David O. McKay Diaries – “Ricks College”

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Mon., 28 Apr., 1952:

“[First Presidency meeting] We discussed the matter of sending Ricks College faculty members to visit stake conferences in the area of the college. Reported to me that it had been decided to ask Pres. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. not to send faculty members into that area. Pres. Wilkinson has been asked to send us a list of all the students coming from the stakes in that area to the B.Y.U., and suggested that the same thing be asked of the Ricks College.

I reported meeting with Seminary and Institute teachers and students in Tempe, Arizona. The feeling was expressed by non-member teachers in Arizona and also some of our institute teachers, that it is unnecessary to send boys and girls away from home when they have such a good opportunity for religious education in connection with their college.

The brethren favored leaving the matter to the individual choice of the parents where they send their boys and girls. There was serious consideration as to whether they should call off the visits of the B.Y.U. teachers at Stake Conferences.”

Mon., 28 Apr., 1952:

Fri., 21 May, 1954:

“At 9 a.m. Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University reported to the First Presidency a conference he had had with the Governor yesterday. Said the Governor had approved the drafts of letters that were submitted to him except that he suggests that in the First Presidency’s answer they do not repeat the questions but just give the answers. The Governor inquired if we would have any objection to including a question regarding general vocational training, and President Wilkinson felt we could answer that in the affirmative. It was decided to make the final writing of the letters as indicated, and President Wilkinson was asked to go forward at once.

President Wilkinson also called attention to the athletic program of the B.Y.U. Dr. Wilkinson said that he is going to talk with the chairman of the Athletic Conference to see if it is not possible to maintain higher educational standards. He said he had already given instructions that unless the athletes occupy the full-time that other students devote to the work he would not give them jobs. The Brethren told Brother Wilkinson to go ahead and in the meantime try to get a reorganization in the Conference.

President Wilkinson said that he had been asked to recommend someone to go to Hawaii to take charge of the junior college to be established there. He mentioned for this position Reuben Law, Dean of the College of Education at the B.Y.U. He also mentioned Dr. Leon Winsor who at present is at Cornell.

Referring to the Ricks College situation, President Wilkinson said, in answer to a question as to how many of the students are graduating with the intention of teaching school, that 66% will obtain teaching jobs. He said that these teachers when they graduate, are qualified and have made a good record; that the B.Y.U. students are certified in exactly the same way.

Further in regard to the Ricks College, he said that the enrollment has been about constant over the years. They have about 25 more students now than they had five years ago. His own feeling is that if we continue the College in Rexburg we shall not have many more students and if we make it a two-year college the number will be reduced. In five years they have graduated 540 students from a four-year course.

Wed., 18 July, 1956:

“8:30 a.m. – Met by appointment at his request President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University.

1. I asked President Wilkinson to check on the report that I had received that one of the Professors at the Brigham Young University (Brother Bassett or Brother Berrett) had told the students all about the temple ceremonies in one of his classes. (President Clark mentioned that one of his nieces had told him this).

President Wilkinson will investigate and report.

President Wilkinson then took up the following matters with me:

1. Asked permission for the Brigham Young University and the Corporation of the President to join as parties plaintiff in a suit brought by P.L. Larsen and Company against Ray and Chester Davis for breach of warranty on insulating materials purchased in connection with Heritage Halls.

I asked Pres. Wilkinson to confer with the defendants to see if there is any possibility for settlement. Also that he confer with President Wendell Mendenhall of the Church Building Committee to see if his (Pres. Wilkinson) proposal meets with this favor.

2. It was agreed that we should not pursue further the matter of engaging Pete Couch of the University of Utah on the Physical Education Staff of the Brigham Young University. He is obtaining a salary of $7200 for 9 month’s work at the University of Utah which is a salary the B.Y.U. cannot meet.

3. The Music Department of the B.Y.U. would like the consent of the First Presidency to send the BYU Choir to England in the Fall of 1957 to sing at the dedication of the new temple there.

I told President Wilkinson that I felt impressed that we should not send this choir to Europe for the purpose stated above.

4. Discussed the matter of a new Library for the B.Y.U., to accommodate 3,000 students. At the present rates the building would probably cost about $4 million. We agreed that this is very high, and Pres. Wilkinson will meet further with the architects and try and get them to cut down on the costs as much as will be consistent for the building they must have. Pres. Wilkinson will report in the Fall to the full Board of Trustees on this matter.

5. I authorized President Wilkinson to proceed with the following institute and seminary matters: a) Instead of building a new building or an enlargement of the present institute building at Cedar City, which is authorized in the present budget, to proceed to remodel the present building which will cost approximately $7100 and will satisfy the needs for probably many, many years. b) I authorized a new appropriation for the purchase of land for a new seminary adjacent to a new high school in Mesa, Arizona, not to exceed $2,000. This will not require a new appropriation of church funds. c) I authorized the completion of the institute project at Weber College which will cost approximately another $12,000. This also can be taken out of funds authorized for other institutes and seminaries, the projects of which will not occur this year.

6. I asked President Wilkinson to present to the full Board of Trustees this Fall, the question of whether Ricks College should remain at Rexburg, Idaho.

7. President McClure of the Church Building Committee will examine certain land in Fullerton, California, which we may want to purchase for a Junior College.

8. I took President Wilkinson in to the meeting of the First Presidency and there we authorized him to proceed again next year with an extension of the program for recruiting Indian students, that had been agreed upon the previous year.

Tues., 5 Feb., 1957:

“*During the First Presidency’s meeting I presented the matter raised by President Wilkinson about expenditures approved for Ricks College in the light of enrollment trends of Idaho Falls students at Pocatello and the possibility of other developments in eastern Idaho. It was decided that the First Presidency will hear President Wilkinson, Friday at 11 a.m. (See First Presidency’s Minutes, February 5, 1957.)”

Fri., 8 Feb., 1957:

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The First Presidency met with President Ernest L. Wilkinson. At this meeting we considered important matters pertaining to the future of the Ricks College at Rexburg and the future of the Institute at Idaho State University at Pocatello.”

Mon., 8 Apr., 1957:

“9 a.m. Presided at a very important meeting held in the Board Room on the Main Floor of the Church Offices with the following:

Presidents Stephen L. Richards and J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University

Dr. John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College, Rexburg,

And the following Stake Presidents of the Rexburg Area:

President Parley A. Arave, Blackfoot Stake

President Leonard E. Graham, East Rigby Stake

President Charles Porter Brizzee, Idaho Falls Stake

President J. Cleve Hansen, Lost River Stake

President Lloyd P. Mickelsen, North Idaho Falls Stake

President Orval P. Mortensen, North Rexburg Stake

President Delbert G. Taylor, Rexburg Stake

President George Christensen, Rigby Stake

President Heber Earl Stokes, Salmon River Stake

President George Edwin Grover, Shelley Stake

President Lawrence T. Lambert, South Blackfoot Stake

President Cecil E. Hart, So. Idaho Falls Stake

President E. Francis Winters, Star Valley Stake

President Wm. A. Strong, Teton Stake

President William J. Lewis, Yellowstone Stake

This meeting was held in the interest of the future of Ricks College with emphasis on the advisability of moving the College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

President Wilkinson presented facts relating to this very important problem, and each of the Stake Presidents present expressed their opinions and viewpoints about the matter.

No decision was reached on this problem.

The meeting commenced at 10 a.m. and did not conclude until 2:10 p.m.”

Tues., 9 Apr., 1957:

“Telephone Conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, Tuesday, April 9, 1957.

Re: Moving of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

President Ernest L. Wilkinson called by telephone and asked whether or not I had any instructions for him since my meeting with the First Presidency this morning.

I asked President Wilkinson if he had said anything to any of the brethren about looking for a building site up there, and he stated that he had mentioned the matter to President Cecil E. Hart of the South Idaho Falls Stake. I stated that we were all agreed that we should take immediate action to secure a building site. President Wilkinson then said that he had also talked to a Delbert Groeberg. President Hart had recommended him as a good member of the Church and an excellent real estate man. Mr. Groeberg will look around for a suitable site without disclosing anything.

I told President Wilkinson that President Stephen L. Richards is acquainted with a prominent banker in the Idaho Falls area. I also stated that it is my understanding that Mr. Gadsby of the Utah Power and Light Co. is a member of the Governing Board of the Atomic Energy Plant. President Wilkinson said that Mr. Gadsby is an expert in that particular field. Then I mentioned further that President Stephen L. Richards has been instructed to get in touch with George Gadsby and ask him to confidentially contact this banker and see what they can do for us. President Wilkinson felt that if the information gets out on this matter that we will have to pay more for the property.

President Wilkinson informed me that he is leaving by plane in a few minutes to attend the Presidents’ Conference on Higher Education in San Francisco.

I further informed President Wilkinson that I had instructed President Delbert G. Taylor not to take up the petition he had in mind. President Wilkinson said that President Taylor has been critical of him for some years on the theory that President Wilkinson has been doing a lot more for the ‘Y’ than for Ricks College.

I said that I knew the situation and that I also knew President Taylor. I told him that we would work along these lines and that we hoped to get their contributions and get some land up there. I thanked President Wilkinson for calling.”

Tues., 16 Apr., 1957:

“Telephone conversation with President Delbert G. Taylor, Rexburg Stake, Rexburg, Idaho, Tuesday, April 16, 1957.

Regarding: Removal of Ricks College from Rexburg, Idaho to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

I called President Delbert G. Taylor of Rexburg Stake, Rexburg, Idaho, and the operator located him in Butte, Montana. I told President Taylor that I had just received a letter which he and President Orvil P. Mortensen of the North Rexburg Stake Presidency had signed.* I then asked President Taylor if they could come down to Salt Lake City and present the facts to the Executive Committee tomorrow or next Thursday, April 18, 1957. President Taylor said that their reports, etc. would not be ready until the first of the week, and I asked him if they could come to Salt Lake City next Monday, April 22, 1957 to meet with the Executive Committee of the B.Y.U. President Taylor said that he felt that this day would be satisfactory. Then President Taylor asked if it would be possible for me to fly to Rexburg and look over the Ricks College campus and other things connected with this problem, and I told him we desired them to meet with the Executive Committee and present the facts to them, but it is our desire to make a decision on this problem as quickly as possible, but that we do not wish to do so until President Taylor, and those associated wtih him, have an opportunity to present their facts.

I then asked President Taylor if they could come down to Salt Lake City and present the facts to the Executive Committee tomorrow or next Thursday, April 18, 1957. President Taylor said that their reports, etc. would not be ready until the first of the week, and I asked him if they could come to Salt Lake City next Monday, April 22, 1957 to meet with the Executive Committee of the B.Y.U. President Taylor said that he felt that this day would be satisfactory. Then President Taylor asked if it would be possible for me to fly to Rexburg and look over the Ricks College campus and other things connected with this problem, and I told him we desired them to meet with the Executive Committee and present the facts to them, but it is our desire to make a decision on this problem as quickly as possible, but that we do not wish to do so until President Taylor, and those associated wtih him, have an opportunity to present their facts.

I then asked President Taylor again if his stake presidency and the presidencies of the stakes involved in the immediate area could come next Monday afternoon to present this matter. President Taylor said that he is going back to Rexburg tomorrow, and he will contact the other men at that time and let me know. I gave him my private telephone number at home, EL 9-4249 and my private number at the office, DA 2 -4843 in order that he could call me as soon as he had heard from the other men. President Taylor then asked me if he could also bring President Hart to attend this meeting and others. I mentioned to President Taylor that we preferred meeting with them this week, but he told me that they would not have all their facts assembled until the first of the week, so it was decided to meet Monday, April 22, 1957 at 2 p.m. However, President Taylor urged again that we come up to Rexburg and look the campus over. He asked me if I had seen the campus and I said, ‘Yes.’ President Taylor said that he would call me Thursday with an answer as to when they could come to Salt Lake to meet with the Executive Board. I told him to call me at 9 a.m. as I would spend the greater part of the day in the Temple attending Council Meeting.

(Later in the day it was discovered that the brethren of the Executive Committee would not return to Salt Lake City from Stake Conference assignments until Tuesday, April 23rd. Another telephone call was made by the secretary to President Taylor, and it was decided to hold the meeting Tuesday, April 23, 1957 at 2 p.m.)

Tuesday, April 16, 1957

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Rexburg Stake Presidency

Rexburg, Idaho

April 15, 1957

The First Presidency

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear Brethren:

Supplementing our letter of last week, we would like to say we find it interesting and most informative to assemble the information you requested, with reference to Ricks College and its future. You brethren will be pleased to have this information.

Time will not permit us to present it with the great assembly of charts and the skilled technique of salesmanship that we listened to last week, but what we have to offer will be factual and revealing.

We talked to some stake presidents of surrounding stakes, and they also would appreciate having a more comprehensive picture of all the facts.

We think we will be ready to give you the benefit of the results any time at your convenience, after the first part of the next week.

Sincerely your brethren,

REXBURG AND NORTH REXBURG

STAKE PRESIDENCYS

/s/ Delbert G. Taylor

/s/ Orval P. Mortensen

Delbert G. Taylor

Orval P. Mortensen

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Stephen L. Richards

Thursday, April 18, 1957

Telephone conversation with President Delbert G. Taylor of the Rexburg Stake, Thursday, April 18, 1957.

Re: Removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

I called Elder Delbert G. Taylor, President of the Rexburg Stake and told him that I was very much disappointed last evening to learn that the Rexburg Radio had broadcast the fact that discussions had been held regarding the transfer of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

President Taylor said that he was greatly disappointed also — that he had given instructions to his counselors and others concerned not to give anything out. However, when he returned from Butte, Montana at 7:30 last evening, he found out that the news had been given over the Radio.

Brother Taylor then read the statement that was made over the Radio which mentioned that an emergency meeting of the Board had been called to discuss the report that Ricks College may be moved to Idaho Falls – that the Chamber of Commerce is being called into the matter to see what they can do about the matter, etc.

I mentioned that it seems that publicity is being given to the entire affair which is a violation of the instructions that had been given. President Taylor said he did not know how the news leaked out, nor from whence it had emanated; that he had instructed the brethren to keep it quiet.

I said that if the decision be made to move the College, then the property around Idaho Falls will rise to outlandish prices.

Brother Taylor stated that the brethren up there would still like to have the meeting in Salt Lake, Tuesday, April 23rd, as planned. I said that an announcement also had been given over the radio this morning that there would be a meeting of the Rexburg Presidency and others with the General Authorities next Tuesday. Brother Taylor said that he had talked to the other two stake presidencies and invited Brother Hart, President Ricks, and Dr. Salsburg to attend the meeting in Salt Lake. It was decided that the meeting should be conducted as planned next Tuesday. (see copy of letter from Pres. of Radio Station following)

Thursday, April 18, 1957

KRXK

Serving the Upper Snake River Valley

Rexburg, Idaho

April 18, 1957

Gene Shumate

President

President David O. McKay

Church of Latter Day Saints

Church Offices

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

President Taylor of the Rexburg Stake is upset over the fact that news of the current investigation into the advisability of retaining Ricks College in Rexburg has been broadcast. I have explained to him my position in this respect and feel that you are entitled to the same explanation. I would prefer a personal visit, but the many calls on your time probably does not permit that.

The news of anything of this sort which affects many people cannot be kept secret. Through no fault of the authorities, the word preceded their return from Salt Lake City last week. Day by day the stories grew out of all proportion. To attempt to put this into true perspective and lay at rest some of the rumors and near hysteria on the part of some businessmen, yesterday I released a brief story to the effect that a local committee was working on information concerning the community and Ricks College to present to the Authorities in Salt Lake City. The purpose of this report was to answer a proposal that Ricks be moved to Idaho Falls. This morning I reported that the meeting would be next Tuesday.

These are bare facts (true, I was sure) and the public was entitled to them. They were broadcast without violating any confidences. They were not relayed to me by local authorities. They have served to convince the public that the subject was being explored in an orderly and fair manner and that no snap decision had already been made.

Let me repeat, President McKay, that if you feel there is fault to be found up this way concerning this matter —- lay it at my door. There is much joy in my business of serving the public to the best of my ability; unfortunately, not everyone agrees with how the public should be served in specific instances, and in those cases we have to make a decision. If we didn’t, we would no longer serve.

Kindest personal regards.

Cordially,

/s/ Gene Shumate

(original in Ricks College file, 1957)

April 19, 1957

Mr. Gene Shumate, President

Radio Station KRXK

Rexburg, Idaho

Dear Mr. Shumate:

Your letter of April 18, 1957 addressed to President McKay regarding the release over Radio Station KRXK of a brief story in relation to the Ricks College was received just after the President’s departure from the State to fulfill Church appointments.

President McKay is expected to return to the office in about a week or ten days at which time I shall be pleased to hand your letter to him.

He will, I am sure, appreciate your kindness in sending your letter of explanation to him.

Sincerely yours,

_______________________

Clare Middlemiss

Secretary to:

President David O. McKay”

Thurs., 25 Apr., 1957:

“Telephone conversation with Mr. Steve Meikle, Rexburg, Idaho, regarding Ricks College, Thursday, April 25, 1957.

Mr. Steve M. Meikle, President of Idaho Bank of Commerce at Rexburg, Idaho called me by telephone. He is also a member of the High Council in that Stake.

Mr. Meikle said he just wanted to tell me the situation regarding business conditions in Rexburg since the announcement was made that investigation is being made regarding the removal of Ricks College from Rexburg, Idaho to Idaho Falls. He stated that a few years ago there was some unrest in this area regarding Ricks College. However, the people were content when a telegram was received under my signature which was sent to the 84th Quorum of Seventies. The telegram he said read as follows: ‘Rest assured there will be no change in Ricks College.’ (This telegram, however, referred to the change from a four-year to a two-year college and had nothing to do with the move to Idaho Falls.) At that time the members of the community went forward and made a lot of commitments.

Recently when the Ricks College matter came up again it was indicated that the people were not making enough progress in Rexburg in building the town up. The bank as a business institution went out and made a survey to see if the community was lagging somewhere in their plans. The following facts were revealed: In the last five years 217 new homes have been built at a value of $4,181,000, 82 new businesses have been built at a value of $3,975,000. This values together around eight million dollars. Many of the homes were built with the idea that they would accommodate students. Business in this area has been thrown into quite a condition since the announcement regarding the possible removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. The people have planned on making their payments on their homes with the extra money they receive from renting to college students. Mr. Meikle stated that a number of cancellations have been made on loans for homes, etc. since the news has been received regarding the transfer of the college.

Mr. Meikle said that he wondered if I was aware of these conditions in Rexburg. He also mentioned that in his position in the bank and stake he is charged with a great deal of responsibility and is in a position to know the business conditions, etc. in that area. Mr. Meikle stated further that they are trying to meet this situation as bravely and fairly as possible, but they are interested in this matter in a business and financial way, and wanted me to have this information in mind when a decision is made.

I thanked him for calling.

Telephone conversation with Mr. Orval Adams, Thursday, April 25, 1957.

Orval Adams of the First National Bank called me and stated that Mr. Steve M. Meikle had just called him by telephone from Rexburg, Idaho. Mr. Adams stated that he is not interfering with the Ricks College matter, but he just called to tell me about the calibre of Mr. Meikle. He is President of the Idaho Bank of Commerce in Rexburg, a legislator, and one of the most prominent men in Idaho.

Mr. Adams stated that in the last five years 217 new homes have been built in Rexburg at a value of $4,181,000, 82 new businesses have been built at a value of $3,975,000; a total value together of about eight million dollars. A lot of this building has been done on the strength that the college would remain in Rexburg.

Mr. Adams repeated again that he just wanted to tell me that Mr. Meikle is a wonderful and influential man. He also stated that he had promised Mr. Meikle that he would call me. Mr. Adams made mention of the fact that the Idaho Bank of Commerce in Rexburg, Idaho has a million dollar deposit in the First National Bank in Salt Lake, but he felt that this information would not contribute one way or another in our decision regarding the transfer of the college.”

Tues., 30 Apr., 1957:

“11:45 a.m. Met by appointment at their request President Delbert G. Taylor of the Rexburg Stake, Brother Salsbury of Ricks College, and Mr. S. M. Meikle, President of the Idaho Bank of Commerce, Rexburg, Idaho.

These men presented reasons for retaining Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.

They have six reasons which they presented in a convincing manner. (see copy following for these reasons) (Also see newspaper clippings about Removal of College)

Tuesday, April 30, 1957

April 30, 1957

Ricks College

A SUMMARY

The picture of a stagnant or a dying Rexburg is contrary to the facts. Population growth, business development, city improvements, combine to indicate a steady and healthy progress. Rexburg has shown, and is at present showing, its capacity to accommodate the influx of students to the college during a period in which the enrollment has experienced an increase of 31% (See printed folder). Utilities, hospital facilities, recreational developments are at present ahead of our needs and are in an excellent position to expand as the situation demands.

The geographical extension of industry incident to the AEC program, together with the forthcoming highway development, puts Reexburg in a location far more advantageous to the purpose of a college community than is any other town or city in the Upper Snake River Valley.

The relationship between population, especially an industrial population, and incentive to attend a particular college or university is, in our opinion, illusory. Studies which we have already submitted indicate that in eleven Western states the highest percentage of colleges, both two-year and four-year are located in communities of fewer than 10,000 (excepting cities of over 100,000, of which Idaho has none).

Particular issue should be made of the fact that Idaho Falls has grown both physically and morally into a community antithetical to an environment suitable to a Church school. At the present time that community is experiencing embarrassment at its inability to adjust to the boom aspects of its growth. This is reflected in its attempt to deal with glutted traffic, its over-crowded and inadequate living accommodations, and its increased cost of living. It is believed that Rexburg, twenty-five miles away, will reflect the positive values involved in the growth of the entire area, as is already becoming apparent.

Of approximately 6700 high school graduates in the State of Idaho annually, about 1800 are L.D.S. All of these will not, of course, attend college. Current Ricks College enrollment encourages us in the belief that, at its present convenient location, it can attract not only the great share of our own students from all over the State but from bordering states and Western Canada.

The people of Rexburg volunteer to organize and submit a program of scholarships and study grants which will truly manifest a desire on the part of the citizenry to cooperate with the aims of the Unified Church School System.

Tuesday, April 30, 1957

Idaho Falls in Spotlight

MOVE OVER RICKS COLLEGE?

MAYBE, SAYS BYU LEADER

Removal of Ricks College from Rexburg, Idaho, to Idaho Falls was termed ‘under consideration’ Thursday by Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints board of education.

Reports that the church-operated-and-owned school may be moved have been common throughout southern Idaho for some time, but no official information has been forthcoming.

Dr. Wilkinson, in Salt Lake City Thursday night, was asked if the move is being planned.

The head of the LDS church schools, who is also president of Brigham Young University, said ‘The move is under consideration by the board of education at the present time.’

When asked if the strong rumors indicating such a move is imminent would indicate immediate action, Dr. Wilkinson said, ‘There have been such rumors for some time. But the board has taken no official action on the matter.

Dr. Wilkinson, when asked if the board plans to meet to consider such a move said that it did. The board will meet Friday at 11 a.m. in the LDS Church offices, 47 E. South Temple.

The Salt Lake Tribune – Friday, April 26, 1957

LDS STAYS MOVE ON RICKS DECISION

No decision on a plan to remove Ricks College from Rexburg, Idaho, to Idaho Falls has been reached. Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of Brigham Young University and administrator for the board of education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reported Friday.

Dr. Wilkinson, who earlier had confirmed reports that such a change was under consideration, said after a meeting of the board that the matter was not decided but indicated it would be discussed at a future meeting.

The Salt Lake Tribune,

Saturday, April 27, 1957″

May 17, 1957

Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Friday, May 17, 1957.

Re: Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho

President Ernest L. Wilkinson called to say that he had to make several commitments in his plans within the next two or three weeks, and he wondered if I had decided when we were going to Rexburg. I told President Wilkinson that I had planned on going next Monday, May 20, 1957 but matters had come up, and I should be unable to go now on that date. I then mentioned that I should like to go next week, but I wanted to see him before we take the trip to go over details to be considered. I suggested that the week of May 27th is the closing week of the B.Y.U. school year, and that I should not want him to leave at that time. But as near as I know now next Tuesday or Wednesday, May 21st or 22nd would probably be the best time for me to leave, possibly Tuesday.

President Wilkinson said that he would come to my office at my convenience before we took this trip in order that we could discuss several matters pertaining to it. I arranged for him to meet with me Saturday morning, May 18th at 8:30 o’clock.”

Sat., 18 May, 1957:

“At 8:30 this morning, I met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of the Brigham Young University. He gave a review of meetings and actions taken recently regarding the proposed removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

He presented the exaggerated statements of the Rexburg people regarding Rexburg, and pointed out wherein they had exaggerated facts.

After considering all matters, and realizing that the Executive Committee and the Church Board of Education had now referred the entire matter to the President of the Church, I decided to make a trip to Rexburg to personally investigate the whole matter, I invited President Wilkinson to go with me.

It was decided that we shall leave next Tuesday morning at 6 o’clock.

Tues., 21 May, 1957:

“Trip to Investigate Buildings at Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho

6 a.m.

Left Salt Lake City for Rexburg, Idaho in company with Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University. We were driven by Brother Allan Acomb of the Purchasing Department of the Church.

We arrived in Idaho Falls at 9:30 a.m., where we met by appointment Elder Cecil B. Hart, President of the South Idaho Falls Stake. Pres. Hart took us to inspect some sites that might be used for the Ricks College providing it be moved to Idaho Falls.

Following the inspection of property, the three of us drove to Rexburg where we very much surprised the President of the College, (Elder John L. Clarke).

While we were in the hallway someone telephoned the Radio station and Chamber of Commerce. The Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce extended an invitation for me to attend their luncheon meeting and speak to them, but I sent word to him that we were at the college for a routine check-up of the buildings and would, therefore, not be able to accept his invitation.

Within a few moments of our arrival at the College, President Delbert G. Taylor, President of the Rexburg Stake and his counselors appeared on the scene, they having received a telephone message that I was at the college, so he and his counselors accompanied us on our inspection tour. We also met the Mayor or Rexburg and the faculty members of the College.

I went to Rexburg having in mind three things:

(1) Whether the buildings, if vacated, would be left standing as ghosts to irritate the people who would be disappointed because of the removal of the school.

(2) Whether the claim of those who wanted to keep the College at Rexburg be true that very few new buildings, if any, would be needed, and that there would be no expense in keeping them.

(3) Whether the great expense of moving the College would be justifiable.

Therefore, with these three things in mind, we inspected each of the buildings – we climbed upstairs and downstairs in building after building. As soon as the students found out we were visiting in their buildings, they came out and wanted to shake hands and have pictures taken – some groups gathered together and sang ‘We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet’ and other songs of greeting.

We spent 5 and one-half hours in inspecting these buildings! I was worried about President Wilkinson’s climbing the stairways as he has just gotten over a serious heart attack. However, he seemed to take it all right.

My first observation convinced me that one building for which $45,000 has been appropriated is not worth that amount of expenditure, and that after the $45,000 had been expended it would still be of little value.

The Administration Building, which is well constructed, would probably be of little use unless the local School Board could use it, a probability which is even now being considered. Besides this, the Library is located on the top floor of the building, a very unwise situation, which proves the necessity of the erection of a new building for the Library.

There is also need of a new cafeterial building and a new dormitory for the boys. A new chemistry and physics building is needed–part of the present quarters for the students of these subjects is still in one of the discarded army barracks.

The new Recreation and Assembly Building which has just been completed at a cost of nearly $700,000, is a beautiful structure. This building would not stand as a ghost building and would be used by the Stake as an Assembly Hall.

Much to my surprise, it would be less expensive to have the College in Idaho Falls than in Rexburg.

Arrived home at 7:45 p.m.

Although this was one of the busiest days of my life–having travelled 400 miles and then spent 6 hours in inspecting the buildings and consulting with those concerned about the College I felt it was one of the most worthwhile and profitable trips I have ever taken! (see report to First Presidency on Ricks College which follows)

Tuesday, May 21, 1957

FIRST PRESIDENCY MEETING

Wednesday, May 22, 1957

9:45 a.m.

Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards and J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Visit of President McKay to Ricks College

President McKay reported having spent Tuesday, May 21, in Rexburg and that President Wilkinson accompanied him. They visited President Hart at Idaho Falls and looked over a proposed site. He expressed a preference for a site adjoining one upon which an option has been secured.

President McKay stated that he had gone to Rexburg (1) to verify the statement that not much expenditure would be needed for new buildings, (2) to observe whether the unoccupied buildings would stand as ‘ghost’ buildings to blight the feelings of the people, and (3) whether the cost of moving the college, transplanting it to a new site would entail spending a greater sum than to remodel present buildings at the present site.

At Rexburg, President Taylor joined the group and together they made a five hour tour of the campus. President McKay stated that the old building for the remodeling of which $45,000 has been appropriated, is not worth $45,000. There is a swimming pool in the basement, laboratories on the next floor and a gymnasium on the top floor. Rather than spend $45,000 remodeling it, the building should be taken down and the stone used for another building.

He reported that the administration building is well built and well adapted to use. The library on the upper floor has reached its limit and cannot be added to in its present location. Architects say it will not stand any more.

Eventually a library building will be needed, if the college stays on the present site. If the school is transplanted, this building would be a ‘ghost’ unless it is used for other purposes. The Sugar City-Rexburg school districts are considering combining and are contemplating building a district school to replace one which was burned down. The possibility of the consolidated school district using the administration building will be investigated by President Wilkinson. The use of this building by the school district will make unnecessary the building of a high school in Sugar City.

The new building erected at a cost of more than $600,000 is an excellent, useable building with a chapel, recreation hall, dance hall and classrooms. This could be used for Church purposes as a stake or interstake center.

Already part of the campus has been sold to the Rexburg Sixth Ward for a chapel.

Other buildings are old Army buildings, discarded by the Army and given to the college. These house the cafeteria, chemistry laboratory, and boys dormitory. These would have to be replaced by other buildings.

Girls dormitory buildings visited are satisfactory. One privately owned was visited and found to be satisfactory with accommodations for 20 to 50 girls, though in one place two students have a room in which there is no window. Another building owned by a businessman provides accommodations, but the rooms have no windows; light and ventilation come from the front.

If the school should remain in Rexburg, appropriation for dormitories will be inevitable, and also for a library and for a gymnasium. Boys dormitories are converted Army barracks.

President McKay reported going to the Atomic Energy Plant office where he met the assistant to the director, who explained that the desert area surrounding the plant is to be used as a buffer and that the road which has been talked about between the Atomic Energy installation west of Idaho Falls and Rexburg is not a project of the Atomic Energy Commission; the Commission has no part or interest in it, but prefers to leave the area as a ‘buffer.’

President McKay reported also having visited some of the homes built by faculty members in reliance upon the college’s staying in Rexburg.

He proposed that on June 1, the stake presidents to whom the matter was first presented be asked to meet in Rexburg and hear the case presented by the Rexburg people and that thereafter the matter be reviewed and the decision announced.

Tues., 28 May, 1957:

“3 p.m. Returned to the office. Dictated letters to Stake Presidents in the Ricks College area arranging for a meeting to be held at the Administration Building of the Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho. Also invited prominent Rexburg citizens to attend the meeting. A copy of the letter of invitation follows:

‘To have presented pertinent facts pertaining to the growth and influence of Ricks College, there will be held a special meeting in Room 27 of the Administration Building, Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, Saturday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m.

‘As one interested in this important matter, you are cordially invited to be in attendance.’

Tuesday, May 28, 1957.

Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, B.Y.U.

Re: Meeting to be held at Rexburg pertaining to the removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

I called President Ernest L. Wilkinson at Brigham Young University and asked him if he can be ready to fulfill his appointment this Saturday (June 1) at 1:30 p.m. (We plan to have a meeting with the stake presidents, etc. of the Ricks area pertaining to the removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.) President Wilkinson stated that he is making preparations for this appointment.

I mentioned to President Wilkinson that probably we should have the meeting at Ricks College, Rexburg, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. This would enable those who are to attend this meeting to get their lunch first, and we should plan on arriving in Rexburg about 12 noon in order that we can also have our lunch before the meeting. Four hours should be allowed for the trip which would necessitate our leaving Salt Lake at 7:30 a.m. President Wilkinson stated that he would meet me at the Hotel as he had done on our previous trip to Rexburg, and that he would have his charts, etc. assembled for the meeting.”

Sat., 1 June, 1957:

“At 7:30 this morning left from the Hotel Utah in company with Elder Marion G. Romney and Ernest L. Wilkinson, with Allan Acomb acting as chauffeur for the party.

We arrived at Idaho Falls at 11:30, took lunch at the Bonneville Hotel. We then proceeded to Rexburg, Idaho where we arrived just in time for the meeting at 1:30 p.m.

All 15 Stake Presidents and six specially invited civic leaders from Rexburg were present (see following sheet for names).

Brother Howard E. Salisbury, representing the group at Rexburg, presented their case for keeping the college at Rexburg. He took some two hours to do so. He stated that the issue is ‘Ricks College’ and prefaced his argument primarily on the fact that the Brethren should ‘not remove the ancient landmark which their fathers have set,’ and that Ricks College could not be moved without shattering its history and traditions. He had figures to show that Rexburg is ‘not stagnant.’ To prove this he showed bank deposits, postal savings deposits, and many other things.

At the conclusion of his remarks I called on President Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, to give his side of the question. He went through some 32 charts showing that in 1888, when Ricks College was founded, there were six times as many Mormons in Idaho Falls, whereas today there are three times as many Mormons in Idaho Falls. He said that over a substantial period of years, the cost of a college at Rexburg for the same number of students would be higher, because in Rexburg the Church would be obligated to build a number of dormitories. President Wilkinson took three hours presenting the facts he had gathered concerning the Ricks College.

Mayor Fred Smith of Rexburg made rather a violent attack on President Wilkinson, accusing him of being concerned with the financial set-up rather than with ‘saving souls’. Following the mayor’s remarks I arose and defended President Wilkinson and answered the accusations of the Mayor. I said that I had been very concerned over the accusations made by Rexburg people against those of Idaho Falls, and said that according to the records of the Church, members in Idaho Falls were just as faithful as those in Rexburg. (Before going to Rexburg, we had looked at the tithing records, and found that each of the stakes in Idaho Falls were paying mroe than either of the stakes in Rexburg.)

The meeting came to an end at about 6:30. It was agreed by everyone that no one would give publicity to what happened at the meeting. President Taylor of the Rexburg Stake himself proposed that nothing be said and that he would say nothing.

I asked each person present at the meeting to personally write me as to his views of what should be done about Ricks College. As to the Stake Presidents, I authorized them to consult with their counselors.

Near Accident on Way Home

On the way home between Idaho Falls and Pocatello, as we were travelling south, a woman driver of a car coming north, attempted to pass some other cars going north by driving around them on the left, but she could not get ahead of them, and instead of putting on her brakes and getting behind them in her right lane of traffic, at the last moment turned to the left and shot right out in front of us. It was a miracle it was not a head-on collision. Brother Acomb, our chauffeur, was very cool and managed the car so that we drove between the car driven by the woman and the on-coming traffic which was in proper position. We were all driving around 60 miles per hour, and we could have had a serious collision had it not been averted. So sure was Elder Romney, who was riding with us, that we were going to get hit, that he remarked, as he saw the car coming toward us, ‘THIS IS IT!’ We all commented several times during the trip home that it was providential that we had had no accident. We were all thankful that we pulled out of that serious situation.

We arrived in Salt Lake City about 12:30 p.m., after eating at Maddox in Brigham City.

No decision as yet has been made regarding the moving of Ricks College to Idaho Falls, but I think the people of Rexburg themselves are now ready to accept a decision.

We all agreed that it was a very beneficial trip.

(See letter from President Wilkinson following, expressing his thoughts of the trip and also newspaper clippings.)

Saturday, June 1, 1957

Department of Education

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

and

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Provo, Utah

June 4, 1957

President David O. McKay

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

I want you to know that I appreciate very, very much the opportunity which I have had of going with you on the two visits to Rexburg. I am sure that your personal presence in Rexburg, as well as the real interest you have shown in this matter, will permit you to make a decision which will be followed by the loyal Saints in Rexburg regardless of what it is. I am also sure that the protecting hand of our Heavenly Father was responsible for averting a serious accident on our way back from Rexburg.

I know that on both occasions you were concerned about my health, but I want you to know that I am feeling fine and am sure that I can do anything that the duties of my present positions require. You should never hesitate because of my health to call on me to do anything you desire. Frankly, while I appreciate very much the solicitude of your two counsellors and your secretary over my health, I think they are unduly concerned about it. I feel much, much better when I am busy with my work than when I am trying to relax doing nothing — indeed, the life of Riley was never meant for me.

Respectfully your brother,

Ernest L. Wilkinson

Administrator

ELW/rd”

Thurs., 13 June, 1957:

President Wilkinson called at 8;15 this morning and I told him that since four members of the B.Y.U. Board are absent from the city, we shall postpone the meeting of the Board of Trustees which was to be held this Friday until he returns from the East at which time the Rexburg question can be settled.

It was agreed that President Wilkinson could proceed with his plans to leave tomorrow morning for a trip East to take care of University as well as personal business.

Thurs., 27 June, 1957:

“4 p.m. – Left for home. Later, at home, I went over two or three hundred letters from persons in the Rexburg Area in which they express their opinion regarding the proposal to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls.

I listed all those ‘for’ and ‘Against’ the proposition, and will have them typed up and presented at the meeting of the Board of Education.”

Fri., 28 June, 1957:

“9:45 to 10:15 a.m. – Meeting of the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric. Following the meeting of the Presiding Bishopric, the First Presidency went over dozens of letters on Ricks College for and against the removal of Ricks College to Idaho Falls. The letters were turned over to President Richards for his perusal and information.”

Wednesday, July 10, 1957

Telephone conversation with Dr. Blaine H. Passey, Rexburg, Idaho, Wednesday, July 10, 1957.

Re: Removal of Ricks College to Idaho Falls.

President McKay: Dr. Passey. David O. McKay.

Dr. Passey: Oh yes.

President McKay: I just received your letter of July 6, and I take it as an insult.

Dr. Passey: I am sorry.

President McKay: Well, I certainly do. You people up there, including the Chamber of Commerce, continue to stir this business up and hold mass meetings. We are doing the best we can; we are considering the matter carefully. We have some conditions here pertaining to the future of that college, and we shall make them known when it is necessary, but this idea of your saying:

‘For three months this community has awaited this decision. For three months any new business venture thinking of coming to this town has waited the decision.

‘It is apparent that the grand strategy is to let the college wither on the vine without Church or community support as a proof that the school should be moved.

‘The Church has lost more respect in this area in the last three months than the work of a dozen missionaries in the field could hope to recoup. I can only speak for myself, but I am sure I echo the feelings of many in this area when I say we are disgusted and ashamed of the Church in this action.’

You are drawing conclusions, and I wish you would please tell the Chamber of Commerce offocials and others just to be a little patient, and have a little trust in the President of the Church.

Dr. Passey: I talked to President Taylor early this morning. I shall write you a letter of apology.

President McKay: You don’t know what the Presidency is doing regarding this.

Dr. Passey: That is correct; we do not know.

President McKay: Why draw such conclusions as you have? Doctor, I am surprised, and hurt at your attitude.

Dr. Passey: I shall write you a letter of apology, sir.

President McKay: I have a telegram from Mr. Walz; please tell him the same thing. (see copy following)

Dr. Passey: I shall do so.

President McKay: He was a little more considerate. There is no need of calling any mass meeting. It won’t do any good. We have given nothing out to the paper. The purchase of the land in Idaho Falls will make no difference in our decision. In fact, the decision is made now, and we shall make it public in the proper way.

Wednesday, July 10, 1957.

B.H. Passey, M.D.

Rexburg, Idaho

July 6, 1957

President David O. McKay

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

The apparent indecision on the part of the leadership of this Church with regard to the Ricks College problem is absurd.

For three months this community has awaited this decision. For three months any new business venture thinking of coming to this town has waited the decision. For three months much of our building activity has been held up because of the lack of a forth-right answer. For three months there has been no scholarship activity; no proselyting of students; no advertising of the college.

It is apparent that the grand strategy is to let the college wither on the vine without Church or community support as a proof that the school should be moved.

The Church has lost more respect in this area in the last three months than the work of a dozen missionaries in the field could hope to recoup. I can only speak for myself, but I am sure I echo the feelings of many in this area when I say we are disgusted and ashamed of the Church in this action.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Blaine H. Passey

Blaine H. Passey, M.D.

Wednesday, July 10, 1957.

B.H. Passey, M.D.

Rexburg, Idaho

July 10, 1957

President David O. McKay

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

May I apologize for my letter of July 6th. Believe me no insult was intended. We are undoubtedly overly distressed and agitated over the Ricks College controversy and I feel that I would be remiss in my duty if my letter did not reflect this attitude. Each new rumor which has emanated from Rexburg, Idaho Falls, or Utah has further distressed us to a point where our views and opinions are unquestionably biased.

I referred your request to members of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce, with regard to the scheduled mass meeting, and have been assured that the Ricks College question will not be discussed.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Blaine H. Passey

Blaine H. Passey, M.D.

Copy to:

Pres. D.G. Taylor

Rexburg Stake

Wednesday, July 10, 1957.

Copy of wire received from John Walz, President, Rexburg Chamber of Commerce.

Rexburg, Idaho, 1957 July 9 PM 4 56

President David O. McKay

Church Office Bldg.

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

For the past 92 days our community of Rexburg has been a caldron of anxiety, disappointment and in some instances animosity regarding status of Ricks College, most phases of business activity has been at a complete stand still.

The delay in decision coupled with the recent purchase of property and improvement program on the campus leads us to feel optimistic.

At our regular directors meeting it was voted unanimous to assure you the $20,000.00 in pledged scholarships for students at Ricks in Rexburg is ready and waiting your go ahead signal, so that scholarships can be issued in the very near future to insure increased enrollment at Ricks this fall quarter.

We stand united in our desire for your counsel and suggestions to build a bigger and better Ricks College in Rexburg.

We look upon the July 9th release to the Idaho Falls Post register with disdain, forwarding copy of same by mail.

John Walz, President, Rexburg Chamber of Commerce”

Thurs., 11 July, 1957:

“7:30 to 9 a.m. – Dictation to my secretary Clare

Ricks College Not to be Moved to Idaho Falls

9 to 11 a.m. – First Presidency’s meeting was held.

Most of the time of this meeting was devoted to a discussion on the Ricks College. During the meeting I received a telephone call from President Stephen L. Richards (having put in the call before coming to the meeting) and I presented to him, as I also presented to President Clark, my conclusion that it is not worth the cost to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls; that the plan propsoed by President Wilkinson at the latest meeting of the Board to make Ricks College a part of the Brigham Young University has merit; that the school will grow where it is and that the support of the people of the area will be given and the honor of the General Authorities of the Church in their minds will be preserved. Pres. Richards phoned to me from Bellingham, Washington, where he was visiting his son. (see notes of conversation following)

President Richards agreed to the announcement being made that it is decided by the Executive Committee and the First Presidency that Ricks College will not be moved to Idaho Falls. President Richards thought it would be well to call Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls and give the announcement first to him. It was agreed that the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University be asked to meet with the First Presidency at 11 o’clock today to present this decision to them, and to make the suggestion that the announcement be released, as intended earlier, through the newspaper and radio station in Idaho Falls.

I reported at the meeting of the First Presidency that I had received a telegram from the Rexburg Stake Presidency, copy of which follows:

‘President David O. McKay, 47 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay: We have learned indirectly that letters, telegrams, and perhaps other communications have been sent to you casting reflections on the leadership of the Church. We deeply regret this and sincerely apologize. We are sure these are isolated cases not representative of our people; also we thank you for you kindly support and consideration of our people; also we thank you for your kindly support and consideration to save Ricks College at Rexburg. Be assured of our continued confidence and support. Sincerely your brethren, signed Rexburg Stake Presidency.’

11 a.m.. Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University Board of Trustees and of the Church Board of Education was held. At this meeting I gave a summary of my reasons why Ricks College should not be moved to Idaho Falls. (see copy following).

Following a discussion on this matter, it was agreed at this meeting that Ricks College will not be moved to Idaho Falls.

It was also agreed that the announcement should be made first to Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls, and that the only statement to be made is as follows:

‘It has been decided by the First Presidency and the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.’

Following the meeting I called Mr. D.F. Richards and gave him the news of the decision not to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls. I repeated to him the announcement as approved at the meeting of the Church Board of Education. (see copy of conversation which follows) (also see copy of newspaper announcement following)

Following the announcement over radio and in newspapers I received telegrams of Appreciation from the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce and from the Rexburg Junior Chamber of Commerce. (see copies following)

At 4:30 p.m. I received an unexpected call from Delbert G. Taylor, President of the Rexburg Stake, his counselor, Walter F. Ririe, S.M. Meikle, Sr., member of the Stake High Council and Mr. Art Porter who had piloted the group by airplane from Rexburg to Salt Lake City.

I told them that the decision had been made this morning that Ricks College would not be moved from Rexburg. They were overjoyed with the news, and said that they had not heard the news before they left Rexburg.

I told them that I was happy about the decision, and felt that the right decision had been made.

Telephone Calls

1. President Stephen L. Richards regarding decision not to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls – see following notes

2. Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls — gave him permission to announce decision of First Presidency and the Church Board of Education not to move Ricks Colelge to Idaho Falls.

Thursday, July 11, 1957

RICKS COLLEGE TO REMAIN AT REXBURG

(Notes Used by President David O. McKay at meeting

of the Church Board of Education, Friday, July 11, 1957,

at 11 a.m.)

I. Granting that every reason advanced for its removal to Idaho Falls is sound, it is not worth the price

1. Because, justified or not, thousands of people, young and old, will be imbued with the thought that the assurance given by the First Presidency, by the President, and by the Church School Administration, that Ricks College will remain at Rexburg was not kept.

2. Housing in Idaho Falls less advantageous than at Rexburg

3. Dormitories needed at Idaho Falls as well as at Rexburg

II. Accommodations for Students

Pledges for 1,570 students from $12.00 to $20.00 a month

Upper Valley Real Estate Board – by Henry Dietrick, Pres.

Edward Powell, Sec’y.

Personal letter to R.W. Purrington, Lion’s Club, dated July 9, 1954

Telegram of same date to Fourth Quorum of Seventy.

The Church is built upon Faith and Trust. Once confidence is lost,

the foundation of society begins to crumble.

First announcement should be given to Mr. Richards of Idaho Falls.

Our integrity will be measured by our conduct.

Thursday, July 11, 1957

Telephone conversation with President Stephen L. Richards, Bellingham, Washington, Thursday, July 11, 1957.

Re: Removal of Ricks College to Idaho Falls

and

Date of Dedication, New Zealand Temple

President Richards: Good morning.

President McKay: Brother Richards. Good morning. How are you?

President Richards: I am fine, but I am way up in the Northwest, in Bellingham, Washington. I came to see my son, Richard.

President McKay: I called you by telephone to save your coming back to Salt Lake. I want to tell you first, that I believe it will not be worth the cost to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

President Richards: Would you be willing to consider the possibility of establishing a Branch of the Brigham Young University later at Idaho Falls?

President McKay: We shall take that up at a future time.

President Richards: I heard that the newspapers had the information about the deeds on the property purchased at Idaho Falls.

President McKay: I heard about it, and I think that will not affect us in any way. I think that Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls should receive the first announcement. Would you be willing to consider the possibility of establishing a Branch of the Brigham Young University later at Idaho Falls?

President McKay: We shall take that up at a future time.

President Richards: I heard that the newspapers had the information about the deeds on the property purchased at Idaho Falls.

President McKay: I heard about it, and I think that will not affect us in any way. I think that Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls should receive the first announcement. Would you care to send down what you would like to say, or shall we leave it to the Executive Committee?

President Richards: Is it necessary to make the announcement now? Do you feel that it is desirable?

President McKay: The trouble is that these things get out, and the newsmen get the wrong impressions. In view of the preparation for the school term next Fall, it is right and just for Dr. John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College, and the faculty to know that the College will be maintained at Rexburg.

President Richards: Would you authorize those new buildings?

President McKay: Yes sir.

President Richards: I wish a little further time could have abided to see what the development of the whole sentiment would be with relation to the estabishment of a Branch of the B.Y.U.

President McKay: I think that will come naturally when we consider the other Colleges.

President Richards: You would have to go on with the dormitories just the same.

President McKay: Brother Wilkinson is wrong in his statement that there will be no need of dormitories there; I am satisfied of that.

President Richards: I think the attendance would be greatly increased. Have you talked it over with Ernest?

President McKay: No. I am talking to you first.

President Richards: I wish we could let it go for awhile. I do not think that the decision is necessary up in Ricks, President McKay.

President McKay: Well, if you had the experience we had yesterday you would realize that a decision now is necessary. Yesterday I called a doctor in Rexburg who had written a letter, and told him that what he is saying and doing is an insult to the First Presidency. And we also had to send word to the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Rexburg to stop agitation.

President Richards: It seems to me that we do not have any obligations to others, only to our officials.

President McKay: Whatever we can do legally in regard to our promise, the fact remains that we decided as a Presidency that it would not be moved and that letter from the First Presidency of two or three years ago, the remarks of President Wilkinson and the telegram confirmed the fact that it would not be moved. That is a fact.

President Richards: That might be, but as far as the decision is concerned surely we are entitled to make decisions depending upon changes of conditions, etc. Why would it not be well, President McKay, not to commit ourselves. We could establish a branch at Idaho Falls; we could get several times the enrollment.

President McKay: In view of the fact that they have made a house-to-house canvas, and have secured promises to house 1500 students, we needn’t say anything about the dormitories at present.

President Richards: We wouldn’t feel justified in going ahead with a half million-dollar-dormitory building program. Well, I think we should just make an announcement that Ricks will not be moved to Idaho Falls. Go that far with no comment, and this does not preclude the consideration in the future, whenever the time seems right a Branch of the Brigham Young University, might be established. We have secured the deed, and the title will be in the name of the Brigham Young University, and let them think what they want about it. That might prevent any competitive Institution from coming into Idaho Falls. I think it would be well to call Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls, and tell him to make the announcement. My secretary knows just how to get him. It would be an honor for you to call him.

President McKay: I shall meet with the Executive Committee today and after that I shall let Mr. Richards know that we have decided not to move Ricks College, and he can so announce it.

President Richards: We cannot help the information that has gone out regarding the recording of that deed.

President McKay: No, that is public news.

Thursday, July 11, 1957

Telephone conversation with Mr. D.F. Richards, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Thursday, July 11, 1957.

President McKay: Hello, Mr. Richards. This is David O. McKay.

Mr. Richards: Oh yes. Well, how are you today?

President McKay: I am very well, and I am very happy now to speak to you.

Mr. Richards: It is my pleasure Mr. McKay.

President McKay: I have heard of you through President Richards, and we appreciate your attitude and service during this controversy while we were considering the advisability of moving Ricks College to Idaho Falls.

Mr. Richards: Well, if I have been of any service I am happy about it.

President McKay: We should like to tell you that the Presidency and the Executive Committee of the Board of Education now in session have decided not to move the school from Rexburg, and we should like you to be the first to announce it because you stood by the presidency and granted their request not to say anything when the matter was first agitated, and we would like your paper and radio to be the first to make the announcement.

Mr. Richards: You are not going to move the Ricks College down here.

President McKay: This is what you can say: ‘It has been decided by the First Presidency and the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.’ (This statement was approved by Pres. J. Reuben Clark, Jr., President Joseph Fielding Smith and other members of the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education who were present at the meeting at 11 o’clock this morning.)

Mr. Richards: Well, we are sorry to hear that.

President McKay: When you know the whole plan, you will feel all right.

Mr. Richards: Did you read the editorial in the ‘Post’ the other day?

President McKay: No.

Mr. Richards: Well, I think you should read that; it was very good, and I shall see that you get a copy of that.

President McKay: You may say if you wish that the President called you at this time, to let you know that it has been decided by the First Presidency and the Executive Committee of the Board of Education that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg. You may make this announcement today.

Mr. Richards: Do you want me to release that in the paper?

President McKay: Yes; and you are the first to get it.

Mr. Richards: Thanks, alot; it will be a pleasure to meet you sometime. I saw a good picture of you the other day on a horse. You are very remarkable. (Referring to the trek by horseback 10 1/2 miles to La Plata which was shown over KDYL television station.)

President McKay: People think it is something for me to ride, but I do it often.

Mr. Richards: I know you enjoy riding.

Thank you for calling me.

(About an hour later a telephone call was received from Radio Station, ID, Idaho Falls, Idaho. They stated that a Mr. D.F. Richards had called them by telephone and given them the following information: ‘It has been decided by the First Presidency and the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.’ Inasmuch as Mr. Richards is not a member of the Church, they wondered if they should broadcast this news over their radio station. They said that this news had ‘knocked the props from under them and had shocked them’. They were informed that President McKay had talked to Mr. D.F. Richards and given him the above information this morning. The secretary told them that this information is correct. Radio Station KID was also thanked for their consideration in checking with this office before this news was broadcast.)

Thursday, July 11, 1957

RICKS COLLEGE TO STAY PUT, REXBURG TOLD

Ricks College will stay in Rexburg, Idaho.

That was the decision reached Thursday by the executive committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints board of education, meeting in Salt Lake City.

A brief statement issued by the LDS First Presidency after Thursday’s meeting stated, ‘It has been decided by the First Presidency and the executive committee of the church board of education that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.’

The decision ended several months of uncertainty as to the college’s future. Plans had been considered to move the college to nearby Idaho Falls. Only Tuesday a large parcel of land had been bought in Idaho Falls on behalf of the LDS Brigham Young University and it was conjectured that it would be the location of the transferred college.

The college is the oldest in Idaho.

A warranty deed was filed Tuesday at Idaho Falls conveying title of a 160-acre tract in Southeast Idaho Falls to Clyde D. Sandgren as trustee of Brigham Young University. Mr. Sandgren is general counsel and secretary of the LDS Church School.

The Salt Lake Tribune, Friday Morning, July 12, 1957

Thursday, July 11, 1957

CHURCH TO KEEP RICKS AT REXBURG

Ricks College will remain at Rexburg, Idaho, President David O. McKay of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced late Thursday.

His announcement followed a meeting of the First Presidency and the Church Board of Education, governing board of the college, in the Church office building in Salt Lake City.

It stated: ‘It has been decided by the First Presidency and the executive committee of the Church Board of Education that Ricks College will not be moved.’

There had been widespread speculation that the Church was considering moving the college, oldest in Idaho, to Idaho Falls. Tuesday a warranty deed was recorded in Idaho Falls transferring a 160-acre farm in Idaho Falls to Brigham Young University.

Deseret News, Friday, July 12, 1957

RICKS COLLEGE NOT TO BE MOVED

President David O. McKay announced Thursday that Ricks College will definitely not be moved from Rexburg, Idaho, to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The decision was made by the First Presidency and the executive committee of the Church Board of Education, the college’s…

Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, July 12, 1957

Thursday, July 11, 1957

Telegrams of appreciation received over the decision not to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Rexburg, Idaho July 12, 1957

Pres. David O. McKay

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

We deeply appreciate your decision regarding Ricks College. It reaffirms our confidence in your interest and desires regarding this fine institution. Again we assure you we stand ready to do our full part in this great project and trust the much needed buildings will soon be under construction. The entire Upper Snake River Valley is grateful for your decision.

