David O. McKay Diaries – “Medicine”

Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “Medicine.” You can view other subjects here.

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Sat., 19 Feb., 1949:

“At 2 p.m. in the Ogden 3rd Ward, I met all the Stake Presidencies of the 8 stakes in Weber County . . .

Following that meeting, I had a meeting with the Presidency of the Farr West Stake in which the three men made a plea that Elder _____ who was recommended to go on a Mission and who was advised not to go may have his Call reconsidered.  He has been married five years and they have no children.  They are now building a home.  I told the young man that it would be better to complete his home and start to have a family, because it looks as though they are practicing birth control, and it will be another two years before they have children, and he might lose his wife.  The Presidency said they had not thought of that angle of the question, and that they will have a confidential talk with the couple.”

Mon., 4 Jun., 1945:

“4:00 p.m.–Gerald N. Christensen came to the office for comfort and advice regarding the ‘Mongolian’ baby his wife had given birth to only this morning or late yesterday afternoon.  Also talked to Dr. Sanders relative to this case.  Told Brother Christensen that ‘it would be a blessing if the baby could die.'”

Wed., 6 Jun., 1945:

“Gerald Christensen came in to report that his baby had died, and asked Brother Anderson regarding the naming of the baby.”

Fri, 6 May, 1949:

“At 8:25 a.m. President [George Albert] Smith called me from his home–The following is a memorandum of matters discussed with him:

1. Suggestion to communicate with the Superintendent of City Schools and State Superintendent of Publich Instruction regarding the proposed lectures on the development of the babe and birth, illustration of the process of gestation: (Note)  Later–I phoned to Supt. Lynn Bennion of the City Schools–he was not in the city, so I called Allen Bateman, State Supervisor of Public Instruction and told him that my attention has been called in the Life Magazine that the schools are planning to demonstrate life by moving pictures before mixed classes in schools, and, further, that these films are going to be shown here in our city and state schools. Supt. Batemen said ‘I don’t know of any such plan underway here.’ Said that the State Board of Health has been showing a film to groups of parents on sex education, but that he did not know of a film of that particular kind being shown to a school audience.

I told Supt. Bateman that our concern is principally that films of this type be known shown [sic] to our children; that I would get in touch with Supt. Lynn Bennion to see if such films have been endorsed by him.  Supt. Bateman said that the city schools ‘are pretty well independent of us.'”

Tues., 10 May, 1949:

“Dr. Lynn Bennion, Superintendent of City Schools called in answer to a telephone call of a day or two ago.  In President McKay’s absence, Dr. Bennion was advised that Pres. McKay had called him regarding the question of whether the Salt Lake City schools are showing a sex education film to mixed groups of school children. Dr. Bennion said: ‘Let me quote from a letter that I am this day sending to Bishop Hunt, which will answer the question:’

Concerning your specific reference to the film ‘Human Growth’, we have recently added it to our Film Library.  Our present plan is to use this film in connection with the Family Life aspect of our Adult Education Program.  We have already shown the film to all the Presidents of our 40 P.T.A. organizations, and are now in the process of showing it to the individual school P.T.A. groups.  Our purpose in doing this is to help the parents to more intelligently counsel their own children in the area of sex education.  We are particularly anxious that the parents rather than the Motion Picture Industry and the Pulp Literature Industry, etc. be the chief source of information children get on sex education.

We have no intention of showing this film in the schools unless the parents who have seen the picture desire it to be shown.  It may interest you to know that I met half a dozen times last year with representative groups of P.T.A., Church, Welfare agencies, Club groups, and others concerning the responsibility of our various institutions for family life education.  It was the consensus of opinion of these groups that more should be done to guarantee a wholesome and realistic approach to Family Life Education, and it should certainly not be left to the hazards of commercial institutions.

Supt. Allan Bateman of the State Public Instruction was called regarding this matter, and he reported that he did not know of any such film being shown to our school children.”

Wed., 25 May, 1949:

“[Telephone call]  Supt. Allan Bateman.  Said that since my call of a few days ago relative to the showing of sex films to school children, that he has done a lot of investigating, and has found that the film ‘Human Growth’ has been shown in quite a number of schools by the State Board of Health, that it has been shown before some students at the request of school officials and parents who have seen the film, and was shown merely as an experiment to study the effects on children.  Dr. Bateman said he had been in conference with Lynn Bennion of the City Schools who says they are going to arrange for a showing of the film to members of the Board of Education.  Dr. Bateman said further that he had not seen the film, that what he knew of it had come through the pictures and story in LIFE magazine.  Said the City school officials had not discussed the matter with him.  Dr. Bateman said he was wondering if a showing of this film was arranged if one or two of the church officials would care to see it.  I said yes that I thought we could arrange to have representatives there.  Dr. Bateman said he would advise us of the time and place later.

Dr. Bateman said as far as he was concerned, he did not want to pass an opinion on the showing of this film to school children and others until he had seen it.  Dr. Bateman said that he was surprised to learn that the film was being shown by the State Board of Health and City Schools as he had not been informed about it in any way shape or form.  I said I though that was a mistake, that he should be informed as he is resopnsible for what is going on in our schools in Utah.”

Wed., 8 Jun., 1949:

“At 2:30 p.m., met Sister McKay and together we attended, at the invitation of Superintendent Bateman, State Supervisor of Public Instruction, the motion picture entitled ‘Human Growth’ which has been shown to Parent Teachers Association with a view of ascertaining whether it should be shown to school children as a means of sex education.”

Wed., 15 Feb., 1950:

“At 8:30 a.m., I met by appointment at her request, Miss Mary Craig who came in upset because it is reported that no funeral services were held over the remains of her deceased father who died Feb. 4, 1949, and the reason given for not holding services was because her father’s body was cremated.  Allegedly, refusal to hold services was based upon instructions from the First Presidency.

I assured Miss Craig that no such instructions were given.  She went away happy over this.”

Wed., 30 Aug., 1950:

“President McKay called President Edmunds of the Chicago Stake about President Edmunds letter of August 3 relative to two missionary cases.

First, a couple had been recommended for a mission.  President McKay said they could be used unless they were practising birth control.  Pres. Edmunds said he thought they were.  Pres. McKay explained that the Church could not be a party to this, and suggested that they stay home and build up a family.  In answer to President Edmunds’ question as to whether the couple could be sent to different missions, President McKay said he did not think this should be done.  Pres. Edmunds then asked, since the husband is very desirous of having a mission, if he could be called.  Pres. McKay said this might be done, and suggested that Pres. Edmunds send in the papers when his case would be given consideration.

Second, they discussed the case of an elder in the Eastern States. Pres. Morris had suggested that he stay an extra six months, but before that extra period, he should return and marry his fiancee and return to the mission field with her.  Pres. McKay said this could not be done since it would be breaking our promise to the draft board that these missionaries would be held for 2 years only. It was agreed that Pres. Edmunds should write to President MOrris and give him this information.”

Thur., 15 Nov., 1951:

“Notes:

[Note from Clare]  Mrs. George Heslop of South Weber Ward would like you to administer to her daughter Lou Jean Heslop, 18 years of age, who is mentally ill.  The doctors are advising that a female operation be performed upon her, yet her patriarchal blessing states that she will become a ‘mother in Israel,’ and if this operation is performed she will be unable to have children. Brother Tanner before he died advised Mrs. Heslop never to give up hope for this girl.  Harold B. Lee has given her a blessing, but the young girl feels that if you can give her a blessing she will get well.

Mrs. Heslop will call tomorrow morning to see if you will give her daughter a blessing.  She has been coming to the office off and on for several weeks.

Clare

2. Mrs. George Heslop who came in for an administration of her 18-year-old daughter, Lou Jean, was advised that Lou Jean’s name would be placed on the prayer roll of those to be prayed for at the meeting of the 1st Presidency & Council of the Twelve November 29. Also that her daughter should not be operated upon as advised by the doctor.  (Mental illness–operation to prevent her from having children.)”

Fri., 19 June, 1953:

This evening, just as Ray and I were leaving the house, a Mr. Gardner Barlow with other members of the family, called.  They came to seek advice regarding Mrs. Barlow whose doctor in Ogden advises the amputation of her leg right up to the hip because of a cancerous growth.  So I spent the evening in consultation with them.  Called Dr. Leland Cowan the cancer specialist and asked his advice.  He said that he would go to Ogden Monday and give Mrs. Barlow and examination and let me know the results of that examination.

Ray and I gave up our plans for the evening.

Wed., 23 Sept., 1953:

2.  Dr. Edward R. McKay called regarding ‘contraceptives and the Church’s stand toward their use.’

I told him that ‘the Church cannot countenance contraceptives — marriage is for the purpose of having children and rearing a family.  If a couple make modifications of this, the responsibility is theirs — they do not have the Church’s sanction in the use of contraceptives, and the delaying of having children.’

Wed., 6 Oct., 1954:

Question on Hypnotism

The Brethren reconsidered a question pertaining to hypnotism.  It was decided to answer the sister who inquired about it that we look with disfavor upon anyone’s subjecting his mind to the control of another, that at present we are not advised as to the medical significance of it.”

Fri., 25 Jan., 1957:

“3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The First Presidency met representatives of the Polio Foundation, the State Director, Brother Bruce Hanks, a brother of President Marion D. Hanks of the First Council of Seventy; Brother Richard C. Andrew, vice president of the J.A. Hogle Company, who is contributing of his time in the interest of the Polio Organization in this County and surrounding states.  Had a very interesting and instructive conference with these men.  What they have done in helping our polio victims is most commendable, financially as well as emotionally and socially.  Thousands of dollars have been spent in helping Brother I. Daniel Stewart, and one of our young sisters who took polio in the New England Mission; also in assisting Ross Eagar in Leeds, Utah.

(Since this consultation I have learned that some of our stake presidents and bishops are advising members of the Church not to take the polio Vaccine injection, but to rely wholly upon faith.  I feel that they are wrong in taking this attitude because the Lord expects us to do everything we can to make use of all the improvements and inventions and discoveries that come through his inspiration, and when we have done all we can, then we can go to the Lord and rely upon His help.  So far the Vaccine seems to be helpful, and it should be administered under the direction of physicians who know something about it.)”

Wed., 30 Jan., 1957:

“8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.  Dr. Peter B. Johnston, a grandson of one of my missionary companions, and his wife met me by appointment at their request.  Doctor Johnston is interested in specializing in the field of psychiatry.  I told him that the Church is not against psychiatry, but we do not approve of some of the methods used by psychiatrists in their work.

Wednesday, January 30, 1957

MOVED BY NEED
FIRST PRESIDENCY URGES SUPPORT FOR POLIO DRIVE

A statement endorsing the present 1957 fund drive of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was issued Wednesday by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The statement says:  ‘We have been deeply impressed by reports submitted to us as to the urgent need for funds to support the well organized campaign against polio.  We have been moved by the instances of generous and effective care accorded by the Polio Foundation to victims of this dread disease.  Much of this care, we are informed, will go forward for many years to come.

‘We are grateful that there is assurance and hope in the prospect of universal protective vaccination.  We commend all our citizens, particularly the women, who are giving so generously their time and effort in the support of the campaign.

‘We have no hesitancy in urging all members of the Church and other citizens to support the campaign now in progress by giving as generously as each can afford, and by making sure that all members of families, unless exempted on doctors’ orders, receive Salk vaccine inoculation.’

The First Presidency

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

David O. McKay

Stephen L. Richards

J. Reuben Clark Jr.

Deseret News – Wednesday, January 30, 1957″

Wednesday, September 25, 1957.

Telephone conversation with Dr. M. Lynn Bennion, Superintendent, Salt Lake City Schools, Wednesday, September 25, 1957.

President McKay:  Superintendent Bennion.

Dr. Bennion:  Yes, President McKay.  I hope you are well.

President McKay:  Yes, thank you.  We are somewhat concerned about this epidemic.  Now, I am calling you to see whether there is any possibility of closing the schools.  In the event that you do, we will close Conference.  We could not hold Conference under these circumstances and bring people from all parts of the United States and Canada.

Dr. Bennion:  We have been in close touch with the health authorities, both the state and the city, and we are leaning heavily on their counsel.  They recommend that we do not close schools, at least for the present.  At the schools we take a very careful check each day.  The children are in close supervision, and children who have indications of illness are immediately sent home.  They feel that this is better than having them running at large.

President McKay:  Well, in that case we will go right on.

Dr. Bennion:  They emphasize the fact that this kind of weather people will move about, particularly young people with city lots so close, and they think it would be better for the students to be under adult supervision.  That is the position the health authorities take.

President McKay:  Thank you.

————

Telephone conversation with Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mr. Ball, Wednesday, September 25, 1957.

At 12:30 p.m. I called Allen Bateman, State Superintendent of Schools at his office only to learn that he is out of town until next week, so I talked to the Assistant State Superintendent, Mr. Ball.  I told him that I am somewhat concerned about the articles that are coming out in the papers about the prevalence of the ‘Flu’.  I asked Supt. Ball that if it reaches epidemic proportions if there is any likelihood of the State closing the schools.

Supt. Ball answered that it may be done by individual district; that probably they would not initiate it on a state level — that it has not been done in the past.

I answered that years ago the schools were closed; that we did not hold conference, and that they did not hold a public funeral for President Joseph F. Smith.

Supt. Ball then said that he would check with the State Board of Health to see how they feel about closing the schools.  He will then get in touch with me this afternoon and let me know their opinion.  I said that it would help us to know, because if they deem it wise to close the schools, we do not want to hold a General Conference, because it would mean the bringing in to Utah, people from all over the United States and Canada.

Later, Superintendent Ball called and reported as follows:

President McKay:  We have been having a difficult time in ascertaining the extent of the problem so far as the flu is concerned.

Mr. Ball:  I see nothing in the forseeable future whereby any of the districts will close down or that we shall take any action on a State level.  That is not to say, however, that there is not a State problem.

President McKay:  You can see that if we are to do anything we must make a prompt decision and go forward with it.

Mr. Ball:  Yes, I can.

President McKay:  We are a little different because we bring into gathering people from all parts of the country and even from surrounding countries.

Mr. Ball:  Well, so far as our own case is concerned, we feel that we can control the diseases better by having the children in school than if they are out.  I think that policy will regulate the problem, unless, of course, too many teachers from a school were ill.

President McKay:  We heard a report that thirty teachers were out of one school.

Mr. Ball:  I think that with that kind of problem they have to close down.  I talked to representatives of three districts – and understand you talked with Lynn Bennion.  Granite and Davis have no plans at all up to now to close down.  Have you spoken to the Board of Health?  Dr. Kessler was not in, but the secretaries said the same thing as I have mentioned.

President McKay:  They are out of town and we were not able to get an answer.

Mr. Ball:  I think maybe you ought to talk to Dr. Kesler on that.  He will be in tomorrow.

President McKay:  I shall.

Mr. Ball:  I shall try to find out from him what he recommends in State closing and if there is anything different I shall let you know.

President McKay:  I am sure he will uphold you in what you do.  It seems wise to do what you have said.  Thank you very much.

Thurs., 26 Sept., 1957:

“Closing of Conference

*At the First Presidency’s meeting this morning I reported that I had conferred with the City Superintendent of Schools because of the flu epidemic.  The State Superintendent called the Provo and the Weber superintendents.  These officials think it is not necessary to close the schools.

