Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “BYU.” You can view other subjects here.
Search the diary entries below for specific dates, names, and keywords using the keyboard shortcut Command + F on a Mac or Control + F on Windows.
Mon., 17 Apr., 1950:
“Re: B.Y.U. President. I called Brother Joseph Fielding Smith at his home, and told him that the Presidency is united in authorizing the Executive Committee of the B.Y.U. to make personal interviews of the leading applicants, or men who are being considerd. Joseph answered: ‘That will take a lot of time.’ I said: ‘Of course, it will take some time; but it is the right thing to do.’ I further said: ‘Will you brethren submit four or five who you think will be worthy of the position, and the Presidency will go over the list.’ I then said that if the Presidency wishes to add any other names they would do so before the interviews.”
Mon., 22 May, 1950:
“Dr. Wahlquist telephoned regarding his application for position of President of the B.Y.U. I said that the Executive Committee have not come to a decision yet; that they want the vote to be unanimous. Dr. Wahlquist said that members of the Board of Trustees of the U.S.A.C. had asked him to submit his application; that though he has not been especially trained, some of the members think he should go ahead and apply. He then said that he would like me to use my influence in his behalf. I said that I shoiuld necessarily have to be careful, but if they asked for my opinion, I should be glad to recommend him.
Dr. Wahlquist then asked for the material which he had sent in to the Executive Committee on the B.Y.U. position, and I said that I would mail it to him.”
Fri., 7 Jul., 1950:
“11 a.m. until 2 p.m.–Attended a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University. Some very serious matters were considered at this meeting, among them the choosing of a President for this great institution.”
Mon., 10 Jul., 1950:
“President [George Albert] Smith, in conversation regarding the B.Y.U. Presidency, expressed himself as looking with disfavor upon the appointment of Ernest Wilkinson as President of the Brigham Young University if Wilkinson’s suit with the government is not yet consummated.”
Tues., 11 Jul., 1950:
“Telephoned to J. Willard Marriott, President of the Washington Stake, and asked him to ascertain from Ernest Wilkinson just when he expects a settlement of his law suit with the government. Later in the morning Brother Marriott telephoned and said that he had talked with Brother Wilkinson, and learned from him that the Attorney general had accepted his papers and agreed to them and signed them. The court has them and is clearing them today. He expects them to render the judgment tomorrow; if not tomorrow, then the next day. I asked which court it is, and Brother Marriott said that it is the Federal Court in the District. Said further that all Brother Wilkinson has to do now after the judgment is rendered is to collect the money. The Court has to pass upon what the remuneration will be; they may not agree with the attorney general, but it is very doubtful that there will be a disagreement. Brother Marriott said he thought the matter is practically settled.”
Tues., 25 Jul., 1950:
“At 3 p.m. Pres. [George Albert] Smith, Pres. [J. Reuben] Clark, and I met with Ernest L. Wilkinson on the proposition of his being appointed President of the Brigham Young University. There is no doubt but that Ernest Wilkinson has the right viewpoint of the mission of the Brigham Young University, especially with regard to its mission and the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He senses clearly the fact that every department in the school should, as he stated, ‘be impregnated’ with the spirit of the gospel, and that the teaching of the principles of the gospel should not be confined to a Theological Department with other departments feeling that they are estranged therefor.
Brother Wilkinson is a clear thinker; he makes no pretense to having had any experience in school management; he possesses outstanding ability, which I believe he can direct towards a good organization. On the whole I was favorably impressed with him and earnestly hope and pray that he will succeed.”
Fri., 20 Oct., 1950:
“Ernest L. Wilkinson, President-Elect of the Brigham Young University, called in to see President McKay.”
Mon., 9 Apr., 1951
President Ernest Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University telephoned for an appointment.”
Wed., 11 Apr., 1951:
“At 8 a.m., I met by appointment at the office, President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University. He presented the following items:
1. Budget
2. Subsidizing Athletics
3. Non-members
4. Executive Committee–increase–‘more help’
5. Meeting of Board of Trustees
6. Brigham Young University and General Conference”
Mon., 16 Apr., 1951:
“Dr. Ernest Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called at the office. Matters pertaining to the University were discussed.”
Wed., 25 Apr., 1951:
“4:45 p.m.–Dr. Ernest Wilkinson came in with Brigham Young University problems.”
Mon., 7 May, 1951:
“[Clare note] President Ernest Wilkinson called at the office today and extended an invitation to President McKay to be the B.Y.U. baccalaureate speaker Sunday June 3. Services are to be held in the new field house.
Pres. Wilkinson also asked regarding Richard R. Lyman’s participation in the B.Y.U. Alumni Association–He was president of the class of 1891 and they are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a reunion which will probably be their last–what shall he do about it? (Later, as President McKay is convalescing from his operation he instructed his secretary to tell Pres. Wilkinson to get in touch with Pres. Richards and Pres. Clark.)”
Fri., 22 Jun., 1951:
“Came to the office at 8 o’clock this morning. When I arrived there I found my secretary and President Ernest Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University waiting for me. Brother Wilkinson discussed with me matters pertaining to the budget of the B.Y.U.
I later arranged for Pres. Wilkinson and Brother Suals to meet with the brethren of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve next Thursday in the Temple at 1 p.m. at which time this problem may be presented to them. I also made an appointment to meet Pres. Wilkinson at 8:15 that same morning.”
Thur., 28 Jun., 1951:
“8:15 a.m..–President Ernest Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came in regarding budget matters.”
Fri., 29 Jun., 1951:
“President Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University telephoned regarding whether he should await the reorganization of the Executive Committee to present B.Y.U. problems. President McKay instructed his secretary to inform Pres. Wilkinson to present the problems to the present Executive Committee; that the First Presidency would like a little more time before they reorganize.”
Mon., 8 Oct., 1951:
“INAUGURAL CEREMONIES AT B.Y.U.
Presidents Stephen L. Richards, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Sister McKay and I were driven by David L. [McKay] to the Inaugural Ceremonies at Provo at which President Ernest L. Wilkinson was installed as President of the Brigham Young University.”
Tues., 18 Dec., 1951:
“[First Presidency meeting] I told my counselors that it was my impression we should not go on in our dealings with Joseph F. Thorup regarding the Greek translation of the Book of Mormon, one reason being he is trying to tie us in his scheme to put on a Book of Mormon play. The brethren agreed with me on this feeling.”
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.”
Fri., 29 Aug., 1952:
“At 8:15 a.m.–Met by appointment at his request Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, who reported that it looks as though it is mandatory that he employ three non-members on the B.Y.U. staff: a teacher in nursing, particularly as it pertains to public relations, a stage designer, and a teacher in home economics. Permission given to employ these non-members for one year after he has exhausted all legitimate means to find L.D.S. who can do this work.
President Wilkinson would like to have an administrative assistant and recommends Harvey Taylor. The Brethren questioned the wisdom of taking Brother Taylor from his work in Mesa, Arizona, that the Catholics in that area are very active, and that outside influences are working energetically to get more influence in civic affairs in Mesa. If we took Brother Taylor from his educational position there, we might get a non-member in his place. I told President Wilkinson to do nothing about this until we had asked Brother Stapley to inquire what would be the prospect of getting a non-member successor if anything happened to Brother Taylor.
President Wilkinson wants a man particularly adapted to deal with young students who need part-time employment and suggests Harold L. Carlston of the U. of U., and if he cannot have Carlston would like to have his chief assistant, Keith Duffin. The Brethren felt that President Wilkinson should not take Brother Carlston from the U. of U., that he might, however, consult President Olpin about Brother Duffin.”
Fri., 26 Sep., 1952:
“9 to 10:30–Attended regular First Presidency’s meeting. I reported that President Ernest L. Wilkinson wants a non-member of the Church for his teaching staff at the B.Y.U. Registration is taking place today for this particular course in question. I called Pres. Wilkinson while we were in meeting and said it was my understanding that if we get this man, he will replace one of our present faculty members who is now teaching in a higher department, and he would be taken from the higher department to teach history. I said the Presidency look with disfavor on the bringing in of a non-member under this arrangement. Pres. Wilkinson said he thinks now that he can get a man from Cornell, a Church member, to take this position.”
Tues., 7 Oct., 1952:
“Brother Edward L. Clissold of the Oahu Stake called at the office. Two principal points brought out in the conversation were: First: Brother Clinton J. Kanahele, one of the Counselors to the President of the Temple, was mentioned by President Clissold as good material for Patriarch and also for a Bishop. I suggested to President Clissold that they recommend Brother Kanahele for Bishop and let him get that experience which would help prepare him for patriarchal work later.
The second point was in regard to the School in Laie, Hawaii. I recommended to Brother Clissold that he and his counselors, and President Nelson of the Hawaii Mission and Ralph Woolley, meet and make some specific suggestions regarding the starting of the school, having in mind the buildings that may now be utilized in Laie.
Further, Brother Clissold thought it would be well to draw up a master plan, having in mind the school, these buildings and an amusement hall, and he was requested to submit a recommendation to the First Presidency.”
Fri., 17 Oct., 1952:
“This morning at 8 o’clock I met by appointment, at his request, Brother Edward L. Clissold who discussed the following topics:
1. Patriarch for the Oahu Stake. Henry D. Moyle agrees with Brother Clissold that a man by the name of Clinton J. Kawahele would be a good patriarch. He is also good material for the Bishop of Laie. He is only about 40 years of age. I suggested that they make him Bishop of Laie for the present, and later he can be called to the office of Patriarch. The experience he will gain as Bishop will increase his knowledge and understanding.
2. We decided that it would be a good thing to have the Kaluka Plantation appraised before we draw up any contract for renewal to the sugar company whose lease will run out in another two or three years.
3. Regarding the School: I said that we had already decided to have the School there, and that I am surprised at the delays that have come. We agreed in our consultation this morning that a master plan be drawn so that the buildings that are erected in the next two to ten years will be erected in accordance with this plan–thus far they have been built haphazardly. However, before any firm be approached to draw this master plan, it will probably be advisable to turn the Sugar plantation owned by the Church over to the Stake Corporation Sole.–it is now under the management of the Zion’s Securities Corporation.”
Mon., 10 Nov., 1952:
“10:20 a.m.–Brother James L. Barker called and said that Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. has asked him to accept a position teaching Spanish at the Brigham Young University to replace Dr. Valentine who has been called to preside over the Argentine Mission.
I said that it would be all right for him to accept this position, but that it does not relieve him from his assignment to complete the Priesthood lessons on the Apostacy, and this new appointment must be secondary to his lesson assignment.”
9 Mar., 1953:
Telephone conversation President A. Ray Olpin of the University of Utah at 11:00 a.m.
“President Olpin said he tried last night to contact President McKay but President McKay said he didn’t arrive home until nearly midnight.
President Olpin said he had two matters to discuss with President McKay. The first he asked President McKay if he had seen the list of the new Board of Regents for the University and President McKay said that he had. President Olpin said there were two L.D.S. men appointed who would be good, they are Albert Bowen and Richard L. Evans. President McKay said the one man from St. George, (LeRoy H. Cox) was no good in his opinion.
President McKay remarked that Arthur Woolley, who was transferred from the USAC Board of Trustees to the U of U Board of Regents, is good and will stand for right. Mr. Woolley has been in a troubled spot at USAC and the AC has not bettered their situation any by transferring Mr. Woolley because he is a good man. President McKay asked if Mr. Woolley is a University boy and President Olpin said he imagined he was because he is a lawyer. President McKay said he has always gotten along well with Mr. Woolley and President Olpin said he has always liked Mr. Woolley.
President Olpin said that Richard L. Evans was Alumni President so he will probably be there even though he doesn’t get re-elected.
The second thing President Olpin was concerned about was a visit form President Wilkinson and Adam S. Bennion where President Wilkinson served notice that he has offered Dr. Virginia Cutler a position at the BYU. President Olpin said this was just like a ‘stick of dynamite’ because the Home Economics House was built with Dr. Cutler in mind and Sterling Sill has contacted some 800 people to raise money for the building—the whole thing has been built around Dr. Cutler and her plans and it is quite a shock to lose her after all the work and plans.
President Olpin said that President Wilkinson’s excuse for offering Dr. Cutler the position was that they couldn’t find a person and the L.D.S. girls at the BYU need the guidance which Dr. Cutler could give. President Olpin said that the U of U is made up primarily of LDS girls also.
President Wilkinson has been trying for 2 years unofficially to get Dr. Cutler. He has been in and out of her office half a dozen times to talk to her. She has turned him down several times.
President Olpin said that President Wilkinson claimed that he had come with Dr. Bennion with the full approval of the Board to try to get her. President McKay said that was not a fact. He said that ‘I had opposed all the time his going to the University and taking any teacher without the approval of the President, and finally we said ‘this matter be left entirely to Mrs. Cutler, and if she wishes to go, we shall approve, and Dr. Bennion, as a member of this Board, and also a member of the University Board of Regents, should accompany President Wilkinson and they together should see Dr. Olpin and the matter be left entirely with Dr. Cutler.’
Dr. Olpin said, ‘I would not in any way stand in her way; I had no indication of her desire to go; she has told me how much she has resisted offers before.’
Dr. Olpin said that Dr. Bennion came and said ‘President Olpin, I am here because the Board suggested that I come; I suppose it is because I am a member of both Boards. President Wilkinson is qualified to speak for himself.’ This is the only statement made by Dr. Bennion.
Dr. Olpin then remarked that Dr. Cutler is under the impression that Dr. Bennion thinks she should go.
President McKay then said, ‘Will you please tell her that you have it directly from the President of the Board of Trustees of the BYU that there is no desire on the part of the Board to influence her in the least—that if she has any feeling of obligation to the U of U (and she should have) she is perfectly free to remain where she is—that there is no coercion whatever from a religious standpoint—it is left entirely with her. And furthermore, even if she decided to go to BYU, she should not go without consulting Dr. Olpin.’
Dr. Olpin said that they had consulted him, but they did not ask for his objections; that he had plenty of objections to raise. He said there are several hundred people and industries who have contributed generously to the program, and that Dr. Cutler has been right in the middle of it, and just now for her to leave the U of U would be, in a way, for her to leave the building unoccupied.
President McKay answered that this matter is in his (Dr. Olpin’s) and Brother Sill’s and Dr. Cutler’s hands.
Dr. Olpin said that he feels the BYU should be happy in having LDS people in other schools; that ‘Ernest’ has the desire to make the BYU the biggest University in the world.
President McKay said that it will be a very discouraging condition and very detrimental if we let the sentiment go throughout the State that the U of U is a non-member school—that in reality the U of U is our School as much as any other school, and LDS people are supporting it.
President Olpin said if President McKay feels Dr. Cutler should go he would not oppose it. If she wants to go it is her responsibility. President McKay said he feels her (Dr. Cutler’s) responsibility to Brother Sill stands out preeminently. Brother Sill feels hurt about it but he never complains.
President Olpin said that President Wilkinson is ambitious, efficient, and dynamic. He has found difficulty getting teachers who were right for the school. He has two or three of the faculty upset all the time, talking informally to them.
President McKay said that the U of U is and LDS Institution. President McKay asked if he had made himself clear. He said he feels that Dr. Cutler owes obligation to Brother Sill. There isn’t another man who would have done the same thing. He went on with his work after being released from the Board of Regents and he did the work without financial help from the State.
President McKay said there would be no disfavor in the eyes of the President and the Board if she decides to stay at the U of U.”
Thurs., 12 Mar., 1953:
8:40 to 9:15—Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson came in to report that the Legislature had passed the bill for educational television, but that there is evidence that the Governor will veto it. He appealed to me to go and see the Governor, but he would not do so as he did not want to place himself in the position of being turned down. There is assurance from Washington however, that the limit for greeting this TV channel will not be June 1, 1953. Brother Wilkinson said that he would see the Governor about it.
Later Dr. Wilkinson came back to report his conversation with the Governor—said that he is determined to veto the bill.