Rexburg Chamber of Commerce and

Surrounding Communities

________________________________

Rexburg, Idaho July 12, 1957

David O. McKay, Pres.

L.D.S. Church

Salt Lake City, Utah

Sincerest thanks from Rexburg’s young men of action.

Rexburg Jr. Chamber of Commerce”

Wed., 25 Sept., 1957:

“9 a.m. President Ernest L. Wilkinson met with the First Presidency this morning pertaining to the Ricks College affairs. He presented a draft of a letter to be sent to President John L. Clarke of Ricks College, restating some clarification of the procedures to be observed in the operation of the College. Copies of the letter are to be sent to each of the stake presidencies surrounding the College area who attended meetings called by the First Presidency to consider matters relating to the College.

I think the letter is very good, excepting the first sentence which I changed.

Tues., 19 Nov., 1957:

“3:45 to 5 p.m. Dictation to my secretary Clare.

During this period, President Wilkinson came in about the B.Y.U. meeting this Friday to be held while I am out of the State. Pres. Wilkinson said they were going to bring up the Ricks College matter, but thought it would be best to reserve this matter until I return.

Wed., 20 Aug., 1958:

“Wednesday, August 20, 1958

Telephone Conversation between President David O. McKay and President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of Brigham Young University.

President McKay: Good morning. I wish you had been here this morning. We have had a conference with President Delbert G. Taylor of Rexburg Stake, President Max C. Mortensen of Yellowstone Stake, and President Marvin C. Meyers, Second Counselor in the North Rexburg Stake.

President Wilkinson: You say you wish I had been there, President McKay. You know, of course, I knew nothing about it.

President McKay: Of course you didn’t.

President Wilkinson: Well, that is all right.

President McKay: Well, I just called you to tell you that we said to them that they must present these matters to President Wilkinson.

President Wilkinson: Fine. Now, may I say that I have been trying to conserve your time. For some time, I have had a request for a meeting with you from some other stake presidents up there, but I told them that you were so pressed this summer that I would not even ask for an appointment with you until after you got back from England.

President McKay: Well, we shall refer this to you.

President Wilkinson: All right.

President McKay: We told them to see you. They want to do something.

President Wilkinson: Well, may I say that I had a conference two months ago, with Dr. John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College, and we came to a definite understanding on what could be done, and you approved it in the June meeting of the Board of Education. We agreed entirely, and went along with every request of President Clarke.

President McKay: I was not present then.

President Wilkinson: That is right. You were not present; but the Board of Trustees authorized going ahead with several things at that time, and it was approved, and we have given authorization for it. I am just afraid that President Taylor does not know what President Clarke is doing.

President McKay: You are chairman of the Committee of several presidents of stakes.

President Wilkinson: Yes. And I went up there in May and had a conference with all of the stake presidents.

President McKay: Yes, but they have not heard since, and they want to know what they can do.

President Wilkinson: Well, I took it up with President Clark. Maybe I was at fault, but I just assumed he would let them know.

President McKay: Well, I am just letting you know.

President Wilkinson: I appreciate it, but we went ahead with all of the request of President Clark.

President McKay: I think it would be well, probably, to call Brother Taylor, and tell him that I notified you about this meeting, and you can say what you wish to him.

President Wilkinson: All right, fine. Now that is Brother Taylor at Rexburg. I cannot think of his first name–I’ll get it.

President McKay: And he and Brother Mortensen of Yellowstone Stake, and the Counselor of the North Rexburg Stake.

President Wilkinson: Brother Meyers?

President McKay: Yes.

President Wilkinson: Well, thanks very much.

President McKay: All right. Goodbye.”

David O. McKay Diaries

Fri., 31 Oct., 1958:

“Establishment of Ricks College at Idaho Falls

10 a.m. to 12 noon–Held a meeting with my counselors at my home. During our two-hour meeting we gave consideration to the letter signed by Presidents of the Stakes in the Idaho Falls area reviewing public interest and action being proposed by citizens of Idaho Falls for the circulation of a petition to the legislature for the establishment of a state college at Idaho Falls. The letter included President Wilkinson’s concurrence in the subject being brought to the attention of the First Presidency for consideration of the advisability of making an announcement as to the plans of the Church to develop Ricks College at Idaho Falls.

Consideration was also given to the memorandum of the meeting held in Idaho Falls, attended by citizens interested in petitioning for the establishment of a Junior College in Idaho Falls as well as the memorandum of legal steps to be taken for an election upon the issue and for financing the establishment of a Junior College.

After consideration it was unanimously agreed to recommend to the Council of the Twelve and the Board of Education that steps be taken to establish Ricks College at Idaho Falls. It was decided to present this recommendation to the Council of the Twelve today in a special meeting and to have Elder Marion G. Romney and Elder Hugh B. Brown go to Rexburg to present the decision to the presidents of the Rexburg Stakes, and to ask them to sustain the action, and that thereafter announcement of the decision be released to the newspapers in Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City.

Later in a meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve held at 12:20 p.m. in the Board Room of the First Presidency President Richards presented the recommendation of the First Presidency, and reported the meeting with me this morning at my home about the matter. It was later reported to me that after a discussion, on motion of Elder Delbert L. Stapley, seconded by Elder Mark E. Petersen, the recommendation of the First Presidency that Ricks College be moved to a permanent location at Idaho Falls was approved and also approved were plans to have Elders Romney and Brown present this decision to the stake presidencies and bishops of the Rexburg stakes in a meeting to be held Sunday, and that they be asked to sustain this action. Thereafter that announcement of the action be released to the newspapers in Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City. (also see November 4, 1958.) (see newspaper clippings following and also diary notes concerning Ricks College in the year 1957.)

The balance of the day I rested.

Friday, October 31, 1958.

Able To Serve More

RICKS TO RELOCATE AT IDAHO FALLS SITE

Transfer of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, Idaho, was announced Monday by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The proposed site is in the southeast part of Idaho Falls. It covers approximately 160 acres and is north of Sunnyside Road and east of South Holmes Ave.

The transfer announcement said that the college would be able to serve more persons in the more populous Idaho City.

The complete statement said:

‘The First Presidency of the Church and the General Board of Education of the Unified Church School System authorize the following announcement with reference to Ricks College.

‘Members of the Church and their friends and neighbors residing in the territory commonly known as Upper Snake River Valley in the State of Idaho are aware that over a period of years consideration has been given to the status of Ricks College, located at Rexburg, Idaho, in an endeavor to have this splendid Institution serve to the fullest extent the educational needs of the people in the area and in adjoining territory.

1957 Decision

‘It will be remembered that during the year 1957, following extended consideration, a decision was reached to maintain Ricks College at Rexburg. This decision in large measure was based upon the representation and understanding that extensive expenditures would not be required for Ricks College, particularly in the matter of housing students. It was thought at the time that no large program of dormitory construction would be required, since housing facilities for students at the college could be largely provided in private homes.

‘It now develops that the college cannot go forward with the hope of achieving status of a major educational institution without a very extensive and very costly building program. If such growth is to be realized, dormitories for both men and women will be needed, as well as new buildings to care for academic and other needs of the college. In fact, a proposed budget to meet these needs is so large that it has dictated an urgent reconsideration of the whole matter.

Most Careful Review

‘Extensive surveys, tabulations and studies have been prepared and submitted, and out of the most careful review of all factors involved the almost inescapable conclusion and decision has been reached that the location best suited to serve the needs of the people is in the populous center of Idaho Falls at the site secured some time ago when the matter was under prior consideration. At this place a much larger percentage of students may live at home, and if necessary, obtain part-time employment to assist them in their schooling.

‘In reaching this conclusion there has been the most keen and sympathetic awareness of disappointments which may come to the good people of Rexburg who have given such loyal support to the college, and who prize it so highly.

‘However, it is the considered opinion of many who hold the college in greatest esteem and affection, including some who are numbered among its alumni, that it would be preferable for all concerned to establish the institution with a far greater prospect of growth and achievement than seems possible for it at its present location.

Founded in 1888

‘Only the highest aspiration for the future of the college in its service to the greatest number of people prompts the foregoing decision.’

The statement was signed by the First Presidency.

Ricks College was founded in 1888 as the Bannock Stake Academy. The first term began Nov. 12, 1888.

The college’s founding grew out of an 1888 letter from the General Board of Education of the Church to all stake presidents. The letter requested that an academy and a board of education be established in each stake.

A Bannock Stake board of education was named in August, 1888. Stake President Thomas E. Ricks was named president of the board. First principal of the school was Jacob Spori.

Stake Divided

In 1898, Bannock Stake was divided and the school became Fremont Stake Academy and five years later it was renamed Ricks Academy in honor of President Ricks.

The school began offering one year of college work in 1915. This was expanded to two years in 1916, enabling the academy to prepare teachers for district schools.

The academy became Ricks Normal College in 1917, and in 1923 the name was changed to Ricks College. That same year, the first two years of high school were eliminated.

Accredited in 1951

The school added a third year of college work in 1948, and a fourth year in 1949. Ricks college was fully accredited as a four-year college in 1951 by the Northwest Accrediting Association of Secondary and Higher Schools.

In the fall of 1956, it again became a two-year college. The action followed a letter from the First Presidency of the Church pointing out that Ricks College could ‘be of more service to the Church, and have a greater destiny as an integral and permanent part of the Church School System by being a first class Junior College than by continuing as a relatively small four-year college.’

Deseret News, Monday, November 3, 1958″

Friday, October 31, 1958.

RICKS COLLEGE AT REXBURG, IDAHO TO BE

TRANSFERRED TO IDAHO FALLS

Another step in the expansion of the Unified Church School System was taken this week with the announcement from the First Presidency that Ricks College at Rexburg will be transferred to Idaho Falls.

The college, which will retain the same name, will more adequately serve the Upper Snake River Valley on an enlarged campus in a more populated area at Idaho Falls, the announcement indicated.

The statement of the First Presidency concerning the transfer reads:

‘The First Presidency of the Church and the General Board of Education of the Unified Church School System authorize the following announcement with reference to Ricks College.

‘Members of the Church and their friends and neighbors residing in the territory commonly known as Upper Snake River Valley in the State of Idaho are aware that over a period of years consideration has been given to the status of Ricks College located at Rexburg, Idaho, in an endeavor to have this splendid institution serve to the fullest extent the educational needs of the people in the area and in adjoining territory.

‘It now develops that the college cannot go forward with the hope of achieving status of a major educational institution without a very extensive and very costly buidling program. If such growth is to be realized, dormitories for both men and women will be needed, as well as new buildings to care for academic and other needs of the college. In fact, a proposed budget to meet these needs is so large that it has dictated an urgent reconsideration of the whole matter.

Most Careful Review

‘Extensive surveys, tabulations and studies have been prepared and submitted, and out of the most careful review of all factors involved the most inescapable conclusion and decision has been reached that the location best suited to serve the needs of the people is in the populous center of Idaho Falls at the site secured some time ago when the matter was under prior consideration. At this place a much larger percentage of students may live at home, and if necessary, obtain part-time employement to assist them in their schooling.

‘Only the highest aspiration for the future of the college in its service to the greatest number of people prompts the foregoing decision.’

The statement was signed by the First Presidency.

Civic leaders in Idaho Falls indicated a willingness to support the college when it is located on its new site at the intersection of South Holmes Ave. and Sunnyside Rd.

Idaho Falls Mayor John B. Rogers said: ‘It came as a surprise to me. I believe the people of this community expected the transfer of the college to our city after the LDS Church purchased a large parcel of land…

‘May we look forward to a better Idaho Falls due to the educational standards that any college brings.’

V.E. Mullin, president of the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce said: ‘The Chamber extends a wholehearted welcome to Ricks.

‘We shall be delighted to co-operate fully in making the location of the college here completely successful. The Idaho Falls Chamber has not lobbied to influence the moving of Ricks College for two main reasons. In the first place, the Chamber has been anxious to maintain friendly relations with Rexburg. Second, the decision regarding the location of Ricks College has rested solely with the First Presidency of the Church…

‘Since the Church has decided to move Ricks College, we are delighted that they have chosen Idaho Falls as its new location.’

Dr. C.A. Patterson, president of the Idaho Falls Russets Lions Club: ‘Although this will be a great loss to Rexburg, it was likely decided as a step to serve the most people. This move will add greatly to the already bright future of our city.’

Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, Nov. 8, 1958

Friday, October 31, 1958.

RICKS WILL KEEP NAME, CHURCH OFFICIALS SAY

Ricks College will retain its name when the transfer from Rexburg to Idaho Falls is made, officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Tuesday in Salt Lake City.

Although details for the transfer will have to be worked out, the Church leaders indicated it would be done ‘in an orderly fashion.’ No definite plans for the college campus and buildings at Rexburg have yet been made, the officials said.

Actual construction at the site on South Holmes Ave. and Sunnyside Rd. in Idaho Falls will be determined by the speed with which building plans and campus layout can be prepared, it was explained.

Plans to transfer Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls were announced Monday by the First Presidency of the Church. Their announcement indicated that the proposed enlargement of the college, need for additional dormitory space and removal to a more populated area were all factors considered in the decision.

Ricks College was founded in 1888 at the Bannock Stake Academy when Thomas E. Ricks was stake president. Its name was changed to Ricks College in honor of President Ricks after a division of the stake had taken place several years later.

Deseret News – Tuesday, November 4, 1958″

Tues., 4 Nov., 1958:

“The following is a report from Elder Marion G. Romney and Elder Hugh B. Brown who went to Rexburg to investigate Ricks College matters at the request of the First Presidency: (President McKay was at home convalescing from eye surgery at this time.)

Rexburg Stakes Sustain Action on Ricks College

President Stephen L. Richards asked that the record show that Elder Marion G. Romney called and reported that he and Brother Hugh B. Brown called President Taylor and President Mortensen of the Rexburg Stakes Sunday evening to Idaho Falls and explained to them the action taken by the First Presidency and the Board of Education relating to the removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls and asked for their cooperation in getting a meeting of prominent Church people in Rexburg in order that the matter could be presented and explained to them. President Taylor and President Mortensen, while greatly disappointed, nevertheless said that they would do what the brethren requested and that if the First Presidency, the Twelve and the Board of Education had reached a decision, that they would abide by it and cooperate with them.

President Taylor and President Mortensen returned to Rexburg and called a meeting, which was held Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m. and which was attended by the presidencies of both stakes, members of the high councils of both stakes, bishoprics of all wards, patriarchs, and presidents of all Melchizedek priesthood quorums, total about 135. After making a full explanation of the matter Brother Romney said that the General Authorities would be pleased if the brethren present would indicate their cooperation in this important movement and someone of the group made a motion that the action of the General Authorities be given their full support. All but four of those present voted in favor of the motion and three of the four came to the brethren after the meeting and said they would like to change their vote. Brother Romney said that he felt that the Spirit of the Lord was in this meeting and that the people manifested a spirit of humility and a spirit of devotion to the Church which motivated them sincerely to take the action which they took at the meeting.

Monday morning at 7 o’clock Brother Romney and Brother Brown met the presidents of the Idaho Falls Stakes and told them of the reaction of the people in Rexburg. The Brethren asked that they be especially considerate of the people in Rexburg. Brother Romney reported that the stake presidents in and around Idaho Falls were gratified with the decision and felt that the movement to secure a State Junior College would be abandoned.

Elder Mark E. Petersen subsequently reported that he had conferred with several business men in Idaho Falls, including Mr. McDermott, owner and editor of the Idaho Falls papers, who expressed himself as highly pleased. He characterized the movement for a State Junior College at Idaho Falls as abortive and said the busienss men had not been consulted and that he felt sure that they would be loath to have taxes raised to support a State College at Idaho Falls, and that Ricks College at Idaho Falls would be welcomed by the people. He said that the notice would be published in the papers and an editorial upon the subject would be prepared.

President Richards stated that when Brother Petersen left for the north and also after he had arrived in Idaho Falls he secured commitments from most of the newspapers and radio stations that they would observe 5:00 p.m. Monday release for the notice, which had been authorized, and the newspapers and radio stations in Idaho Falls had agreed to observe this release time. KSL in Salt Lake City had also agreed and had kept its agreement. Some misunderstanding developed, however, and the Deseret News came out with the information in the street edition at about 1:00 p.m. Monday, which resulted in confusion. Radio stations other than KSL here picked up the announcement and used it before the release time, much to Brother Petersen’s embarrassment. Brother Petersen is now trying to discover how the ‘break through’ occurred at the Deseret News.

President Richards stated that as soon as he received the report from Brother Romney he reported to President McKay and to President Clark, both of whom expressed gratification in the way the Brethren had handled the matter in Rexburg, and Idaho Falls. (also see October 31, 1958.)”

Mon., 10 Nov., 1958:

‘Ricks College

9 to 10:35 a.m. Meeting with the First Presidency on the Ricks College matter. An editorial which appeared in the Rexburg Journal November 5, 1958, about Ricks College being moved to Idaho Falls was read. A letter and excerpts from the diary of Elder Marion G. Romney of his visits with Elder Hugh B. Brown to Rexburg and Idaho Falls on Sunday, November 2, 1958, were also read. On this occasion Elders Romney and Brown informed President Taylor and President Mortensen of the Rexburg Stakes about the decision of the First Presidency and the Board of Education to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. A letter from S.J. Meikle, banker of Rexburg, was also read.

I explained that I had called the meeting this morning because I thought it wise for me to go to Rexburg and meet Mr. Meikle and others and tell them why the decision was made. After discussion it was decided that all three members of the First Presidency should go to Rexburg and explain to influential people that the keeping of Ricks College at Rexburg was based upon the assurance that it would supply the need, but that now it is evident that it will not and that a Junior College at Idaho Falls is the greater need, and that to continue Ricks at Rexburg with a Junior College at Idaho Falls with an institute also at Idaho Falls would cause Ricks College to dwindle.

Explanation was made that Brother Wilkinson had reported that of the $88,000 to be raised by the people of Rexburg, $7,000 had been subscribed in Rexburg Stake and $28,000 in North Rexburg Stake. The decision to return this money to the donors was reviewed.

It was decided to meet at Mr. Meikle’s home since he is confined there with a recent heart attack, if a telephone call to him confirmed his being able to meet the First Presidency Saturday morning, November 15. The advisability of inviting Dr. Rigby and the president of the Chamber of Commerce was also considered.

Telephone Calls

1. Talked to Mrs. Meikle in Rexburg, Idaho and arranged for a meeting with her husband in Rexburg, Saturday, Nov. 15. Mr. Meikle was confined to his bed so did not talk to him. (see phone call November 13 from Dr. Hoffman stating that Mr. Meikle had been taken to the hospital, so the meeting at Mr. Meikle’s home was cancelled.)

Ricks College

Though the office was closed today for the observance of ‘Veteran’s Day’, I came down for a meeting with Elder Marion G. Romney at 10 o’clock at which time I had a full report from him on his and Brother Brown’s visit to Rexburg Sunday, November 2.

I told Brother Romney that the First Presidency are planning to go to Rexburg next Saturday (Nov. 15) and that I should like him to go with us in order that he might attend our meeting with the leaders in Rexburg to discuss the matter of why we changed from Ricks at Rexburg to Ricks at Idaho Falls. Brother Romney said he would be glad to do anything that we want him to do. I also told him that I should like him to be in readiness to invite the men whom we choose to be present at that appointment, but I thought it best not to invite them until the day before Saturday so that the news will not be spread around, and other leaders wonder about it. I said that I think we shall invite besides Mr. S. M. Meikle, the banker, at whose house the meeting will be held, probably President Delbert G. Taylor, President of the Rexburg Stake, President Orval P. Mortensen, President of the North Rexburg Stake, President Walter F. Ririe, second counselor in the Rexburg Stake, John J. Walz, President of the Chamber of Commerece, R. Murland Rigby, and one or two others.

Meeting with Bishop Isaacson

Following my meeting with Elder Romney, I drove up to Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson’s home where he is convalescing from bursitis of the knee. I asked Bishop Isaacson to give me permission to present to my counselors his letter to me and a copy of a letter which President Delbert G. Taylor of Rexburg Stake sent to Dr. Sperry.

Wed., 12 Nov., 1958:

“9 to 10:30 a.m. Presided at the regular meeting of the First Presidency.

Ricks College

At this meeting I explained that I had the consent of Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson to present to the First Presidency letters received from President Delbert G. Taylor of Rexburg Stake.

President Taylor’s letter to Brother Isaacson and a copy of President Taylor’s letter to Dr. Sidney B. Sperry about Ricks College were then read. An editorial appearing in the Rexburg Journal on November 10 was also read.

After consideration it was agreed that the following be asked to attend the meeting Saturday, Nov. 15, in addition to Brother Meikle: Dr,. Rigby, the president of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce, the mayor of Rexburg, and the editor of the Rexburg Journal, and that Elder Marion G. Romney inform these men.

The interest of the presidencies of Salmon River, Lost River, Idaho Falls, South Idaho Falls, North Idaho Falls, Rigby, East Rigby, Blackfoot, South Blackfoot Stakes that the location of Ricks College be reconsidered in the light of the movement to petition for the establishment of a state junior college at Idaho Falls was discussed.”

Thurs., 13 Nov., 1958:

“9 to 10 a.m. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. Considerable discussion was held on the Ricks College matters. I reported that I had received a telephone call from Dr. O.D. Hoffman, physician to Mr. Meikle, the banker in Rexburg, who said that Mr. Meikle had suffered a hemorrhage and had been taken to the hospital. (see following notes of the conversation with Dr. Hoffman)

It was accordingly decided that the meeting with the Rexburg business men will not be held in Brother Meikle’s home as heretofore planned, and that I shall visit him at the hospital while in Rexburg.

I reviewed considerations influencing the decision to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls as follows: 1) the request of the Stake Presidents of Salmon River, Lost River, Blackfoot, South Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, South Idaho Falls, Rigby, and East Rigby Stakes that the decision to leave Ricks College at Rexburg be reconsidered, 1) the information relating to the relative populations to be served by Ricks College at Idaho Falls and the review of the class as to their future plans for attending college, 3) the public interest in Idaho Falls to petition for a state junior college there, 4) the prospective future of Ricks College, if a state junior college be established at Idaho Falls with an L.D.S. Institute nearby.

We considered, also, the population of the Upper Snake River Valley Stakes – membership in the Church in that area numbers 65,495.

2:50 to 3:20 p.m. Brother Marion G. Romney came in on Ricks College matters. Gave instructions about calling leading men who are to attend the meeting with the First Presidency in Rexburg.

Thursday, November 13, 1958

President McKay made the following report:

. . . .

‘On October 31 President Richards and President Clark came up to the house and we held a meeting on Ricks College, resulting in the announcement which was made subsequently that Ricks College be moved from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. We decided that no announcement would be made until the two members of our Council, Elders Marion G. Romney and Hugh B. Brown, met with the leaders in Rexburg and announced to them that we feel it necessary to make the move. Brothers Brown and Romney, I suppose, reported to the group here, so we will not repeat.

‘I felt, during this absence, that we would like to meet the Committee before whom we made the statement in 1957 that Ricks would remain at Rexburg. Upon that statement certain actions of businessmen followed. Later, I met the Brethren of the Presidency and told them that I would like to go up there and meet them personally, one of whom is a banker, and I learned that he has had a heart attack. Last Monday, following our meeting of the First Presidency, I called him by telephone in accordance with the decision of the Presidency, and told him I would like to meet him as soon as possible and we set Saturday, this coming Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. He was bedfast then, and I asked his wife if such a meeting would be injurious or cause any set-back, and I said, ‘Will you please ask him now?’ She came back to the telephone and said, ‘It will be perfectly agreeable, and he would be very pleased.’ I told him that we would have other businessmen present. My Brethren said, ‘We will go up with you.’ And we are going next Saturday. In the meantime, there has been quite a stir. I am not going to take your time to tell about it.

‘This morning the doctor called me–Dr. Hoffman–saying that Brother Stephen Meikle had a hemorrhage. He is removed from his home and is in the hospital, and the doctor said: ‘He authorizes me to tell you that he wants to see you and hopes that when you come up you will call to see him at the hospital.’ I said: ‘That means we will not hold this meeting at his house. Please notify him accordingly.’

‘So we have invited the mayor, Dr. Rigby, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the editor of the paper (who prints scurrilous things), President John L. Clarke of the College, and probably one or two other leading men and the radio announcer. I would like to read that letter again. He sent a letter. ‘We have presented the Rexburg side. Anything you have to say we will present.’ So we will hold that meeting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Brother Romney will also attend the meeting.

‘Brother Romney says that last night, November 12, President Cecil Hart of the South Idaho Falls Stake advised him by telephone that he had been to Rexburg the night before and had talked with many people, including President Mortensen of the North Rexburg Stake, President Clarke of Ricks College, and President Taylor of Rexburg Stake. He reported that everything is calm and settled in President Mortensen’s stake. The people are adjusting themselves very well to the decision to move Ricks College campus to Idaho Falls. President Clarke said that things at the College are settling down and going along well. The Faculty are reconciling themselves to the anticipated move in good spirit. He said most of the people of Rexburg Stake are reconciled, though a vigorous protest is coming from a small group, mostly non-members, and a few members. He thinks the center of the tempest is President Taylor. He reported that many people said they are disgusted with the publicity put out by the Rexburg paper and the radio station. There is no general protest. The people making the noise do not represent the real feelings of the Saints in either of the Rexburg Stakes. We will make a full report to you after this meeting.

‘I am not going to take time now to explain why the statement was made to have Ricks College in Rexburg, and why it was necessary to make the statement when we did–but we favor now Ricks College in Idaho Falls. Ricks College will continue, although the suggestion was made to stop Ricks. I am sure that these men, when they hear the facts, will feel all right. There is no question about it, and that will be given to them next Saturday. It has been a source of worry, of course, I spent a sleepless night or two on it, but I feel the right thing has been done.

Elder Mark E. Petersen inquired if the Idaho Falls paper will be represented at the meeting, inasmuch as the Rexburg paper will be represented. After discussion, it was decided to invite a representative of the Idaho Falls paper to attend the meeting.

Thursday, November 13, 1958.

Telephone conversation with Dr. O.D. Hoffman, Elmwood 6-5231, Rexburg, Idaho.

Dr. Hoffman: President McKay, this is Dr. Hoffman at Rexburg, Mr. Meikle’s doctor. He asked me to call you. Since Mr. Meikle talked to you the other day, he has suffered a massive gastro-intestinal hemorrhage from an ulcer. His condition was critical for about twenty-four hours. It is improved at the present. He is very upset and is very desirous of seeing you. He is in the hospital.

President McKay: I shall see him, but we shall not hold a meeting in his house as arranged. He is the only one we have spoken to.

Dr. Hoffman: We have had to give him five transfusions. He is very upset. He is very desirous of seeing you, but he does not want to see Brother Wilkinson.

President McKay: President Wilkinson is not coming. Will it be all right for me to call on him sometime Saturday?

Dr. Hoffman: It would be very fine. He has had a great deal of difficulty–first his heart attack, and now this massive hemorrhage. He is upset, and I think this emotional stress is not helping.

President McKay: It is unfortunate that I could not get up there before, and I could explain everything to him. But I shall call on him personally. Don’t make any promises to him. We shall not hold a meeting in his house. We shall arrange it somewhere else. I want to see some of the men up there.

Dr. Hoffman: I will tell him you will drop in to see him.

President McKay: You say you are Dr. Hoffman?

Dr. Hoffman: Yes; you probably remember me from Driggs.

President McKay: Oh, you are Joseph’s son-in-law. Yes, I know you.

Dr. Hoffman: Yes.

President McKay: Thank you for calling me. Give my kindest regards to Brother Meikle.

Dr. Hoffman: Thank you very much.

Fri., 14 Nov., 1958:

“8:15 to 9 a.m. Dictated notes to Clare for the meeting with the Idaho people on Ricks College matter.

9 to 11:15 a.m. Was convened in the meeting of the First Presidency.

11:15 a.m. Consultation with Elder Marion Romney of the Council of the Twelve on Ricks College matters. Later, Brother Romney called me by telephone and said that he had talked to President John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College, and had given him the names of eight people who are to be invited to attend the meeting tomorrow. Pres. Clarke will notify these people to meet us in a room at the College at 11 o’clock. I told Brother Romney that I had just now hung up the telephone after a conversation with Dr. Rigby in Rexburg; that I had told him he would receive an invitation to the meeting. The sentiment is pretty strong up there. I asked Brother Romney if he had included anybody from Idaho Falls on the list and he said no that they had the Mayor of Rexburg, the newspaper publisher, the Chamber of Commerce President, the Radio operator, Brother Taylor, Brother Mortensen, Brother Ririe, and Dr. Rigby. (see following conversation with Dr. Murland F. Rigby)

Friday, November 14, 1958.

Telephone conversation with Dr. Muland F. Rigby, Rexburg, Idaho.

Dr. Rigby: Good morning, President McKay.

President McKay: Good morning.

Dr. Rigby: This is Dr. Rigby.

President McKay: I am glad to hear your voice.

Dr. Rigby: I am glad to hear yours.

Brother McKay, I thought I would be down to Salt Lake to see you, but you knew my mother passed away.

President McKay: No, I didn’t know.

Dr. Rigby: She passed away, and we had her funeral a week ago.

President McKay: Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Dr. Rigby: She was ninety-five.

President McKay: She was a noble character.

Dr. Rigby: A noble character; I spoke at her funeral services.

President McKay: That was a heroic thing to do.

Dr. Rigby: She requested it, and I carried out her wishes.

What I was going to say is that I thought I would get down to see you but I had planned on coming down at Thanksgiving time. I wanted to know if I could have a little time to talk to you about a few matters.

President McKay: I have been under the doctor’s care now for a month.

Dr. Rigby: I will tell you this: I was with my mother when she passed away. I was called out of bed at 3 o’clock in the morning, and I offered a prayer, and in that prayer I received the impression that ‘President McKay wants to see you.’ I thought maybe I had better go from the funeral to see President McKay; there is something urgent. I don’t know whether it was the devil or the spirit of the Priesthood.

President McKay: I am planning to come up to see Brother Meikle and other leaders up there. (Interruption)

Dr. Rigby: I wanted to see you the worst way. I said to my wife, ‘I’ve got to see President McKay.’ My wife said, ‘Why don’t you go back to Rexburg and see if you should go.’ But I felt that you needed me. I said, ‘I am going to go because he knows I would sustain him in everything he does. I will sustain him to his dying day. ‘I was up at 3 o’clock again this morning, and I read in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 121, 39th verse. I read it again and again. President McKay must want to see me because I am supposed to see him. Now it isn’t important to me whatever your decision is. You know the thing has come to me. In my patriarchal blessing it says that I should do something to help in the progression up here.

President McKay: I am coming up to see you tomorrow.

Dr. Rigby: You are coming up tomorrow?

President McKay: In a few minutes you will receive by telephone an invitation to a meeting at 11 o’clock tomorrow morning.

Dr. Rigby: I wonder if I could see you before the meeting.

President McKay: No, there will be no opportunity.

Dr. Rigby: I could tell you on the phone anyhow. President McKay I really believe, and I know if there is anything in the Priesthood, I have seen it manifested. I don’t care what happens to the school now; I want to sustain you. Some of the people have been spiritually killed and wounded and their souls have got to be reunited. They have got to be helped. This thing has had a repercussion all over the Church. Somebody has tried to put you in second, and I don’t want anyone to put you in second place. You stand high and holy above all men. That is my testimony, and I want you to hear it.

When President Wilkinson was called to preside over the Brigham Young University, one of my dear friends, a psychiatrist was in his (Pres. Wilkinson’s) home in Washington, D.C., and the psychiatrist said this: ‘That man did not show humbleness. He swelled. He is a paranoid individual.’ I believe I have a right to say this whether you believe me or not. This has been in my mind. You should know.

President McKay: I haven’t seen President Wilkinson since before this decision.

Dr. Rigby: We know that his actions have been going on up here; we have heard the statement–statements have come from the Hatch Clinic–a month or six weeks ago.

President McKay: Is that so? Nobody knew about the decision, because there was no decision made at that time!

Dr. Rigby: I heard on the radio today that he was in Houston, Texas purchasing 212 beauty parlors for the Church.

President McKay: That is all nonsense; people imagine things — people loose their heads!!

Dr. Rigby: But it didn’t come from here you know. I was in Texas when Hughie Long took over. He picked up a hospital, five story building; picked it up and moved it. Men came to him and said, ‘What are you doing? These things are ridiculous.’ That hospital was moved back and put on its foundation. I saw these things. I know how these paranoids work, and whether you believe it or not I do. He is the one who planted the seed for alot of this. You can ask your son, Edward. He knows them–the acts of these individuals. Let’s not be lead by them. You know what happened when Joseph Smith died, Sidney Rigdon wanted to take over. These individuals will take over and push everybody aside. They will do away with the authorities. It is a mental urge.

President McKay: I am going to have a meeting–I wanted to have Brother–(Dr. Rigby interrupted before the statement was finished.)

Dr. Rigby: I am speaking quite plainly today. These same individuals who sustained you last July–what did they do, but carry on the fight from fox holes.

President McKay: I am going to meet a few of you men. I wanted to meet Brother Meikle, but he is in the hospital. However, I shall see him at the hospital, and then see Brother Ririe, President Taylor, and President Mortensen, the Mayor, and the President of the Chamber of Commerce–some of you leading men and tell you why we reconsidered again the statement ‘That Ricks Shall Remain at Rexburg’.

Dr. Rigby: You have heard my feelings President. If you have made up your mind after deliberation that is different, but I thought this thing came to you as a bomb shell. We know this State College idea won’t go through. We have a wire here from the Governor stating that they have no intentions of it. Let us let the population expand wherever is necessary. I have studied these things, and I say this to you humbly.

My aunt, who is a daughter of Marriner Merrill, said to me the other day, ‘Dr. Rigby, I am so concerned. What are we to do? Where are we to get our help? You know I think sometimes we are like a flock of sheep without a shepherd.’ I said, ‘Don’t you let your faith falter. You have a son on a mission in California. I know you have faith that he can endure.’ She said, ‘I am thinking of the youth and the other people.’ I answered, ‘Whatever President McKay says I am going to believe.’ I am interested only in sustaining you President McKay and have the people in this area and all over the Church sustain you. My only interest is not the college.

President McKay: Thank you very much.

Dr. Rigby: I tell you this humbly. You are coming up tomorrow?

President McKay: The doctors hesitated about my making a trip, but I am going to come as I want the people to know.

Dr. Rigby: You still feel then as stated in the latest decision about Ricks?

President McKay: I will see you tomorrow. Thank you.

Dr. Rigby: Thank you for listening, good-bye.”

Sat., 15 Nov., 1958:

“Saturday, November 15, 1958

MOVE ‘FINAL’ for RICKS,

CHURCH LEADER SAYS

By Associated Press

REXBURG, IDAHO – The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Saturday the decision to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls is final.

David O. McKay, 85-year-old Church president, headed a group of general church authorities from Salt Lake City who met with church and civic leaders at the college.

Purpose of the meeting was to explain reasons for the decision announced Nov. 3 to move the two-year junior college to Idaho Falls.

President McKay said:

‘Because of the request by leaders representing 75 per cent of the church population of the Upper Snake River Valley, a previous decision to leave Ricks in Rexburg was reconsidered. The reconsideration called for a change in the decision of 1957. It was based on the opinion that Ricks College would better serve the purpose of this area at Idaho Falls than in Rexburg.

‘The Decision was precipitated by the possibility of a two-year state college being established in Idaho Falls.’

In answer to a question as to whether the subject was open for further exploration, President McKay said ‘no.’

With President McKay were his counselors, Stephen L. Richards and J. Reuben Clark Jr., and Marion Romney, a member of the Church’s Council of Twelve Apostles.

The Salt Lake Tribune – Sunday, November 16, 1958

Saturday, November 15, 1958.

(Trip to Rexburg to attend meeting regarding removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, Idaho.)

At six o’clock this morning, in accordance with previous plans, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. and I left by auto for Rexburg, Idaho. Allan Acomb of the Purchasing Department was at the wheel. We were driving in a blinding snow storm, and the snow tires had not been put on the car. Fortunately, the tires were in the rear of the car. As we proceeded, we decided that it was unwise to try to make the trip. We stopped at a service station to call President Richards only to learn that he had already started with Elder A. Hamer Reiser driving his own car especially equipped so that he could lie down. We then telephoned ahead to a point on the road and asked the highway patrol to intercept President Richards and tell him not to attempt the trip and have him wait until we caught up with him. We stopped at a service station, had our snow tires put on and then proceeded on our way. By this time we had been delayed forty minutes, and we had only five hours to meet our appointment in Rexburg for the meeting with Stake Presidents, prominent business men, the mayor, and others of Rexburg to discuss matters pertaining to the removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

After a grueling trip, we finally arrived in Rexburg at 11:25 a.m. – twenty-five minutes late for our meeting.

(See following notes of President McKay’s remarks at meeting and also account of the trip, the meeting, and also visit to Stephen L. Meikle, banker, at the hospital in Rexburg.)

(Account of meeting on Ricks College matters held in Rexburg, Idaho, as reported by Elder A. Hamer Reiser, who accompanied the First Presidency to the meeting as secretary.)

Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. President Stephen L. Richards in his own car, (equipped with a bed made up in the back seat upon which he could rest and relieve the strain on his neck) driven by Brother Reiser, left Salt Lake City by appointment to go to Rexburg, Idaho to join President McKay, President Clark and Elder Marion G. Romney (Elder Romney having gone on the day before) in a meeting to which President McKay had invited the Mayor of Rexburg, A.E. Archibald; the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Robert Purrington; the Editor of the Rexburg Journal and Standard, Mr. John Porter; Mr. Gene Shumate of Radio Station KRXK at Rexburg; President John L. Clarke of Ricks College; President Delbert G. Taylor of the Rexburg Stake; and President Mortensen of North Rexburg Stake; and Mr. McDermott and Mr. Robb Brady, representing the Idaho Falls newspaper, for the purpose of telling these business men why the decision was made to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

President McKay and President Clark left Salt Lake City at 6:10 a.m. in the President’s car driven by Allan Acomb. During the night a heavy snowfall made the driving slow and difficult. As they proceeded it was decided that it was unwise to go on so President McKay called President Richards’ home only to learn that he had left at 5:30 a.m., otherwise the President had in mind calling the Rexburg people and making other arrangements for holding the meeting when weather conditions were more favorable, but President Richards having gone ahead, it was decided to put snow tires on the President’s car and proceed. This delayed the departure.

President Richards’ car arrived in Rexburg near 11:30 a.m. having also been delayed by the impaired driving conditions. President McKay’s party arrived a few minutes afterward.

Arrangements had been made to meet in a class room in one of the new buildings on the Ricks College campus. Present were the men named above. Elder Marion G. Romney at President McKay’s request offered an opening prayer.

President McKay made a statement of which the attached is a transcript. (Statement follows after this report.)

Though there was no intention of opening the subject up for rehearing, Dr. Rigby made a fervent, emotional appeal. Mr. Gene Shumate, of Radio Station KRXK made a statement suggesting reconsideration of the decision and stressing the superiority of Rexburg to Idaho Falls as a college town. Mr. John Porter of Rexburg Journal and Standard offered other information in rebuttal of reasons for moving the college to Idaho Falls and President Taylor spoke reviewing the lack of opportunity to present the other side of the issue. An effort was made to correct misstatements and misunderstandings. The Rexburg men commented repeatedly upon the question as to whether or not they could be heard again and have opportunity to present the position of the people who want the college to remain in Rexburg.

The meeting closed with a prayer offered by President Orval Mortensen of the North Rexburg Stake.

Brother Acomb drove President McKay to the hospital in Rexburg so the President could see and talk with Brother Stephen L. Meikle, banker, who had been taken to the hospital having suffered a hemorrhage after a heart attack.

President Taylor invited the other members of the party to go to his home for lunch. At his home the group awaited President McKay’s joining them and after partaking of a nourishing and generous dinner prepared by Sister Taylor, assisted by Mrs. Rigby, and Mrs. Archibald, and others the party at 3:30 p.m. started back to Salt Lake City.

Snow had been falling intermittently all day. The roads, though bare in some places where the wind had blown the snow off, were in the main covered with a fine layer of ice and snow. This made driving slow and hazardous. However, President McKay’s party arrived back in Salt Lake City at 11:45 p.m. and President Richards and Brother Reiser an hour later.

Remarks by President David O. McKay at a meeting held at Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, Saturday, November 15, 1958, at 11:30 a.m. as reported by Elder A. Hamer Reiser who accompanied the First Presidency to the meeting.

The following are the notes made of the meeting held Saturday, November 15, 1958, 11:30 a.m., at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, when the First Presidency and Elder Marion G. Romney, of the Council of the Twelve, met the following representative men of Rexburg:

Mayor A.E. Archibald, Robert Purrington, President of the Chamber of Commerce; John Porter, the Publisher of the Rexburg Standard and Journal; Dr. M.F. Rigby: President Orval P. Mortensen of North Rexburg Stake; President Delbert G. Taylor and his Counselor, Walter F. Ririe, of Rexburg Stake; Gene Shumate, Manager of the Rexburg Radio Station KRXK; Mr. E.F. McDermott, Publisher of Idaho Falls newspaper; Robb Brady, Editor of Idaho Falls newspaper; President John L. Clarke, of Ricks College. Present also were Allan Acomb and A. Hamer Reiser.

President McKay:

I am reminded of the man who rushed through the station to catch a departing train. As he came back having missed the train, the man said: ‘You didn’t run fast enough.’ he said, ‘I ran fast enough, but I didn’t start soon enough.’ We encountered a real blizzard at 6:00 this morning. We never overtook President Richards who was in his own car, or we should probably have telephoned to you brethren that we could not make it. When we telephoned home and found that he had left at 5:30 o’clock this morning, there was nothing for us to do but to continue in the storm. It began to be very slippery and we stopped to put snow tires on. That delayed us thirty minutes. We are glad we are here. Very glad. The meeting should have been held a month ago.

Brother Romney, will you offer a word of prayer.

(Brother Marion G. Romney offered an opening prayer.)

President McKay:

There is one man not present who I wish were here–Brother Stephen L. Meikle. Is he here in Rexburg or over in Idaho Falls?

President Taylor:

Yes, he is in the hospital. He is waiting for you to see him.

President McKay:

Is he well enough for me to see him?

I was thinking while driving up this morning of the past trips I have made to Rexburg–visits to Ricks College. You could go way back to the beginning of Ricks College. I thought of President John Hart, Mark Austin, Heber Austin, and Brother Steele. He was either at Rigby or Shelley. Do you remember Brother Steele?

Someone Replied:

‘He was in Iona just out of Shelley.’

‘Was he in Rigby before John Hart?’

President McKay:

He was coexistent with Brother Hart. I remember coming up — I do not say this disrespectfully – but he used to fall asleep in conference very frequently. But they were stalwart men — Brother Hart, Brother Steele, Brother Austin, Peter G. Johnston. Probably you do not remember these men. I do.

John Hart was President of the Board in Rigby. I remember then, it was Ricks Academy. Brother John Hart used to come down to represent the needs of the Academy. Peter G. Johnston — they were stalwarts in political affairs. I remember, too, that we were together during the period the Academies flourished — Beaver Academy, Oneida Academy, Brigham Young College at Logan, and other Academies. One by one they had to be closed and go to the state, substituted by the seminaries. Weber College was one survival of that epoch, and so was Ricks Academy. And we are proud of it.

I came up here when Ricks College was created right here in Rexburg — an ideal town, as we thought then, and as we think now; and when there was the addition of permission to add requirements of third and fourth years in order to obtain teaching certificates and admitting Ricks College to grant degrees. Which degrees?

Someone Replied:

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.

President McKay:

It was restricted to a four-year course permitting the certificate to teach in Idaho. All these things came to my mind. And all the trips that were made — all my visits when John Hart was here up to the present time. This is probably the saddest visit — especially in the anticipation of it. And the reason is given in this letter which (interruption)

Dr. Rigby:

Is it necessary for this to be a sad occasion?

President McKay:

The reason expressed in this letter, which is typical, but particularly this. Written November 4, 1958. Written to me personally and signed by Brother S.M. Meikle. He is unable to be present. It would have been answered immediately by a personal visit if the doctors would have permitted my coming. But my recent operation on my eyes kept me in the hospital. And this meeting would have been held a month ago since circumstances, as the conditions which called for this letter were known. But it was substituted by a meeting held with leading Churchmen here in Rexburg which preceded the announcement that Ricks College would be moved from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

(President McKay then read S.M. Meikle’s letter to him, omitting a personal paragraph near the end of the letter.)

President McKay:

As I say, when I received that letter I was in the hospital, or just out of the hospital recuperating from my operation. Now, I would like to answer Brother Meikle, Brother Taylor, Brother Ririe, Dr. Rigby, the Mayor and others — leading businessmen here — why that decision of Ricks in Rexburg was changed to Ricks in Idaho Falls. Then, as I say, we should have met you before the announcement was made and tell you why. It was impossible for us to do so; it should have been done in person.

As soon as the doctors would permit, or even before, I telephoned Brother Meikle and told him I would be glad to come up and meet him and members of the committee. He was in bed, but his wife said we could hold the meeting in his house and it would not be injurious to him. Subsequently, I met the Brethren (my counselors) and told them that this letter was going to be answered in person, and I was going to meet the men up there and let them know. Later they said, ‘We shall go with you.’ I said, ‘Do you think you can stand the trip?’ Their presence here is the result. That was last Monday, and this is the earliest time we could get. The doctor said, ‘No, you will have to put it off longer.’ He would not give his consent.

President Clark:

Your doctor?

President McKay:

Yes, and we are here, brethren, just as quickly as we could get here. In October — soon after Conference — we received a request, a letter from leading men in this educational district — it is called Upper Snake River Area — calling attention to the conditions which had arisen here in the Upper Snake River Valley (see copy of letter following) and requested if possible that the First Presidency reconsider the statement made to President Taylor, President Ririe, Brother Meikle, and Brother Porter. The statement was first made to them and afterwards published that Ricks remain at Rexburg. That is the request of certain leading men in this area. It was important that we being to make inquiry as to whom they represented.

We have in this Upper Snake River Valley, and directly responsible to Ricks, nine stakes, ten (fourteen, I believe). Population – Church membership of 65, 495. The request came from men representing out of that 65,000, not counting Shelley, 43,397, a majority of the people in the Ricks area. We could not set that request aside, and we wanted to reconsider our former decision. We meet with you men and tell you of that request. Conditions having changed, now there is the beginning of the change in Ricks in Rexburg. I have always thought of Ricks in Rexburg. I have liked it that way. That was why I was happy in 1957, and my Brethren supported me, when we had to decide that Ricks remain in Rexburg. We had time while I was recuperating to look up certain other things — the attendance. Is Ricks at Rexburg fulfilling its position, fulfilling its mission in benefitting the number of students? I have always thought that it would, that it would dominate the situation. Evidently, one reason why these men made the request that we reconsider that statement was the movement in Idaho Falls to have a two-year State College. Now we know that there will be some who say there is nothing to it, but the statistics in our hands seem to indicate that there is something to it.

My attention was called to an article in the Deseret News from Rexburg saying that a meeting was going to be held in Idaho Falls to consider the circulating of a petition for a junior college in Idaho Falls. That was before it was held. But about the time this letter came from the leading men to reconsider that promise, we received also the minutes of that meeting which was held, attended by about 90, and the appointment at that meeting of a committee to circulate a petition for 300 signers to be sent to the Board of Education and the statement made, ‘We can get three or four times that number of signers.’ At that meeting, they invited a man from Boise to explain the success of the Boise Junior College. Among other things he reported evidently to stir the people up, that in 1941 a bond election for Boise Junior College was passed by 9 to 1 majortiy. Three bond elections since have passed by better than 8 to 1. You and I know what you would have to do to get a college here in Idaho. I will not take time to read that law.

In 1958, the enrollment of that college was 1400 day students, 1400 night students, 390 summer school students. Twenty-eight and three equals 3100 students in their junior college. It is composed, that student body, 45% of that number from the City of Boise, 35% of students from the remainder of Idaho, 20% of the students from out of the State. 65% of the students are employed full or part time. 75% are male and 25% female, of course. (He gave other statistics.)

Boise Junior College operated 12 years without dormitories. Since the starting of Boise Junior College, it has tripled the percentage of students receiving advanced education in the Boise area. Now evidently he was invited to stimulate the circulation of a petition for a junior college in Idaho Falls. I do not know any other reason why he was invited. Evidently that was it. Then in reconsidering – in granting that request for reconsideration — we also looked up the conditions of Ricks and Rexburg. We had been up in 1957 before the other decision was made, and we knew that Ricks at Rexburg would need an expenditure of a million or two million, perhaps two-and-a-half million dollars. That was my impression at that time. I had not envisioned anything less on this campus. When we came up and looked it over, I recall the need for a new library, the need for new dormitories, the need for classrooms. Ricks should have that expenditure of money.

Now, how about students? We find that at Ricks, from Idaho Falls in 1957, we had only 62 students. This year we have 78 from there. That same year, we have 95 going to the University of Idaho, 128 to Idaho State College, 12 to the College of Idaho, 75 down to Logan, Utah State University, 80 to the Brigham Young University. In 1957 there were 532 Idaho Falls students enrolled in college. In 1958, 544 were enrolled in college.

The present Idaho Falls senior class numbering 425, were asked where they plan to study next year. Thirty-five are going to the University of Idaho; 24 said Idaho State College; Ricks College, 32; University of Utah, 15; Utah State University, 34; B.Y.U., 36. In answer to the question as to where they would go if there were a junior college established here (Idaho Falls), 80% of those planning on college indicated they would attend in Idaho Falls. In Idaho Falls, 85% of the students are enrolled in a college preparatory course. Present enrollment in the junior class, 489. Present enrolled in the Idaho Falls sophomore class, 615. Present enrollment in Idaho Falls 6th grade class, 1,015. In 1957, 1340 students attended high school. This year, 1529–in the Idaho Falls High School.

Now there is a question in the minds of many of the brethren about whether that movement for a junior college at Idaho Falls is genuine. We have letters here stating that the State Board of Education says that it would not be established. Of course, it has not reached the State Board of Education. All we know is that the preparatory course to circulate a petition was started. It was necessary, we thought, to let them know that Ricks College would be moved from Rexburg to Idaho Falls making the annnouncement so they would know before they circulated their petition. It would be right for them to know the possibility of Ricks College being moved from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. The announcement was suggested to be made before the petition be circulated.

Now we are not going to debate this matter this morning whether or not that movement will be effective or whether it will be continued. I see by the Deseret News that it will be. Our point is that it would seem that Ricks College will serve better the purpose in this area at Idaho Falls than at Rexburg.

It is the opinion of the leaders in this district of 43,000 Church population that that would be the case. If at any time in the future whether Ricks College goes to Idaho Falls, or whether it remains at Rexburg, a two-year college, state college, be established at Idaho Falls – this would be the condition:

We would have a two-year college at Idaho Falls, a state college, and a two-year college at Ricks at Rexburg, with a dwindling attendance, and a successful attendance at the State College in Idaho Falls. In addition to that, we would have an institute in connection with the college at Idaho Falls which would have to be supported wtih our Church funds while supporting Ricks at Rexburg. We feel that for this reason the request of the brethren to reconsider the statement Ricks at Rexburg, and that Ricks at Idaho Falls should be considered. The promise to have Ricks at Rexburg should be worthy of reconsideration in connection with the request made. This meeting is for the purpose of stating why that announcement should be made so they would know that this would be established. We are not going to discuss it. I wanted to state that reason.

The funds collected should be returned because of the previous statement. The conditions seem to warrant the reconsideration of Ricks at Rexburg, and any advantages of Ricks at Idaho Falls. I believe I have covered the facts necessary in making that statement.

(That was what President McKay said in the main presentation.)

Following this, Dr. M.F. Rigby spoke, and then Mr. John Porter, of the Rexburg Standard and Journal. Later, President Delbert G. Taylor, and Mr. Gene Shumate, the manager of the Radio Station in Rexburg, KRXK. After him, Brother Walter Ririe, of the Rexburg Stake Presidency, spoke, and there was discussion clarifying various points.*

(*Robert Purrington, President of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke also.)

I do not have verbatim notes on Dr. Rigby. He spoke very much too fast, and I lost him several times. He was very much excited, and not entirely orderly in his expressions.)

(See following reports by President David O. McKay, President Stephen L. Richards, and President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. given at Council Meeting, November 20, 1958.)

President McKay said he was very grateful to his counselors and to Brother Romney for their presence in the meeting in Rexburg, and that everything that was said by these Brethren was just right. He had no regrets, and he thought the comments of the Brethren at the meeting contributed much to the pacification of the ill will which some of those present carried. The one regrettable thing to him is that they minimized the fact that three fourths of the presidencies of stakes in that area requested that we reconsider the decision. They emphasized the unsuitableness of Idaho Falls, which is a reflection upon three of our stake presidents there. They also minimized the value of the judgment of those who asked that we reconsider the matter.

Those present were A.E. Archibald, mayor of Rexburg; Bob Purrington, president of the Chamber of Commerce; John Porter, president of the Rexburg Standard and Journal; Dr. M.F. Rigby, who made a charge against Brother Wilkinson over the telephone. President McKay said that Dr. Rigby had called on him at his home with his daughter whom he was taking to an outside school, but she is now back at home, according to his recent report. Also present were President Orval P. Mortensen of the North Rexburg Stake, President Delbert G. Taylor of the Rexburg Stake, Walter Ririe, counselor to President Taylor, Gene Shumate, the radio operator in Rexburg, Mr. McDermott of Idaho Falls, Robert Brady, a newspaper reporter, President John L. Clarke of the Ricks College, Allan Acomb, and A. Hamer Reiser. President McKay said he was sorry that he yielded to his counselors’ persuasion tha they go with him because of the wild ride they had returning home. He was glad that all reached home without accident. President Richards and Brother Reiser did not get here until midnight.

President Clark commented that it was the wildest day he had ever had; that out of the 520 miles round trip he thought there was ice for about 450 miles, and snow flurries.

President McKay expressed the hope and prayer that the Lord would overrule for good their visit with the people in Rexburg; that they went there only for the good of the people, who of course were not converted that Rexburg was not the ideal place for the College, notwithstanding three fourths of the stake presidents in that area had asked that the campus be moved to Idaho Falls, these stake presidents representing 74 percent of the entire Church membership in the area. It will be a year and a half, the President said, or perhaps two years, before we can make the change. He said he was glad the Presidency made the trip, but it was rather fruitless as far as the accomplishment of the purpose was concerned.

President McKay said that while in Rexburg he personally called on Brother Meikle, who is a very sick man. People are not permitted to see him. He presented his case, saying that he had gone ahead and collected the funds on the buildings. President McKay said he thought Brother Meikle had collected most of the funds. He mentioned the case of two non-members who had made contributions. President McKay told him that those men had made the contributions on the understanding that Ricks College would remain at Rexburg, and they should have their money returned. Brother Meikle was very grateful for President McKay’s visit. Brother Meikle, Brother Taylor, one of the Porter boys, and Brother Ririe, are the four people to whom the statement had been made originally that Ricks College would remain at Rexburg.

