son is often an advantage—if one can grow under responsibility—and Hamer could.
I met him first at high school, where he found time, with all his burdens, to get his first taste of business management, on the old L.D.S. High School monthly magazine, "The Gold and Blue." There he demonstrated those qualities of dependable leadership that attracted the support of the youngsters of his own age. There our own friendship began, with a strength that has carried through the years. There Hamer mastered the shorthand which did much to direct the course of his whole life, and which is still the envy of his contemporaries.
At the University of Utah, from which he graduated in 1919 with a bachelor's degree in English, he paid his expenses with his pencil—as a' secretary and assistant in the registrar's office, again giving service to young people. During his years there, he met and helped hundreds.
After graduation, he went on into the study of law, expecting to practice that profession as his life's work. But he had married Elizabeth Baxter in 1920, and children were again to become extremely important in his life. Through the years, there have been eight of them (Albert Hamer, Jr.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Mitchell W. Hunt, Jr.; David; Marilyn; Barbara; Richard; Elaine; and Carolyn), and in no family have children been more welcome or more loved. And, as one could expect, never have I met children who have honored their parents more, in their love and by the credit they reflect in their lives.
In 1921, the office of secretary of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union became vacant, and, remembering Hamex's proficiency as a secretary and accountant, I had the privilege of suggesting him for the position to my father, John F. Bennett, who was then general treasurer. Hamer accepted and moved into the Sunday School office on what he thought was a temporary basis. He continued with his study of law and was admitted to the bar in Utah in 1926; but, again, he was right where he belonged, in the service of children. This time his field of service included the hundreds of thousands in all the church, and he is still serving them. During the twenty-one years he was our general secretary, he wrote many lesson texts, helped to develop many important Sunday School features, and travelled to most of the stakes and many of the missions. One of the high lights of his travel experiences was a trip to the Hawaiian Islands in 1937.
In 1942, he gave up his position as general secretary of the Sunday School to become manager of the Deseret Book Co., but he continued his service as a board member. In 1943, when Brother Milton Bennion became general superintendent, he chose Brother Reiser as his second assistant, thus bringing into an even larger sphere of opportunity his great experience gained in his nearly thirty years of service to the children of the Church.
Brother and Sister Reiser can look forward to many more years of child-centered activity, with two grandchildren as a beginning. In a way, these are a reward for all the years of service to children, because now the Reisers can hope for some of the joys without all the responsibilities. Their interest in youth has kept them young, and we who love them know that interest will never diminish, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Hill, George R. "Albert Hamer Reiser." Instructor. January 1950. pg. 3, 18.
Albert Hamer Reiser
George R. Hill
“THE law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Psalms 19:7.)
Our beloved and worthy first assistant general superintendent also occupies other positions of eminence and responsibility, because throughout his life he has striven to live "the law of the Lord" and has sought and followed the counsel of righteous men and women.
A short sketch of his life and his devoted service to the Deseret Sunday School Union was given in the July, 1949, issue of The Instructor, page 316.
Hamer Reiser has been manager of the Deseret Book Company since 1942, during which time he has moulded that institution into a service organization for the Church, of no mean significance. In 1942 he was appointed a member of The Book Publishing and Manufacturing Advisory Committee for the War Production Board. He is a director and vice-president of United Visuals, Inc. and of Visual Research Corporation, two national organizations for the promotion of audio-visual education. In August, 1949, he received a ten-year service citation from Encyclopedia Britannica Films, Inc., for his service to them in film production.
Equally outstanding has been his service to the Church in this field. He did much of this spade work as a member of "The Message of the Ages" Pageant Committee in the presentation of that pageant in the tabernacle in 1930 and again in 1947. He was secretary of the Utah Centennial Committee. He is listed in "Who's Who in Commerce and Industry." He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Salt Lake Council of Boy Scouts of America and of numerous other civic, educational, and religious organizations.