I stated that I think it is not wise for me to try to bring undue influence, or to try to influence the Governor against his own personal convictions regarding the bill.
Fri., 27 Mar., 1953
“At 7:35 a.m., in company with Howard J. McKean, Bishops Wirthlin, Isaacson, and Beuhner, went to the Beuhner Auto & Concrete Products Company at 640 Wilmington Avenue (between 21st and 22nd E) to choose the color for the 1,750 blocks that will make up the outside wall of the Los Angeles Temple.
I returned to the office at 9 a.m. where I attended Executive Committee meeting of the Department of Education. We tacitly approved of reorganizing the governing boards of the Church Educational system, the suggestion having been made that we place the Brigham Young University and Colleges, Institutes and Seminaries under one head.
Following the aforementioned meeting, the Bishopric and the Presidency viewed suggestive elevation and internal plans of a proposed temple for Bern, Switzerland.
President Clark and I then drove out to the Beuhner Concrete Establishment, and examined more carefully and critically the proposed material for the outside of the Los Angeles Temple wall.
We returned to the office and at 11:05 a.m. attended a meeting of the Church Board of education. We considered recommendations of Commissioner Franklin West on retirement and employment of teachers, and heard his annual report.
Following the meeting I had a confidential talk with Commissioner West on the proposed reorganization of the Church School educational system. He thought is was a wise thing to do; however, it was evident that he believes that the controlling body under the Board of Education should be the Commissioner and his associates rather than under the Brigham Young University. However, he expressed a willingness to cooperate in whatever the authorities deemed best.”
16 Apr., 1953:
“Note dictated by President Ernest L. Wilkinson from Provo, Utah:
Dear President McKay:
Many thanks for inviting me to talk to Lowell Thomas on ‘Cinerama’. Since you asked me to give you my reaction after listening to him, permit me to say that its possibilities are of such magnitude that I think the Church would be justified in investing several million dollars, provided you get proper representation on the Board of Directors and can sit in on the making of the main decisions. Certainly you have men among the General Authorities who know much more about the sound financing of a business venture than apparently Lowell Thomas knows.
I wish the Church could take the place of Whitney if his deal is not closed. If it cannot, the Church should certainly be able to obtain the same terms as Whitney, or even better terms should the Church decide to take a large proportion of the stock.
These are my humble views on first impression, subject, of course, to checking the information that Thomas gave.
Sincerely and cordially,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:cm”
Mon., 11 May, 1953:
President Wilkinson then stated that despite the Governor’s veto on the educational TV bill, they have been trying to get non-profit organizations to take advantage of the appropriations for the educational TV. Said that in his meetings with these various organizations, such as the B.Y.U., U of U, ACU, etc., he wonders if he will be permitted to commit the B.Y.U. to its share of expenses if such and Educational TV program can be worked out.
I answered unhesitatingly ‘yes’, but that we should want to know the set-up before we commit ourselves. Pres. Wilkinson said he would tell them that it would be subject to final approval.
29 May, 1953:
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called to say that Miss Tanner of the McCune School of Music has an invitation from the National Dance Festival Committee to take 25 of her students to New London, Connecticut.
It will take $5000 to take care of the expenses; parents are willing to raise one half the cost, and the McCune School $2500. This amount is not included in the budget as the Executive Committee did not foresee such an expense. They recognize the value of the dancing Miss Tanner is teaching—the interpretive dance is preferable to the ballet, and Miss Tanner has received national recognition for her work. If the students attend this festival it will be a boost to the McCune School of Music, and a credit to the Church.
The children, ranging from 6 to 16 years of age, will go bus. Many of the parents have volunteered to go with them.
President Wilkinson said that quite a number of people have urged that these students be allowed to go.
I told him that I would take the matter up this morning at our First Presidency’s meeting.
President Wilkinson then asked if he should have James L. Barker sign a contract for next year. Said Brother Barker had intimated that he might be sent to Italy to open up and Italian Mission. I told President Wilkinson that Brother Barker had better sign the contract with the B.Y.U. for next year as nothing has been decided about the Italian Mission.”
Wed., 24 June, 1953:
“At 8:45 a.m. I had a meeting with Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson, President Edward L. Clissold and Brother L. Pierce Brady regarding Hawaiian matters. They presented a proposed plan of a planning board there. Pres. Clissold suggested straightening the road from the highway to the temple, which he said can be done without much expense. This appealed to me, but we shall await further report and recommendation after Brother Burton has been there, the Expenditures Committee having authorized Brother Burton to go there and assist in the planning.
We also considered the necessity of appointing an educator to supervise the Church school education in Hawaii. A law has been passed permitting churches to hold religious classes in the school houses, and the other churches are taking advantage of this. Brother Clissold recommends we wend somebody to take the position formerly held by Brother Frank McGhie; he has spoken to Brother West. He asked what relationship the schools would have to the B.Y.U., and I told him we have a plan to unify our whole education system and we would report to him later what the relationship would be. Brother Clissold will utilize the auxiliary workers in conducting these classes but they do need a supervisor.
In planning the village arrangement, utilizing the beach land owned by the Church, and looking forward to the establishment of a two years high school and two years college, he says there is no question about the general attitude of the people, that that should be in Laie. In answer to my question as to why students leave the other islands and come to Honolulu to attend high schools there–schools operated by the different religions, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, etc. Brother Clissold favored our going ahead with our plan at Laie and starting out with the first year and then adding a second year. It would mean a boarding school. He said we have sixty students at the B.Y.U. from Hawaii, only ten of whom can afford to go; the others are running in debt. I recommended first, that we look around for a man to supervise the seminary; second, that we should choose a man capable educationally and spiritually, and with a proper personality, to begin this central school at Laie. He should be down there visiting the schools.”
Fri., 26 June, 1953:
The regular First Presidency’s meeting then continued–President Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Henry D. Moyle, Marion G. Romney, and Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the B.Y.U. met with us to discuss the new church educational system. They presented a chart, suggesting that the designation of the University of Deseret be given to the entire Church School System. Brother Wilkinson read a statement, a copy of which he gave to each of the Brethren, explaining the meaning and history of the word ‘Deseret.’ The Committee felt that historically, religiously and traditionally, it was the best name they could find. I was explained that the Brigham Young University would be under the direction of the University of Deseret. (They at first suggested Brigham Young Campus, but withdrew that suggestion). For the time being the President of the Brigham Young University would also be the President of the University of Deseret, having under his charge the entire Church School System.
The chart suggests that there be a vice-president in charge of religious education, under whom there would be the heads of religious education departments of the Brigham Young University, principals of 119 Latter-day Saint seminaries, heads of religious educational departments at junior colleges, and Directors of our 16 L.D.S. Institutes, the L.D.S. Seminaries and Junior Colleges.
There would be a vice-president of finances and business administration, and he would have direction over this phase of the work for the Brigham Young University, the L.D.S. Institutes, the L.D.S. Seminaries and Junior Colleges.
There would be an executive assistant to the President, who would have no authority except that which is delegated to him by the President, and would assist him mainly in maintaining high standards of teaching in these various units.
The Brethren discussed at considerable length the matter of the name that should be given to this Church Educational System. The thought was expressed that perhaps it should be called the Brigham Young University, but some Brethren felt, particularly Brother Lee, that it should not be given the name of any one President. The thought was also expressed that if, for instance, we should call the Institute at Logan near the Agricultural College, or at the University of Utah, or in other places where universities are established, the Brigham Young University Institute it might cause some friction.
Pres. Wilkinson was asked to check into the question of who would sign certificates of graduation, also to look into the Articles of Incorporation of the Brigham Young University and other like questions.
The Brethren agreed that we should move ahead right away with this new program. The Committee were asked to make their recommendation to the Board this morning.
Telephone Calls
1. Bishop Isaacson reported that he had received a telephone message from Elder Alma Sonne who is in the East regarding the U.S.A.C. situation. Said that it is rumored that President Madsen is to be employed at the B.Y.U. and that he will bring with him 200 students from the U.S.A.C. The people in Logan are asking Alma Sonne to contact the First Presidency so that this will not be done.
Not from minutes of the First Presidency’s meeting regarding this matter: The Brethren of the President discussed the attitude they should take regarding Brother Louis L. Madsen’s going to the B.Y.U. It was decided to suggest to President Wilkinson that the matter be not brought up in the Board meeting. The Brethren thought that if Brother Madsen were to go to the B.Y.U. it might be interpreted by the people in Logan as an effort on our part to get the Agricultural College dissenters to go to the B.Y.U. President McKay mentioned that someone had phoned or wired stating that a group of citizens from Logan wanted and interview with the First Presidency, protesting Brother Madsen’s appointment to the B.Y.U. The Brethren did not feel they should meet the Committee.”
Wed., 1 July, 1953:
I said that I did not feel right about presenting to the Board of Education tomorrow morning the recommendation that we substitute for the Church Board of Education the term University of Deseret. We were ready, it was agreed, to present the unification plan, that we include under one heading the Brigham Young University, the Ricks College, the institutes and seminaries, this to be placed under Dr. Ernest Wilkinson. It was agreed that no change would be made in the nomenclature and if it was decided to make a change that could be done later. Pres. Wilkinson will be asked to submit the plan and personnel to the Board.”
Tues., 7 July, 1953:
“At 8:30 a.m.–Elders Joseph Fielding Smith, Adam S. Bennion, and Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University met with the First Presidency to discuss matters pertaining to the unification of all educational institutions of the Church under a single administrator.”
“Deseret news and Telegram, Thursday, July 9, 1953:
CHURCH UNITES SCHOOLS UNDER ONE DIRECTOR
Dr. Wilkinson of BYU to Head Entire Educational Program
The unification of all educational Institutions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints under a single administrator was announce Thursday by the first presidency.
Named as the administrator was Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, present president of the Brigham Young University. His offices will continue at the University of Provo.
Included in the new unification program are eight Church Schools; 15 LDS Institutes conducted near colleges and universities, and 192 junior and senior seminaries–throughout the Church.
The new change is made effective upon the retirement of Dr. Franklin L. West, who has been Church Commissioner of Education since 1935.
General Administrator
Under the plan announce Thursday, Dr. Wilkinson will assume general administration under the direction of the First Presidency, President David O. McKay and his counselors, President Stephen L. Richards and President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.; and the Council of the Twelve through an executive committee consisting of President Joseph Smith and Elders Harold B. Lee, Henry D. Moyle, Marion G. Romney and Adam S. Bennion.
With the approval of the First Presidency and the Executive committee, Dr. Wilkinson has appointed three men to assist him in his increased responsibilities. The three and the positions are:
William E. Berrett, vice president in charge of religious education.
William F. Edwards, vice president in charge of finance and business administration.
Harvey L. Taylor, executive assistant.
Many Schools Affected
The Church schools included in the new unification program are the Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Ricks College, at Rexburg, Idaho; LDS Business College, Salt Lake City; the McCune School of Music and Art, Salt Lake City; the Juarez Academy in Colonia Dublan, Mexico, and mission schools in the Tongan Islands, British Samoa and New Zealand.
Institutes of religion included are located at Salt Lake City, Logan, Ogden, and St. George, Utah; Pacatello and Moscow in Idaho; Berkeley and Los Angeles in California; Flagstaff, Temple, Tucson, and Thatcher in Arizona; Laramis, Wyo.; Reno, Nev., and Cardston, Alberta, Canada.
In announcing his retirement, Dr. West brings to a close a long and outstanding career in education in Utah. For 18 years he has presided over the institutes and seminaries for the Church as commissioner of education. Prior to that time he was head of the Department of Physics at the BYU from 1905 to 1906. At the Utah State Agricultural College in Logan he served as dean of the School of Arts and Science, professor of physics, geneticist and meteorologist at the state experiment station, dean of the faculty and chairman of the athletic board and dean of men.
62 New Seminaries
As Church Commissioner of Education he has been active in promoting and perfecting the work of the seminaries and of the institutes. A total of 62 new seminaries have been established which meet in buildings constructed under his supervision. Likewise 15 institutes have been established and housed in buildings constructed under his direction.
In many places he had succeeded in setting up seminary classes before regular school time. Through such a program the lives of many young people have been influenced throughout the Church.
According to the First Presidency’s announcement, Dr. West has ‘worked diligently to establish a retirement system for seminary and institute teachers and has been interested always in selecting a staff of teachers whose own spirituality has been impressed upon the students whom they teach. In his retirement Dr. West leaves the service with the heartiest good wishes of hundred of teachers and thousands of pupils. He retires with the benediction of the men under whom he has labored.’
Dr. Wilkinson brings to his new responsibilities a wealth of training and experience. A native of Ogden, Utah, he is a graduate of Weber College, of Brigham Young University, George Washington University and he received the Doctorate of Juridical Science at Harvard University.
After a successful experience as a teacher in the New Jersey Law School, he became a member of the law firm headed by the Honorable Charles Evans Hughes. Later he organized his own law firm and won national recognition because of his success in handling a case for the Ute Indians.
Dr. Wilkinson has been president of the Brigham Young University since the fall of 1950. In the past two years the enrollment at the BYU has increased 42 percent. Enrollment figures at the Church University make it the largest school in Utah when full-time students are considered. Students at the school come from throughout the world, with 39 of the 44 missions of the Church and all of the 208 stakes represented in its student body.
$10,000,000 Building Plan
At present the BYU under Dr. Wilkinson has a projected $10,000,000 building program. About $5,000,000 of this will be used for student housing. The other $5,000,000 is to be expended for a large modern building to house the College of Family Living; an administrative building; a student health center, and engineering building, warehouse buildings and other campus improvements.
Mr. Berrett brings to his new assignment both academic and legal training. He took both his A.B. and LL.B degrees from University of Utah. He has presided over and taught in seminaries in both Utah and Idaho. For a time he served as assistant to Commissioner West.
He has also been assistant to Don B. Colton as director of the Church Missionary Home. He has served many years as a member of the Sunday School General Board, and has been a member of a stake presidency.
BYU Faculty Member
He has been a member of the faculty of the Brigham Young University as associate professor of religion. During the past three years he has been associated with Dr. Wilkinson in recruiting and training members of the faculty of the BYU. He is and author of several books now used throughout the Church.
The other vice president in the new administrative setup, Dr. William F. Edwards, is at present dean of the College of Commerce and professor of economics at the BYU. He brings to his new position the finest of training and experience available in the field of finance and business administration.
He took his A.B. degree from the BYU and his doctor’s degree from New York University in the field of business administration. He has served as a member of the faculty of the latter institution in the field on investments and has managed large trusts in New York City before coming West. He is active in several national organizations associated with financial and business institutions.
Counselor in Bishopric
Dr. Edwards served as a counselor in the bishopric of the Queens Ward, New York Stake and for several years was president of the New York Stake.
Harvey L. Taylor will continue as executive assistant to Dr. Wilkinson. He brings to this position training in the University of Utah, where he took has B.S. degree in 1921; and his M.A. degree from Columbia University. He did graduate work as the State Teachers College of Colorado and Stanford University.
He has been a principal of Utah schools, a teacher in Weber College, president of the Gila Junior College and from 1943 to 1952 he was superintendent of Mesa City Schools, Mesa, Ariz.
According to the First Presidency, ‘President Wilkinson has surrounded himself with strong men to do a big job. He will have at his service the strength not only of these men, but of all the members of the Brigham Young University faculty. This great system of schools, institutes and seminaries can become an ever more effective instrumentality in equipping the youth of the Church with solid foundations to meet the challenge of modern living.'”
Mon., 31 Aug., 1953:
Following the conference with these brethren, I met Dr. U.R. Bryner, President of the American Academy of General Practice, who explained that Dr. Alexander Fleming, one of the great doctors of London, who has contributed much to the discovery of antibiotics, will be in Cleveland, Ohio next March to attend a medical convention. At that time Dr. Bryner would like to have him come to Salt lake City and attend one of the sessions of the April General conference. Dr. Fleming holds many degrees and Dr. Bryner thinks our Church school should bestow an honorary degree upon Dr. Fleming. He thinks it would further our work in England, especially at this time when we are building a Temple, to recognize this prominent physician.