President Stephen L. Richards

President Richards said he did not know what further comment he could make regarding the Rexburg situation. He thought that President McKay presented the matter very well to the people there; that, however, they were not of a frame of mind to receive his presentation in the light in which it was given. President McKay first read a letter from Brother S.M. Meikle, president of the Idaho Bank of Commerce, addressed to him, Brother Meikle complaining that the decision was much to the detriment of himself and others, and the president used that as the basis for explaining to all those present the matters which, in our judgment, justified change of decision. The President went through those matters, explaining them in detail, and in general, without naming the people from whom these letters had come, all of which served to justify a change of decision. However, these people in Rexburg wanted to argue, and did argue, at great length the various items which it was felt justified the change. They pooh-poohed the idea of there being a State Junior College in Idaho Falls, and pointed out many other items which they did not think justified our placing reliance upon the recommendations which had come. As a matter of fact, they were just setting up their judgment against ours, and it seemed to President Richards that their observations were prompted by personal and civic considerations, and that none of them were prompted by consideration of the good of the whole people. They would not make any acknowledgement that the Presidency were actuated by the consideration of what was the greatest good for the greatest number of people. One or two went so far as to say, ‘We think you are sincere in substance, but entirely mistaken.’

President Richards thought perhaps he was a little severe in asking President Taylor a question when he inferred that this whole thing was to be laid at the feet of Brother Wilkinson. President Richards felt that it really reflected upon the intelligence of the First Presidency and the Church Board of Education. Brother Taylor said that Brother Wilkinson had ‘sold us a bill of goods and was a great salesman,’ and that when he presented the matter to the whole group of stake presidents in that area, when they were all invited to hear it, he was actuated by a selfish desire to see his own purposes accomplished. President Richards also told him that he never heard President Wilkinson make a recommendation. He only submitted the facts. The facts were so self-evident he did not need to make a recommendation. President Richards said he felt somewhat aggrieved to think a man like President Taylor would make such inferences against President Wilkinson.

After lunch Dr. Rigby came to President Richards and said he wanted him to be assured that the Presidency had his complete loyalty in this situation, and that he would sustain the decision. President Richards felt that the purpose of the meeting was accomplished even though these men manifested great resistance to the decision. They did not accept it, but it was an explanation and in that way the purpose was accomplished. President Richards said that President McKay was very patient, permitting them to go into all the matters and try to debate the subject.

President Richards mentioned that on the return trip, with Brother Reiser driving, President Richards being the only other occupant in the car, impulsively Brother Reiser turned off to the right and went over a sort of culvert and stopped within a few feet of the bank of the Portneuf River, which was 15 or 20 feet below. He did not know how he stopped so quickly, but it must have been that the car ran into some rocks as well as snow on the side of the road, and they were protected from going over a steep embankment straight down, that in all probability would have resulted in a most serious accident. President Richards gave thanks for the Lord’s protection. It so happened that Brother Reiser, not being familiar with the car, had not turned the lights on fully, but just partly on, and the vibrations from the chains which had been placed on the tires had no doubt caused the lights to go off. As soon as the lights went off, thinking, no doubt impulsively, to get off the road, he stopped the car just a few feet from the precipice.

President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

President Clark said he had been busy with the usual duties. On Saturday last, with the other members of the First Presidency, he went to Rexburg, Idaho, where the First Presidency met with a number of business and professional men in Rexburg and discussed with them the matter of the transfer of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. President Clark said that President McKay had felt that he should go to Rexburg and make a statement to those who were objecting to this change, including non-members, and in discussing the matter, it was decided that his counselors, President Richards and President Clark, should accompany him and be of such help or encouragement as they might. Elder Marion G. Romney was also present.

Those invited to the meeting included President Orval P. Mortensen of the North Rexburg Stake, President Delbert G. Taylor of the Rexburg Stake, Mr. McDermott, owner of the newspaper in Idaho Falls, and his reporter, the manager of the radio station there, who is a non-member, and a number of others.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Brother Marion G. Romney and then President McKay made a statement of the reasons for the decision to move the Ricks College campus from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. President Richards had prepared a brief summary statement of the points that President McKay wished to make and did make as he gave the information regarding the situation. It was a good statement and was left with these men.

After President McKay had finished speaking it seemed evident that these men had come to this meeting as objectors, among the chief of whom was President Taylor — it seemed that they had come expecting to have a debate and to try to persuade the First Presidency to change their minds. A Dr. Rigby got up and spoke and after profusely stating how much he was behind the First Presidency, and that he was going to do what they wanted him to do, he advanced all the arguments he could think of to show why the campus should be retained in Rexburg. The two men from Idaho Falls — Mr. McDermott and his reporter — kept still and said nothing.

The radio man in Rexburg, Gene Shumate, talked, affirming his allegiance to Rexburg, as did the editor of the paper in Rexburg, Mr. Porter, all of these talks being against changing the College campus. President Taylor of the Rexburg Stake got up and apparently had in mind making a talk, but the discussion developed in such a way that he did not do so. President Clark said President McKay made it clear that this meeting was not to be a debate; that the presidency were there merely to tell them what the decision was that had been reached. In the course of the discussion someone asked: ‘Does this mean that the decision is made and there is to be no change,’ and of course the answer was that the decision had been made by the Church Board of Education and the First Presidency, and no debate was appropriate.

During the course of the meeting, which lasted about two hours, there was a good deal of talk back and forth. President Richards made some comments during the meeting, and President Clark made some comments. The objectors tried to blame the decision on President Wilkinson, saying that he had been the one who had stirred this up, and that President McKay had yielded to his importunities, and as they would have it, more or less to his insistence and imperial attitude, making President McKay reach the decision.

President Clark replied to this, stating that they were entirely wrong, and President Richards pointed out that the Presidency never had talked with President Wilkinson about this matter between the time when the original decision was made and comparatively recently, excepting one conversation. President Clark told them that President McKay did not need anyone to make up his mind; that he had heard the arguments and made up his own mind. President Taylor particularly seemed to urge that they had never had opportunity to discuss the matter; that President Wilkinson had come after long preparation and made his statement and the matter had been pushed through without the proper opportunity to make their statement. President Clark pointed out to him that at the opposition’s request, the Presidency had given them a separate meeting; that they had all the time they wanted to talk, that they brought a prepared speaker, and that they had full opportunity to present their case. Finally, rather reluctantly, he seemed to admit that.

Some of them, particularly Dr. Rigby, said how much they had prayed about the matter, and Dr. Rigby made the statement that his prayers had all led along the opposite direction from ours — at least, that was the inference — and President Clark interposed, ‘You know, we prayed about it, too,’ and after all ours were the prayers that counted in this situation and not his individual prayers, that we had the whole Church to consider. The objectors did talk about the situation in Idaho Falls, crowded streets, dirty and narrow, etc. The radio man averred the fact that all the ills that could be found in large cities were in Idaho Falls.

President Clark remarked that President McKay never lost his temper and never betrayed any irritation, notwithstanding there were times when he, President Clark, thought President Taylor’s criticism of President Wilkinson was a slap against the First Presidency. At the conclusion of the meeting President Mortensen offered the benediction, and gave a very good prayer.”

Wed., 3 Dec., 1958:

“8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Was in the meeting of the First Presidency. In order to take care of the many pressing problems, it has been necessary to move the meeting to an earlier hour.

Ricks College

Stake and Ward Officers to Manifest Their Support at Meeting

At the meeting this morning I reviewd a proposal to have stake and ward officers in the stakes of the Ricks College area manifest their support of Ricks College at Idaho Falls.

After discussion it was decided to wait for a statement being prepared by President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. of the history of the proposal to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls, and if the stake and ward officers be asked to react that the occasion be upon call of the stake presidents of the stakes in the district (2 in Blackfoot, 3 in Idaho Falls, 2 in Rigby, Lost River, Salmon River), the meetings to be held at the same time, the purpose of the meeting to be announced at the meeting, and the officers attending to be asked if they sustain their stake presidents in their asking the First Presidency to reconsider the decision to leave Ricks College at Rexburg.”

Thurs., 4 Dec., 1958:

“Telephone conversation with Edward O. Anderson, Los Angeles, California.

Edward O. Anderson: President McKay, this is Edward Anderson. I am in Los Angeles. I came down here on a personal matter. I came to have my eyes checked. I am in fairly good shape. I am glad I came here.

The reason I am calling you–I may be out of order–they are going to award architectural work for the Ricks College in Idaho Falls on Friday–tomorrow. I may be out of order in asking this, but will you consider George S. Nelson, constructional engineer. He is a nephew of Joseph Fielding Smith. He and I have worked together for many years. He bids structural on all the temples. Also William F. Thomas. Could we be considered as a group when you are making that award? I feel that I am not too old. I still have a lot in me, and I don’t like to be put in a corner.

President McKay: Do you feel you are in a corner now?

Brother Anderson: You know I do not like to be shelved. You know what I mean, President McKay. I have a lot in me yet. I am a young man yet. This is the reason I called because I thought it was urgent.

President McKay: It is news to me that they are going to award the architectural work.

Brother Anderson: If they are going to do it, I should like to be given consideration. That is the reason I called from Los Angeles because I thought it was urgent. This is a personal matter. I am taking care of it. If I may, I will talk to you when I get home about my problem as it is not urgent.

————-

Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

President Wilkinson: Ernest Wilkinson, President McKay.

President McKay: I just learned from Los Angeles that tomorrow you assign architectural work for the Ricks College in Idaho Falls.

President Wilkinson: There is nothing to it.

President McKay: That is what I said. Thank you.

President Wilkinson: I do not understand how rumors like that get out. I haven’t even begun negotiations.

President McKay: I thought I would let you know this.

President Wilkinson: I cannot understand how such wild rumors get out. Any instructions?

President McKay: No, we will await your answer to that Ricks College matter.

President Wilkinson: I have retired to my home, and I am dictating something now.

President McKay: Sorry to disturb you. All right, good-bye.”

Wed., 10 Dec., 1958:

“From 4 until 5 p.m. The First Presidency met with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, on matters pertaining to the Ricks college.”

Fri., 12 Dec., 1958:

“Following the conference with the Haycocks, I returned to my private office where I prepared a letter to be sent (signed by the First Presidency) to all Ricks College area Stake Presidents asking them to call a special meeting of all their Stake and Ward officers on December 21, 1958. This meeting is to be held for the purpose of ascertaining directly whether or not the officers of each Stake sustain the Stake President in his request of October 29, 1958 to have a reconsideration of the decision rendered by the First Presidency July, 1957 to leave Ricks College in Rexburg. (See December 21, 1958 for copy of the letter and statement prepared by Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, Pres. of the B.Y.U., to be read at the meeting on that day)

Sunday, December 21, 1958.

Meeting held Regarding Removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

On December 9, 1958 at a meeting of the First Presidency it was decided to send a letter to the Stake Presidencies of Rigby, East Rigby, Idaho Falls, South Idaho Falls, North Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, South Blackfoot, Shelley, Lost River and Salmon River Stakes, asking them to hold a meeting of stake presidencies, stake clerks, patriarchs, presidencies of High Priests, Seventies, Elders Quorums, chairmen of Senior Aaronic Priesthood, Aaronic priesthood committees, stake superintendencies of Relief Societies, Sunday Schools, Y.M.M.I.A., Y.W.M.I.A. organizations, Primary Associations, Bishoprics and clerks of each ward, to learn whether or not they sustain the stake leaders in suggesting a reconsideration of the decision to leave Ricks College in Rexburg. After consideration, it was decided to ask that the meeting be held December 21, 1958 to give opportunity for the people to know the facts which will be presented in a statement being prepared by President Wilkinson about the Ricks College proposal.

A copy of the letter sent to the Stake Presidents, and a copy of the statement prepared by President Ernest L. Wilkinson follow. (See note on December 12, 1958 concerning these matters — also see newspaper clipping regarding the meeting.)

Sunday, December 21, 1958

BYU LEADER EXPLAINS RICKS MEET

PROVO – The administrator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unified school system said Tuesday that meetings held in 10 Idaho stakes regarding trasnfer of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, Idaho, were specifically limited to stake officers and bishops.

He said the meetings, held Sunday, were for the purpose of seeing if ‘constituted leaders’ sustained the decision to move the college.

Answers Statement

Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, replying to a statement by a Rexburg Chamber of Commerce representative, said the matter was presented Nov. 30 to leaders of the two Rexburg stakes and approved.

Harold Matson, Rexburg chamber representative, said that he and four other men, all Church members, went to Rigby Sunday to learn what a pamphlet written by President Wilkinson ‘said about Rexburg.’

‘We were certainly surprised to learn that instructions enclosed in the Wilkinson pamphlet instructed the Rigby officers to limit the meeting to a certain group and we were denied admittance,’ he said.

Request Denied

He said the Rexburg chamber had asked permission to allow a representative to present Rexburg’s side of the matter, but that request was denied.

Mr. Matson’s charges were contained in unsigned telegrams sent to various newspapers and to the wire services. However, he confirmed by telephone the context of the telegrams, which he said were sent out by Gilbert Larson, Rexburg chamber official.

Dr. Wikinson said the Rexburg men ‘tried to crash’ the meeting at Rigby and declared that they had no right to attend the meetings unless they were officials in one of the stakes in which the discussions were being held.

George Christensen, president of the Rigby Stake, said the meeting at Rigby was restricted to Rigby Stake officials and that invitations were made to the meeting ahead of time on that basis.

‘It involved matters in which stake officials only were involved. Mr. Matson was told that the meeting was necessarily limited to stake officials.

‘The pamphlet from Dr. Wilkinson on Ricks College which was discussed at the meeting was an impartial report. It praised Rexburg patrons for their support of the college among other things,’ President Christiansen said.

He said that the Rexburg group apparently had intentions ‘of trying to break up the meeting.’ He said they later distributed handbills which he considered unwarranted criticism of Church officials.

Deseret News – Tuesday, December 23, 1958

Sunday, December 21, 1958

LDS OFFICIAL EXPLAINS RICKS MEETS

Special to The Tribune

PROVO – Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Board of Education, said Tuesday Sunday’s meetings to discuss transfer of Ricks College from Rexburg, Idaho to Idaho Falls were ‘official business of the stakes and not of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce.’

‘The Stakes (10 LDS stakes of the Ricks College area) were requested by the First Presidency to invite only the leading officers of their stakes to those meetings,’ Dr. Wilkinson commented. ‘It was the official business of the stakes and not of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce. The officers at Sunday’s meetings were invited.’

‘I presume that is the reason those men were denied admittance to the sessions,’ he said.

The men were Harold Matson, a Rexburg Chamber of Commerce representative and four other men. All are LDS church members but are not members of the stakes involved.

‘The meetings were within the established procedure of the church,’ the administrator added.

‘Rexburg representatives have had five different hearings over the past 18 months,’ Dr. Wilkinson continued.

At Sunday’s meetings a statement written by me was passed out. It gives the complete history of the controversy.’

‘Copies of it are being mailed to presidents of the Rexburg stakes to be distributed to officers of those stakes,’ Dr. Wilkinson concluded.

He pointed out that he gave these statements as administrator of the LDS Board of Education and not as president of Brigham Young University.

The Salt Lake Tribune – Wednesday, December 24, 1958

Sunday, December 21, 1958

There are being delivered with this letter to each stake president addressed 150 copies of a statement prepared by Administrator Ernest L. Wilkinson.

It is thought advisable that at the meeting suggested for officers of your stake the statement be read, preferably by some one selected by you, who is gifted in the art of clear, good reading. If feasible, a copy of the statement might be presented to the reader for his perusal prior to the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting a copy of the statement may be given to each one present.

After the reading a proposal to sustain your position should be submitted to those present for their sustaining vote.

It is assumed that it will be advisable to plan for a meeting of at least an hour and a half’s duration.

Sunday, December 21, 1958

December 12, 1958

President Leonard E. Graham

and Counselors

East Rigby Stake

Route #1

Rigby, Idaho

Dear Brethren:

In a letter from you and other stake presidents, dated October 29, 1958, it was suggested that conditions seem to warrant a reconsideration of the decision rendered in July, 1957 to leave Ricks College in Rexburg.

We desire to know whether the officers of your Stake sustain you in this recommendation.

Will you, therefore, please call a special meeting of the Stake and Ward officials named below, on Sunday, December 21, 1958 and have them express themselves freely upon the subject.

If some be unable to attend, kindly consult them and include report of their position in the reply to us.

No notice of meeting need be given except only to the following:

Stake Presidency and High Council

Stake Clerk

Assistant Stake Clerk

Patriarchs

Presidency High Priests’ Quorum

Presidents Seventies’ Quorums

Presidencies Elders’ Quorums

President Stake Mission

Chairman Senior Members Aaronic Priesthood Committee

Chairman Genealogical Committee

Stake Presidency Relief Society

Stake Superintendency of Sunday School

Stake Superintendency of Y.M.M.I.A.

Stake Presidency Y.W.M.I.A.

Stake Presidency Primary Association

Bishopric and Clerk of each Ward

If any do not sustain you in your request, please report his reason. An early reply will be appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

David O. McKay

Stephen L. Richards

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

(The First Presidency)

Sunday, December 21, 1958

STATEMENT OF SEQUENCE OF EVENTS, INFORMATION CONSIDERED BY, AND REASONS FOR THE DECISION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, TO MOVE RICKS COLLEGE TO IDAHO FALLS–REASONS FOR ITS CHANGE OF MIND

By Ernest L. Wilkinson, Administrator of the Board of Education

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

As Administrator of the Unified Church School System I have prepared the following statement of the facts and circumstances pertaining to the decision of the Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to transfer Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, and I am authorized by The First Presidency to issue and publish the same for the benefit of those who care to inform themselves on the subject. So far as practicable I shall present those facts and circumstances in chronological order.

The single question involved was that of whether Ricks College would have a greater destiny and perform a greater service as a great educational institution of the Church by being located at Idaho Falls rather than at Rexburg. All other matters were either subsidiary or irrelevant to that central question.

In 1953 when the Church School System (consisting of the Brigham Young University, Ricks College, Juarez Academy, the LDS Business College, and the Institutes and Seminaries of the Church) was unified, consideration was immediately given to the future needs of Ricks College. The question was immediately raised as to whether, from the standpoint of the future destiny of Ricks College, it would be best to have it moved to Idaho Falls, although no thorough study was made of the different alternatives. The facts as then presented showed that Idaho Falls had a population of only around 19,000 people, and that most of the young men and women of Mormon faith from Idaho Falls would attend Ricks College at Rexburg. While the matter never came formally before the Board of Education for any final decision at that time, the consensus of an informal discussion by members of the Executive Committee seemed to be that Ricks College should be left at Rexburg, where over the years it had received loyal and dedicated support from the people of that area.

It was in this setting that a Seventies Quorum in Rexburg, the Rexburg Rotary Club, and the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce inquired of President McKay as to whether there was to be any change in the location of Ricks College. Since there was no formal proposal before the Board of Education to transfer Ricks to Idaho Falls, and since on the basis of the informal consideration that had been given to the matter, there seemed to be no real feeling that the school should be moved, President McKay replied to the telegram from the Seventies Quorum, ‘Rest assured there will be no change in Ricks College.’ In response to the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce, the First Presidency wrote as follows: ‘The matter has already been referred to the Committee with instructions to proceed with projects already recommended so that the people of Rexburg will have an assurance of the future stability and excellence of this institution.’

The projects referred to were the new Auditorium Building and the miscellaneous projects which have since been completed in accordance with the First Presidency’s statement.

At the time of these communications it was fully intended that Ricks College would remain at Rexburg and the answers given therein were made in the utmost good faith. The right of the First Presidency and the Board of Education to later change its mind in the light of new facts will be considered later in this statement.

Action of the Board of Education in 1957:

During 1956 President John L. Clarke of Ricks College proposed the construction of student housing at Rexburg to accommodate approximately 150 students at a cost of approximately $500,000. This request seemed entirely reasonable; indeed, a modest one. From the growth that we had had at the Brigham Young University it was very apparent that in the course of time, should Ricks College remain at Rexburg, the Church would be called upon over the next several years to spend three or four times that amount for dormitory construction. I so reported to the Board, at which time it was suggested that a very careful study should be made of whether, in the interest of Ricks College itself, it would be preferable to institute a large building program at Rexburg, or whether the institution should be moved to Idaho Falls.

In January of 1957 a preliminary report was made to the First Presidency which showed that only about 35% of Latter-day Saint junior college students in Idaho Falls were going to Rexburg and that if Ricks were to be successful in persuading Idaho Falls students to attend Ricks in the future, a large dormitory program would be necessary; that for a student body of 2,000 non-resident students, the cost of housing would be from $6,000,000 to $8,000,000. The First Presidency accordingly decided that before commencing on a housing program which would ultimately entail an expenditure of a sum of that kind, it should consult with all of the stake presidents of the fifteen surrounding stakes and take a full look at all the facts. I was therefore requested to prepare a full resume of all pertinent data with respect to both Rexburg and Idaho Falls and submit the same at a meeting to be held with them on April 8, 1957, without any recommendation of any kind. At that meeting so held, thirteen of the stake presidencies were present. In presenting to them the relevant facts, I made at the outset the following statement:

‘The facts which I shall present to you today are not presented by me as an advocate either of the position that Ricks College should be moved to Idaho Falls or that it should stay in Rexburg. Our sole purpose is to present all facts to you so that the First Presidency may have the benefit of your judgment. If any of you have any other facts which are not revealed in our study, the First Presidency will be happy to have them as a basis for final resolution of the problem by the Board of Education. The sole question before the Board of Education is that of whether Ricks College will achieve a greater destiny by moving to Idaho Falls than by remaining in Rexburg, both in terms of number of students to be served and the quality of that service.’

Summarily stated the statistical and other information presented to the thirteen stake presidencies consisted of the following:

1. A short history of Ricks College from 1888 to the present.

2. A short statement of the sacrifices made by the citizens of Rexburg during the seventy years of its existence to maintain and perpetuate Ricks College.

3. A statement of the year in which each of the buildings of Ricks College was constructed, and the respective contributions made by the citizens of Rexburg and the Church thereto. At the time of such presentation the Church had expended for the Ricks buildings the amount of $762,658.12 and the citizens of Rexburg had either paid or agreed to pay $260,000. The citizens of Rexburg had also contributed the land for the campus.

4. A statement of the obvious considerations in favor of Ricks College remaining at Rexburg, listed as follows:

a. It already had an existing campus of 240 acres and a number of academic buildings which, even though inadequate, nevertheless form the nucleus for a real campus.

b. Ricks College had survived because of the heroic struggles of the people of Rexburg and their devotion to and support of it. In the 1930’s, when all other junior colleges of the Church were closed, Ricks College survived because the people of Rexburg for a period of two years, with the exception of $10,000 per year, personally bore the burden of its expense until the Church again assumed this responsibility.

c. The people of Rexburg are dedicated to the Ricks College and have given it a great tradition. One of the subsidiary problems to be considered was whether Ricks College would have the same support in Idaho Falls and whether its traditions would be carried over to Idaho Falls.

5. Certain statistical information giving certain comparisons between Idaho Falls and Rexburg, as follows:

a. The first set of facts was a comparison of population, showing that during the period from 1900 to 1955 Rexburg had grown from 1081 to 4350 persons, or a gain of 400%, whereas Idaho Falls had grown from 1262 to 23,500 persons, or a gain of over 1800%. During this period Idaho Falls had grown 4 1/2 times as fast as Rexburg.

During the period from 1920 to 1950 Idaho Falls had grown seven times as fast as Rexburg; during the period from 1930 to 1950, Idaho Falls had grown approximately three times as fast as Rexburg; during the period from 1940 to 1955, Idaho Falls had grown over two times as fast as Rexburg.

If Rexburg and Idaho Falls continued to grow at the average rate which they had grown the three periods from 1920 to 1950, 1930 to 1950, and 1940 to 1955, Rexburg would have a population of 8010 persons by the year 2000; and Idaho Falls a population of 95, 387. Idaho Falls would be twelve times as large as Rexburg.

b. The second set of comparisons had to do with LDS Church membership. In 1890, two years after the establishment of Ricks College, Rexburg had 692 LDS members, as compared with 104 for Idaho Falls (then Eagle Rock). In other words, in 1890 there were nearly seven times as many Latter-day Saints in Rexburg as in Idaho Falls. By 1957, however, there were 15,242 members of the Church in Idaho Falls as compared to 4,584 in Rexburg or over three times as many in Idaho Falls. At the present rate of growth in Idaho Falls, that city in a relatively short time would have seven times as many members as Rexburg, which was the exact reverse of the situation at the time Ricks College was founded in Rexburg. This seemed apparent from the fact that during the recent period from 1943 to 1955, the LDS membership in the Idaho Falls area had increased 49% as compared with only 6% in Rexburg.

c. The third set of facts showed that Idaho Falls then had four times as many children as Rexburg, or over twice as many LDS students. On the basis of the population growth at that time, this disparity would increase. These figures were regarded important because they dealt with students already living — children who were and would be shortly ready for admission to a junior college.

d. A fourth set of statistics had to do with economic comparisons of the two cities. These statistics showed that Idaho Falls had 3 1/2/ times as many business establishments, over four times the volume of sales, over 6 1/2 times as large a payroll, and almost 6 1/2 times as many employees as at Rexburg. They also showed that the buying power of Bonneville County was five times the buying power of Madison County; that postal receipts in Idaho Falls were nearly eight times those of Rexburg, and that bank deposits were over four times as large. There were nearly four times as many radio families in Bonneville County as in Madison County, over four times the volume of retail sales and food sales, nearly four times the volume of drug sales, and over four times the number of passenger cars.*

_____________________________________

*After the meeting of the First Presidency with the thirteen stake presidencies, a Rexburg group published a booklet entitled Ricks College Ideally Located at Rexburg in which they gave pretty much the same statistics as related above with respect to the economic growth of Rexburg, but failed to give any of the comparable facts with respect to the growth of Idaho Falls. The statistics of one city have, of course, little significance without being compared to the statistics of the other.

______________________________________

e. A fifth set of statistics dealt with the relative employment of Idaho Falls and Rexburg. These showed that in 1950 Idaho Falls had six times as many workers as Rexburg. Studies of projected employment showed that by 1970 the ratio would be nine to one, and by the year of 2000 the ratio would be nearly fourteen to one.

The significance of the above economic and employment figures arose from the well know facts that a large percentage of students could not attend college unless they have parttime employment, and there were always greater opportunities for employment in large centers.

A recent announcement by the University of Utah had stated that the average male student at that institution worked at a parttime job twenty-two hours a week. BYU students worked on an average of about twenty hours per week (autumn quarter, 1955). In the autumn, 1955, 47% of the BYU students were employed in parttime work. These students held 4,190 different jobs. It had been determined that fully 74% of the BYU graduating class held parttime jobs at one time or another during their undergraduate work. BYU, Ricks, and all colleges, therefore, needed as much community employment as possible to open the way for many students to work their way through college. Indeed, the availability of employment was one of the foremost factors in planning the location of any college,and it was apparent that this factor was generally the determining factor in the size of enrollment of different institutions. This was important as bearing on the future destiny of Ricks College.

f. A sixth category of information presented to the thirteen stake presidencies contained quotations from seven educational authorities showing that from two to three times as many students attend colleges if they can live at home while so doing. Quotations from three of these authorities are reproduced herewith:

1) ‘The percentage of youth of college age attending colleges is between two and three times as large in communities where colleges are located as in communities without colleges.’ Floyd W. Reeves

2) ‘Where pupils can live at home and save the expense of room and board while attending a local junior college, it was found in a 1946 study that the median percentages continuing into college level for all high school graduates was almost two and a half times that for school systems which did not have any community colleges.’ (C.A. Pownd, ‘Why Community Colleges,’ School Executive, 74:50-51, June 1955.)

3) ‘Even though ‘distance has been annihilated’ by improved methods of transportation, a survey made in ‘one of the leading junior colleges’ revealed that 90% of the students in that college reported that they probably could not have gone to college if this opportunity (a local junior college) had not been offered.’ (C.E. Seashore, The Junior College Movement, Henry Hold and Company, 1940, pp. 9-10.)

These quotations emphasized the importance that was then attached to having educational institutions in large centers of population. (It was pointed out that while this would mean, as applied to the Ricks situation, that Rexburg students could not conveniently live at home, bus arrangements could be made to transport the smaller number of Rexburg students to Idaho Falls much easier than it would be possible to transport the larger number of Idaho Falls students to Rexburg.)*

g. A seventh grouping of information had to do with the distribution of junior colleges and their enrollments among communities of various sizes in the eleven western states, 1956. This study showed that while 26% of all junior colleges in the West are in cities having a population of under 10,000 only 6% of the students attending junior colleges attended these 26% of the colleges. Seventeen percent of the junior colleges were in cities of 10,000 to 20,000 population, but only 5% of the students attended those colleges. Only 25% of the junior colleges were in cities of over 100,000, but they attracted 57% of all students.*

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*This is actually planned for Rexburg students when the college is moved to Idaho Falls.

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h. An eighth grouping of information gave examples of colleges and universities who within the last score of years had moved from smaller to larger cities. These examples, which were not intended as a complete list, were:

DATE COLLEGE FROM: TO:

1938 Lewis & Clark Col. Albany, Ore. Portland, Ore.

(5,500) (305,000)

1947-48 Bob Jones University Cleveland, Tenn. Greenville, S.C

(12,605) (58,161)

1949-50 Georgia State Col. Industrial Col. Ga. Savannah, Ga.

(734) (130,000)

1949-50 Earlham Col. Earlham, Ind. Richmond, Ind.

(65) (39,539)

1950-51 El Camino Col. Lawndale, Cal. El Camino, Cal.

(19,500) (57,500)

1950-51 Brescia Col. Maple Mount, Ky. Owensboro, Ky.

(Post Office Only) (33,651)

1951-52 Kentucky Wesleyan Co. Winchester, Ky. Owensboro, Ky.

(9,226) (33,651)

1953-54 East Contra Cost J.C. Martinez, Cal. Concord, Cal.

(8,268) (18,977)

1953-54 Northrop Aero. Inst. Hawthorne, Cal Inglewood, Cal

(26,800) (53,500)

1955-56 Fort Lewis A & M Col. Hesperus, Colo. Durango, Colo.

(47) (7,459)

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*The circular subsequently published in Rexburg entitled Ricks College — Ideally Located at Rexburg, Idaho gave the percentage of junior colleges in the various sized communities, but failed to give the enrollment of the junior colleges in the various sized communities. The enrollment figures are, of course, more important than the number of institutions because individual students are more important than the number of colleges.

Of special significance was Lewis and Clark College which was then located in Portland, Oregon. It commenced as Albany College under the asupices of the Presbyterian Church in 1867. It was therefore founded 21 years before Ricks College. For the first 71 years of its existence, it was located at Albany, Oregon. However, in September 1938 the College was shifted to Portland, Oregon, in temporary buildings. Finally in 1942 the present campus was purchased in Portland, and the name of the college was changed to Lewis and Clark.

i. The final grouping of material presented showed the size of the five junior colleges in Utah and the size of the cities in which located. The four junior colleges in cities of 6,000 population or less had enrollments all the way from 280 to 457, whereas Weber College, located in Ogden, a city of 67,000 persons in 1956, had an enrollment of 5,610. These figures showed the general relationship between the size of a community and the expected enrollment of a college therein.

After a full discussion of the factual matter presented together with information given by members of the thirteen stake presidencies present, and without any recommendation from the First Presidency or from me as Administrator, President McKay asked all of the thirteen presidencies present for their best judgment, without regard to the personal interests of the areas they represented, as to whether the future destiny of Ricks College would be better served by staying at Rexburg or by being moved to Idaho Falls. All but two of the stake presidencies present, a number of whom were Ricks College graduates, advised that in their opinion Ricks College would have a much greater destiny and future if it were moved to Idaho Falls. One of the stake presidencies felt that it should remain at Rexburg. The other presidency asked for further time to consider the matter.

It was noteworthy that again and again those present stated that they had a great affection for Ricks College and for Rexburg and also great admiration for the manner in which Ricks College had been supported by the people of Rexburg; that they knew any decision to move Ricks College from Rexburg would cause great disappointment on the part of the people of that city; but that after evaluating the facts from the standpoint of what was best for the colleg itself and for future generations of young men and women who would attend that college, which was the ultimate test, it was plain that Idaho Falls offered a greater advantage. (Ordinarily the views of stake presidents who are called to advise on matters of this kind are considered confidential, but in view of the fact that some of those present have already disclosed what others said, it is now deemed proper to make this statement.)

In view of this expression of the stake presidencies in the area immediately involved, the First Presidency called a meeting of the Board of Education, which was held on April 16, 1957. After a full review of the matter, the Board of Education resolved by unanimous vote to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls, with the understanding, however that if Church officers in Rexburg desired any additional hearing (their representatives had already been present at the meeting of the thirteen stake presidencies) that they would be accorded that privilege by the Executive Committee, which, if it felt any facts justifying a change of decision were produced, should report back to the Board of Education. In accordance with the decision of the Board to move Ricks College, one member of the First Presidency was assigned the responsibility of going to Idaho Falls to obtain an option on suitable land for the new campus. Another member of the Quorum of Twelve was appointed to prepare a proper release of the decision after the acquisition of land and other necessary arrangements were concluded.

After the meeting of the Board of Education it became known that representatives of Rexburg did desire additional hearings, and they were accorded the privilege. On April 23, 1957, a delegation from Rexburg met with the Executive Committee of the Board of Education to present the case of Rexburg. After hearing the presentation, the Executive Committee concluded no new evidence sufficient to change anyone’s mind had been presented. On April 26, 1957, representatives from Rexburg were accorded another hearing by the Executive Committee with the same result. Later, on April 30, 1957, a delegation met with the First Presidency which was reported at a subsequent meeting of the Board of Education. It was there decided that President McKay and I should go to Rexburg to meet with its leaders, at which time they would be informed of the basic facts I had presented to the thirteen stake presidencies and the Board of Education, and they could present any additional material they desired.

Accordingly, on June 1, 1957, President McKay, Elder Marion G. Romney, and I went to Rexburg and met with Church and civic leaders. At that meeting President McKay first invited Brother Howard Salisbury of Ricks College, representing Church and civic leaders of Rexburg, to present their views for keeping the college at Rexburg. Brother Salisbury was given all the time he desired and took two hours to make his presentation. He stated that the issue was ‘Ricks College’ and premised his argument primarily on the theory that the Brethren ‘should not remove the aged land mark which their fathers have set,’ and that Ricks College could not be moved without shattering its history and traditions. He also stressed the dedicated loyalty of Rexburg citizens to Ricks College and the sacrifices they had made for the school, along with the fact that Rexburg contained a very fine environment for a college and was not economically ‘stagnant but was showing economic progress,’ in support of which he showed bank deposits, postal savings deposits and other indicia pertaining to Rexburg. He did not, however, give corresponding figures for Idaho Falls. Comparative figures of this economic growth for both Rexburg and Idaho Falls had already been presented to the Board of Education, as previously set forth herein.

At the conclusion of Brother Salisbury’s presentation, President mcKay called on me to give the facts which I had previously presented to the stake presidencies. I again took no position in the matter, letting the facts speak for themselves. Brother Salisbury commented that he ‘personally concurred with the picture that is suggested by the charts prepared by President Wilkinson.’ I interpreted this to mean that he substantially agreed with the facts presented by me. I likewise agreed substantially with the facts presented by him. There was never any conflict as to the main facts.

At the conclusion of my presentation, President McKay said he had been very much concerned over the accusations made by Rexburg representatives against Idaho Falls; that he wanted them to know that according to the records of the Church, members of the Church living in Idaho Falls were just as faithful as those living in Rexburg.

At the conclusion of this meeting, some of the prominent citizens of Rexburg who were present indicated to President McKay, Elder Romney, or me, that in view of the acts which had been presented, they could themselves understand that the future destiny of the college might well justify its removal to Idaho Falls.

During the early part of July in 1957, another Rexburg delegation called on President McKay and, at that time, discussed a letter sent to him signed by the ‘Upper Valley Real Estate Board,’ stating that the people of Rexburg had signed pledges ‘to accommodate 1570 students in their homes.’ On the basis of this letter it was represented that a dormitory building program would not be necessary if Ricks College were left in Rexburg. It was also represented that a study had been made in Idaho Falls which showed that Idaho Falls, because of its rapid growth and its crowded condition, would not be able to accommodate students in the homes in that city, and that a large dormitory construction program would have to be engaged in Idaho Falls if Ricks were transferred there.

In reliance upon these representations, which were at variance with representations which President John L. Clarke and I had made to the Board of Education, President McKay convened a meeting of the First Presidency and the Executive Committee of the Board of Education on July 11, 1957.

At that meeting he stated that although every argument was in favor of the transfer of Ricks College to Idaho Falls, it had been urged upon him that statements theretofore made by the presiding authorities in 1954, that Ricks College would not be moved were regarded by some as being in the nature of commitments for the future; also that he now had representations from the Upper Valley Real Estate Board that 1570 non-resident students could be accommodated in the homes of Rexburg citizens, making the building of dormitories at Rexburg for that number of students necessary; that expensive dormitories would immediately have to be built if Ricks College were moved to Idaho Falls. He stated that in view of these representations he was inclined to believe that the people of Rexburg should be favored by leaving Ricks College at Rexburg and made such a recommendation to those present. The members present sustained the recommendation of President McKay, and it was agreed that future planning for Ricks College should proceed on the assumption that dormitories would not now be necessary.* President McKay then called in representatives of Rexburg and told them Ricks College would not be moved. An announcement to that effect was given by the First Presidency.

Immediately after this decision I was importuned by one of the stake presidents of Rexburg to come to Rexburg to make plans for a dormitory construction program. I informed him that the decision not to move from Rexburg had been based in large part upon the representation that dormitories would not be necessary and that I therefore had no authority to proceed with a dormitory program. On reporting this request to my superiors it was suggested I have President Clarke of Ricks College make a very careful survey to ascertain the facts with respect to the student housing situation at Rexburg, and that the Director of Housing at the B.Y.U. should render such assistance in that survey as needed by Ricks College officials. It was deemed wise, however, to postpone such survey until after school began in the fall so that we could determine how many students were actually taken care of in various places and also study the quality of the accommodations that were available.

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*I should here note that although eleven of the thirteen stake presidencies in the Ricks College area had expressed themselves in favor of Ricks being transferred to Idaho Falls, they accepted the decision not to move with good grace, and so far as I know not a single one of them protested the decision to the First Presidency.

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After registration had closed for the fall quarter of 1957, Fred Schwendiman, Director of Housing at the Brigham Young University, went to Rexburg to assist President Clarke and his staff in making a very careful examination of all housing facilities in Rexburg for students. This survey was made in accordance with standards approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University for proper student housing at that University. President Clarke agreed wtih these standards.

It should be here noted that these standards were not known to the Upper Valley Real Estate Board, who counted every single accommodation reported available without regard to whether or not it had adequate windows for bathrooms or bedrooms for ventilation or light, or proper sanitary or other facilities, or met appropriate building code requirements for fire and safety hazards, or whether it was ready for immediate occupancy or subject to extensive rebuilding or remodeling.

It should be further noted that the two surveys were made under different psychological circumstances. The survey of the Upper Valley Real Estate Board was made in large part by telephone with the aim in mind of showing the maximum potential housing available as an inducement for the retention of Ricks College. The Ricks College Survey was made after the 1957 decision had been made to leave Ricks in Rexburg, by a personal visit to every prospective accommodation with the aim in mind of determining facilities meeting the proper standards which were immediately available or could by alterations be made available in the reasonable future.

With this difference in approach the Ricks College survey showed the following differences between its survey and the survey of the Upper Valley Real Estate Board:

1. The Upper Valley Real Estate survey showed 428 student off-campus accommodations, excluding motels, hotels, commercial type apartments, etc. available for students. The Ricks College survey showed only 335.

2. The Upper Valley Real Estate survey showed 386 student accommodations available in motels, hotels and commercial type apartments. The Ricks College survey showed only 93 available at the time of the survey and none of them to be acceptable according to approved standards. This type of accommodations was, and is, not generally considered a desirable place for unmarried students of college age.

3. The Upper Valley Real Estate Board listed 1570 student accommodations. However, a subsequent study of this survey showed that this included 240 on-campus accommodations. The Ricks College survey showed there were only 127 of these accommodations on campus, and that none of them constituted acceptable permanent student housing. They were all sub-standard and need to be replaced.

4. The Upper Valley Real Estate Board survey included 229 accommodations of householders who did not desire to rent, but would do so if necessary. The Ricks College survey did not list these accommodations, because a plan for permanent housing could not be based on uncertain tenure of this kind. Obviously, students do not desire to live in places where they were reluctantly accepted.

5. The Upper Valley Real Estate Board survey included 287 accommodations which Ricks College survey classified as requiring alterations to bring them up to acceptable standards. While they were not presently available in accordance with accepted standards they were nevertheless listed as acceptable in the Ricks College survey because for permanent housing they would be acceptable and the landlords were willing to make the improvements.

6. Summarily stated, the Ricks College survey found only 622 acceptable accommodations in homes as compared with the 1570, including 240 on-campus accommodations, listed in the survey of the Upper Valley Real Estate Board.

These facts revealed, of course, that the decision of the First Presidency and the Executive Committee not to move Ricks College, had been based on information leading to misleading conclusions, and again raised the question of the type of building program needed at Ricks College.

In the summer of 1958 President Clarke of Ricks College (who had been no party to the representations made by the Upper Valley Real Estate Board) requested appropriations for present and future buildings, including needed dormitories, which would ultimately cost from $3 to $4 million. I sought the advice of the First Presidency on this request and it was suggested in view of the facts as developed in the Ricks College Housing Survey, that the entire matter would again have to be reviewed at a subsequent meeting of the Board of Education.

While this problem was pending, a movement got underway in Idaho Falls to establish a District Junior College. Some of the Stake Presidencies in the Idaho Falls area, concerned that the establishment of such a College might have an adverse effect on future enrollment at Ricks College, sought an audience with the First Presidency thereon. They were reminded of a previous letter to all Stake Presidencies in the Ricks College area that all matters of this kind were to be taken up with me as Administrator. Accordingly, during the semi-annual conference of the Church in October they reported this movement to me. I in turn reported it to the First Presidency and asked for advice as to what effect if any, the proposed creation of such a College should have on our future plans for the development of a large campus at Rexburg, and in particular, on the budget I was then in the process of requesting for 1958. The First Presidency advised that should a Junior College be established at Idaho Falls it would obviously have an effect on the future size of Ricks College at Rexburg and suggested that I ask the Stake Presidencies of Idaho Falls to keep them informed of developments, which I did. As a result, the First Presidency under date of October 29, 1958, received a letter from a group of Stake Presidents in the Ricks College area giving them more details of this movement and suggesting that ‘should the movement be successful, it would seem that the choice may now be between having a small Ricks College at Rexburg or an outstanding Ricks College at Idaho Falls.’ The letter commented that this had not been ‘so apparent when the decision to leave Ricks College at Rexburg was made.’ The letter did not expressly request a reconsideration of the matter, but suggested that if the First Presidency ‘now felt inclined to again consider the permanent location of Ricks College’ that such consideration be given at once. The letter expressed the opinion that Ricks College in Idaho Falls would be attended by several times as many students as Ricks College in Rexburg. The letter concluded with their willingness to ‘abide by your decision after you deliberate with a full knowledge of the facts.’

At the same time the First Presidency received information as to a civic meeting held in Idaho Falls on October 28 regarding the proposed establishment of a district junior college. This information contained a resume of a talk by Dr. Eugene Chaffee, President of Boise Junior College, in which he pointed out that in 1941 a bond election for Boise Junior College passed by a nine to one majority, and that three bond elections since that time have each passed by better than eight to one.

As to enrollment, he pointed out that in 1958 Boise Junior College had 1400 day students; 1400 night students; and 300 summer school students; that the establishment of Boise Junior College had tripled the percentage of students receiving advanced education in the Boise area.

He further pointed out that Boise Junior College, being in a populous area, such as Idaho Falls, had operated for 12 years without dormitories; and that 65% of the students were employed part or full time, thus making it possible for them to obtain a college education. This experience in Boise seemed to confirm with local Idaho application the statistical data presented to the members of the Stake Presidencies on April 8, 1956 and made almost inescapable the conclusion that Ricks College in Idaho Falls would have a greater destiny because it would have many more students and there would be more jobs for them.

The information from this civic meeting also contained a study of the colleges which were being attended by graduates of Idaho Falls High School in 1957 and 1958. This showed that of the 468 graduates who were in college in 1958, only seventy-eight, or less than 17%, were at Ricks, and that of the students who expect to graduate next spring only 32, or 19% expected to attend Ricks. In answer to a question as to where they would go if a Junior College were established in Idaho Falls, 80% of those graduating stated they would attend that junior college.

With this information before it, and having been apprized of the legal procedures essential for the establishment of a Junior College, which the proponents thereof were intending to follow, the First Presidency decided that the letter received from the Stake Presidencies heretofore mentioned, warranted further and full consideration. In the process of giving this consideration it was ascertained that of the fifteen stakes nearest Ricks College, those stakes whose students could attend Idaho Falls more or just as conveniently as at Rexburg presently numbered 61,410 members, whereas those stakes whose students could attend Rexburg more or just as conveniently as Idaho Falls had only 32, 080 members. Further, the Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Rigby Stakes were growing much faster. The basic computations for the above stakes are attached hereto as Schedule A.

Stated another way, it was evident Idaho Falls, even with its present population, would be more convenient for twice as many Latter-day Saint children. In the future the ratio would even be greater.

It was with this background that the First Presidency called a meeting of the Board of Education, which convened on November 5, 1958. Since I was in New York City at that time, I was not notified of the meeting nor did I know it was to be held. At that meeting full consideration was given to the markedly changed situation which had occurred since the decision announced by the First Presidency in July 1957. The principle changes noted were these:

1. The presidents of ten of the fourteen stakes in the immediate Ricks College area, with a Church membership of 48,311 out of a total membership of 65,861, had suggested a reconsideration of the decision of July 11, 1957. For the First Presidency to have ignored this request would have been tantamount to saying that the educational system of the Church should not serve the greatest number.

2. It was now known that an expenditure of several million dollars would have to be made in dormitories to attract students to Ricks College if retained at Rexburg. The opposite representation had been made in July 1957 when it was decided to leave Ricks at Rexburg.

3. It was not recognized that sooner or later, if Ricks were left in Rexburg, a district junior college would be created in Idaho Falls. Even if the present movement should not be successful, it seemed inevitable that eventually Idaho Falls would have a junior college.

4. It was now apparent that if a district junior college were created in Idaho Falls, most of the students in that populous area would attend the junior college at home. In that situation Ricks College at Rexburg would have much less opportunity for a great destiny.

5. If a district junior college were founded at Idaho Falls, it was evident that the Church would desire to establish an Institute in connection therewith. If that were done the Church would have two competing institutions within 27 miles of each other — Ricks College at Rexburg and an LDS Institute of Religion at Idaho Falls. The Board felt that competing institutions of this kind should be avoided if possible; and it was evident they could be avoided only if Ricks College were moved to Idaho Falls.

In view of this changed situation, and giving recognition to the suggestions made by the Stake Presidents of the area tributary to Idaho Falls, the First Presidency felt that reconsideration of the previous decision not to move from Rexburg was fully justified and after careful review of all the circumstances recommended to the Board of Education that Ricks College be moved to Idaho Falls and that announcement of the decision be made at once. A meeting of the Board of Education was then held at which such recommendation of the First Presidency was unanimously sustained.

In light of all of the above facts, it seems not only pertinent but appropriate that as Administrator I should make certain comments. In the first place, I do not believe any reasonable person, who has an open mind and who does not permit his personal interest to cloud his judgment, can properly say that the First Presidency and the Board of Education did not conscientiously and fairly evaluate all of the facts in arriving at the final decision to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls. It must also be apparent that in the entire consideration over a period of five years the ‘Brethren’ were solicitous in the extreme of the views of Rexburg church and civic leaders. The record discloses that apart from the meeting of April 8, 1957, at which all fifteen stake presidencies were invited the Church and civic leaders from Rexburg requested and were accorded four additional hearings, or a total of five hearings in all. The stake presidencies from the other stakes neither requested nor were given any additional hearings; they were content to let the facts speak for themselves.

Secondly, I should observe that since the announcement to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls was made on November 7, 1958, there have been constant attempts by newspaper publicity and otherwise to make it appear that the constituted authorities of the Church have not kept their word, since in 1954 and again in 1957 it was announced that Ricks College would remain at Rexburg. As Administrator of the Unified Church School System, I regard these attempts as without foundation, either in law or morals. The statements made in 1954 and 1957 that Ricks would remain at Rexburg were administrative decisions based on the facts then available and did not purport to constitute promises or commitments of a binding nature for the future. They represented the intention and action of the responsible authorities at the time they were made and were made in the utmost good faith. But by their very nature, they could remain operative only to the extent the facts underlying these did not change. To accuse the President of the Church of going back on his personal word when an administrative decision is changed is to ignore entirely the nature of an administrative decision. The right to change administrative decision whenever the underlying facts change is inherent in any administrative body, the Church included.

No better example can be given of this than the history of the Church Board of Education itself. In 1887 the First Presidency of the Church organized the Church Board of Education. The President of the Church became the Chairman of the Board. This consisted originally of members of the First Presidency, some of the Quorum of the Twelve, and prominent educators outside the Quorum.

Since the organization of the Church Board of Education, most major decisions regarding Church Schools have been made by the Church Board of Education. This Board, like all boards of education, is duty bound to make decisions from time to time in conformity to the best interests of the Church even though such decisions at times involve direct changes not contemplated by prior decisions. Circumstances are never constant and as they change new decisions or reversals of prior decisions must be made.

In 1888 the Church Board of Education moved to establish Church academies in each of the then existing stakes of the Church, patterned after the Brigham Young Academy in Provo, founded in 1875, and the Brigham Young College in Logan, founded in 1877. The purpose was to provide secondary schools where none then existed, state schools not having yet been organized on the secondary level. One of those founded was Bannock Academy – now Ricks College. But the setting up of such academies did not constitute commitments that these academies would be continued for all time, even though the local stakes were asked to raise nearly all of the funds involved in setting up such schools. In this respect, the history of Ricks College is no different than the history of many other academies. The Saints everywhere gave of their means to establish and operate these schools. Under this administrative decision, 33 Church Academies were founded the names of which and the dates of founding are as follows:

Alberta Stake Academy October 19, 1891

Bannock Stake Academy (1898 Freemont,

Ricks 1903) November 22, 1888

Bear Lake Stake Academy October 16, 1888

Beaver Stake Academy October 29, 1888

Big Horn Stake Academy (Cowley, Wyoming) 1909

Box Elder Stake Academy December 29, 1888

Cassia Stake Academy December 25, 1888

Davis Stake Academy June 28, 1890

Emery Stake Academy September 15, 1890

Juab Stake Academy July 12, 1890

Juarez L.D.S. 1888

Juarez L.D.S. Academy 1888

Salt Lake Stake Academy 1886

(1889 Latter-day Saint college; 1893 LDS

University)

Malad Stake Academy July 3, 1890

Maricopa Stake Academy October 9, 1895

Millard Stake Academy October 29, 1888

Oneida Stake Academy October 29, 1888

Diaz Academy September 24, 1891

Panguitch Stake Academy October 30, 1888

Parawon Stake Academy April 12, 1890

Rich County Academy (Randolph) September 17, 1891

San Louis Academy, Sanford, Colorado 1907

Sanpete Stake Academy October 18, 1888

(April 17, 1900 Snow Academy;

April 10, 1917 Snow College)

Sevier Stake Academy December 12, 1888

Snowflake Stake Academy December 25, 1888

St. George Stake Academy November 1, 1888

St. Johns Stake Academy December 25, 1888

St. Joseph Stake Academy February 10, 1891

Summit Stake Academy November 19, 1888

Uintah Stake Academy December 18, 1888

Weber Stake Academy December 18, 1888

Morgan Stake Academy November 24, 1888

Wasatch Academy October 25, 1890

During the first part of this century, by administrative decisions of the Board of Education, most of these academies were closed, generally to the great disappointment of the local members of the Church who had sacrificed in the same way in their creation and operation, as the people of Rexburg had sacrificed, in the founding and operation of Ricks College.

By 1920, circumstances had so changed that the Board of Education deemed it wise to close seven of the remaining fourteen of these academies, and did so over the strong objections of the brethren who had contributed heavily to the organization of such schools. The academies closed during that year were:

Emery Academy

Cassia Academy

St. Johns Academy

Murdock Academy

Uintah Academy

Snowflake Academy

Oneida Academy

Juarez Academy in Mexico was and is the only surviving academy.

Four of the remaining five were designated as Normal Colleges, as follows:

Weber Normal College at Ogden, Utah

Dixie Normal College at St. George, Utah

Ricks Normal College at Rexburg, Idaho

Snow Normal College at Ephraim, Utah

The LDS University, originally Salt Lake Academy, was also retained.

In deciding to thus continue these several academies as junior colleges and to enlarge their curriculum and the appropriations to cover their operations, the Board was exercising an administrative function – not making a commitment that these remaining academies would be continued forever.

As conditions continued to change, the Board considered it necessary to make further alternations in plans. In 1925, the Board discontinued Brigham Young College at Logan, which had been founded in 1877. In 1931, the Board decided to discontinue the operation of all the junior colleges, providing the respective states in which the junior colleges were operating would agree to take over such schools and operate them as state junior colleges. Weber, Dixie, and Snow Junior Colleges were turned over to the State of Utah. A year following, the Gila Junior College at Thatcher, Arizona (now Eastern Arizona Junior College), was turned over to the State of Arizona. Ricks College was offered to the State of Idaho. When the Legislature of that State between the years 1931-1934 failed to pass legislation authorizing the State Board of Education to take over Ricks College and operate it as a junior college, the Church Board of Education then decided to continue the operation of Ricks College. But this again was an administrative decision, subject to change at any time, in accordance with changed conditions.

In 1934, the Church Board of Education discontinued the L.D.S. College in Salt Lake City despite the protests of thousands of alumni and Salt Lake citizens.

Thus, of the total of 35 academies originally founded, only two remain: Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University) and Bannock Stake Academy (now Ricks College). Viewed in this perspective, the citizens of Rexburg should be grateful for the preferential treatment given that community over 70 years, and the fact that Ricks will still continue within a distance of 28 miles, to be available for the education of its children.

The right of the Church Board of Education to thus administer, enlarge, discontinue, or remove schools in accordance with the needs of the times must remain the right of the Church Board of Education so long as that Board exists. The right to alter former decisions is inherent in any board and is necessary to the performance of its duty.

Indeed, this continuing duty of the Board of Education to legislate in accordance with changed circumstances is indispensable to the growth and constant reorganization of the stakes and wards of Zion. An administrative decision to erect a stake tabernacle or a ward meetinghouse constitutes no commitment of any kind that that tabernacle or meetinghouse will remain permanently or that those who contribute thereto will have any permanent use thereof. An administrative decision to create a new ward meetinghouse, one-half of the cost of which will be contributed by members of the ward, does not constitute any commitment that that particular ward will continue to exist or that those who contribute thereto will have permanent use of that meetinghouse. By administrative decisions, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve are constantly separating or combining wards, and those who have already paid once or more are called upon to pay again.