How could any boy left at thirteen years of age as the eldest son of a widowed mother with eight children attain eminence? Hamer Reiser did it by emulating strong and good men and women.
As a small boy, Hamer was terrified by thunder storms. He tells how, when returning home from their farm in Granger in an open wagon with his father, whom he idolized, a thunderstorm of unusual violence struck them. Rain fell in torrents and lightning flashes and thunder followed in rapid succession, causing the terrified boy to cringe at each thunder clap. The danger-defying father sat serenely on the wagon seat and sang a favorite missionary song, "O Babylon, O Babylon." Oh, the majesty of calmness 1 Hamer never forgot the experience and he soon conquered fear. From his father, who made a pal of his boy, even taking him on visits to Sunday Schools of Liberty and Pioneer Stakes while he was a stake board member, Hamer learned lessons in integrity, loyalty, faithfulness in the performance of duty, and observance of the Sabbath day. Hamer's only punishment from his father was a reproving look of sorrow that cut more deeply than a lash.
He learned frugality, honesty, self-reliance, the dignity of work, and dogged perseverance from a widowed mother who somehow managed to feed, clothe, educate, and train her family in living "the law of the Lord" and at the same time pay off the family debts.
From his teen-age girl friend, Beth Baxter, whom he later married, he learned gentleness, courtesy, the joy of sharing, and the love of children that have characterized all of his later life. The quality of the eight children, three boys and five girls, in the Reiser family declares more eloquently than all of the honors he has received, the greatness of the Reiser home and home life which Hamer and Beth have built together.
"Every man I meet is my master in some point, and in that I learn of him."—Emerson
From his youth up, Hamer has had the intimate guidance of stalwarts who were drawn to this fatherless boy. Bishop Joseph Christensen fathered him through "the dangerous years" and married him and his Beth Baxter for "time and all eternity." Among others of a score he mentions are the following: Lotta Paul Baxter, his mother-in-law; Wallace F. Bennett, his pal from boyhood; John F. Bennett; Heber J. Grant; George D. Pyper, with whom he spent more time—hours, days, years—than with his own father; and David O. McKay. Typical of the uplift these great and good men have had is the following:
In 1913 Hamer won second prize of $30 in the "City Boy's Thrift Contest" sponsored by the general board of the M.I.A. He says, "When the winners appeared before the general board, Heber J. Grant, then an apostle, who had raised the prize money, told us that one of the reasons we had won was that we had all paid a full tithing.
"President Grant was very generous to us. He gave us each a copy of 'Heart Throbs.' I wrote him a letter thanking him. He answered and asked me to come to his office again. Imagine what this did to a teen-age boy—to be invited to an apostle's office. From that day to the time of his death, President Grant was always very kind, thoughtful, considerate, and good to me."
Hamer Reiser's thorough knowledge and testimony of the gospel, his great love of people and particularly of children, his abounding faith in youth, his wide and varied experience in business and Church affairs, his intimate and detailed knowledge of the Sunday School, his humility, and his great wisdom have fitted him admirably for his calling as first assistant general Sunday School superintendent.
Albert Hamer Reiser
George R. Hill
“THE law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Psalms 19:7.)
Our beloved and worthy first assistant general superintendent also occupies other positions of eminence and responsibility, because throughout his life he has striven to live "the law of the Lord" and has sought and followed the counsel of righteous men and women.
A short sketch of his life and his devoted service to the Deseret Sunday School Union was given in the July, 1949, issue of The Instructor, page 316.
Hamer Reiser has been manager of the Deseret Book Company since 1942, during which time he has moulded that institution into a service organization for the Church, of no mean significance. In 1942 he was appointed a member of The Book Publishing and Manufacturing Advisory Committee for the War Production Board. He is a director and vice-president of United Visuals, Inc. and of Visual Research Corporation, two national organizations for the promotion of audio-visual education. In August, 1949, he received a ten-year service citation from Encyclopedia Britannica Films, Inc., for his service to them in film production.