I told Dr. Bryner to take this matter up with Dr. Wilkinson, President of the B.Y.U.
At 8;15 a.m., I met by appointment Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson. I told him of Dr. Bryner’s suggestion regarding Dr. Fleming. He will await to hear from Dr. Bryner.
President Wilkinson wanted to know what his attitude should be towards the State’s returning the Weber College, the Snow College, and Dixie College back to the Church.
I told him to see the Governor and ascertain under what conditions they would like to do this; however, that no publicity whatever should be given to this matter.
Tues., 17 Nov., 1953:
Telephone Calls
1. Called Dr. Ernest Wilkinson and asked him to the matter of a manual training teacher and his wife to go to Samoa. Inquired especially about Gordan J. Forsythe, who is in the audio visual aids department. Dr. Wilkinson will call tomorrow.
*Samoa – further report
At the First Presidency’s meeting, November 20, 1953, President McKay reported the following:
Felt that action should be taken on two important matters: First, that we should appoint a capable man to have charge of our plantations in Samoa, not leave this work to the President of the Mission. We have a big plantation in Mapasaga and that should be planted to coconuts. In Sauniatu we have had trouble with our cattle and we have cattle in Mapasaga also. I have been informed that we have a man who is working with the Government, whose time with the Government will be up in a few months, who is a practical man and could take care of this work. The Brethren favored doing this.
It was also thought that we should have a practical man there to start the Mapasaga school and to unite the three branches, and that Brother Paul could do this. It was decided to let Brother Paul go back to Samoa. This was approved.
Full instructions will be given to LeGrand Richards regarding Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand.”
Mon., 21 Dec., 1953:
Telephone Calls
1. President Ernest L. Wilkinson called – said the Ogden Chamber of Commerce is holding a meeting today at noon to decide whether or not they should start a suit against the State of Utah because of the Legislature’s decision to return Weber College to the Church. Said that David J. Wilson, Howard J. Huggins and Frank Browning are taking an active interest in this matter.
Pres. Wilkinson suggested that it might be well for Pres. McKay to have a talk with these men since they are good members of the Church.
Pres. Wilkinson also suggested that since the Weber College school buildings will not revert to the Church until July, and in view of the bitterness that is engendered in Ogden, he wondered if it would not be a good thing to insure the buildings up there.
When this note was handed to President McKay, he said as to the first mentioned subject, he would not enter into the matter, but the second suggestion should be considered by the brethren. (cm)
2. Judge Howell of Ogden telephoned. He would like an appointment with Pres. McKay sometime this week. He also suggested that Pres. Wilkinson be in attendance during the discussion. Judge Howell has been making gifts to Weber College in the past, and he has provided in his will that his library be turned over to Weber College. He mentioned the fact that he would like to contribute $2,000 or $3,000 to the College before the end of the year.”
Mon., 28 Dec., 1953:
“Last day at the office before starting for trip to South Africa and South America.
7 a.m. at the office attending to important duties
8 a.m. Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson and Dr. William P. Miller, President of Weber College called at the office. Some of the special problems presented by them are as follows:
1. Weber College has an option on about 12 acres of additional land immediately south of the new buildings on the new campus. The option expires January 1, 1954. Total amount of the options is $57,000.00.
2. Immediate problems concerning present staff members who are approaching retirement age.
3. Problem of continuing present staff members under church administration and re-staffing the college.
4. Advisability of a public statement that would indicate general plans for the operation of Weber College in the future.
5. The Ogden area is waiting to hear about the possibilities of a four-year program at Weber.
6. Campus Problems
7. Program Problems
8. Staff Problems.
Wed., 12 May, 1954:
“8:25 a.m. President Ernest L. Wilkinson presented correspondence with Governor Lee on the Junior College Situation. The Brethren then read and gave consideration to two suggested letters that had been prepared by President Ernest L. Wilkinson. One of these letters was a letter addressed to the First Presidency by Governor Lee asking certain questions in regard to the attitude of the Church with reference to taking over the Junior Colleges, how they would be operated, etc.
The other letter was a suggested answer to these questions by the First Presidency in a letter addressed to the Governor.
The Brethren felt that there should be some modifications in the letters. They decided to look over the copies that had been left with them.
At the invitation of the First Presidency President Wilkinson met with the First Presidency and made certain explanations regarding these letters. He explained that it was necessary to submit both letters to the Governor so that he would know what the questions and answers would be.”
Fri., 14 May, 1954:
“At 10:30 a.m. President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. called and presented a redraft of a letter from the Governor containing questions regarding the Church’s attitude toward the State’s turning over to the Church certain junior colleges, also a redraft of letter answering the questions by the First Presidency. President Wilkinson was requested to go ahead with the matter.”
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.
1 July, 1954:
July 1, 1954
Telephone Conversation
Thursday, July 1, 1954
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called me by telephone regarding the Clarence Cottam matter. Dr. Cottam has had an offer to head up a multimillion dollar research and educational foundation dedicated to wildlife and land use management research and education in Texas. Before this offer came, it was Doctor Cottam’s plan to take a position at B.Y.U. Doctor Cottam must give an answer to the Texas people tomorrow. President Wilkinson would like very much to have Doctor Cottam on his staff. He feels that he must have the best people possible on his staff in order to build up B.Y.U. and carry on its purpose. I suggested that Doctor Cottam take the B.Y.U. position for one year and then go to Texas to the new position if this could be arranged. In the meantime President Wilkinson could be looking for a new man to take Dr. Cottam’s place. President Wilkinson was very reluctant to let Doctor Cottam leave and suggested that maybe he could return to the B.Y.U. after spending a short time in Texas. However, I urged that Doctor Cottam would have to give a definite answer to the Texas people and that I felt he could do the government, nation, etc. a greater service in heading this great research and educational foundation. I stated that I had tried to contact Doctor Edgar B. Brossard by telephone but had been unable to do so. President Wilkinson asked if he could have an appointment with me this afternoon, but I told him that that would be impossible as I had a full schedule and there seemed nothing further to discuss to me.
(Later had correspondence with Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Council of the Twelve relative to this matter.) See note that follows:
‘Doctor Cottam has served for a number of years on the High Council, is a devoted member of the Church and a man of outstanding competency in his field. As the matter was presented to me, I feel sure it presents an unusual opportunity for Dr. Cottam to render service of untold value to our range and livestock industry throughout the Nation as well as to wildlife research. I feel confident also that he could be of great service to the Church as director of the foundation. His attitude toward the entire matter is most commendable.’ Ezra Taft Benson”
Thurs., 23 Sept., 1954:
2 p.m. Met at their request with Henry D. Moyle of the Council of the Twelve, and Ernest Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University. They wanted to know who should sign the statement given to the Secretary of State, and the paper setting forth the reasons why the State should discontinue Weber, Snow,and Dixie Junior Colleges, a question that must be answered in the coming election.
Dilworth Woolley will sign as Chairman of the Committee to present it to the State.
Mon., 27 Sept., 1954:
Telephone Calls
2. President Wilkinson called from the B.Y.U. in Provo. He stated that he had the pamphlet regarding the Junior College issue ready for print. He had found out that they could include the statement that was signed with the Secretary of State with reference to the transfer of the colleges without incurring any additional cost. President Wilkinson asked my permission to include this in the pamphlet. I told him that I would have to read it over before I could decide. President Wilkinson said he would send the material to me today in order that I may read it over and give my opinion.
I thanked President Wilkinson for the article regarding the seminaries in Los Angeles and stated that I thought I would use it in my talk. I asked President Wilkinson for some information on seventh grade enrollment in the seminaries. President Wilkinson stated that he would send this information to me.”
Tues., 28 Sept., 1954:
Telephone Calls
1. Henry D. Moyle of the Council of the Twelve called me by telephone regarding the meeting to be held by District Stake Presidents at which time a discussion will be held relative to the distribution of pamphlets concerning the Junior College situation and the Reapportionment. I told him that the Stake Presidents are not to make a campaign that Gen’l. Authorities are in favor of the Church’s taking over the Junior Colleges, nor that they are in favor of the Reapportionment plan – also that they are not to quote the General Authorities on either issue.”
Wed., 29 Sept., 1954:
Telephone Calls
“2. I called President Wilkinson at the B.Y.U. I told him that he had better go to Washington to fulfill his appointment with the Chamber of Commerce in that City. He asked if I had given Brother Moyle the material regarding the Junior College situation. I told him that I thought it had been given to Brother Moyle, and that we should have to arrange to pay for both of them some way.”
Wed., 3 Nov., 1954:
“12:30 p.m. Elder Adam S. Bennion called at the office and said that several classes of the Brigham Young University had decided to unite in making a class presentation to their alma mater instead of each class’s presenting a separate gift. They would like to unite and present to the school a set of Carillons (chimes) at a cost ordinarily of $23,000, but which they are able to secure at $18,000.
This suggestion had been presented by President Ernest L. Wilkinson to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees who had approved it, and he wanted to know whether the First Presidency would also approve.
Later, I called by telephone President Stephen L. Richards who did not look upon the matter with favor, but he said he would go with me if I approved of it. He said he had submitted the matter to President Clark who President Richards thought did not have much objection to it. Later, when I consulted President Clark, I learned that he did not remember that President Richards had presented it to him, and he, President Clark, was not very enthusiastic about it, but said he would go along with the Executive Committee if the latter recommends it.
I presented the matter to the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve at their meeting held November 4, and after a brief discussion, they voted to approve of the uniting of the classes to present this gift of carillons to the Brigham Young University.
Tues., 14 Dec., 1954:
December 14, 1954
(Tuesday)
Dedication of the David O. McKay Building
Brigham Young University Campus, Provo,
Utah, December 14, 1954, 9:45 a.m.
At 7:45 this morning Sister McKay, my son Llewellyn, my grandaughter Bonnie, and I left for Provo to attend the dedicatory services of the David O. McKay Building, Brigham Young University Campus, Provo, Utah. David L., Edward, Robert, Emma Rae, and their families took their own cars as they had to return to Salt Lake immediately following the ceremonies.
As we arrived at the Brigham Young University Campus, members of the committee in charge of the dedication — Harvey L. Taylor, Executive Assistant to the President, Dr. Asahel D. Woodruff, Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Oliver R. Smith, Journalism Department, Chairman, and his wife; Ben Lewis, associate treasurer, and Lloyd George, student body president — were on hand to greet us and to look after our every need.
We then proceeded to the ‘David O. McKay’ Building, it being 9 o’clock when we arrived there. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. and his daughter were already there. Photographers of the Deseret News, Henry Smith the reporter of that paper, and friends were present. Pictures were requested by the Deseret News officials.
Following this, we drove to the ‘George Albert Smith’ Field House where over five thousand students, members of the B.Y.U. faculty, members of the General Authorities, prominent educators of the State, members of my family, and citizens were already seated.
Under the direction of Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, we participated in one of the most impressive services that I have ever attended. Everybody seemed to be thrilled with the occasion.
The following program was rendered:
Hymn: ‘We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet’…Congregation
and Combined University Choruses. Don L.
Earl, Conductor; J.J. Keeler, Organist.
Invocation……………………………………..David Lawrence McKay
Introduction of Architect and Presentation
of Certificate to Contractors
Selection – Grand March from ‘Tannhauser’ (Wagner)……University Band
Ralph Laycock, Dir.
Introduction to the Family of President David O. McKay
Tribute — The Early Life of Pres. McKay—————-President
Ernest L. Wilkinson
Dedicatory Address and Prayer …………………..Pres. Stephen L. Richards
Response ………………………………………………..Pres. David O. McKay
Hymn ‘O Say What is Truth?’ ………………………Univ. Combined Choruses
Benediction………………………………………………Llewellyn R. McKay
I appreciated deeply tributes paid by President Stephen L. Richards and President Ernest L. Wilkinson during their remarks.
Members of the family who were present, and not listed on the program, were introduced to the audience.
At the conclusion of the services, (amidst a handshaking experience from the rostrum to the auto,) we drove up to the David O. McKay Building where a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the building was held at the northeast entrance of the structure. Sister McKay was handed a pair of scissors and then invited to clip the ribbon, and I declared the building officially opened for the purposes for which it has been erected.
A large crowd assembled for this event.
We then went on an inspection trip of the three floors of this new million-dollar edifice in which there are thirty-one classrooms, and one hundred and four offices. I said to President Wilkinson: ‘If these 104 offices, and thirty-one classrooms are needed right now, I should like to know what you did before you got them!’ He answered: ‘They had three or four teachers occupying the same offices, and some had to use their homes for this purpose.’
The building is beautiful and practical in every way. The windows are large, which give a good view of the magnificent setting — the Wasatch mountains on the East, etc. The furnishings, decorations harmonize in a most artistic way.
After the inspection of the building Sister McKay and I were honored at a luncheon, Thomas E. McKay, his wife, my sons and daughter, and their wives and husband, and children, close associates, and B.Y.U. executives and faculty members were also guests.
Sister McKay and I were deeply moved and impressed by the ceremonies of the day, as also were my children, brother, and sisters. It was indeed a milestone in all our lives.”
Thurs., 28 Apr. 1955:
“Thursday, April 28, 1955
This evening, while at home, I called Brother G. Byron Done and asked him to find out whether the report is true that any president of a stake in Southern Los Angeles area was asked to send a quota of students to the Brigham Young University. He will investigate this matter and call me by telephone tomorrow morning.
Friday, April 29, 1955
Dr. G. Byron Done called and gave the following report:
Dr. Done: ‘We find that the basis of those remarks come not from the number of students up there but the scholarships the B.Y.U. gives out is based upon the number of students from each stake. If they have two, they are entitled to more scholarships. And that was the basis of that remark.’
President McKay: ‘They give a scholarship based upon the number of students from that stake attending the University.’
Doctor Done: ‘That’s it. The scholarships are allotted on that basis. If a stake has fifty students, I suppose, they get more scholarships, you see, because of the ratio. And that’s the only rumor we can find where it gives the idea of quota.’
President McKay: ‘Have you any letter or anything dealing with that?’
Doctor Done: ‘Well, the Stake Presidents I talked to said that in their files somewhere they have letters that tell them that, but for the moment they couldn’t pick them up, but they are sure they had them. There were two stake presidents that were contacted on that. I suppose too that much of this is derived from the fact that at our quarterly conferences the B.Y.U. sends out their representatives to boost up the Church educational system, and the B.Y.U., I suppose is supposed to be rated first and so on, and I imagine from all of that comes this idea that there is this pressure coming on.’
President McKay: ‘And if the stake didn’t have any students at all, it would get no scholarship?’
Doctor Done: ‘Well, that I imagine. If they didn’t have any students, they probably wouldn’t have any scholarships. That’s the only thing that I can find in the picture that would in any way give the idea of a quota.’
President McKay: ‘Thank you very much, Brother done. Kind regards to Sister Done and your children.'”
Mon., 20 June, 1955:
“8 a.m. – Met by appointment at his request President Noble Waite of the South Los Angeles Stake.
Brother Waite wanted advice as to whether he should accept the Vice Presidency of the Brigham Young University, in charge of collecting funds for the Brigham Young University. He has received an invitation from President Ernest Wilkinson to serve as the Vice President, and Brother Waite wanted to know whether this is a Call.
I told Brother Waite that it is not a call, that he can use his own judgment as to whether or not he accepts.
Brother Waite then said that he thinks he will not accept the appointment.
15 Nov., 1955:
“November 15, 1955
(Conference with President Ernest L. Wilkinson as reported by President Wilkinson)
November 21, 1955
CONFIDENTIAL
I had the privilege of meeting with President McKay on November 15 at 1 p.m. The following business was transacted at that conference:
1. Studying on Sunday.
I informed President McKay that the reason I had made inquiry of the Board of Trustees as to whether it was improper for students to study on Sunday was that President Sherman Hill of the East Provo Stake, supported by Brother Mark Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve, had urged students at the last quarterly conference of the East Provo Stake not to study on Sunday, since that was the work they regularly did on weekdays.