There are also many analogies in our civic life which show the complete unsoundness of trying to torture the administrative decisions of the Board of Education into legal or moral commitments. The adoption of zoning districts by proper governmental authorities is never interpreted as a commitment that such districts will never be changed. The creation of school or voting districts by the proper authorities is never construed as a commitment that such districts will never be changed. The laying out of roads under a duly adopted highway plan is never construed as a commitment that such roads or highways will never be changed. And yet in all of these cases private individuals may build private businesses in reliance upon present zoning regulations or the location of a school district or an important highway. And the change of zoning or school districts or of highway plans may be economically ruinous to some individuals. The individual interests are always subordinate to the Church or community progress and must give way thereto. This change is the price we must pay for progress, both in the Church and elsewhere. This concept of the true nature of an administrative decision was expressed by the First Presidency in a letter to Mr. John C. Porter, publisher of the Rexburg Standard and Journal, dated May 25, 1955, in reply to a letter written by Mr. Porter to the First Presidency in which he protested the change of Ricks College from a four-year to a two-year institution. Mr. Porter had stated that as a result of this decision there was considerable bitterness among the people in Rexburg against the Church. In reply thereto the First Presidency said:

‘It is difficult for us to understand how the people, particularly members of the Church, can justify ‘bitterness’ against the Church and its action if they will but review the unusual concession made to Ricks College many years ago when all comparable institutions were turned over by the Church to the states in which they were located, with the Church maintaining Institutes in their stead. Ricks, as a unit in the educational system, has been preferentially treated for many years. ‘Bitterness’ is scarcely the attitude of appreciation for the concessions that have been granted and we cannot believe that the word characterizes the feelings of many.

‘We are aware that the establishment of an educational institution in a given area is regarded as not only a convenience to the people of the area, but also an economic advantage to the business interests of the community or communities in the vicinity of the school.

***

‘We believe that upon more mature reflections, members of the Church will concur with us that these items, important as they may seem to the local people, cannot be controlling factors in the determination of Church policies and the expenditure of Church funds. It is our aim and purpose to distribute the institutional facilities of the Church within the means available to meet the needs of the membership with the ultimate objective of promoting the whole Church and Kingdom of our Father in the world. Within the Kingdom ecclesiastical considerations must always have priority over those of a geographical or political nature. As an illustration, we have returned to the contributors tithing paid with the stipulation that it be used locally.

***

‘We make these observations as a reminder of the fundamental concepts which must ever underlie the building of Zion. Members of the Church who understand these concepts will not permit state and community loyalty to deter them from giving cooperation to plans and policies calculated to advance the interest of the entire Church.’

It is true that the First Presidency in this letter then went on to say:

‘Those in the Rexburg area who are inclined to complain at the change of status in Ricks College would do well to remind themselves that they are not losing a college, but acquiring one with a more permanent prospect not heretofore enjoyed. We are sure that the patrons of Ricks can much more advantageously spend their time and energies in cooperation with the Church School Administration in building up a great junior college than in efforts for reconsideration of the decision which has been reached after long and patient and prayerful consideration.’

The first sentence of this last paragraph has been seized upon as a commitment that Ricks College would forever remain in Rexburg. But it must be pointed out that even the language of the First Presidency states merely that those in the Rexburg area are acquiring a college with a ‘more permanent prospect.’ Clearly, even by its own terms, in this administrative decision there was no attempt to make any permanent policy. Now in 1958 with a new situation having developed, the Board of Education believes that Ricks College can have an even greater destiny and render even greater service to the Idaho Saints by moving to Idaho Falls. The wisdom of this decision to locate this college in a fast-growing urban center will shortly be recognized when announcements are made of the location of other junior colleges of the Church in large urban centers. In this respect Ricks College will be the pioneer; and in this respect, also, the Board of Education will be fulfilling its moral responsibility to place these colleges where they can do the greatest good for the greatest number and render the most effective service to the Church. Any other decision would be at variance with the moral commitments of the Board of Education to properly expend the funds of the Church–not for the advancement of personal business interests, but for the educational benefits of coming generations of

young men and women. There is no situation in law, or in morals, where there is any obligation on the part of a Board of Education to bargain away future opportunities of education for thousands of young men and women in order to satisfy the economic interests of individuals who have profited by the location of an educational institution, which location no longer serves the prime purpose of that institution. That would not be progress, but stagnation and retrogression.

As to the economics of transferring the Ricks College campus from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, I should advise that the original cost, depreciated value, and an appraised value of the Ricks College academic and student housing buildings are as follows:

Cost With Additional Depreciated Value Median Appraised

Improvements @ 2% per annum Value

$1,188,001 $ 788,891* $1,516,841*

If from these figures there be deducted the value of the new auditorium building of $689,341 which can certainly be used for other purposes, the following figures result:

Cost With Additional Depreciated Value Median Appraised

Improvements @ 2% per annum Value

$ 498,660 $ 99,891* $ 827,500*

Even if the College had remained at Rexburg, it was contemplated with the exception of the new auditorium building, the administration building and the shop building, that all other buildings would have to be torn down and replaced by modern, functional buildings.** Excluding from these the new auditorium; for reasons stated above, these buildings have an original cost of only $121,000, a depreciated value of only $56,000 and an appraised value of only $302,500. In this situation it will not cost much more to build a new campus at Idaho Falls than it would to provide a modern campus at Rexburg, even if it were possible to obtain the same enrollment.

____________

*This figure excludes land, dairy barns, wells and pumps, athletic field and homes which can be used or sold for other than college purposes.

**When President McKay visited the Ricks Campus in May of 1956, he was of the opinion that the present Gymnasium building had relatively little utility and in any event would have to be replaced by a modern structure.

_____________

In point of fact the original capital outlay necessary for the smaller number of dormitories that will ultimately have to be built at Idaho Falls as compared with the larger number that would have to be built at Rexburg for a comparable enrollment, will much more than compensate for any loss in the buildings to be left at Rexburg. Considering the fact that the new buildings to be built at Idaho Falls will be used for evening as well as daytime classes (this is true in all junior colleges in a large metropolitan center), the cost per student for educational buildings and housing facilities at Idaho Falls will not be nearly as great as the cost per student would be for an adequate campus at Rexburg. The fact that the tithing of the Church would thus be more economically and wisely used was one of the guiding considerations in the decision made by the Board of Education. Over the long run, instead of there being a waste of funds in moving from Rexburg, there will be a more frugal use of funds.

Finally, while as Administrator, it is not my province to determine steps which may be taken looking toward reimbursement of contributors to Ricks College for buildings constructed since 1954, and the future utilization of the present Ricks College facilities, I should point out that it has already been announced that any person who has contributed to the new Auditorium completed in 1956 may obtain a refund of his contribution, and I wish to assure the faithful and devoted members of the Church who live in Rexburg and its environs that I am prepared, when the occasion permits, to make recommendations which will be calculated to demonstrate to the community which so deeply feels the loss of the College, the generosity of the Church in making provision for appropriate utilization of the Rexburg campus, all of which will inure to the benefit of those who feel grieved by the decision.

Respectfully and faithfully submitted,

Ernest L. Wilkinson

Administrator

Unified School System of the Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SCHEDULE A

I. Stakes Whose Students Could Attend Idaho Falls More

Conveniently or Just as Conveniently as at Rexburg

A. More Conveniently

1. Salmon River 1771

2. Lost River 2285

3. Idaho Falls 6685

4. South Idaho Falls 6550

5. North Idaho Falls 7548

6. Shelley 4914

7. Blackfoot 3974

8. South Blackfoot 4612 38,339

B. Just as Convenient because approximately

equal distance between each

1. Rigby 5628

2. East Rigby 4344 9,972

C. Generally just as convenient because they

have to Board and Room anyway

1. Yellowstone 5155

2. Teton 3396

3. Star Valley 4548 13,099

GRAND TOTAL 61,410

II. Stakes Whose Students Could Attend Rexburg More

Conveniently or Just as Conveniently

A. More Conveniently

1. Rexburg 4957

2. North Rexburg 4042 8,009

B. Just as Convenient Because Approximately

Equal Distance Between Each

1. Rigby 5620

2. East Rigby 4344 9,972

C. Just as Convenient Because

Have to Board and Room Anyway

1. Yellowstone 5155

2. Teton 3396

3. Star Valley 4548 13,099

GRAND TOTAL 32,080

Note: It was recognized that there are some students from the Yellowstone Stake who drive back and forth to Rexburg all year, but they are so few in number that they do not change the general picture.”

Sun., 28 Dec., 1958:

“Ricks College Meeting

Held a long meeting with President Delbert Guy Taylor, and his counselors. Elder A. Hamer Reiser, Assistant Secretary to the First Presidency was present and took the minutes of the meeting. A copy of those minutes follows.

Meeting regarding Ricks College at Rexburg, Idaho, held in the President’s Board Room, Church Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sunday, December 28, 1958, at 8:15 a.m.

________________________________

The following is a memorandum of a meeting held with President David O. McKay at the request of President Delbert Guy Taylor, of Rexburg Stake, who came with his Counselors, Willis Gray Nelson and Walter Fielding Ririe, Sunday morning, December 28, 1958, at 8:15 a.m., and met with President McKay in the President’s Board Room.

President Taylor asked if they might kneel in prayer with the President on this occasion, and President McKay suggested that they might offer prayer if they desired, and suggested that President Taylor stand and offer prayer. This President Taylor did, and then President Taylor said:

President Taylor: The reason I called you, President McKay, is the unrest in Rexburg and the combination of circumstances. We are terribly ill at ease. We do not know how to solve it. We thought we could chat with you and get your counsel, advice and blessing — that we could find something to clear the picture. It is disturbing to us beyond measure. We just cannot sleep, information is coming and going from different sources, some reliable, and some irresponsible, that it just keeps the pot boiling.

President McKay: You said over the telephone that things are getting out of hand. How are they getting out of hand?

President Taylor: Information comes from both directions. This pamphlet that Dr. Wilkinson put out has started us again.

President McKay: Let us start with the pamphlet that somebody else is putting out up there, and the reason why they sent it out all over the Church to stake presidents and anti-educational interests.

President Taylor (who broke in and said): That is ture.

President McKay: What business is it of theirs to bring in anybody else?

President Taylor: I do not know. That is our problem, President McKay.

President McKay: Have you spoken to them?

President Taylor: We have done everything we can to keep harmony. There aretoo many sides that seem to be opposed that we have no control over. The situation is far-reaching. It comes and goes, and keeps things in an uproar. We do not know how to meet the issue.

President McKay: Why don’t the people up there condemn the man? They write to me saying they condemn him. They are not in harmony with him. Why don’t they tell him so?

President McKay: That is all right, but why do they want to send it out all over creation? What is their motive?

President Ririe: Their feeling is that the situation has not been adequately or fairly represented. I do not know whether you have seen the comparison they have made with Dr. Wilkinson’s pamphlets and the facts as they understand them, or not. Anyway they are creating a lot of controversy.

President McKay: Teir motive evidently is to discredit the President of the Church.

President Taylor: No. It is some other motive. It seems to me that their motive is to discredit the objectives and the ambitions of Dr. Wilkinson.

President McKay: You ought to set them right on that. President Wilkinson is carrying out the wishes of the Board of Education.

President Taylor: Would it be in order, President McKay, to review just a little of the past in order to get some basis for thinking?

President McKay: No. I think we had better not do that at all. If this is a matter of a school and the changing conditions, changes which are coming as a result of the suggestion to move Ricks to Idaho Falls, it should come up in the usual education channels. If this is a matter pertaining to your Stake and the attitudes of the people, then let’s discuss it.

President Taylor: I was thinking in terms, President McKay, of what has caused all this uproar and difficulty. What is the basis for it? That is our concern. Why it originated?

President McKay: All there is to it is the suggestion of a majority of the presidents of the stakes up there that we reconsider the decision made at this table…

President Taylor: No, I mean at the beginning. Now just for the record: when I was in the East I talked with Elder Moyle, and if I may quote him — while he and I were there, he said, ‘Now, Brother Taylor, Dr. Wilkinson has been thwarted in the efforts to move Ricks College. He never gives up. Look for something else and be prepared.

President McKay: Was that when you were President of the Mission?

President Taylor: That was in 1954 when you and President Clark made the decision to leave the school there, and later we learned from Dr. Winsor of Cornell University, (one of our men was graduated from Cornell), and that was when the reducing of Ricks College to a two-year school……. and in conversation with this couple Dr. Winsor said: ‘I am not surprised. Dr. Wilkinson said he was going to reduce Ricks College to a two-year school and move it to Idaho Falls.’ The people quoted that statement yesterday.,. I had heard it before. And after the decison was made, Elder Moyle called me on the telephone and said, ‘Brother Taylor, I do not want to give you the details of the decision, but I am sure that it does not fully accord with Dr. Wilkinson, but I am sure he will go along.’ That was the decision when we met in your office to keep it there. He said that he would suggest that we meet with Dr. Wilkinson, a group of you stake presidents and help plan programs to increase the housing and to increase the enrollment especially. He said, sit down and have a council with him and see what can be done to accomplish this task. Now the job is to increase the interest and the activity of all the stakes up there and the benefit of the school.

I immediately called Dr. Wilkinson and told him about our desire to counsel with him about enrollment and what kind of housing you want in this city. We want to be prepared if there is to be some appropriation for dormitories. He cut me right off and said, ‘You can have all the housing you want according to your survey up there.’ We wrote him letters and asked for the privilege of meeting. We wanted to meet in council with him, but we never did meet. All he said was, ‘Send me your suggestions and I will take it up with the Brethren.’

I felt that in order to succeed and make the school what it should be, we should have unity among our stakes and organizations to help build the school, at least in some official way to make proper suggestions, and none of it ever came.

Now by letter and information, we knew that he was going to use immediately the housing situation to open up the case again, and he made a great issue of that backward and forward. We had from several sources — information, and we tried to find some way to bring it to the attention of you Brethren. We felt like unwelcome lobbyists. I talked wtih Brother Lee. Brother John L. Clarke and I talked with Brother Lee about what we could do to break this stalemate and get ourselves going. Brother Lee said, ‘Brother Taylor, why don’t you keep still? President McKay has made the decision. Are you going to doubt him?’ and rebuked us, and I said, ‘We don’t talk about that, Brother Lee. We want to get started the way the Brethren want us to.’ We came down here, and we were advised by Brother Bennion and Brother Lee and Brother Moyle and Brother Romney and others — ‘We will take it to the First Presidency. Never mind about taking the time of President McKay.’ I said, ‘He has planned to do this. He has planned to change it if he can.’ But they rebuked us again for that.

President McKay: I rebuked you?

President Taylor: No. President Wilkinson.

President McKay: But you said, ‘President McKay.’

President Taylor: You misunderstood me. The members of the Twelve said, ‘We understood Dr. Wilkinson had planned to move the school or reverse the decision.’ We knew that was coming. We had no way to approach it, and to get a hearing. It was delay, delay, delay. We knew that Dr. Wilkinson had no intention of doing anything to support the school or to build it up. Since he has been there, he has never been up there, and each time it was subsequent to other responsibilities that he had up there. (President Taylor said ‘subsequent,’ but I do not think he meant it. I think he meant something else — Brother A. Hamer Reiser). We tried every way we could to approach him, but no chance.

But all these things had developed in our committee up there and have caused discord and disunity; and I wish I were a million miles from it. It has been so disturbing.

President McKay: You are throwing all the blame on President Wilkinson for this.

President Taylor: I am.

President McKay: Have you read his statement?

President Taylor: Very carefully.

President McKay: How many appointments did you say you had with him?

President Taylor: None.

President McKay: All those years, didn’t you have any appointment?

President Taylor: Not until after the decision was made. We did have one appointment. We have never had a single appointment with him otherwise. He met up there in July 1958 with the thirteen stake presidents. That is the only appointment we have had that I know of.

__________________________

At this point, President McKay read from President Wilkinson’s statement, and he began reading the paragraph where it says:

‘During the early part of July 1957, another Rexburg delegation called on President McKay and at that time discussed a letter signed by the Upper Snake River Valley Real Estate Board, etc.’

President McKay continued to read from that statement down to the statement which relates to dormitory construction, and then he ended there.

______________________

President Taylor continued:

President Taylor: Right there is something not true. He said in a meeting with us ‘I have always wanted dormitories, but your survey has stopped it.’ We have never failed in our promises, as made to appear here.

President McKay: (still scanning President Wilkinson’s statement): I want to find out where —

President Taylor: He met with us the following July, a year later.

President McKay: (continuing the reading) ‘It must also be apparent (then he continued on to read through the statement where it says ‘five hearings in all. The other stake presidents were content to let the facts speak for themselves.’) (That is where the statement ends.)

President Taylor: (continuing) We have never met with him. He has never given us a hearing.

(Note: Quote this from the report: ‘The record discloses that apart from the meeting of April 8, 1957, to which all fifteen stake presidencies were invited, the Church and civic leaders from Rexburg requested and were accorded four additional hearings, or a total of five hearings in all.’ — Brother A. Hamer Reiser)

President McKay repeated a portion that he read. He was reading this statement — ‘It must also be apparent that in the entire consideration over a period of five years, the ‘Brethren’ were solicitous in the extreme of the views of the Rexburg Church and civic leaders. The record discloses that apart from a meeting of April 8, 1957 at which all fifiteen stake presidents were invited, the Church and civic leaders from Rexburg requested and were accorded four additional hearings, or a total of five hearings in all. The stake presidencies from other stakes neither requested nor were given any additional hearings. They were content to let the facts speak for themselves.’

The President Taylor breaks in and says:

President Taylor: That was with you and the other Brethren on a previous date. We have never met him. He has never given us a hearing.

President McKay: (He reads) ‘The record discloses that apart from the meeting of April 8, 1957 at which all fifteen stake presidents were invited, the Church and civic leaders of Rexburg requested and were accorded four additional hearings, a total of five hearings in all.

President Taylor broke in again and said:

President Taylor: None with him. He was never present at all. He has never allowed us a hearing. He has not allowed us a hearing at any time, even after the committee was organized, except in July 1958.

President McKay continues to read:

President McKay: ‘Secondly, I should observe that since the announcement to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls was made November 7, 1958, there has been a constant attempt by newspaper publicity and otherwise to make it appear that the constituted authorities of the Church have not kept their word, since 1954 and again 1957, it was announced that Ricks College would remain at Rexburg. I regard these attempts as without foundation, either in law or in morals.’ (Then President McKay read) ‘The statements made in 1954 and 1957 that Ricks would remain at Rexburg are administrative decisions.’

Then President Taylor broke in and said:

President Taylor: You see, President McKay, we are not — we do not think we are selfish enough. If we could find a solution satisfactory — the Church means more to us a thousand times — schools may come and go — but the Church will go on forever. We have not had a meeting since this thing started.

President Nelson: When was that meeting, President Taylor? President Wilkinson was up to Idaho Falls to a regional Welfare Meeting quite a number of years ago. Maybe that was when they reduced it to a two-year school. I wonder whether that was counted. It was before this particular time though. We had been down to a welfare meeting at Idaho Falls, and he gave a few of us an opportunity to meet with him after the welfare meeting. But I think that was when the Tillier (?) School was being considered. When you were making a survey.

President McKay: I was up there with him.

President Taylor: We have never been called in a meeting to help us with counsel and advice to help us keep our promises for housing, President McKay. We did not back down on them. Here was the thing that was disturbing. At that meeting up there, Dr. Wilkinson said housing would not be needed in Idaho Falls, but it would in Rexburg. That is what prompted that survey. We knew that Idaho Falls did not have the housing, and that we did. That is what started the survey by the realty board. I did not know anything about it. I was here for a week or so, and I did not know anything about it. It is made because of the statement ‘Rexburg will need housing’ but Idaho Falls would not. They would have plenty of students.

They can have plenty of students without it.

President McKay: Have the presidents of the stakes had a meeting with him?

President Taylor: Never. I do not know. That committee organized for counseling and suggestions and helps — there has never been a meeting called.

Brother Nelson: Was it that stake committee of stake presidents that has been appointed?

President Taylor: No meeting was held during Conference down here?

President McKay: What meeting was held during Conference down here?

President Taylor: We understand that there was a meeting held of the ten stakes south, but we were never called in.

Brother Nelson (reading): This statement says ’75 per cent of the stake presidents asked for reconsideration.’ Did they meet here?

President Taylor: We did not know about it. (Later he said), I believe that was in the afternoon of Conference on Friday. They considered liquor and tobacco and the laws of Idaho, and helps to support good government.

Brother Reiser: The presidents of stakes met on a political matter.

President Taylor: Yes, they met on a political matter. I was there, but not on this. The stake presidents met on a political matter.

Brother Resier: That was the meeting I thought you had in mind, President McKay.

President Taylor: I was at that meeting. This other one included stake presidents from Boise and Twin Falls. That had no connection with Ricks.

Brother Nelson: Some of the stake presidents said, ‘We were not invited.’

President McKay: That is what prompted our letter to the presidents. They signed a letter. I have their signatures.

Brother Ririe: Ten stake presidents signed.

President McKay: I have their signatures.

President Taylor: We did not know anything about it.

President McKay: What started this, I was ill, my Counselors called and said there is a matter of emergency. We would like to see you. The matter was presented.

Brother Nelson: I think another thing which irritates those who do not know, President McKay. You recall the meeting with the stake presidents — meeting in the Council Room upstairs, and Dr. Wilkinson presented the facts of this case — down in this room. That is right — After the meeting was over, you told President Taylor and me to get our side of the story and quite a number in that area think we were fighting against the council and the presidency, so we have been condemned for that. They did not know that you asked us to find the information we could.

President McKay: Well, you did.

President Nelson: Yes, that is right.

President McKay: You met Dr. Wilkinson.

President Taylor: We did not meet with Dr. Wilkinson only with you.

President McKay: Oh, no. You met with him and presented the facts.

Brother Nelson: Up in Rexburg. Up in Rexburg.

Well, first, President McKay, you went out to California to rest, and we met with President Richards and President Clark and the Board of Education.

President Taylor: We did, but Dr. Wilkinson was not there.

Brother Nelson: Well, he sat in, but we were not meeting with him. We met with the Board of Education and we presented the ….

President Taylor: I do not think he was there. Was he?

Brother Nelson: Don’t you remember? He sat right here with one of his aides, and he was taking lots of notes.

President Taylor: I overlooked that. He did not take any part. And then on the basis of that and other things, you made the decision to keep it up there. Then he immediately followed …. He did not accept your decision. He said, ‘I will use this to open the case.’ He wrote a letter to an old friend of his — one of his girl, girl, girl –no, a former secretary. He said, ‘I am going to use this housing to open the case.’ That is what we had learned. That was it directly. But we knew from actual delay and putting off not meeting with the committee that something was happening.

President McKay: Now you said that you had no meeting with him at all.

President Taylor: As a committee, President McKay.

President McKay: We told you to get the facts, didn’t we?

Brother Nelson: That would not be counted as a meeting with him. We were meeting with the Board of Education. That was not a meeting with him, President McKay.

President Taylor: President McKay, he has never called a meeting of the group to help plan the school. That is what we mean.

Brother Nelson: I ask you that: did you refer to just meetings, or the meeting with this committee, with this meeting of stake presidents who were supposed to meet as an advisory board?

President McKay: You had a meeting following. You had the first meeting at which he presented the matter.

Brother Nelson: That is right.

President McKay: How many were present?

Brother Nelson: I believe they were all there.

President McKay: And all voted for it, but President Taylor said, ‘We would like further time,’ and I said, ‘You take further time. You bring your facts and present them.’

President Taylor: That was with the Board of Education.

President McKay: That was with him. He’s head — not head of the Board of Education, that would be with him. I was not present at that meeting.

Brother Nelson: You were in California, President McKay.

President McKay: You had a meeting in which you presented your side of the case.

President Taylor: That is true, President McKay, and on this basis, but we were thinking that you said Dr. Wilkinson had met with us to program and plan after you had made the decision. No meetings.

Brother Nelson: It was presented in Rexburg, too.

President McKay: What was presented?

Brother Nelson: Well, these facts again.

President McKay: Yes. I came up for that.

Brother Nelson: Yes, that is right.

President McKay: I was present.

Brother Nelson: Yes. Brother Salisbury presented his matter again.

President Taylor: But that was before the decision was made. Now since that, we have tried to build the school and plan. He shut us off. No contact.

President McKay: You have not had any meetings?

President Taylor: No, nothing, except one meeting up there. He came up and called the stake presidents together to plan and program. He said at this meeting — at Rexburg — among other things, he said, ‘President John L. Clarke and I have always wanted dormitories. We pressed for dormitories, but your survey has destroyed our program.’ I said to him, ‘Well, Dr. Wilkinson, help us do all we can here to provide the housing you want and need, and then if we have to have dormitories, I am sure we can get dormitories by local financing. He said: ‘Well, we’ll let it stand as it is.’ President McKay, we are taking care of the housing. We have a great deal of increased housing and will have yet. Then it comes back that we have failed in our housing. That is the thing that disturbs our people. We have done it all without his help. He never gave us any help in increasing enrollment, organization to plan a program. It is all done on its own momentum. And that is what disturbs us. We are not disturbed at you brethren. I will say we are not. We are disturbed at the tactics of Dr. Wilkinson.

President McKay: Then you had better have a meeting with Brother Wilkinson.

President Taylor: It won’t do any good.

President McKay: It will always do good. Oh, yes it will.

President Taylor: He could out-argue us, and we felt like this. Now take the meeting we had before. Do you remember? We met with you and President Clark and President Richards. We had some things we wanted to present to you so we could get his cooperation, but you know how we were told to go back home.

President McKay: Not told to go back home. You were told to present it to Brother Wilkinson.

President Taylor: All right, you called him. That was right. You called him. And he wrote me a letter. He said, ‘make your suggestions.’ I have a copy in here — ‘and I’ll take it up with the Board.’ And I wrote back and said: Dr. Wilkinson, we feel that if we are going to make suggestions, we should make them in an organized way, with a group up here that has been appointed to do so. And we would like to make suggestions and plan a program. But we couldn’t get any meetings. He is the Chairman. We could not call a meeting. Following your decision, we wrote to the stake presidents and told them humbly, and I have a copy of that letter here, we thought we could get together, build the school, make Ricks College the focal point of our interest up here in morals and education and in teaching the gospel and other things. There isn’t any limit to what we could accomplish. We’ve got a cold shoulder from the stake presidents. Only one of them answered us. Dr. Wilkinson was, after two or three letters, uncooperative, absolutely uncooperative.

President McKay: The next I heard of it was that the stake presidents had suggested that my decision of July 11 be reconsidered.

President Taylor: And that was fourteen months after you made the decision.

Brother Nelson: That is one of the things that is so disturbing. The information that came in from outside sources that Dr. Wilkinson was going to kill the move, and then the delay is general talk, you see, and they add up. People can understand the word they received that he was going to kill it or move it, and the delay just, well, it is pretty hard to see it any other way.

President McKay: Evidently, these men have not been with you, the other stake presidents.

President Taylor: Who is that?

President McKay: The other stake presidents.

President Taylor: We did not have any way to get them with us. I asked Brother Moyle, ‘Brother Moyle, how are we going to get the stake presidencies together?’ ‘Well,’ he said, ‘You can’t call them,’ he said. ‘Dr. Wilkinson will have to do that.’

Brother Nelson: I think, President McKay, one of the reasons there has been a sort of a slowness to move to the thing is this very thing I mentioned to you. Quite a number of them did not know that you had told us to get the facts, and they took that to be fighting against the Brethren of the Church. We weren’t doing that, and they did not understand that generally. They thought that we were renegades for presenting the facts and trying to fight the case, so to speak. That is the reason I mentioned that before. They did not know that you had asked us for that — quite a number of them. I don’t know, maybe the stake presidents did.

President McKay: Well, I don’t know. We didn’t tell them.

President Taylor: That’s it, you see, and maybe that is one of the reasons they were so cold towards us.

President McKay: Were they present at the meeting at which you presented those facts?

President Taylor: They were at Rexburg, weren’t they?

President McKay: I mean, at that meeting which I did not attend.

Brother Nelson: No, they were not there.

President McKay: Who were there? Just you brethren?

President Taylor: They were invited in later on, President McKay, up to Rexburg, and I believe most of them were represented there.

But they were not down here — that meeting that we came to down here. You see, President McKay, let me give you this picture. Dr. Wilkinson had spent four years gathering information for this sale he made here to the stake presidents. We were brought in cold. Now I say this with all respect to my own ability. If I hadn’t spent thousands of dollars, and spent many times that in time and effort in the interest of Ricks College, with that blitz sale, I would have gone over, too, and taken it just for granted that it was all right. And that is the way the stake presidents were. They had no opposition to the thing. And that first sale just simply clinched them almost against us. I remember one time…

President McKay: But you came back.

President Taylor: Yes, I know. But the stake presidents didn’t, you see. But you see, I remember one time I had a case in the Bishop’s Court. The man came in and gave his evidence. It was so overwhelming, President McKay, that I made the statement, ‘That cannot be refuted. So-and-so is condemned for what he has done.’ And I had practically made up my mind that that man ought to be dropped from the High Council. The next two days, we brought the other person in, and we found the whole thing different. And finally, it carried on clear down to you Brethren, the Ferguson and the Haws case — you remember, maybe — and when you get the first drive of a sales program, you have just about got your problem 90 per cent won. And these brethren were called in here cold. We did not know what was coming up.

President McKay: But you came back afterwards.

President Taylor: Yes, I know. But it was — we were all on the defensive with the brethren up there, and everyone else, because the thing had been so completely sold that we were all wrong. That is the attitude they took up there.

President McKay: How many students did you have from Blackfoot? I have the number; it was very few. How many students did you have from Idaho Falls? Seventy-five; and 72 another year, out of 700. And from the other stakes — the stakes in that Ricks area? They are really not patronizing you there.

President Taylor: Now this thought, President McKay. We are working under tremendous handicap. Ricks College has made greater advancement than any other school of our region with one-third the space per student. It only has but one-third the amount of classrooms and facilities that even the B.Y.U. has, and yet in spite of that, it has made the greatest progress of any school in the whole area.

Brother Nelson: Not only that, President McKay, but down at Idaho State they have built new buildings, and up until this past year, their tuition was lower than Ricks College as an inducement to get students to come down there. Finally, the state has forced the tuition up comparable with other institutions. That has been a factor pulling them away. They have elaborate facilities there in Pocatello. Ricks, under the circumstances, has done remarkably well.

President Taylor: I told Dr. Wilkinson up there, I said, ‘Give us the facilities and we will promise you 2,000 students in three years.’ He put it down. Nothing ever came from it. Why, we are sure 3,000, or two or three thousand students could be up there as anything in the world. But we did not come down to argue this case, we came down to help our people; get the disturbance out of our minds and resolve the problem whatever is done. We want unity up there — more than we want anything else.

President McKay: Well, you know how disunity has been kept up. It is that paper that you have.

President Taylor: Yes. But it is these other things that don’t add up that keeps our disturbance.

Brother Nelson: Well, now, just as we were getting quieted down, why then this is held — a secret meeting virtually with all the stake presidents.

President McKay: It isn’t a secret meeting at all.

President Taylor: Well, it was by special invitation.

President McKay: No. They did just right. They signed a letter, and I answered that letter because I wanted to know whether they were speaking as individuals or speaking as officials. I am responsible for that. The Presidency signed it with me. We decided, of course. I said, ‘I would like to know if those men, personally, — I want every high councilman, I want every bishopric of those stakes and the leading authorities (This is a Church matter) — I want to know whether these men are expressing their ideas; and that letter was sent up there in answer to their request, or statement, or suggestion — whatever you might call it. You had already met. You had known it in Rexburg, so you did not have to have an answer. And those stakes further east, of course, we take it for granted that they are all for Rexburg. But we wanted to know whether these ten stakes who signed that letter to me and my Counselors were expressing their ideas. It is not a secret meeting. It is a meeting of the Church.

Brother Nelson: It was by invitation.

President McKay: Absolutely.

President Taylor: I think the Church has a right to hold those meetings.

President McKay: Why, of course the Church has a right. What right has any Chamber of Commerce, any newspaper, or any mal-content a right to request the right to come into a meeting called by the priesthood? It is the most silly, ridiculous, venomous thing we have had in the Church. I have learned only this morning — I received a letter — it came yesterday, I suppose. I wasn’t down to the office. I have their names — they came in to Rigby and demanded admission.

President Taylor: No, they did not demand admission, President McKay.

President McKay: They wanted to come in.

President Taylor: Yes, they went down there, I think they went down there.

President McKay: They distributed pamphlets. They left them in their cars. What kind of attitude is that but rebellion?

President Taylor: Well…..

President McKay: What right have they to come to a Priesthood meeting?

Brother Nelson: They are members of the Church. They hold the Priesthood.

President McKay: They weren’t invited to that meeting.

Brother Nelson: Well, those are some of the upsetting things, President McKay.

President McKay: All right then, you tell them. Just tell them where they are. If we have a meeting of the Council of the Twelve here, or have a meeting with stake presidencies, are we going to let bishops come in? They are not invited. That was not a public meeting. Why do they arrogate to themselves the thought that they have a right to come in, and that we haven’t any right to call meetings? We wanted to have the expression of the leaders of the stake and the bishoprics of the wards. If they say, ‘No, we are not in favor of moving that, I want to know it. And why has any member of the Church otherwise a right to come into a meeting which is invitational?

Brother Nelson: Well, I can appreciate that. But at the same time, this presents one side of the case, and that is what is upsetting the people.

President McKay: It does not present any one side of the case. It presents their case — their position — they made a statement: ‘Won’t you please reconsider that decision of July 11? That is what brought it; and three-fourths of the presidents made it. Then the thought came, well, now, since there is an uproar up there, I wonder if they are representing their people. And their people are their counselors, and the high council, and the bishoprics of the wards, and the presidents of the high priests quorum, and the president of the seventies quorum, and the presidency of the Relief Society, stake presidency of the Relief Society, the stake superintendency of the Sunday School, the stake presidency of the Primary, the stake superintendency of the M.I.A. and the stake presidency of the M.I.A. Haven’t we a right to call those people, those leaders in the Church, and ascertain their views?

President Taylor: I think that is right, President McKay.

President McKay: All right. Then these men coming here presuming to send down a letter and saying, ‘We protest holding these secret meetings,’ and demanding a hearing, what right have they to protest against a meeting of the Presidency and demand a hearing? Why, it is ridiculous.

President Taylor: Some of them thought this, President McKay. Some of them thought that President Stephen L. Richards was going to be down there on a meeting, and they thought they could go down and see what was going on.

President McKay: The facts are as I have given them.

President Taylor: I know, I know.

President McKay: It is just a presumption. I resent it.

Brother Nelson: One of those brethren was invited by an officer of the Priesthood in that stake.

President McKay: He had no right to do it.

Brother Nelson: Well, maybe he didn’t, but when he got to the door, they said, ‘Well, it is for stake members only,’ and he turned and left, and there was no scene at all. I have talked to two of the men who were there. They came to the door and said they were not admitted. In fact, a member of the stake wanted to force entrance. It was not our boys that wanted to force entrance. They said, ‘We are not invited,’ so they turned and left. They are making a bigger issue out of it than it actually was.

Brother Ririe: President McKay, these meetings of the ten stakes on these meetings called to present this, was it a meeting to review their thinking of it, or were they just presented it and asked for a vote like we were at Rexburg?

President McKay: They were asked ……the meetings were held for the purpose of knowing whether their presidents represented their views.

Brother Nelson: You said the meetings had already been held in Rexburg, and they did not ask us for our views there. Brother Brown and Brother Romney did not ask us for our views. When we asked if there was any discussion, they said, ‘No, it is closed.’ so there was no chance to review our thinking there at all.

President McKay: Well, you did not ask for a reconsideration, and these ten did.

Brother Nelson: I see.

President McKay: And the meetings were called to ascertain their views, and I have them now printed. They spoke and they expressed their views; and I have a quotation in the letter there, and the others will come. So we know the attitude of the people of Ricks College area. And that is the point that we have to consider. And that is the only reason that we did reconsider it. It was presented in the first place that these presidents represented three-fourths of the people there to reconsider it. I was just recovering from an illness, and then afterwards, we thought we had better find out for sure whether that is true and that is what the meeting was called for — that purpose. And we have it in writing. We have the names of those who came down, and spread circulars, vicious articles printed in some paper up there, and we have the names of those who did it.

President Taylor: Well, President McKay….

President McKay: And that is the wrong spirit. That isn’t the way to bring about unity and harmony.

President Taylor: Well, we know that.

President McKay: And another thing — that paper — I do not know who is doing it. It has been sent out to stakes who have nothing to do with it, who have no interest. It has been sent up here to the University. They have called me and want to know what is the matter. Now the spirit back of that is to cast reflection upon the Presidency of the Church. What else could they have? And that man up there in the radio business….

Brother Nelson: Shumate.

President McKay: We let him speak. We invited him there so he would know. And then he ended his editorial with: ‘It won’t hurt Rexburg, but it will hurt the Church.’ We won’t do anything to hurt the Church.

President Taylor: President McKay, that is the premise of our meeting here today. There are things going on back and forth — if we found some way to dissolve it, that is all we care about. We could stand the loss of — if that is the decision, and uncompromising, we could stand the loss – even though it is the heart of our community. It is the very soul of our community. We have built for it and planned for it for seventy years — everything. We could take it, if we could get unity some way. That is all we care about. We could take this on the chin, if we have to, but the facts that are presented against us in this pamphlet, and against the school, will not stand a thorough unprejudiced examination. They just won’t stand up. For instance, here, (where is that other folder there?) about Weber College. He says in the pamphlet there are 5,610 students at Weber College. This is just one of the items that is mentioned. ‘Writing in the Dec. 10, 1958 issue of the Deseret News, William P. Miller, President of the Weber College, says, ‘During the past five years, enrollment has increased more than 50 per cent at Weber. There are 1760 enrolled in day classes this Autumn quarter, and 1, 420 in evening classes, for a total of 3,188.’ ‘Now down here at Ricks College, the same total of individual daytime students, we have 1277 on the same calculus (?), with 1/5 accommodations. Total enrollment, 2319 in Ricks including others, night classes and all. Now, Dr. Wilkinson stated in there, 516 (?) students at Weber with no qualifications. There are the things that upset us, you see, and our people cannot seem to be reconciled to the thing. It is misleading, and …..

President McKay: Well, I do not have the facts, the figures.

President Taylor: Here they are, see here.

But he qualified it and said it was daytime students, but he pictures us with only 1000 students.

President McKay: You say his figures aren’t right here?

President Taylor: Here is the record here, taken from the President of the College, President William P. Miller.

President McKay: I would like to hear Brother Wilkinson on that. I have noticed he is very careful in his statements……

President Taylor: He generally is, but I am telling this ……….

President McKay: All right, he has put it in that pamphlet, he will vouch for it and will have facts to back them. I’ll tell you that.

President Taylor: The total of everything, now for instance here, would come to 4,098, and he says the above figures include 669 special students not listed as freshmen or sophomores, so that is the most that we can get from the record of the book, and from the Weber College catalogue. But you see……anyway…..

President McKay: I’ll venture President Wilkinson will sustain every word and everything he has put in that pamphlet.

Brother Nelson: Well, of course that does not tell all the story, President McKay. He tells the story of moving that school to Portland, Oregon. Well, they did move. That is fine. It has been there twenty years, and still has an enrollment of less than Ricks. What was the virture of moving it?

President McKay: Well, I don’t know about that. The thing to do is to meet Brother Wilkinson on that.

President Taylor: Well, President McKay, let me say this. There is a way, as sure as I am talking to you, where these differences can be resolved, and we can be united if we work hard for it. This way we are doing now is not doing it.

President McKay: What do you mean by ‘this way’?

President Taylor: Oh, the publications going out of Rexburg.

President McKay: I should say so. I hold you men responsible for that.

President Taylor: I know, but we cannot do anything about it. We have no control over the press.

President McKay: People who are not interested come to me and say: ‘this is the effect it has on me. What is the matter with those people?’

President Taylor: That is the trouble. The same thing with us. That is what brought us down here, President McKay.

President McKay: I heard one man say, ‘Well, the spirit of Rexburg is absolute proof of the wisdom of moving the college away.’

President Taylor paid tribute to the people of the stake as being firmly grounded in the faith.

President Taylor: We are just hurt. We cannot sleep nights.

President McKay: You are not the only ones who cannot sleep nights.

President Taylor: We have fasted and prayed and we have done everything. Still it goes on.

Brother Nelson: The people in the stake feel that the Stake Presidency have let them down because we want to continue to fight. We are being criticized.

President McKay: Is there no one up there to close their mouths? You are losing sight of the fact up there that you are the only ones, with one or two exceptions, whose college was saved when the other academies were closed.

President Taylor: We are aware of that. Ricks College was saved, and we are proud of it.

President McKay: I was pretty close to Weber and thought that school would last. It hurt like everything to lose Weber. I was Commissioner of Education when this was begun, to close the academies and substitute seminaries. I was very happy when Ricks was saved, and you have been the beneficiaries of it for many years, and there is no intention now of closing Ricks. It is deemed advisable to have a big school dominate the entire area and influence that area, and have Ricks the largest school in that area. You are not losing it. Rexburg is losing the campus, but Ricks is going on just the same. Someone is going to be hurt financially.

Brother Nelson: Financially, the hurt is going to be very small compared with the spiritual effect.

President Taylor: Do you believe — maybe I should not say that. Have you given a thorough analysis to the possibility of the school being more powerful in its site where it dominates the town than it would be in Idaho Falls where it will be submerged to other interests?

President McKay: We have considered all these things. Yes. And you have to have practically a new school. The gymnasium and the library will have to be torn down and rebuilt. You know that.

President Taylor: We can make some good classrooms out of the library; but you cannot use it as a gymnasium, you have to use it for classrooms, or use it for an art department.

President McKay: You have to have a new library.

President Taylor: We know that. We have some idea of the financing. Now we confess, we are, by virture of the fact that we are there, we may look upon the thing selfishly, and that may be the idea people have. It will cost five to six million dollars to replace the campus and put the same thing somewhere else. It will cost more than to build it in Rexburg.

President McKay: Now, that is a matter of opinion. Why are these ten stakes asking that it be moved?

President McKay then explained that it is the policy of the Church to have the schools benefit the largest number of young people.

Brother Ririe: You are starting from scratch when you go to Idaho Falls.

President Taylor: Let me ask you this, President McKay. These ten stake presidents have been impressed with this program by this tremendous skill in salesmanship presentation of Dr. Wilkinson. They never thought of this before. They never dreamed of moving Ricks College until this was sold to them. They became prejudiced against us.

President McKay: You are casting reflection upon their judgment.

Brother Nelson: When they talk with us, they deny having anything to do with it.

President McKay: That is one of the reasons for this meeting. We want to get the facts. They have absolutely a right to express themselves. They have expressed themselves. We want to know now whether or not they expressed themselves or whether or not the majority of the people will prefer it up to Idaho Falls or Rexburg. They are people who are members of the Church leaders in stakes, just as you are. They are people who have the good of the Church at heart, too.

President Taylor suggested that on the argument of moving the college where the greater number of people are, Cornell should be moved from Ithaca to Syracuse. He said Ricks College will never be larger at Idaho Falls than in Rexburg. He referred to President John L. Clarke’s report of 1958, and said he felt with all his heart — ‘My family is raised. I have had four graduate from B.Y.U. Business-wise, I am not concerned economically. It is what is for the good of the Church.’ He said, ‘I have tried to be unselfish in it. Rexburg has been subservient to the school for seventy years, in streets, parks, hospital, land, water, heating. We have built for years. I believe moving it to Idaho Falls is going to deter its development. I want to say this — somehow, whatever is done, we must do something to stop disunity. We must have unity, whatever is done.

President McKay: Their method of communication, of giving publicity, is contributing to the disunity. It does not hurt the Church. It will hurt the people. They are injuring themselves. People say this is the most vicious article we have ever had written. What motive have they? They are sending it out all over creation, and what good will it do?

President Taylor: President McKay, that is why we are down here. Most of these articles I have never seen. Some are casting reflections. I had a man come in to my office yesterday who was upset beyong measure.

President McKay: These men have done more to turn the people’s feelings against Rexburg than anything that has happened during this controversy. I wish you would tell them that. Instead of bringing out sympathy and desire to keep the school at Rexburg, they have cemented feelings against it. People are saying, ‘The quicker you get it out of Rexburg, the better it will be,’ and that will continue to be the effect.

I have always been for Rexburg, as you know, until this recent development, and the request from the majority of the people in the Ricks area — you cannot ignore that.

President Taylor read a letter he wrote to his Counselors from Ogden which was intended to prepare them for any new development.

President McKay: What was the idea to have a Committee of One Thousand, a fact-finding committee?

President Taylor: I do not know.

Brother Ririe: We do not have anything to do with them.

Brother Nelson: It boils down to a political issue, and that kills the spirit entirely. We called our people together and said to them, ‘Let us be wise and conduct ourselves as Latter-day Saints.’ We knew it was coming up before you Brethren announced it. We said to the high council when the decision was made, ‘We told you things were in the wind, but we could not tell it.’ President Wilkinson would not let us counsel with him. You see, this is a peculiar background, and it is tremendously disturbing.

President McKay: The Committee of One Thousand — to whom do they report?

Brother Ririe: They hold meetings quite regularly.

President Taylor. We do not know.

Brother Ririe: We have never attended any of them. We would not know who have been sending the literature.

President Taylor: We do not know any more about it than you do. But we are getting the blame.

Brother Nelson: They are getting the impression that Dr. Wilkinson has superseded you as head of the Church.

President McKay: They know that is not true.

Brother Nelson: That is the spirit of the thing.

President Taylor: You have been so magnanimous. We have not one single criticism.

President McKay: Breaking your word, that is an awful thing. They never mention the fact that the presidents of the stakes in the Ricks area suggested reconsideration.

President Taylor: That is what hurts us. That junior college — that was planned. There was no more reason for a junior college than anything.

President McKay: Your first answer did not say that. You said the Board of Education had not heard anything about it. The Board of Education would not hear until there had been a petition. You wrote that in your statement, but a request would not come to the State Board of Education until after the signatures.

President Taylor: That is right. But they did not know anything about it. The petition would be very unlikely.

President McKay: It would not be very unlikely. They thought they would have four times the necessary signers, and it would have to go through the right channels.

President Taylor: They tried it at Twin Falls and they turned it down. Some of the people in Rexburg tell us, ‘You are fighting the First Presidency and the General Authorities of the Church.’ The reports are coming and going until it just about drives us crazy.

President McKay: Why can’t you stop it?

President Taylor: I think if we can quote what you have said in this meeting, I believe we can have some influence.

President McKay: Tell these brethren up there that they are doing more harm than good. There is no doubt about it.

Brother Nelson: We can see that.

President Taylor: Please don’t judge us by these articles.

President Taylor said that his brother-in-law attended the meeting in Rigby. He said the statement (by Dr. Wilkinson) was read and the people at the meeting were told, ‘Now brethren, we want you to vote in favor of this.’

President McKay: That was the wrong way to do it.

President Taylor: When the article was read, it was full of errors. The people were asked, ‘Will you vote to sustain this program.’ That is what hurts. It was the way it was done.

President McKay: I will see when we get the answers.

President Taylor: They did not speak their views. They called on certain individuals to speak. My wife said, ‘I would be won over if I didn’t know differently.’

President McKay: I am going to have you say that to him (Dr. Wilkinson).

President Taylor: I called him and talked about dormitories. I called about helping to build the school. He said, ‘You do not need dormitories. You have enough according to your survey.’

Brother Nelson read from the last paragraph of President Wilkinson’s statement relating to his assurance to the people of Rexburg that he would make recommendations which would be calculated to demonstrate to the community the generosity of the Church in making provision for the utilization which will insure the benefits to those aggrieved by the decision. Brother Nelson said that this was being interpreted that Dr. Wilkinson is putting himself in a position to supersede the General Authorities of the Church. He said, ‘That is a problem we are having. Some of the people are so deeply concerned. They are not shouting from the housetops. They make no threats. They are standing with the Church on these things. They interpret this to mean that he is going ‘to do this for their benefit.’

President McKay: He says nothing there but he will be authorized to do. (Then President McKay read a portion from the statement, something to the effect that ‘It is the moral responsibility to do the greatest good to the greatest number. Any other decision would be at variance with the moral decisions of the Board of Education.’)

President McKay: He will make recommendations to the Authorities.

President Taylor: We do not want any more controversy. We will prepare an answer and send it to you. We have confidence in you Brethren. We will answer it, we will answer it. We could put it in booklet form. We can send it to you and to him if you want. Shall we send it to you?

President McKay: You tell him face-to-face, and let him answer face-to-face.

President Taylor: We will be willing to do that. We are disturbed about the disunity and discord up there. It is reaching a height that has been intense, and we are not blaming anybody else.

President McKay: I am very sorry the group of mal-contents took it upon themselves to ascertain the facts as though the Church had been trying to keep back any facts. Then the second mistake they have made is to publish it and send it abroad. What good would it do? What good does it do to send it to the University, and to presidents of stakes?

President Taylor: We do not believe that the concept of moving Ricks College had its origin in the General Authorities’ minds. This was developed as an ambition of some other source. There was master salesmanship in presentation and skill and ability. It has been sold and argued until it has caused this great sore that is deep in our hearts.

President McKay: What as followed since has really damned off any reconsideration. You can see what it will do — the protests they have put up — the misstatements they have made, and the innuendo………..

President Taylor: That is the thing that hurts us.

President McKay: The innuendo that the Church had no right to change its mind when that was done by the request of the majority. I should not say at the request — the suggestion from the presidents of the majority of the stakes in the Ricks area that we reconsider the statement that Ricks remain at Rexburg, and the signatures were given. This is what we would like to know — if these are the sentiments of the majority in the area. And if it is, you have to give consideration to it, and that offsets your statement. Your own people are asking a reconsideration on the word that I made. I was sincere in it. Ricks would remain at Rexburg. Now is the time to reconsider. ‘Would you please reconsider?’

President Taylor: Don’t you think that has been developing as a program step-by-step over fourteen months of delay? That is what makes us feel so badly. Dr. Wilkinson said, ‘As soon as the decision is made where it is to stay, I will immediately take steps to build Ricks College.’ But he did not do it. Fourteen months passed, and it makes us feel that quietly and effectively he was working it around.

President McKay: You seem to imply that Dr. Wilkinson has been scheming to get a reconsideration.

President Taylor: I imply that indirectly. He said that he intended to use the housing situation to open up the case.

President McKay: Well…………..

President Taylor: From California, Seattle, Boise, and Idaho Falls we know that is the program. During the interim of your statement — to build, and plan, and change the decision. We told the brethren down here. Brother Lee rebuked us. We wanted to see you, President McKay. ‘He has made the decision.’ But we knew these things were going on and we never got a chance to check them. That is what hurts us. If he had done what he said — ‘I will plan a program. I will build the school,’ we could have met together. We would have been happy, but postpone, postpone, postpone.

President McKay: You have had no meeting with Brother Wilkinson?

President Taylor: I told you this has been planned by him.

Brother Nelson: We are talking about a meeting by this board — of this planning board?

President McKay: Have you met with him personally?

President Taylor: No.

President McKay: Have you met with him as a presidency?

Brother Nelson: No, we have never met.

President McKay: Were other members of the Board present? Where was it? In this room?

President Taylor: It was held in the other room. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., President Ernest L. Wilkinson, President Stephen L. Richards, and other members of the Board. When I called him for a meeting he asked, ‘What do you want to meet for?’ I said, ‘Housing, enrollment, programing for financing of the local institution.’ Then I wrote him a letter and asked for an opportunity to meet — any meeting. I asked about building dormitories, and that was the last of my conversation with him.

President McKay: Did you ask for dormitories?

President Taylor: I said, ‘Our programs and dormitories have been planned, as you have outlined,’ and that was the end of it (snapping his fingers).

We thought they wanted dormitories.

Brother Nelson: That was the ‘Number 1’ item.

President Taylor: We pledged our citizens that we would build dormitories.

Brother Ririe: That is what has influenced the ten stake presidents.

President McKay: They wrote a letter to me. I know I have their thought. You take my word for it. That is what influenced me. We would like to know what the general workers feel about it. You are just right.

Brother Nelson: That was just after our meeting.

President Taylor: I think they wrote that at about the time the junior college was on. They felt it would make Rexburg a dwindling institution. I understand that Brother Moyle was up there, and met with some of them.

President McKay: I do not know.

President Taylor: Because that man Bennett was using the junior college at Idaho Falls as a political issue, and started the whole thing. I think that is the move that dominated the people there.

President McKay: They had a conference down here about that. They had a conference during our General Conference.

President Taylor: I called a stake president at one time and asked, ‘Did you have a conference at Salt Lake City at the last Conference — of stake presidents down in that area?’ He fumbled a little, then said, ‘No.’ It was a private, secret conference. We got an inclination (?) but they did not call us in on it.

President McKay: We only know by hearsay.

President Taylor: I heard by hearsay. They had had a conference, and we were angling for information. We were not in on it. That was a situation that seemed to be unfair. You called in a group of stake presidents to meet a member of the Twelve. We did not oppose the Twelve. We seek advice and not to advise. We did not come to tell you what to do. We are here to get your advice and counsel how best to resolve this situation so we can go forward.

President McKay: These men up there have made it almost impossible to do anything else. They have frustrated the whole purpose. They have put a block in the way. They have done the worst thing possible that could be done.

Brother Nelson: Why should the people suffer because of these men? We are representing the people who are still behind you.

President McKay: I know you are, but this is coming out of Rexburg.

President Taylor: We had no opportunity……..

Brother Ririe: Are you going to punish us for their doings?

President McKay: Why the Chamber of Commerce, that paper, and the radio, representing the nonmembers of the Church, have just assumed the leadership……….

Brother Nelson: He is having a holiday. There is no question about that.

President Taylor: I went to Mr. Shumate and I said, ‘This is a Church affair. It should be confined to those who preside in the Church. Will you counsel with me what you put on the radio so we can have a program that will be acceptable and inoffensive?’ He said, ‘My job is to write editorials as I see fit.’ I have gone to the newspaper and said, ‘The Brethren will be willing to receive what you have to say if you say it on a high plane. The next thing you were sending out insinuations and innuendos. This will not do any good. This would cause us so much hurt.’ We could not get counsel from you Brethren. ‘I am going to write President McKay and tell him we are behind him.’ ‘Maybe you are not in very good standing anyway.’ That is the attitude I have been facing.

President McKay: These men have done more harm to Rexburg and to Ricks College than all others combined since the college was established. It is more difficult now to bring about any change.

President Taylor: That has been our feeling. That has been our concern.

President McKay: I do not know how it can be rectified.

President McKay remarked that the position the people in Rexburg are now in was like the case of the man who had offended a friend, and was told to take a bag of feathers and spread them all over town. He did that and came back, and then he was told to go and pick up all the feathers, and bring them back. He said, ‘I can’t do that.’ President McKay said, ‘No, you can’t. It is impossible.’

President Taylor: We have talked about it in high council meeting. We have said, ‘Let us keep ourselves right and maintain our standards. Well, we just can’t control the press.