Equally outstanding has been his service to the Church in this field. He did much of this spade work as a member of "The Message of the Ages" Pageant Committee in the presentation of that pageant in the tabernacle in 1930 and again in 1947. He was secretary of the Utah Centennial Committee. He is listed in "Who's Who in Commerce and Industry." He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Salt Lake Council of Boy Scouts of America and of numerous other civic, educational, and religious organizations.
How could any boy left at thirteen years of age as the eldest son of a widowed mother with eight children attain eminence? Hamer Reiser did it by emulating strong and good men and women.
As a small boy, Hamer was terrified by thunder storms. He tells how, when returning home from their farm in Granger in an open wagon with his father, whom he idolized, a thunderstorm of unusual violence struck them. Rain fell in torrents and lightning flashes and thunder followed in rapid succession, causing the terrified boy to cringe at each thunder clap. The danger-defying father sat serenely on the wagon seat and sang a favorite missionary song, "O Babylon, O Babylon." Oh, the majesty of calmness 1 Hamer never forgot the experience and he soon conquered fear. From his father, who made a pal of his boy, even taking him on visits to Sunday Schools of Liberty and Pioneer Stakes while he was a stake board member, Hamer learned lessons in integrity, loyalty, faithfulness in the performance of duty, and observance of the Sabbath day. Hamer's only punishment from his father was a reproving look of sorrow that cut more deeply than a lash.
He learned frugality, honesty, self-reliance, the dignity of work, and dogged perseverance from a widowed mother who somehow managed to feed, clothe, educate, and train her family in living "the law of the Lord" and at the same time pay off the family debts.
From his teen-age girl friend, Beth Baxter, whom he later married, he learned gentleness, courtesy, the joy of sharing, and the love of children that have characterized all of his later life. The quality of the eight children, three boys and five girls, in the Reiser family declares more eloquently than all of the honors he has received, the greatness of the Reiser home and home life which Hamer and Beth have built together.
"Every man I meet is my master in some point, and in that I learn of him."—Emerson
From his youth up, Hamer has had the intimate guidance of stalwarts who were drawn to this fatherless boy. Bishop Joseph Christensen fathered him through "the dangerous years" and married him and his Beth Baxter for "time and all eternity." Among others of a score he mentions are the following: Lotta Paul Baxter, his mother-in-law; Wallace F. Bennett, his pal from boyhood; John F. Bennett; Heber J. Grant; George D. Pyper, with whom he spent more time—hours, days, years—than with his own father; and David O. McKay. Typical of the uplift these great and good men have had is the following:
In 1913 Hamer won second prize of $30 in the "City Boy's Thrift Contest" sponsored by the general board of the M.I.A. He says, "When the winners appeared before the general board, Heber J. Grant, then an apostle, who had raised the prize money, told us that one of the reasons we had won was that we had all paid a full tithing.
"President Grant was very generous to us. He gave us each a copy of 'Heart Throbs.' I wrote him a letter thanking him. He answered and asked me to come to his office again. Imagine what this did to a teen-age boy—to be invited to an apostle's office. From that day to the time of his death, President Grant was always very kind, thoughtful, considerate, and good to me."
Hamer Reiser's thorough knowledge and testimony of the gospel, his great love of people and particularly of children, his abounding faith in youth, his wide and varied experience in business and Church affairs, his intimate and detailed knowledge of the Sunday School, his humility, and his great wisdom have fitted him admirably for his calling as first assistant general Sunday School superintendent.
Hill, George R. "Meet Your Reappointed Board Member - Albert Hamer Reiser." Instructor. February 1962. pg. 68.
Meet Your Reappointed Board Member
ALBERT HAMER REISER
The Sunday School General Board was very happy to receive permission from the First Presidency to invite Albert Hamer Reiser, who had previously been secretary and a member of the board since 1921, to membership again.
He was released from the board when he was made president of the Sugar House Stake, after his release from the presidency of the British Mission in 1955.