President McKay reiterated the advice given at the meeting of the Board of Trustees, that it was not wrong for students to study on Sunday, provided they attended to all of their other Church duties.
2. President McKay gave his consent to my accepting the appointment of Governor Lee to serve on the Governor’s committee to represent the State of Utah at the White House Conference on Education.
3. President McKay consented to our holding a Board of Trustees meeting on November 25 (the morning after, my office was informed by Miss Middlemiss that the building would not be open on that day and that the meeting could not, therefore, be held).
4. President McKay consented to our negotiating for a new football coach. Whether a non-Mormon would be approved would depend on whether he met the standards which we would expect at the B.Y.U.
5. I explained to President McKay that we had decided to utilize one of the rooms in the David O. McKay Building for the collection of gifts which he had ben kind enough to give to the University but that we could hardly spare the room until a new Family Living Center Building was completed. President McKay indicated it would be satisfactory not to use the room for that purpose until the new building was completed. This will be sometime next summer. By September of 1956, therefore, we should have the contribution made by President McKay on full exhibition.
6. As respects the Deseret News, I informed President McKay that some of the Directors were very much concerned over the proposed antitrust suit and that we had been informed in the beginning that the arrangement with the Salt Lake Tribune had been entered into only after competent counsel both in Salt Lake and particularly in Cleveland had indicated that the arrangement was valid and that we had found out that no legal opinions to that effect had been obtained and that, in effect, the attorneys had refused to give unequivocal opinions to the effect that the new arrangement was not offensive to the antitrust laws.
President McKay informed me that The First Presidency had been similarly informed in the first instance and were also very much concerned. It was suggested that The First Presidency should probably meet with the Board of Directors and the attornesy so that all could share the responsibility for any decisions made.
7. I presented to President McKay the request of the superintendency of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association that Brother Bennion be invited to speak to the student body on the Thursday of the week in which the young men’s tournament is at the B.Y.U. President McKay informed me that Brother Bennion could not be available that day, because it was the Temple meeting for the Quorum of the Twelve. He gave consent, however, to our using Marion Hanks.
8. Proposed Single Stake for Students Attending the B.Y.U.
On the proposed creation of a single stake for students at the Brigham Young University, I pointed out to President McKay the following:
a. A single stake presidency could more equitably adjust the size of the various wards of the stake to the campus facilities. These campus facilities are as follows:
Joseph Smith Auditorium 1,044 seats
College Hall 607 seats
Social Hall 400 seats
Room 195 Science Bldg. 280 seats
Room 194 Science Bldg. 270 seats
Wymount Chapel 250 seats
Large rrom in McKay Bldg. 224 seats
b. A single stake presidency would, in my opinion, do a better job of seeing that all students are enrolled in some ward than to have the divided leadership of four stake presidencies.
c. It would be much easier to work out with a single stake presidency a program for the social life of the students which would not conflict with their primary purposes of being real students at the University, than it would with four stake presidents.
I pointed out to President McKay that under our existing campus branches there had been certain weeks when nearly every day was taken up by some activity of the local church branch and that this seriously interfered with the prime purpose of being students. I suggested that if we had one stake on the campus I could sit down with the new Stake President and probably curtail some of our student activities, and he could probably curtail some of the socials engaged in by church branches, so that we would have a unified program that would accomplish both the purposes of the University and the purposes of the stake.
President McKay agreed that this would be the most effective way to proceed. He expressed himself as thinking it would be unnecessary to have Relief Society organizations for single women students, that it would not be necessary to have a Welfare farm for the stake, and that it would not be necessary for the Mutual Improvement Associations of the new stake to have extensive social programs which would interefere with the University studies of the students.
9. I told President McKay that I was very much concerned over the suggestion that had been made that no member of the B.Y.U. faculty should be in the new stake presidency or in any of the new bishoprics but that, in my opinion, these men should be chosen on their merits without regard to whether they were or were not members of the faculty. I suggested that to eliminate them at the outset would be tantamount to disfellowshipping them from Church activities, that it would be a sad reflectin on the faculty and destructive of their morale, and that it would be hard for the students to understand. President McKay expressed his approval with these viewpoints, stating that the appointments should be on the merits of each case.
I gave President McKay a memorandum entitled ‘Partial Numerical Summary of Principal Administrative Church Positions Held at Various Times by B.Y.U. Faculty Members,’ which showed that 33 had been on General Boards, over 76 either in stake presidencies or bishoprics, 41 as branch presidents, and 61 had served as mission district presidents or stake mission presidents. This list had to do merely with members still on the faculty at the B.Y.U.
I gave President McKay another list entitled, ‘Members of B.Y.U. Staff Currently Serving in Stake Presidency, High Council, and Bishopric Positions in Stakes Immediately Adjoining B.Y.U. Campus.’ This showed a total of 36 members.
President McKay indicated that it was quite clear in his mind that there should be a single stake. He said he had been concerned only about one thing, and that is that since we could not have all of the activities that the normal stake has we might not be able to compete effectively with other stakes. I told him that we did not worry about that at all — that I was sure that with respect to the activiteis we could engage in we would so far excel that we could still make a comparative rating with all stakes.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ed”
Tues., 7 Feb., 1956:
Telephone Calls
4. Told President Ernest L. Wilkinson by telephone that the General Authorities are not to be asked to give a course of lectures at the Seminary institutes this summer at the B.Y.U.; that occasionally a member could be asked to give talk, but that in the main he would have to depend upon his own people to give the lectures.
Tues., 6 Mar., 1956:
“11:30 a.m. – Attended Expenditures Committee Meeting.
11:30 a.m. – Met by appointment at his request President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. The following items were discussed:
1. I consulted him about a successor to Dr. Reuben D. Law of the Laie College. We concluded that probably we had better make further inquiry of the members of the Board of the College, and that I should get in touch by telephone with President Clissold, and get more facts concerning conditions there.
2. President Wilkinson reported that he is being urged to run for Governor. I suggested that he had better not encourage this suggestion as he is needed where he is with the B.Y.U., especially at the present.
Friday, June 1, 1956
Commencement Exercises of the Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
At 6:30 p.m. my son Robert R. drove Sister McKay and me to Provo to attend commencement exercises of the Brigham Young University – the 81st.
We arrived just in time to join the procession to the Field House where the exercises were held.
I presided and conducted the exercises. I spoke briefly to the 1956 graduating class. 850 diplomas were presented. I asked the students to remember the admonition of the Apostle Peter when he said: ‘There is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved.’
The commencement speaker was President Nathan Eldon Tanner of the Calgary Stake, Canada – a very good practical talk.
President Clark was in attendance; also, Elders Harold B. Lee, Mark E. Petersen, Delbert L. Stapley, and Marion G. Romney. The exercises went off with dispatch. President Wilkinson had things well in hand, and gave a very good report.
Honorary doctorates were conferred upon President Tanner, Sister Belle Smith Spafford, General President of the Relief Society, Igor Gorin, opera, radio and television star who takes the part of President Brigham Young in the ‘All Faces West’ musical production, written and produced by Brother and Sister Perry of Ogden. A doctorate degree was also given to John Francis Fitzpatrick, newspaper publisher, businessman, and statesman. Mr. Fitzpatrick was very deeply impressed. He came up to me after the services, and among other things said: ‘I wish my mother and father knew about this.’ I answered him: ‘I am not so sure that they do not know about it.’ Tears filled Mr. Fitzpatrick’s eyes, and he said, ‘I hope so.’
Following the exercises we greeted the graduates, their families, and friends. It was 12:45 a.m. before we arrived home in Salt Lake.
The commencement rites were uplifting and inspiring!”
June 6, 1956
MEMORANDUM TO THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
From: President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University
‘President Richards about three weeks or so ago asked me to investigate the feasibility of our track team going to Europe this summer to compete in track events in Finland, the three Scandinavian countries, England, France, Switzerland and West Germany.
I have done so and find that the aggregate cost for the trip would be about $16,000.00. All of the missions are in favor of the trip saying that it would greatly help their missionary work. The missions have agreed tha they could contribute from six to eight thousand for the venture. This would mean that the Church or the B.Y.U. would have to underwrite the trip to the extent of eight to ten thousand dollars.
I reported the same to President Richards last night, and he asked me to take the same up with the First Presidency and inform them that his inclination was altogether favorable to the trip. He thought the cost of the trip would be much, much less than the Church would have to pay for advertising that would not have anywhere near the same value.
The track team has been held over at the B.Y.U. until a decision could be made by the First Presidency. We hope, therefore, that a decision can be made today. The members of the team are not, of course, asking any money for compensation and are willing to devote their time to it this summer. The entire trip will take probably about six weeks. Will you please telephone me about the same sometime today.’
In the First Presidency’s Meeting of June 6, 1956 is recorded the following:
‘A letter was read from President Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University relating to the proposal that the B.Y.U. track team go to Europe this summer to participate in competitions in track and field events in Great Britain, Finland and Scandinavia. The possibility of the team’s making a creditable showing was raised. It was decided that President McKay talk with President Wilkinson further about the proposal and, if prospects are favorable, the Presidency are agreeable, though with the provision that the expense be borne from funds here and not by funds of the European missions.'”
Fri., 6 July, 1956:
B.Y.U. Track Team
12 noon — I met by appointment previously arranged by letter from President Ernest L,. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University, the following members of the Brigham Young University Track Team who leave by airplane early this afternoon for Europe where they will compete athletically in track meets with 15 colleges in five different countries: Harry Anderson, Richard Heywood, Arlyn Finlinson, Jim Crittenden, Oscar Anderson, Paul Anderson, Sherald James, Bok Suk Shim, Willard Hirschi, Louis Chatterley, Ralph Bonham, Wedlon Jackson, Charles Higgins, Hal Werner, Marv Robertson, Coach – Clarence F. Robison, Trainer, Rodney C. Kimball.
I said to these young men: with all my heart I express the hope that each one will do his best. If you do this, you will be successful whether you win or not. If your opponent’s best is better than your best, then you should acknowledge his superiority. I hope that your best will win for you a championship in your respective field of sport. However, as I say, you succeed when you do your best.
I am a believer in athletics not only for the physical development which is derived therefrom, but from the moral teachings that may be gained — true sportsmanship develops character.
It was my privilege to have been a member of the first football team of the University of Utah. Twenty-five years ago, November 1921, the members of that team met and each man took his place on the football field as he had done when he played in the first team. Today there are only two of us left — the Captain — Paul Kimball – and myself. I met Brother Kimball day before yesterday in Z.C.M.I. – he is an old man. (laughter) I was surprised! (Laughter) I suppose he thought the same thing about me. (Laughter). I still love to watch basketball, football, baseball, and whenever I can I go horseback riding, and attend to chores on my farm in Huntsville.
I then said — it is your responsibililty to maintain the standards of the Church — If you do that, your trip will be successsful.
May God bless you and protect you in your travels by land and by sea!”
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.
Thurs., 2 Aug., 1956:
11:30 a.m. Brother Wendell B. Mendenhall came into my private office and presented matters pertaining to the purchase of 663 acres of land at Fullerton, California. President Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. first contacted me relative to this matter, he having been approached by Brother LeRoy A. Thompson and A.R. Bishop, real estate brokers in Los Angeles regarding the purchase of this land, a portion of which could possibly be used as a future college building site.
I requested Brother Mendenhall to look into this matter who in a letter to the First Presidency reported that ‘in order to retain a portion of this property as a future college building site, it would be necessary to sell off at least 550 acres of the land which could readily be done. This proposition poses a large financial deal of better than four million dollars but there appears that there should be considerable interest taken in this property to make a thorough and extensive investigation.’
I told Brother Mendenhall that I had taken the matter up with my counselors, and that we have decided that the Church is not interested in the purchase of the property in question. It is undoubtedly good property, but if the Church acquired it, we would have to build dormitories. Brother Mendenhall said that he had stated to President Wilkinson that he could not visualize the site as being suitable for the building of dormitories, and that from that point of view, the property is not what we want — that it would not be a good thing for the Church to sub-divide that property for sale and get into a speculative proposition. I answered that he had better telephone the people in Fullerton and tell them that the Church is not interested in the purchase of this property.
Sat., 26 Jan., 1957:
“10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. — At his request I had an appointment with President Ernest L. Wilkinson. I feel that President Wilkinson is jumping into the responsibilities of his office too readily and too energetically. I told Pres. Wilkinson that I fear he might have a setback if he is not careful. (Regarding theatrical and related facilities at B.Y.U.)”
Tues., 5 Mar., 1957:
Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, Tuesday, March 5, 1957, 8:55 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of the Brigham Young University, called me by telephone. To my inquiry regarding his health he reported that he is very well, is getting stronger day by day, and is much, much better. I told him that he does not realize how fast he goes and I advised him to be careful, and he said that he is trying to guard his health.
President Wilkinson said that there are rumors that he is going to have some difficulty before the Legislature with regard to the Eminent Doman bill. He feels that he might need my help and, if necessary, would like me to write a letter to Senator Orval Hafen. If he needs my help, President Wilkinson will make a draft of the type of letter he wishes and get it to me. He feels that the bill will come up tomorrow.
I told President Wilkinson that I had tried to keep away from all this business, but it has been impossible. I mentioned to him further that I had heard a report that the Church, and especially the President of the Church, are being accused of every ill that has come to the Legislature. I indicated to President Wilkinson that if he could get by without a letter from me it would be wiser. He said that if he found out during the day that B.Y.U. is in grave danger of losing out, he will deliver to me or to my secretary a draft of a letter which would be suitable for me to send to Senator Hafen of the Senate.
Tues., 9 July, 1957:
“Telephone calls
Re: Letter to Mr. Barrett, who has expressed desire to contribute over a million dollars to B.Y.U.
Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the B.Y.U., called by telephone and stated that when I was attending the meeting of the Los Angeles City Council when presentation was made of Resolutions of Respect for the part the Mormon Battalion played in the history of California and for the contribution from the Church toward the erection of the Fort Moore monument, that I met a Mr. George Barrett of Los Angeles, a non-member of the Church who is giving over a million dollars to the Brigham Young Univeristy. President Wilkinson said that my warm welcome and ‘smiling countenance’ greatly influenced Mr. Barrett in making a decision to give this amount of money to the Brigham Young University, and he thinks now that a letter from me to Mr. Barrett will help in bringing a conclusion in regards to this gift to the B.Y.U. President Wilkinson further said that Bishop Reed Callister had reported that Mr. Barrett has wondered why he had not received encouragement from the President of the Church.
Later, I had my secretary call President Wilkinson and tell him that in the interest of propriety I feel that I should not send such a letter as suggested at this time; that when the gift is consummated, then I shall be pleased to send a letter to Mr. Barrett.”
August 23, 1957
Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of Brigham Young University.
President McKay: Give your father my best wishes.
President Wilkinson: He will appreciate it. You have been an ideal of his all his life. He is 92 so we can’t expect him to last much longer. He apparently fell on the floor and blacked out.
President McKay: He was well the last time I saw him.
President Wilkinson: Thank you for your good wishes. I called with respect to the appointment for this man Brewster whom you approved the other day. It is for one of the jobs as supervisor of construction on the building and development. We do not put his salary on the budget payroll at all, but we charge his salary with the approval of the Building Committee right to the particular job. It is, therefore, allocated among the different buildings we actually build down here. The Building Committee and I are satisfied that we have lost money many times the salary of a competent man by not having such a man. We may have to pay this man $9,000 – we would put him on the payroll down here for $9,000 or so, in that neighborhood. Then we would give him additional amounts on these different buildings. It would amount to around $14,000. We would save it many, many times in having a competent man. In the last several years we have lost through mistakes which have been made, many many times that amount.
President McKay: Well, I believe that, too.
President Wilkinson: One mistake alone made me sick. We lost $100,000 through incompetence.