President McKay: We will ignore them, and we will stand by the right. It is best to stand together.

President Taylor: We will send you a complete consensus of our thinking by the 10th of January. Will that be soon enough?

We will give you some of the things we have said here, and try to get an analysis of the thing so that you can have a clear picture. We can stand the blow, but we will feel bad about it. Our hearts will be hurt. About 95% of our people are silent, unexpessive, and quiet, but deep in their hearts, they have been hurt.

President McKay: We have all been hurt when we have lost our schools.

President Taylor: Because of these other things that keep coming in, we are deeply hurt. That is what has brought us down.

President McKay: All right, brethren, I am glad you came.

President Taylor: We are grateful for your kindness.

President McKay: I get your point of view. The Church is dear to us all. Whatever is the right thing to do, what the Lord wants us to do, we will do, and that will be right.

I want you to point out in the statement that which is not true, and that which is not in accordance with the facts.

President Taylor: We will analyze it and give it to you.

President McKay: I will have a meeting with Brother Wilkinson and you.

President Taylor: I would like to sit in on it. I cannot match him in ability to argue, to sell, to refute. There are few people who can.

President McKay: If there is one word not in accordance with the facts, I want you to point it out.

President Taylor: Okay.

******************

Minutes by A. Hamer Reiser

ih”

Mon., 29 Dec., 1958:

“9 a.m. Attended a meeting of the First Presidency and President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University. Matters pertaining to Ricks College were discussed, and also details connected with the creation of the Church Junior College in Salt Lake City, and the announcement thereof were considered. (see January 6, 1959 for newspaper announcement of Junior College) This meeting lasted until 11:30 a.m.”

Tues., 30 Dec., 1958:

“8:30 a.m. – to 10 a.m. The regular meeting of the First Presidency was held.

Ricks College

At the meeting of the First Presidency this morning I read letters which I have received from the Stake Presidencies in the Ricks College district. Each reported the meeting held in the Stake on Sunday, December 21, 1958, stating the unanimous approval of the action sustaining stake presidencies in asking reconsideration of the decision to have Ricks College remain at Rexburg, also sustaining the action of the First Presidency, General Authorities of the Church and the Board of Education in the decision to move the Ricks College to Idaho Falls. These letters came from the Presidencies of Lost River, Salmon River, Shelley, North Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, South Idaho Falls, and Rigby Stakes.

(See December 21, 1958 for details of meeting and Statement from Dr. Wilkinson)

9 to 10:30 a.m. – Was convened in the regular meeting of the First Presidency and Committee on Expenditures.

1:10 p.m. – Left for home.

Did not return. As President McKay left the office, he stated to the secretaries in his private office:

‘It is a funny thing — after about two hours of work here at the office, my strength leaves me; I do not like it; I am used to working twelve hours without fatigue’.

Sat., 3 Jan., 1959:

“Y. PRESIDENT BLASTED ON RICKS MOVE
By Associated Press

REXBURG, IDAHO – A Rexburg Chamber of Commerce committee Friday accused Brigham Young University President Ernest L. Wilkinson with being responsible for bickering among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the lcoation of Ricks College.

The LDS Church, which operates both BYU and Ricks, has decided to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

Strenuous protests were made by Rexburg residents.

In Provo, President Wilkinson said he would have no comment to make until he receives a copy of the report criticizing him.

The Rexburg Chamber of Commerce fact-finding committee read a formal report at a meeting Friday.

It lauded the First Presidency of the LDS Church for what it called the group’s ‘forward looking educational program and for the recently dedicated Hawaiian College.’

But it claimed the controversy over Ricks College developed ‘due to prejudicial information given by Dr. Wilkinson regarding Ricks College, fogging the true picture of the college growth and accomplishments and distorting the part played by the people of Rexburg and this area.’

The Salt Lake Tribune, Saturday, January 3, 1959″

Fri., 9 Jan., 1959:

“1 p.m. – Elder Henry D. Moyle – Came in to say that he has been assigned to the Rexburg Stake Conference. He wondered if he should bring up the issue of the Ricks College. I told him to carry on the usual procedures of a Stake Conference, and to say nothing about Ricks College.”

Wed., 28 Jan., 1959.

MASTER PLAN LISTS FACILITIES FOR RICKS CAMPUS AT I.F.

PROVO – A master plan for the new Idaho Falls campus of Ricks College was announced Wednesday by Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Unified School System of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The plan details developments that will be made on the new 160-acre campus located on South Holmes Ave. in Idaho Falls.

In announcing the new facilities, Dr. Wilkinson said that no target date has been set for beginning construction work, but that plans are being pushed ahead as rapidly as possible.

Preliminary plans call for campus facilities that will accommodate 3,000 students in the opening term. However, the master plan is arranged so that the campus can be expanded to serve 10,000 students, if necessary, Dr. Wilkinson said.

All of the buildings on the new campus will be of uniform architecture.

Near the north edge of the campus will be the administration building with ample parking around it. Directly south across a spacious mall will be the library, and flanking the mall on either side will be two rows of academic buildings.

Southeast of this central academic area will be the student activities building, again with ample parking. On the same level, but entirely across the campus, will be the agricultural and technology building.

A canal traverses the southwest portion of the campus. An east-west service road, with a bridge over the canal, will divide the campus in the middle.

Housing is planned for single students just south of the dividing road and in the center of the campus. The men’s and women’s residence halls will be separated by a large lawn. Housing for married students will be constructed on the south edge of the campus.

Dr. Wilkinson said that even though the majority of students will commute from their homes in Idaho Falls and the surrounding area, considerable on-campus housing is still being planned.

Between the two housing areas will be spacious playing fields, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and other facilities for an extensive intramural recreation program.

Dr. Wilkinson noted that it is the policy of Church schools to provide physical activity for as many students as possible, not just athletic teams.

A gymnasium and stadium will occupy the entire east side of the south campus.

Future expansion requirements have been considered in designing the stadium, Dr. Wilkinson said. It will be designed to seat 12,000 persons, with room for enlargement to handle up to 40,000.

The design also allows for immediate parking of 2,800 cars in the stadium area, with space for 5,000 on special occasions.

Announcement of the master plan comes as another step in an intensified program to develop the new Idaho Falls college site.

Dr. Wilkinson said that there are presently eight committees composed of 60 educators, architects, builders and physical plant educators from four states working to develop plans.

The master plan announced Wednesday is the work of the general campus planning committee.

Another key group is the curriculum committee which must determine the scope of instruction in the new Ricks College so that construction may be geared to match the program.

Other committees are studying plans for a business education and administration building; humanities, social science, family life and fine arts building; technical and industrial building; vocational agriculture building and housing and feeding operations.

Dr. Wilkinson noted that designing of a complete campus at one time will enable the architects to produce one of the most beautiful and practical campuses in the country.

Deseret News – Wednesday, January 28, 1959

Wednesday, January 28, 1959.

COMMITTEES ARE ORGANIZED

RICKS COLLEGE CAMPUS PLANNED

PROVO – A uniform master plan for the proposed new Idaho Falls campus of Ricks College designed to accommodate 3,000 students in the opening term was made ready this week.

Dr.Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Unified School System of the Church, said the campus will be so arranged that it can be expanded to serve 10,000 students if necessary.

The new college campus will be located on 160 acres of land on South Holmes Ave. in the southeast section of Idaho Falls, approximately 25 miles west of the present college at Rexburg.

Dr. Wilkinson said plans are moving ahead as rapidly as possible for the new construction. However, beginning and completion dates have not been set.

Eight Committees

He said eight committees composed of 60 educators, architects, builders and physical plant experts are working at top speed to complete specifications for the huge construction project.

The artist’s conception is based upon the preliminary report of the general campus planning committee. The curriculum committee is working on its report to determine the scope of instruction. This is necessary to gear construction, matching the program.

Other committees are to make recommendations for a business education and administration building; humanities, social science, family life, and fine arts building; technical, industrial building; vocational agriculture building; and housing and feeding operations.

Future expansion requirements also have been taken into consideration in plans for the stadium which will be designed to seat 12,000 persons, with room for enlargement to handle up to 40,000. The design also allows for immediate parking of 2,800 cars, with space for 5,000 on special occasions.

A Complete Campus

Designing of a complete campus at one time and on virgin land will enable the architects to produce one of the most beautiful and practical campuses in the country, Dr. Wilkinson said. For example, the library, the heart of any college, will be central in the plans.

Also the gymnasium can be close to the stadium and the agricultural science building near the experimental fields. Moreover, ample parking can be provided where it is needed, and an over-all-pattern can be maintained and future expansion provided for in keeping with the master design, he said.

This will prove a great advantage over many other college and university campuses which are now finding it necessary to destroy old buildings, crowd new structures into formerly landscaped areas regardless of design, or improvise with temporary facilities.

Near the north edge of the campus will be located the administration building with ample parking around it. Directly south across a spacious mall will be the library. Flanking the mall on either side, two rows of academic buildings will form an east-west axis across the quadrangle.

Southeast of this central academic area will be the student activities building wtih ample parking. On the same level but entirely across campus the agriculture and technology building will be constructed.

An east-west service road, with a bridge over the canal, will devide the campus in the middle.

Immediately south of this road and in the center of the campus, housing is planned for single students. The men’s and women’s residence halls will be separated by a large lawn. Housing for married students will be constructed on the south edge of the campus.

Dr. Wilkinson said that considerable on-campus housing is planned although the majority of students will commute from their homes in Idaho Falls and the surrounding area.

Between the two housing areas spacious playing fields, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and other facilities will be provided for an extensive intramural recreation program.

Dr. Wilkinson said it is the policy of the Church schools to provide physical activity for as many students as possible, not just varsity athletic teams. The gymnasium and stadium will occupy the entire east side of the south sector.

Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, January 31, 1959″

Mon., 2 Feb., 1959:

“7:45 a.m. — Ricks College

Preston Nibley, Assistant Church Historian, knocked on my door at the office at 7:45 o’clock. Said he had received a telephone call from Mr. Porter in Rexburg, editor of the Rexburg Journal. He spoke to Brother Nibley as Assistant Church Historian, asking for Brother Nibley to find him a reference to a speech that President J. Reuben Clark had made when the Church was going to close the L.D.S. College here in Salt Lake City.

Mr. Porter said it is reported to him that President Clark saved the College from closing.

Brother Nibley said: ‘Now you tell me what I should do.’

I said: ‘You go to President Clark and ask him what you should do, and what he wants to do.’

Fri., 6 Feb., 1959:

“8:30 to 10 a.m. – The First Presidency met with President Ernest L. Wilkinson on Ricks College matters. President Wilkinson reported the meeting called of Stake Presidents of the Ricks College area held at Blackfoot, Idaho, Saturday, January 17, 1959 at 2 p.m. Other Ricks College Items discussed 1) Suggestion that Twin Falls, Portneuf and Bannock Stakes be added to Ricks College area. These stakes not to be added at the present time. 2) Returning Contributions to the Ricks College Auditorium Building Fund, 3) Investors Project to Develop Rexburg Subdivision, 4) Purchase of Additional Acreage in Idaho Falls. (see First Presidency’s minutes for details of this meeting.)

Telephone Call

Received a telephone call from President Delbert G. Taylor of the Rexburg Stake, asking for an appointment so that he and his counselors may present material they have gathered on the Ricks College issue (see notes of conversation following. See also Tuesday, February 10, the day of their meeting with President McKay).

Note:

President McKay very worried over many church problems, especially Ricks College matters. (cm)

‘There have been more troubles to look after than I have had in any other week that I can remember–some very serious.’

D.O.M.

Friday, February 6, 1959.

Telephone conversation with President Delbert G. Taylor, Rexburg Stake, Rexburg, Idaho.

President Taylor: Hello, President McKay. Good morning, how are you this morning?

President McKay: I tried to get you last night. My secretary had left a note here that you had tried to get me. You had gone to the temple.

President Taylor: I apologize for calling. You know about the information we promised to obtain and present to you. The information has been assembled, this information plus a great deal more comprises a pamphlet. We are anxious that you be the first to evaluate it.

President McKay: What do you have in mind as ‘we’?

President Taylor: The Stake Presidency and one other party.

President McKay: And who is the one other party?

President Taylor: Arthur Porter.

President McKay: No sir.

President Taylor: It isn’t the one who wrote the articles. I think you will be anxious to get this information.

President McKay: The Presidency will meet you —

President Taylor: I would rather have it alone with you.

President McKay: No, we shall have it with the First Presidency and the Stake Presidency and Brother Wilkinson.

President Taylor: President McKay, I would rather give you the information and have you take it to Brother Wilkinson. I would rather do it that way. We are so tired of this controversy. We would like to get from under it. If we could meet with you alone, and then you could do what you want to do. It is driving us crazy.

President McKay: You said there are misstatements, and I said you would have to state them to Brother Wilkinson.

President Taylor: We will state them in this pamphlet.

President McKay: Why don’t you want to meet the Presidency?

President Taylor: They seem to be rebuking me to the point where I don’t want to take it any longer. You have been so kind and lovable, but the other brethren seem to make me feel that I have lost the track. I could stay out of it entirely if you want me to. I have never had anything bother me so much in my life.

President McKay: The same with me. Why not send the information down then? I think it would be just as well. It would save you a trip.

President Taylor: We would like to talk it over with you. We will come down any time, tomorrow or Sunday, or Monday morning.

President McKay: Well, I called you last night to have you come today. I have a chance to see you at 11 o’clock today, but you couldn’t make it now. We shall have to put if off until next Tuesday, after the Committee of Expenditures meeting at 11:45.

President Taylor: Now, you will let us meet with you and your secretary.

President McKay: I would rather meet the Presidency.

President Taylor: We would too otherwise. I think you can hand this to them after it is over with and after you have given your personal evaluation. It will be lots better for us.

President McKay: Well, then I shall meet all of the Stake Presidency.

President Taylor: And Brother Porter.

President McKay: No, there is no need of bringing Brother Porter.

President Taylor: He has compiled the information. I think there is nothing offensive in it.

President McKay: If he wants to come down then we shall meet with the First Presidency.

President Taylor: Shall I let you know what to do? Phone or telegraph to you?

President McKay: Better phone. You can charge it here if you wish.

President Tayllor: No, we shall pay for it. Tuesday, at 11:45 a.m. If we come down alone we can meet with you. We shall let you know. Thank you President McKay. Good-bye.

President McKay: Good-bye.

Tues., 10 Feb., 1959:

Ricks College Meeting

From 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. – During these hours the First Presidency met at their request the Rexburg Stake Presidency (Pres. Delbert G. Taylor, Willis G. Nelson, lst Counselor, and Walter F. Ririe, second counselor), on Ricks College matters. They presented a pamphlet entitled ‘The Proposal to Move Ricks College’, which was published in answer to a pamphlet entitled ‘Ricks College, A. Statement,’ prepared by Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. (see following minutes of meeting, also pamphlet submitted by Rexburg Stake Presidency) (see February 13 for public press statement by the First Presidency re: the pamphlet)

DR. WILKINSON’S ROLE IN THE PROPOSAL TO MOVE RICKS COLLEGE

Prepared by the Committee of One Thousand

Rexburg, Idaho

PREFACE

This booklet is an attempt to express in writing the feelings of thousands of people who find it impossible to believe that the L.D.S. Church will ever move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. Its publication became necessary when Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Church School System, issued a pamphlet entitled ‘Ricks College, A Statement,’ and distributed it throughout the entire Church.

Those familiar with the proposal to relocate Ricks College have known from the beginning that the idea, however fantastic, was Dr. Wilkinson’s. Out of respect for his status as administrator they restrained themselves from revealing his true role in the conflict. But when it was realized Dr. Wilkinson had been able to maneuver a whole community into a position where it appeared opposed to the First Presidency, Board of Education, and lifelong friends in neighboring communities, Rexburg citizens felt the problem was bigger than Ricks College, and it was high time to tell the full story.

Facing an opponent who seemed to have the resources of the Church university at his disposal, they found it expedient to form an organization through which individual efforts could be coordinated. Someone suggested a ‘Committee of One Thousand,’ representing people everywhere who have affiliated themselves with the cause.

This publication is being financed by voluntary contributions made to this committee, and it is planned that its distribution will be as wide as was Dr. Wilkinson’s ‘Statement.’ Considerable material has been omitted because of space limitations, but if advisable, future publications will be issued to cover the subject more completely.

For those who might question the motives of its writers, let it be understood that they are all responsible L.D.S. Church members who feel Dr. Wilkinson has delibertaely distorted the facts to win his case. This booklet is an honest effort to tell the full story, without malice or prejudice, in the hope and prayer that truth will prevail, justice and fair play will have their day, and in the end Ricks College will be allowed to fulfill its greater destiny at the site of its pioneer founding.

COMMITTEE OF ONE THOUSAND

Rexburg, Idaho

February 10, 1959

THE STORY BEHIND THE CONFLICT

On July 11, 1957, a group of Rexburg people met with President David O. McKay in his office in Salt Lake City and heard him announce the decision to leave Ricks College in Rexburg. During the conversation that ensued the president of the L.D.S. Church complimented the delegation and the people of Rexburg for fighting to keep Ricks College, a cause they considered just. This booklet is a continuation of that effort.

It was at a meeting of thirteen stake presidencies from Idaho held April 8, 1957, in connection with the semi-annual conference in Salt Lake City that a proposal to move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls was first disclosed. Advocate of the proposal was Ernest L. Wilkinson, and it was evident that he had been preparing his case since he first became administrator of the Unified Education System in 1953. In the three months that followed alumni, residents of Rexburg, and friends of Ricks College everywhere rushed to the defense of the school’s pioneer location. A formal rebuttal to Dr. Wilkinson’s presentation was made before the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education on April 23, 1957. Other groups met informally with the First Presidency and one meeting with President McKay was held in Rexburg. After all of the arguments in the conflict had been heard, President McKay announced the decision on July 11, 1957. Ricks was to remain in Rexburg.

There was much rejoicing in Rexburg, and a feeling of peace and harmony settled over the Upper Snake River Valley. Those who loved the venerable institution and had guided it through good years and poor felt that truly this was an inspired decision. And in the period that followed Ricks College had the best year in its seventy years of existence.

At the close of the 1957-58 school year, under date of June 4, 1958, Ricks College President John L. Clarke made the following public report:

Report by the President of Ricks College

‘This has been a good year at Ricks College. In fact in a number of ways this has been and is a significant year in the history of the school.

‘Dates have significance, and this year we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Ricks College. Founded in 1888, five years after the settlement of Rexburg itself, Ricks is the oldest institution in Idaho now offering higher education. It is one year older than the University of Idaho.

‘Also in the significant category I would place four items connected with enrollment statistics.

‘First, the Junior College Directory published in January showed Ricks to be the largest of the 169 church supported two year colleges in the United States.

‘Second, during this year’s winter quarter we reached the highest enrollment of daytime students in the history of the school, surpassing even our highest enrollment as a four year school. Our cumulative enrollment is exactly 1000 students. These students come to Ricks from 63 Idaho high schools and from 97 high schools outside of Idaho–a total of 160 high schools located in 20 states and foreign countries.

Highest Enrollment Increase

‘Third, the Ricks increase in enrollment for this year over last of 15.8% average for the three quarters was the highest percentage increase of any college or university in the Intermountain Area–showing a healthy condition and great prospects for the future years. In fact if we could maintain this year’s rate of increase for five years (which I feel confident could be done if adequate and competitive physical facilities were made available) Ricks College would have an enrollment of 2,082 students.

‘And fourth, Ricks this year has welcomed 35 foreign students from eight countries. This places us among the first five church supported two year colleges of the Nation in the number of foreign students enrolled. We know that these students contribute much to us and we hope that in turn they take much with them including the spirit of Ricks College.

‘Ricks is a fully accredited College and its credits are transferrable to any college or university in America. Its curriculum is broad, so that with the exception of a few specialized fields, a student is able to get fully and adequately the first two years of college work, or, if desired, two year terminal programs. We are completing the first year of a notable addition to the curriculum — the Department of Nursing with its two year program qualifying students to take the Registered Nurse examinations.

Solid Community Support

‘Time makes a report of this kind extremely selective in the facets of the college mentioned, and many noteworthy items must be passed by. Perhaps the outstanding feature of this year has been the solid support of the College by the community it serves on the one hand, and the rapid extension of the reach of the college into the college community on the other hand.

‘The solid support given by the college community is shown by the increase in enrollment. In a more specific fashion it was shown by the raising within a 48 hour period of $18,000.00 in scholarship funds last summer. For this wonderful support typified by this act I express heartfelt thanks. We hope to continue worthy of it.

‘The extension of the reach of the College into the community may be quickly illustrated:

1413 Enrolled in Adult Classes

‘First, by the tremendous growth of the B.Y.U.-Ricks Adult Education Center under its Director, Brother J. Kenneth Thatcher. During the past year the Summer School reached its highest enrollment figure; the annual leadership program achieved new levels of participation; and correspondence and extension class enrollment reached a total of 1413* persons as compared with 568 the previous year.

*Cumulative extension class enrollment for the calendar year ending December 31, 1958, had reached an all-time high of 1745.

National Recognition

‘Other community-college programs and activities have made satisfying progress during the year–among them, the Ricks College-Community Symphony, recently given national notice by Newsweek Magazine; the Upper Snake River Valley Players; the College-Community Fine Arts Series; the series of Art Exhibits; the Program Service Bureau; the policy of allowing public use of our library; Radio and TV Programs, with the cooperation of KRXK and KID; the science fair (first to be established in Idaho); the Seminary Youth Conference, bringing nearly a thousand young people together; the Journalism Conference; the Commercial Contest and Music Meets, and others not mentioned. These have all brought the college and its community together in worthwhile educational activities.

‘Community support and community participation have been generous and on a high plane. For the coming year especially, community help is urgently needed in three areas. First, in making available additional student housing until new college dormitories can be erected, and even then to help with ever increasing enrollment. Second, part time work opportunities to assist the many students who need such help and who are willing to work. Third, continuation of scholarships to help attract to Ricks the finest, the most highly talented and the deserving students we need to build the College. Sincerely we offer our thanks for past assistance in these areas. Confidently we ask for even greater help next year.

‘Just as they have in the past, the future accomplishments of Ricks College must rest upon a shared responsibility and united efforts. If all of us, faculty, students, alumni and friends can unite our efforts, our loyalty and faith in working for a common destiny of greatness for Ricks College, its future is assured.’

With prospects of an even larger enrollment during the coming school year, Rexburg residents spent the summer improving student housing facilities and making good the pledges they had made for their share of the new Auditorium building. Housing officials of the college had called on prospective landlords to encourage them to be ready for another increased enrollment. Some faculty members were building new homes. Any doubts about why the long expected building program* had not yet started were set aside as idle gossip as stake and ward officials assured all that President McKay had made his decision and that permanency of Ricks in Rexburg was assured. When the fall term opened registrations exceeded highest estimates, but the people had met their housing obligations and there were rooms to spare. The Rexburg chamber of commerce held a special meeting to bolster the scholarship funds and cooperate with the school’s student employment counselors. The annual homecoming, which commemorated Rexburg’s diamond jubilee, was termed the most successful ever staged.

*The record will show that dormitories for men and women, the first ever to be erected by the Church on the Ricks campus, had been requested in the 1956 and 1957 budgets and approved by both Boards of Education. The latter had reached the architect appointment stage when Administrator Wilkinson launched his ‘move Ricks College’ campaign. Following the July 11, 1957, decision to leave Ricks in Rexburg the college once again tried to get this already approved building program underway, with still no action from the administrator. In the summer of 1958 Ricks officials once again pleaded for these much needed buildings, writing: ‘Naturally our special projects request reflects the uncertainties of the past few years and the postponement from year to year of projects actually approved in former budgets. It is not impossible but it is certainly disheartening and unfair to the students and to Ricks College as an institution to continue doing nothing to provide these, in many cases desperately needed, physical facilities. All of us here hope and pray for favorable considerations of these projects.’

Community Stunned by News

It was in this setting that Rexburg, on November 3, 1958, learned the news that Ricks College would be moved to Idaho Falls. The radio broadcasts and newspaper headlines produced the greatest shock since Pearl Harbor. People would not believe it. Had they not been told ‘you get the students and the Church will provide needed facilities?’ Now the press was reporting that the earlier decision had been reversed because it would cost too much to build dormitories in Rexburg. Children asked parents if the President of the Church had broken his word. Parents were at a loss to give a satisfactory answer. And what of those people who, only a few short weeks ago, were being asked by college officials to invest in student housing facilities? What of those collecting building fund pledges and scholarships who gave their word of honor that the President of the Church had spoken and the college would not be moved?

The public soon learned that priesthood leaders of the two Rexburg stakes had been informed of the reversal at a meeting held the previous evening in Rexburg, but those present had been sworn to secrecy awaiting the official news release. At the latter meeting Elders Marion G. Romney and Hugh B. Brown of the Council of the Twelve had explained some of the circumstances leading to the change, stating that the decision had been made and was final, and that they were not there to hear any arguments for or against such decision. On this basis a vote was taken to sustain the First Presidency and Board of Education, and although many did not raise their hands, for or against, a majority agreed to sustain the brethren.*

*Since publication of the ‘Ricks College Statement’ by Dr. Wilkinson in which he stated only one person at this meeting voted against the decision, many of those in attendance have come forward to affirm that this statement is in error and grossly misleading. Twenty-four of these people have registered with the First Presidency written protests in which all have stated they were voting as faithful members to sustain the Church leadership. All have stated that had the question been proposed ‘Should Ricks College be moved from Rexburg to Idaho Falls’ they would have voted ‘no.’ Of the 24 heard from at this writing, three stated unequivocally that they voted ‘no’ and eight stated they did not vote and that they resented their abstinance being interpreted as an affirmative vote.

Biased and Distorted Picture

As a new storm brewed, President David O. McKay and his counsellors came to Rexburg (November 15, 1958) to explain the decision to a selected group of civic and church leaders. And while residents were most appreciative of the consideration shown, the net result was a sickening feeling that Administrator Wilkinson, in whom leaders had placed such unqualified confidence, had given a biased and distorted picture of the situation to the First Presidency. In the weeks that followed letters poured into Rexburg from all sections of the United States, from alumni and friends of the college, and educators everywhere who unanimously deplored moving the school from small town to large town. As opposition solidified a ‘Committee of One Thousand’ was formed to oppose the new Wilkinson effort. And effort it was, for on December 12, Dr. Wilkinson issued a 32-page ‘brief’ entitled ‘Ricks College, A Statement,’ with which he blanketed church leaders in southeastern Idaho. He later mailed the pamphlet to every stake president and bishop in the entire Church.*

*Acutally three editions of the Wilkinson statement have been issued up to this writing. The first, containing 32-pages, was distributed at special meetings held in ten of the 14 stakes of the Ricks College area on Sunday, December 21, 1958. Conspicuously overlooked were the four stakes closest to Ricks College – Rexburg, North Rexburg, Fremont and Teton stakes. After some of the pamphlets leaked into the omitted stakes and protests were heard, a new edition was printed, this one containing 33 pages, and sent to the other stakes. The third edition, in which a postscript had been added, was received the second week in January. With it went a letter in which Dr. Wilkinson falsely claimed the ‘Committee of One Thousand’ had distributed circulars to ‘all bishops, stake presidents, and other Church officers.’ The letter must have surprised hundreds of Church officers who, up to then had received no such literature. The committee did make available reprints of newspaper editorials which had been published in southeastern Idaho papers, for all who requested them, and a stenographer addressed envelopes for those who desired to send such to friends. No effort was ever made to circularize the Church as stated by Dr. Wilkinson.

Masterful Manipulation of Figures

This ‘brief of the appellant’ purported to be an unbiased statement of the entire case, but, as will be shown later, it was a masterful manipulation of figures designed to sway the reader to the opinions of its author. Suffice it to say here that it was perhaps the only time Lawyer Wilkinson had won an appeal before anyone had been permitted to present an opposing brief.

The pages which follow will show that since the July 11, 1957, decision to leave Ricks College in Rexburg, none of the arguments has changed – only the methods of presenting them. In 1957 both sides were heard before presiding councils of the church. In 1958 the decision was reversed with only one side being heard. Every reason presented by Dr. Wilkinson now for moving the school was presented before and successfully refuted prior to the 1957 decision. Now Dr. Wilkinson finds it necessary to again present the same arguments, and in effect is saying that the 1957 decision was erroneous – that the Brethren were mistaken when they failed to take his earlier recommendation. The writers of this booklet, all church members in good standing, will show that the 1957 decision was the inspired result of three months of prayerful deliberation, and that it was not only sound but would never have been changed had Dr. Wilkinson given a true and undistorted picture of circumstances which later were to develop.

A Look at the Nature of Dr. Wilkinson

In order to understand fully all aspects of the conflict one must first look at the nature and background of the principals involved – in this case Ernest L. Wilkinson and the people of Rexburg. Let us begin with Dr. Wilkinson. His writings indicated his outlook on life is measured principally in terms of bigness. Every edition of the Brigham Young University catalog since his installation as president has boasted of the $32,000,000 he obtained for the Ute Indians as ‘the largest judgements ever entered in the United States Court of Claims against the United States.’ Writing in the Christmas issue of the Deseret News, December 10, 1958, he describes the B.Y.U. as the ‘largest university in the intermountain area with the biggest housing operation, which produces the most teachers …presents top lyceum programs…highest scholastic requirements…a power in all sport…largest church-related university in the U.S….’

Trained as a lawyer, he would appear to place logic above inspiration, business above human values, and statistics above tradition. In the Deseret News story referred to, he devotes half a column to economic benefits Utah derives from B.Y.U., a few closing paragraphs to spiritual and educational benefits to the students. Noting that $20,000,000 has been spent in new construction at B.Y.U. since 1950 and another $20,000,000 is in the planning, he says:

‘About 4,000 B.Y.U. students reside in Utah and receive their college education without cost to the taxpayers of the state. This is about as many Utah students as attend Utah State and about half as many Utah students as attend the University of Utah. Assuming it would cost the state $800 a year to educate these students, which is conservative, the state is saved about $3,200,000 a year. It has been estimated that the taxes of the state would have to be increased four mills if B.Y.U. should close.’

He then totals up payrolls, capital expenditures and student and visitor spending to an estimated $17,300,000 per year, cites real estate investments of $1,541,000 plus $180,000 for a 500-acre farm to prove that B.Y.U. is ‘one of the important economic factors’ in the state. (The article was written specially for the Christmas issue.)

No Place for Prayer or Inspiration

In his 33-page ‘Statement’ on Ricks College he makes not a single reference to prayer or inspiration. Instead he quotes statistics to prove that Idaho Falls is bigger and has more business than Rexburg, relegates the considered judgment of the President of the Church to ‘an administrative decision’ upheld by situations ‘in law and morals,’ and comforts the ‘faithful and devoted members of the Church who live in Rexburg’ with a statement that the money they recently donated to the college’s new auditorium building will be cheerfully refunded.

The above is not written to cast any aspersions whatsoever on Dr. Wilkinsons’ character. No one can question his devotion to duty, nor help but admire his success in reaching the goals he has set. Rather it is presented so that the reader might better understand Dr. Wilkinson’s motives in dedicating himself to moving Ricks from a smaller town to a larger town with such ‘bulldog tenacity.’ He simply believes that locating a college is like locating a factory – where statistics indicate it would be in the industrial heart of a large population area.

As to the people of Rexburg, they can best be judged by the type of town they have built. Physically, it is laid out with broad streets and square blocks after the pattern of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s ‘model city.’ Since its founding by Mormon colonizers, its culture has been closely related to Ricks College, and its citizens have taken pride in being characterized as a ‘college town.’ The usual allurements of cheap commercial establishments are missing, and its leaders historically have shown a determined effort to keep out evil influences that might entice young men and women who have gone away from home to attend college.

The 5000 residents of Rexburg, 90 per cent of whom are Latter-day Saints, have never been very concerned about the lack of industry in the town. They have chosen Rexburg to make their homes largely because of the influence Ricks College exerts on the town, and while Idaho Falls has boasted of larger population increases Rexburg has been proud of the ever growing enrollment at ‘the school on the hill.’*

Indeed they have been proud of the hill itself, the only eminence in the Upper Snake River Valley where Ricks College could overlook the great area it serves. In short, the college has built the town, and its people have found joy in the college community.

To understand Rexburg’s feelings at the thought of moving Ricks College, let us look briefly at the history of this pioneer landmark. It is the history of Rexburg itself.

*In population tendencies Rexburg people are also in agreement with Joseph Smith’s philosophy. In the prophet’s History of the Church, pp. 357-9, he points out that the size of a city should be limited to 20,000 inhabitants. Because of the evils attracted by large, urban populations, the prophet said that as soon as a city reached the 20,000 mark, another city was to be laid out, till ‘the whole world was filled’ with cities built on this pattern. Referring to the prophet’s philosophy, the Mormon author John Henry Evans places the blame for America’s big towns on ‘not curbing the unreasonable rivalry among towns to increase their size to a point where one city might outdistance other cities in any particular district, regardless of consequences to human beings,’ and he cites lower crime rates in smaller towns to prove Joseph Smith’s foresight.

Early Days of Ricks College

When Ricks was established, first as Bannock Stake Academy, on November 12, 1888, Latter-day Saints in Idaho were being treated as outcasts by civil authority. They were disenfranchised by the ‘test oath’ and subjected to embarrassment in every public situation.

The youth of the church winced under the pressure experienced in the public schools, and began losing interest in education. Wise Church leadership provided a solution by establishing Church schools where the young people could be educated in dignity and in keeping with gospel standards. To this end, academies were also established in Paris (Fielding Stake), Preston (Oneida Stake), and Oakley.

Conditions changed for the better, and the academies passed into public control as high schools, with the exception of Ricks College, which offered lower division college courses after 1914. Much of the spirit and tradition developed in the three mentioned academies found sanctuary in Rexburg. Thenceforth, Idaho Latter-day Saints had a Church college of their own, and it received support from patrons quite proportionate to the facilities. Actually, the institution as high school and college got along with a small campus, two academic buildings and a shop, for half a century. Roughly speaking, general church support provided for the costs of instruction, and tuitions paid for maintenance.

Maintained by Local Contributions

Even so, the existence of the Idaho college was often in jeopardy. When the great depression struck, church policy succeeded in shifting Utah L.D.S. junior colleges to that state. A similar attempt was made upon two occasions in Idaho, but the legislature rejected the offer. At the time, Honorable John W. Hart (Rigby Stake), and other devoted L.D.S. leaders appealed to President Heber J. Grant to allow the college a period of grace. It was agreed that if the general Church would make several annual token appropriations, friends of the college would supply the balance necessary to keep the school from closing. The proposition was accepted and the college was saved by the availability of such slender annual sums from the church as $10,000. A compound of citizen contribution and faculty dedication kept the program intact, to the everlasting benefit of a thousand or so youths who made much of their limited opportunities during years of depression.

No one doubted that the church was justified in retrenching. Although hard-pressed, it followed a course that permitted Ricks College to survive. In this dark hour, 1934, Dr. C.W. Chenoweth from the University of Idaho, attended a Ricks College ‘Leadership Week.’ Upon hearing about the meager college budget, he remarked, ‘I would like to say that this Leadership Week alone has more worth than the total appropriation.’ A stranger had caught the inspiration of Ricks College and the genius of the people of Rexburg.

Additional, even adequate, funds for operation were made available in the latter ’30’s and early ’40’s. No one complained about the continuing policy of status quo in regard to facilities, because of war.

Plans for Post-War Development

In 1944, college and civic leaders began to plan for post-war needs. It was obvious that the facilities and curriculum would have to be enlarged. Representatives to this end were made directly to the First Presidency, together with a solicitation for a statement of policy in regard to the future. The following letter, dated July 19, 1944, was received:

Dear Brethren:

It has recently come to our attention that there is still a doubt in the minds of some people in southeastern Idaho regarding the permanency of Ricks College as a Church institution. If such be the case, we desire to dispell that doubt, because the fact is that the Church General Board of Education decided several years ago to retain the College as a definite unit in the church School System, and only recently the Board took steps to give the school such financial support and guidance as may be needed to make it a thoroughly up-to-date Junior College – one that will be a credit to the Church as well as to the State in which it functions as an educational institution.

**************

An architect is now at work drawing up plans for renovating, improving and bringing the equipment of the older buildings up to date, and as soon as materials are available, construction will commence on an attractive, modern building to be used as a religious center.

***************

Sincerely yours,

Heber J. Grant (signed)

J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (signed)

David O. McKay (signed)

The response of the people of the area was enthusiastic. They launched a campaign to raise $80,000 toward the erection of a Religious Center. Pledges were made and large sums came into the college. However, the plans were arbitrarily changed, and these funds, although more than matched from the general Church, all went into an expensive remodeling program. These changes, while generally satisfactory, failed to provide for the hoped-for expansion.

New Threat Rumbles Like Thunder

Notwithstanding, the enrollments increased as expected, over-taxing the available facilities. In spite of this rapid growth, the status quo policy continued until 1952, when plans were ready for the long promised Religious Center. The basement was finally excavated, foundations poured, and then to everyone’s amazement construction was stopped. In spite of a recently doubled enrollment and pressing need, this project lay fallow for a year and a half.* At this juncture, a new threat rumbled like thunder. It was not the old threat to close Ricks, but rather to move her to Idaho Falls. What? Move a pioneer institution, founded, cradled, and nurtured in Rexburg? The idea seemed preposterous. Why, it would be much easier to move the Temple from Idaho Falls to Pocatello. An eminence could be found on which to erect it, and it would be more centrally located for the convenience of the majority of Idaho Church members. The idea of moving Ricks, however fantastic, kept cropping out in high Church circles. Hence the Rexburg leaders were forced to heed it.**

Proper, respectful representations were made to the First Presidency, with regard to the stability and perpetuity of the college, by the leaders of the Rexburg Stake’s Eighty-fourth Quorum of Seventy. On March 17, 1954, they received this telegraphic message, ‘Rest assured there will be no change in Ricks College.’

It so happened that President David O. McKay gave the commencement address at Ricks in 1954. Like everyone else, he was revolted by the hole in the ground – a symbol of carelessness or indecision (some said it was a grave for the college). Suffice it to say, work on the building was resumed shortly after President McKay’s visit. The two Rexburg stakes joyfully shouldered a pledge to raise $44,000 toward the building.

*It was in July 1953 that Ricks College was placed in the Church’s Unified School System and directly under the supervision of Administrator Ernest L. Wilkinson.

**Upon hearing these rumors while in Salt Lake City, Bishop Clyde P. Packer of the Rexburg Sixth ward called on a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Education in an effort to confirm them. He was told such rumors had no basis in fact. A few days later the same board member called Bishop Packer by telephone and explained that after making investigation he had discovered there was such a move afoot and it was being led by Ernest L. Wilkinson. It is evident that Dr. Wilkinson was preparing his case, unbeknown to the board itself, at least three years prior to his formal presentation.

People Reassured by First Presidency

Still the rumor of moving the college persisted and, because of the affinity between town and gown, a service organization made direct inquiry of the First Presidency concerning the matter. On July 9, 1954, the following reply was received:

Mr. Irving Woodmansee, President

Rexburg Rotary Club

Rexburg, Idaho

Dear Mr. Woodmansee:

We are in receipt of your letter of June 29th. We appreciate your interest in Ricks College. It is needless to assure you that we are equally interested in the welfare of this important educational institution.

You will be pleased to know that we have already taken steps for the consummation as soon as possible of improvements that have been outlined. The matter has already been referred to the committee with instructions to proceed with projects already recommended so that the people of Rexburg will have an assurance of the future stability and excellency of this institution.

The college is not going to be moved from Rexburg and the expansion program is underway.

Faithfully yours,

The First Presidency

By David O. McKay (signed)

J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (signed)

Please note that the statement is unequivocal. Surely, a people taught to trust authority and believe its pronouncements had no occasion for any doubt whatever. The perpetuity of the college was as certain as anything could be – the First Presidency had spoken. But, realizing that faith without works is dead, the friends of the college continued raising funds for the Religious Center.*

In spite of the assurance given by the First Presidency that Ricks would not be moved and that improvements and expansion were imminent, no plans for additional buildings ever matured. When complaints of inaction reached Dr. Wilkinson, he would say, ‘Make your recommendations and I will take them to the Board of Education.’ Whether taken or not, no action resulted. And yet, Dr. Wilkinson’s role in the phenomenal developments at Brigham Young University impressed all observers and was featured in Time Magazine. But nothing happened on the Ricks campus to alleviate the overcrowded condition resulting from constantly increasing enrollments.

*Early in 1956, this excellent building was completed and the student body, now 700 strong, occupied it with great appreciation. But wonder of wonders, no indication of interest in a dedication could be obtained from the Administrator. More discouraging than that, no plans concerning much needed library, class rooms, and dormitories were forthcoming. The old policy of deadlock was obviously in operation again.

Preparing for the Campaign

Three long years passed, and then something happened that suggests that the failure to implement the First Presidency’s mandate for expansion had been intentional.

From time to time, word reached friends of the college that the 1954 decision was not final – such comments as ‘Dr. Wilkinson has been temporarily thwarted, but he never gives up;’ ‘the Ricks question is not settled for certain;’ ‘be vigilant, because Dr. Wilkinson is determined to get his way, otherwise Ricks may die on the vine.’ These statements came from friends of the college in Provo, Salt Lake City, and elsewhere. Of course, Rexburg leaders had little patience with such rumors. They could not imagine that a responsible administrator would deliberately plan a campaign to circumvent a positive declaration made by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, hindsight clearly discloses that such observations were grist to Dr. Wilkinson’s mill. Propaganda was conditioning the minds of the people for a new move!

He not only devoted years in formulating such a plan, but he resorted to the political trick of using a ‘red herring’ to divert attention from what was being done. Dr. Wilkinson gave an address in Idaho Falls on May 2, 1955, in which he made this statement in reference to the move rumor: ‘The church would not be investing in a new building at Ricks and planning another building in the near future if it was not the intention of the Board of Education to build up the curriculum and to strengthen and maintain Ricks Colllege.’ Then, in January, 1957, he suggested that an advisory committee be organized, representing the 15 stake presidents nearest the college. This was a fine idea, but no action ever materialized. Yet, during that same month, a high Brigham Young University official* visited Idaho and passed the word to several educators and legislators that Ricks College would be moved to Idaho Falls. The rumor reached Rexburg, but the leaders dismissed it as being unworthy of attention. Then came the revolution!

*Steve M. Meikle, Sr., a member of the Rexburg stake high council, was then serving in the Idaho State Senate. He recalls this B.Y.U. official telling him that the move of Ricks College was not only contemplated but taken for granted.

The Administrator Launches His Attack

In March, 1957, fifteen Idaho stake presidents received letters from Dr. Wilkinson, under the direction of the First Presidency, inviting them to a meeting scheduled for Monday April 8. Members of the Rexburg stake presidencies have reported the proceedings as follows:

Immediately after prayer was offered, President McKay announced the purpose of the meeting, as relating to the advisability of moving Ricks College to Idaho Falls. He affirmed that no decision had been made, but they would like to counsel the stake presidents about the advisability of such a program. He said that Dr. Wilkinson was prepared to give some reasons for such a move. If it seemed right, the decision should be made soon. Many of us were stunned by the proposition, but we were there to listen.

Dr. Wilkinson then presented the case he had prepared. It was immediately evident that he had spent months in preparing for this occasion. Fifteen or twenty large charts had been designed to make his case most effective. He presented the program with great skill and with masterful salesmanship. His presentation seemed overwhelming. He emphasized that Idaho Falls was a fast growing and progressive city, and pictured the great population that would probably be there in the next twenty years. He prophesied that Rexburg had little or no chance to increase in size and importance, as compared with Idaho Falls. His presentation lasted nearly two hours.

The effect was overwhelming, for the moment. There were so many figures and statements presented, with such rapid succession, that his arguments seemed irrefutable to most everyone at the time. At least no one was prepared to argue the case with him, under the circumstances. It was obvious that he was in rapport with the First Presidency. Perhaps it was a repeat performance, but a performance it was. Surprise and distress rendered some of us nearly speechless.

President McKay then asked each one of the stake presidents to give his opinion. Rebuttal seemed rather out of order, hence most all of the statements made indicated a disposition to follow the leadership of the First Presidency, which was to be expected under the circumstances.

President McKay repeated that the proposition was only under advisement, and that the decision had not been made. We then asked President McKay for the opportunity to present the other side of the case. To this reasonable request he replied, ‘You shall have an opportunity to present the other side of the question.’

Rexburg Has A Hearing

A period of two weeks was allowed Rexburg to prepare its side of the question. April 23, 1957, was the date set for a hearing before the First Presidency and Executive Committee. An equal opportunity would have reconstituted the same presence as assembled in Salt Lake City on April 8. After days of feverish activity and the faith, prayers and backing of innumerable friends, the facts were marshalled in support of leaving the college in Rexburg and presented in confidence (if trembling) at the formal meeting scheduled in Salt Lake City. President Stephen L. Richards conducted the meeting and the following were present: President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Elders Henry D. Moyle, Marion G. Romney, Adam S. Bennion and Mark E. Peterson of the Council of Twelve, Dr. Wilkinson and his secretary, the presidencies of the two Rexburg stakes, President Cecil Hart of the South Idaho Falls Stake, and Patriarch Peter J. Ricks, Sr., of the Rexburg Stake. The entire proceedings were recorded by Elder Hamer Reiser, secretary to the First Presidency.

Spokesman for the Rexburg group was Professor Howard E. Salisbury, who made a two-hour presentation* of the reasons for leaving the school at its present location. Summarily stated, they included the following:

Reasons for Leaving School in Rexburg

1. Ricks College is a regional college and Rexburg is as much in the center of the great population and geographical area of the Upper Snake River Valley the college serves as is Idaho Falls. (More than 30% of the student body reside OUTSIDE the immediate 15-stake area nearest the school.) No one can accurately predict where future growth will place the exact center of this area, but the 28 miles between Rexburg and Idaho Falls shrink into insignificance when one views without prejudice the entire Ricks College region.

2. The college is better located in a smaller town like Rexburg, where the school can mould its own community, than in a more populous area such as Idaho Falls where it would become an insignificant segment of the larger city. The smaller town offers better student environment, free from urban distractions.

3. The lower cost of living in a smaller town such as Rexburg places education within the reach of more L.D.S. students. The money students save from vacation jobs goes farther in the smaller town than in the city.** Evidence was given to show that living costs are at least 10% lower in Rexburg than in Idaho Falls.

4. Rexburg offers as much, if not more, opportunity for student employment as does Idaho Falls, especially of the type desired by college students. It was shown that union labor and the natural attraction a city holds for workers provides considerable competition to the student desiring part-time employment, and figures were cited showing that Idaho Falls doesn’t have enough part-time jobs for its high school students. It was demonstrated that except for work provided directly by the institution itself most student employment at any college is a matter of weekend jobs, and with modern transportation facilities Ricks students can easily return to homes located anyplace in the Upper Snake River Valley for weekend and holiday work.

5. Because the Ricks College campus is now located in the heart of Rexburg, all students can walk to school, eliminating the need for car and bus transportation. (The Idaho Falls site, on the outskirts of the city proper, would necessitate daily transportation for every student living in the city and require large parking areas for automobiles.)*

*Dr. Wilkinson, in his ‘unbiased’ Ricks College Statement, has disposed of this entire meeting with exactly two sentences.

**The B.Y.U. housing team that surveyed Rexburg housing for Dr. Wilkinson in November 1957 reported: ‘We found Ricks rents to be $3.00 to $10.00 per month less in most cases than our Provo rates.’

*Much could be written about the evils of student-owned automobiles and their effect on students’ grades. Suffice it to say here that Dr. Wilkinson’s message in the May 1955 B.Y.U. Quarterly lists many reasons why college students should not own cars, concluding: ‘At present, most students living in Provo, but not on the campus, reside within easy walking distance from it. For them even the bicycle is unnecessary.’

Extravagance of Move

6. Ricks now has an existing campus, ideally situated on the only eminence in the valley just two blocks off Rexburg’s Main Street. It includes some 150 acres of land and permanent buildings that would cost more than $3,000,000 to replace. (See more on campus page 54.) Complete with its own deep well and water pumping system, sewage facilities, central heating and other utilities it would be shear extravagance to move it to an undeveloped farming section on the outskirts of Idaho Falls for the sake of 28 miles. Such extravagance is multiplied by the inflated prices of the proposed location. (The church paid $2,000 per acre at Idaho Falls, compared with $360 per acre for the B.Y.U. farm at Spanish Fork, Utah.)

7. Although campus housing is needed to keep pace with a growing enrollment and to set an example for improving off-campus housing standards, Rexburg already has established housing facilities for a substantial number of students. Therefore, fewer dormitories would be necessary in Rexburg than at Idaho Falls where housing is so critical. Any dormitory construction that might be eliminated at Idaho Falls, on account of more sutdents being able to live at home, would be more than offset by the student housing already existing in Rexburg.*

8. If Idaho Falls is to become the center of a great population area, as prophesied by Dr. Wilkinson, Rexburg, only 28 miles away, will of necessity be within the geographical perimeter of such area. It would be wiser for the Church college to be located in such perimeter at Rexburg, rather than in the industrial heart at Idaho Falls, with attendant smog, traffic noise, and other distractions.

9. Timewise, Rexburg with its wide streets and good highway communications is more accessible to the student commuting from nearby towns than is Idaho Falls, with its greater congestion and big city traffic problems.

10. Faculty members and maintenance personnel own some 40 homes in Rexburg and its environs. Moving the school would necessitate their selling such property at deflated prices and buying other places in Idaho Falls at inflated prices, causing great personal hardship on those who have devoted their lives to the Church school system.

*In his ‘Statement’ Dr. Wilkinson acknowledges that Rexburg now has ‘622 acceptable accommodations in homes.’ He ruled out all of the available commercial type student housing in Rexburg as unsatisfactory, although Fred Schwendiman, his own housing director, reported following the Rexburg survey: ‘It would be difficult to rule out hotel and business house type apartments and still permit the use on campus of the Ricks Residence Hall for women.’

Tradition and Acceptance

11. More than half a century of tradition and acceptance is rooted in the campus at Rexburg. To move the school would destroy something far beyond measurement in economic values.

12. The school’s phenomenal progress is evidence of the inspiration of the men who founded it in Rexburg. To move it 28 miles to Idaho Falls for the reasons proposed is to repudiate the best thinking of the First Presidencies and Boards of Education during the past seventy years, all in the name of economic rationalization.

13. Ricks has always had the dedicated support of the Rexburg community and Rexburg has held an unquestioning trust in Church leadership to sustain the institution, to the best of its ability, in its pioneer setting. To remove the town’s birthright at a time when its chances for growth and expansion are the best in its history is hardly a reward for seventy years of faithfulness and devotion.

Not because it had any particular relation to the location of Ricks College, but in refutation of Dr. Wilkinson’s inference that all colleges should be situated in large cities it shown that the greatest number of junior colleges of the United States today are in towns of less than 10,000 population which Dr. Wilkinson prophesied Idaho Falls would be. Of 94 senior colleges located in cities of over 100,000 population, 54 have enrollments of less than 1,000 students and 38 of these have enrollments of less than 500. Ricks is already larger than any other Church supported junior college. (From Education Directory, U.S. Office of Education.)

Rexburg Far From Stagnant

Acknowledging that Rexburg was smaller than Idaho Falls and had less retail business, the delegation showed that the town was far from stagnant, as had been charged by Dr. Wilkinson. It was shown that during the 1940-1950 census period the city had shown a 23.7% population increase, only four per cent less than Idaho Falls and double the average for Idaho. It was shown that Ricks College at Rexburg had achieved a 35.5% enrollment increase during the past three years, compared with 27.1% for B.Y.U. Rexburg retail trade, on a per capita basis, was greater than that in Idaho Falls. It was argued, however, that such economic statistics had little bearing on the location of a college; that the tendency to accentuate the large and belittle the small community was irrelevant to the case.

More specifically a number of Western college towns of small populations and thriving universities were cited, including: Tempe, Arizona, 7,684; Moscow, Idaho, 10,598; Corvallis, Oregon, 16,207; Pullman, Washington, 12,022; Laramie, Wyoming, 15,581; Fort Collins, Colorado, 10,037; and Logan, Utah, 16,832. (A big proportion of population given represents college people.) Would Dr. Wilkinson have all of these states move their universities into larger cities?

Colleges Valued by More than Size

To show that success of a college should not be measured in enrollment figures alone the following facts were presented:

A careful research project conducted at Wesleyan University shows that ‘small liberal-arts colleges are far and away the most productive sources of future scientists.’ Of the first 50 institutions in America, judged by the scientific eminences of their graduates, 39 are small, privately supported colleges.

A recent study of 33,500 business executives shows that 88% are college graduates, and of that number 71% come from generally small liberal-arts schools.

Of the 106 board chairmen and presidents of America’s billion dollar corporations, 66 or 62,398 are graduates of such small, independent institutions.

A survey made by the editors of Who’s Who in America shows that ‘small schools, in relation to their enrollment, contribute the highest percentage’ of those who merit rating in that catalog of distinction. (See Reader’s Digest, September, 1956, ‘Why I Chose a Small College.’)

The possibility of another junior college, private, church-related, or tax supported, being established at Idaho Falls was discussed, and it was pointed out that the possibility would always exist whether Ricks were moved or not. It was recalled that when the people of Utah were recently asked to return operation of Weber College in Ogden to the L.D.S. church much evidence was presented to indicate at least one other school would be established to take care of non-L.D.S. students in Ogden, if such a move were successful.

Following the formal presentation brief comments were made by various members of the assembly and their remarks indicated that data had been presented which called for further deliberation on the problem. President Richards reiterated this feeling before bringing the meeting to a close. Brother Reiser was given copies of all documents, either read or referred to in the presentation, so that the material would be available for further study by the Board of Education.

Nearly three months passed, during which time friends of the college and educators from far and near wrote letters to various Church leaders. Some groups met informally with the First Presidency and, as previously noted, President McKay, Elder Marion G. Romney and Dr. Wilkinson held a meeting in Rexburg with church and civic leaders on June 1, 1957, at which time both the Wilkinson and Salisbury presentations were made.

President McKay Announces Decision

Finally a committee from Rexburg went to Salt Lake to hear the final decision of the First Presidency. Here is a summary of the meeting with President McKay, as written by the four who attended:

‘We had been given an appointment for an interview with President David O. McKay for the afternoon of Thursday, July 11, 1957, and we waited in the reception room of the Church Office Building for the president to return from resting at his home. Comprising the delegation were Stake President Delbert G. Taylor, his counselor Walter F. Ririe, Steven M. Meikle, Sr., and Arthur C. Porter, all of Rexburg. It was about four o’clock when we were ushered into President McKay’s office.

‘President McKay met us halfway across the room, grasping our hands warmly and greeting us most cordially. ‘Brethren,’ he said, ‘I am very happy, as I know you will be. The decision has been made to keep Ricks College in Rexburg.’

‘Seating us around his desk, he proceeded to tell us how happy he was that the matter was settled. He said: ‘I haven’t slept well for weeks, I have been so disturbed. Now I am at ease and have peace of mind. Even Ray (Sister McKay) has been concerned about me and noticed today how much better I am. At noon she commented that I sat down and ate my lunch without pacing the floor. I know we have made the right decision because I feel so good about it.’