What a tower of strength Brother Reiser has been to the Sunday School throughout all these years!
At his father's death in 1911, Hamer, eldest of eight children, a lad of only 13 years, became the chief support of the family. He was devoted to his younger brothers and sisters.
At the LDS High School he became very proficient in writing shorthand. He was graduated from the University of Utah in 1919 with a major in English. He then enrolled in the law school and was admitted to the bar in 1926.
He and Elizabeth Baxter were married in 1920. They have eight children — three boys and five girls.
In 1921, in the middle of his law course, he was employed, as secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union. How great was his devotion to the needs of the youth of the Church!
In 1942 he was made manager of the Deseret Book Company.
When General Superintendent George D. Pyper died in 1943, the new General Superintendent Milton Bennion chose George R. Hill as First, and A. Hamer Reiser as Second Assistant General Superintendent of the Sunday School.
Superintendent Bennion was released Sept. 19, 1949, and George Richard Hill was made General Superintendent, with A. Hamer Reiser as First Assistant and David Lawrence McKay as Second Assistant.
In 1951 Brother Reiser resigned as manager of Deseret Book Company and moved to Buhl, Idaho, to engage in the automobile business. He came to Salt Lake City faithfully to care for his Sunday School work until he was called in 1952 to preside over the British Mission. He was given leave of absence from the General Board and was welcomed back in 1955, when he was released from that position.
Shortly thereafter he was called to be president of Sugar House Stake, which necessitated his release from the General Board. He was released from the presidency of Sugar House Stake to go to London to organize the Deseret Enterprises Ltd. At the conclusion of this assignment, Nov. 1, 1961, the First Presidency granted the Deseret Sunday School Union the privilege of inviting him back to membership on the General Board.
—General Superintendent George R. Hill.
Meet Your Reappointed Board Member
ALBERT HAMER REISER
The Sunday School General Board was very happy to receive permission from the First Presidency to invite Albert Hamer Reiser, who had previously been secretary and a member of the board since 1921, to membership again.
He was released from the board when he was made president of the Sugar House Stake, after his release from the presidency of the British Mission in 1955.
What a tower of strength Brother Reiser has been to the Sunday School throughout all these years!
At his father's death in 1911, Hamer, eldest of eight children, a lad of only 13 years, became the chief support of the family. He was devoted to his younger brothers and sisters.
At the LDS High School he became very proficient in writing shorthand. He was graduated from the University of Utah in 1919 with a major in English. He then enrolled in the law school and was admitted to the bar in 1926.
He and Elizabeth Baxter were married in 1920. They have eight children — three boys and five girls.
In 1921, in the middle of his law course, he was employed, as secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union. How great was his devotion to the needs of the youth of the Church!
In 1942 he was made manager of the Deseret Book Company.
When General Superintendent George D. Pyper died in 1943, the new General Superintendent Milton Bennion chose George R. Hill as First, and A. Hamer Reiser as Second Assistant General Superintendent of the Sunday School.
Superintendent Bennion was released Sept. 19, 1949, and George Richard Hill was made General Superintendent, with A. Hamer Reiser as First Assistant and David Lawrence McKay as Second Assistant.
In 1951 Brother Reiser resigned as manager of Deseret Book Company and moved to Buhl, Idaho, to engage in the automobile business. He came to Salt Lake City faithfully to care for his Sunday School work until he was called in 1952 to preside over the British Mission. He was given leave of absence from the General Board and was welcomed back in 1955, when he was released from that position.
Shortly thereafter he was called to be president of Sugar House Stake, which necessitated his release from the General Board. He was released from the presidency of Sugar House Stake to go to London to organize the Deseret Enterprises Ltd. At the conclusion of this assignment, Nov. 1, 1961, the First Presidency granted the Deseret Sunday School Union the privilege of inviting him back to membership on the General Board.
—General Superintendent George R. Hill.