In a telephone conversation with Dr. Jos. P. Kesler of the State Board of Health, I informed the doctor that the Church will cooperate with the health officials in any way, because the health of the people is of first consideration.  If the epidemic is sufficiently serious, the Church does not want to aggravate an already critical condition.  Dr. Kesler estimated that the epidemic would be at its height about October 4 and said that he would confer with his associates and communicate with me later in the morning.  (see notes of conversation following – also see Sept. 27 for letter from Dr. Kesler.)

September 26, 1957

President David O. McKay

Closing of Conference

CONFIDENTIAL

Minutes

Council Meeting

Thursday, September 26, 1957

The regular weekly meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve convened in the temple at 10:00 a.m.

Present:  Presidents David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and Joseph Fielding Smith; Elders Spencer W. Kimball, Mark E. Petersen, Henry D. Moyle, Delbert L. Stapley, Marion G. Romney, LeGrand Richards, Adam S. Bennion, and George Q. Morris.

(Elder Harold B. Lee in New York; Elder Ezra Taft Benson in Washington, D.C.; Elder Richard L. Evans in Texas.)

Singing:  ‘O Say, what is Truth?’

The opening prayer was offered by Elder LeGrand Richards.  President Stephen L. Richards led in prayer at the altar.

Singing:  ‘How Gentle God’s Commands.’

Cancellation of October General Conference

President McKay announced that the First Presidency had been in touch with the Superintendent of Salt Lake City Schools, M. Lynn Bennion; and the office of the State Superintendent of Schools, Brother E. Allen Bateman being out of town, regarding the possibility of their closing school about the time we will hold our October General Conference.  It was thought we would be in a very embarrassing position if our membership were to come here from distant places in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, if the schools were closed because of the flu epidemic.  The superintendent of city schools said that they have had consultation with the State Board of Health, and have concluded that probably they can control it better by continuing the schools than by turning the students out on the streets.  The state superintendency had come to the same conclusion, and they thought that if any schools were closed that it would be sectional.  They called up later this morning and said they thought they probably would continue schools during the epidemic, althought in some places it seems to be quite severe.

Thinking it wise to do so, the First Presidency got in touch directly with the Board of Health, and after some effort this morning, talked personally with Dr. Joseph P. Kesler, who said it is somewhat different to hold Conference than to hold school, because people would come from areas where the flu is not yet prevalent, and even from other countries.  He said that in Canada the flu is in the eastern part, but not in the western part, so far as they know.

The First Presidency asked Dr. Kesler to take the matter up with his associates as to the wisdom of cancelling the Conference.  He is evidently one of our own members, and he said he would take it up with his associates on the Board, and call us here at the Temple so that the Brethren might consider the matter this morning.

President McKay had just received a telephone call from Dr. Kesler, and in substance he said that first, though this outbreak of flu is not virulent flu, the reports show that it is the Asian flu, and there is no antidote yet found for it that will be fully effective in all cases.  They have proved also that where people congregate in buses or in meetings, there is a higher percentage of cases than where they do not.  He thought it would undoubtedly be a source of spreading the disease if Conference were held; that those who have been exposed to it will undoubtedly come down with the disease while they are in Salt Lake City.  In cases where they take it and are at home, they can be properly cared for.  It has not as yet been fatal, but where people are in hotels or rooming houses it might be a different thing.  Then too, if they are exposed to it while here, they will probably come down with the disease on their return home, either in cars, or on trains or planes.  He said they hesitate to suggest or recommend that Conference be postponed because of the spiritual value of the Conference, but that they are united in the thought that it would be beneficial to the people and would lessen the spreading of the disease if we saw fit to postpone the Conference at this time.  He said he would submit a letter containing the reasons for their conclusion.  President McKay asked that he do this.

President McKay said that in case the Brethren decide to cancel the Conference, we will have to be very careful in making the announcement as we do not want to add to the uneasiness and apprehension of the people regarding it.  President McKay told Dr. Kesler that should an announcement be made, he thought a statement should be included in the announcement to the effect that after consultation with the State Department of Health it had been decided to make this move, and Dr. Kesler thought that should be done.  The President said if there is going to be any postponement of the Conference, it would have to be decided today as far as we are concerned, because people will be on their way.  Some of the sisters are no doubt already on their way from the mission fields.

Several of the Brethren commented about the matter.  Elder Marion G. Romney mentioned that inasmuch as we have sought advice from the State Health Department in regard to the matter, it would be difficult to go contrary to their advice.

Elder Adam S. Bennion mentioned that perhaps much of the purpose of the Conference might be achieved if the Brethren of the Presidency would give a broadcast over the radio to go into the homes of the people on the recommendation that they remain at home.  It would not leave them wholly without a spiritual message.

President Stephen L. Richards mentioned that there had been 35 of the missionaries in the Mission Home who had been sick with the flu last week, but all but four of them have now gone to their fields of labor, we having cautioned the doctors not to let them go if there were any hazard to their health.  President Richards also said that if the Conference were held, and any serious consequences should ensue and come to the attention of the people, it would be felt that we took an unnecessary hazard.

Elder Mark E. Petersen felt that if the Conference were cancelled, we might consider holding the Priesthood Meeting Saturday evening with no one in the Tabernacle except the First Presidency who would give their messages to all the Priesthood in their respective places.

President Joseph Fielding Smith commented that he did not think we should do anything contrary to the advice of the medical authorities.

President Richards asked President McKay how he felt about it, and he responded that if we contributed in any way to the spread of the flu, which is designated now as the Asian flu, and one life were lost, he thought that holding the Conference would not be worth it, because we can hold Conferences again when there is no flu.  He further said that if Dr. Kesler states in the letter he is going to write what he said over the telephone, we could not very well hold the Conference because we would be going against the recommendation of the Board of Health.  It was Dr. Kesler’s own suggestion that he would put it in writing.

Elder George Q. Morris moved that the Conference be cancelled.  Motion seconded by Elder Mark E. Petersen.

President McKay added the further comment that Dr. Kesler had said that where the people remain at home they can take care of themselves, but where they are in strange beds in hotels and motels they have a different situation.

President Richards commented that even if deaths did not result it would be a serious thing for our people to lose hours and weeks of gainful employment.

President McKay said:  ‘Now, Brethren, we must be united on this and feel all right about it.  I believe it will be the wise thing to do.’

The motion already made by Brother Morris and seconded by Brother Petersen was unanimously approved.

Thursday, September 26, 1957

Telephone conversation with Dr. Joseph P. Kesler, State Board of Health, Thursday, September 26, 1957.

President McKay:  I called this morning to get your views on this Flu epidemic.

Dr. Kesler:  Yes.

President McKay:  We have Conference coming up, and we do not want to be a party in any way to spreading that disease.  I called the City Superintendent of Schools to ascertain whether he had in mind the closing of schools.  I also called Superintendent Bateman’s office relative to the State’s intention on this matter.  I thought I should like to talk to you directly.

Dr. Kesler:  The Conference will be in the early part of October.

President McKay:  It starts on the 2nd really with the Relief Society Conference next Wednesday.

Dr. Kesler:  Well, let me talk with you for a few minutes, and then you can use your judgment.  It is true that we haven’t encouraged any unnecessary crowds, but I don’t believe the way Conference is operated or the way people come that it would be a danger.

President McKay:  We have them from Canada and Mexico.  I don’t know whether it is in Canada or not.

Dr. Kesler:  Well, it has been in some places.  Now, I’ll tell you there are two views on this.   In some of the places where people have collected under circumstances of crowding that has been dangerous.  There have been two or three of our collections of Church organizations in the country, such as a Youth Conference in Iowa.  The youth conference took place and word comes today that they had about 2,000 youth in an area that would serve about 1100.  The youth conference was held in Iowa.  It was not a conference of our Church.  It was another Church organization.  They did find that most of these youth did come down with the disease and that was the danger.  But on the other hand, where the Scouts collected in Pennsylvania, the Scouts were in camps and only a few of the camps came down with it.

President McKay:  It was an outdoor organization, the Scouts?

Dr. Kesler:  Yes.  Now when people do come in crowds it would tend to spread the disease.

President McKay:  I might report to you, Doctor, that on Friday of the Conference we start in the Tabernacle and the Assembly Hall with overflow meetings and Friday night we fill that Tabernacle with young boys from all over the Church to dedicate the Aaronic Priesthood Monument.  The Tabernacle would be filled with young boys from all parts of the Church.

Dr. Kesler: I feel like this, if people who were ill could stay away from the meeting then there would probably be no danger, but the problem is knowing when they are ill.

President McKay:  You cannot do that.

Dr. Kesler:  They might be well when they start out at the beginning of the meeting and two hours later, they could be ill.  I do not know what to say.  I would feel very bad about not having the Conference, but I also feel that there is some danger.

President McKay:  The situation in schools is different.  They come from all over to Conference.

Dr. Kesler:  Yes, it is entirely different.  If children do not come to schools, then they do collect on the streets in small groups, and children who are going to school are with a similar group day by day, but Conference would be an unusual collection.

President McKay:  The First Presidency are in session and want you to know that we are willing to do anything not to aggravate a condition that is already alarming.  We are faced with the fact that these young people will be invited and will be assembling in that building, and the women are about ready to leave the various outposts to attend the Relief Society Conference.  They would be in the Tabernacle.  These are sessions in addition to our regular sessions from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Kesler:  I believe you are facing danger in having a collection of that type.  I have attended the Conferences, and I do know that there is very little opportunity to protect the people from something like this.  If a few people were ill, they would spread the germ back and forth.  People may become sick on their way to their homes.  I think from the medical standpoint you would be facing danger.  But there is also the spiritual standpoint to consider.  I think perhaps I would not like to say that you should not have the conference, but I think the First Presidency should consider the danger they are facing in having a Conference at this particular time.  We are going to be just about at the height of our epidemic at that time.  Now the epidemic is passing over in some areas, but it is coming up in other areas.  It takes about six weeks to run.  It is the 26th, this actually started about the 18th.  We are at the point where it is going down hill.  I think it would be unfortunate to have people come, get ill, and be stranded or be without care, or be sick en route.   It will be the height of the epidemic about that time — about the 6th.

President McKay:  It will be October 2nd when the Conference actually begins, next Wednesday.

Dr. Kesler:  It takes about forty days.  We would be about twenty days into it at that time.  It would be just about at the height of the epidemic.  Now that is as good as I can predict.

President McKay:  From a medical standpoint, there is danger; from a spiritual standpoint, we shall have to decide.

Dr. Kesler:  I think you will have to consider how this may react on the Church members to have something like this called off, because I do know that people look forward to this with a great deal of pleasure and spiritual uplift.

President McKay:  Do you think there is sufficient danger to justify our calling it off.

Dr. Kesler:  I think perhaps you might have quite a few people ill if you did not.

President McKay:  Would you like to take it up with your associates and let us know later in the day?

Dr. Kesler:  Yes, I would.

President McKay:  We have to know today.  We will be in session today.

Dr. Kessler:  Let me do that.  Let me talk to several others here and get the best opinion I can get and call you back.

President McKay:  You might call us at the Temple after 10 o’clock.  Thank you, Doctor.  Now, we will cooperate in any way because the health of the people is the first consideration.  We can hold conferences at other times.  We do not want to aggravate a critical condition.

Dr. Kesler:  The height of it will be at about the commencement of Conference.  I would not ordinarily consider calling this off, but there are several reasons that I think I should like to study through, and I shall consult on them, and then I can better advise you.

President McKay:  Have you any word from Canada?

Dr. Kesler:  Not the Western part.  We do have word that it has broken out in Eastern Canada.  I have not kept track of every outbreak in Canada.

President McKay:  A lot of people will come from Western Canada.

Dr. Kesler:  Mostly from Alberta and that area.

President McKay:  And perhaps from the West Coast.  Have you heard any reports from the West Coast?

Dr. Kesler:  Yes, we have it in California.

President McKay:  Well, they come by the hundreds from California – by the thousands – to our meetings.

Dr. Kesler:  Yes, I realize that.  They do have it in California and Oregon, most of the western cities, so there is that to consider.

President McKay:  If you will call us so we can consult while we are in session today.  We shall have to make a decision today.  Thank you.  Goodby.”

Fri., 27 Sept., 1957:

“10:30 to 11 a.m. – The First Presidency held their regular meeting.

Cancellation of All Conference meetings Due to Flu Epidemic.

I reported at the First Presidency’s meeting this morning a receipt of a letter from Joseph P. Kesler, Acting Director State of Utah Board of Health, stating that from laboratory information and from epidemiology intelligence it is apparent that Utah is undergoing an epidemic of Asian influenza, and that they expect increased incidence of cases through most of October, that October 4 would be expected to be the height of our epidemic in Utah; that there is wide-spread involvement in most communities of Utah of the epidemic, although the involvement has been spotted.  Some have escaped wtih very few ill and others apparently have not been exposed.  This is also true of surrounding states, and that therefore a conference of people from surrounding areas could be expected to be made up of many who have not been exposed to the Asian flu and therefore have no immunity to it.  In the interest of the prevention of disease, he gives it as the considered opinion of the Health Department that an excessive incidence of Asian flu might be expected among those who would attend conference at this time, and if it were possible to postpone conference until a later date he thought it would be a protection to members of the Church.

After due deliberation upon the matter, the First Presidency and the Twelve in their Council meeting yesterday in the Temple concluded that it would be best to cancel the coming October Conference.  Dr. Kesler’s letter (see following copy) received this morning was a confirmation of Dr. Kessler’s sentiments expressed over the telephone to me yesterday at the time of the meeting of the Council of the Presidency and the Twelve.

It was decided to announce the cancellation of the conference over the radio and in the columns of the Deseret News today.  (see following)

The Presidency reported that they had met with the Presiding Bishopric this morning and the services pertaining to the dedication of the Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood monument will also be cancelled, inasmuch as boys would come to this service from all over the Church.

I called Sister Belle S. Spafford, President of the Relief Society on the telephone during the meeting this morning and advised her of the action decided upon and asked that she get word to the sisters of the Relief Society notifying them that the Relief Society Conference scheduled to be held in October will also be cancelled.

(see newspaper clippings, copy of announcement to all members of the Church, telephone conversation with Sister Spafford, letter from Dr. Kesler following)  (also see copies of telegrams to Mission Presidents and Stake Presidents)

Friday, September 27, 1957

UTAH STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

        Salt Lake City

September 26, 1957

Honorable David O. McKay

President of the Church of Jesus Christ

    of Latter-day Saints

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

In answer to your question regarding the advisability of postponing Conference because of the epidemic of influenza in Utah, I would like to submit the following for your information.

From laboratory information and from epidemiological intelligence it is apparent that Utah is at present undergoing an epidemic of Asian Influenza.  From experience of the past, epidemics of influenza run their course in about one month in a population group.  Our present epidemic started between September 15th and 18th; therefore, we would expect increased incidence of cases through most of October.  October 4th will be expected to be about the height of our epidemic in Utah.