‘He said that the First Presidency was in full agreement, and that the same morning, before announcing the decision, he had talked by telephone with President Stephen L. Richards, who was then at his summer home at Hebgen Lake. Elaborating on the fact that the First Presidency previously had promised to continue Ricks College at Rexburg, he said: ‘There was no doubt in our minds then and there was no question in the minds of the people of Rexburg that our intentions were to leave the school in Rexburg. And my word is worth more than any college.’

‘He then commented on the house-to-house canvass that had been made in Rexburg to secure student housing facilities, marveling that ‘the good people of Rexburg’ were ready to house more than 1500 students in their homes. ‘Of course, many of the places may not be suitable, but if they can take care of half that many we will be pleased, for we know that there is no housing available in Idaho Falls under their crowded conditions,’ he continued.

‘President Taylor asked about the purchase of land in Idaho Falls by Brigham Young University. President McKay explained that when moving the school was first proposed an option was taken on the site to prevent speculation from boosting real estate prices. When the time ran out it seemed prudent to ‘exercise our option in order to protect our investment,’ he said, adding with a chuckle, ‘my Scottish blood couldn’t stand for us to lose our option money.’ Implying that the Church had no intention of building any kind of school on the property, he said it would be easy to dispose of the land without financial loss.

Compliments People for Unity

‘Recalling past meetings with Rexburg delegations in behalf of the school, he complimented the people for their unity to keep Ricks College, and said they had every right to fight for what they considered just. We mentioned that we needed some way to officially present our interest and concern in helping to promote the school, and he said: ‘President Taylor, you have an entry into my office any time you want it.’ The church president went on to say that local leaders should be called upon in an advisory capacity to help direct the affairs of Ricks College. He cited the recently formed Pacific Board of Education and told how it operates directly under the First Presidency in supervising the church schools in the Pacific Isles. He expressed surprise that a committee of Upper Snake River Valley stake presidents, appointed to advise the General Church Board of Education in the administration of Ricks College, had never been called into a meeting.

‘He cordially thanked the group for the visit, which lasted about 20 minutes, and recalled memories of relatives of those present, whom he had known in years past. Before leaving we asked if we could publish what we had heard and discussed. ‘You can give all that I have said to the press,’ he reassured us.

‘We almost wept for joy as we thanked him and bade him goodbye. We each had individually felt that this day we had experienced the workings of the Lord and the inspiration of the Spirit in guiding the leaderhip of the Church. The spirituality of this great leader seemed to fill the room as he told us HE KNEW THE RIGHT DECISION HAD BEEN MADE BECAUSE HE ‘FELT SO GOOD ABOUT IT.’ From that moment on there never was any doubt in our minds that Ricks College would be allowed to remain in Rexburg and here fulfill its destiny.’

Delbert G. Taylor (signed)

Walter R. Ririe (signed)

Steve M. Meikle, Sr. (signed)

Arthur C. Porter (signed)

Inspired Decision

Perhaps two things stand out as being most significant about the above statement, First, President McKay conveyed the thought that the decision was an inspired decision, following months of prayerful consideration of the matter. Second, the decision was unconditional and in no sense contingent upon any commitment on the part of the people of Rexburg. As to the student housing survey made by the Upper Valley Realty Board, President McKay even made allowances that all of the places might not be up to highest standards saying ‘if they can take care of half that many we will be pleased.’

The news had already been released to the press prior to the above interview, although it had not then been printed in Salt Lake newspapers. President McKay had informed the committee that the story was being first released in Idaho Falls. The July 11, 1957 edition of the Idaho Falls Post-Register carried the following statement:

‘David O. McKay, Salt Lake City, president of the L.D.S. Church, announced in a special statement to The Post-Register Thursday morning that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.

‘The statement by Pres. McKay follows:

‘At a meeting of the Presidency and Board of Trustees of the L.D.S. Church it was the decision of the Presidency and the standing committee of the (L.D.S.) Church Board of Education that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.’

Analysis of Dr. Wilkinson’s Case

There was a time in the L.D.S. Church School system when differences of opinion such as those now surrounding Ricks College would have been reconciled harmoniously around the conference table. Now we must present statistics, facts, arguments and allegations in writing, a system instituted in the School System by Administrator Ernest L. Wilkinson.

The methods and arguments in the present conflict became much clearer when Dr. Wilkinson circulated his ‘official statement,’ dated December 12, 1958. Persuasively written and presented in a manner to take advantage of the faithful and unsuspecting Church member, it skillfully employs the techniques of the propogandist. Truth and justice require at least a partial answer.

Inspiration Entirely Excluded

The pamphlet is an expression well suited to our scientific age. Inspiration by the Lord to a prophet is entirely excluded. Only the ‘facts’ talk. In at least two places Dr. Wilkinson disclaims any interest, saying ‘I again took no position in the matter, letting the facts speak for themselves.’ His world of facts doesn’t need the Lord who reveals His will. All that is needed is an attorney to explain the facts, with never an admission that such ‘facts’ are acutally the opinions of himself or others.

‘The single question involved (is) whether Ricks College would have a greater destiny and perform a greater service as a great educational institution of the Church at Idaho Falls rather than at Rexburg,’ Dr. Wilkinson states at the beginning of the pamphlet. ‘All other matters (are) either subsidiary or irrelevant to that central question.’ He then proceeds to devote only eight pages to that central question, with a summary of his previously prepared presentation. Another 25 pages are filled with ‘subsidiary’ arguments aimed at justifying a reversal of the July 1957 decision, and an ‘irrelevant’ attempt to align the people of Rexburg against the First Presidency and Board of Education, place responsibility for such reversal on the stake presidents of the Ricks College region, pit Idaho Falls against Rexburg, scold Rexburg people for having already received more favors than they deserve and blame everybody but Dr. Wilkinson for the conflict.

As pointed out previously, all of the reasons given for moving the school were successfully refuted by Professor Salisbury prior to the July 1957 decision to leave the school at Rexburg. But for the record let us examine them once again.

(Pictures)

Foyer and stage of the new Social Center-Auditorium building completed at the Ricks campus in Rexburg in 1956 at a cost of over $700,000. Auditorium has a regular seating capacity of 1000, overflow seats for 400 more. The huge stage is the largest and best equipped of any college or university in the Intermountain West. The building also has superb facilities for music and radio, and a beautiful social hall. In his ‘Statement,’ Dr. Wilkinson completely eliminates this entire building from the value of the campus, saying it ‘can certainly be used for other purposes.’

The two rock buildings pictured above have been the trademark of Ricks College for more than half a century. With walls as sturdy as in the days they were first quarried by pioneer founders, their interiors were entirely rebuilt during 1945-47 under a quarter million dollar remodeling program. The Administration building at left contains offices, classrooms (one of which is pictured below), biology lab, and library. Physical Education building at right houses gymnasium, chemistry labs (top picture, opposite page), physics labs, lecture-demonstration room (middle picture), and swimming pool (lower picture). Though inadequate for public events, the gymnasium serves well the physical education classes, as does the beautiful all-tile swimming pool, a facility unmatched at even B.Y.U.

This is the Master Plan for the development of Ricks College at Rexburg, drawn in September, 1957, following the July decision to leave the school at its present location. Three of the new dormitories shown and a new mechanical arts building had previously been approved by Church Boards of Education. One of the new tennis courts was built, and seats and fencing for the athletic field were completed in the summer of 1958. Utilizing all of the present permanent facilities, the functional plan makes good use of the Rexburg hill as far south as Fourth South Street. All is within easy walking distance from all of Rexburg. The college property includes three additional city blocks to the south, plus 160 acres of farm land, all adequately served by the college’s own deep well, and with ample room for future expansion.

The plot of Rexburg, opposite page, depicts the main Ricks Campus in diagonally shaded areas, showing its location in the heart of the city. The campus can be seen at the head of College Avenue (top picture, above), only two blocks from Rexburg’s wide Main Street, (next to top, above). Interior shot of central heating plant (below) shows large furnaces. Now operating at about one-eighth its capacity to heat the present campus, the plant is capable of heating all the facilities shown in the Master Plan.

Metal working and Woodworking Shop, pictures at top, was constructed at the Rexburg campus in 1949. It houses more than $10,000 worth of modern equipment, some of which is shown in lower picture. The building was erected entirely with student and faculty donated labor. (See pages 53-55 for more complete description and valuation of present Ricks campus at Rexburg.)

Proves Idaho Falls is Larger

Dr. Wilkinson begins his argument with statistics to show that Idaho Falls is larger, has more L.D.S. people, more children, more business* and more employment than does Rexburg. Everyone in the Upper Snake River Valley and certainly the members of the First Presidency and Board of Education knew such was true long before being told by Dr. Wilkinson. But what does it prove about the location of Ricks College. Nothing! Ricks has always been a regional college, serving not just the people of any one community but all of southeastern Idaho and the great area surrounding it. Less than 21% of its student body is from the two Rexburg stakes, only 13% from the three Idaho Falls stakes – 31% reside beyond the 15 stakes nearest the college.

*In one item, retail liquor sales, Idaho Falls exceeds Rexburg almost beyond comparison. Liquor sales in Bonneville county total $837,164 annually, 11 1/2 times as much as Madison county’s $71,717. Per capita sale of liquor in Bonneville is $23 per annum, compared with $6.50 in Madison. For Bonneville county to retain the same per capita ratio as Madison with the same volume of sales would require a Bonneville population of nearly 129,000. These figures are not presented to reflect on the character of Idaho Falls church people, but rather to complete Dr. Wilkinson’s marketing data as printed on pages 6 and 7 of his ‘Statement,’ and to bear out what every sociologist knows – large cities attract undesirable vices.

Small Town Best for College

While Dr. Wilkinson advocates moving the school from town to city, other educators say just the opposite. Dr. Claude Zobell* of the University of California writes:

‘During the last two or three years I have been actively concerned with the problem of the best location for a branch of the University of California in San Diego county. The authorities have finally selected a campus site which is more or less out in the country. They deliberately avoided having it in San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, or any other large town because the Educational Policy Committee and all others who considered this problem came to the conclusion that it is better to have a college or university away from urban areas. They feel that a good college or university should establish its own community rather than having students absorbed by the city. In the rural area, the tendency is for the students to provide their own entertainment, their own government, solutions to their own problems of living together.

‘This is a part of the education and training of young people which is believed to be even more important than ‘book learning’ or lectures. Moreover, the cost of living greater for students and staff members in larger cities; real estate and building costs are generally considerably higher than in villages and rural areas. The transportation and parking problems are nearly always more acute in the larger towns and cities. Problems of morals increase as a rule in direct proportion to the concentration of population.

‘To cope with the rapidly increasing population of college-age people in California, the University of California is establishing three new college campuses in the state. All three are to be in suburban areas, the stipulations of our Educational Policy Committee being: 1-Adequate open land for buildings and expansion; 2-Freedom from traffic noises; 3-Not too far away from major highways; 4-Opportunities to establish ‘University’ communities. It is the belief based upon half a century of experience, that good students and supporting activities will come to the University. UCLA, San Diego State College, and Stanford University are three outstanding examples of schools that were established out in the country to which the students and supporting activities have flocked in great numbers. The students didn’t come because of housing accommodations or job opportunities; they came because these schools offered excellent teachers and facilities.’

Eastern educators take the same viewpoint. Dr. Randall B. Hamrick, president of Eastern Personnel Service and Community Advisory Service Center, a large student counseling service at Bridgeport, Connecticut, writes:

I have heard that Ricks College is considering the possibility of moving to a large metropolitan area. Please forgive me for being presumptuous enough to make an urgent plea to keep the college in Rexburg.

‘I have devoted my life to the task of helping young men and women select appropriate colleges. The college environment is a very important contributing factor to the total educational experience of the individual. The best undergraduate academic work in America today is being done in the small colleges, and particularly in small, non-metropolitan communities.

‘I have visited every state in the entire Northwest during the past sixty days. Colleges are building frantically to take care of the enormous increase of college students that will begin this September. Most of the college presidents with whom I talked were concerned about the danger of their colleges becoming too large to do their most effective work and keep their distinctive character.’

*A native of Provo, Utah, Dr. Zobell is chairman of the division of marine biology at the University of California’ Scripps Institution of Oceanography. His opinions are respected by leading educators of America and his scientific research papers appear in journals throughout the world. In 1950 Life Magazine pictured him with a group described as ‘the greatest aggregation of scientific brainpower ever assembled before a camera.’ A Latter-day Saint and graduate of Utah State Agricultural College and California University, he entered the Ricks College conflict after reading one of Dr. Wilkinson’s widely distributed pamphlets.

Good for B.Y.U. but Not for Ricks

Even Dr. Wilkinson agrees with the above view when he retains ‘an open mind and does not permit his personal interest to cloud his judgement’ (quotes from page 22 of the Wilkinson ‘Statement.’) Writing in the May 1955 B.Y.U. Quarterly, President Wilkinson describes advantages of attending Brigham Young University as follows: ‘The B.Y.U. campus is now a small city in itself with all the comforts and facilities needed for proper living and serious study …It is free from any of the distractions and temptations of large urban centers.’

John Henry Evans refers to this same principle in lauding the Prophet Joseph Smith’s views on the evils of large cities (over 20,000 population.) ‘There is not only more crime in the large town than in the small town, but more in proportion to the population. In the small town everybody knows everybody else, and this familiarity acts as a deterent to crime to a great degree.’

Conspicuously missing from Dr. Wilkinson’s comparison of the two towns are any statistics dealing with the cost of living, and distances students must travel from town to campus.

Part-Time Student Employment

Dr. Wilkinson infers that because there is more employment in Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City than in Rexburg and Provo, respectively, it follows there must be more student employment in the larger towns. Students need part time employment; hence, there would be bigger schools in the larger towns, he reasons. Only supporting statistic offered is that Utah University students work 22 hours per week, B.Y.U. students 20 hours per week. More revealing statistics not mentioned at this time disprove his point. Salt Lake City has nine times as many workers as does Provo, yet B.Y.U. is larger than the University of Utah! And Ricks College, with Rexburg’s few workers, is the largest church-supported junior college in the United States.

Dr. Zobell comments on this subject as follows:

‘Part-time employment statistics, referred to on page seven of the ‘Statement,’ should be analyzed more realistically. First, it should be pointed out that a good many students find part-time employment at the college or university itself or at places supported either directly or indirectly by the college. What percentage of the part-time employment of the University of Utah and B.Y.U. students was either directly or indirectly connected with the universities themselves; lab assistants, janitorial work, clerks, teaching assistants, athletic scholarships, office workers, baby sitters for professors or for married students, tutors, services for university employees or for other students, attendants in service stations which are there primarily because of the universities, etc. Obviously, this type of employment would not be affected by the size of the city. If affected at all by population, there would be more competition with college students for jobs by non-college people in the bigger places.

‘Secondly, a large percentage of students work for pay only during vacations or on weekends. Most of the students at Rexburg could return to homes any place in the Upper Snake River Valley for weekends and holidays. While a few students must work every day and some can afford to attend college only a fraction of the time, most educators will agree that in general off-campus employment of students on school days should be minimized, because it conflicts with studies and participation in extracurricular activities. Scholarships of one kind or another can be made available to outstanding students in real hardship cases.

‘Methinks the part-time employment argument has been over-dramatized in the ‘Statement.’

Ricks Not ‘Community’ Junior College

Dr. Wilkinson next quotes from authors writing about the community junior college movement and then makes the unqualified statement ‘from two to three times as many students attend colleges if they can live at home while so doing.’ He neglects to tell the reader that these writers are referring to non-sectarian, community junior colleges – not church-related regional colleges such as Ricks. He does not explain that the community junior college is in effect a continuation of the public high school, and that to advocate replacement of such schools with Church colleges would be like recommending replacement of high schools with church-supported schools.

His next set of statistics shows that more students attend colleges located in big cities than in small towns. But both of the above arguments are meaningless when one considers the present size of B.Y.U., located in relatively small Provo, and Ricks College, already the largest church-supported junior college in America.

To again quote Dr. Zobell:

‘The present trend in all progressive states is to provide at least junior college facilities for populous centers. It is axiomatic that the larger the city, the more students there will be, so it has no bearing upon the Ricks College question to point out that junior colleges in large cities are attended by more students than junior colleges in small towns. Thus the statistics recited are irrelevant and misleading. Progress in education is not necessarily made by conforming to statistical patterns, but by being guided by high ideals.’

Sorry Examples of ‘College-Moving Trend’

One of the best examples of distorting the facts to suit his argument is Dr. Wilkinson’s listing on page nine of the ‘Statement’ of ten American colleges ‘who within the last score of years had moved from smaller to larger cities.’ Although there are more than 1800 colleges and universities in America, he infers that this represents a trend, and ‘lets the facts speak’ without giving any other reasons for the moves.

‘These are rather sorry examples of colleges moving to more populous places, and citing them as such does little credit to the thoroughness of the research that preceded their printing,’ comments Dr. Zobell. ‘I doubt if in a single case the move was motivated primarily by city size.’ He then illustrates, as follows:

‘Lewis & Clark College was moved from Albany, because it could not compete with Oregon State College for student and related activities. Oregon State has an enrollment of about 8,000 students in the town of Corvallis which has a non-student population of about 10,000. It is located only a few miles from Albany. Being a better college, offering more courses and other advantages, many students preferred to go to Corvallis rather than to Albany. The great success and growth of Oregon State in a small town bears out my contention that small communities offer many advantages. It is significant, too, that the University of Oregon is located in Eugene, and most successfully; not in the more populous Portland. There are few colleges in Portland and no great ones. Lewis and Clark is not in the center of the city but in a country-like suburb of Riverdale.

‘Bob Jones University is not an accredited university. Actually it was crowded out of Cleveland, Tennessee, by a bigger and better University at nearby Chattanooga. Chattanooga has a population of about 130,000, so in effect Bob Jones moved to a smaller, not a larger population center, although city size per se was not a motivating factor.

This was also the situation at Winchester, Kentucky, where Kentucky Wesleyan College could not compete for students with the University of Kentucky located about ten miles away at Lexington.

‘A glance at the map will show any intelligent person that Martinez is only five or six miles from Concord and both of these small cities are within a radius of ten to 15 miles from Oakland, Pittsburg, Vallejo, and other more populous regions. Ask the misinformed proponents of large cities for small colleges why East Contra Costa Junior College, and other small colleges, didn’t move to really big centers of population since they were moving for one reason or another.

‘Northrup Aeronautical Institute never had permanent facilities in Hawthorne. It is an arm of the plane manufacturing industry. Moreover, Hawthorne is a mere five miles from Inglewood and both are in Los Angeles, surrounded by a few million people. The Institute follows the plane industry.

‘Lawndale and El Camino are residential districts in the thickly populated suburbs of Los Angeles.

‘Unquestionably many colleges during the last decade have moved to more populous regions. Equally apparent are examples of colleges moving to and establishing themselves in more rural areas. These movements, however, are meaningless in the absence of detailed information of the motivating factors, the sizes of the cities involved and surrounding population densities, economic considerations, mortgage foreclosures on private colleges, gifts of land or building funds, and many other pertinent considerations. The discussion of such statistics, in the absence of all relevant facts, merely clouds the issue and confuses honest people who believe what they read in the paper or hear from the pulpit.

Renaming of Lewis & Clark

It is hard to discern why Dr. Wilkinson points out that Lewis & Clark College commenced as Albany College under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church in 1867, ’21 years before Ricks College was founded,’ and its name was later changed when it moved to Portland in 1938. Could it be that he is already establishing a precedent for changing the name of Ricks after it is moved to Idaho Falls? In honesty, he might at least have reported that Lewis & Clark, a four-year college, has attained an enrollment of 1,025 students after being moved to populous Portland (more than 400,000.) This is little more than the enrollment of Ricks at Rexburg.

‘Facts’ About Utah Junior Colleges

Dr. Wilkinson appears to have withheld his most preposterous arguments to the last, reasoning that by then the reader would be so overwhelmed with statistics his mind would be ready to believe anything. Citing Utah junior colleges, he writes: ‘The four junior colleges in cities of 6,000 population or less had enrollments all the way from 280 to 457, whereas Weber College, located in Ogden, a city of 67,000 persons in 1956, had an enrollment of 5,610.’ Although names of the smaller junior colleges are omitted, the actual enrollments of Utah junior colleges, as reported in the December 10, 1958, Deseret News, are: College of Southern Utah at Cedar City, 704; Snow College at Ephraim, 508; Carbon College at Price; 408; Dixie College at St. George, 299; and Weber College at Ogden, 1,730.

Now the latter figures are the 1958 enrollments, while those used by Dr. Wilkinson were compiled in 1956. But if both sets of figures are true, and the facts are allowed to ‘speak for themselves,’ they would indicate that in the past two years C.S.U. at little Cedar City has added 247 students, an increase of 54%. During the same period Weber, at populous Ogden, lost 3,880 students, a decrease of 69%. Of course, Dr. Wilkinson leaves unexplained his efforts of a few years ago to have the people of Utah return three of these small colleges, in small towns, to the Church where they once belonged.

It is readily seen that facts do not always ‘speak for themselves,’ especially when used by Dr. Wilkinson. They are more inclined to say whatever the user wants them to say. For instance, suppose one wanted to prove from the above facts that Ricks College would be smaller in Idaho Falls than it is in Rexburg. We could show that Weber College now has a ratio of one student to each 39 persons at Ogden. On that basis a similar non-sectarian junior college would have an enrollment of only 740 students in Idaho Falls. But considering that only 3% of the students at Ricks (as at B.Y.U.) will be non-L.D.S. and that Idaho Falls is 45% non-L.D.S., Ricks College moved to Idaho Falls would have only 421 students. It already has more than 900 daytime students this quarter at Rexburg!

Facts Can Say Ridiculous Things

If we were to ‘let the facts speak for themselves’ in an even more ridiculous manner we might cite Westminster College in Salt Lake City as a typical church-supported college in a populous area. Founded in 1875, Westminster is now a four-year college with an enrollment of 400 students. It is located in a population area of at least 300,000; (Dr. Wilkinson estimates Salt Lake and Tooele counties at 388,100, Deseret News, Jan. 6, 1959.) This gives Westminster a student-population ratio of one to 750. Applying this ratio one can reason, a church-supported college in Idaho Falls would have an enrollment of about 47 students! And this would be a four-year school. Ricks College, located at Rexburg, is already the largest church-supported two-year college in the United States, with a cumulative daytime enrollment of over 1000!

What Makes a College Great

It is very doubtful that even Dr. Wilkinson really believes that Ricks College needs to be in a larger town to have a bigger enrollment. In a B.Y.U. advertisement published December 10, 1958, in the Deseret News and repeated in numerous other publications, the question is asked ‘What Makes a University Great?’ The answers given: 1) Outstanding faculty; 2) adequate physical facilities; and 3) student body of high quality. No mention is made of a large population area.

In the May-June 1957 issue of the B.Y.U. Alumnus Magazine, Dr. Wilkinson modestly comments on a recent article in Time Magazine, lauding him for making B.Y.U. the largest university in Utah. Does he attribute any of B.Y.U.’s phenomenal growth to the size of Provo? He does not. He lists the following reasons: ‘1) The unusual recent growth of the L.D.S. Church; 2) the great emphasis of the Church on education, of which the Y was the beneficiary; and 3) the building program approved by the Board of Trustees, particularly that of very good housing for our own women students.’

Obtaining the Reversal

So much for Dr. Wilkinson’s statistical arguments for moving Ricks College. As shown before they are the same ones he presented in 1957 and from which President McKay made his decision to leave the school in Rexburg. Church members who accepted President McKay’s decision as inspired and who are now confused in its reversal simply do not understand the dogged determination of Dr. Wilkinson.

It is now plain that he began his campaign for a reversal immediately following the July 1957 announcement. From his legal background he selected two political devices: 1) discredit the witnesses and the evidence they presented to obtain the decision; and 2) get the people themselves, through their stake presidents, to ask for a reversal. Beyond this he felt it necessary to justify the reversal in ‘law and morals’ – a sort of face-saving – although such would not have been necessary for L.D.S. church people if reasons for the reversal had been sound and Dr. Wilkinson’s methods open and above board.

The Subject of Student Housing

While all others had accepted President McKay’s decision and had turned their efforts toward helping the school recover from its latest period of uncertainty, Dr. Wilkinson began another campaign, this time against the college housing situation and particularly the report of the Upper Valley Real Estate Board. Actually, the subject of student housing offered no grounds for attack, for at least three reasons. First, it had little bearing on the original argument. It was well known that Ricks would need dormitories, whether in Rexburg or Idaho Falls, and that such would cost the Church nothing. All college dormitories are built from loaned funds, amortized over the years from student rentals. Ricks has never had a campus dormitory – only a downtown apartment building originally donated by the people of Rexburg, and some temporary war surplus buildings moved to the campus following World War II. Both sides of the 1957 argument recognized that dormitories were needed.

Second, the housing survey was not so important to President McKay in making his decision as was claimed by Dr. Wilkinson. The survey itself, in which an organization representing realtors from Rigby to St. Anthony supervised a canvass of Rexburg homes and obtained signed pledge cards from those who could provide rooms for college students, came about only after Dr. Wilkinson had claimed there was more student housing available in Idaho Falls than in Rexburg. The letter to President McKay from the Real Estate Board made no mention of replacing dormitories. It stated simply ‘We have been able to get pledges signed today to accommodate 1570 students, with a cost to the student of from $12 to !20 per month, all within eight blocks from Ricks College.’ And note President McKay’s comments, ‘if you can take care of half that many we will be pleased, for we know that there is no housing available in Idaho Falls.’

Dormitories Approved, Never Built

And third, Ricks College had made budget requests for dormitories in 1955, in 1956, and again in 1957 and THE REQUESTS HAD BEEN APPROVED BY TWO RESPECTIVE BOARDS OF EDUCATION. Construction of a new mechanical arts building on the campus was also approved in the 1957 budget. How Dr. Wilkinson was able to delay construction of all these buildings, despite their repeated approval by Church Boards of Education, is absolutely incredible.

Consider for a moment two memos, written December 7, 1956, from the President’s Office, Brigham Young University, to Ricks College, excerpts of which follow:

‘We now have the green light for two dormitories (and) a new mechanical arts building. (These projects were) approved by the Executive Committee at their meeting November 29, 1956, and by the Board of Education November 30, 1956…There is official authorization to go forward with the projects…It is now up to us to take action.

‘We therefore invite you to submit candidates as architects for the project. When we are in agreement as to the most practical arrangement, it will be referred to the Church Building Committee…It should be possible to make preliminary decisions and be prepared to appoint an architect early in January at latest. The proper time to make public announcement of the proposed construction is probably at the time of the appointment of the architect.

‘The approval of this project for nearly half-million dollars of new housing is obviously of the greatest importance. It places an added responsibility upon Ricks College. We assure you of our desire to cooperate in every way in the development and carrying to a conclusion this project that it may be as near perfect as possible.

‘We are grateful for the action of the Brethren in approving of the project. We are sure that it will give you the opportunity of moving forward the great program of developing a strong junior college.’

The preceding memo was signed by William F. Edwards, then vice president to B.Y.U. President Wilkinson.

Fails to Carry Out Board’s Directives

Sitting as a board of education is just one of the myriad duties occupying the time of the First Presidency and Council of Twelve, who must necessarily delegate complete authority for directing the Church’s far-flung school system to their trusted administrator. But in this case it would appear that the administrator not only refused to follow the board’s direction but even kept Vice President Edwards in the dark as to the administrator’s intentions. It was only four months after Brother Edwards wrote the memo that Dr. Wilkinson released his long-prepared thesis to move Ricks College. In the interim of the Edwards memo and the April 8, 1957 meeting, Ricks College and B.Y.U. housing officials had agreed on architects and other details for the expected building program and it was thought that Dr. Wilkinson was calling the Upper Valley stake presidents together at general conference time expressly to announce the expansion program and solicit their full support. The announcement he made was as stunning to Ricks officials as it was to the stake presidents.

1958 Budget Requests

Following the 1957 decision to leave Ricks in Rexburg, the building requests were again submitted. Again no action from the administrator. In the summer of 1958, Ricks officials submitted their budget request with the following comments:

As will be noted below all of the special building and loans projects here requested … have been requested and/or approved by the Board of Education in previous budgets. Presumably the major reason for inaction has been the discussion on the permanent location of Ricks College. Now that President McKay has made the decision and, indeed, over a year has gone by since his decision, and in view of President McKay’s and President Wilkinson’s emphatic statements that adequate physical facilities were to be provided for Ricks as soon as the permanent location was decided, this list of special projects is submitted with the prayerful and sincere hope that no further delays will ensue in the development of the school. As far as is known general agreement exists on the genuine need for the building projects listed here.’

The budget asked for Special Projects Funds totaling $834,000 to $1,034,000. From Loan Funds (to be repaid) were asked $750,000 for dormitories, $15,000 for married students housing, $350,000 for development of the college farm. This was the budget referred to by Dr. Wilkinson in his ‘Statement’ as ‘including needed dormitories which would ultimately cost from $3 to $4 million dollars!’

The B.Y.U. Housing Survey

Dr. Wilkinson’s exaggeration in the above is perhaps exceeded only by his belittling of the conscientious survey made by the Upper Valley Realtors who were trying to be of service to Ricks College. Not accepting the pledge cards signed by Rexburg home owners as authentic, he sent his own housing team to Rexburg to check the figures. Four men comprised the team, Fred A. Schwendiman, Rulon Craven, Delyle Barton and Drew Van Wagoner, and they were assisted by the Ricks faculty housing committee. (In his ‘Statement’ Dr. Wilkinson says it was the other way around, with one person from B.Y.U. going to Rexburg to assist in the survey.) Results of the survey, as honestly reported to Dr. Wilkinson by Brother Schwendiman, were never made public. This is understandable when one reads the report:

‘On the average the homes seen at Ricks are better places and offer a better potential than many homes in Provo.

‘We found Ricks rents to be $3 to $10 per month less in most cases than our Provo rates.

‘We could never have been more warmly received by the people of Rexburg. The visits pointed up a settled feeling since announcement was made that Ricks would remain.

‘There appeared no apathy about what would happen if Ricks built some campus housing. We didn’t ask this, but many times we were asked when the school would get started on a student housing construction program, without any criticism.

‘The present on campus housing buildings at Ricks do not provide any example to follow in encouraging off campus improvements. For example, it would be difficult to rule out hotel and business house type apartments and still permit the use on campus of the Ricks Residence Hall for women.’

In searching Housing Director Schwendiman’s report for some figures which might be useful to reduce the total housing potential listed by the Upper Valley Realtors, Dr. Wilkinson siezed upon the inclusion of 240 on-campus accommodations, which had been in existence at the time the first survey was taken. What Dr. Wilkinson failed to include in his ‘Statement’ was Brother Schwendiman’s comments that the reason the campus potential was then only 127 ‘many of the old temporary housing buildings are now offices and store rooms, etc.’ The increase in fall enrollment had necessitated moving classrooms and offices into the war surplus buildings that previously had housed married students.

How to Re-open the Case

After assembling his facts and statistics on the housing survey, Dr. Wilkinson set out to find a means of re-opening the case with the First Presidency. A request from the Church members themselves residing in the area served by Ricks College would serve the purpose. He had long since observed that faithful Latter-day Saints will quickly sustain actions recommended by those appointed to high authority. And Dr. Wilkinson had the appointment, the authority, and complete confidence of the First Presidency. About this time an old proposal for a tax-supported junior college in Idaho Falls made a new appearance, and Dr. Wilkinson immediately recognized it as an aid to his cause. It was not difficult to plant seeds of alarm that would eventually motivate a stake presidency to writing the First Presidency about the effect such a ‘competing junior college’ might have on Ricks. From such a letter and a secret meeting of selected stake presidents hurriedly called by Dr. Wilkinson at the October 1958 general conference he based his claim that ‘75% of the stake presidents in the Ricks College region’ had asked for a reconsideration.

The possibility of a district junior college being established in Idaho Falls was one of the subjects treated by Professor Salisbury in winning the 1957 argument, and the so-called 1958 junior college movement in Idaho Falls is discussed more fully later in this booklet. But for now let us look at Dr. Wilkinson’s claim (page 20 in his ‘Statement’) that ‘presidents of ten of the 14 stakes in the immediate Ricks College area suggested a reconsideration of the decision of July 11, 1957.’ The allegation is absolutely false. Interviews with each of the stake presidents named have resulted in denials from all, that they of themselves instigated any such reconsideration. Some denied any knowledge whatsoever of any reconsideration move and said they were as shocked as the people of Rexburg when they heard news reports that the July 1957 decision had been reversed. Others said they had been invited by Dr. Wilkinson to attend a meeting in Salt Lake while they were attending the October 1958 general conference, but were unable to attend and hence didn’t know about the new relocation movement. Even the three Idaho Falls stake presidents, mentioned by Dr. Wilkinson on page 17 of his ‘Statement’ as having sought an audience with the First Presidency in the matter, either denied any knowledge of such action or refused any responsibility for what followed, saying they did only what they were instructed to do. All resented Dr. Wilkinson’s inference that their action had precipitated the reversed decision.

Blaming the Stake Presidents

It is significant that members of the two Rexburg stake presidencies and those of Yellowstone and Teton Stakes, all closest to Ricks College, were not invited by Dr. Wilkinson to the October 1958 meeting in Salt Lake, referred to above and on page 17 of the pamphlet. It is also interesting to observe how Dr. Wilkinson has subtly attempted to align all the other stake presidencies against the Rexburg stakes in the matter. Note these references selected from his pamphlet (page numbers refer to third edition).

‘All but two of the stake presidencies present, a number of whom were Ricks College graduates, advised that in their opinion Ricks College would have … (page 10)

‘In view of this expression of the stake presidencies in the area immediately involved … (page 11)

‘I should here note that although eleven of the thirteen stake presidencies in the Ricks College area had expressed themselves in favor of Ricks being transferred … (page 14)

‘I am advised that the Priesthood and auxiliary leaders of these ten stakes unanimously sustained the action of their Stake Presidents in keeping the First Presidency advised, pursuant to request of the First Presidency… (page 32)

Dr. Wilkinson devotes more space to justifying the action of the First Presidency and Board of Education in reversing their July 1957 decision than to reasons for moving the school. This could reflect a guilty conscience or the fact that it is easier to justify the move in ‘law and morals’ than it is to give any sound reasons for relocation. Actually, if the reversal had been just, its promotion carried out within the rules of fair play, and had the brethren been given an undistorted picture of the circumstances, there would have been no need to justify the action taken.

Administrative Decisions

The term ‘administrative decision’ never appeared during the 1957 argument. At that time all believed the decision would be reached through inspiration of the Lord following a period of prayerful deliberation. And the Saints accepted the decision on that basis. Labeling that action as an ‘administrative decision’ borrows a political theory useful in distinguishing legislative from executive action, and excludes inspiration from the place it has rightly held since establishment of the Church.

Dr. Wilkinson’s listing of the many schools the Church formerly operated and their ultimate disposition is rather difficult to appraise. By his own account he shows that the academies closed only when district high schools and similar institutions had been established, alleviating the need for a Church school. Junior colleges were actually given to the states they served. None of the schools was moved (least of all only 28 miles) as is now advocated. Further clouding his case is Dr. Wilkinson’s recent attempt to take back the Utah junior colleges that were given to the state by earlier administrators and boards of education.

Devaluing the Rexburg Campus

Devaluation of the present Ricks College campus to a paltry $56,000 by Dr. Wilkinson (page 31, third edition of the ‘Statement’) could mean one of two things: 1) he is grossly uninformed on the campus facilities,* which would do little credit to his position as administrator; of 2) he has been literally carried away by his own ability to manipulate figures to suit his purposes. To the thousands who are obviously more familiar with the present Ricks campus, his figuring is too preposterous to warrant refutation.

The accompanying schedule, prepared from records of the college, shows an actual cash investment of $1,397,248 as of December 31, 1958, in permanent type facilities. Not counted are the many temporary structures given to the school under the government’s war surplus program. Neither is any allowance made for gifts of land and donated labor, although such should certainly be included in arriving at a true cost. The schedule further shows that at present building costs, using careful estimates by competent engineers, it would require some $2,660,940 to replace the permanent facilities now in use at the Rexbrug campus.

The temporary buildings on the campus, all of which are presently being put to hard use, include a cafeteria, women’s residence hall, men’s residence hall, some 42 units originally designed for married student housing, maintenance and receiving building, and garage. These wooden structures have a combined floor area of nearly 50,000 square feet. Considering these, and the labor it has taken in three score years to improve the property, the entire campus easily reaches a replacement value of $3 million.

In fairness to Dr. Wilkinson’s accuracy, it is assumed that his figures were taken from statistics gathered in 1956. The records at Ricks College will show that since that time (during the years 1957 and 1958) the Church has spent an additional $164,109.66 on permanent plant improvements. A record of these expenditures is available to Dr. Wilkinson from his own auditors, and it would seem that in fairness he would have revised his figures upward before publishing his pamphlet to the entire Church. Indeed, his depreciated value of $56,000 looks even more ridiculous when one reflects that $164,109.66 has been spent on capital improvements in the past two years (of this only $12,003.96 was for the new auditorium building.) To the layman the expenditure of such a sum would reflect on the competance* of an administrator, who would allow so much money to be invested in something he credited with so little value. (All figures presented herein can be verified by checking Ricks College records.)

*It seems unbelievable but according to the record Dr. Wilkinson has visited the Ricks campus only five times since the school came under his jurisdiction in 1953. Two of these visits were on specific invitation – once to speak at baccalaureate services and once in company of President McKay during the 1957 controversy. Another was a surprise visit (July 24, 1953) when he stopped for a few hours while on a holiday trip.

*Further reflection is cast on Administrator Wilkinson’s fiscal reasoning by his method of depreciating the buildings at a rate of 2% per annum to arrive at a value of $56,000. The method is not countenanced by recognized accounting authorities and is contrary to his own B.Y.U. auditing standards. On page 146, Volume 1, of the book College and University Business Administration, we find: ‘Authorities in the field of college and university administration are pretty well agreed that the taking of depreciation on educational property is of little value …’ And in accordance with B.Y.U. directives, the 1957 audit report from Ricks College to Administrator Wilkinson carries the notation (page 12): ‘In conformity with the practice recommended by authorities on university and college administration, no depreciation has been taken on educational facilities.’

Value of Permanent Facilities

Ricks College Campus, Rexburg, Idaho

Item or Description Total Cash¹ Square Footage Replacement

Investment Value

to Dec. 1958

Auditorium-Religious Center $ 706,716 37,419 $ 706,716²

(Also contains elaborate music

facilities)

Physical Education Building 248,268 30,090 481,440²

(Contains science labs besides

swimming pool and gymnasium)

Administration Building 193,885 25,794 412,704²

(Also contains science labs,

library, classrooms)

Mechanical Arts Building 57,442 10,580 169,280²

Heating Plant 41,640 250,000²

Well 26,732 26,732

Athletic Field 29,124 60,000⁴

Tennis Courts 11,177 11,177

Real Estate (250 acres) 39,373 500,000⁵

Other Campus Improvements

Since 1948 42,891 42,891

TOTALS $1,397,248 $2,660,940

1) Figures in this column do not include any allowance for donated labor, or for gifts of property. Such items would add substantial amounts to all of the buildings and real estate, most of the latter being donated by individuals and the City of Rexburg. Also excluded is a large cash donation to the Athletic Field form the Alumni Association and local Ricks Boosters club. All of the labor on the Mechanical Arts Building was donated.

2) Replacement value on buildings has been figured on an average cost of $16 per square foot, a conservative figure for buildings suited to Idaho’s climate. Square foot cost on the recently built Auditorium Building amounted to $18.42. The Engineering News-Record for October 17, 1957, reports average construction costs ranging from $14.10 per square foot for a Houston, Texas high school, to $18.30 per square foot for a New York state secondary school.

3) The large heating plant, presently used at about one-eighth its capacity, was originally obtained from the government as war surplus property. Approximately 90% of the facility is brand new, having never been used or its parts having been replaced. J.F. Heath, Salt Lake City heating engineer, estimates the present value of the plant alone at $185,072 (January 1959). Balance of the replacement value shown represents steam line to the various buildings and installation.

4) This represents improvements on the property, such as sod playing field, cinder track, sprinkling system, etc., most of which have been made with donated labor.

5) Replacement value of real estate is figured at $2,000 per acre, the amount paid by the Church for the farm property purchased at Idaho Falls. Actually such figure represents unimproved property and does not allow for expenditures and donated labor for landscaping, sidewalks, curbing, etc., all of which materially enhance the value of the property. The Ricks College catalog lists the campus as having 250 acres.

Distorting the Distances

Dr. Wilkinson’s final attempt to justify the reversal is his arrangement of figures (Schedule A of his pamphlet) to give an impression that Idaho Falls ‘would be more convenient for twice as many Latter-day Saint children’ than would Rexburg. A study of the schedule itself proves the statement to be a deliberate distortion. For instance, Salmon River and Lost River stakes are listed as being located more conveniently to Idaho Falls than to Rexburg, although a glance at any map will show that these places are equidistant to Idaho Falls and Rexburg. (They will be closer to Rexburg than Idaho Falls with completion of the new Sage Junction-Rexburg highway, now under construction.) Blackfoot stake (27 miles from Idaho Falls) is also shown as more convenient to Idaho Falls, while Yellowstone stake (15 miles from Rexburg) is listed as ‘just as convenient’ to both Rexburg and Idaho Falls as students would have to board and room anyway. Other inaccuracies are just as apparent, such as an error in addition which slights the two Rexburg stakes 990 people.

The possibilities of transporting college students to the school by bus from distant places are at best theoretical. Similar attempts in previous years to attract commuting students have proved impractical. Even during depression years Upper Valley students preferred to live in Rexburg rather than ride buses provided at that time between Idaho Falls and Rexburg.* Weber College at Ogden abandoned its bus service years ago for the same reason. And a check on the present Ricks student body shows students whose homes are only three miles from Rexburg living in Rexburg while attending college.

In reality ‘Schedule A’ is another Wilkinson attempt to argue the case on a localized basis, and it proves only one thing – moving the school would benefit the L.D.S. students living in Idaho Falls, to the detriment of the L.D.S. students living in Rexburg. And the difference in numbers involved seems rather trivial when viewed from the perspective of the 79 stakes Ricks is already serving.

*For the past ten years members of the Ricks College faculty have been making an intensive effort to influence more Idaho Falls high school graduates to attend Ricks College. None of the non-L.D.S. graduates (approximately 45%) would consider Ricks because of religious scruples. The L.D.S. students who would not go to Ricks gave the following reasons: 1) it’s too close to home; 2) inadequate facilities and curriculum; 3) only a two-year school; 4) too small. Where do the Idaho Falls students go? Most go to B.Y.U. at Provo, many to other Utah schools, a few to I.S.C. at Pocatello and the University of Idaho at Moscow. Facts gleaned from the above findings could support a hazardous conclusion that Ricks should be moved farther from Idaho Falls (as far as Provo) in order to attract the Idaho Falls students.

Reasons Vanish After New Decision

Dr. Wilkinson confines the argument, in this and throughout his entire pamphlet, to the 15-stake area nearest the college, representing a Church population of about 70,000 people. But after distributing his pamphlet and feeling secure in the reversed decision, he immediately enlarged his viewpoint. Calling a meeting in Blackfoot (which must have appeared more centrally located than Idaho Falls) he invited not 15 but 30 stake presidents from all over southern Idaho to come see the newly drawn plans for the Idaho Falls college. To a group representing some 125,000 Church members he disclosed a master plan for a school with a student body ranging from 3,000 to 10,000. It was evident that the school being planned would serve an area much larger than the 15 stakes nearest the college. Gone was the importance of 28 miles distance from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. Gone was the argument that Idaho Falls was in the exact center of the population area. Gone was the importance of the Idaho Falls students being able to live at home. Dr. Wilkinson had won his case and the devices he had used to win it were no longer important.

Policy of Inconsistency

Dr. Wilkinson’s manipulation of figures and facts to suit his changing opinions is indicative of the inconsistency that seems to have plagued the Church school system under his administration. What set of facts dictates an overwhelming university at Provo to serve students in all parts of the world without regard to travel distance, while another set of facts confines Ricks College to the immediate area of Idaho Falls and makes important a highway distance of 28 miles? What set of facts seeks to place all students in dormitories at B.Y.U. but says Ricks College students should live at home? What set of facts locates a new Church College of Hawaii in the village (about 1300 population) of Laie, but requires Ricks College be in a large city?

Dr. Wilkinson claims a concern for the destiny of Ricks College, but for the past five years he has opposed every policy previous Boards of Education and Administrators have pursued. His persistent efforts to move the school a distance of 28 miles have been made at great emotional and monetary expense to the Church and aroused bitter feelings among those in the Idaho region that will weaken the effectiveness of the school in either location, for several generations.

The people of Rexburg have been concerned with the destiny of Ricks College for seventy years, and have demonstrated their sincerity with dollars and time. Despite limited facilities the school has become a symbol of education, a contributor of knowledge to past, present and future generations.

Highest Destiny in Rexburg

While not denying there are arguments for having a Church college in Idaho Falls, Rexburg citizens sincerely believe that the merits of retaining Ricks College in Rexburg far outweigh any reasons for moving it, and in this they are joined by thousands of other Church members. Rexburg strenuously opposes the devious methods used by Dr. Wilkinson in seeking the relocation, and charges him with betrayal of the trust placed in him by the First Presidency and Board of Education. His prejudice in presenting facts, and his gross distortion of the evidence has perpetrated an injustice on the people and brought sorrow to the Church leadership.

Given adequate facilities, proper curriculum, and most of all the wholehearted support of the Administrator, Ricks College will reach any goal desired of it, and fill its highest destiny at the site of its founding in Rexburg.

The Possibility of a Competing

Junior College in Idaho Falls

At various times during the past few years need for a tax-supported junior college has been voiced in Idaho Falls, as it has in many other cities of the United States, and the record will show that such a possibility was treated by both sides during the 1957 Ricks College controversy. No one could honestly state that Idaho Falls would never have such a junior college, nor that privately sponsored colleges might not be established there at some future date, whether Ricks College were moved or not. But responsible people who know all the circumstances surrounding the Idaho Falls junior college movement of October 1958 must conclude that such did not justify the emergency action that precipitated a reversed decision on the location of Ricks College.

The recent movement, fostered by two public spirited attorneys and one political candidate (since defeated), originated in early October. The proposal received considerable newspaper publicity, thanks to many press releases supplied by its proponents, and wide TV coverage from the political candidate who adopted it in his campaign, but only ONE public meeting was ever held to discuss the matter. This convened October 28 and was attended by approximately 50 people.

The writers of this booklet have a statement by one who attended this meeting (name withheld on request) describing the audience as follows:

‘There were a number of L.D.S. people there. In fact, they came as a delegation. It was rather obvious that they were there as such, because they came in a group rather than just as individuals. I would estimate about 27 were there and they seemed to present an organized vote in electing Alden Porter as co-chairman.’

Following the meeting copies of the minutes were distributed to the various press agencies in Idaho Falls, which essentially contained the same information that subsequently appeared in the Idaho Falls Post-Register, Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.

It is interesting to note that the account of this October 28 meeting reported in detail by Dr. Wilkinson in his ‘Ricks College Statement’ carried considerably more information about what happened at the meeting than did the official minutes or news releases. For instance, none of the remarks attributed to Dr. Eugene Chaffee regarding bond elections at Boise Junior College were in the minutes released to the press. Neither were the statements about the college ‘being in a populous area, such as Idaho Falls,’ operating ‘for 12 years without dormitories*’ and 65 per cent of the students having full or part time employment. Nor did the minutes contain certain figures listed by Dr. Wilkinson relative to the number of Idaho Falls high school graduates who planned to attend Ricks College.**

*The Boise Junior College catalog reveals that the campus has two excellent dormitories for single students, 40 housing units for married students, and further states that ‘all out-of-town students attending college are required to live in the dormitories unless special permission is given.’

**A survey had been taken in the Idaho Falls senior high school to determine how many seniors might attend a non-sectarian junior college in Idaho Falls, but such did not apply to Ricks College, as inferred by Dr. Wilkinson. Omitted from Dr. Wilkinson’s pamphlet, for obvious reasons, were results of a later survey taken by the high school newspaper following announcement of the Ricks College move. The newspaper summed up the attitude of the seniors as ‘although they like what a college would do for the town economically and educationally, they really do not want to go to school in their own town.’

Little Chance for Approval

An impartial observer must conclude that Dr. Wilkinson skillfully used the October 28 meeting to publicize statistics he had previously obtained in support of his already-formed opinions concerning relocation of Ricks College. At the same time he implied that a genuine movement was afoot that would certainly have established a competing junior college if Ricks were not moved, although proponents had held only one public meeting and a majority of the very people who attended were Latter-day Saints, who, in any conflict of interest certainly would have shown their allegiance to Ricks College in Rexburg. Had the issue ever come to a vote (it never even reached the petition state) church members, who were already paying tithing to support Ricks College only 28 miles north and taxes to support Idaho State College only 51 miles south, would have been asked to tax themselves additionally to pay for a junior college in Idaho Falls.

It is most unlikely it could have obtained a simple majority, let alone the two-thirds approval needed to authorized needed revenue bonds.

According to Dr. Wilkinson’s ‘Statement,’ the October 28 meeting was reported to the First Presidency in a letter ‘under date of October 29, 1958.’ Written on October 29, such a letter could not have reached Salt Lake City until October 30. The dates are most significant, in that on October 31 – just ONE DAY later – the decision was made to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls.

Whatever the report it must have been little short of ‘alarming’ to have moved the First Presidency and Board of Education to take such action in so little time, and without further investigation. Let us see how fairly and impartially such report pictured the situation.

Idaho Falls, Boise Not Analagous

Conditions in Idaho Falls were portrayed as being analagous with those in Boise where Boise Junior College was established. Attention was not called to the fact that Boise Junior College is in an area nearly three times the size of Idaho Falls, located 317 miles from the state university and 238 miles from Idaho State College at Pocatello, nearest non-sectarian schools of higher learning. (Distance from Idaho Falls to Pocatello is only 51 miles.) The First Presidency was not informed that the Idaho Falls public school district, whose taxpayers would have to dig up funds for buildings and operational expenses, was facing a financial crisis and, in the words of its own superintendent, ‘would run out of operating funds by March or April.*’

*See Idaho Falls Post-Register editorial for November 30, 1958.

Had the report presented the First Presidency been unbiased, it must certainly have included results of a more recent attempt to form a district junior college in Idaho – at Twin Falls in 1954. Here was a junior college movement which took place only four years ago, instead of nearly 20 years ago (February 1939) as in the case of Boise Junior College. And it was in an area more comparable in size with Idaho Falls, as noted in the following U.S. Census reports:

1950 Census 1940 Census Growth

Twin Falls County 40,979 36,403 4,576

Bonneville County 30,210 25,697 4,513

Location of Twin Falls in relation to existing colleges would make formation of a district junior college there much more favorable than at Idaho Falls. Twin Falls is 115 miles from Idaho State at Pocatello, 194 miles from Ricks College at Rexburg, 136 miles from Boise Junior College. Twin Falls county had offered a former hospital building for the proposed junior college to start its campus. The proposed Idaho Falls junior college had neither buildings nor real estate.

After a lengthy campaign in which pros and cons of the proposal were studied in homes, debated in public meetings and aired in the press, the issue went to the polls. There voters rejected it by resounding majorities in every voting precinct, with margins ranging from four to one to 14 to one!

The Twin Falls Times-News described some of the opposition that developed as follows:

‘School boards went on record opposing a junior college, objecting to the proposed five-mill levy and to the use of liquor tax funds, which would have meant less apportionment to other public school districts of the county. The latter would have required additional taxes to meet budget needs …Opponents pointed out that there are four colleges within the Twin Falls area and that living costs are just as cheap in college towns as in Twin Falls. The schools are Idaho State at Pocatello, Ricks College at Rexburg, Boise Junior College at Boise, and College of Idaho at Caldwell…Alleviating congested conditions in district schools was more important than opening a junior college…’

Would Not Justify Moving Ricks

From the foregoing it will be seen that a district junior college proposal in Idaho Falls had little chance of success, either now or in the future. But for argument’s sake, let us suppose that such a movement could have succeeded in obtaining a non-sectarian junior college in Idaho Falls. Would it justify moving Ricks College to prevent establishment of such a school?

Few but L.D.S. students attend L.D.S. schools, as evidenced by the Brigham Young University catalog which reports that only three per cent of the student body is non-L.D.S. The percentage is comparable at Ricks College.* A comparison of membership figures for the Idaho Falls wards with the total population of Idaho Falls reveals that approximately 45 percent of the people are non-Mormons who would not send their children to Ricks College, wherever located. For anyone to advocate moving Ricks to prevent Idaho Falls from having a non-sectarian junior college is to espouse a principle of intolerance foreign in every precept of the Mormon church.

*Indeed it would be expensive for the Church to undertake the education of any but its own members. Dr. Wilkinson estimates it costs $800 annually to educate one college student (Deseret News, December 10, 1958.) Annual tuition and fees at Ricks College are $210, which would indicate it costs the L.D.S. Church nearly $600 per student per year for his education.

Latter-day Saint Viewpoint

Dr. Claude Zobell bespeaks the attitude of a qualified Latter-day Saint educator on this subject:

‘It is not the place of the Church, there or elsewhere, to compete with the State in providing an adequate junior college program. An adequate junior college should make provisions for ALL creeds in the area with emphasis, in the order named, on 1) Vocational training (business, trades, technical, agriculture, nursing, etc.), 2) General two-year college education of a terminal variety, 3) Preparation for higher education in universities or professional schools, 4) Student guidance, 5) Cultural development and 6) An adult education program. Bonneville county needs such a junior college, which should be state-operated and tax-supported. Whether the time is propitious for such a junior college is beside the question under discussion. The point is that the Church should not interfere with normal developments.

_______________________________________________________________

Minutes of an Interview with the First Presidency by President Delbert G. Taylor and his Counselors, Willis G. Nelson and Walter F. Ririe, presidency of the Rexburg Stake, Tuesday, February 10, 1959 at 11;45 A.M.

There were present of the First Presidency David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards and J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

President Taylor asked his counselor, Brother Nelson, to read to the First Presidency a letter which they had prepared, which letter or statement Brother Nelson read and is attached hereto.

President Clark made this statement, ‘May I ask a question? This of course we will all agree with is a Church matter, but this Committee of 1000 has appealed to the people of the United States. Am I right about that?’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is right.’

President Clark: ‘That is wholly contrary to the discipline of the Church.’

Brother Ririe said that he did not think they intended to mail it to others than Church membership.

President Taylor said the information was mailed all over, that they tried hard to stop it, but they said this was a public matter. Brother Taylor said he went to the radio man and said, ‘Mr. Shumatt, this is a Church matter, will you let us look over your editorials before you send them out over the air?’ He answered, ‘My responsibility as an editor is to make my own editorials and I am solely responsible for them. I will let you see them after I have given them.’ President Taylor said that they then went to the editors and said to them, ‘The First Presidency of the Church will be willing, I am sure to receive in confidence any information that is factual and right and carries the proper spirit, but if you continue this, if you keep sending this out, you will do the cause harm. If you’re in doubt about things, counsel with us. I cannot control your papers, but if we could control what goes in them some way maybe things would be better.’