President McKay: All right, this is in your hands. Go ahead.
President Wilkinson: One second thing — the Utah Conference on High Education is meeting at Logan. I think it is important that we have the proper kind of organization in the State to integrate all of the State teachers. The Governor is going to be there and asked to have it discussed. The real issue is whether or not the University of Utah and Utah State should be under the same head. They have asked the three presidents to discuss that subject. I have demurred on the grounds that I, as the president of a Church University, should not.
President McKay: Don’t you enter into that.
President Wilkinson: They have suggested this as an alternative. They want me merely to give a statement as to the organization that we have adopted.
President McKay: Let them know our organization, but we are not taking a stand as to the schools being united.
President Wilkinson: Thanks very, very much.
President McKay: What about this conference to be held at San Francisco for the Institute for College and University Administrators which was held last year at Harvard University?
President Wilkinson: That is in September?
President McKay: September 7 and 8.
President Wilkinson: Clare asked me about that some time ago and I could not find the correspondence.
President McKay: Will you please make investigation and see what information you are able to find?
President Wilkinson: I shall try to check into the matter and give you my findings.”
Thurs., 26 Dec., 1957:
“At 8:30 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. came in, and we took up the following points: (1) The advisability of the Brigham Young University professors attending Quarterly Conferences.
I said that we have looked with disfavor upon their doing so, but will be pleased to have President Wilkinson present the matter to the First Presidency at a meeting to be held January 16, 1957 at 8:30 a.m.
(2) President Wilkinson asked if the suggestive letter to the Stake Presidents and counselors may also be sent to the Mission Presidencies. I told him Yes.
(3) President Wilkinson would like to receive an answer to the letter requesting his opening of a special confidential account, a draft of which letter I have handed to President Stephen L. Richards.
(4) President Wilkinson wanted to know if President Hanks could go to Europe with a group of B.Y.U. students through Europe. I told him to bring this matter up at the meeting to be held January 16.
(5) President Wilkinson wanted to know if the $40,000 which the B.Y.U. has put in its budget for theatrical productions might remain in the budget. I told him that we would consider this matter when he meets with the First Presidency.
(6) President Wilkinson brought up the question of establishing Junior Colleges throughout the Church. This matter was considered at length. President Wilkinson has an appointment with the Governor today on this matter, and no action will be taken until he reports to me the results of his conference with the Governor. (See Jan. 4, 1958)
Fri., 3 Jan., 1958:
“7:30 a.m. – By appointment at their request, I met Mr. John S. Boyden, Vernon Romney, former chairman of the Republican Committee, George Nelson, and Albert R. Bowen.
I gave them my permission to go ahead and try to get Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson appointed to the Supreme Court at the first vacancy that might occur.”
Sat., 4 Jan., 1958:
“This morning I had a conference with Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson who reported his visit with Governor George Dewey Clyde about the building of Junior Colleges here in Salt Lake County.
He said that the Governor said that what is proposed by the State is the erection of a Trades Junior College, but that he, the Governor, sees no objection to the building of a Church Junior College if the Church thinks one is needed here.
After the above discussion, we took up the question of Dr. Wilkinson’s seeking an appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. An important phase of such an appointment would be the favorable consideration by Senator Watkins, who, President Wilkinson thinks, is not in favor of such an appointment.
Brother Wilkinson also mentioned the request that had been made for him to seek the nomination for Senator in opposition to Senator Watkins. I said, ‘Well I shall tell you this much, and only this much: That if they do nominate you for Senatorship, we shall give you a leave of absence from your present position while you run, and let you have your freedom to do as you wish, and you will not lose your position as President of the Brigham Young University.'”
Wed., 22 Jan., 1958:
Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, Wednesday, January 22, 1958.
President Wilkinson: Good morning, Ernest Wilkinson speaking. I wondered if the Presidency have made a decision with respect to whether or not we are going to be permitted to have Brigham Young University teachers attend Stake Conferences.
President McKay: Yes, but we have made some qualifications regarding it. You will receive a letter concerning it, and we have also made a decision regarding your 1 1/2 percent interest pertaining to the buildings.
President Wilkinson: Another reason I am calling is to ask whether it would be possible for us to have the meeting of the Board of Trustees and Board of Education Friday of this week. We have two urgent matters to take up with regards to purchase of land for Institutes. If we wait too long, we shall lose the chance to purchase the land.
President McKay: If we wait another week for the meeting it will be better. I believe it will be inconvenient Friday of this week.
(Later President McKay had his secretary call Brother Clyde Sandgren of the B.Y.U., who had previously called about the meeting, and he was advised that the Board Meeting would be held January 31, 1958 at 11 a.m.)”
February 26, 1958
Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, B.Y.U., Wednesday, February 26, 1958.
President McKay: We just got out of meeting today. We have taken some steps for which I should have had your approval yesterday, but we couldn’t do it. First, I am going to ask you if you will please accept an invitation to membership on the Board of the Beneficial Life Insurance Company.
President Wilkinson: Well, if you think I can be of any help there, I shall.
President McKay: We think you can; we think your influence throughout the Church will be just what that company needs.
President Wilkinson: I think frankly from what I know that they need some rejuvenation; that is, as I see it from general observations. It may not be the picture at all when I find out the facts.
President McKay: We are asking you to be a member, and we are increasing the membership of the Board from 9 to 17. You are one among the new men whom we have called.
President Wilkinson: They meet I suppose once a month.
President McKay: Once a month at Board Meeting. We have a new President now, Virgil Smith. I am stepping out, my counselors are stepping out. Virgil Smith is an experienced man; he is now President of the Company, and Wendell Smoot is added, Brother White from Ogden, Brother Spencer Kimball, and Brother Hunter from California. So you will have some good associates.
President Wilkinson: Howard Hunter? He is a good man.
Well, I have always done what you wanted me to do. I am frank to say to you that I do not know that I am contributing much to Deseret Book Company.
President McKay: We discussed that already and Brother Clark especially said that we are overloading you, and we have got to stop it. Where it is necessary and advisable to relieve you, we are going to do it.
President Wilkinson: Do you need a final answer to this today?
President McKay: We have already placed you on the Board.
President Wilkinson: That is all right.
President McKay: I am getting you before you see it in the paper. The reporters are on us. If you will accept it, we shall appreciate it.
President Wilkinson: Thanks very much.”
Mon., 3 Mar., 1958:
Telephone calls
“4. Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin called and said that sometime ago President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University wanted to know whether or not he could have information about how much tithing the members of the faculty are paying, and that I had suggested that he should not have this information. Now President Wilkinson wants to know if they pay full or part tithing, and he sent the names of all of them.
I told Bishop Wirthlin that President Wilkinson need not know amounts, but that he could be furnished information about whether or not they pay part of full tithing.”
Mon., 31 Mar., 1958:
“Purchase of Property in San Fernando Valley for Junior College Site
At a conference with President Ernest L. Wilkinson this morning, I approved of the motion made at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the B.Y.U. and Board of Education held Friday, March 28, 1958, authorizing ‘the purchase of property in the San Fernando Valley (137 acres) at an approximate cost of $1,250,000 for use as a future junior college site.’
This land is reasonably priced in comparison with other land in the same area. While the average cost will be $9,500 per acre (it could have been purchased for around $7000 two years ago) other property owners for land not as conveniently located, are asking $15,000.
All indications are that by the year 1975 there will be over 10,000 Mormon students of college age in this area. By the year 2000 this number will have increased to 30,500. It will of course be impossible to take care of these students at the BYU or in various institutes of the Church. (the above information was reported by President Wilkinson)”
Monday, April 7, 1958.
Telephone conversation with Mr. Gus Backman, Monday, April 7, 1958.
Gus Backman: Hell, President McKay, how are you?
President McKay: Oh, I like that voice.
Gus Backman: Good, well, I was just telling Clare I wished Conference had gone over two more days. You looked better at the end than at the beginnning.
President McKay: That is ture.
Gus Backman: Yesterday when you closed that session you had never been better.
There are four or five things I would like to get your opinion on. In the first place, there will be a vacancy in the Supreme Court of the United States before long. Arthur Watkins will be in to visit you. We have made a very careful analysis of Ernest Wilkinson and nobody could be better than that fellow. That man has a good intellect, his background is remarkable. Arthur offered two names unless he is going to promote Wilkinson. If you could mention this to Arthur Watkins. Everybody wants him, he would make a great man in guiding America.
President McKay: I talked to Arthur Watkins within the last thirty minutes. I have suggested to Clare that we shall meet him Wednesday morning.
Gus Backman: We are going to have a difficult time on the United Fund because of the recession. All of our agencies are going to have a hard time to get the money. So I discussed getting a man who would be recognized as a leader who has access to all of the corporations, George Eccles.
(Bro. Backman then discussed a few city and county matters to which he is giving attention at the present time.)”
Wed., 9 Apr., 1958:
“Telephone conversation between President McKay and President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University.
President McKay: What did you understand about what I told you, and what was your request regarding the Senate?
President Wilkinson: You told me that you wanted to think it over, and you wanted to see me before you left.
President McKay: No. You asked if you could have what? Was it that if you should decide to run could you have a leave of absence during the election?
President Wilkinson: Yes, that was the question. You say you answered it in writing?
President McKay: Then what did I tell you?
President Wilkinson: You said you would be inclined to say ‘No,’ but you would talk it over with your Counselors.
President McKay: Just now, you mean?
President Wilkinson: When I saw you a week ago Monday. You said you would see me before you left.
President McKay: I have talked it over with them, and they look with disfavor upon your getting a leave-of-absence. If you run, it makes your present position secondary to the Senate.
President Wilkinson: What do you think? You are telling me what they think.
President McKay: I think it would make your present position secondary to the Senatorship.
President Wilkinson: Knowing that you are going to be away six weeks, I want to know what your views are if some situation arises…
President McKay: I am afraid that if you enter into this campaign (although it is your right and privilege to do so), it is going to make it more difficult for the present incumbent. As you know, I am afraid this is a Democratic year. I should feel better if you would not run.
President Wilkinson: I have always followed your advice in the past.
President McKay: You are in such a responsible position now, and we have our school–the greatest in the country. I feel that for you to get out and try that, and especially if you did not get it, it would lessen your dignity. I should rather you would not run this year. But I should like you to run for the other office (the U.S. Supreme Court). There is no chance on the other; tell them you are not going to run.
President Wilkinson: Well, if that is your judgment, as well as the judgment of your Counselors, that means a lot to me.
President McKay: Personally, if you wanted to make the run within the Party, and then received the nomination, I am in favor of giving you a leave-of-absence after you have the nomination, but my Counselors are not. They think if you did that we ought to release you. I shall not think that at all. In view of that, I think it would be best not to do it. If you did not make it, it would hurt you. I would not stand for that. In view of the doubt as to the outcome this year, I believe if I were you I would not do it. I joined with the others in saying that we would not give you a leave-of-absence because if people hear of it in the meantime, then that means that the Presidency are against Watkins. You would have to let the people know that you were given a leave-of-absence.
President Wilkinson: Well, I should not want to put you in that position up there.
President McKay: That is what they would do.
President Wilkinson: I should not want to put anyone up there in a position like that. If any change in the situation develops while you are away, whom should I see?
President McKay: Well, you had better see the two Counselors. I would see them both together.
President Wilkinson: Thanks very much.
May I just take a minute to tell you about a situation regarding President Arial S. Ballif before you leave for New Zealand. He was on our faculty and was Dean of the Summer School before he left. I promised him in writing that his salary would not be decreased when he came back, but that we would give him some other responsible position at $1,000 more than when he went away because salaries have increased that much here, and that the Summer School position would not be open, but I gave him other alternatives. He immediately sent that letter to President Richards protesting that he would not have the same position when he returned. President Richards had not promised him any position of any kind. He had left it entirely up to me. In view of the fact that Brother Romney is his brother-in-law, and he is going to New Zealand, they will see each other there. Brother Romney understands the situation entirely and thinks I am completely right in it. President Ballif will undoubtedly talk to you about it when you are down there so I thought you ought to know about it. We are more than keeping our commitment to him.
President McKay: Yes, thank you very much for telling me about it.
(see President Wilkinson’s conversation with President McKay on April 11, 1958.)”
Fri., 11 Apr., 1958:
Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, B.Y.U., Friday, April 11, 1958.
President Wilkinson: Hello, President McKay. I shall only take a minute of your time. You were kind enough to call me day before yesterday. You caught me in someone else’s office, and I though that perhaps my conversation did not sound intelligible.
President McKay: I surmised it.
President Wilkinson: May I just say very quickly that unless there is a complete change in the situation, I am not going to run for the U.S. Senate. I should say very frankly, however, that I am making that decision, not only because of your advice, but because I really think that probably I can do more good here than if I am elected to the Senate. I have come to that conclusion after praying and long thought, and I am being a little presumptuous in thinking I should have a good chance for the Senate. The Democratic State Chairman and others in the State tell me I can easily win over Watkins. I am not doing it because I think I would be defeated.
President McKay: Well, I appreciate what you say.
President Wilkinson: Of course, on the other hand I know of the vissitudes and the uncertainties of politics. No one can be sure of anything.
President McKay: You have a right in your position to make a decision to be a candidate in that party for the nomination, but I can see that if the announcement is made that you have permission to have a furlough during your campaign, it will be an implication that the Presidency is supporting you over Watkins. Already it came back to us, yesterday or the day before, but you have that right.
President Wilkinson: What came back to you?
President McKay: That the First Presidency would give you a furlough to make your campaign for the Senatorship.
President Wilkinson: I do not know how that could get back to you. The First Presdiency never said that, and I never mentioned it to a soul. I got a report that Senator Watkins said that I have a paid agent throughout the State for my candidacy. I have talked to no one but those who have come here.
President McKay: What I said now came through that source.
President Wilkinson: It makes me just indignant. I have not gone out for a number of reasons. While I have been on the job I have not gone out and done that. There is not a single word of truth in it. People have come here, and I have given them no encouragement of any kind.
President McKay: That is not the first time that an untruth has come from that source.
President Wilkinson: I am just onery enough that I should like to do something about it.
President McKay: That is your right.
President Wilkinson: I cannot keep people from going out and misrepresenting, but I want you to know, and if you get an opportunity in the future, you will correct it, because there is not one single bit of truth in it. That reminds me of one other thing. With respect to the Supreme Court matter, there is no opening at present, but having been in Washington as long as I was I know that the time to get an appointment of that kind is not after a vacancy is filled.
President McKay: I have said to my associates that I should like to have you on that Supreme Court.
President Wilkinson: There are two Supreme Court members eligible for retirement very soon. The Senator can get commitments in advance. Maybe in view of this untruth that has been said about me, the Senator would not be at all friendly.
President McKay: I am going to tell you right now in confidence that I mentioned that to the Senator the other day. He is not favorable because of so many appointments from Utah, not because of any feeling against you, but because there are so many judgeships from Utah.
President Wilkinson: That is senseless.
President McKay: I spoke to both Senators and told them that we should like to have you.
President Wilkinson: What was the viewpoint of the other Senator.
President McKay: He did not say anything.
President Wilkinson: Well, frankly, I think that is just an excuse.
President McKay: I want to tell you that Gus Backman called me up and stated that he wanted you.
President Wilkinson: I did not know that Gus knew anything about it. I just want you to know that I haven’t done any talking. I could not prevent people from coming here to try to get to see me. I do resent those untruths.
President McKay: I shall see you when I come back. We are leaving now. Good-bye.”
Wed., 14 May, 1958:
Wednesday, May 14, 1958
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY ON MAY 14, 1958 at 7:50 A.M.