The proportion of population involved in any one epidemic of Asian Influenza has varied from approximately 20% to as high as 80%.  Where the contact is that of regular community activity the attack rate is lower than for specific groups who have a closer contact.  Our experience indicates that in schools where people are relatively closer together as many as 50% of the children have become ill, while in some groups where the contact has been even closer, such as riding on a bus and traveling for the better part of the day, or where people may congregate from a wide section of the country into one meeting place where there is fairly close contact through day and evening meetings, the attack rate has been as high as 80%.

There is wide spread involvement of most communities in Utah in our epidemic; however, the involvement has been spotty, such that some communities apparently have escaped with very few ill and others apparently have not yet been exposed.  This is true of the surrounding States.  Therefore, a Conference of people from the surrounding area could be expected to be made up of many who have not been exposed to the Asian Flu and, therefore, have no immunity to it; some who have had the Asian Flu and are immune; and some who have been exposed to the Flu and are in the beginning stages of the illness.  It is, therefore, my opinion that there will be expected to be some illness from the Asian Flu during Conference if it is held as scheduled.

No exact prediction can be made as to whether Conference would be disrupted with a high attack rate of Asian Flu, but in the interest of prevention of disease it is the considered opinion of the Health Department that there exists the possibility that an excess incidence of Asian Flu might be expected to attend a gathering such as Conference at this time.  If it were possible to postpone Conference until a later date I believe that it would be a protection to the members of your church.

If I can be of further service please feel free to call on me.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Joseph P. Kesler, M.D.

Acting Director of Public Health

September 27, 1957

September 27, 1957

TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH

With deep regret the First Presidency of the Church, with the concurrence of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, announces that out of regard for the health of the people the Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints scheduled for October 4, 5, and 6, 1957, together with all meetings planned in connection therewith, will not be held.  This will include specifically the general sessions of the Conference, the General Priesthood Meeting, the meeting arranged by the Presiding Bishopric for the dedication of the monument to the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, the General Relief Society Conference, the General Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, the meeting provided for Welfare Representatives, missionary reunions, and all other assemblies which bring the people in close contact with one another.

We have consulted with all public agencies available to us which are concerned in the problems of health, and whose opinion on the extent and effects of the epidemic of influenza we regard as helpful in reaching a decision.  We are chiefly persuaded to this decision from the opinion we have received from the Utah State Department of Health, the members of which at our request have given careful consideration to the matter.  In a written opinion received from this Department of the State there is recited the present status of the epidemic, with the forecast that it is expected to reach its height in the State of Utah about October 4.  We quote one excerpt:

‘No exact prediction can be made as to whether Conference would be disrupted with a high attack rate of Asian Flu, but in the interest of prevention of disease it is the considered opinion of the Health Department that there exists the possibility that an excess incidence of Asian Flu might be expected to attend a gathering such as Conference at this time.’

Since the Conference draws people from many sections of our own country and from foreign countries, and since there is the possibility of the introduction of this disease into sections now free from it through contacts made at the Conference, we think it unwise for the Church to assume the responsibility of further spread of the disease by calling the members together at this critical time.  Life is so precious the Lord expects us to do all within our power to conserve it.

We are sure our people will understand the reluctance we feel in foregoing the uplifting, inspiring experiences of a General Conference of the Church, and that they will accord with the decision we have prayerfully reached.

/s/ David O. McKay

Stephen L. Richards

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

The First Presidency

Friday, September 27, 1957

Copy of telegram sent to all Mission Presidents:

FCD NL CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT

September 27, 1957

OUT OF REGARD FOR THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE AS THE RESULT OF THE FLU SITUATION THE FIRST PRESIDENCY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE CHURCH WILL NOT HOLD THE SEMIANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 5, 6 AND 7 NOR ANY OTHER MEETINGS PLANNED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.  KINDLY BRING THIS TO ATTENTION OF ALL MEMBERS UNDER YOUR JURISDICTION NOTIFYING THEM NOT TO LEAVE HOME TO ATTEND CONFERENCE.

FIRST PRESIDENCY

————–

COPY of telegram sent to all Stake Presidents outside the State of Utah:

FCD NL CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT

September 27, 1957

OUT OF REGARD FOR THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE AS THE RESULT OF THE FLU SITUATION THE FIRST PRESIDENCY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE CHURCH WILL NOT HOLD THE SEMIANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 5, 6, AND 7 NOR ANY OTHER MEETINGS PLANNED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.  KINDLY BRING THIS TO ATTENTION OF ALL MEMBERS UNDER YOUR JURISDICTION NOTIFYING THEM NOT TO LEAVE HOME TO ATTEND CONFERENCE.  RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING QUARTERLY CONFERENCES MAY BE SUBMITTED BY STAKE PRESIDENCIES.

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.

Friday, September 27, 1957

Telephone conversation with President Belle S. Spafford, Relief Society, Friday, September 27, 1957.

Re:  Cancellation of 128th Semi-Annual Conference

President McKay:  Good morning Sister Spafford, we are in the meeting of the Presidency.  For two days we have had under consideration the probability of the Department of Health suggesting that there be a closing of schools and other public gatherings because of the prevalence of the epidemic of influenza, and if there is such a probability, we should like to know as a Presidency what effect that postponement of Conference or closing of schools would have on our Semi-Annual Conference.

Sister Spafford:  It would affect ours.

President McKay:  We thought we should call you before a decision is made.

Sister Spafford:  Some of our sisters are already leaving from the far away places.  We had a letter from a sister in Atlanta, Georgia, and she is leaving this morning.

President McKay:  That is why we are calling you.  Now, we have a letter here from the Utah State Department of Health.  The letter reads as follows:

‘In answer to your question regarding the advisability of postponing Conference because of the epidemic of influenza in Utah, I would like to submit the following for your information:

‘From laboratory information and from epidemiological intelligence it is apparent that Utah is at present undergoing an epidemic of Asian Influenza.  From experience of the past, epidemics of influenza run their course in about one month in a population group.  Our present epidemic started between September 15th and 18th; therefore, we would expect increased incidence of cases through most of October.  October 4th will be expected to be about the height of our epidemic in Utah.

I will omit the next paragraph.

‘There is wide spread involvement of most communities in Utah in our epidemic; however, the involvement has been spotty, such that some communities apparently have escaped with very few ill and others apparently have not yet been exposed.  This is true of the surrounding States.  Therefore, a Conference of people from the surrounding area could be expected to be made up of many who have not been exposed to the Asian Flu and are immune; and some who have been exposed to the Flu and are in the beginning stages of the illness.  It is, therefore, my opinion that there will be expected to be some illness from the Asian Flu during Conference if it is held as scheduled.

‘No exact prediction can be made as to whether Conference would be disrupted with a high attack rate of Asian Flu, but in the interest of prevention of disease it is the considered opinion of the Health Department that there exists the possibility that an excess incidence of Asian Flu might be expected to attend a gathering such as Conference at this time.  If it were possible to postpone Conference until a later date I believe that it would be a protection to the members of your church.

‘If I can be of further service please feel free to call on me.

‘Sincerely yours,

/s/ Joseph P. Kesler, M.D.

Acting Director of Public Health’

President McKay:  In view of this letter and other considerations given by the Presidency and the Twelve yesterday, the Presidency and Twelve have decided and concluded that it would be best to cancel our Semi-annual Conference.

Sister Spafford:  Then we shall cancel our Conference also.  I guess the thing to do would be an announcement in the newspaper.  We should also get in touch with our Stake Presidents immediately and have them get in touch with the ward presidents.

President McKay:  Announcement will be made today over the radio and on television and in the Deseret News.  President Clark suggests that I also read to you the paragraph from Dr. Kesler’s letter that I omitted.

‘The proportion of population involved in any one epidemic of Asian Influenza has varied from approximately 20% to as high as 80%.    Where the contact is that of regular community activity the attack rate is lower than for specific groups who have a closer contact.  Our experience indicates that in schools where people are relatively closer together as many as 50% of the children have become ill, while in some groups where the contact has been even closer, such as riding on a bus and traveling for the better part of the day, or where people may congregate from a wide section of the country into one meeting place where there is fairly close contact through day and evening meetings, the attack rate has been as high as 80%.’

Sister Spafford:  My goodness!  Now, President McKay, in your statement do I understand that there will not be a postponement.

President McKay:  This will be a cancellation of Conference–not a postponement.

Sister Spafford:  Well, we shall call our Board members immediately had have them stop all preparations in their departments, and shall get in touch with our stake presidents and have then notify the ward people.

President McKay:  We have already consulted the Presiding Bishopric, and they are going to cancel the dedication of the Aaronic Priesthood Memorial.  It is wise to protect the health of the people.

Sister Spafford:  We do not want any blame for spreading an epidemic.

President McKay:  Yes, it is our responsibility because we are bringing people from all parts of the world.

Sister Spafford:  We shall have to notify our chorus in Southern California.  Thank you President McKay.

September 27, 1957

HISTORY REPEATS AS FLU CANCELS LDS CONFERENCE

This is the second time in the history of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints that a General Conference has been cancelled or changed due to an influenza epidemic.

It was in April of 1919 that the First Presidency postponed the conference until the following June 1 (Sunday) when the opening session of the 89th annual conference was conducted by President Heber J. Grant.

Outstanding feature of that conference was the sustaining of President Grant as president of the Church succeeding President Joseph F. Smith, who died Nov. 19, 1918.

During World War II conferences were curtailed because of transportation problems.

Deseret News – Friday, September 27, 1957″

Mon., 23 Dec., 1957:

“Telephone conversation with Elder Harold B. Lee, Monday, December 23, 1957.

Regarding:  Mrs. Lorraine Averett

Brother Lee:  I thought I should call you President about a very serious problem that involved Sister Averett when she was a young girl, 17 years of age.  At that time while working for a concern, she met a man who she did not know was married, and started a love match with him.  Finally she got in trouble, only to find out he was married.  She was caught in a trap.  She, at that time, had an abortion performed when she was three months along.  Later she married this man who in the meantime had divorced his wife.  He proved to be a beast, and has been married six or seven times since.  Later after she divorced him, she met a man by the name of Averett.  This man, at the time, and for sometime after their marriage, was not active in the Church, but later he found himself.  During this time she was very active.  They have done everything they can to try to undo the wrong of the years.  They have a family of four little girls besides a little child she had by this other man.  When she went to President Dyer for a temple recommend, she confessed to this serious mistake.  President Dyer not knowing of the policy of the Church wrote to the First Presidency.  He received a letter back telling of the seriousness of the matter.  They suggested that they wait.  This indicated to them that probably the door was open but not to become in a hurry.  Two years have passed during which time they have been very active.  This morning since they came to see me, I talked to President Dyer.  They are now here for the holidays.  They are anxious to know whether they can get into the temple.  They are moving to Santa Ana, California.  President Dyer says that they would have never suspected that there would be anything like this.  She has been one of the leading lights in the branch.  She was the chief means of activating her husband.  Instead of being embittered, they took it with humility and during the two years they have done all they knew how to do in order to justify their claim of worthiness to go the temple.  President Dyer feels to be lenient.  He is left without a sure answer because he does not know the ruling.

President McKay:  She was a young girl at the time, a member of the Church?

Brother Lee:  Yes, she was.  It was a lapse when she was not too active, but she was born and raised in the Church.

President McKay:  I remember the writing about this.  She did not know that he was married when she yielded to him.

Brother Lee:  When she found out, she was in trouble and presented the matter of marriage.  It was then he confessed that he was married.

President McKay:  Well, she has been more sinned against than sinned.

Brother Lee:  It seems so.

Brother Lee:  Her husband said to me this morning, ‘It seems that she should not be the one penalized because it was she who brought me into activity into the Church.’  The husband manifests a beautiful spirit towards his wife.

President McKay:  You interviewed her.  Well, I feel in my own feelings that we should not have them go to the new Bishop.  We should forgive her and put them in the hands of the Lord.  She has confessed.  They have done all they can.  Now let us give them a helping hand.

Brother Lee:  If you will let me say that to them, I will do it.  Thank you.

A joyous Christmas to you.

President McKay:  We spent until 12 o’clock last night reading Christmas cards.

Thank you for your card.  It has a beautiful picture on it.  I like to remember the Saviour on Christmas.

Brother Lee:  We also looked at cards last evening.  And one thing we discovered last night is that more of our cards had a religious sentiment than heretofore.

President McKay:  Ray and I made the same comment.  It is a good indication.

Brother Lee:  How are you feeling President?  Are you going to be able to get away for the holidays?

President McKay:  No.  I am going down to attend a groundbreaking ceremony.  A Bishop near Laguna Beach, California wrote to me about it.  We will try to get to Laguna.

Brother Lee:  Give our love to Sister McKay.

President McKay:  Thank you and give ours also to Sister Lee.”

Tues., 7 Jan., 1958:

January 7, 1958

“Telephone conversation with President Lloyd P. Mickelsen, North Idaho Falls Stake, Tuesday, January 7, 1958.

President McKay:  President Mickelsen, David O. McKay.

President Mickelsen:  How are you today, President.

President McKay:  Pretty well, thank you.

I am calling in confidence regarding a recommendation you made for a Bishop of the 7th Ward.

President Mickelsen:  Yes.

President McKay:  We note that this man is some kind of specialist.  Would his appointment to the Bishopric have any affect on his business.

President Mickelsen:  Well, we think not President.  The reason we think not is because he has been a citizen here in the area among the people for sometime.  He is now in the Bishopric, and we do not think it would make any difference.

President McKay:  What is his profession?

President Mickelson:  He is a naturopathist.  I think he does a little massaging and a ltitle work like that.  His office is in his home.  We considered that angle, but we did not think it would make any difference.

President McKay:  Has he a standing as a physician?

President Mickelsen:  He does not, of course, practice in the hospital or work with the other doctors, but he just has his practice in his home.  Quite a few people come to him for various reasons.

President McKay:  We wonder whether or not giving him this position will give him a chance to promote his business.

President Mickelsen:  Well, now we thought of it from that angle before, and we did not think it would make any difference.  His ward is the only place where he would have any particular close association with his people.

President McKay:  We are thinking of the members of the ward.

President Mickelsen:  Yes, but I do not think that would make any difference.

President McKay:  You do not have anyone equally capable for the position?

President Mickelsen:  We think he is far the superior man.  In organization he is a good boy’s man.

President McKay:  Does he have any other means of making a living?

President Mickelsen:  That is his only means of livelihood.  He operates on his own in his own home.  

President McKay:  Is he a recognized physician?

President Mickelsen:  No, I do not know just how far he can go.  He does not have a license to operate.  I think he just takes his own business in.  I do not think he has any right to administer prescriptions for medicine.

President McKay:  How long has he been in the Bishopric?

President Mickelsen:  About five years in May.  He was chosen as a counselor to Bishop Williams five years ago and has been with him since.  He has been lst counselor also.  He is a very good boy’s man.  He has been the athletic director and has followed that program.  His work has been to direct the activities of the boys in the Ward Aaronic Priesthood.  We feel that he is our best man.  He is very good.

President McKay:  He makes a living entirely as a naturopathist.

President Mickelsen:  Yes.  He has a nice home.  He has not made a lot of money.  He is just living nicely and has a nice car.  He has a nice family of four or five children and an espcially lovely wife.

President McKay:  You have given full consideration to this point, and you think it is all right?