Brother Taylor said they were not counseled and he had learned that letters had come down here to the First Presidency that he never dreamed would come, and it has been disturbing.

President McKay: ‘Just as a matter of information, do you brethren know who constitute the Committee of 1000?’

Brother Ririe read from the preface to a pamphlet which had been prepared by the Committee of 1000 entitled, ‘Dr. Wilkinson’s Role in the Proposal to Move Ricks College’, which preface is dated February 10, 1959.

President McKay: ‘What did they have to do with today’s meeting?’

Brother Taylor: ‘We took this information and compiled it ourselves and when we got to the point of getting it and read this pamphlet on the way down here we found it was all here, all we had to do was present it. We said this in this letter that this pamphlet will be given to you before it is given to anybody else.’

President McKay: ‘You were going to show where Brother Wilkinson was wrong.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Yes.’

President McKay: ‘I would like to know how the Committee of 1000 got interested or knew anything about it.’

Brother Ririe: ‘This has been in process for some time and at our request they delayed sending it in the mail until you had had an opportunity to read it. President Taylor’s purpose in asking me to read this was to give you a background, an idea of how these people are.’

Brother Taylor: ‘This book is an attempt to express in writing the feeling of Latter-day Saints who find it impossible to believe that the Church will ever move Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. This publication became necessary when Dr. Wilkinson issued a pamphlet entitled, ‘Ricks College – A Statement’ and distributed it throughout the entire Church.

‘Those familiar with the proposal to relocate Ricks College have known from the beginning that the idea, however fantastic was Dr. Wilkinsons. Out of respect for his status as Administrator they restrained themselves from revealing his true role in the conflict, but when it was realized Dr. Wilkinson had been able to maneuver a whole community into a position where it appeared opposed to the First Presidency, Board of Education, and lifelong friends in neighboring communities, Rexburg citizens felt the problem was bigger than Ricks College and it was high time to tell the full story.

‘Facing an opponent who seemed to have the resources of the Church University at his disposal they found it expedient to form an organization through which individual efforts could be coordinated. Someone suggested a Committee of 1000, representing people everywhere who have affiliated themselves with the cause.

‘This publication is being financed by voluntary contributions made to this committee, and it is planned that its distribution will be as wide as was Dr. Wilkinson’s ‘Statement’. Considerable material has been omitted because of space limitations, but if advisable, future publications will be issued to cover the subject more completely.

‘For those who might question the motives of its writers, let it be understood that they are all responsible L.D.S. Church members who feel Dr. Wilkinson has deliberately distorted the facts to win his case. This booklet is an honest effort to tell the full story, without malice or prejudice, in the hope and prayer that truth will prevail, justice and fair play will have their day, and in the end Ricks College will be allowed to fulfill its greater destiny at the site of its pioneer founding.’

President Clark: ‘Don’t you have any information about it?’

President Taylor: ‘Yes, we have the booklet.’

President Clark: ‘Do you know the people who wrote it?’

President Taylor: ‘Yes, we know who wrote it. It is Brother Arthur Porter, not the one who has put all this information out, his brother.’

President Clark: ‘Is he the one who was in the meeting?’

President Taylor: ‘Yes, he is the one who was in the meeting. He was formerly editor of ‘The Millenial Star’ under Hugh B. Brown, a faithful Latter-day Saint and I think the information in this will be revealing.’

President Richards: ‘Is that an introduction?’

Brother Taylor: ‘Yes, that is the preface.’

Brother Ririe: ‘Brother Porter has compiled the information that was gathered.’

Brother Taylor: ‘When we saw this pamphlet we discovered their information was as thorough and probably more thorough than ours and we would just give it to you, and mark it where you could read it without wasting your time and without further deliberation. We put these pamphlets here.’

President McKay: ‘This is your answer to my challenge?’

Brother Taylor: ‘We have taken these items as referred to in the book and made our own answer to your problem. It is the same thing we would have said, and maybe said in a better way.’

President McKay: ‘And Brother Arthur Porter wrote this before you knew?’

President Taylor: ‘We hadn’t seen the pamphlet. We knew some things that were going into the pamphlet. We knew what was going into it, but we had not a chance to read any part of it. We told them we wouldn’t do it, but when we found it covered our own information pretty well we thought maybe you would be as interested or more interested in it than in a separate presentation. We wrote our own and Brother Nelson read this as we came down and we said, ‘This is the better way to put it – like this is.’ Here are the questions here, answers to questions by Dr. Wilkinson.’

The following is the list of questions to which the stake presidency referred. They were not read but were submitted by the stake presidency.

SOME REFERENCES FROM REXBURG BOOKLET SHOWING DR. WILKINSON’S MISREPRESENTATIONS IN HIS ‘STATEMENT’

Page 51 The Stake Presidents in the Ricks College area did not ask for a reconsideration of the Ricks College move.

Page 60 There was not a genuine movement to establish a district Junior College at Idaho Falls that would compete with Ricks College.

Page 61 The First Presidency was not given a true picture of the circumstances surrounding the so-called district junior college at Idaho Falls.

Pages 40-41 A college at Idaho Falls would not offer greater student employment than a college at Rexburg.

Pages 47-48 Ricks College at Rexburg would not require more dormitories than Ricks College at Idaho Falls. Also, all dormitories asked for by Ricks officials had already been approved by two different boards of education.

Page 42 Colleges are not establishing a trend of moving from small towns to large towns, as claimed by Dr. Wilkinson in his ‘Statement’. Examples cited by him would actually show a trend in the opposite direction.

Page 44 Dr. Wilkinson errs in his report of Weber Junior College enrollment figures. Utah junior colleges are doing as well, if not better, in the small towns (Cedar City) as in the city (Ogden).

Page 49 Rather than disproving the housing survey made by the Upper Valley Real Estate Board, as claimed by Dr. Wilkinson, B.Y.U. housing investigators reported student housing excellent. The actual report of Director Schwendiman to Dr. Wilkinson is published for the first time.

Page 53-55 The Rexburg campus is worth at least $3,000,000 rather than $56,000 as claimed by Dr. Wilkinson. Figures are published from Ricks College records to prove the above.

Page 19 Thirteen positive reasons why Ricks College should remain in Rexburg are published. Dr. Wilkinson, in his ‘unbiased’ statement, he lists only three.

Brother Nelson: ‘He had analyzed the same statements we had to. They had to be analyzed the same way. There is only one answer to it.’

President McKay: ‘That first question touches the whole area, that ‘the stake presidents in the Ricks College area’, that is those nine’…’

Brother Taylor: ‘Ten, they said.’

President McKay: ‘…did not ask for reconsideration of the Ricks College move.’

Brother Taylor: ‘And that is discussed on page 51 in the pamphlet. Now someone has contacted some of the stake presidents up there separately and some of them have deliberately said they never did anything about changing Ricks College except that which they were asked to do, that they never initiated anything themselves, they didn’t know anything about it, Brother Burns Beal, President Brizzee, President Winters and President Graham.’

President McKay: ‘Why did they sign that letter they sent to me?’

Brother Taylor: ‘We do not know anything about that letter. We have not contacted any of the stake presidents to learn about this because we felt that was their business. As far as we could learn there was a meeting held here at October Conference and an attempt made to get all the ten stake presidents to it. The rest of us were left out. There were not more than seven, and maybe only six there, because they could not contact them. I did talk to Brother Beal of Lost River and he said, ‘I had notice in my box at the hotel to attend a meeting and the meeting was called by Dr. Wilkinson but I did not go there.’ Brother Winters said he was never contacted. Brother Brizzee said he was never contacted, so there could not have been more than seven at the meeting, that is all we know about it and then the next thing that came along, some of them said after the decision was made – Elder Romney came up to Rexburg, he and Brother Brown, and he called me and he called President Mortensen to come down to Idaho Falls and we went to Idaho Falls and there Brother Romney said the decision has been made to move Ricks College. I said, ‘Brother Romney, this is terrific. It will go all over the Church with great disappointment and sorrow. Can’t we discuss it?’ ‘You can discuss it if you want to, but the decision is made and it won’t do any good. That is the end of it.’

‘We said a few words and talked about that and a few other things and he told us to call a meeting of the priesthood of the two stakes that night. When the meeting was opened Brother Romney got up and said, ‘The decision has been made to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls.’ Some of the brethren got up and said, ‘Can we discuss it? What is the reason for it?’

‘You can discuss it if you want to and take the time, but the decision has been made and it won’t do any good.’ So they hushed up and finally they called for a vote to sustain the First Presidency in this program. What are you going to do, are you not going to sustain the First Presidency? That is the story. I had a few minutes to speak and I said, ‘I guess all we can say, brethren, is to be faithful. I know not why but perhaps the Lord has commanded it and that’s all we can say.”

President McKay: ‘And they voted to sustain the action of the First Presidency?’

Brother Taylor: ‘There was no alternative. The decision was made.’

President McKay: ‘How many voted?’

Brother Taylor: ‘A lot of people did not vote. I sat on the stand and some voted against it.’

President McKay: ‘How many voted against it?’

Brother Taylor: ‘I do not know how many, six or eight.’

President McKay: ‘Four.’

President Taylor: ‘I think it was six or eight anyway.’

President McKay: ‘It was reported that four voted against it, and two of those changed their vote.’

Brother Taylor: ‘There is an error there, President McKay, and we brought the evidence down and just handed the pamphlets to your secretary this morning and said, ‘Give this to President McKay.’

President McKay: ‘Those presidents of stakes wrote in and asked and they signed their own names.’

Brother Taylor: ‘This was on Sunday night that Brother Romney and Brother Brown were at Rexburg. The next morning the other stake presidents were called in.’

President McKay: ‘Where?’

Brother Taylor: ‘At Idaho Falls.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Brother Beal said he was called into Idaho Falls early Monday morning and other stake presidents said they were called and met there that evening after the decision was made. We just heard that was the case. None of us were called in and so far as representing the area, we didn’t know anything about it.’

President Richards: ‘You were the first ones to know about it.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I know, but we didn’t know anything about the program to urge the brethren to change their decision.’

President Richards: ‘There wasn’t any program to urge the Brethren to change their decision, was there?’

President McKay: ‘That was before your meeting was called that we received that letter.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is something we do not know about.’

President McKay: ‘This letter from the stake presidents came here before you were advised of it.’

President Richards: ‘And even before that letter they came down and requested to see us personally and we said we didn’t care to see them personally and directed them to Brother Wilkinson.’

Brother Nelson: ‘We were somewhat disturbed that an Advisory Committee had been appointed to serve with President Wilkinson on this and it seems a little strange to us that the committee had not been called together to counsel on this problem but were told after it’s all over. The Committee has never met and discussed these problems at all, which seems to be the usual procedure in any business or Church affairs – the people involved would come in and discuss it, and yet we did not know anything about it until it was all over.’

President McKay: ‘I’m going to read you the signatures of those presidents, the date of the letter is October 29, 1958.’

President Richards: ‘It might be said those people asked us as a personal favor to them, because they recognized they would be regarded by the people of Rexbrug as their enemies, they asked that we accept their statements without disclosing their names.’

President McKay: ‘But we have reached a point when they should know.’

President McKay then read the following paragraph from the letter signed by these stake presidents:

‘In our opinion if you now feel inclined to again consider the permanent location of Ricks College we would like to suggest that you do so at once before the circulating petition is signed as the preliminary step in the election process. We should finally add that in our opinion that transfer of Ricks to Idaho Falls would mean four times as many students as at Rexburg. We think we have an even greater obligation to the larger number who will not go to Rexburg than to the smaller number who will go there. Further, a large junior college at Idaho Falls would give us much more influence in educational matters throughout the state. The governor has already commented adversely on the Church not availing itself of the opportunity of building a junior college in Idaho Falls. In view of this new development we frankly believe that the matter of the proper location of Ricks will be properly settled as you face it squarely on the merits involved. We repeat, however, we’re willing to abide by your decision after you deliberate with the knowledge of the facts. Faithfully your brethren (signatures).’

‘Now this is confidential as you could not publish it, but we are answering that first charge.’

President McKay then read the names: Cecil E. Hart, South Idaho Falls Stake; George Christensen, Rigby Stake; Lloyd P. Mickelsen, North Idaho Falls Stake; Lawrence T. Lambert, South Blackfoot Stake; Burns Beal, Lost River Stake; ‘Willard S. Wray, Blackfoot Stake is in the Salmon area hunting and was unavailable, but I vouch for his approval,’ that is Brother Lambert; ‘Brother Leonard E. Graham of East Rigby Stake advised me to sign for him in the matter discussed in this letter, George Christensen.’

‘Brother Taylor, that is seven. Those are the men who asked for reconsideration.’

President McKay: ‘Now, afterwards, in order to answer the implications that came to us, we wrote a brief letter saying, ‘Have you the backing of your people on this request?’, asking them to call their stake workers and designating the stake workers, and present the matter to them, asking if they could sustain their stake presidents in that request. That was my own suggestion.’

President Clark: ‘It originated right here with the three ofus.’

Brother Nelson: ‘That was when they met on a Sunday.’

President Richards: ‘I think it was on a Sunday.’

President McKay: ‘Not asking, ‘Do you sustain the First Presidency?’ The letter did not state that.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is what they asked us.’

President McKay: ‘We wanted to know whether they were speaking for their people. ‘You call these people together and ask whether they sustain you in this request.”

Brother Taylor: ‘That was only two days after the decision was made.’

President Richards: ‘That was long after the decision was made.’

Brother Nelson: ‘Maybe no one else is disturbed about it, but it disturbs me. Why do they go to Idaho Falls area and ask them if they wished the change when they had already come to the Rexburg area and said it is changed?’

President Richards: ‘The question was, ‘Did they sustain their presidents in sending this letter suggesting a reconsideration?’ Not whether they approved the decision at all. That was the only question. President McKay thought we ought to know that these presidents who made these representations represented the voice of the people and that is the reason this letter was sent to them. Even though there were only seven directly accounted for this was sent to all those ten stakes who were represented as being favorable and all of them replied to President McKay, saying they fully sustained their presidencies, and in addition a number of them, not all of them, included a resolution, not only that they approved of the reconsideration but they approved of the change. That was voluntary and not in response to the letter that was sent to them.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is what has caused a lot of disturbance.’

President Clark: ‘You see you are working on a tremendous amount of misinformation, a tremendous amount.’

Brother Ririe: ‘This is what President Graham said, ‘I have never been asked by President McKay or President Wilkinson as to my opinion on the subject of moving Ricks College. True President Wilkinson called six or seven stake presidents together at the October Conference and it was an experimental meeting. President Wilkinson said it was in regard to a junior college at Idaho Falls.”

President Richards: ‘For whom George Christensen vouched in the letter there.’

Brother Ririe: ‘Apparently he has not been informed about it.’

President McKay: ‘President Leonard E. Graham of East Rigby Stake advises me to sign for him in the matter discussed in this letter,’ signed by George Christensen. That was right here before it was presented to you.’

Brother Taylor: ‘He made this statement.’

President Richards: ‘Is that a signed statement by him?’

Brother Ririe: ‘President Beal said he had not signed anything.’

President McKay: ‘We have Brother Beal here. This is the original letter that came asking us to reconsider and they stated it definitely.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We do not know what went on in that meeting the first of October.’

President McKay: ‘Neither do we only what we have heard.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We thought that they were going to call a meeting with reference to Ricks College. We ought to know about it.,’

President Richards: ‘That meeting was not called with reference to Ricks College. That meeting was called with reference to the Idaho Falls situation to see whether or not anything could be done to forestall a State Junior College in Idaho Falls, and as I understand it that was preceded by the reports and the Presidency had asked Brother Wilkinson to keep himself advised on the progress of that movement in Idaho Falls. We had declined, to see the people themselves on it, but we asked Brother Wilkinson if he would keep us advised on that and he in turn asked the presidents of stakes up there if they would keep him advised on the progress of that movement, and when he met them as I understand it, he outlined the situation to them, and asked to be kept advised with reference to the junior college movement, and when we were advised it seemed eminent they would go forward with proceedings and the petition was to be filed within a day or two or something of that sort and it was said up there that they could get not only the 300 signatures, they could get 3,000.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That has been distorted a lot. This pamphlet answers it. We hope you Brethren will read that pamphlet.’

President Richards: ‘You knew, didn’t you, that President Wilkinson was not even in town, but he was in the east when this letter was prepared and sent to us.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We did not know that.’

President Clark: ‘You have got more misinformation than anyone I ever saw.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We did not have any way to get it.’

President Clark: ‘Why do you allege that this happened and that happened when you do not have it? Why do they allege it?’

Brother Nelson: ‘All we are speaking from are statements by these people.’

President Clark: ‘We have theirs in writing.’

Brother Nelson: ‘We have theirs here.’

President Richards: ‘We would not take oral statements against what we have in writing. You would not expect us to do that.’

President Clark: ‘Yours is a telephone statement.’

Brother Nelson: ‘It seems like probably the group itself in that area, the Advisory Committee, had met on it.’

President Richards: ‘There was no Advisory Committee at all.’

Brother Nelson: ‘Wasn’t there a Committee appointed as an Advisory Committee?’

Brother Taylor: ‘A committee of eight stake presidents was called up there for that purpose.’

President Richards: ‘That had nothing to do with the Idaho Falls Junior College.’

Brother Nelson: ‘Naturally they would be brought in on it.’

President Clark: ‘But they weren’t from what you say. Your complaint is they should have been called in. It should have been handled in the right way. All the care President McKay has taken all the way through here to be just as fair and wise as it was possible; to tie up accusations against loose statements is pretty serious.’

Brother Taylor: ‘President Clark, the information about the junior college at Idaho Falls was tremendously misleading.’

President Clark: ‘You had one or two opportunities to answer and the first one I know about you came down here and the man who lives with you.’

Brother Taylor: ‘No, that was not about junior colleges. The junior college was tremendously miscalculated and very exaggerated.’

President Richards: ‘That is your opinion against seven other men.’

Brother Taylor: ‘No, it isn’t my opinion.’

President Richards: ‘It was stated up there that there wasn’t anything to be feared, whereas our people who live in that area thought there was a good chance for a junior college to be established there. In fact when Brother Moyle was up there he advised all of our men to get in on the movement, so they could have some control with reference to a junior college up there.’

Brother Taylor: ‘President Richards, there was only one official meeting held up there on that.’

President Richards: ‘And at that meeting a committee was appointed on which some of our stake brethren had membership to draft a petition.’

Brother Taylor: ‘The representatives at that meeting were from the South Idaho Falls Stake. We have the minutes of the meeting.’

President Richards: ‘We have the minutes of the meeting, and we have a full account of that meeting.’

Brother Nelson: ‘If what President Wilkinson presented here, the official information here, the minutes do not disclose; his statement, the things that he reported to have taken place in the meeting are not actually in the official minutes of the meeting.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Let me say we are not here, brethren, we beg you, we are not here to argue the case. We are here to present information. It is in that booklet. We do not know a lot about it. Brother Porter knows a lot about it. He has studied it for months. He wrote this book. He knows ten times more than we do, or ever hope to know. You will have to take the book for it.’

President Clark: ‘Are you adopting it as your case?’

Brother Taylor: ‘We do not have anything to do with it. No, it is not our book. We said that in this letter to President McKay.’

President Clark: ‘But now you refer us to this booklet as containing your case.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We accept this booklet as outlined in that letter. We accept that information. That is all we know about it.’

President Clark: ‘So that in that respect it is your book.’

Brother Taylor: ‘The information in there we accept.’

President McKay: ‘In other words, this is your answer to my question.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is right. Those questions and dates are our answer.’

President McKay: ‘Now will you please get this clearly in mind; that when I made that statement in July, July 11th I think it was, 1957, that Ricks College will remain at Rexburg, we were around this table…’

Brother Taylor: ‘No, we were in your office. No, we met you in your office. You sat down at the table for a few minutes.’

President McKay: ‘You, and you, Mr. Meikle, and also Porter, weren’t we here?’

Brother Taylor: ‘No, we were in your office, President McKay.’

President McKay: ‘Wherever we were we said Ricks would remain at Rexburg, and that was given out. We have it all down. Now the reason for and the conditions that asked for reconsideration I have read to you over these signatures, and that was reconsidered at the request of these presidents.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Seven presidents.’

President McKay: ‘Seven. Then when you brethren made an objection that that was not their real response we sent out a letter.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That was on the 29th of October and we did not know anything about it, and you sent out the letter after the decision was made.’

President McKay: ‘Sent out what letter?’

Brother Taylor: ‘You sent out a letter asking their opinion on it.’

President McKay: ‘No, we took their word. Here are two-thirds of the presidents of the stakes in the Ricks area who were asking for a reconsideration of that statement of July 11th.’

Brother Taylor: ‘You still do not have my point.’

President McKay: ‘I will get it. You get this clear in your mind. Here we have seven men, representing practically 3/4 of the presiding authorities in the Ricks area asking for reconsideration…’

Brother Taylor: ‘No…’

President McKay: ‘Now just a minute, get this in mind. Here is a letter of October 29th signed by seven men, presidents of stakes in that area, asking for a reconsideration of that statement: ‘Ricks will remain in Rexburg.’ Well, I was surprised.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Can I ask this?’

President McKay: ‘Let me go through so that all the brethren will understand it. In the interest of a petition that was already being circulated, so that the people of that area might know what we were going to do they asked that the statement be made now, that that will be reconsidered and that there is a possibility at least that Ricks will go to Idaho Falls. They state so here.’

Brother Ririe: ‘These are individual letters that came on their own?’

President Richards: ‘No, it is in this letter.’

Brother Ririe: ‘In other words, you are telling me it originated there and not with Brother Wilkinson?’

President Richards: ‘He was away and they sent down that letter with the minutes of that meeting, and all participated in it. The minutes of this meeting and the figures they gave, they sent all of that to us accompanying this letter, to show undoubtedly that there was imminent danger of a petition which would put us in the position of either accepting a school there or to fight it, and we did not feel it wise to be put in the position of fighting a state junior college in Idaho Falls.’

Brother Taylor: ‘First, let me say, the minutes of this meeting that you received were quite different from the official minutes kept by the one authorized to keep them. Someone went in there and took the minutes probably, but the official minutes do not say what went into this pamphlet. Don’t you think there could have been some selfish motives in this whole program by somebody who took these minutes, etc.?’ I’ll just pass this on. President McKay said here that seven men signed, or two-thirds of the whole. There are 14 stake presidents involved, that would be only 50% of the stake presidents and no one was there to give the other side of the question.’

President Richards: ‘It was represented to us, President McKay was ill part of this time, that communication had been had with these other presidents. Brother Brizzee asked his associates to excuse him from signing because of his school position. I remember that was reported to us, and he said that while he was favorable to a reconsideration he asked to be excused from signing because of his school position. Some statements were made that led us all to think that the ten stakes as represented were all favorable to this reconsideration.’

Brother Ririe: ‘Brother Brizzee says he was never contacted.’

President Richards: ‘He would have to confront other witnesses on that.’

President Clark: ‘I am trying to find out who you are accusing of being a liar; that is what your argument comes to, are you challenging the fact that someone has lied? Who is it?’

Brother Nelson: ‘This says here there are misrepresentations of the facts.’

Brother Taylor: ‘And there is.’

President Richards: ‘A misrepresentation contemplates a willful misrepresentation.’

Brother Nelson: ‘Let me show you one on this line here. You will need to see the thing right here. I hope this is not clear out of line on this kind of reasoning. There are two pieces to this schedule. Here is a list to show the total enrollment from the Idaho Falls area. Here is the total enrollment if it were located in Rexburg. Salmon River and Lost River Stakes are listed as being more conveniently to Idaho Falls than to Rexburg, although a glance at the map will show that these places are equidistant to Idaho Falls and Rexburg.’

President Clark: ‘That is a small matter.’

Brother Nelson: ‘It still adds up because people reading it see an error here. Coming down ‘Just as conveniently’ Rigby and East Rigby are listed for Idaho Falls and Rigby and East Rigby are listed for Rexburg – which is right? Now we throw the distance out by going to the next one, ‘Just as conveniently – because you will have to board and room anyway.’

‘Now up in this area in favor of Idaho Falls he has gone beyond Rexburg and given Teton to Rexburg to pick up these figures.’

President Clark: ‘You are quarreling with statistics.’

President Richards: ‘It is all plainly stated.’

Brother Nelson: ‘It is written to throw the weight to Idaho Falls. If you can go north 50 miles and pick up some enrollments, then why can’t you go south and pick up some enrollments. Why couldn’t we go to Shelly and Blackfoot and pick up some? It is not unbiased.’

President McKay: ‘Now I would like to complete my statement. We have read you the letter signed by seven stake presidents suggesting it would be well to reconsider my statement. I am concerned on this because my honor is at stake the way you have emphasized it.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is right.’

President McKay: ‘And some very sincere men up there have said they looked upon that as inspiration, and why do you change? I am presenting to you brethren some reasons. You have seen the letter which they wrote.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Fifty per cent of the stake presidents.’

President McKay: ‘And I assumed they knew what they were talking about and they had the interest of the school and the interest of the people that the school serves at heart. Later, the thought came and we discussed it here, the three of us, we have no evidence that these men were representing the feeling of their constituents.’

President Clark: ‘That was your suggestion. You insisted on it.’

President McKay: ‘And we said we would like to know whether their people will support them in that, and so the letter – it was suggested we send it to them – and we sent that letter to all in that area, not only to these seven, but to all of them.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That was after the decision was made.’

President McKay: ‘But in order to satisfy. I thought, ‘I wonder if they do represent the people in that area,’ and I am going to read you that letter. This is the one sent to President Leonard E. Graham and counselors, whom you name, of the East Rigby Stake:

‘Dear Brethren, in a letter from you and other stake presidents dated October 29, 1958, it was suggested that conditions seemed to warrant a reconsideration of the decision rendered in July 1957 to leave Ricks College in Rexburg. We desire to know whether the officers of your stake sustain you in this recommendation. Will you, therefore, please call a special meeting of the stake and ward officials named below on Sunday, December 21, 1958, and have them express themselves freely upon the subject. If some be unable to attend, kindly consult them and include a report of their decision in the reply to us.’

Brother Taylor: ‘May I ask you a question? President McKay, on that date this pamphlet was sent out and sent to all those brethren as if it had all the answers and when it was read, they asked for a vote on it without any discussion. That pamphlet was read to these brethren and there was no other position they could take. That pamphlet was read that Dr. Wilkinson sent out and one was given to every person present.’

President McKay: ‘I would like to read to you, if we had the time, the minutes of the remarks that were made at that meeting, and it was not whether they would sustain the First Presidency’s action, but it was on the question we asked, whether they sustained the stake presidency in that suggestion that we consider changing.’

Brother Taylor: ‘But before the vote was taken this pamphlet was read in full.’

President McKay: ‘Those invited to that meeting were the stake presidency, high council, stake clerk, assistant stake clerks, patriarchs, presidencies of high priest quorums, presidents of seventies quorums, president of the stake mission; chairman, senior member of Aaronic Priesthood; chairman, Genealogical Committee; stake presidency of Relief Society; stake superintendency of the Sunday School; stake superintendency of the Y.M.M.I.A.; stake presidency of Y.W.M.I.A.; stake presidency of Primary Associations; bishoprics; and clerks of each ward. Now if we could get the expression from those people we could have a pretty good expression.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That was after the decision was made and then the brethren could not go against you.’

President Clark: ‘Am I not looking at one who has?’

Brother Nelson: ‘That is misinformation, too, President Clark.’

President Clark: ‘They tell us, it comes down to us, President Taylor, that you speak for it in meetings and against it on the street. I’m just saying that is a report, so we are getting a lot of reports here.’

Brother Ririe: ‘You get misinformation like we do.’

Brother Taylor: ‘There is no need of my denying that I have continually thought that it is for the best of the school and the best for the Church, but I’ve still said all the time, when this thing comes up and they make a decision we will have to sustain them, and I still think, frankly, the school should remain in Rexburg to fulfill its destiny. I have spent in my lifetime at least 5% of the last 25 years of my working time in the interest of Ricks College. I’ve donated thousands of dollars to it. All that does not mean anything to me at all if it is right to put it in Idaho Falls. Now further than that, if I had been a member of those stakes and this pamphlet had come to me and was read without any opposition to the contrary I do not think I would have taken opposition. That pamphlet by Dr. Wilkinson is convincing, almost overwhelming, and when anyone sits in an audience and hears it read without any other picture, you cannot help but vote for it.’

President Clark: ‘You began on this when you were president of the mission. You talked with me many years ago.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I talked with you in 1955 and that was about the junior college end of it.’

President Clark: ‘It was before that. Now one more report comes to us. This is a report that President Taylor has prophesied, ‘Just do not give up, brethren, ‘ this is a report, ‘I prophecy that the school will remain here.’ I’m just telling you.’

Brother Nelson: ‘You probably heard the rumor about the cans as a place to put garments.’

President Clark: ‘Where did we get that? I just heard of that in the past few days?’

Brother Taylor: ‘A man called me from Idaho Falls. He said, ‘Is it true they have cans on the street labeled, ‘PUT YOUR GARMENTS HERE’?’ I said, ‘What do you think?’ He said, ‘Three prominent people told me they saw it.’

Brother Nelson: ‘We have never made any of these moves of coming back to you brethren without the consent of President McKay. At the first meeting in April he told President Taylor and me, ‘We want you to present all the facts,’ and we came back under his invitation in December, and we’ve come under his invitation again. He has never closed the door. We appreciate that.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We have been on the spot up there. They said, ‘You are fighting the First Presidency,’ and we have been driven to our knees as we have never been driven before, because this is the most depressing thing that has ever come to my life, and I know it is to you, President McKay, and you Brethren, but I want to say, and this is clear, Brethren, you have the evidence about the school moving and if you will read that pamphlet carefully, you will find that there are a lot of things about this whole program, and it is true.’

Brother Nelson: ‘We accept truth no matter where it is.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I adopt that pamphlet as far as it is true.’

President Clark: ‘Now, of course as we look at it, we won’t be able to tell what you think is true and what is not.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Primarily, that pamphlet tells the facts. I have read it once and that is all. I haven’t read all the details.’

President Richards: ‘After all the most important thing in all this in the end is to decide the question on its merits from the standpoint of the Church.’

Brother Taylor: ‘That is all we want. If you will take all the evidence, that is all we ask.’

Brother Nelson: ‘President McKay knows that when I was here last I looked him in the eye and I said, ‘wherever it belongs I want to be on your side, on the Lord’s side.’

Brother McKay: ‘I have just been looking for copies of the remarks at some meetings, which indicated to me as I read them, that they were voting not to sustain the First Presidency, but to sustain the stake presidency in what they said regarding having this reconsidered. Undoubtedly many of them voted to sustain the First Presidency.’

President Richards: ‘That is what you asked them in the letter – to sustain the stake presidencies, and assuming there were only seven signed the letter that came to us, with representations that others were in favor, would you say, that if there be any defect in determining that number as you have pointed out here, that a verification by the stake presidencies themselves with all their officers associated did not cure that defect?’

Brother Taylor: ‘This is the point that affects us. They read this as a sales program before they were asked to vote. That was a terrific sales program. I do not think I have ever seen anyone who could make a sales program better than that.’

President Richards: ‘That was a statement of the facts as the Administrator understood them.’

Brother Taylor: ‘And we say it is full of fallacies.’

President Clark: ‘May I put one question to you? When you go on your knees to pray, do you pray that the Lord will guide and direct the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to change his mind, is that your prayer?’

Brother Taylor: ‘Well, President Clark, did the other stake presidents go on their knees?’

President Clark: ‘I’m not asking that.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I do not want to talk any more about it.’

President Clark: ‘I do not see how you can talk to the point that you go on your knees to pray to the Lord to instruct the Prophet of the Lord.’

Brother Taylor: ‘When this statement was sent out by you Brethren, ‘Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg,’ who was it then that changed the story? I cannot believe that you Brethren would start out immediately and say, ‘we’re going to change our minds.’

President Clark: ‘You have a gripe on Dr. Wilkinson.’

Brother Taylor: ‘No.’

President McKay: ‘As far as I’m concerned let me tell you, it was not he.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I mean in the first place, July 9, 1954, you and President Clark signed a statement, ‘Rest asured that Ricks College will not be moved from Rexburg.’

Who initiated the program to have all that changed?’

President McKay: ‘Brother Wilkinson you say.’

Brother Taylor: ‘He presented it.’

President Richards: ‘That is his business as Church Administrator.’

President Clark: ‘You know of the law of the Church which provides that when something has been decided and it turns out that it seems to be wisdom to reach a contrary decision, you know that has been done time and time again in the Church.’

President Richards: ‘I wonder if Brother Taylor knows I sat in the meeting when Brother Wilkinson first presented the statistical material with reference to the Ricks College matter.’

President McKay: ‘I said to Brother Wilkinson, ‘We will submit this to the presidents of stakes.’

President Richards: ‘I sat in and heard that presentation, quite a long presentation. I’m referring to the Board of Education when he first presented it, and he expressly said, I make no recommendation in the matter,’ and I heard him say it to the Board, and I think the minutes will show it. ‘I make no recommendation, I merely present to you the statistical and other data that has been compiled with reference to the matter.’ After that we had the stake presidents called down to hear the information but you did not know he had said, ‘I make no recommendation,’ did you? He said, ‘I make no recommendation to the Board of Education.’

Brother Nelson: ‘I think this chart was in those sets, this is one of the charts presented in the meeting to the stake presidents.’

President Richards: ‘That stands on its own face.’

Brother Nelson: ‘That is the reason he does not have to make recommendations, because the facts speak for themselves.’

President Clark: ‘It was very obvious from the first; that is it is very obvious looking at the whole Church.’

Brother Nelson: ‘You see how the chart is lined up so that it can go either way, and this is lined up so that it threw weight in one direction. As I said before these two should have been placed here, and these two here, to show the figures correctly.’

Brother Taylor: ‘You see how things can be biased? Dr. Wilkinson gave the appraised value of Ricks College at $56,000, leaving out the new building and he presented that in his pamphlet, that was the value of that property. Somone has had a plumber or a steam engineer at Rexburg evaluating the heating plant. Only about 15% of the heating plant has been in use and he valued to replace it at $185,000 and yet Dr. Wilkinson puts out the statement that $56,000 is all it’s worth. Further than that the college has never taken depreciation of buildings. That one building would take $300,000 to replace it. He does not mention the athletic field, the wells, the land and value of them. He just says $56,000.’

Brother Nelson: ‘Here is the value here. This footnote says, ‘This figure excludes barns, dairy farms, etc.’ Why exclude when you’re evaluating anything?’

Brother Taylor: ‘You see it is partial.’

Brother Nelson: ‘The new auditorium was scratched off to say it could be used for something else.’

President Clark: ‘He does not conceal the fact he has not included it.’

Brother Nelson: ‘No, it is just a flat note.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Why didn’t he tell both sides of the story? Now in Idaho Falls every person who goes to that school, if it is built there, will have to be transported and it will take about $62,000 at 30 cents a round trip for pupils to pay.’

President Richards: ‘What a wild statement that is when hundreds and hundreds will walk from their places.’

Brother Taylor: ‘They cannot walk from Idaho Falls.’

President Richards: ‘They are building housing projects there now.’

Brother Taylor: ‘Today 1200 students can live in Rexburg and walk to school. There will be no expense for parking. That school right now if it is moved down there will take at least 800 cars on an average to transfer students to school. Boys and girls will pay out 30 cents a day round trip – at a cost of $60,000.’

President Clark: ‘Leave it at Ricks and what will it cost?’

President Richards: ‘You do not contemplate any boarding places here.’

President McKay: ‘How many students from Rexburg attend Ricks?’

Brother Taylor: ‘I do not know. Most of them are housed in town.’

President McKay: ‘They have the same expense at Rexburg they will have at Idaho Falls. How many students in Rexburg who are now attending school will have to be transported to Idaho Falls. That is all you will have to count on your expense. Do not count the total enrollment.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I am just saying the school is in town now and they can go and live there and walk to school, but in Idaho Falls they have to be transported. The students will have to pay about $62,000 in transportation each year, plus the fact you have to build in Idaho Falls parking for 800 cars.’

President Richards: ‘Look at our junior college here. Of course people will have to take a bus. You cannot expect a big community to walk to school, can you?’

Brother Taylor: ‘I think the school can be as big as you want it anyplace you put it.’

President Richards: ‘We do not agree with you.’

Brother Nelson: ‘President Wilkinson was asked why the tremendous growth in Provo, teachers and students.’

President McKay: ‘We will read your pamphlet, brethren.’

Brother Nelson: ‘Let me state once more, President Clark, we certainly support you Brethren, and when I made a statement about some of these things and you questioned me on our decision we’re not questioning the President of the Church.’

President Clark: ‘May I say this, ‘I have wondered as I have known of your position, I have wondered what I would say if I got down on my knees to change a decision of the First Presidency.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We never asked the Lord for that.’

President Clark: ‘But you have treated it as if no decision had been made.’

Brother Taylor: ‘No, we haven’t.’

President Richards: ‘Did it ever occur to you, that that pamphlet would never have been written had it not been for your activities in Rexburg?’

Brother Taylor: ‘They came out with such lack of respect for the Presidency and everything else that a statement of the factual conditions attending upon the whole matter seemed desirable.’

President Richards: ‘I cannot but think you could have exercised a very considerable control over these things.’

Brother Taylor: ‘It sounds logical for you to say that. We went time and time again to see if we could stop this thing. There has not been anybody unless it is President McKay who has suffered more than we have. We have told them we cannot do these things and yet is has gone on.’

President McKay: ‘You tell that man Porter that he has done more injury to the idea of Ricks at Rexburg than all the enemies of the school since it was founded.’

Brother Taylor: ‘We have told him that.’

President McKay: ‘He has written some of the most vitrolic things we have had in the Church.’

Brother Taylor: ‘I took that back to him and said, ‘This is what you have done. The Brethren will be willing to accept factual things that are right. I told you that when you started this and you have completely violated it.’

President Clark: ‘It occurs to me, Churchwise, the great transgression in the matter has been to appeal, and this is what these men have done and it is what they intend it shall mean, appeal to the people and not the members of the Church, to take it away from the members of the Church and make it a community matter. That I think is terribly destructive of all Church discipline.’

Brother Nelson: ‘I cannot speak for the other brethren, but I can say in my heart I sincerely pray to the Lord with an open heart.’

Brother Taylor: ‘You assume I have never done it, but I have done it, President Clark; that is, I have sat down with you Brethren step by step and you will see this thing has been sadly distorted, and I say that with all the firmness I have. You Brethren have not know the details and he has planned on moving that school for a long time. I have the evidence.’

President Clark: ‘I do not think you have. We have evidence, too.’

Brother Taylor: ‘President Clark, I have always loved you and I always will. I have no personal ambition in this thing.’

*******

Fri., 13 Feb., 1959:

“8:30 – Attended the regular meeting of the First Presidency with the Presiding Bishopric. Following the meeting of the P.B.O., the regular meeting of the First Presidency convened until 11 o’clock.

Ricks College

At this meeting the booklet ‘Dr. Wilkinson’s Role in The Proposal to Move Ricks College’ prepared by the ‘Committe of One Thousand’ Rexburg, Idaho, was considered and a statement prepared by President Stephen L. Richards stating Dr. Wilkinson’s position on the matter as acting under the direction of the Church Board of Education was read. It was decided that the statement be released for publication in the Deseret News and in the Idaho Papers. (see copy of newspaper statement following)

11 to 12:50 p.m. – Dictation to my secretary Clare

12:55 p.m. – Left for home

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Read and signed scores of letters. Also dictated answers to letters to Clare.

5:35 p.m. – Left for home – Very tired after a strenuous day of problems – The last six months have brought many hours of worry and concern over the Ricks College.

Friday, February 13, 1959

Reaction Varied in Rexburg on College Issue

Rexburg, Idaho – Members of a group opposing the transfer of Ricks College to Idaho Falls Saturday expressed varied reactions to a notice issued Friday by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concerning the case.

The First Presidency in their notice deplored publication of an attack on Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University, for his role in the transfer Ricks College to Idaho Falls.

Contained in Booklet

The attack was contained in a booklet published by a ‘Committee of One Thousand,’ and laid blame personally upon Dr. Wilkinson for misrepresenting facts in the Ricks College case.

In the statement Friday the First Presidency upheld Dr. Wilkinson and expressed their confidence in him.

‘Committee’ members here said that their sincere intentions in publishing a book in the interests of Ricks College had been ‘misinterpreted’ in the First Presidency’s notice.

Along 3 Points

Concern for the ‘apparent misunderstandings’ was expressed by committee members along three points. They include:

1. The fact that the ‘Committee of One Thousand’ was declared as ‘anonymous’ in the notice;

2. the fact that the notice described them as attacking the professional integrity of Dr. Wilkinson, who is also administrator of the unified Church school system; and

3. the statement that they are said to have questioned the sincerity and good faith of 10 stake presidents in the area.

Anything But anonymous

‘We are anything but an anonymous committee,’ Gilbert Larsen, chairman of the six-man executive steering board, said. This board includes Mr. Larsen, Dick Smith, Madison County commissioner; Alton Anderson, member of the Rexburg City Council; John Porter, Art Porter and Richard Davis. No other names in the ‘Committee of One Thousand’ were listed.

The 64-page pamphlet ws published by the Art Porter Printing Co. It contains no names of the committee members.

‘No As Individual’

Mr Anderson said that ‘President wilkinson is not being attacked as an individual but as an administrator who failed to give proper support to Ricks College after a decision on July 11, 1957, had directed that the school remain in Rexburg.’

Mr. Anderson said that the pamphlet attempted to show that Dr. Wilkinson, rather than promote and build up the school, did nothing, and that approved building programs were never initiated.

He noted that the pamphlet contained a double-page picture showing the proposed campus plan for Ricks College at Rexburg. ‘This campus plan was never published by Dr. Wilkinson,’ Mr. Anderson said.

‘Like Locating Factory’

The two Porters said that the pamphlet was ‘not written to cast any asperions whatsoever on Dr. Wilkinson’s character.’

‘No one can question his devotion to duty nor help but admire his success in reaching the goals he has set,’ they said. ‘He simply believes that locating a college is like locating a factory – where statistics indicate it would be in the industrial heart of a large population area.’

As to the third point, Mr. Anderson also said, ‘I find nothing in it (the pamphlet) that is critical of the 10 stake presidents. It merely points out that the stake presidents were not the ones who initiated the plan to move the school. The statement issued Friday confirms what the booklet claims, as it says, ‘they later confirmed the action.’

A consensus of comment from committe members contacted Friday indicated that they have no desire or inclination to ‘object to a decision of the First Presidency.’

They said, however, that ‘we do feel that up to now we have been quite ineffective in presenting the Rexburg side of the proposal in an adequate light.’

Deseret News – Saturday, February 14, 1959.

Friday, February 13, 1959

NOTICE

A pamphlet carrying the title, ‘Dr. Wilkinson’s Role In The Proposal To Move Ricks College,’ has been delivered to us. This pamphlet purports to be issued by an anonymous ‘Committee Of One Thousand,’ and we are given to understnad that a large circulation of it is contemplated. From reading the pamphlet we interpret it to be in substance an attack on the professional integrity of Dr. Wilkinson. It charges that for some years past he has deliberately planned the removal of Ricks College in contravention of official decisions, and that he caused to be issued and circulated a statement concerning the matter containing misrepresentations, with the implication that such were delibertate.

Unsolicited by him we wish to state that the statement so criticized was prepared, issued and circulated by Dr. Wilkinson with our express approval; and further, that we regard the aspersions cast upon him and his professional honor as being unwarranted. He has our full confidence, not only as a man of the utmost integrity, but as an able and devoted servant of the Church.

We deplore the reflection in the pamphlet of the ‘Committee Of One Thousand’ cast upon the sincerity and good faith of the 10 stake presidents who either signed or subsequently confirmed a letter to us reporting certain developments in Idaho Falls which suggested urgent reconsideration of a decision to leave the College at Rexburg. We regard as presumptuous and without justification the effort made by this anonymous ‘Committee Of One Thousand’ to project itself into matters pertaining to Church administration by the writing and circulation of the pamphlet herein mentioned, as well as other literature and other activities.

David O. McKay

Stephen L. Richards

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

The First Presidency,

Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints

Deseret News – Friday, February 13, 1959

Friday, February 13, 1959

CHURCH DECRIES RICKS PAMPHLET

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friday upheld Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Unified Church School System and president of Brigham Young University, in a decision to remove Ricks College from Rexburg, Idaho, to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In a notice issued Friday, the First Presidency deplored a pamphlet published by an anonymous ‘Committee of One Thousand,’ a group of Rexburg area residents who oppose the moving of the college.

‘From reading the pamphlet we interpret it to be in substance an attack on the professional integrity of Dr. Wilkinson,’ the notice said.

Expresses Confidence

‘It charges that for some years past he has deliberately planned the removal of ricks College in contravention of official decisions, and that he caused to be issued and cirulated a statement concerning the matter containing misrepresentations, with the implication that such were deliberate,’ the notice continued.

Emphasizing that their statement of Friday was unsolicited by Dr. Wilkinson, the First Presidency then expressed their confidence in him.

‘Devoted Servant’

‘We wish to state that the statement so criticized was prepared, issued and circulated by Dr. Wilkinson with our express approval; and further, that we regard the aspersions cast upon him and his professional honor as being unwarranted,’ the notice said. ‘He has our full confidence, not only as a man of the utmost integrity, but as an able and devoted servant of the Church.’

Denies Justification

‘We regard as presumptuous and without justification the effort made by this anonymous ‘Committee Of One Thousand’ to project itself into matters pertaining to Church administration by the writing and circulation of the pamphlet herein metnioned, as well as other literature and other activities,’ the statement said.

The decision to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls was announced by the First Presidency in a statement dated Oct. 31, 1958.

At that time they said that the move to Idaho Falls had been under consideration for some time. They noted that a decision had been reached in 1957 to leave the college at Rexburg, but the decision was based on an understanding that extensive expenditures would not be needed to maintain the college.

However, they said that later developments made it plain that Ricks could not go forward as a major educational institution without a very extensive and very costly building program.

‘Out of the most careful review of all factors involved, the almost inescapable conclusion and decision has been reached that the location best suited to serve the needs of the people is in the populous center of Idaho Falls,’ the First Presidency said.

Criticism developed among groups in the Rexburg area, including a statement on Jan. 2 by a Chamber of Commerce ‘fact finding committee.’ This report charged that a controversy developed ‘due to prejudicial information given by Dr. Wilkinson regarding Ricks College, fogging the true picture of the college growth and accomplishments and distorting the part played by the people of Rexburg and this area.’

The notice issued Friday by the First Presidency reaffirmed that leaders of the Church support Dr. Wilkinson and all his activities in connection with moving the college.

Deseret News – Friday, February 13, 1959

Friday, February 13, 1959

LDS SUPPORT WILKINSON IN RICKS RIFT

A statement giving full endorsement to Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson in the continuing controversy over removal of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, Idaho, Friday was issued by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The LDS Leaders attacked a pamphlet, ‘Dr. Wilkinson’s Role in the Proposal to Move Ricks College,’ which they said ‘purports to be issued by an anonymous ‘Committee of One Thousand.’

Dr. Wilkinson is administrator of the LDS Unified Church School System and president of Brigham Young University.

‘From reading the pamphlet,’ the statement said, ‘we interpret it to be, in substance, an attack on the professional integrity of Dr. Wilkinson.

‘It charges that for some years past he has deliberately planned the removal of Ricks College in contravention of official decisions and that he caused to be issued and circulated a statement concerning the matter containing misrepresentations, with the implication that such were deliberate.

Unsolicited by him,’ it continued, ‘we wish to state that the statement so criticized was prepared, issued and circulated by Dr. Wilkinson with our express approval; and further, that we regard the aspersions cast upon him and his professional honor as being unwarranted.

‘He has our full confidence, not only as a man of utmost integrity, but as an able and devoted servant of the Church.’

The statement, signed by President David O. McKay, First Counselor Stephen L. Richards and Second Counselor J. Reuben Clark Jr., added:

‘We deplore the reflection in the pamphlet of the ‘Committee of One Thousand’ cast upon the sincerity and good faith of the 10 stake presidents, who either signed or subsequently confirmed a letter, to us reporting certain developments in Idaho Falls which suggested urgent reconsideration of a decision to leave the College of Rexburg.

‘We regard as presumptuous and without justification the effort made by this anonymous ‘Committee of One Thousand’ to project itself into matters pertaining to Church administration by writing and cirulation of the pamphlet herein metnioned, as well as other literature and other activities.’

The Salt Lake Tribune – Saturday, February 14, 1959

Friday, February 13, 1959

By Associated Press

Rexburg, Idaho – Three Rexburg public officials identified themselves Friday as members of the Committee of 1,000.

Dick Smith, Madison County commissioner, said:

‘I am a member of the committee. I have read the pamphlet issued by our committee and can find nothing in it that reflects upon the 10 stake presidents in this area.’

G. Alton Anderson said: ‘I am a member of the Committee of 1,000, along with hundreds of LDS members throughout the United States.’ Mr. Anderson, Rexburg city councilman and former member of the Second Ward Bishopric, added: ‘I find nothing wrong with giving the facts leading up to the proposed move of Ricks College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

‘I recognize the difficulty the First Presidency had in defending the actions of Dr. Wilkinson. I have made a study of the booklet and can find nothing in it that is critical of the 10 stake presidents.

J. Harold Madsen, local businessman and a member of the committee, said:

‘We invite lawyer Wilkinson to public debate, court hearing or bishop’s court for him to refute or disprove any statements or assertions in the pamphlet. The pamphlet does not say anything that would question the sincerity of the 10 stake presidents mentioned in the news release of Feb. 13. This pamphlet was put out in answer to a booklet recently mailed by lawyer Wilkinson. Since when has it become wrong to present both sides of a controversy?’

The Salt Lake Tribune – Saturday, February 14, 1959″

Sun., 15 Feb., 1959:

“Studied on Ricks College matters.”

Mon., 16 Feb., 1959:

“Spent the afternoon at home –studied on Ricks College matters.”

Fri., 20 Feb., 1959:

“12:30 to 1:15 p.m. President Ernest L. Wilkinson came to the office – discussed matters pertaining to Ricks College matters and also George Romney’s letter regarding the establishment of Junior Colleges by the Church. President Wilkinson will send Brother Romney some facts regarding the Church’s policy concerning Junior Colleges.”

Fri., 13 Mar., 1959:

“11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — President Cecil E. Hart of the South Idaho Falls Stake called at the office regarding Ricks College matters. He reiterated the attitude of the stake presidents on their belief that the Ricks college would serve the young people of the college area more efficiently at Idaho Falls than if it were to remain at Rexburg. He deplored the attitude of the so-called Committee of One Thousand in its attack upon President Wilkinson and the Presidency of the Church.

Fri., 27 Mar., 1959:

‘*Ricks College — Message from Pres. Delbert G. Taylor

A memorandum from Elder Gordon B. Hinckley was read at the meeting of the First Presidency this morning, in which he communicated to the First Presidency a message he had been asked to bring from President Delbert G. Taylor, who said that ‘he was greatly oppressed by a sense of having done wrong.’ President Taylor asked, ‘If you have opportunity, tell the Brethren that we know we have made some serious mistakes. We have done wrong. We sustain the First Presidency, and we want them to know that we sustain them.’ In conversations repeatedly President Taylor indicated that he sustained President McKay in the Presidency and appeared to be extremely repentant about what has happened.’

President Taylor is now trying to appease the people’s feelings and to gain their united support of the First Presidency.

I reviewed the inquiry I made some time ago from Brother Salisbury of Rexburg for a statement of his reasons for saying that the ten stake presidents in Idaho Falls area were prompted by other feelings than their own, by some other influence, to request the reconsideration of the decision as to the location of Ricks College, and stated that Brother Salisbury had taken that inquiry as an assignment to interview each of the stake presidents on the point. As yet he has made no report.

A note from Elder Mark E. Petersen reported that a message from President Mickelsen of North Idaho Falls Stake is to the effect that the presidents of the stakes in the Idaho Falls area desire the brethren to know that they are united in their support of the removal of Ricks College to Idaho Falls. President Mickelsen said that if the First Presidency want to talk with them as a group the stake presidents would be pleased personally to assure them of their stand.

Later, it was reported to the First Presidency at their regular meeting held March 31, that a news announcement had been made that Steven Meickle, Delbert L. Taylor, and Cecil Hart have formed a new bank in Idaho Falls and that $19,000,000 more will be spent for the enlargement of the atomic energy plant in Idaho Falls.”

Wed., 26 Aug. 1959:

“Wednesday, August 26, 1959

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

PROVO, UTAH

Miss Clare Middlemiss

Secretary to President McKay

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear Clare:

Pursuant to your request I am enclosing herewith a memorandum pertaining to the business which I transacted with the First Presidency on August 26.

You will note that I left the meeting before it was ended. President Smith told me before hand that he was going to propose to the First Presidency that (1) members of the General Authorities by admonished not to give any encouragement to the people of Rexburg in their desire to have the decision of the First Presidency to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls changed; (2) that appropriate action to be taken against the Church leaders at Rexburg who were continuing to resist the action of the First Presidency. Since I was not present in the subsequent part of the meeting, I do not know just what was presented or what action was taken.

It is always a pleasure to cooperate with you on matters of this kind.

Sincerely,

Ernest L. Wilkinson

President

ELW:ra

Enclosure

Wednesday, August 26, 1959

MEMORANDUM OF MEETING OF FIRST PRESIDENCY

August 26, 1959

8:30 a.m.

Present: President David O. McKay

President Henry D. Moyle

President Joseph Fielding Smith

Elder George Q. Morris

President Ernest L. Wilkinson

Excused: President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

President Wilkinson informed the First Presidency that a circular purporting to have been issued by a ‘Special Alumni Committee of the BYU’ had been mailed from San Francisco accusing him of having loaned money of Brigham Young University to American Health Studios, Inc.; of having BYU operate such studios in partnership with organizations under investigation for fraud; and of squandering the Church and school funds, etc. The First Presidency informed him that they had received copies of the same.

President Wilkinson reported that the official Alumni Association had immediately investigated the same and had come to the conclusion that no such special committee of the alumni existed. He reported further that the regular Alumni Association had called on him to ask for full information with respect to the American Health Studios, Inc. matter, and he had given them the full information. He further reported that the Alumni Association had decided to issue an answer to the scurrilous circular and had felt that this answer should be first presented to the First Presidency. The First Presidency felt that it was perfectly proper for the Alumni organization to answer the attack, that the association should be perfectly free to express itself, and that it was unnecessary for them to present their answer to the First Presidency. Subsequently the Alumni Association sent to the First Presidency a copy of its answer, which is annexed hereto.

In response to a question from President McKay, who said he thought the attack was contemptible, President Wilkinson said he did not know who was the author of the circular, althought he suspected it came from Rexburg for the following reasons:

1. Although it purports to be issued by an alumni committee, it is not being ditributed to alumni. Rather, it is being distributed to stake presidents and bishops, the same list as used by the Committee of One Thousand at Rexburg.

2. One particular alumnus had asked to have his name placed on the list of the Committee of One Thousand. He received the circular.