1. Stetson property in San Fernando Valley.
I informed President McKay that during his absence George Henry Stetson had agreed to sell to the Church School System two hundred eighty-five acres of land in the San Fernando Valley for $1,250,000; that our own appraisal of the land gave it the value of $2,100,000. I pointed out this was an average price of $4,386 per acre, whereas other land in that valley had been offered to us at prices ranging all the way from $9,000 to $15,000 per acre. I told him that his counselors had authorized us to consummate the deal, but that they had suggested that we may want to sell a part of the property forthwith. I told President McKay that in view of the State of California now insisting on nine hundred acres for a campus for a State college, I thought we ought to be very hesitant about selling any of this acreage, particularly in view of the bargain price at which we obtained it. He replied that he agreed with me and that we should hold all of the property for the purpose of ultimately founding there a junior college.
2. Appointment of Elder Hugh B. Brown to the Executive Committee.
I recalled to President McKay that before leaving for New Zealand he informed me he intended to appoint Elder Hugh B. Brown as a member of the Executive Committee of the BYU and of the Church Board of Education. I pointed out that I was now having difficulty in getting a quorum from time to time and asked him if he would immediately make an appointment. I had written President McKay about this on April 7. He agreed to do so.
3. Alleged improper methods of collecting monies for BYU Destiny Fund.
I recalled to president McKay that before he left for New Zealand he said he had had some complaints with respect to irregularities in the manner of collecting monies for the BYU Destiny Fund and that he had agreed to send me those complaints. I told him that I had not yet received those complaints and I could not investigate them without knowing what they were. I had written President McKay about this on March 5. He agreed he would forward the complaints to me.
7. BYU Commencement Exercises.
I reminded President McKay that we had invited President Cloyd Heck Marvin of George Washington University to give the Commencement address this year. I further advised him that after extending the invitation to President Marvin I had learned he was a very close friend of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. President McKay immediately suggested that in this situation President Clark should preside at the Commencement exercises at the BYU.
8. Position of President Ariel S. Ballif on his return to the BYU.
I inquired of President McKay as to whether he had had any conference with President Ariel S. Ballif concerning the position the latter would have when he returned to the Brigham Young University. He said that he had purposely avoided discussing this matter with President Ballif in order that it could be decided by me and the Executive Committee. I informed him that during his absence the Executive Committee had carefully examined into the matter and felt that Brother Ballif should not return as Dean of the Summer School and that this had been approved by the Board of Trustees. President McKay commented he would leave the execution of that decision to me.
Wed., 4 June, 1958:
“Wednesday, June 4, 1958
June 5, 1958
Memorandum of Conference President Ernest L. Wilkinson had with President David O. McKay on Wednesday, June 4, 1958 at 8:30 a.m.:
1. Members of the Executive Committees of the Board of Education and Board of Trustees. I pointed out to President McKay that he had not yet appointed anyone to fill the vacancy created by the death of Brother Adam S. Bennion on both the Executive Committees of the Board of Education and Board of Trustees. I told him that this was one of the matters on the agenda of both the Board of Education and Board of Trustees that morning. He said he would appoint Elder Hugh B. Brown. (This was done in both meetings.)
I pointed out to President McKay, also, that because of members of my Executive Committee being absent so much for missionary assignments, I had had several meetings lately at which only two members were present. I therefore raised the question as to whether it would be desirable to add another member to the Committee. President McKay asked me if I had anyone in mind. I told him I had no one in particular but that Brother George G. Morris had continually expressed great interest in the work of the educational system. President McKay replied that he thought for the present there would be no need to add any additional member.
2. Broadcast of commencement. I told President McKay that the University of Utah intended to televise their commencement, but that we could not do so because we did not have the equipment. I asked him if he thought it desirable that we broadcast it over KSL. He replied he was very much in favor of it and authorized me to present the matter to President Clark. (I later saw President Clark and arrangements have now been made to broadcast our commencement over KSL.)
3. Salary for Theodore Tuttle, as part-time supervisor of seminaries. I recalled that President McKay had previously authorized me as Administrator to engage Brother Theodore Tuttle as part-time seminary supervisor as long as it would not interfere with his work as a President of the First Council of Seventy. I told President McKay I did not of course know the cost of living allowance he was given as a member of the First Council of Seventy, but that we had ascertained that he would be able to give at least two-fifths of his time to the seminaries of the Church and that proper compensation would be $3,000. President McKay acquiesced in this suggestion, stating that he thought it ought not to be larger. It was therefore agreed that he would receive his regular compensation for the balance of the present school year and that at the end of the present year his salary as part-time supervisor of seminaries would be $3,000. I was authorized to report this to Brother William F. Edwards and have him arrange for this payment. (I have already followed through on this.)
4. Special award certificates for BYU commencement. President McKay signed the following special award certificates for the BYU commencement:
David O. McKay Humanities Award, to be awarded to Bertha Kleinman
Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Teaching Award, to be awarded to Thomas L. Martin
Brigham Young University Special Service Award, to be awarded to Reed
McCallister
5. Speakers at summer commencement. I asked President McKay if it would be possible for him to be a speaker at one of the seminars for all the school teachers during the summer. He informed me in confidence that this next Monday he was going to the hospital for an operation to remove cataracts on his eye and would therefore be unable to do so.
6. Purchase of Anaheim and San Fernando properties for junior college. I told President McKay we hoped to consummate these purchases in a short time and that we had been very careful not to let any news of their prospective purchase get out. He replied that news was already out in Los Angeles, and I told him I felt quite sure that was not the fact; that I thought it was probably a recurrence of rumors which I had been hearing in Los Angeles myself for five years, but that on tracing down each rumor, I found that there were never any specific property identified or the wrong property was identified. I told him I was sure that the location and purchase of neither of these properties had been revealed; that in one case not even a real estate man knew about it. I told him that when they were purchased, however, I thought it would be highly desirable from a standpoint of public support throughout the Church, that their purchase be made known. He suggested that I take this up with him for discussion when the purchases were consummated.
7. Purchase of property for Salt Lake City campus. I showed President McKay a map of property on which we had options between 35th and 39th South and about 6th and 10th West for nearly two hundred acres. He thought that was not a desirable location for a junior college. I then showed him a map of Nibley Park, suggesting that he confidentially see Mayor Stewart to see if we could either purchase that property from the City or exchange other property therefor. He thought that was an excellent location and that is what we should obtain. He agreed to try and see Mayor Stewart about this this week (before he goes to the hospital). It was agreed this would not be presented to the Board of Trustees; that for the present this should be handled only by President McKay and by me. It was agreed that if Mayor Stewart was favorable, I would then confer with Mayor Stewart as to property which we might purchase and exchange to the city for this property.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
President
ELW/rd”
Fri., 6 June, 1958:
3:15 p.m. Purchase of Land in San Fernando Valley for Junior College.
Brother Clyde Sandgren of the Brigham Young University Presidency, came in with some legal papers for me to sign. They pertain to the Church’s acquisition of property in the San Fernando Valley, California as a future site for a Junior College. (see letter following)
3:30 p.m.
Received a courtesy call from Mr. John H. Stambaugh, special consultant to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and vice chancellor of the Vanderbilt University. He is in Salt Lake City for the purpose of giving the commencement address at Westminster College. (see newspaper clipping following)
Mr. Stambaugh, who is greatly interested in education, spoke of our Brigham Young University, and to the excellent work of President Ernest L. Wilkinson. I told Mr. Stambaugh that I had just signed legal papers pertaining to the purchase of a million and a quarter piece of property for a future Junior College. He wanted to know if it was to be established here, and I said no that the site is in California. I stated that it will be a good thing for the Brigham Young University as it will be better to have the Junior College feed the University, that a Methodist minister had said that the State does this, but it is the first time a Church has followed this procedure – that is the building of Junior Colleges as feeders to the Universities.
This brought up the subject of our Junior College in New Zealand, which has just been erected on a 30-acre site. I explained about the building of this great college — that the labor was contributed by members of the Church who cut the trees, milled and cured the timber, made the concrete blocks, cleared 500 acres of land from the 13,000-acre-peat swamp, etc. I handed to Mr. Stambaugh a newspaper containing an article written by Barbara Baigent, a non-member, for a New Zealand Magazine March, 1958, telling the whole fabulous story of the building of this College. Mr. Stambaugh was intensely interested, and said that he would like to have the paper in order that he might show it to President Eisenhower who he thought would be very interested in this story.
Our conversation and meeting was very pleasant and agreeable.
Later, President Eisenhower sent a letter, commenting upon the article regarding the building of the New Zealand College, expressing his feeling pertaining to this ‘inspiring story.’ (see copy of letter following)
Also, Mr. Stambaugh sent a letter expressing appreciation of his visit to my office. (see copy of his letter following)
Friday, June 6, 1958.
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
Provo, Utah
June 5, 1958
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple Street
Salt Lake City 11, Utah
Re: Purchase of Stetson Property in California
Dear President McKay:
Pursuant to instructions from The First Presidency, I have handled the legal matters relating to the purchase by Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Utah corporation sole, of the property in the San Fernando Valley now owned by G. Henry Stetson and Bond Land Company, a California corporation, and which is intended as the future location of a junior college in California.
We have had the services of competent counsel in Los Angeles and the attached contract is the final writing thereof and incorporates all of the provisions requested by us. The title to the property has been carefully examined and we are satisfied that the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the Grant Deed are in proper form for execution by you.
I therefore recommend that you sign the said Purchase and Sale Agreement and the Deed.
I shall deliver this letter and its enclosures to you by hand so that any questions you might have with respect thereto may be promptly answered.
Sincerely your brother,
Clyde D. Sandgren
General Counsel
CDS:pry
Enclosures
Approved:
Ernest L. Wilkinson
President”
Thurs., 19 June, 1958:
“June 19, 1958
Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, B.Y.U., Thursday, June 19, 1958.
Regarding: Purchase of Property for Junior College.
(President Wilkinson called at the office. He had an urgent matter to discuss with the President. Therefore, President Wilkinson called President McKay at his home by telephone. The conversation was as follows:)
President Wilkinson: President McKay, I am doing this today at the insistence of my Executive Committee of the Board of Education.
Before you went to the hospital, you authorized me to see Mayor Stewart with respect to this Nibley property. Before seeing the Mayor, I checked on the property and ran into some legal difficulties. I, therefore, have not approached him as yet. The deed under which Chas. W. Nibley first conveyed that land to the Church states that if the land should ever cease to be a golf course, it would go to the heirs of the estate. We think that the problem is not insurmountable, but it would take a long time to solve it. My Executive Committee, with the exception of Brother Harold B. Lee, who is out of town, wanted me to tell you that they think, by all means, we should purchase a piece of property between 36th and 39th south and 6th west and 10th west, about 200 acres on which we have an option and use it for trading purposes. The rush for purchasing this property is that the city has asked for bids to put a sewer through it. The bids are to be let tomorrow. Now, while they do not know the B.Y.U. has the option, they have told our real estate agent, in whose name the options have been taken, that if the owner of that property would protest, then they would reroute the sewer so it would go along 6th west instead of through the property. We are in no position to protest until we buy it. We would have to do this overnight. I have never seen the Executive Committee so vigorous. The land is selling for $3,000 per acre and land is selling for $4,500 per acre south of there. The price is low compared to the surrounding properties. May I have authority to go ahead? I told the committee that I did not want to call you, but they said they felt that I had to in this situation. I hesitated to call you.
President McKay: I am glad you did. These things are very important.
President Wilkinson: The purchase price will be around $700,000.
President McKay: Is it all in one piece?
President Wilkinson: It is in different ownerships, but we have options on all of it. That leaves 30 acres, but we will get the other 30 acres before we let anyone know who is buying it. President McKay: Go ahead.
President Wilkinson: All right, I will proceed with it. Thanks so much. We hope you continue to improve.
President McKay: The doctors say everything is in excellent shape.
President Wilkinson: Thank you.”
Wed., 23 July, 1958:
“10:15 a.m. Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University. Discussed the matter of having the Honorable J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Information, come to the B.Y.U. to deliver an address either in October of this year or at the Commencement in June of next year.
I told Dr. Wilkinson to go ahead and send the invitation to Mr. Hoover. I decided that I would not write a note to Mr. Hoover until after Dr. Wilkinson has received an answer from him. (see following memorandum for other items discussed at this conference)
July 23, 1958
July 25, 1958
(Dict. July 24)
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE HELD WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O.
MCKAY AT 9:45 a.m. July 23rd.
1. President McKay thought it would be undesirable for me to engage Mrs. Harold M. (Virginia) Stephens to teach a class in Theology.
2. In order that I may have comparable data for my budget for the B.Y.U., for the coming season, President McKay agreed that he would attempt through Richard Evans to obtain the budget for the coming school year for the University of Utah, and that he would attempt through the President at the Utah State University, to obtain the salary scale of teachers at that Institution.
3. President McKay gave me permission to discuss confidentially with Mayor Stewart of Salt Lake City the question of whether the city might look with favor upon the exchange of Nibley Park to other property for a golf course if the heirs of Bishop Nibley would consent thereto. After I have seen the Mayor I am then to decide what should be the next step.
4. President McKay authorized me, as President of the B.Y.U., to invite J. Edgar Hoover either to speak to our student body in the fall or at our next Commencement. I am to send a copy of my invitation to President McKay, he will look at autograph of the book ‘Master’s of Deceit’ written by Hoover and if this autograph connotes a genuine interest of J. Edgar Hoover, President McKay will write an informal note to Mr. Hoover expressing the hope that he will accept my invitation.
5. President McKay gave me permission to inform Governor Clyde that the Church is purchasing property for the purpose of having a Junior College in Salt Lake City–this becomes necessary in order that the Governor may know our plans so that he may evaluate whether he will recommend to the next legislature a State Junior College in Salt Lake City.
6. If Dr. Rudger Walker applies for a position at the Brigham Young University I am then to obtain permission to make him an offer from President Chase.
7. If I find that I can get away without neglect to my work at the Institution I have President McKay’s consent to go to Europe this summer at my own expense. Indeed, he hopes that I can get away. (Later, Pres. Wilkinson felt that he would not leave for a vacation, because of pressing matters at the B.Y.U.)cm
Ernest L. Wilkinson
Thurs., 14 Aug., 1958:
“Telephone Conversation between President David O. McKay and President Ernest L. Wilkinson of BYU with reference to recommendations regarding building problems, etc.
President Wilkinson: I have three things to discuss very quickly.
1. We have our Summer Commencement next week on the 21st and 22nd; Baccalaureate on the 21st and Graduation on the 22nd. Will any member of the First Presidency be present?
President McKay: I think not.
President Wilkinson: Should I take it up with Joseph Fielding Smith and have him designate who should be there?
President McKay: Yes.
President Wilkinson: The next point is:
2. Have you been able to get any information on the U of U and USU?
President McKay: I have asked for it but have not received it yet.
President Wilkinson: The next matter is:
3. The Library Building
When permission was given by the Board of Trustees to construct our new library buidling, it was contemplated that it would have to be placed where a temporary war surplus building known as the North building is now located. We intended at that time that this temporary war surplus building would be moved to another area where we could still continue its use. At that time I was given an estimate that it would cost $18,000 to move this old building and put it in a new place.
Last week I insisted on written estimates properly documented as to what it would cost to move the North building to a new location and put it in operation. This new estimate revealed that it would cost $52,000 instead of the $18,000 originally estimated. Further, the College of Commerce feels that certain improvements should be made to this temporary building which will cost an additional $20,000.
I took up these new estimates with the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University, and it is our unanimous feeling that rather than spend fifty-two to seventy-two thousand dollars, we should immediately apply that money to the construction of a new College of Commerce building which is on the campus plan approved by the Board of Trustees, but which is not in this year’s budget.
The Executive Committee therefore recommends to the First Presidency that we be authorized to include in next year’s budget an amount of approximately $1,250,000 for the construction of the new College of Commerce building, and that the Expenditures Committee be requested to appropriate about $15,000 this year for architectural services.
By thus accelerating the construction of this College of Commerce building, we plan to get along without the use of the war surplus North building (which is a fire hazard in any event).
I should finally add that over $1,500,000 appropriated for this year’s building budget at the BYU will not be used.
(These matters I shall present at the meeting of the First Presidency.)”
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.”