President Mickelsen:  Yes, we have.  We discussed it at great length, because we knew that sometimes this sort of thing would have a tendency to bring people to him who otherwise would not.  But as we discussed it, knowing him as we know him, we felt it would not make any difference.

President McKay:  It was passed by the High Council?

President Mickelsen:  Yes, it was passed by them.  He is well known and well liked here, and I do not think he is the type of person that would take advantage of anyone, nor do I think it would give him any more business because we have so many doctors in Idaho Falls.  I think he has the following that he would have regardless of his position here.

President McKay:  All right then.  I shall present this to the Presidency this morning and will let you know.

President Mickelsen:  I wonder if we might get that tomorrow.  The reason we wanted it was to announce the reorganization so the people would have a week’s notice.

President McKay:  If you do not hear from us, you may go ahead.

President Mickelsen:  All right, thank you.”

September 2, 1958 to September 15, 1958

“Copy of handwritten diary by Elder A. Hamer Reiser, Assistant Secretary to the First Presidency, who accompanied President McKay to England for dedication services of the London Temple.

. . . .

Then President McKay volunteered a statement about the Church’s policy in the matter of birth control.  That the only restriction that should be imposed should be the health of the wife.

Fri., 19 Feb. 1960:

“8:30 to 12:45 a.m.

The First Presidency met in their regular meeting with the Presiding Bishopric, and then continued with their own meeting.

We first had a long conference with Dr. Louis Moench relating to psychiatric problems of our missionaries.  Dr. Moench has given excellent service to the missionaries in this respect and we expressed our appreciation to him.

Dr. Moench said some problems are arising in the mission field which can possibly be avoided if some changes can be made.  In response to a question as to whether or not the physician who examines the missionaries should discover the mental illness that may exist, Dr. Moench said that it is sometimes difficult to detect this kind of illness from a physical examination, and that such an examination would not disclose it.  Unless the person was extremely disturbed it would not show up in the usual physical examination.  However, there are tests that will show most of these things if the tests can be given before the missionary is called.  It is extremely embarrassing to have a boy come into the mission home, and then to discover that he is not mentally well enough to go on a mission.  Dr. Moench said: ‘I think we should do some testing before young men are considered for a call.  There should be a physical examination and some kind of psychiatric test.  We have a test which the Bishop could use and send the results in here and then some screening could be done here before the missionary call is issued.’

Dr. Moench explained that the test materials could be delivered to the Bishop who would have the prospective missionary fill out the test.  It could then be returned to the office of the First Presidency to be studied by a psychiatrist or a psychologist.  He said that the test is very simple to administer, but the bishop could not screen or score it; it requires a mechanical scoring device and someone familiar with the test.  The bishop could give the test and send the examination in.  The data could be transferred to an IBM punch card system and then become available in a form which the specialist could study.  And if the prospective candidate passed, it would be easier to issue the call after that.

A long discussion was held regarding ways and means to handle this problem.  (see minutes of First Presidency)”

Fri., 6 May 1960:

“Salt Lake LDS Hospital

I reviewed the need, at our meeting this morning, for arranging for the direction of the Salt lake LDS Hospital under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric.  The subject was considered at length with relation to the advantages of coordinating the direction of all Church hospitals under one managing coordinator, accountable to one Board of Directors, presided over by the Presiding Bishopric.

After discussion it was decided that at the meeting with the Presiding Bishopric this morning, the Presiding Bishopric be asked to resume direction of the Salt Lake LDS Hospital with the responsibility assigned to Bishop Wirthlin and that the Bishopric organize the necessary committees, executive, finance, personnel, etc., of the Board of Directors, and bring their proposals to the First Presidency and that this method be given a trial as a means of solving the present problems of the administration.”

Mon., 9 May 1960:

“Telephone Call

Before leaving the office, I telephoned to Harold Bennett who is on the Executive Committee of the LDS Hospital, and told him of our plans to make some changes at the Hospital that we have instructed the Presiding Bishopric to rearrange committees on the Board and to bring all members of the Board into activity.  This means that the Executive Committee will be released.  I told Brother Bennett that we are very appreciative of the work he and the other members of the Committee have done.  I then asked him if he would be willing to work on some of the other committees if it be so arranged, and he said that he would do anything we asked him to do.  I said that the rearrangement would take place next Friday, and that I wanted to speak to him before that time.”

Fri., 13 May, 1960:

“8:30 to 11 a.m.

Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency.  At 9 a.m. the Presiding Bishopric and Stake Presidents of five Sevier Valley Stakes as follows met with us:  Sevier Stake President Alton Christensen; South Sevier Stake, President Rulon S. Rasmussen; North Sevier Stake, Milo J. Bosshardt; Gunnison Stake, President Alvin R. Barlow; Wayne Stake, President Voyle L. Munson.

I asked for an expression of the views of each of the stake presidents upon the offer of the Salina Hospital to the Church.  The main point under discussion was whether or not the Church should take over the Salina Hospital.  The Catholics have taken over the hospital at Richfield, and with the ownership of the hospital they have charge of the care of the aged people, of whom there are about 20, and the majority of them are our people.  The Catholics are refusing to let us hold Mormon services with them.  We are considering very seriously making arrangements whereby we can take care of these old people and also have a hospital of our own in Richfield in the hope that the Salina people can use it also.  If necessary, we propose to take over the Salina hospital, also.  I said that the First Presidency are clear in their views that we want a hospital in Richfield to take care of our own people, and particularly the aged.  We have a site in the Richfield region near the welfare property, which could be used for this purpose.  The consensus of opinion favored accepting the offer of the Salina Hospital, and also favored the erection of a home for elderly people where they can receive medical care.”

Thur., 1 Feb., 1962:

The Use of Hypnosis in the Medical and Dental Field

President Moyle referred to an item discussed in the Council meeting a week ago pertaining to the use of hypnosis, a letter having been received from Sister Charlain Denning, a member of the faculty of the Ricks College in Rexburg, who is interested in the field of hypnosis and suggestion, indicating that she has used hypnosis on many occasions in helping to prepare patients for surgery, and that it seems to be superior as an anesthetic. President Moyle mentioned that in the discussion at the Council meeting on Thursday last, it was the sentiment of the Brethren that no action be taken on the matter, but that the question be left for the individual’s own determination in each case.

I suggested that we answer this sister that we do not look with favor upon any practice whereby one man takes control of another man’ s

mind.

Mon., 26 Mar., 1962:

“At 8:30 a.m., by appointment, Sister LaVern W. Parmley, General President of the Primary Association; Brother John R. Jefferies, Administrator of the Primary Children’s Hospital; and Dr. David E. Reiser, Boston psychiatrist, came into the meeting of the First Presidency.

We met to discuss mental hospitals for children, having previously taken this matter up with Sister Parmley, regarding a mental hospital addition to the present Primary Children’s Hospital.

As we started our discussion, I said, “We are in the space age. We are getting used to going into the realm of the unknown. This is one of these occasions this morning. “

Dr. Reiser, who is a young psychiatrist doing commendable work with

mentally disturbed children in Boston, Massachusetts, said, “It is an honor to be present at the ‘launching.'”

Sister Parmley remarked, “This is just the countdown. “

Dr. Reiser said that it was thought advisable to explain to the First Presidency the service of hospitals including the care and treatment of children having emotional difficulties and children experiencing trouble in a psychiatric sense. Most people, he continued, including some doctors, do not know that many children in the earliest moments of their lives have illnesses and problems comparable to those which are found in adults. He said that they see infants who are barely able to walk who are psychotic or insane – they are the most seriously disturbed. They see other children, who, at the age of three, are destined to become delinquent and criminal. He added that there is no doubt that inheritance plays a part, but the major part comes from the environment of the child.

Dr. Reiser gave a very enlightening report on what can be done for disturbed children by proper treatment by parents, therapists, and doctors .

We had a long discussion regarding the possible erection of a mental hospital for the children of the Church.

(See First Presidency’s Minutes of this day for details.)”

Wed., 25 Apr. 1962:

“9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

We held our regular meeting of the First Presidency.  Discussed among other matters the following:

2)  Cremation

We discussed a letter from A.L. Wilcox of Porto Velarte explaining that their 22-year-old daughter, whose body had been filled with cancer, had died, and because of the nature of the cancer, they had agreed to several autopsies, and had thereafter arranged for her cremation.  They now plan to have the ashes brought home to Idaho, and have them scattered over the beautiful mountains there.  He asked, ‘Please drop me a line of your feeling about what we have done.’  I said, ‘It is done.  It is their responsibility.  The Church favors interment and not cremation, and that’s all we can do.’ 

Wednesday, April 25, 1962

MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AT 8:00 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1962

I [Ernest Wilkinson] met with President McKay at 8:00 a.m. and transacted the following business with him.

3.  Homosexuality.  President McKay consented to us engaging an expert on our campus to try and detect those who are guilty of homosexual acts.

Fri., 17 Aug., 1962:

“[First Presidency Meeting] Following their departure, the Presiding Bishopric came into the meeting in company with Sister LaVern Parmley, General President of the Primary Association; Sister Rich of the Primary Children’s Hospital; Administrator John Jefferies of the Primary Hospital, and Drs. David E. Reiser and Merritt Egan.

Bishop Vandenberg said that Sister Parmley has been talking about the problem of the need for child psychiatric service and the demands made for this service to the hospital, and asked Sister Parmley to explain her proposal.

Sister Parmley reviewed briefly an earlier meeting with the First Presidency when Dr. Reiser talked about psychiatric treatment for small children. She said much further study has been given to the matter. Many agencies and many people feel that this is a hospital which would serve the community and the State and the intermountain region. She said there is a great need for this service — children are now sent out of the State or to Provo, and they are not the type of children who should go to American Fork.

Then followed a long discussion of this matter — establishment of this service at the Primary Children’s Hospital, finances, etc., after which we decided that if the Primary Presidency and the doctors think it is the right thing to do, “Let us go ahead with it — get together and make a further study, and then report back to us.” I said further, “You are taking the first step this morning, and you can take the second by getting together. “

After the Primary leaders and the doctors left, we held our regular meeting with the Presiding Bishopric who brought up regular matters pertaining to the Church.

Wed., 31 Oct., 1962:

(4) Artificial Insemination

I presented a letter addressed to me by John L. Larson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, in which he asked for an expression of the Church’s policy in the matter of artificial insemination when the husband cannot produce the required sperm. Brother Larson asked if employing artificial insemination would be wrong and if it would

impair their eternal salvation. He said his father-in-law had asked several General Authorities of the Church who had expressed the view that it would not be wrong. He said several Latter-day Saint doctors think it is not wrong. I stated that we should leave that wholly with the husband; that it is the couple’s responsibility. I referred to the usual answer given when letters have been received upon the subject and directed that reference in that letter to the use of the sperm of the husband be deleted in this instance. I said, “We should leave it to them and answer accordingly,”and that I would sign it.

Thurs., 9 Jan. 1963:

“8:30 a.m.

Held a meeting with my counselors in my office in the apartment.  One of the items considered was:

Bodies – Autopsies and Willing of to Medical Schools

After considering an inquiry which had come to us regarding the performing of autopsies on bodies, and the willing of them to medical schools, we decided that there is no objection to permitting the performance of autopsies on bodies, provided all parts of the body are replaced in proper condition; that, however, bodies of members who have been through the Temple should not be willed or given to medical schools or other institutions.

Tues., 1 Dec. 1964:

Homosexuals – If Holding Church Positions and Discovered to be Guilty are to be Excommunicated

President Brown asked me for instructions as to answers to give the Bishops and Stake Presidents who inquire about appropriate action to take in cases of men in Church positions who are discovered to be guilty of homosexual practices.  I answered that they should be disfellowshipped.

Thurs., 4 Mar. 1965:

“8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Held a meeting with my Counselors this morning in the office in the apartment.  Among matters considered were:

Homosexual – Has No Right to Membership in Church

Mention was made of the fact that at the meeting of the Missionary Executive Committee with the First Presidency this morning information was presented which indicates that there is an increasing number of our missionaries and others who have been or are becoming homosexual in their tendencies, and a number of them are being released on that account.

President Brown said that it is thought that some of them may be helped to overcome their perversion, while others have reached a point where they are a menace to others.  He said that we are given to understand at the Brigham Young University there is quite a number or group of them, including one professor.  He asked the question as to what our action would be in these cases, whether or not they should be excommunicated from the Church.

I said that they should be excommunicated without any doubt, that the homosexual has no right to membership in the Church.

President Tanner mentioned that a Stake President had called him yesterday and was very much concerned about two or three older men in the Stake, men 30 to 35 years of age, one of whom has been conducting music in the Stake and another whom he had wanted to use to direct the Stake missionary work.  It seems that some of these men are in the University.  President Tanner said he had told the Stake President to get all the information he possibly could regarding these cases and that his feeling was that we should excommunicate those who are confirmed homosexuals.

I said I think they should be dealt with immediately if they are guilty.

Tues., 16 Mar. 1965:

“8:30 a.m.

Met with President Tanner — President Hugh B. Brown enroute home from South America.  We considered a number of letters and problems, among them being:

Birth Control and Sterilization

We approved a letter to Bishop John B. Shawcroft of the LaJara Ward, San Louis Stake, in answer to questions regarding birth control and sterilization, with one minor correction, namely, that in regard to sterilization, instead of saying, ‘where the life of the wife may be in jeopardy’, it was felt it should read, ‘where the health of the wife may be in serious jeopardy.’

Tues., 20 Apr. 1965:

Cremation

President Brown called attention to an inquiry from a sister of advanced years who has expressed the desire that her body be cremated.  I stated that that is a question that must be left to her own responsibility.

Fri., 20 Aug. 1965:

“9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Attended a meeting of the First Presidency at which time we took up many matters of general Church importance, some of these were:

Artificial Insemination

Reference was made to an action recently taken by the First Presidency in answer to a question as to whether a child born as a result of artificial insemination should be considered as born in the covenant.  At that time the decision was made that it would not be born in the covenant.  President Tanner mentioned decisions heretofore made pertaining to children born illegitimately to women who have been sealed in the Temple to the effect that such children were born in the covenant.  It was decided to reverse the former ruling regarding the child born as the result of artificial insemination; namely, that the child should be considered as born in the covenant.

Tues., 2 Nov. 1965:

Chiropractors

We gave consideration to a letter from Harold L. Fisher, a chiropractor in California, who is Second Counselor in the Mount Rubidoux Stake Presidency.  Brother Fisher complains that the Church will not recognize his legal right to give medical examinations to missionaries.  He states that if the Church is really against chiropractic he should perhaps change his profession.  He states that the California law gives his profession the legal right to make examinations in that State.

It was our unanimous sentiment that where chiropractors are recognized and registered under the law to give examinations, people may decide for themselves as to whether they enlist the services of a medical doctor or a chiropractor.

Wed., 2 Mar. 1966:

“8:30 a.m.

Held a meeting with the counselors in my office in the apartment.  Only Presidents Tanner and Smith were present, both Presidents Brown and Isaacson absent on account of illness.  A few of the matters discussed at this meeting were:

Medical Research – Willing Parts of Body for

A question having been raised by a sister in the Rodeo Ward, Walnut Creek Stake, as to the attitude of the Church regarding ‘Willing’ parts of the body for medical research, it was decided to make reply to the Bishop who submitted the question that this is a matter that the individual must decide for himself; that, however, in the case of those who have been through the Temple and received their endowments, we advise against their doing this.”