3. President Delbert Taylor, in a meeting of irrigation leaders at Buhl on August 15, launched an attack on President Wilkinson.

4. The false statements made in the circular have for some time been circulated on the streets of Rexburg.

5. One person in Rexburg has admitted that he knew about the circular.

At this point President Wilkinson excused himself from the meeting, stating that he understood President Smith and Elder Morris of the Executive Committee of the BYU had other proposals to make, but that since he was involved he thought he ought not to be in the meeting.

Wednesday, August 26, 1959

ANSWER

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

TO ANONYMOUS ATTACK ON

PRESIDENT ERNEST L. WILKINSON

To Alumni and Friends of Brigham Young University:

The Executive Committee of the BYU Alumni Association has had brought to its attention an anonymous circular which contains a vicious attack on President Ernest L. Wilkinson. Ordinarily we would disregard accusations made under the cowardly cloak of anonymity, but since the circular purports to have been issued by a ‘Special BYU Alumni Committee of California’ it became our responsibility to fully investigate the facts.

This investigation has revealed that there is no ‘Special BYU Alumni Committee’ and that all of the charges made against President Wilkinson are completely false. The most elementary inquiry by the so-called ‘Committee’ would have determined their falsity. We are, therefore, forced to the conclusion that the authors of the circular were intent upon character assassination – not upon ascertaining the facts. Obviously, the circular was not distributed to further the interests of BYU or the Church. The authors undoubtedly concluded that the material was libelous in nature, and it therefore had to be issued anonymously.

To be specific, we set forth below in quotes the charges made in the anonymous circular and in bold type our findings:

1. ‘Brigham Young University…loaned American Health Studios $300,000’ (quoted from San Francisco Examiner) which ‘we have verified.’

This statement is false. No such loan was ever made. Therefore, the statement could not possibly have been verified. A simple investigation would have disclosed the falsity of the statement.

The facts are that certain members of the Church, who were officers of American Health Studios, Inc., proposed to sell a controlling interest in that corporation to BYU in exchange for a management contract and $300,000. They submitted a certified audit showing a gross income of over $12,000,000 and net profits of over $2,000,000 for the preceding year. With a sales price of only 15 per cent of one year’s profits, this offer looked very alluring. Nevertheless, President Wilkinson, experinced in both law and business, insisted upon a full investigation.

During this inquiry he learned that other parties had made a cash offer (which was on the verge of being accepted) to purchase the controlling stock. Thereupon, he objected that BYU had not yet finished its investigation. The officers then offered to refuse the cash bid and leave the proposal to BYU open, provided that the Bank of Texas would loan the company $200,000 for current operating expenses, the same to be guaranteed by BYU.

President Wilkinson countered that he would recommend this to the BYU Board of Trustees only if BYU’s guarantee were fully protected by adequate mortgages. When this was agreed to, President Wilkinson presented the matter to the BYU Board of Trustees, who unanimously approved of making this secured guarantee. Accordingly, the Bank of Texas (not BYU) made a loan to American Health Studios. In exchange for the BYU guarantee, the officers of American Health Studios, Inc., gave the University a formal option to purchase, and also mortgages on 52 health studios. These 52 studios had cost $2,223,000 and had a current market value many times the amount of the guarantee.

After a comprehensive investigation of the offer, President Wilkinson recommended that no American Health Studio stock be purchased, on the ground that the company’s business was too speculative. Accordingly no purchase of stock or investment in the company was ever made. While subsequently called upon to honor its guarantee to the Bank of Texas, which it did out of its auxiliary earnings, BYU has already been reimbursed in part and is well secured for repayment of the balance. No church appropriation, ‘Destiny’ or other endowment or trust funds were used for this guarantee.

In our unanimous opinion, President Wilkinson was completely justified in investigation of American Health Studios, Inc., for every major university in the country invests its funds in income-producing corporations. We are further agreed that in so doing he safeguarded the interest of BYU at every turn of the negotiations – so much so, in fact, that despite the alluring offer he did not invest BYU funds in this company. Ironically, his thorough investigation led him not to do the very thing which he is now fasely accused of having done.

2. ‘Only last November President Wilkinson announced in the public press that he was going to Texas to purchase for BYU an interest in American Health Studios.’

This is also a false statement. No such announcement was ever made by President Wilkinson, nor have we been able to find any newspaper article which so quoted him. He did go to Texas to investigate the company, but no statement was made that he was going to invest BYU money in the company.

3. ‘President Wilkinson invested the school’s treasury in the Health Studios in Texas.’

Also false. As explained above, BYU money was never invested in Health Studios in Texas.

4. ‘BYU has been operating some of these studios in partnership with an organization which is now under investigation for fraud in dozens of U.S. cities and states.’

Another false statement. BYU has never operated any of these studios, either singly or in partnership with any organization, or otherwise.

5. President WIlkinson has ‘squandered the Church and school funds.’

False and spurious. There is not one bit of evidence to support this charge. On the contrary, he has personally contributed to the school, in money and services, an amount in excess of $200,000. In fact, he has given property for which the University has realized in cash over $80,000. During the nine years he has been President of the University he has refused to accept any compensation for his services.

6. President Wilkinson ‘has an obsession to make BYU the largest university in the West.’

In one sense this is a tribute to President Wilkinson, under whose leadership BYU has more than doubled in size. However, the quoted statement is in itself untrue. President Wilkinson has stated publicly, on many occasions, that he does not want BYU to grow much larger than it is at the present time. However, to keep pace with the dynamic growth of the Church, and to provide proper education for its youth, he has urged the Church to establish junior colleges in areas of large L.D.S. population.

7. President Wilkinson has ‘forgotten that the school’s primary purpose is the education of L.D.S. children.’

Malicious and false. No one in the history of BYU has done more than President Wilkinson to make BYU a center of learning for the education of L.D.S. children, or to inspire the students to higher spiritual and religious endeavor. Under his leadership, enrollment has increased from 5,429 to over 10,000 and the University now has on its campus a stake comprising 26 wards of the Church. This clearly shows that rather than forgetting, he has magnificently fulfilled the primary purpose of BYU.

The anonymous circular demands that President Wilkinson be replaced by someone more ‘in keeping with the tradition of Karl G. Maeser.’ Paradoxically, these character assassins ignore the resounding tribute given by Elder Adam S. Bennion, at one time Church commissioner of education, that President Wilkinson possessed both the spiritual quality of Karl G. Maeser and the administrative ability of Abraham Smoot, who, as chairman of the Board of Trustees during Brother Maeser’s administration, was personally responsible for financing BYU. We of the Alumni Executive Committee heartily concur in this appraisal.

We firmly sustain President Wilkinson in his position and give to him our full and wholehearted support. In the words of The First Presidency, when a similar attack was made upon him by another anonymous committee,’…we regard the aspersion cast upon him and his professional honor as being unwarranted. He has our full confidence, not only as a man of the utmost integrity, but as an able and devoted servant of the Church.’

The Executive Committee of BYU Alumni Association unanimously commends Dr. Wilkinson for his tireless efforts in administering the affairs of Brigham Young University and in making our Alma Mater a source of great pride.

Respectfully submitted,

BYU Alumni Association Executive Committee

Clyde J. Summerhays, Salt lake City, President DaCosta Clark, Provo

W. Floyd Millet, Salt Lake City, Vice President Junius Jackson, Salt Lake City

Stella Harris Oaks, Provo, Vice President Ethel L. Handley, Salt Lake City

Raymond E. Beckham, Provo, Exec. Secretary Phil D. Jensen, American Fork

ElDean Bennett, Salt Lake City Carolyn E. Miner, Salt Lake City

Moana Ballif Bennett, Bountiful Monroe J. Paxman, Provo

Sanford M. Bingham, Provo G. Robert Ruff, Salt Lake City

E. LaMar Buckner, Ogden Rex Taylor, Provo

Alma P. Burton, Orem Clinton Wiest, Provo

McKay Christensen, Payson Norma Pardoe Wright, Provo

September 1, 1959

Fri., 30 Oct. 1959:

*Just as we were ready to leave the house to go to the Union Pacific Depot to catch the train for California, we received a visit from Dr. M.F. Rigby of Rexburg, Idaho. He reported to me that a General Authority had been responsible for the letter written by the stake presidents in Idaho petitioning to have Ricks College moved to Idaho Falls. I told him that I would have to investigate this matter before making any comments.”

Mon., 2 May 1960:

“At 5:45 o’clock this morning, with Brother Allan Acomb at the wheel, drove up to Rexburg, Idaho. As I wanted this to be a surprise visit to the Ricks College, I did not tell anyone where I was going except members of the family and my secretary, Clare Middlemiss.

The trip up to Rexburg was pleasant and uneventful. I studied a little on the way, talked, and admired the scenery.

We arrived at Rexburg at 10:20 a.m., unannounced, and the students were just coming out of their devotional exercises. I had understood that their assembly would be about 10:45 a.m. The students were very surprised to see me when I stopped in front of the building, and suggested that they reassemble and hold another service, which they did. Dr. Hugh C. Bennion, dean of the faculty, conducted the meeting. Following prayer and singing, I spoke to the students for about thirty minutes, admonishing them to know where they are going and to live up to the principles of the Church.

I was disappointed and surprised that President John L. Clarke of the college was not in attendance. I learned from his secretary that he had gone to Idaho Falls. He came into the meeting when it was half through.

Following the exercises, I shook hands with about five hundred students. Then I went to President Clarke’s office where I had a conference with him. I asked him to furnish me with some data regarding the College which I wish to study.

We left Rexburg at 11:45 a.m., and started back to Salt Lake City. Along the way, having had nothing to eat, we stopped and had a sandwich and some hot chocolate which Brother Acomb had in the car, furnished by Bishop Gordan Affleck of the Church Offices.

We ran into a heavy rain storm in Rigby, and had rain all the way to Malad, Idaho.

We arrived back in Salt Lake City at 5 p.m., and went directly to the Hotel Utah where we had dinner, and then Brother Acomb drove me home.

It was a very successful visit, and I wanted to partake of the spirit of the School and see just what they are accomplishing under the adverse circumstances of this year, which was one of the most difficult years for Ricks College. I was very glad I made the trip — it was about 500 miles. It was one of the best trips I have made in many a year!

Monday, May 2, 1960

RICKS COLLEGE

John L. Clarke, President

Rexburg, Idaho

May 3, 1960

President David O. McKay

47 East South Temple Street

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

I am enclosing the information you asked me to send to you.

In order that you might have a rather complete picture of where our 1959-60 students come from I have listed them first by states and foreign countries and the Idaho students according to their post office addresses. A second list indicates where the students come from according to stake and mission membership. I trust that this enrollment data as well as the other information is in a form useful to you.

Your visit to Ricks College yesterday was a memorable occasion for our faculty and student body. We deeply appreciate the time and effort you expended to be with us and your abiding interest in Ricks College so clearly demonstrated by your visit.

After you left I thought of many things I have told or shown to you but I know you were pressed for time. I do hope that very soon we may be able to move forward with a program of development for the college. All of us at Ricks sustain and support you with our faith, prayers, and love.

Sincerely yours,

John L. Clarke

President

JLC:mb

Enclosures”

Sat., 11 June 1960:

“8:30 a.m.

Met by appointment, at his request, President Ernest L. Wilkinson who took up the following matters with me:

3) I told President Wilkinson that after his return from Mexico, and before the Board of Trustees meet on June 29 to consider the 15-year Junior College program, that I should like to meet him to make a decision regarding the Ricks College. President Wilkinson said that he would return from Mexico around June 21. (President McKay met with Pres. Wilkinson on Ricks College matters Saturday, June 25, 1960)”

Sat., 25 June 1960:

“At 8 a.m., met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson, and for the next two and one half hours went over the steps that have been taken concerning Ricks College which seemingly proved that the people in the Ricks College area were unanimously in favor of moving Ricks College to Idaho Falls. President Wilkinson went over the whole business and finally said that it will cost nearly as much to build Ricks at Rexburg as it will to build a new college in Idaho Falls — $7,014,000 at Idaho Falls, and $5,600,000 for new buildings at Rexburg.

President Wilkinson made a claim that if we change our decision to move Ricks College, his influence would be nullified on the church school system. I told him that I should have to take the blame for vacillating, but that when the matter of moving Ricks College to Idaho Falls was presented, and I was given the signed petition from the Stakes in the Ricks College area, asking that the change be made, I went along with the Brethren that it should be moved, but that I had never really felt right about the decision. (see June 30 for report to Council on Ricks College matter)

Following my conference with President Wilkinson returned home.”

Wed., 29 June 1960:

“11:20 to 12 noon:

Went over a digest of telephone conversations, meetings, consultations, etc. which have taken place since 1954 in connection with matters pertaining to Ricks College. I shall make a report on my feelings regarding the removal of Ricks College to Idaho Falls tomorrow at the regular meeting of the First Presidency and Council of Twelve.”

Thurs., 30 June 1960:

“10:00 to 2:25 p.m.

Meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve convened in the Salt Lake Temple. At this meeting I gave a report on Ricks College. This was in very deed an Apostolic meeting. (see following notes on report on Ricks College)

Thursday, June 30, 1960

Confidential Report of Ricks College Location Made by President McKay at Council Meeting Held June 30, 1960.

President McKay said he had a matter he wanted to present to the Brethren as members of the Twelve and as members of the Board of Education, a matter, he said, which had given him a lot of worry, and on which he needed the help of the Brethren, which matter pertains to the Ricks College. The President reviewed items relating to the proposition to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls. He presented the following facts:

In compliance with a letter sent by the General Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to all stake presidents of the Church which instructed each stake to organize a board of education and to establish an academy, the Bannock Stake, at a Priesthood meeting held on August 17, 1888, chose a Bannock Stake Board of Education.

The first Board consisted of: Thomas E. Ricks, Rexburg, President; William F. Rigby, Rexburg, Secretary. Members: James E. Fogg, Rexburg; Jacob Spori, Rexburg; John Donaldson, Teton; William M. Parker, Parker; Richard Jardine, Lewisville; James E. Steele, Iona.

President Ricks, in consultation with Superintendent of L.D.S. schools, Karl G. Maeser, chose Jacob Spori to be principal. It was called Bannock Stake Academy and they used the Rexburg First Ward chapel.

Opened first term of ten weeks on November 12, 1888. Jacob Spori served as principal from November 1888 until spring of 1891, assisted by Alex F. Nelson and Sarah Ann Barnes.

History of Actions and Decisions Regarding Ricks College

1. April 8, 1957. Very important meeting from 10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. held in the Board Room on the Main Floor of the Church offices. Stake presidents of the following stakes were present: Blackfoot, East Rigby, Idaho Falls, Lost River, North Idaho Falls, North Rexburg, Rexburg, Rigby, Salmon River, Shelley, South Blackfoot, South Idaho Falls, Star Valley, Teton, Yellowstone.

Meeting was held in the interest of the future of Ricks College with emphasis on the advisability of moving the College from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

President Wilkinson presented facts relating to this very important problem, and each of the stake presidents present expressed their opinions and viewpoints about the matter. No decision was reached on this problem.

2. June 1, 1957. In company with Elder Marion G. Romney, President Ernest L. Wilkinson, with Allan Acomb at the wheel, left for Rexburg, Idaho where at 1:30 p.m. we held a meeting with all 15 stake presidents and six specially invited civic leaders: Dr. Blaine H. Passey; Mr. J. Fred Smith, Mayor of Rexburg; Mr. John J. Walz, president Rexburg Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Lane L. Wilcken, St. Anthony, Idaho Manager of First Security Bank of Idaho; Mr. S.M. Meikle, Rexburg, Idaho, President Idaho Bank of Commerce; Mr. Louise Felt, Blackfoot, Idaho, Vice President, First Security Bank.

President McKay asked each person present at the meeting to personally write him a letter giving his views of what should be done about Ricks. The following stake presidents sent letters favorable to the moving of Ricks College: William J. Lewis, Yellowstone Stake presidency; William A. Strong, Teton Stake President; George Christensen, Rigby Stake President; Parley A. Arave, Blackfoot Stake President; Cecil E. Hart, South Idaho Falls Stake President; J. Cleve Hansen, Lost River Stake Presidency; Charles P. Brizzee, Idaho Falls Stake Presidency; Lawrence T. Lambert, South Blackfoot Stake President; Leonard E. Graham, East Rigby Stake Presidency; George E. Grover, Shelley Stake Presidency; Lloyd P. Mickelsen, North Idaho Falls Stake Presidency. The following also sent favorable letters: Lane L. Wilcken, Manager First Security Bank of Idaho at St. Anthony; Howard E. Salisbury of Ricks College.

Against removal were: Marvin C. Meyers, 2nd Counselor, North Rexburg Stake; Delbert G. Taylor, Rexburg Stake Presidency; E. Francis Winters, Star Valley Stake President; Willis G. Nelson, lst Counselor, Rexburg Stake; Edwin C. Flamm, 1st Counselor, North Rexburg Stake; H. Earl Stokes, Salmon River Stake Presidency; John J. Walz of Rexburg Chamber of Commerce; J. Fred Smith, Mayor of Rexburg; S.M. Meikle, President of Idaho Bank of Commerce, Rexburg, Idaho; John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College; Eldon C. Hart, Business Manager of Ricks College; Blaine H. Passey, M.D., Rexburg, Idaho.

Neutral: Orval P. Mortenson, North Rexburg Stake President.

3. July 11, 1957. Ricks College Not to be Moved to Idaho Falls. During the meeting of the First Presidency I presented to President Stephen L. Richards by long distance telephone call to Bellingham, Washington, (as I also presented to President Clark who was in attendance at the meeting) my conclusion that it is not worth the cost to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls; that the plan proposed by President Wilkinson at the latest meeting of the Board to make Ricks College a part of the Brigham Young University has merit; that the school will grow where it is and that the support of the people of the area will be given, and the honor of the General Authorities of the Church in their minds will be preserved.

President Richards agreed to the announcement being made that it is decided by the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University and the First Presidency that Ricks College will not be moved to Idaho Falls. President Richards thought it would be well to call Mr. D.F. Richards of Idaho Falls and give the announcement by him. First news of the decision was given by me to Mr. Richards by telephone call to Idaho Falls.

That same day I presented to the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University Board of Trustees, and of the Church Board of Education a summary of my reasons why Ricks College should not be moved to Idaho Falls as follows:

I. Granting that every reason advanced for its removal to Idaho Falls is sound, it is not worth the price because;

(1) Justified or not, thousands of people, young and old, will be imbued with the thought that the assurance given by the First Presidency, by the President, and by the Church School administration, that Ricks College will remain at Rexburg was not kept.

(2) Housing in Idaho Falls less advantageous than at Rexburg.

(3) Dormitories neede at Idaho Falls as well as at Rexburg.

II. Accommodations for Students. Pledges for 1,570 students from $12 to $20 a month.

The Church is built upon Faith and Trust. Once confidence is lost, the foundation of society begins to crumble. Our integrity will be measured by our conduct.

4. October 31, 1958. From 10 a.m. to 12 noon held a two-hour meeting with my counselors at my home as I had just returned from the hospital after undergoing eye surgery. They presented to me a letter signed by presidents of the stakes in the Idaho Falls area reviewing public interest and action being proposed by citizens of Idaho Falls for the circulation of a petition to the legislature for the establishment of a state college at Idaho Falls. The letter included President Wilkinson’s concurrence in the subject being brought to the attention of the First Presidency for consideration of the advisability of making an announcement as to the plans of the Church to develop Ricks College at Idaho Falls.

(President McKay said that President Stephen L. Richards and President Clark brought a letter to him at his home at a time when he was convalescing from eye surgery, this letter being dated October 29, 1958, addressed to the First Presidency, reading as follows:)

‘My dear Brethren:

‘During the semi-annual conference of the Church we advised Administrator Ernest L. Wilkinson of a movement in Idaho Falls for the establishment of a State junior college and asked him if he would be kind enough to advise you that while we were entirely willing to abide your final decision in the matter, we felt that with this movement underway the choice would now be between having a small Ricks College at Rexburg or an outstanding Ricks College at Idaho Falls. This was not so apparent when your deicision to leave Ricks at Rexburg was made.

‘A few days after Conference Brother Wilkinson advised us that he had presented the matter to the First Presidency and that you had taken the whole question under advisement. While he gave us no indication of your feeling, he did suggest that if, without making any commitment as to whether we would or would not favor a State junior college at Idaho Falls, we could discreetly cause the postponement of the Junior College election, we should do so in order that you would have time to fully consider the matter. At that time we informed him that we thought we would be able to probably postpone the circulating of a petition, which is the first step in the calling of an election to determine whether there shall be a junior college. We have been able to postpone the circulating of this petition until after the general election on November 4, but it is now apparent that the petition will now be circulated immediately after that date. Once the petition is signed and sent to the state capitol it will be necessary for the election to proceed.

‘In our opinion, if you now feel inclined to again consider the permanent location of Ricks College, we should like to suggest that you do so at once before the circulating petition is signed as the preliminary step in the election process. We feel quite certain, for instance, that if you decide on Idaho Falls as a permanent location for Ricks College it would be much better for an announcement to be made before the junior college election gets underway. If the announcement is made after petitions are filed and the election is in progress, there might be criticism of the motives of the Church.

‘We recognize that we have been instructed that things of this nature should be taken up through Administrator Wilkinson. We have therefore phoned him as to the urgency of this matter, telling him that we could hold up the circulation of petitions for only about a week. In that situation he has informed us that we had no objection to our writing direct to the First Presidency. We are sending a copy of it to him so that you may obtain his advice also.

‘Our two purposes in writing are first, to inform you as to the facts as to what is happening; and second, to obtain your counsel as to what we should do with respect to the proposed election to determine upon the creation of a State junior college, the first step of which will get underway probably in about nine days. The election law requires that the petition for the junior college be signed by only 300 people, and it is apparent to us from sentiment that is being generated in Idaho Falls, that it will be possible for the proponents to obtain signatures of many times this number.

‘We should finally add that in our opinion the transfer of Ricks to Idaho Falls would mean four times as many students as at Rexburg. We think we have an even greater obligation to the larger number who will not go to Rexburg than to the smaller number who will go there; further, a large junior college at Idaho Falls would give us much more influence in educational matters throughout the State. The Governor has already commented adversely on the Church not availing itself of the opportunity to build a junior college in Idaho Falls. In view of this new development, we frankly believe that the matter of the proper location of Ricks will be properly settled as you face it squarely on the merits involved. We repeat, however, we are willing to abide by your decision after you deliberate with a full knowledge of the facts.’

The letter was signed by the following stake presidents: Cecil E. Hart, South Idaho Falls; George Christensen, Rigby; Lloyd P. Mickelsen, North Idaho Falls; Lawrence T. Lambert, South Blackfoot; J. Burns Beal, Lost River. The President said that is the letter and conversation that resulted in the reconsideration of the decision that Ricks should remain at Rexburg.

5. November 2, 1958. Elders Marion G. Romney and Hugh B. Brown went to Rexburg and told them of that decision.

6. November 4, 1958. A meeting was held Sunday evening at 9 o’clock, attended by the presidencies of both Rexburg stakes, members of high councils of both stakes, bishoprics of all wards, patriarchs, and presidents of all Melchizedek priesthood quorums — a total of about 135. After making a full explanation of the matter, Brother Romney said that the General Authorities would be pleased if the Brethren present would indicate their cooperation in this important movement and someone of the group made a motion that the action of the General Authorities be given their full support. All but four of those present voted in favor of the motion, and three of the four came to the Brethren after the meeting and said they would like to change their vote. Brother Romney said that he felt that the Spirit of the Lord was in this meeting and that the people manifested a spirit of humility and a spirit of devotion to the Church which motivated them sincerely to take the action which they took at the meeting.

At 7 o’clock in the morning on Monday, November 3, 1958, Brother Romney and Brother Brown met the presidents of the Idaho Falls Stakes and told them of the reaction of the people in Rexburg. Asked them to be considerate of the people of Rexburg.

Elder Mark E. Petersen subsequently reported that he had conferred with several business men in Idaho Falls, including Mr. McDermott, owner and editor of the Idaho Falls papers, who expressed himself as highly pleased. He characterized the movement for a State junior college at Idaho Falls as abortive and said the business men had not been consulted and that he felt sure that they would be loath to have taxes raised to support a State college at Idaho Falls, and that Ricks College at Idaho Falls would be welcomed by the people.

7. December 12, 1958. The First Presidency sends letter to the following stakes: East Rigby, Shelley, Idaho Falls, Salmon River, South Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, South Blackfoot, North Idaho Falls, Lost River, Rigby.

In the letter the stake presidencies were asked to call a special meeting of the stake and ward officials named in the letter on Sunday, December 21, 1958 and have them express themselves freely upon the subject. The brethren were asked to report to the First Presidency as soon as possible, on the meeting.

It was also suggested that the enclosed statement prepared by Administrator Ernest L. Wilkinson of December 12, 1958, be read at the meeting. After the reading a proposal to sustain the stake presidencies’ position should be submitted to those present for their sustaining vote. (Each stake president received 150 copies of the statement.)

8. December 21, 1958. Special Meetings held in various stakes in Idaho. All stake presidencies replied by letter and informed the brethren that the stake and ward officers invited to the meeting’unanimously’ sustain the First Presidency in their decision.

The President said he believed this to be a fair review of the actions that were taken. Recently he made a special private trip to Ricks College and found the school in excellent condition. President John L. Clarke of Ricks College was not present when President McKay arrived. The devotional exercises were being dismissed due to a misunderstanding on his part as to the time when these services were held. However, all the students went back, as well as the teachers, and another devotional excercise was held, at which there was a very good spirit.

President McKay said that now the problem is before us just as it was before. All indications favor going to Idaho Falls. The President had had a two and a half hour conference with President Ernest L. Wilkinson some time ago, and President Wilkinson had asked for time for him to come back from Mexico and prepare his reports and his argument, and for two and a half hours he presented in his masterful way reasons why we should continue with our plan to move Ricks to Idaho Falls. President Wilkinson explained that it would cost as much to remodel and restore the Ricks College at Rexburg as it would to build a new college at Idaho Falls; that it would, however, cost nearly two million dollars more to move to Idaho Falls than to remain at Rexburg. It will certainly be necessary to have a new library building, and we must have a gymnasium, and also dormitories at Ricks College.

The President said he could not feel right about moving the school from Rexburg to Idaho Falls, and spending seven million dollars in building a new school, leaving standing at Rexburg at least three new buildings on the campus, even though we should have to spend five million dollars in Rexburg. An expenditure of two million dollars for dormitories and a library and gymnasium will give us a pretty good school at Rexburg. He said there is no question in his mind that if we do not go to Idaho Falls, sooner or later there will be erected a junior college there, and if we left Ricks at Rexburg it would be a small school if it had to compete with the State College at Idaho Falls, and under necessity we would have an Institute at Idaho Falls competing with our Church school at Rexburg.

But even with those facts in mind, the President said he could not bring himself to the thought of spending seven million dollars and moving the school to Idaho Falls. He felt that we ought to keep the school in Rexburg and spend a million or two dollars making it a good school, utilizing the 500 acres we have there, and the water that is already developed, and give an opportunity to our people to attend a Church school or to attend the State college at Idaho Falls if they want to, with our Institute located there.

The President said that when he visited Ricks College on May 2, 1960 he found there were only four less students from Idaho Falls attending Ricks College than Rexburg students. There were in attendance 922 students in the college in this most adverse year; 164 were from Rexburg; 160 were from Idaho Falls; and others were from various places. The President said that the following quotation came to his mind in connection with this difficult problem:

‘Dim as the borrow’d beams of moon and stars

To lonely, weary, wand’ring travellers,

Is Reason to the soul: and as on high

Those rolling fires discover but the sky,

Not light us here; so Reason’s glimmering ray

Was lent, not to assure our doubtful way,

But lead us upward to a better day.’

The President said that when he faced this problem he felt cloudy about the sale of the buildings, tearing them down, and the building of a new college at Idaho Falls. He therefore wanted to take the Brethren into Council, for he said that when they go out of this room today as a Board of Education they will have to deal with the problem; that at present he was speaking to them as the First Presidency and members of the Twelve. President McKay said he had said nothing about rumors and statements and letters he had received, nor had he said anything about the fact that when we decided that Ricks should remain in Rexburg nothing was done to improve Ricks. He had tried to present the other side. He said his feeling is that whether they have a State junior college at Idaho Falls or not we should keep Ricks at Rexburg, build the dormitories for a million dollars, and the library and whatever is needed, and start at once to improve Ricks where it is and let Idaho Falls take its course.

President Joseph Fielding Smith moved that we sustain the President.

Elder Delbert L. Stapley asked the President if he felt that in the commitment that was made in July, 1957 it was rather a permanent commitment, and that the people of Rexburg thought Ricks College would not be moved.

The President answered that they did accept it as such. That was before we met with them afterwards and told them why it was decided to change, and they were willing to abide by our decision.

President Moyle said: ‘I agree with President Smith that there is only one course that we can pursue, and that is to sustain you, President McKay, in whatever your inspiration directs you to do, and as far as I am concerned I hope and pray that whatever course is taken that it will bring peace and satisfaction to your soul, and eliminate from you the feelings of uncertainty that you have had about it up to date.’

Elder Marion G. Romney said that he had been very close to the situation and had had very strong feelings about it, but that the overriding feeling in his soul was to sustain the President. He said he felt that the President’s impression is more persuasive on what should be done than anything else, and he therefore seconded the motion by President Smith. He further said that he had felt until what the President had said today that all the argument was in favor of going to Idaho Falls, but that he could go out of this meeting wholly committed in his feelings that the right thing is to leave it at Rexburg if that is the way the President feels, because he thought the President’s inspiration was much more persuasive than any argument the other way.

Elder LeGrand Richards said that there were many of our people in that part of the country who would be very happy if this body decided to keep the college at Rexburg. He felt to sustain the President in his feelings.

Elder Hugh B. Brown said he was wondering if the President wished this Council to take action on this question as the Twelve, or whether the final decision would be reached by the Church Board of Education.

President McKay said it was not the intention to take action today; that he was asking the Brethren for counsel. He wanted to know how the Brethren felt, and he had given them his feelings.

Elder Hugh B. Brown said he was one hundred percent in harmony with supporting the President’s feelings in the matter.

Elder Stapley said he felt the same way.

President Moyle said he thought it would be wholly in keeping with the spirit of the Brethren here today, and very appropriate for the Council to go on record here as sustaining President McKay in whatever decision he felt to recommend to the Board of Education when this comes up officially before the Board, and that we ought to be controlled by the President’s inspiration and decision.

Elder Mark E. Petersen said he felt very much the same way as the other Brethren; that he had felt from the very beginning it would have been better to leave the college at Rexburg. He suggested, however, that when the final decision is made we avoid giving publicity to it. He thought it would be far better to move quietly and do what we are going to do without making any public announcement.

President McKay agreed with this. He said that in the budget we should provide for the necessary expenditure to build the necessary buildings at the college; that this is our business, and we should go ahead with it without making any announcement. President McKay said he would take the blame that would come to him because of the seeming vacilation.

President Smith said, ‘We will all share it with you.’

Elder Spencer W. Kimball said he was one hundred percent behind President McKay in what he felt to be the revelation of the Lord to him.

Elder Stapley said he felt the same way; that he did also share the thought expressed by Brother Petersen; that he had always felt that we had a commitment as far as the Rexburg area people are concerned.

President Moyle said there was one bit of history the President did not refer to this morning; that in 1955 or 1956 the Executive Committee, with President Wilkinson, met with the First Presidency and presented this for the first time, and that he, President Moyle, was one of those who urged the move from Rexburg to Idaho Falls; and that he sat there and listened to all three of the members of the First Presidency say: ‘Brethren, we can never do that. The roots have been planted too deep.’ He said that from that moment he had accepted what the Presidency then decided, and felt that was the thing to do.

Elder George Q. Morris said he was wholly in accord with what the Brethren had decided to do. He wondered, however, what was going to happen in Rexburg becuase of the bitterness that had been engendered; what these people will say. He thought that they would perhaps claim the credit for the victory, and that they had brought about what they intended to do. He thought they would be crowing about it and saying they had succeeded.

President McKay said he wished to add another item which he thought was very important in connection with this matter, namely, that after his two and a half hour conference with President Wilkinson, during which he referred to the personal attacks upon him — and they had been vicious — he said: ‘Well, if any such movement as this is made my influence will be at an end.’ The President said he did not like that personal element; that he felt the decision was for the good of the whole thing.

Elder Petersen again cautioned the Brethren regarding publicity in regard to the matter, and thought that perhaps we should not appropriate any money for expansion in Rexburg for two or three years.

President McKay answered that we will have to do something for Ricks next year; that, however, we can start in a modest way by providing housing facilities, a library and a gymnasium.

President McKay said that since his conversation with President Wilkinson last Saturday, at which time he told him he was going to consult the Brethren of the Council, President Wilkinson telephoned last night and expressed the hopw that he would have an opportunity to present the matter to the Council. The President said he, of course, had no right to present any argument to this Council on the matter; that the decision must be made by the Board. The President said that today as never before our charge as Apostles should be considered sacred, and one of those charges is that we keep this to ourselves.

President McKay the presented to the Council the motion that had been made and seconded, and the Brethren present voted unanimously in favor of it.

Elder Petersen then mentioned to the Brethren that President John L. Clarke of Ricks College had expressed to him several times the thought that it would be very inspiring to the students if the Brethren of the General Authorities could stay over a day when attending conferences in that area and speak at the devotional exercises, the same as is done at the Brigham Young University.

President McKay mentioned that these devotional exercises are held on Mondays.

Mon., 8 Aug. 1960:

August 8, 1960

‘MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY

IN HIS OFFICE AT 10:00 A.M. ON AUGUST 8, 1960

The following matters were presented and decisions made:

8. Ricks College

I told President McKay that the last week I had sent him a short letter with respect to a new proposal for Ricks College and asked if he would like to have me summarize it at that time or read it to him. He said that my letter was on his desk, that he had other engagements now and that he would read the same himself in the next few days.

Wed., 7 Sept. 1960:

“6:45 a.m.

Arrived at the office. As I entered the building was surprised to find the following men from Idaho Falls waiting to see me: Lloyd Mickelsen, North Idaho Falls Stake President; W.J. O’Bryant, Mayor, City of Idaho Falls; Paul W. Ahlstrom, Idaho Falls Stake President; George Christensen, President of Rigby Stake: George E. Grover, President Shelley Stake; and Rex Schwendiman, of School District 91, Idaho Falls.

In invited them into my private office, where in consultation they gave their reasons why the people of Idaho Falls looked upon the decision to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls as permanent. They said that these people wonder why there is a delay in starting to erect the buildings, expecially in view of the rumors that are coming out of Rexburg that the College is not going to be moved. I said, ‘By what authority?’ And they answered, ‘We do not have any authority for these rumors.’

They said that the Mayor of Rexburg (Mr. Larson, I think) made a statement that the College is not going to be moved. There is a lot of talk going on, and if the Church is not going to move Ricks to Idaho Falls, then these brethren said they want to petition for the establishment of a State Junior College. I said: ‘If the College is not moved from Rexburg, will a State College be established in Idaho Falls?’ They answered ‘Yes.’

I made no commitment about the College to this group.

Thursday, October 27, 1960

Telephone conversation between President John L. Clarke, Ricks College and President David O. McKay, Thursday, October 27, 1960

Pres. McKay: Hello. Brother Clarke?

Pres. Clarke: Yes.

Pres. McKay: Will you send to me the list of your needed buildings?

Pres. Clarke: I surely will.

Pres. McKay: And send a copy of your letter to Brother Wilkinson.

Pres. Clarke: Yes. Now this is a list of the things that I think we need the worst?

Pres. McKay: Yes, you say we shall have to start at once?

Pres. Clarke: Yes.

Pres. McKay: And I think we should. We are delaying too long.

Pres. Clarke: Yes. Fine.

Pres. McKay: List some of your needed buildings.

Pres. Clarke: All right. I’ll surely do that.

Pres. McKay: I mean the pressing ones — those that we should start upon and get ready for next fall.

Pres. Clarke: All right. I surely will do that — I’ll be happy to do it.

Pres. McKay: And send a copy of your letter to Brother Wilkinson.

Pres. Clarke: I will. You bet.

Pres. McKay: How are things going?

Pres. Clarke: Well, I think pretty well. We have a good enrollment this year.

We have been affected by the lowered age of missionaries. We

are making a little survey, and it is not complete; but we find that

about ninety of our freshman boys are either on missions or going

on missions. Of course, that is fine, but it is cutting into our

enrollment just a little.’

Pres. McKay: We understand that.

Pres. Clarke: Yes.

Pres. McKay: That is inevitable.

Pres. Clarke: Yes, and of course we do not object to it. We think it is fine.

Pres. McKay: All right.

Pres. Clarke: Thank you.

Pres. McKay: My best wishes to the student body this morning.

Pres. Clarke: Thank you. We’ll convey them.

Pres. McKay: Let’s see — they do not meet this morning.

Pres. Clarke: No, but I shall see that they get your message.

Pres. McKay: The assembly is on a Monday morning, isn’t it?

Pres. Clarke: Yes.

Pres. McKay: 9 o’clock.

Pres. Clarke: 9:50.

Pres. McKay: All right. Goodbye.

Pres. Clarke: Goodbye.”

Wed., 23 Nov. 1960:

“Wednesday, November 23, 1960

MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY

By Joseph T. Bentley and Ernest L. Wilkinson

On November 23, 1960, at 9:30 a.m. Joseph T. Bentley and Ernest L. Wilkinson had a conference with President David O. McKay at which the following decisions were made:

9. Junior College Program and Ricks College

President Wilkinson inquired as to whether any decision had been made with respect to the adoption of the junior college program as he had proposed it to the Board of Trustees and in particular the construction of buildings for Ricks College and their location.

President McKay informed him that he had never been satisfied with the decision made by the Board of Education to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls and that he thought that decision should be reversed and Ricks College left at Rexburg. President Wilkinson and Brother Bentley then showed President McKay a chart which they had prepared in cooperation with President John L. Clarke showing the relative cost of the construction of a campus at Idaho Falls and at Rexburg. According to this chart, assuming an enrollment of 1800 students at both places, it was estimated that it would cost for academic buildings at Idaho Falls the sum of $7,014,000 and at Rexburg the sum of $5,670,000, or a difference of $1,344,000 in favor of Rexburg. According to the same chart, however, it would cost for housing at Idaho Falls $2,160,000 and at Rexburg $4,340,000, or a difference of $2,180,000 in favor of Idaho Falls. Indeed, he urged that if the decision were to have the college remain at Rexburg it might even be necessary to spend more money for buildings there than at Idaho Falls in order to induce students from the larger centers of population to attend school at Rexburg. It was agreed there would be relatively little difference in cost.

President Wilkinson also urged that if an announcement were to be made that the school be left at Rexburg the announcement itself should also state the buildings to be immediately constructed. President McKay said that that very suggestion had been made to him by certain members of the Quorum of the Twelve. President Wilkinson agreed to prepare a proposed release by the First Presidency in accordance with this suggestion.

Thurs., 1 Dec. 1960:

10:40 to 11:30 a.m.

Met by appointment at their request, the following delegation from Idaho Falls –

Messrs. D.F. Richards, Ford Johnson of Conoco Oil Company, Alex Creek of Texaco Oil Company, and Ken Slusser, a wholesaler in groceries and drugs.

They came in principally to discuss matters pertaining to the establishment of a Church Junior College in Idaho Falls. They expressed their willingness as prominent business men to do all in their power to assist in establishing a school if it be so decided that the Ricks College be moved from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

They were very considerate and offered to exert all their influence to making the Church School the leading school in Idaho Falls. It was a very satisfactory conference, but I made no commitment regarding the school.'”

Thurs., 9 Mar. 1961:

“Telephone Calls

From the apartment, I telephoned to President Ernest L. Wilkinson and told him that I should like to have a meeting soon on Ricks College matters.”

Thurs., 16 Mar. 1961:

“Ricks College

Today at Council meeting I mentioned that the suggestion has already been approved that the Ricks College remain at Rexburg for the present; that President Ernest L. Wilkinson was of the opinion that it would be well to call the presidents of stakes in that area together, or that I should go up and meet them again. I have received letters from the presidents of stakes in Idaho Falls and have visited by appointment with four of the leading men in Idaho Falls. They manifested a good spirit, but of course they expressed the hope that the school would be gained by calling these stake presidents together again, or by my going up and meeting with them; the matter has been fully studied and considered, and I therefore recommend that the Church make the appropriation that was authorized several years ago for the improvement of the school at Rexburg, and go right ahead and take care of the matter.

Elder Lee expressed the thought that there was much wisdom in this suggestion, and that he was recently in Idaho Falls, and Brother William J. O’Bryant, who is the mayor, is coming up for re-election either in April or July, and his enemies are trying to make the delay in the decision regarding Ricks College a political matter.

I said that if the election is in April, it would be best not to make the announcement at this time, but if it is not until July, we perhaps should not wait. The Brethren unanimously approved of the suggestions made regarding this matter.”

Wed., 19 Apr. 1961:

Telephone Calls

Telephoned to President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University at Provo. I told him that I had decided in consultation with my counselors, that it is best not to call Stake Presidencies and other Church officials in the Ricks College area regarding the fact that Ricks College will remain at Rexburg, but just to announce that improvements will be made and new buildings be erected for Ricks College at Rexburg. (See April 26, 1961 for this announcement)”

Thurs., 20 Apr. 1961:

13. Ricks College – In response to a telephone call from President McKay the day before, Administrator Wilkinson reminded President McKay that on November 26, 1960, he had written President McKay a letter to which he attached a proposed newspaper announcement concerning Ricks College; that he felt he had no authority of any kind to make any announcement concerning the same and had been waiting for advice from President McKay.

President McKay said he had changed his mind with respect to calling in the presidents from the Idaho Falls area; that he felt all that was necessary would be a simple announcement that certain buildings were to be erected at Rexburg. Administrator Wilkinson thereupon agreed that he would determine the specific buildings to be constructed and would transmit to President McKay a suggested announcement to be made.

Ernest L. Wilkinson

ELW:ra”

Tues., 25 Apr. 1961:

“8:30 to 9:10 a.m.

Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. I reported to my counselors that I had talked with President Wilkinson about buildings for Ricks College at Rexburg, and that I had informed him that the First Presidency has decided to proceed with the construction of the following buildings at Rexburg:

1. A library and classroom building

2. A science building

3. Residence halls for approximately 200 students

I said that I informed President Wilkinson that this decision has been made and has the approval of the Council of the Twelve.”

Wed., 26 Apr. 1961:

“Ricks College

Announcement of the Church’s decision to build new buildings, and improve some already standing on the Ricks College campus, was made in the local newspapers. (see clippings following) (see letter of appreciation from Rexburg Stake Presidency following)

Many expressions of appreciation and approval by telephone message, by telegram, and by person were received regarding the decision to keep Ricks College at Rexburg.

April 26, 1961

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

REXBURG STAKE PRESIDENCY

REXBURG, IDAHO

April 27, 1961

President David O. McKay

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

The decision to build Ricks College where it was founded has brought joy into the hearts of everyone here and in surrounding communities.

We were in Idaho Falls last evening with some 60 Scouters. The open and free expressions of approval and satisfaction made from men all over the territory were most revealing and pleasant.

Your courage and leadership as a chosen servant, under the most grueling and trying circumstances, have again been vindicated and strengthened.

We are grateful. You can depend upon us to do our full part to promote the school with our full confidence and love which has never weakened.

Our prayers continue for your health and success in your great responsibilities which will not cease.

Sincerely your brethren,

Rexburg Stake Presidency

Delbert G. Taylor

Walter F. Ririe

J. Wendell Stucki”

Fri., 28 Apr. 1961:

CHURCH LEADERS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR 2 NEW BUILDINGS

By Henry A. Smith

Deseret News Church Editor

Construction will commence within one year on two new huge office and records buildings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced Friday by the First Presidency.

Involved will be nearly three quarters of a million square feet of additional office space to provide for the fast growing departments of the Church. A new 15-story archives building to house the Historian’s offices and library of the Church will be erected on the northeast corner of Main and North Temple Streets. Previously projected as an 11-story building, this new building will be under construction in the spring of 1962.

A new research center to house the Genealogical Society of the Church with all its departments including the Temple Archives and the greatly expanding research library of the society, will be erected on property owned by the Church on the northwest corner of Redwood Road and 21st South Streets. This building will also be under construction by next spring.

The Historian’s Office and Library will move from the present Church Office Building, 47 E. South Temple St., to its new building on North Temple, thus providing for needed expansion of the administrative departments of the First Presidency and other General Authorities in the main headquarters building.

The Genealogical Society and Library now occupy the former Joseph F. Smith Building of the LDS University Campus on North Temple between Main and State Streets. This building will be razed to provide for widening of North Temple Street and to permit the future construction of the planned 38-story Church Administration Building.

The new 15-story Archives Building was designed by William F. Thomas, Salt Lake architect under direction of the Church Building Committee. Chairman Wendell B. Mendenhall of the Church Building Committee said that Mr. Thomas has been given a target date of one year to complete working drawings and specifications for the building, to permit start of construction at that time.

The building will include 15 floors plus a full basement and penthouse. The main floor will provide for commercial, income producing property. The Historian’s Office and Library will occupy the second, third and fourth floors. The remainder of the office space is as yet unassigned.

The structure, Chairman Mendenhall explained will have both south and west entrances. The east and west walls will be of masonry construction while the south and north walls will be of aluminum ‘curtain wall’ construction — light metal frame with special paneling.

The Archives Building will have a total of 413,000 square feet of floor space. Provisions will be made for six automatic elevator shafts, though only four elevators will be installed initially. There will also be a small auditorim for use of the Historian’s Office.

The penhouse will house elevator equipment and machinery for complete air conditioning and humidity control. The control of humidity is essential for the proper preservation of the books and other valuable records of the Church Historian’s Library.

Architects for the Genealogical Research Center are Jackson and Sharp of Salt Lake City. They are to begin immediately on working drawings to permit construction as soon as possible. Chairman Mendenhall indicated Friday that it is entirely possible that construction will be under way this fall, and by next spring at the very latest.

The research center will have a total of 258,510 square feet, and will include a 1,000-seat auditorium to be used for genealogical instruction and conventions.

This building will be of concrete and steel construction and curtain wall masonry. The research center will consist of two floors and part of a third.

The Genealogical Research Center will be the only one of its kind in the world, and will greatly facilitate the research and record keeping of this important phase of Church activity. Genealogical records, microfilm departments, and other facilities of the society, now housed in five different buildings of the city will all be located in the new center.

Microfilm Rooms

‘The main floor of the new center will feature four large microfilm reading rooms to accommodate the needs of the members of the Church doing research on their own family lines. More than 800 reading machines will eventually be a part of the equipment.

It is expected that the new library rooms and archives also used for research will accommodate another 600 people at one time.

Although the auditorium building is round outside, the interior will be partitioned to provide departments of various shapes of the auditorium, foyer, rest rooms, storage rooms, etc., said architect Richard Sharp.

Fully Equipped

The auditorium will seat 1,000 and be fully equipped with projectors and other devices for audio-visual presentations in connection with genealogical conventions and other gatherings, he said.

He said the round shape of the building was decided upon because of its economy of construction and use of space and to provide contrast with the rectangular shapes of the other buildings.

The building of masonry ‘curtainwall’ construction, will be situated on the southeast past of the genealogical complex area.

A huge parking area for automobiles will be provided on the total of 27 acres to be used by the research center. Part of the property was recently acquired by the Zion’s Securities Corp.

Deseret News – Friday, April 28, 1961

Wed., 20 Sept. 1961:

“5 a.m.

Left by automobile for Rexburg, Idaho for the purpose of attending Devotional Exercises at Ricks College. Brother Alan Acomb was driving the car. We arrived in Rexburg at approximately 10 a.m. and went directly to President John L. Clark’s office. From there we left for the school auditorium for the Devotional Exercises which were conducted by President Clarke. The auditorium was filled to overflowing with students and some townspeople.

Following my address Clayne Raybold, Ricks College Student Body President, made a presentation of an oil painting entitled ‘Spring in the Tetons.’ The artist of the beautiful painting, Oliver Parson, is head of the art department at Ricks College. I was very touched and thrilled with this gift from the student body and faculty of Ricks College.

(see copy of speech made by Clayne Raybold following.)

After the Devotional Exercises, President Clarke, Brother Bennion, Dean of Students, and I, with Brother Acomb at the wheel, drove around the campus while President Clarke explained some of the proposed building program and use of the surrounding school property. Following this inspection of the school buildings and property we went to President and Sister Clarke’s home where we were their guests at a very delicious dinner.

Following the dinner I left for Salt Lake City. Just before leaving Sister Clarke asked me to take home a loaf of homemade bread and some cinnamon rolls for Sister McKay. Both the trip up to Rexburg and the drive back to Salt Lake were made in a considerable downpour of rain. However, the trip in traveling was uneventful.

Arrived in Salt Lake City at 6:15 p.m. Was completely tired out!

(see newspaper clippings following)

(see also copy of letter from President Clarke and copy of program)

Note: At council meeting Thursday, September 21st, President McKay reported that he was very favorably impressed with his visit to Ricks College the preceding day, and felt that ‘we had done the right thing in leaving Ricks at Rexburg.'”

Fri., 14 Dec., 1962:

(1) Insurance Plan to Make Ricks College and Missionary Fund Beneficiaries.

Bishop Simpson explained the plan submitted by a Blackfoot, Idaho insurance agent for selling life insurance and making Ricks College and the Church missionary fund beneficiaries of a trust, the stake presidents to succeed them. I pointed out that if the plan goes forward eventually the trust would pay missionary costs and individual missionaries would be relieved of the present personal obligation toward their missionary service; that this is contrary to the policy of the Church. It was agreed that Bishop Simpson inform the agent that the plan is not approved and that the stake presidents be advised also.”

Tues., 26 Nov. 1963:

“Ricks College

I read excerpts from a letter from Marriner D. Morrell, in which letter Brother Morrell appealed to me that Ricks College be made a four year college. I said I think the question should have serious consideration. In his letter Brother Morrell states that the increased expense would not be great and would be offset very greatly by the value of the training received.

Wed., 4 Dec. 1963:

“8:00 a.m.

Ricks College

In my office at the Hotel, I met with my counselors and President Ernest L. Wilkinson. I started the meeting by asking President Wilkinson why he objected to a four-year college in Rexburg. He said ‘I did not know that I should be asked that question, or I should have brought my notes’. President Wilkinson thinks we are not prepared to have a four-year college in Ricks. As a Junior College, it will probably be over-crowded, even next year, and it will take a year or two to get buildings to accommodate a four-year college. I said that I would take this matter up later. It was agreed that we cannot establish a four-year college for next year.”

Wed., 15 Feb. 1967:

10:35 a.m.

Dr. Merland Rigby of Rexburg, Idaho made a courtesy visit to the apartment. He reported the progress of Ricks College and the need now of a four-year College. Said that after this year, under the State law, Ricks College will not be able to turn out teachers unless it is a credited four-year college.

Dr. Rigby also reminisced about the struggle we had several years ago when an attempt was made to move Ricks College to Idaho Falls. He said that the blind Patriarch, who has now passed to the Other Side, gave him a blessing before he came to Salt Lake to see me regarding the schools’ remaining in Rexburg. The Patriarch told him in the blessing that he should not falter in presenting the matter to me; that there were forces at work that would prevent his seeing me. He said he stopped at ZCMI lunch counter for a sandwich before going up to our home at 1037 East South Temple to see me. While eating his sandwich a striking-looking man, well dressed in a dark suit, came over and sat down by him, and said, ‘You are going to see President McKay, aren’t you?’ Dr. Rigby, surprised, and without thinking, said, ‘Why, yes, I am going to see President McKay.’ He did not know the man; had never seen him in his life. The man then said, ‘You help President McKay; he needs all the help you can give him!’ Dr. Rigby turned his head to take a bite of sandwich, and then turned back to say something to the man, but he was gone. He quickly put some money down on the counter, grabbed his coat, and tried to follow the man, but he could not find him anywhere. He said that to this day he has wondered who the man was. Dr. Rigby said that he would write up an account of this incident and send it to me.

I said that is very strange indeed. I remarked that I have always felt good about the fact that we had not moved Ricks College out of Rexburg; that I had never felt right about the decision that was made under stress to move the college to Idaho Falls, and had never rested easy until the decision had been changed.

I thanked Dr. Rigby for calling, and invited him to come back again when he is in the city.

Sat., 7 Dec., 1968:

“Note by CM:

This morning at 8:30 the secretary received a long-distance call from New York City from Elder Ezra Taft Benson who stated that he had just completed his tour of the Oriental Missions and had returned via New York City in order to visit his daughter and had just learned of the ground-breaking services of the Washington Temple, and since he was the first President of the Washington Stake, and had been on the ground-work for the need of the Temple, he had decided to attend the services. He asked that President McKay be notified that he will attend these services, and felt sure that the President would approve of his attending.

John Birch Society – Suggestion to Send Telegram of Congratulations

Then Elder Benson said: “Clare, President McKay has told me on various occasions that there are two things he regretted in his presidency: (1) the untimely decision, which was later changed, to move the college at Rexburg to Idaho Falls; and (2) the issuing of the statement in the public press against the John Birch Society.”

“Now”, continued Elder Benson, “in order to alleviate that feeling about the John Birch Society, I wonder, since they are celebrating their 10th Anniversary tonight at a meeting and banquet in Indianapolis, Indiana, if President McKay would send a telegram similar to the following: ‘John Birch Society, c/o Mr. Robert Welch, Stauffer Inn, Indianapolis, Indiana — Congratulations upon reaching ten years of courageous and effective service in defense of our freedom and acquainting the American people with the insidious dangers of the atheistic communistic conspiracy. Best wishes for future success in the fight to preserve our God-given liberties.'”

The secretary told Elder Benson that she thought it would be impossible to reach the President by telephone this morning to discuss the above matter, but that she would see what she could do. She did try to call the President, but was informed by the nurse that he was in a meeting with his son Lawrence and Fred E. Schluter of Trenton, New Jersey, and that he could not be interrupted.

Clare then called President Alvin R. Dyer and informed him of Elder Benson’s desire to have the above telegram sent to Robert Welch, and President Dyer advised against the sending of the telegram. He said it would have an “adverse affect upon the Church and that it would be used by the John Birch Society everywhere–in their publications etc.” He said it would be better for President McKay to make a statement, probably at Conference time, complimenting societies, some of which have now fought atheistic communism for ten years, and that in that way President McKay could get over to the people a message about the Church’s feeling regarding Communism. President Dyer said that inasmuch as this meeting will be held on this very day, it would bring pressure on President McKay, and that it is not fair to place this decision on him in this way. He said that he would talk to Elder Benson about this matter upon his return to the city. No further report was given on this matter.

Wed., 14 May, 1969:

“(Minutes of a Meeting of President Dyer with President McKay in the Hotel)

(Meeting with President McKay)

I discussed the following matters with President McKay:

1. Ricks College

I reported to him my great interest in the idea of the Ricks College becoming a four-year school and that President Brown had recently returned from there with the same feeling. I asked the President if I should continue my investigation of the reasons for this and submit them to him. He was most enthusiastic about this and said that I must go ahead with the analysis preparation and submit it to him and the First Presidency.