Thurs., 18 Sept., 1958:
“Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, B.Y.U.
President Wilkinson: Hello, President Wilkinson.
President McKay: Good morning.
President Wilkinson: Glad to have you back. I thought you would be in India today. I thought you might take a trip around the world while you were at it.
President McKay: That shows what kind of an opinion you have of me.
President Wilkinson: We are happy to have you back.
President McKay: Last night at a party I heard that one of our seminaries is hiring a bus either today or tomorrow, or soon, and taking the seminary students up to the Trappists in Huntsville.
President Wilkinson: That is news to me, but I shall certainly check into it immediately.
President McKay: Find out if it is a common practice.
President Wilkinson: Do you know which seminary it is?
President McKay: No, I do not. I asked for the man’s name, and he couldn’t give it to me. It is a seminary here in Salt Lake City.
President Wilkinson: Is there any way I can identify it better than that?
President McKay: Ask your man at the head of it, and ask if he has granted permission.
President Wilkinson: I just assume that our attitude is that we don’t want them to do this.
President McKay: Their answer was that they are studying the apostasy and this is a feature of it. Its relationship to that is remote it seems to me. Will you please look into it?
President Wilkinson: Immediately.
————-
(Later in the day Brother Floyd G. Eyer, Salt Lake Valley Seminary Co-ordinator, called by telephone and stated that he has checked into this matter and that this trip has been stopped. The East High Seminary had planned this excursion as the brother in charge of the seminary there did not know that there was a ruling against such an excursion.)
Telephone conversation with President W. Leonard Duggar, Orlando Stake, Orlando, Florida.
President Duggar: President McKay, how are you?
President McKay: I am pretty well thank you.
President Duggar: Very fine. This is President Duggar of the Orlando Stake, Florida. I thought this might be of interest to you. We had some people call in from Winter Haven, Florida. They would like to make a gift to the Church of 160 acres plus $200,000, in cash if the Church would be at all interested in establishing a college or University in this area.
President McKay: Where is that?
President Duggar: In about the center of the Stake, about fifty to seventy miles west of the Church ranch. We are building a quarter of a million dollar chapel there.
President McKay: And this is how far from Orlando?
President Duggar: About sixty miles south.
President McKay: Tell them to submit their proposition in writing.
President Duggar: The reason I called is that Brother Albert T. Tuttle will be here this week-end visiting our conference. I thought by getting a quick answer he could take a look over what they have to offer.
President McKay: I think we had better have somebody else look it over. He hasn’t had very much experience. We shall appoint somebody else.
President Duggar: Yes sir. Thank you, good-bye.”
Mon., 8 Dec., 1958:
“9:30 a.m. Met with Dr. William F. Edwards. Minutes of that meeting as prepared by Dr. William F. Edwards follow:
4. Education: It was pointed out that the financial demands of the educational program have increased tremendously. In the 1951 and 1952 budget for education averaged about $3 million dollars and 13% of the total Church budget. For 1959 the Unified Church School System and the Pacific Board of Education have requested a total of $29,378,000 or 37% of the total requests. The B.Y.U. alone is requesting for 1959 approximately $10,400,000 more than 1958. And this increase accounts for 57% of the total increase in requests. It was suggested that there was probably a need for a comprehensive, coordinated study of the Church educational program including the development of a financial schedule. Confidence was expressed that such a study could be made by President Wilkinson and Bro. Mandenhall that would permit long term financial planning to meet the needs of the educational program.
Tues., 6 Jan., 1959:
“8:30 a.m. – Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson met with the First Presidency regarding the releasing of news concerning the establishment of a Church Junior College in Salt Lake City.
Later, the Deseret News carried the announcement of the Church’s plan to establish a junior college in Salt Lake County — see following.
Tuesday, January 6, 1959.
NEW S.L. AREA SCHOOL
CHURCH PLANS JUNIOR COLLEGE
Plans to establish a junior college in Salt Lake County were announced Tuesday by President David O. McKay of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President McKay, who heads the Church’s board of education, said architectural planning for the new school would begin immediately and that it is hoped the college may begin operation in 1961. It is planned, he said, to start with a large number of buildings and that present plans call for construction of a ‘full campus.’
Negotiations for a suitable site for the new institution are currently under way and will be announced shortly, according to Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Unified-Church School System and president of Brigham Young University. It is expected that construction of the physical plant will get under way as soon as possible, Dr. Wilkinson said.
Three major functions have been outlined for the program of the new college. These are:
1. Vocational technical training for students who desire to prepare for work in business and industry.
2. A ‘terminal’ program for college students who intend to take only two years of study.
3. Preparatory courses in the liberal arts for students who plan to continue their studies at a major university.
In size the new college is planned to accommodate eventual enrollment of several thousand students.
The policy of the new junior college in respect to admissions will be the same as those in effect for other Church educational institutions. These institutions presently are open to students of all religious faiths who meet their academic and moral standards, Dr. Wilkinson said.
To Meet Needs
It is expected, Dr. Wilkinson said, that the new college will help meet what Utah educational leaders have recognized as a major need for additional facilities for post-high school education in the rapidly growing Salt Lake metropolitan area.
Careful population studies have forecast heavy increases in the number of students in the area which would burden existing institutions.
Population figures considered by the Church education leaders showed that the January 1958 census estimate for Salt Lake and Tooele counties was 388,100, and that this would increase by 1975 to 691,000 and by the year 2000 to approximately one million.
Davis Affected
Studies of Church membership in Salt Lake and Tooele counties showed 241,236 members in 1957, an estimated 420,000 in 1975 and 740,000 in the year 2000.
In addition, they pointed out, southern David County also has a large population that would be within commuting distance of the new college. They estimated that current population of southern Davis County is 34,000, that it will increase to 87,000 by 1975 and to 187,000 by the year 2000.
Deseret News – Tuesday, January 6, 1959
ESTIMATED NUMBER MORMON JUNIOR COLLEGE-LEVEL STUDENTS IN SALT LAKE COUNTY
PRESENT……………………………4,500
BY 1975…………………………….10,900
BY 2000…………………………….18,900
SHOWS LDS JUNIOR COLLEGE NEED – Estimates above, showing that 10,900 junior college level students of the Mormon faith will be attending college by 1975 were cited Tuesday as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced it would build a new junior college in Salt Lake County. The Church’s announcement said it expected to have a complete college ready for students by the fall of 1961. The school eventually will accommodate several thousand students, the Church said.
The Church membership in this area, now at 18,100, will increase to 43,000 by 1975 and to 94,000 by the year 2000, they estimate.
Mormon students of junior college level from Salt Lake County who are attending various colleges and universities during the current year total approximately 4,500, the announcement said. Population projections for the future show an expected 10,900 Church junior college level students from the county by 1975 and 18,900 such students by the year 2000.
When the new junior college begins operation, it will make it possible for freshman and sophomore students who now go to BYU to attend classes in Salt Lake County. Enrollment at BYU from Salt Lake County during the current year will be approximately 800 students, Dr. Wilkinson said.
Follows Policy
Location of the new college in Salt Lake County is in line with the policy of the Church to establish junior colleges in areas where there are large Mormon populations, Dr. Wilkinson said.
Dr. Wilkinson pointed out that recent trends of the junior college movement in America have recognized the value of having institutions located in population centers so that students may live at home and commute to the campus. Surveys have reported that from two to three times as many students attend college if they can live at home, Dr. Wilkinson added. He added that larger population areas can offer increased opportunities for part-time employment to students.
First Since 1938
The college will be the first Church school for general education in Salt Lake County since discontinuance of the LDS College and high school in 1931. Since 1931 the Church has used the Main St. Campus of that school for operation of the LDS Business College.
It also will be the first junior college to be operated by the Church in Utah since 1933 when the Church turned over to the state the campuses of Weber College, in Ogden; Dixie College in St. George; and Snow College in Ephraim.
Deseret News – Tuesday, January 6, 1959
Tuesday, January 6, 1959.
BATEMAN DETAILS NEED FOR 2 JUNIOR COLLEGES
A state-supported junior college still is needed in the Salt Lake area even though plans have been announced to build a church-supported college, Dr. E. Allen Bateman, state superintendent of public instruction, said Wednesday.
It was announced Tuesday by President David O. McKay of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that the Church would build a complete junior college in the Salt Lake area. The college will be built as soon as possible, he said.
‘Shouldn’t Affect’
‘As far as I’m concerned this shouldn’t affect the decision of the State Board of Education to ask the Legislature to establish a state junior college in the Salt Lake area,’ Dr. Bateman said.
Dr. Bateman previously had announced that he would urge the state board to ask the Legislature to purchase a site for a junior college. A new building for the Salt Lake Area Vocational School should be constructed on the site as the first unit of a junior college, he said.
‘Plenty of Room’;
Dr. Bateman observed that there will be such a large increase in population in the Salt Lake area that there will be ‘plenty of room for two large junior colleges and still leave extra heavy enrollment at the University of Utah.’
There will be 40 to 50 per cent of the student population of the area that still will prefer to attend a state college, he said.
He also noted that it is a common practice in areas of large population to have state and parochial schools operating side by side and in complete co-operation.
He said he thought it was ‘a fine thing’ for the Church to build a college in the metropolitan area.’
Deseret News – Wednesday, January 7, 1959
Tuesday, January 6, 1959.
LDS to Start College in S.L. County
Church Seeking Site of Campus
By William F. Smiley
Tribune Education Writer
Plans to establish a junior college in the Salt Lake area were announced Tuesday by the Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The announcement was made by LDS President Daivd O. McKay.
Negotiations are under way, the announcement said, for purchase of a suitable site for construction of a modern campus. No indication was given as to the site.
Architectural planning for the college buildings will begin as soon as possible, and the board hopes that the college may begin operation by the fall of 1961.
Three major functions were outlined for the college in the release:
1. Vocational technical training for students desiring to prepare to enter business or industry.
2. A terminal program for college students intending to take only two years of study.
3. Preparatory courses in the liberal arts for students intending to continue study in a senior university.
‘The new college is planned to accommodate an eventual enrollment of several thousand students,’ the release said.
‘The admission policy of the new college will be in line with the policy of other Mormon education institutions,’ President McKay said. That policy is to admit students of all religious faiths who meet the academic and moral standards of the institution.
‘It is expected that the new college will help meet what Utah educational leaders have recognized as a major need for additional facilities for post-high school education in the rapidly growing Salt Lake metropolitan area,’ said a statement from Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the LDS Church Board of Education, now in Kansas City, Mo., attending sessions of the Association of American Colleges.
Dr. Wilkinson noted forecasts of heavy increases in the number of LDS college-age students which would burden existing institutions.
Population figures considered by LDS education leaders showed that the January, 1958, census estimate for Salt Lake and Tooele Counties was 388,100, but that this would increase by 1975 to 691,000, and by 2000 to approximately a million. LDS Church membership in Salt Lake and Tooele Counties was 241,236 in 1957, with estimates of 691,000 in 1975 and 740,000 in the year 2000.
LDS students of junior college level from Salt Lake County attending various colleges and universities during the current year total 4,500, the release said. Projections take that figure to 10,900 in 1975 and 18,900 by the year 2000.
‘Operation of the new college will make it possible to include most of the freshman and sophomore students from Salt Lake County now attending Brigham Young University in Provo,’ Dr. Wilkinson said. ‘Enrollment at BYU from Salt Lake County during the current year is about 800 students.’
The new college would be the first LDS Church school for general education in Salt Lake County since discontinuance of LDS University and LDS High School in 1931.
Since 1931, the Main St. campus of LDS University has housed LDS Business College, now a branch of BYU’s College of Commerce.
‘The news of the plan for establishment of a church junior college in the Salt Lake area comes as a complete surprise,’ said Dr. A. Ray Olpin, president of the University of Utah.
‘We hope a development of such importance will be coordinated with the existing higher education program of the area and will not be competitive with it.’
Dr. E. Allen Bateman, state superintendent of public instruction, was asked whether his recommendations accepted by the State Board of Education on establishment of a state-supported junior college in the Salt Lake area would be changed by the announcement.
‘I see no reason why the announcement of the intent of the LDS Church to establish a junior college should change the need for a state-supported junior college in Salt Lake County,’ he said.
He listed five reasons for continuing the state plan parallel with the LDS Church development:
1. The state is under obligation to find a new location for the Salt Lake Area Vocational School, and such a site can become the site for a comprehensive junior college.
2. If the Salt Lake Area Vocational School remains as a strictly vocational institution, the increased demands for technological training will gradually require the addition of related science, mathematics, English and other departments which will gradually turn it into a junior college in practical application.
3. There is a substantial portion of the population of the Salt Lake area which would prefer to attend a state school.
4. Establishment of a state-supported junior college in the Salt Lake area would be necessary to enable the University of Utah to become more selective in its entrance requirements.
5. Future college enrollment trends in this area indicate there will be adequate enrollments for a state-supported junior college for it to operate at minimum per capita costs.
The Salt Lake Tribune – Wednesday, January 7, 1959
Tuesday, January 6, 1959.
CHURCH PLANS FOR JUNIOR COLLEGE TO BE ERECTED IN SALT LAKE COUNTY
The expanding Church school system moved further into the junior college field this week with the announcement of plans to erect a junior college in Salt Lake County.
The announcement came from President David O. McKay who heads the Church Board of Education. He said architectural plans for the new school and campus will begin immediately.
A ‘full campus’ will be erected with a large number of buildings. It is hoped that the college may begin operation by 1961 President McKay indicated.
Site for the proposed junior college was not disclosed but negotiations are currently underway said Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, administrator of the Unified Church School System and president of Brigham Young University.
Two Colleges Completed
The Church has just completed two new colleges in the Pacific area. President McKay dedicated a new college at Temple View near Hamilton, New Zealand in April of 1958. In December, 1958, he was in Hawaii where he dedicated a new college at Laie near the famous Hawaiian Temple of the Church about 38 miles from Honolulu.
The proposed Salt Lake junior college will be the first institution of higher education to be erected in Utah since 1938.
It will help meet the need for additional facilities for post-high school education in the Salt Lake metropolitan area, Dr. Wilkinson pointed out. Utah education leaders have long recognized the need for an expanded college program to accommodate the youngsters now attending lower-level institutions of learning.
Three major functions have been outlined for the program of the new college Dr. Wilkinson said. These are:
1. Vocational and technical training for students who desire to prepare for work in business and industry.
2. A ‘terminal’ program for college students who intend to take only two years of study.
3. Preparatory courses in the liberal arts for students who plan to continue their studies at a major university.
Admission General
Admission will be open to students of all religious faiths who meet the academic and moral standards maintained at other Church educational institutions President Wilkinson explained.
Anticipated enrollment will be in the thousands the administrator said. He indicated that careful population studies have forecast heavy increases in the number of college age students in the area.
Tooele, Davis and Salt Lake Counties all will contribute students to the college, President Wilinson said. Currently there are about 800 students from Salt Lake County alone enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, he indicated.
Estimated student potential for the coming years was given as follows: 4,500 at the present time, 10,900 by 1975 and about 18,000 by the year 2000.
The Church Unified School System has experienced a spectacular growth in the last decade, most of it since 1953 when the system was unified. President Wilkinson announced that the entire system, including junior colleges, seminaries and institutes reached an enrollment high of 65,000 this year.
Anticipated Growth
Anticipated growth in the next few years means that Church facilities must accommodate about 72,000 students by 1975 and approximately 156,200 by the year 2000 President Wilkinson said.
The junior college system of Utah and the surrounding area has grown by absorbing institutions originally established by the Church.
Dixie College at St. George, Snow College at Ephraim and Weber College in Ogden were founded by the Church as stake academies and later turned over to the state to be operated as institutions of higher learning.
Carbon College at Price was opened in 1938 as part of the state school system.
Westminster College in Salt Lake City traces its beginning to 1875. St. Mary-of-the-Wasatch was founded as a college in 1926 but began as an academy in 1875. Neither of these schools have been operated by the state school system.