Tues., 17 May 1966:

“8:00 a.m.

Held a meeting of the First Presidency.  Presidents Brown and Smith were present.  President Tanner was excused, being in Provo, attending a BYU meeting, and President Isaacson still confined to the hospital.

Birth Control – Use of Pills

A letter from Sister Nancy Baker of Denver, Colorado, addressed to President Joseph Fielding Smith, telling of difficulties she is encountering in bearing children so frequently, was read.  Sister Baker states that her doctor insists that she take the birth control pills and that she refuses to do so because the Church authorities have said we should not use them.  She asked whether she should follow the doctor’s instructions in the matter.  We agreed that the Church cannot very well go on record as favoring any kind of birth control method, that is, publicly endorse it.  It was decided to write this sister giving the information given normally in answer to inquiries about birth control to the effect that men must be considerate of their wives, that the mother’s strength should be conserved, that the consideration of the wife is the husband’s first duty and self-control a dominant factor in all their relationships.

Tues., 15 Nov. 1966:

“8:30 a.m.

Held a meeting of the First Presidency.  Presidents Brown and Smith and I were present.  President Tanner is in Hawaii, and President Isaacson is still absent because of illness.  Some of the matters discussed were:

Birth Control

A letter was read from Dr. Evan F. Evans, an obstetrician residing in Ogden, referring to an address by President Joseph Fielding Smith entitled ‘The Blessing of Eternal Glory’ as recorded in the Improvement Era.  Dr. Evans states that it is his understanding of President Smith’s talk that no Latter-day Saint should ever use a contraceptive, space the children, or plan for them.  He states that he is a practicing physician, is giving contraceptive advice from time to time to young couples and counseling them in their marital problems, that in his advice he is suggesting that they avoid pregnancy until they have been married at least a year.  Dr. Evans states that he would be pleased to come to Salt Lake City and meet with us about this matter if we desire him to do so.

We indicated our approval of the attitude of President Smith as expressed in his address.  We decided, however, to invite Dr. Evans to meet us regarding the subject.

Birth Control Pills 

Consideration was given to a letter from President Keith A. Harrison of the Wellington Stake reporting a situation that has developed in the Stake Presidency pertaining to the birth control pill.  President Harrison reports that his Second Counselor, Brother Ian McKay, who got married in the Salt Lake Temple at October Conference time, had consulted two brethren at the BYU, Dr. Jay Broadbent and Fred W. Schwendiman, both of whom advised him and his wife to use the birth control pill.  President Harrison states that Brother McKay since returning home has taken issue with the information that he has given to young people who have consulted him on this subject, that he, President Harrison, in his advice has always followed the views set forth by me in my book “Gospel Ideals’, and also the advice given by President Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, and President Joseph Fielding Smith.

We were united in the feeling that we should maintain the standards as heretofore regarding the Church’s attitude toward birth control.  It was agreed, however, that in this case before releasing President Harrison’s counselor, which he suggests be done, there should be some further consideration of the matter on the ground, and that Brother Thomas S. Monson who has charge of the New Zealand area should talk with President Harrison and his Counselor the first time he is in New Zealand.

Fri., 13 Jan. 1967:

“8:30 a.m.

Held a meeting of the First Presidency.

Birth Control – Church’s Attitude Toward

In accordance with an appointment already scheduled, we met with Dr. Evan F. Evans of Ogden, Utah, who had made inquiry by letter dated October 7, 1966, regarding the Church’s attitude toward birth control.   (See copy of minutes following for details.)

Friday, January 13, 1967

Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency

Held Friday, January 13, 1967, at 8:30 a.m., in President McKay’s Apartment

Present:  Presidents David O. McKay, N. Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith.

  President Hugh B. Brown in Southern California, and President Thorpe B. 

  Isaacson absent on account of illness.

Church’s Attitude Toward Birth Control

In a letter dated October 7, 1966 Dr. Evan F. Evans of Ogden, Utah, had made inquiry regarding the Church’s attitude toward birth control, and expressed a willingness to meet with the Presidency on the matter if that were thought advisable.  Accordingly, in response to invitation issued by the First Presidency, Dr. Evans met with them this morning.  The doctor explained that he is an obstetrician and that he had told his patients that he personally felt that they should have as many children as they can raise and guarantee that each child brought into the world would be a better member of the Church than the parents, but that if they discovered after they had had 3, 4 or 5 children that they could not wisely handle any more than that number they should discontinue having children.  He said that he had felt well about this attitude until the October 1965 conference when he read President Smith’s talk on the subject which disturbed him and he feared that in giving advice to these young people he was doing something wrong, that perhaps he was out of tune with the Church in what he was telling the people.  He knew that he was giving good medical advice but if it was not in harmony with the Church’s thinking he wanted to be informed.  He said that patients come in to see him who have had for instance five children and they feel guilty if they use contraceptives.  The doctor said that he could find no place in the standard works of the Church where it is indicated that parents shouldn’t space their children.

President Smith asked what he said in his remarks.  The doctor said his comments were primarily the question as to how can we face God if we did not bring into the world all the children that we could.  The doctor said that he has four lovely children of his own, that he and his wife have been using contraceptives.  He is 39 years old and this is what bothers him.  He said that from a medical standpoint he has a clear conscience but from a Church standpoint he does not know and this is what has disturbed him.

The brethren then read to Dr. Evans a copy of a formal letter that is sent out in answer to inquiries regarding birth control, which letter reads as follows:

‘I am directed to call your attention to the words of President Joseph F. Smith which represented the attitude of the Church during his administration and which attitude has not changed:

‘I regret, I think it is a crying evil, that there should exist a sentiment or a feeling among any members of the Church to curtail the birth of their children.  I think that is a crime wherever it occurs, where husband and wife are in possession of health and vigor and are free from impurities that would be entailed upon their posterity.  I believe that where people undertake to curtail or prevent the birth of their children that they are going to reap disappointment by and by.  I have no hesitancy in saying that I believe this is one of the greatest crimes of the world today, this evil practice.’ (Gospel Doctrine, page 278)

‘However, the brethren feel that men must be considerate of their wives who bear the greater responsibility not only of bearing children, but of caring for them through childhood.  To this end the mother’s strength should be conserved and the husband’s consideration for his wife is his first duty, and self-control a dominant factor in all their relationships.

‘The brethren trust that you and your husband will exercise wisdom and discretion in solving your marital problems, and that the Lord will bless you with health and strength so that you may be permitted to rear your children in accordance with the teachings of the Gospel, and that you may receive great joy and happiness in your family life.

Sincerely yours,

/s/Joseph Anderson

Secretary to the First Presidency’

Dr. Evans said that he was pleased with the letter and that this answered his question satisfactorily.  The brethren then asked him what his future attitude on the question would be and he answered that from now on as long as the mother is in good health she should have as many children as she may be blessed with if it does not impair the mother’s health; that, however, if it is causing a breakup in the home so that the home is in jeopardy, then he would advise that they use a contraceptive.  The brethren suggested that instead of advising the use of contraceptives, he advise the use of self-control.  The doctor further said that now he thinks he knows where he stands as a member of the Church and that as a member of the Church he will tell them it is their obligation to have children as long as their health is not impaired.  The doctor said that if there is an impairment of health he felt a contraceptive should be used, that people will not abstain from intimate relationship.  Dr. Evans said that he would like to have a copy of the letter which had been read to him which he would present to the obstetrics staff in their meeting at the hospital in Ogden and tell them that this is the attitude of the Church, and he felt sure that it would help to answer these questions for the doctors as far as the Church is concerned.  He also suggested that he thought it would be a good thing if President McKay would say these same things in the April conference.  The doctor further commented that it had been his experience that when women do not want a baby that after the baby is born their attitude changes and they do want the child.  It was agreed that a copy of the aforementioned letter would be sent to the doctor as per his request, that he might show it to other practitioners if he wished to do so.

Dr. Evans was then excused from the meeting.  After he had left President Tanner suggested that inasmuch as this question comes to the First Presidency so often and from so many sources, that perhaps it would be advisable to prepare a statement of this same kind to be placed in the Church Section of the Deseret News, the Era, or perhaps the priesthood bulletin so that there would be no misunderstanding regarding the position of the Church on this subject.  President McKay said that the matter would have to be handled very wisely.  President Tanner explained that when individuals make written inquiries of the First Presidency we write and give them this information; that, however, bishops and stake presidents have not had a letter on the subject and that some people take one position on the matter of birth control and contraceptives and some another, and it would seem that some official statement should be made for the benefit of the presidents of stakes, bishops of wards, etc.  President McKay stated that he thought the policy of the Church should be stated clearly so that everyone will know about it.  He also suggested that the statement appear in the Improvement Era.”

Wed., 26 Apr. 1967:

Abortion Case

Attention was given to a letter from Bishop Jack C. Morgan of Klamath Falls First Ward, written in behalf of a sister residing in his Ward, who has been guilty of moral transgression resulting in pregnancies and abortions.  She and her husband now have three children.  She is repentant and attends Church regularly and wants to serve in the Church, and the children are being raised in the Church.  The Bishop says she has no hope of ever going to the Temple because of the things she has done.  It was decided to answer the Bishop that this sister should be encouraged to continue to repent and live a proper life in the future and leave her situation to the Lord, that she should not be given a Temple Recommend.

Tues., 16 May 1967:

10:30 a.m.

Brigham Young University – Regarding Letter on Birth Control

My secretary, Clare, came over to the office and presented a number of letters for my signature.  One letter was from President Ernest L. Wilkinson regarding a letter on birth control which is being circulated at the BYU by Dr. Kenneth Cannon, who claims he has letters on this subject from General Authorities.  President Wilkinson is asking that I write a letter to him giving him permission to ask Dr. Cannon to produce the letters from the General Authorities on the subject so that there will be no conflict with the First Presidency on the position of the Church on the subject of birth control.

A letter to this effect was prepared, which I signed and had sent to President Wilkinson.”

Fri., 18 Aug., 1967:

3:00 p.m.

First Presidency’s Meeting 

Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Nathan Eldon Tanner, and Joseph Fielding Smith, called at the apartment. Consideration was given to the following:

Brigham Young University – Honor Code for Students who Register 

President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Brother David Haight of the Brigham Young University met with us and presented the proposed BYU Honor Code for the students who register. President Wilkinson said he had taken this whole subject to the Executive Committee and suggested the insertion of certain language regarding maintaining moral standards of the Church. President Wilkinson explained that this is the BYU honor code which all BYU students sign when they come to the Brigham Young University. He thought it was a tremendously important document. The only item to which consideration was given by the First Presidency was item 6, which they had suggested read as follows: “To accept and live the high moral standards of the Church, including preserving one’s virtue and personal sexual purity. This means that there should be no intimacies or improprieties during dating or courting; and no self-abuse (masterbation) or homosexual activity. Sexual relations are only for marriage and its holy purpose, and even then should not be abused. Sin cannot be diluted or washed away by the use of ‘pills’ or contraceptives. The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control, even for married couples.”

After some discussion of the matter, the Brethren were in agreement that the paragraph should read as follows:

“To accept and live the high moral standards of the Church, including preserving one’s virtue and personal sexual purity. Intimacies or improprieties during dating or courting should be avoided. The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control. Homosexuality will not be tolerated.”

Fri., 1 Sep., 1967:

“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency

Held Friday, September 1, 1967, at 11:00 A.M., at President McKay’s Home in Huntsville

Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith. President Thorpe B. Isaacson absent on account of illness.

Brigham Young University Honor Code

President Tanner mentioned that President Wilkinson and Brother Haight of the BYU had called in to see him regarding the BYU code of honor. They referred to a decision made by the First Presidency some time ago relative to item 6, which, as agreed upon at that time, was to the following effect: “To accept and live the high moral standards of the Church, including preserving one’s virtue and personal sexual purity. Intimacies or improprieties during dating or courting should be avoided. The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control. Homosexuality will not be tolerated.” President Tanner said that Brothers Wilkinson and Haight had discussed this matter with the student body executives and the executives of the faculty who, when they came to the last part, namely, “The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control,” raised an objection. The student body president said that he understood that the Church doesn’t take that firm a position, and members of the faculty felt that it was too firm a statement. President Tanner said that evening one of the General Authorities had called him and said that someone on the staff at the BYU had told him about this and he wanted to know if the First Presidency did approve this. He indicated that he did not think we should make such a firm statement and suggested it was something we should leave out.

President Brown commented that he felt it was too general a statement.

President McKay suggested that there be eliminated from the code the statement “the Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control.”

Thur., 7 Dec., 1967:

Cremation, Procedures Relative to 

Reference was made to a discussion in the Council two weeks ago regarding cremation. Elder Hinckley had mentioned that in the large cities in the Orient, it is the custom and requirement that the dead be cremated, and that this cremation must take place within a very limited time following the passing of the individual, perhaps twenty-four hours. He raised two questions. The first was whether it would be appropriate when holding the funeral services to have the urn with the individual’s ashes in it at the front of the chapel, wherever the services were held, during the funeral.

The answer to this question, in which answer I concurred, was that the matter should be left to the wishes of the family.

The second question pertained to the cremation of the body of members who have been through the Temple, whether they should be dressed in the Temple clothing, and then the Temple clothing burned with the body, or removed before the cremation.

After some discussion of the matter, President Brown asked me if we may conclude to leave the matter with the family to decide whether the Temple robes are removed or consumed in the cremation. I answered that it is a matter the family should decide; let them have the responsibility.

Thur., 21 Dec., 1967:

“10:00 a. m.

Held a meeting with Presidents Tanner and Smith and Elder Alvin R. Dyer. President Brown is at Palm Springs, California for the Christmas holidays. Some of the matters discussed were:

Birth Control – Bill to be Introduced to Legislature 

President Tanner mentioned a letter that had been received from Dr. Evan F. Evans of Ogden. He says that because of the increasing number of women who go out of this state for abortions and the increasing number of men who go away to be sterilized, the Utah Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, to which he belongs, is preparing to have introduced in the legislature a bill which would provide a new abortion and sterilization law that would allow good medical practice and a reasonable approach to this problem. He states that the Society would like to present to the Council of the Twelve, or as many members as might be deemed necessary, the reasons for the proposed legislation. It was our sentiment that this is a matter with which we should not become involved.

Thur., 28 Dec., 1967:

“Did not hold a meeting of the First Presidency today.

11:00 to 11:45 a.m. 

Brigham Young University – Birth Control “Upon This Rock” Television Series of Lectures

Elder Alvin R. Dyer and President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University met me by appointment made by my secretary in the office at the apartment.

President Wilkinson discussed with me matters presented in two letters which he had sent over with my secretary this morning. The first dealt with the “Upon This Rock” television series of lectures which were started by the Brigham Young University, and then was suddenly cancelled by “one in authority at the Church Administration Building”, and the second letter dealt with the issue of “birth control” on the BYU Campus and the views expressed by Dr. Kenneth Cannon, a member of the faculty.

After a brief discussion of these two matters, I stated that I did not wish to make a decision in either case at this time, and concurred with Elder Dyer’s suggestion that my secretary send memoranda to Joseph Anderson on both subjects requesting that they be placed on the agenda of the next First Presidency’s meeting. (Memoranda sent to Joseph Anderson on January 2.) (See diary of January 9, 1968, for meeting held with First Presidency on these matters.)”

Tues., 9 Jan., 1968:

“9:00 a.m. 

Held a meeting with Presidents Brown and Tanner and Elder Dyer. President Joseph Fielding Smith was indisposed, and President Isaacson is still confined to his home. Some of the matters discussed at this meeting were:

BYU – Statement on Birth Control 

President Wilkinson referred to a circular letter that is being distributed among the teachers and students of the Brigham Young University by one of the members of the faculty regarding the spacing of children. According to President Wilkinson, this professor, in his letter, mentions a letter that he had received from one of the General Authorities of the Church stating that parents are not violating any doctrine of the Church or any principle of religion by planning their family and spacing their children. He stated that the letter seems to give the inference that there is an implied acquiescence in artificial methods of birth control. President Wilkinson said that there is urgent need of some statement by the First Presidency on this subject for the guidance of the young people at the BYU and of the Church generally. President Wilkinson left us copies of statements on the subject by President Brigham Young, myself, and other Church leaders.

We stated that we shell give this matter very careful consideration.

“JOURNAL RECORD OF ALVIN R. DYER

(President Ernest L. Wilkinson Meets With The President)

It was about 10:00 A M. when Elder Richards and Brother Williams left. Elder Richards assured the President that he wanted to do only that which the President would approve of. As he left the apartment, he expressed his gratitude for having the privilege of meeting with and reporting directly to the President. He said if I had any suggestions concerning Personnel work he would be pleased to receive them. He also said that if at any time he could help me he would be only too pleased to do so.

President Wilkinson came in as they left. The President expressed a delight in seeing him. He seemed alert and ready to discuss certain matters with him affecting the BYU.

President Wilkinson discussed with the President the following matters which we had discussed previously since I desired to have some idea of what he wanted to see the President about.

3. The third matter presented by President Wilkinson concerned the teachings of certain “Birth Control” practices by certain professors at the BYU who have claimed that their authority for doing so stems from a letter received from a certain General Authority. President Wilkinson reported that he had learned that the General Authority in question is none other than President Hugh B. Brown. President McKay’s response to this was, “Yes, I know all about him.” He asked if President Wilkinson had been able to get the letter. President Wilkinson reported that he had not, but would keep trying.

What President Wilkinson was asking for was an up-to-date policy statement from The First Presidency on the subject.

I have a real interest in this. I reported to the President an interview I had recently with a post graduate girl student and a returned missionary student who will graduate this year. It was evident that this unmarried couple had used some form of contraceptive in committing a sexual sin. I mentioned also that recent statistics indicate that 1 out of 6 girls in America became pregnant before marriage, and that there was no way of knowing how many had committed the sin where the girl had not become pregnant.

I suggested that a committee from the Quorum of the Twelve be appointed through President Joseph Fielding Smith to study the matter and then bring it before The First Presidency for their approval or disapproval. President Wilkinson urged the President to appoint such a committee directly, but I suggested that the matter be brought before a meeting of The First Presidency before such an appointment.

Wed., 28 Feb., 1968:

“8:30 a.m.

Held a meeting of the First Presidency.

President Tanner gave a brief report on his recent visit to New Zealand, where he reorganized the Wellington Stake.

Abortion and Sterilization Law 

Attention was called to a letter from Dr. Evan F. Evans of Ogden, referring to a former letter that he had written in behalf of the Utah Obstetrical and Gynecological Society with regard to abortions and sterilization. In his former letter, Dr. Evans asked for an appointment with the First Presidency and the Twelve to ascertain the position of the Church regarding proposed legislation on this subject, which letter we answered stating that we did not wish to become involved in the matter. Dr. Evans’ letter now under consideration states that after polling the committee, he has again been directed to ask for an audience with the First Presidency and the Twelve so that the Brethren may be fully informed as to the provisions of a proposed law on this subject. He states that whether the Council of the Twelve wish to become involved or not, it will be asked to testify in the Senate hearings, and for that reason they are anxious to have us fully informed.

In the first letter Dr. Evans referred to the growing population explosion, the growing numbers of our young men going to Idaho to have voluntary sterilization, and the growing number of women requesting therapeutic abortion, and then when refused are having it done at the hands of non-medical people.

President Tanner said that he did not think that the brethren of the First Presidency and the Twelve would have to appear before the Senate, and if they did, he questioned the need of their being informed in advance. He also said that he did not think that the Presidency and the Twelve should give this committee an audience, that whatever we might say or think would not free us from responsibility for what they might do, that they would involve us in whatever legislation might be introduced.

Elder Dyer mentioned that President Wilkinson of the BYU had told him of problems they are having on the BYU campus with our young people regarding premarital sexual relations and contraceptive measures. He mentioned an article that he had read in one of the current magazines stating that one out of six single girls becomes pregnant before she is married. Elder Dyer agreed with President Tanner that we should not become involved in this situation so far as this committee is concerned. He suggested, however, that the Twelve be asked to appoint a committee to look into all phases of the problem and prepare a report and recommendation to present to the First Presidency for their consideration.

Mention was made of the fact that there is a difference of attitude on the part of some of the Brethren, and that this would perhaps give us the benefit of the united consensus of opinion of the Brethren.

President Tanner mentioned that some of the universities have been considering this problem for months, and perhaps years, and that now two universities have approved giving advice to coeds in the university as to how they can prevent pregnancy.

Elder Dyer mentioned that one of our Stake Presidents in Wyoming had reported to him that eight of the girls in his Stake had become pregnant and he did not know how many others would become pregnant were it not for the fact that they were using contraceptive methods. He felt that a modern statement from the First Presidency without the involvement of outside committees, setting forth the Church’s viewpoint, could be timely.

President Tanner questioned the wisdom of making public any statement that we might wish to prepare on this subject, but he did feel that all the Brethren of the General Authorities should be united on their understanding of this question.

I asked that there be brought to the next meeting of the First Presidency a copy of the letter which we have been sending on this subject in answer to questions that have been received.

After discussing several other matters of general nature, the Brethren departed at l0:00 a.m.”

J O U R N A L  R E C O R D  A L V I N  R.  D Y E R

THURSDAY, April 11, 1968

(Birth Control)

Elder Mark E. Petersen, Chairman of the Committee from the Twelve to study and then recommend a policy of the Church on birth control, reported that the Committee did not know how far to go, and they needed further direction from the Presidency. He said that he felt that the Church should either come out with a strong statement or say nothing about it at all. I stated the dual nature of the problem, but Gordon Hinckley felt that the teachings of the Church on chastity and morals adequately covered the unmarried phase, and that if a statement is made it should be directed to married people.

Tues., 15 Oct., 1968:

“9:00 a.m.

A meeting of the First Presidency was held in the Hotel Apartment. President Hugh B. Brown was absent because of illness.

The following were among the matters discussed:

SCHOOLS – Sex Education In

At the request of President Alvin R. Dyer I gave my permission for Alma Burton, who is in the Institute program of the Church and also President of the Sharon Stake, to make a study and analysis of sex education activities in the school systems.

Brother Harvey Taylor of the Church Schools is to be so advised so that he may grant Brother Burton release of time sufficient to make a careful study of this situation and give us a report thereon.

Thur., 17 Oct., 1968:

“8:45 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency in the Hotel Apartment.

President Joseph Fielding Smith absent to attend a meeting of the Twelve in the Temple.

The following were among the items discussed:

Abortion and Sterilization

President Tanner reported that a Dr. Olsen, who is a very active member of the Church in Ogden, had talked to him about proposed bills to be introduced in the legislature regarding abortion and sterilization. He recalled that some time ago Dr. Evan F. Evans of Ogden had written in behalf of a committee of doctors who had expressed the desire to come and see the General Authorities regarding the question of abortion and sterilization, and at that time we stated that we did not wish to become involved. Dr. Olsen says now that reference is being made to a letter that they received from the First Presidency which says that we take a neutral attitude. Dr. Olsen said he challenged these doctors on this because he knew the Church would not be neutral on the subject. In his conversation with President Tanner yesterday Dr. Olsen said that some of our own men, members of the Church, are behind this move to liberalize sterilization and abortion laws, and that he asked that we do two things if possible: (1) Give him a letter stating that the Church is opposed to any liberalization of the abortion or sterilization acts, and (2) That one of our top men serve on a committee organized by a Catholic father to oppose this action.

President Dyer felt that we may have to take a clear stand and position on such matters as the negro question, birth control and abortion and sterilization. He said these things affect the basic principles of the Church, and our failure to say anything about them is being used by the opposition stating that we are apathetic or neutral. He said these are very touchy areas and careful study would have to be made of anything that is said, but he thought the time is coming when we cannot keep silent about some of these things.

President Tanner mentioned that we have a legislative committee made up of Marion G. Romney, Howard W. Hunter and himself, and he thought the proper way to handle it would be to call leaders of the senate and leaders of the legislature to come in and talk to this committee about these matters and let them know what our feeling is. He said he felt sure they would welcome our suggestions. He thought we could call in a leader or a committee of these men and tell them exactly what the Church’s stand is. I agreed with this. President Brown thought that the time is coming when we will have to have a little more liberal attitude with the Catholic and other churches on things which we all agree upon; that he would like to create a better feeling; that these other people accuse us of being aloof, independent and standoffish in many things. He said he would like to see this committee that President Tanner had mentioned have contact with the Catholics and see if we could work with them. He said this is a matter of course that has nothing whatever to do with dogma. President Dyer felt that if it is a joint effort it might be acceptable but that we must not support a project where the Catholics take the lead .

It was decided to leave the matter in President Tanner’s hands to handle it through the Committee mentioned.”

Thur., 31 Oct., 1968:

“A meeting of the First Presidency was held this morning at 9:00 a. m. in the President’s hotel apartment. Present were: Presidents N. Eldon Tanner and Alvin R. Dyer. President Brown was indisposed and President Joseph Fielding Smith was meeting with the Twelve.

The following matters were discussed:

Transvestite Case

Consideration was given to a letter from President C. Leland Davey with accompanying letters and documents in which he presents a situation regarding George P. Fisher of the Montreal Branch who has undergone an operation and made other changes to become a female person, and has changed his name to Georgia Patrice Fisher. This man is a married man and was ordained a teacher November 3, 1957.

President Davey asks for instructions as to how to handle the case. It was decided to answer President Davey suggesting that he observe the situation for three or four months and then report to us again about the matter.”

Thur., 7 Nov., 1968:

“At 8:45 a. m. I met with my counselors, Presidents Brown, Tanner, and Dyer for a meeting of the First Presidency. President Smith is meeting with the Twelve in the Temple, and President Isaacson is still at home because of his stroke.

The following items were discussed at this meeting:

Schools – Sex Education In

A letter was read from G. Morris Rowley, president of the Murray South Stake, referring to a meeting recently held in one of the schools to which the Aaronic Priesthood youth were invited accompanied by their fathers. At this meeting a medical doctor was the speaker and expressed opinions contrary to the teachings of the Church and apparently the wishes of the school people on sex matters. President Rowley inquired if they should attempt to bring the Aaronic Priesthood youth and their fathers together for the purpose of communicating the position of the Church in regard to this same subject. He also inquired if there is anything that we can do to help parents to discharge their obligation properly regarding the sex question.

President Alvin R. Dyer referred to an assignment given him by the

First Presidency a short time ago to ask Alma Burton to make investigation regarding the teaching of sex in the schools. President Dyer said that Brother Burton reported the other day that he is working on the matter and will have his report very soon. He said that Brother Burton is studying this from the educator’s point of view. President Dyer made reference also to an article that appeared in the Deseret News last evening by State Superintendent Bell on sex education outlining what the policy of the schools would be. It was decided to answer President Rowley that we have this matter in mind, and that we should encourage Brother Burton to give us his report as soon as possible.

President Dyer mentioned a mass meeting that was held Saturday evening attended by many of the parents of the Granite School District at the Hillcrest High School auditorium where the matter of sex education was discussed openly. He said the people in that area are very much up in arms about the treatment of this subject in the schools .

Tues., 12 Nov., 1968:

“Did not hold a meeting of the First Presidency today.

11:15 to 12:30 p. m.

My secretary Clare met with me on various office matters. She read an excerpt on birth control from paragraph two on page 468 of “Gospel Ideals” which Dr. W. Dean Belnap and Dr. Glen C. Griffin wish to use in the book they are writing entitled “About Marriage and More”. Clare suggests that this quotation will not be suitable as it is out of context and will be misunderstood by the young people. 

(See proposed quote following)

Clare said that she had told Dr. Belnap that a quote from pages 468-469 of “Gospel Ideals” would be more appropriate, and after reading it he agreed wholeheartedly, and said it was much better and did not have a negative approach.

I told Clare that she is right, and she said she would call Dr. Belnap and tell him that I agreed to the change.

(See copy of quotation on Family Life from “Gospel Ideals” to be used.)

Clare then left as the nurse said it was time for my lunch.

“Proposed Quote to be used in the book ‘About Marriage and More’ by Dr. W. Dean Belnap and Dr. Glen C. Griffin:

BIRTH CONTROL

Any effort or desire on the part of a married couple to shirk the responsibility of parenthood reflects a condition of mind antagonistic to the best interests of the home, the state, and the nation. No doubt there are some worldly people who honestly limit the number of children and the family to two or three because of insufficient means to clothe and educate a large family as the parents would desire to do, but in nearly all such cases, the two or three children are no better provided for than two or three times that number would be. Such parents may be sincere, even if misguided; but in most cases the desire not to have children has its birth in vanity, passion, and selfishness. Such feelings are the seeds sown in early married life that produce a harvest of discord, suspicion, estrangement, and divorce. All such efforts, too, often tend to put the marriage relationship on a level with the panderer and the courtesan. They befoul the pure fountains of life with the slime of indulgence and sensuality. Such misguided couples are ever seeking but never finding the reality for which the heart is yearning.

(An Excerpt from Gospel Ideals, page 468)”

“Quote to be used in the book ‘About Marriage and More’ by Dr. W. Dean Belnap and Dr. Glen C. Griffin:

FAMILY LIFE

Depriving themselves of the comfort and happiness of the companionship of children, the barrenness of their lives drives the young couple to seek the hollow fads and fascinating excitements of  ‘society’, many of which pursuits are as antagonistic to the real purpose of life as the influence of evil can make them.

Love realizes his sweetest happiness and his most divine consummation in the home where the coming of children is not restricted, where they are made most welcome, and where the duties of parenthood are accepted as a co-partnership with the eternal Creator.

In all this, however, the mother’s health should be guarded. In the realm of wifehood, the woman should reign supreme.

Marriage is ordained of God that children might be so trained that they may eventually be worthy of Christ’s presence; and that home is happiest in which they are welcomed, as God and nature intended they should be.

(An Excerpt from “Gospel Ideals” pages 468-469.)”

Wed., 11 Dec., 1968:

“9:00 a.m.

Held a meeting with Presidents Tanner, Smith, and Dyer. President Brown was absent.

Homosexuality

At the beginning of the meeting we met with Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve and discussed the report which they had presented at a recent meeting of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve regarding an assignment that had been given them by me about eight years ago to develop a program to help those of our people who are involved in homosexual and perversion practices.

I was greatly shocked and dismayed to learn of the extent of the penetration of this dreaded practice, which has spread even to the membership of the Church. Elder Kimball mentioned that this problem has grown all over the world, and that it has now come out in the open, whereas formerly it was undercover. Now, an effort is being made to make this perversion respectable, and the newspapers and magazines deal with the question almost constantly.

Elder Kimball said that if their assignment is to be continued, they need much more help; that he and Brother Petersen cannot carry the program without additional help with all the other responsibilities they have.

After a discussion of this matter, Elder Kimball said their recommendation would be that a Church Committee be appointed, and if it were preferred to rotate the assignment and choose some of the other Brethren to take care of this matter, they would welcome such a change.

There ensued a discussion wherein President Dyer felt that any continuation of investigation into this matter, and the consultations to be had with those so afflicted, could perhaps be set up in a correlated manner through the Church organization with a certain few being given the responsibility and called to direct the work; that it be handled through the Stake Presidents and Bishops. However, President Tanner and Elders Kimball and Petersen felt that it is best to let the Committee continue on by adding some ten or twelve others to it to carry on the work, exclusive of any direct connection whatsoever with Stakes and Wards, only as the Committee may want to consult with the Bishops.

President Dyer feels that this is a Church-wide problem and something should be done to get it into the proper channels of organization to reach more people who are so afflicted; however Elders Petersen and Kimball and President Tanner were not in agreement with this and said that this is a special work and could not be committed just to the Bishops and Stake Presidents throughout the Church.

It was agreed, therefore, that Elders Kimball and Petersen should continue to go forward with this work and they were authorized to submit a list of names for approval of the brethren, (perhaps one or two sisters), whom they would recommend be asked to assist them in this work. It was also suggested that Elder Kimball and Elder Petersen report to me at least once every six months. It was indicated that they would need at least ten other people to assist them to commence with, and that as the work developed and the program increased, they could give consideration to the recommendation that it be brought under the Correlation Committee.

Thur., 23 Jan, 1969:

“9:00-9: 30 a. m. Short Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment.

Among the matters discussed were:

Abortion and Sterilization Laws

The First Presidency issued a statement for publication in the paper today to the folowing effect: “We have given careful consideration to the question of proposed laws on abortion and sterilization. We are opposed to any modification, expansion or liberalization of laws on these vital subjects. “

(See newspaper clipping following)

Mon., 3 Feb, 1969:

“8:45 to 10:30 a. m. Held a meeting of the First Presidency. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

The following were among the matters discussed:

Sex Education – Committee On

President Dyer requested permission to meet with the State Attorney General Vernon Romney in connection with certain legal phases associated with their studies as a committee. I gave my approval.

Sensitivity Training

President Dyer mentioned that part of the study that he and the committee have been making regarding sex education involves sensitivity training. President Dyer had learned through investigation and report that some of our seminary instructors are employing or have employed what is known as T-Group or sensitivity methods in teaching our students. He explained that among other things under this program in some instances students are instructed to hold hands with the students next to them and look into each other’s eyes in order to develop a feeling for each other. He stated that this does not have the approval of the Department of Seminaries or the Institutes of Religion and that they do not want any of their teachers to be encouraging these methods. He mentioned a letter that had been sent out by Dr. William E. Berrett, in charge of the Department of Seminaries and Institutes, to this effect stating it is out of harmony with the feeling of their department. The question was raised as to whether the letter from Dr. Berrett should not be stronger and perhaps some reference made to dismissal of those who continue this practice. Brother Anderson was to prepare a letter on this matter to Harvey Taylor, Administrator of the Church School System.”

Tues., 4 Feb, 1969:

“8:45 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency held in the Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

The following were among the matters discussed:

My secretary Clare Middlemiss came to see me at 11:25 a. m. She presented several letters for my consideration, among which was a letter from Dr. Evan F. Evans, Chairman of the Committee for Abortion and Sterilization Reform, asking for permission to meet with some of the brethren of the Twelve to explain Senate Bills 116 and 117 on the abortion and sterilization laws of Utah that are now before the Utah Legislature. After reading over the correspondence pertaining to this matter, I decided to ask President Dyer to ask two or three of the brethren to join him in meeting with Dr. Evans to listen to his proposal regarding this matter.

I instructed Clare to call Dr. Evans in Ogden and have him call President Dyer for an appointment.

Brother Dyer arranged for a meeting to be held with Dr. Evans and some of the brethren Saturday morning, February 8.

(A copy of Dr. Evan’s letter follows. The original letter and several enclosures are in the “Abortion” file.)”

“The Utah Obstetrical and Gynecological Society

Evan F. Evans, M.D.

3755 Washington Boulevard

Suite 201

Ogden, Utah

January 27, 1969

President David O. McKay

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Hotel Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay,

For the second time in three years, I again find it necessary to appeal to you to correct a grave mis-understanding.  I am referring to the press release by the First Presidency last Thursday, January 23, 1969.  Our Society agrees that abortion and sterilization laws should not be liberalized so that they be done on demand because people refuse to exercise their responsibilities as parents.  In view of the comprehensive love and compassion for the needs of people that you expressed in personal communication to me three years ago; I cannot believe that you personally could have approved the press release of last Thursday!

I enclose photocopies of correspondence with President Tanner, when the Utah Obstetrical and Gynecological Society requested, and were twice denied the opportunity to discuss the now proposed Senate Bills 116 and 117 with the Council of Twelve.  Our Society abided by President Tanner’s request, but we feel we have been unjustly treated by last Thursday’s press release for the press has interpreted it to mean the L.D.S. Church is opposed to the above bills.  This is especially tragic when President Tanner admitted in private phone conversation that he had not read the proposed bills.

I enclose copies of the bills, and request that if you have questions our Society be granted the opportunity to discuss the problem with you and the Council of Twelve.

If there be anything in the proposed Senate Bills 116 and 117 that are contrary to the principles of good medical practice and love of our patients in need, or if it can be shown that anywhere in the proposed bills that people can be indiscriminately aborted or sterilized, our society would like advice as to how to change the proposed bills; as Utah’s present law is incompatible with the concept of Preventive Medicine.

Our hope is that your help will be forthcoming.

Respectfully,

Evan F. Evans, Chairman of the Committee for Abortion and Sterilization Reform,

The Utah Obstetrical and Gynecological Society”

Wed., 5 Feb., 1969:

“9:00 a. m. Meeting of the Eirst Presidency. Present in the President’s hotel apartment were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

The following matters were discussed:

Sex Education – Reported Visit with Attorney General Vernon Romney

President Dyer reported that yesterday in accordance with approval given by me he had let in his office with Vernon Romney, the new Attorney General of the State. President Dyer explained that the committee that has been set up to study sex education and pornography materials would soon be ready to report their investigation, which committee is composed of Alma Burton, Robert Matthews, and another brother who are in the Institute program of the Church. President Dyer said before making any recommendation as to what might be done to counteract the type of sex education they are getting in the schools he wanted to get the Attorney General’s attitude on the matter. Attorney Romney said he was working with State Superintendent Bell of the schools on the seminary released time question and hoped to get that straightened out soon. He expressed a willingness and desire to work with us on this sex program, even to give any help needed with the legislators, if it should go that far, in preparing legislation that would be legal and sound. President Dyer said that it looks like it will take legislation to keep out of our schools the kind of materials that are infiltrating our school systems. Attorney Romney had said that he is the Attorney General but he is also a member of the Church and has six children and wants to keep this stuff out of the schools the same as we do.

Sat., 8 Feb, 1969:

“JOURNAL RECORD OF ALVIN R. DYER

SATURDAY, February 8, 1969

Meeting with Committee for Abortion and Sterilization Reform)

Under date of January 27, 1969, President David O. McKay received a letter from Dr. Evan F. Evans, Chairman of the Committee for Abortion and Sterilization Reform, representing the Utah Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. A copy of this letter is made part of the Journal.

It is to be noted that the same group has written to the First Presidency on several past occasions and have been advised in writing that the First Presidency did not want to become involved or associated with this group in the promotion of such legislation as this Committee is recommending. But, because of the fact that these doctors felt that they had been by-passed and were not being given an opportunity to explain their reasons for seeking legislation reform in the two areas referred to, President McKay asked that I meet with them and endeavor to have one or two members of the Quorum of Twelve meet with us that they may have the chance to give utterance to their reasons for the support of the proposed Senate bills 116 and 117.

These bills concern an act amending Section 58, Chapter 12, Utah Code Annotated, 1953, relating to the practice of medicine and surgery and the treatment of human ailments and providing for performance of therapeutic abortions under certain conditions, and secondly, an act to authorize the performance by physicians of certain voluntary operations upon the reproductive organs of certain persons, to prescribe the consent and conditions which shall be necessary for such operations, and the time at which the same may be performed, and to provide for exemptions from liability for the non-negligent performance of such operations.

Elder Mark E. Petersen was found to have a Conference at B. Y. U. on Sunday and Elder Marion G. Romney had no Conference assignment, so I invited them to join with me in listening to the statements of the doctors who met with us at 10 a. m on this day. The following is a list of doctors who met with us:

George Walter Gasser, Logan 24th Ward, East Cache Stake, on the staff of the L. D. S. Hospital at Logan.

Evan F. Evans, Ogden 70th Ward, South Ogden Stake, on the staff of the Thomas Dee Hospital in Ogden.

Leo Monte Stevenson, East Stratford Ward, Highland Stake.

Richard M. Hebertson, Holliday 22nd Ward, Mt. Olympus Stake, on the staff of the College of Medicine at the University of Utah.

Henry Arthur Teurer, Jr., Yale Second Ward, Bonneville Stake.

The meeting was held in my office and at the outset of the meeting I explained that we were not a Committee appointed by the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve to make any decisions or to offer our opinions with regard to any phases of the two bills that are now before the legislative body of the State of Utah, but that we had been asked by President McKay to listen to the case concerning these matters which the doctors would present.

Each of the doctors had an opportunity to speak concerning their reasons why these two bills should be enacted. Though several attempts were made to exact opinions from we three brethren, in keeping with my statement at the beginning of the meeting, we did not offer any answer or opinion with regard to any particular phase of the bills under consideration.

It is well to mention at this time that the First Presidency issued a statement some time ago concerning any further expansion of the abortion and sterilization laws of the State of Utah. A copy of that statement is included herewith in the Journal. It is well to mention further, however, that there are no laws that we have been able to find with regard to sterilization in the State of Utah. The abortion law, however, is clear and distinct and the subject content of that law is also made a part of the Journal Record.

(Record of Abortions and Sterilization Operations Performed at Thomas Dee Hospital in Ogden)

In support of their case, Dr. Evans presented a paper which contained a record of therapeutic abortions and sterilizations performed at the Thomas Dee Hospital during the past six years. Accordingly, from this article, it was learned that the following acts had been performed:

Year Therapeutic Abortions Sterilizations

1963 2 20

1964 4 42

1965 14 30

l 966 – 39

1967 2 30

1968 3 26+

TOTALS: 25 l87+

The doctors stated that what was performed at the Thomas Dee Hospital was also performed at the L. D. S. Hospital in Salt Lake, in the L.D.S. Hospital in Logan, and other L.D.S. Hospitals.

Doctor Evans stated that if the First Presidency felt as they did about abortions and sterilizations, then some effort should be made to clear up the situation with regard to these two types of operations that were heing performed, possibly illegally, at L.D.S. hospitals.

In the course of our discussions, I said to Dr. Evans, “It looks to me that what you doctors are concerned with is some kind of legislation that will protect you from the penalty of the law because of illegal operation.” Dr. Evans stated that this was no joking matter and that if individuals wanted to and would pursue the matter, that many of the doctors would be found guilty and would have to serve jail sentences for what is transpiring.

One of the doctors also pointed out that abortion operations were being performed because of rubella (measles) found in the mother at the time of pregnancy, and that abortions had been performed to prevent the child from being a freak or of being deformed in some way, This was not in strict accord with the law now on the books that says that no abortion can be performed unless it is to save the life of the mother, as noted from the statement of the law that has keen made part of the Journal.

Another of the doctors pointed out that a number of vaginal hysterectomies were being performed on women and that there was no law that would cover such an operation and yet many of such operations are being performed in lieu of the recognized operation for sterilization.

We listened to these doctors for more than an hour and told them that any further statement concerning the matter would have to come from the First Presidency of the Church. As we had stated in the beginning, we were not authorized to make any statements with regard to the discussion that had been held here this day.

I believe, however, that the doctors felt relieved that they had finally been able to present their case before a representation of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.”

Tues., 11 Feb, 1969:

“9:00 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

Among the matters discussed was the following concerning abortion and sterilization:

Abortion and Sterilization Bills

President Dyer referred to a personal letter that had been sent to me by registered mail which could only be delivered to me regarding the abortion and sterilization law. President Dyer then received a telephone call from Dr. George Gasser who is on the staff of the Latter-day Saints Hospital in Logan and whom he had known ever since he was a child, stating that these doctors were going to see me about this. President Dyer said he told them that the Presidency has already issued a statement on the matter and he said that is why they wanted to see me. President Dyer thought that I would not want to see them personally since I had made a decision on the matter. I agreed and arranged for President Dyer and Elders Mark E. Petersen and Marion G. Romney to meet with them. There were five doctors: Dr. Gasser, who is on the LDS Hospital staff in Logan; Evan F. Evans, who is on the staff of the Thomas Dee Hospital in Ogden; Richard M. Hebertson of the College of Medicine, University of Utah; Leo M. Stephanson and Henry Arthur Theurer. All of them are LDS doctors and tithe payers except one. President Dyer said Brothers Petersen and Romney and he told them they would listen to their story but that the First Presidency had made a statement on the question and they would not answer any of their questions. He said they presented their case for an hour and furnished copies of the bills before the legislature on abortion and sterilization. He said that he and Elders Petersen and Romney said nothing but only listened. Dr. Evans, who is on the staff of the Dee Hospital in Ogden said that if the First Presidency were going to make the statement that they did the Church should clean up their own hospitals. President Dyer said he asked what he meant and he gave him a list of the therapeutic abortions performed at the Thomas D. Dee Hospital each year during the past six years, and the number of sterilizations that have been performed at the same hospital, and the number was quite large. President Dyer said he had talked to Clarence Wonnacott about the matter and he mentioned that they have a therapeutic committee that decides when they will perform an abortion or sterilization in the hospital, and upon the decision of the committee the doctors perform the operation without actual legal authority. The law on abortion and sterilization is not as liberal as the latitude they are taking. President Dyer told them that it seemed to him that if they did not cease doing this they would land in jail because they were violating the law. They have been performing sterilization operations in the Dee Hospital at the rate of three or four a month. President Dyer said that the only report they gave was regarding the Thomas D. Dee Hospital and that Brother Wonnacott had stated that many such operations are performed at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake as well as in Logan. He thought that someone should look into the situation to ascertain how many operations of this nature are being performed in these hospitals. Dr. Evans said that unless legislation is obtained on this matter the doctors must cease performing these operations. Referring to the statement made by the First Presidency, these doctors had said in their letter to me that they did not think this was my desire and they thought that I would listen to them. President Dyer said that he would like to make a more complete study of the situation and find out what is being done at the various hospitals and make a report. It was suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of Bishop Vandenberg in Friday’s meeting with the Presidency and Presiding Bishopric and that Brother Kirton, our legal counsel, should also be consulted so that we would have the legal side also.

President Dyer said he had asked Vernon Romney for a copy of the law. Dr. Evans had said that according to the present law if it would mean the death of the mother unless an abortion was performed a doctor could perform it. President Dyer mentioned also that he had talked with a Dr. Dixon who is on the staff of the Thomas D. Dee Hospital, who said that there was perhaps some regulation regarding this but that these doctors had gone farther than they should. President Dyer said he hoped that he had done right by meeting with these doctors, and the brethren agreed that he had done the right thing.

(See also Saturday, February 8, 1969 for Brother Dyer’s Minutes)”

Fri., 14 Feb, 1969:

“I held no meetings today. However, the following three matters of importance were discussed at a meeting of the First Presidency with the Presiding Bishopric.

Abortion and Sterilization Law

President Dyer read to the brethren a copy of the present abortion law in the State of Utah to the effect that every person who provides supplies or administers to any pregnant woman, or in any way assists in providing means with intent to secure a miscarriage unless the same is necessary to preserve her life, is punishable by imprisonment in the State Prison of not less than two or more than ten years. President Dyer reported that he had conferred with some of the doctors in regard to this law and the proposed sterilization law befotre the legislature, that Dr. Evans, who was with the group when they met with President Dyer, Marion G. Romney and Mark E. Petersen, said that many of the doctors now operating in the hospitals could be punished according to this law if anyone wanted to make a case. He said that Dr. Evans presented a record of abortions performed in the Dee Hospital in Ogden over the past six years numbering 25, and 185 sterilizations. President Dyer explained that 14 of these abortions were cases where the mother had measles and they took the child. This, however, would not be to save the life of the mother. President Dyer said he understood that the record at the LDS Hospital is much greater than this although he had no figures. President Dyer said that he had learned that the hospital has a therapeutic abortion committee and they decide each case and he thought this should be looked into. President Dyer said that the doctors stated that if we do not get this new law the chances are that someone could make a case and some of the doctors might have to go to prison. In answer to an inquiry as to whether the hospital would be liable in such cases, Bishop Vandenberg said that it would be.

President Dyer further stated that Dr. Evans had said that many doctors in order to get around these laws, are claiming a hysterectomy problem and they perform a hysterectomy operation, which is done with the approval of the mother and the father and it amounts strictly to a sterilization. Bishop Vandenberg said they would look into the matter.”

Wed., 19 Feb, 1969:

“9:00 a. m. First Presidency Meeting held in the President’s Apartment. Present were President Hugh B. Brown, President N. Eldon Tanner, President Joseph Fielding Smith, and President Alvin R. Dyer.

Among the matters presented were:

Abortion and Sterilization Laws

President Dyer referred to his report heretofore made to the brethren regarding abortion and sterilization in the State of Utah and that a group of doctors had authored a law in regard to this matter but that it had been tabled. He mentioned that at the time some of the doctors met with him and Elders Petersen and Romney, they referred to the fact that doctors at the Thomas D. Dee Hospital were performing three to four sterilization operations a month, and he has been told that the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City has been doing the same thing as have other hospitals. President Dyer mentioned that he had obtained a copy of the law on abortion from the Attorney General and that he had also now obtained a copy of the law regarding sterilization. This latter he stated applies only to sterilization of patients in the Utah State Hospital, the Utah State Training School or the State Industrial School, or the warden of the State Prison, and states that whenever the superintendent of the Utah State Hospital, or of the Utah State Training School or of the State Industrial School, or the warden of the state prison, shall be of the opinion that it is for the best interests of the inmates or of society that any inmate confined in the institution under his care, or of any person adjudged to be insane, an idiot, an imbecile, feeble-minded, or epileptic shall be sexually sterilized, such superintendent or warden is authorized to cause to be performed by some capable surgeon the operation of sterilization or asexualization on any such inmate or person afflicted with habitual degenerate sexual criminal tendencies, insanity, idiocy, imbecility, feeble-mindedness or epilepsy; provided, that such superintendent or warden shall have first complied with the requirements of this chapter. President Dyer said that inasmuch as these sterilizations are being performed in our hospitals they are in violation of the law. He said that the Attorney General, Vernon Romney, had suggested that we have one of the legislators petition the office of the Attorney General for his opinion on the sterilization law other than that just covered in the state institution and he would be willing to give an opinion. It was suggested that Bishop Vandenberg be asked to pursue this matter since the hospitals are under his direction. In this connection President Tanner mentioned that in a recent meeting of the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric he asked Bishop Vandenberg to what extent the hospital would be liable in a case like this and it was pointed out that the hospital would be liable. It became the action of the brethren that Bishop Vandenberg be asked to pursue this matter.

Tues., 25 Feb, 1969:

“9:30 a.m. Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

The following were some of the matters discussed:

Schools – Pornographic Materials in Public Schools

President Dyer presented the fact that a resolution before the 38th Legislature (H. J. R. 13) directing the Legislative Council to study and formulate proper legislation on prohibiting the use of obscene materials in public schools, is in need of support. Approval given to ask Deseret News to get behind it.

Fri., 28 Feb, 1969:

“8:30 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer present.

The following matters were discussed:

Sex Education

President Dyer reported that the committee that had been appointed to make a study of the matter of sex education in the schools had made a very extensive study of the problems incident to sex education. He mentioned that this entire program is growing very rapidly and that the committee has now completed its report. The committee consisted of Alma P. Burton, Robert Matthews and Neal Flinders of the Brigham Young University.

Wed., 5 Mar, 1969:

“9:00 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency. Presidents Brown, Tanner, Smith and Dyer were present.

Among the matters discussed were the following:

Birth Control

President Tanner presented a draft of a letter that he had prepared at the request of the Presidency on birth control as an answer to inquiries that are received from time to time on the subject. The Presidency approved the letter drafted.

(See April 11, for letter when I read final draft and approved letter.)

Sex Education

President Dyer referred to the assignment given him about four months ago to conduct a survey on the extent of sex education in the public schools throughout the United States and in our own area. Assisting him in this assignment were Alma P. Burton, Neil J. Flinders and Robert J. Matthews of the Brigham Young University. He said that this work had now been completed and a report and analysis on the subject had been prepared in two forms, one a comprehensive report with all the details and the other a condensed report. President Dyer discussed the recommendations of the committee as set forth in the abstract report. He reported that the committee had gone into the fundamental school laws of the nation and the state. President Dyer suggested that this matter should be presented to the Quorum of the Twelve, and if they are agreeable the proposed Advisory and Action Committees for implementing the recommendations of the report through correlation will be immediately set up in the Church to counteract these evil forces that are involved in sex education in the schools. I asked that this be done.

In this connection President Dyer mentioned that a great deal depends upon the teacher in the school as to how this subject is handled. He mentioned also that in Idaho Falls a pilot operation had been set up for the 5th and 6th grades and that one of the teachers who is a member of the Church had deleted from the lesson material some of the objectional things and that the other teacher who is a non-member went beyond the text material and went into the subject in more depth for the purpose of putting over the intent of the lesson. He felt that if we could make an effort to increase the supply of LDS trained teachers it would have a good effect in the area where these teachers are located. He therefore suggested an extension of the teacher training program at Ricks College in Rexburg and also at the BYU. President Dyer said that when he considered the far-reaching effects of this sex education program he felt that it was a very important matter and that we must give every possible effort to approach our young people in the right way. He felt this is the most important thing that faces our people today. He mentioned also a program that is

being recommended by the American Medical Association to the effect that if we do not want a child to become an alcoholic when he grows up we should teach him how to drink liquor at the age of four. He mentioned that there are also those who are proposing trial marriage for two years.”

Mon., 10 Mar, 1969:

“9:00 a. m. Short Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment with Presidents N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer. President Hugh B. Brown was in California.

Among the matters discussed were the following:

Sex Education

President Dyer reported a very profitable talk that he had with Superintendent Bell of the Utah State Board of Education. For details of his report see the First Presidency minutes for this date.”

Fri., 11 Apr, 1969:

“Held no meeting of the First Presidency today.

Note by CM:

Clare was with the President an hour today. He was very grateful to see her and told hear three times what a “wonderful” girl she is. She read the Conference letters from Korea and from Elder Franklin J. Murdock. (See April 6, 1969. )

She also read the “Birth Control” letter and the President said it was a good letter. (See copy of letter following)

“March 14, 1969

PRESIDENTS OF STAKES, BISHOPS OF WARDS AND PRESIDENTS OF MISSIONS

Dear Brethren:

The First Presidency is being asked from time to time as to what the attitude of the Church is regarding birth control. In order that you may be informed on this subject and that you may be prepared to convey the proper information to the members of the Church under your jurisdiction, we have decided to give you the following statement:

We seriously regret that there should exist a sentiment or feeling among any members of the Church to curtail the birth of their children. We have been commanded to multiply and replenish the earth that we may have joy and rejoicing in our posterity.

Where husband and wife enjoy health and vigor and are free from impurities that would be entailed upon their posterity, it is contrary to the teachings of the Church artificially to curtail or prevent the birth of children. We believe that those who practice birth control will reap disappointment by and by.

However, we feel that men must be considerate of their wives who bear the greater responsibility not only of bearing children, but of caring for them through childhood. To this end the mother’s health and strength should be conserved and the husband’s consideration for his wife is his first duty, and self-control a dominant factor in all their relationships.

It is our further feeling that married couples should seek inspiration and wisdom from the Lord that they may exercise discretion in solving their marital problems, and that they may be permitted to rear their children in accordance with the teachings of the gospel.

Sincerely yours,

David O. McKay

Hugh B. Brown

N. Eldon Tanner

The First Presidency”

Wed., 23 Apr, 1969:

“[First Presidency Meeting]

Sensitivity Training Program

President Dyer mentioned that we have a serious situation at the Brigham Young University on in-depth sensitivity training instruction. He stated that it is throughout the entire school and that he had learned that they were going to set up a sensitivity training marathon. Under this arrangement the students would keep coming together, confessing to each other their wrongs, with an idea of getting a feedback of instruction to change. President Dyer said that he had talked with Dr. Darrell Moses of the BYU who is over the departments that have “t” criticism training, and asked him not to have this marathon and to postpone further sensitivity training instruction until they get word from the First Presidency. President Dyer said that when we get ready to give a directive or some suggestion or information, then he thought we ought to go through President Wilkinson but on this he is working with the professors themselves. The brethren were united in the feeling that President Dyer should confer with President Wilkinson about this entire matter inasmuch as he is the president of the school. President Tanner suggested that in informing President Wilkinson about the matter he might tell him of the study that is being made and that it would be helpful if he would withhold any action until the study has been completed.”

Tues., 6 May, 1969:

“(Minutes of Meeting of President Alvin R. Dyer with President McKay.)

There was no meeting of the First Presidency held today.

(Meeting with President McKay in his Apartment – 9:30 a.m.)

The President was relaxing in his study when I arrived. He was taking no oxygen and stated that he was very glad to see me. I discussed the following matters with him:

2. President McKay gave approval to call two more brethren to serve on the Sex Education and Sensitivity Training Committee. I stated that we were considering one brother from the U. S. U. and one from the University of Utah and he gave approval for this and that their names were to be submitted.

“(Minutes of a Meeting with President McKay concerning Missouri Lands)

Wednesday, May 7, 1969

Presidents Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer met with President McKay this morning in his apartment at the Hotel Utah at 10:00 a.m. and President Dyer presented a number of matters to the President for his consideration and decision.

Additional Members for Committee on Sex Education and Sensitivity Training

President Dyer referred to his visit with the President yesterday, at which time he suggested to him the need for an additional two men to work with him on the committee that has been given the assignment to make investigation regarding sex education and sensitivity training. President Dyer said that he would now like to submit two names for the President’s approval for membership on the committee, namely Joseph Bentley, a professor at the University of Utah, son of Joseph Bentley at BYU. This brother is a professor in the field of family life education at the University of Utah, and a very faithful and devoted Latter-day Saint. The other brother whose name he submitted is Douglas D. Alder, who is the director of the College of Business and Social Sciences at the Utah State University and holds a Ph. D. degree in that field. President Dyer said the responsibilities have become too great for the committee as now constituted to handle the situation. He asked President McKay if he felt it would be all right for him to go ahead with this and President McKay indicated his approval.

Letter from National Education Association

President Dyer reported to the President receipt of a letter from the National Education Association addressed to President Dyer referring to his address at the recent General Conference which was televised nationally.  President Dyer submitted the letter for the record.

Thurs., Jul. 10, 1969:

“9:00 a.m.  Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment.  Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

Among the matters discussed were the following:

Maturation and Reproduction Manual

President Dyer mentioned discussions heretofore had with the Twelve in regard to the preparation of a resource key manual for parents to assist the parents in the matter of teaching their children regarding maturation and reproduction in a way that would be in harmony with the gospel.  He said people are saying that this should be taught in the schools and not in the home but the parents need a guide of some knid prepared by our own people.  He mentioned that this matter has been submitted to the Correlation Committee, that Brother Lee in turn referred it back to the Correlation secretaries and that these secretaries, over the signature of Antone Romney, are recommending that a task committee be appointed to prepare this material.  President Dyer said he had a meeting this morning with Brother Lee on this question, and he inquired if they are following the direction the brethren wish them to go.  The material he said would be prepared by Church writers and submitted back to the Correlation Committee for approval and probably be incorporated in the family home evening manual.

I felt that this was a good idea and asked that it be submitted to the First Presidency when prepared.”

Thur., 7 Aug, 1969:

9:00 a.m.

Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.

Among the matters discussed were the following:

Maturation and Reproduction Manual

President Dyer said that another thing that was approved by the advisory committee of Correlation was the appointment of a task committee to prepare resource material for the use of correlation writers, which materials pertain to Church-oriented sex education which will be prepared by our curriculum writers for the various age groups and other Programs of the Church. Brother Lee suggested that Presidlent Dyer continue as chairman of the task committee. It is also proposed that the committee include a representative from each of the correlation curriculum committees, children, youth and adult. President Dyer said that in this way the Church will be presenting something that is Church-owned in the manuals and family home evening programs, and that this plan had been unanimously approved by the committee.

Tues., Sept. 2, 1969:

“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency

Held Tuesday, September 2, 1969, at 9:00 A.M., in the First Presidency’s Office

Present:  Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer

Sex Education in California

President Dyer mentioned that Elder Howard Hunter reports that information has come to him from Senator Harmer of California that a group of men in California have prepared a research article on the flow of sex education on the educational level and on the bizarre level.  He says that there is a research publishing firm in California that wants to publish this and they haev a donor who wants to supply $10,000 toward the cost.  This donor would like to take a tax deduction and so they are suggesting that the Church receive the $10,000 and then pay it for research.  President Dyer said that from our viewpoint the material is not of a kind that we would sponsor.  The brethren were agreed that we should keep out of any such project.