The College of Southern Utah at Cedar City, now a branch of Utah State University, originally was a normal school operated in conjunction with the University of Utah. It was established in 1897.
Dr. Wilkinson pointed out that the recent trend in the junior college movement in America is to establish the institutions in larger population centers. Students can then live at home and attend the school.
From two to three times as many students attend college if they live at home. Also, the larger population areas offer part-time employment to the students who need to work in order to help pay for their education Dr. Wilkinson indicated.
Deseret News-Church Section, Saturday, January 10, 1959
Tuesday, January 6, 1959.
JUNIOR COLLEGE PLAN UNDER WAY IN S.L.
Study Nears On Plant, Curriculum
Plans for the new Salt Lake City junior college of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are moving ahead immediately, it was announced Monday.
Dr. Harvey L. Taylor, executive assistant to the president of Brigham Young University, Monday was named chairman of the planning committee. Committees are to be named Tuesday, according to Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of BYU, and administrator of the Church Unified School System.
The new junior college, to be located on the site of the present Forest Dale Golf Course in Salt Lake City, will be a part of the unified school system of the Church.
Replacement Use
Purchase of the golf course from the city was announced Saturday. The Church reportedly purchased the nine-hole course for $567,680.
These funds will be used solely for the purpose of replacing the golf course with the long-planned Rose Park Links (a nine-hole course) and a new 18-hole course to be located in Parleys Canyon, just east of the Mountain Dell Reservoir, city officials said.
City officers also said that if sufficient money remained from these two developments, efforts would be made to expand the Rose Park Course to 18 holes.
Drafting Maps
Warren L. White, city parks director, said engineering crews Monday were drafting contour maps of the Mountain Dell area, and that William Bell, Pasadena, Calif., golf course architect, will begin drawing plans as soon as the maps are ready for use. This should be within two weeks, Mr. White said. (See adjoining story, map for details.)
President Wilkinson said as soon as the planning committees draft curriculum plans and other related matters, architects will be engaged to go ahead with planning for the building.
Original Planning
‘Original planning will be completed this year,’ Dr. Wilkinson said, although he emphasized there has been no target date set for either the beginning or completion of the buildings.
The city will retain the Forest Dale course for use until January, 1961, according to the sale agreement between the city and the church.
The committees will be charged with creating a master plan for a uniform campus. The curriculum committee will decide ‘the scope of instruction to be offered at the junior college.’ Dr. Wilkinson said that other committees will then ‘gear plans for the physical plant to the needs of the curriculum.’
The same committees also will work on the development of Ricks College at Idaho Falls at the same time. The Church recently announced transfer of the two-year Ricks College at Rexburg to Idaho Falls.
3-Fold Purpose
These colleges are being established for a three-fold purpose, Dr. Wilkinson said. The first will provide preparation for those who plan to continue with advanced university work, the second will provide graduates with associate certificates in liberal arts, and the third will place emphasis on adult education, evening and technical (vocational) courses.
Deseret news – Monday, January 26, 1959
Wed., 14 Jan., 1959:
“6:30 a.m. – at the office. Was busy with the reading of letters until 8:30 a.m., at which time I met Brother Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. regarding proposed agreement between the Corporation of the President of the Church and the Salt Lake City Corporation for the purchase of the Forest Dale Golf Course upon which land the Church is to build a Church Junior College. Counselors in the First Presidency present during this consultation. (see Jan. 20, 1959)”
Tues., 20 Jan., 1959:
“Note:
Purchase of Forest Dale Golf Course for Church Junior College in Salt Lake City
Today, in the presence of President Richards and President Clark, my counselors, I signed the contract for the purchase of the Forest Dale Golf Course, amended as proposed by the First Presidency, and the escrow agreement between the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salt Lake City Corporation, as drafted and approved by Clyde Sandgren, Esq., General Counsel of the Church School System, pursuant to the instructions from the First Presidency. Following this, the documents were taken to the Mayor of Salt Lake City for his signature.
This land will be used for the new Salt Lake City Junior College of the Church. (see newspaper clippings following.)
Thurs., 5 Feb., 1959:
Brother Morgan then asked the privilege of bringing another matter before the First Presidency. He explained that he is interested in the Brigham Young University and in the University of Utah.
He also explained that comparatively recent developments in Southeastsern Utah has brought within the control of himself and his partner, Brother Petersen, through filings on 300,000 acres, control of deposits of some very valuable mineral salts (potassium chloride, potash) in very large quantities. He talked of other holdings in which large oil companies and Kennecott Copper Company are interested. He said that he and his partner are very much intrigued with the possibilities since they have more acreage than all the rest of the companies put together several times over. He said that they have leased 10,000 acres to the Superior Oil Company which has sunk two wells and seeks permission to sink a third.
He said, ‘I think we can assign to the Brigham Young University a number of these holdings which will give your little president an opportunity to make the University as big as he wants it, and I understand that is pretty big.’
‘We are very much interested in doing it. I would be very happy to assign them these holdings and they would not have to do anything. These major companies will take care of the whole thing. There is no money to be expended. There is no obligation. They assume the obligations. We got the ground by filing on it. This may be the answer to the Brigham Young University’s questions.’
I said to Brother Morgan, ‘It sounds pretty good,’ and he said: ‘There is nothing that would please me more than to do this.’ He said further, ‘I just wanted you to know, President McKay, that there is nothing I would rather have than your good will.’ I answered: ‘And you have it.’
Brother Morgan: ‘I am in my 75th year and I just want to do a lot of service and that’s all I want.’
President McKay: ‘We appreciate it very much. We shall leave this matter to you.’
Brother Morgan: ‘I will follow this up and push it right through. I will get in touch with Noble Waite. It will be all right if I talk with him?’
President McKay: ‘Yes.’
Brother Morgan: ‘I will get this over into the ownership of the Brigham Young University. I will take care of the details.’
President McKay: ‘All right, Brother Morgan, we will follow this up.’
Brother Morgan: ‘Whatever you want to do is very good.’
President McKay: ‘This will solve some of our problems.’
Brother Morgan: ‘If I can help out in that way, that is my greatest ambition.’
Brother Morgan then withdrew from the meeting, and many other Church problems were brought up and considered.'”
Fri., 6 Feb., 1959:
11:50 a.m. – Brother Mervin Fairbanks, reporter of the Deseret News came in and asked if he should publish educational figures prepared by President Ernest L. Wilkinson in the Deseret News. I told Brother Fairbanks not to publish these statistics at the present time.
Tues., 10 Feb., 1959:
George Romney – Letter re: Church educational trends
I also brought to the meeting and had read a long letter addressed to me by President George Romney, President of the Detroit Stake, who expesses his concern about trends he notes in Church educational policies for the development of institutions for higher learning and post graduate study in Utah and Idaho in competition with already established institutions, and his concern lest this development may reduce the Church’s seminary and institute policy. It was decided to refer the letter to President Wilkinson who has been asked to see me about the matter before I answer the letter. (Later, it was decided that Pres. McKay would send an acknowledgement, stating that Dr. Wilkinson was sending facts). We then discussed various other church matters.
Tues., 10 Mar., 1959:
“Telephone conversation between President McKay and President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
President Wilkinson: Because of enormous pressures on your time, I sometimes hesitate to call certain things to your attention. I want to talk just a minute about the bill that is now before the House to make a four-year college out of Weber College. The bill provides that Weber shall be permitted to confer degrees in all of the arts and sciences, in the field of education, in the field of commerce, and in the field of some vocational subjects. I can appreciate that it might be a good idea to have a four-year institute in Ogden — a vocational institution of some kind which we do not have in this State. The Governor and I agree.
President McKay: I thought that was what they were going to ask for.
President Wilkinson: The bill creates another four-year college of the same kind as we already have in Logan and Salt Lake City with a full curriuclum. It is not going to hurt us at the Brigham Young University, but I think this will be disastrous for Logan and the University of Utah. This is one situation where this is a great legislative disservice to those schools.
The Senate and House have not passed the bill for the Co-ordinating Committee for Higher Education. The Governor recommended it. He will sign it. That will become a law. The question of whether there should be a four-year college at Ogden, a Junior College at Roosevelt, etc., should be studied by this Council which will be set up to give expert advice. This matter should be sent to the Co-ordinating Council, and a careful study should be made. The Council should be asked, first, if there should be a four-year college in Ogden; and, second, what kind of a curriculum should be offered. I should think the Council would come up with a recommendation like the Governor believes in. We could then have an outstanding technical and trade school, and we would not duplicate the other schools in the State. In my position I have been discreet and I have not furthered my version on this matter. The Legislature is taking from this Council the problems they ought to decide. I have never talked to you about this because of limitations on your time. The bill is before the House. It has passed the Senate. The Deseret News came out, I think, with a fine editorial in favor of submitting these problems to the Council. Then — on this I am guessing — I think Frank Browning was one of the directors of the Board who contacted Preston Robinson and had him go the the Senate and say that the Deseret News is not taking any position with respect to junior colleges and with respect to Weber College, especially. This morning the Salt Lake Tribune came out with what I think was a fine editorial. This editorial conveyed the idea that problems of this type should be sent to the Co-ordinating Council for careful study so that there could be an integrated educational system in the State. I think that is what ought to be done with the interest of the entire educational system of the State.
President Wilkinson: On matters of this kind it is not your policy to give public statements. If you agree with me, I think that just a word to one or two men in whom you have confidence would bring about this result.
President McKay: Well, I think it has gone too far now. We shall leave it to them. If they want to call me up, it would be one thing, but I shall not call them up.
President Wilkinson: Well, I just thought that I ought to at least speak my piece on this. I haven’t got in the public on it. I do not think it is for me to do it, but I wanted to let you know, both of us coming from Ogden. Ogden is dear to the hearts of both of us, but there are limits on all of these things.
President McKay: I understood when talking to the Governor that we would have a different type of school at Weber than at the other Universities — a technical and vocational school at Weber.
President Wilkinson: I talked to the Governor. The Governor would like exactly what I said to you — a technical school. He expessed himself to me. He would like this to go to the Co-ordinating Council with the thought that that would be their recommendation.
President William P. Miller at Weber College has told me himself that he would be happy with that kind of situation. The Governor said if the bill passes, he thinks the political situation is such that he will have to sign it. Now is the time for the House to act and send it to the Co-ordinating Council. Would you object to any of the leaders calling you?
President McKay: No, that would be all right. But I think it has gone too far now.
President Wilkinson: I am told that since this morning’s editorial in the Salt Lake Tribune, there is quite a bit of sentiment building in the Legislature.
President McKay: It has gone so far it would be more difficult to change it now than in the beginning.
President Wilkinson: Well, I feel better now at least since I have told you my thoughts on this. I think you and I agree on it, but when things get into politics, reason doesn’t always prevail. The bill provides that it will not take effect for two years. There is plenty of time to study the problem. The Co-ordinating Committee has not been appointed. The bill has passed the Senate and the House, but the Governor has not signed it. He will sign the bill as he recommended it. The Governor will then appoint the members of the Committee, and he would have a lot of influence with them.
We now have three universities in this State. It would be better for all concerned if Ogden had a technical school instead of a four-year college with a full curriculum.”
Fri., 13 Mar., 1959:
Telephone Calls:
1 – I received a telephone call from President Ernest L. Wilkinson who asked for an appointment with the First Presidency to discuss the matter of payment of tithing by faculty members of the Brigham Young University. An appointment was made for President Wilkinson to meet with the First Presidency, Wednesday, March 18, 1959.
(See B.Y.U. file for copy of telephone conversation.)”
Friday, May 8, 1959
Telephone Conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of the Brigham Young University — Re: Musical Production ‘Sand In Their Shoes’ and Labor Union troubles.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson called from the Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, and reported that they are having a labor union problem in connection with the orchestra for the musical play ‘Sand In Their Shoes’ soon to be produced by the Brigham Young University in Provo.
He reported that there are 15 B.Y.U. students who are in the University orchestra who belong to the Musicians Labor Union. Nine of these students are performing in the orchestra working toward their credits in their musical courses at the B.Y.U. The Union has taken the unjustifiable position that since these students are members of the Union that they must be paid, not only for the performances of the play itself, but also for the rehearsals.
This will work a hardship on the B.Y.U., because they cannot afford to pay these wages.
President Wilkinson said that he had talked to Otto Wisely who is the head of the Industrial Commission of the State of Utah. He is not a member of the Church, but is friendly to us. He thinks the stand the Union is taking is ridiculous. He has the suggestion that if one of the Brethren of the General Authorities would just drop a broad hint to the Union that if they are going to interfere with the B.Y.U. in this respect, which is a Church organization, the Church might not be as sympathetic to the Salt Lake Symphony orchestra (a union orchestra) in letting them have the Tabernacle for their concerts.
President McKay: ‘I would not make any threats such as Mr. Wisely suggests. You should stand upon what is right. We shall not recognize the Union in this unreasonable demand — if they want to take action, we shall then take the action that is necessary. If they want to take those nine students out of their Union just because they are working toward their musical credits; that is up to them, but we shall not make any threats to them; just stand for what is right.'”
Tues., 2 June, 1959:
‘Telephone conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
President Wilkinson: Good morning, President McKay. I received your letter this morning with the check, but we are sending it back. (President McKay sent a check to pay for tickets for himself and family to the musical production, ‘Sand In Their Shoes.’)
President McKay: I wish you would not do that.
President Wilkinson: We are not going to accept any money for those seats!
President McKay: I told the people down there that I would pay for the tickets.
President Wilkinson: The check is already in the mail. We gave complimentary tickets to all members of the Board, and we are not going to accept money from you.
President McKay: I brought a whole family with me.
President Wilkinson: Others did also. We are all delighted. All five nights are sold out, and it now looks like we know we will take in about $50,000. It is a greater success than we anticipated. The Church loaned us money on a five-year basis. We will be able to pay it back in three years. We are doing better than we expected.
President McKay: It is a great production!
I have to leave this morning for California.
President Wilkinson: I just heard that bad news, and now you will not be able to preside at our commencement exercises.
President McKay: Well, I have made arrangements for Brother Joseph Fielding Smith to take my place to preside at the commencement exercises.
President Wilkinson: Brother Moyle told me last night. I called him, and he said he would give the opening prayer at the Baccalaureate.
President McKay: President Clark will preside at the Baccalaureate, Brother Henry D. Moyle will give the invocation and Elder Spencer W. Kimball the benediction. President Joseph Fielding Smith will preside at the Commencement, Elder Harold B. Lee will give the opening prayer and Elder George Q. Morris the benediction.
President Wilkinson: All right, any other instructions?
President Mckay: I believe that is everything.
President Wilkinson: Let me check two things: I wrote you a week or so ago that in accordance with the approval of the Board, I was going to Iran. I leave this next Saturday. I am going to take a little vacation following and go to Europe.
President McKay: You have our full support and blessing. If you are leaving this next Saturday, I shall not see you. I thought I would not have to go but matters are such that I have got to go.
President Wilkinson: We have our Board of Trustees meeting this coming Wednesday.
President McKay: I have that down. You posponed it last week.
President Wilkinson: They postponed it last week because they wanted you there. They have a tendency when you are not there to hold things for your attention later. We will not have our next meeting until September. The things I have on the agenda require action. I hope you will tell President Clark not to postpone them, but go ahead and make the decisions.
President McKay: You go ahead.
President Wilkinson: We will not meet again until September.
President McKay: It is all right to go ahead. I don’t know if I can get back by Saturday.
President Wilkinson: There is no need of you getting back by Saturday. I leave that night. There is no need of it at all.
President McKay: If there is anything, call me up by telephone. You can get my number from Clare.
President Wilkinson: President Burtis F. Robbins of the North German Mission wrote. He knew I was coming. We have a boy on a mission. He wrote and asked me if I would look at some property that the city fathers of one of the German Cities wants to give us for a school. I have no jurisdiction of any kind there.
President McKay: I wish you would go with him and look at it. Make no commitment.
President Wilkinson: If you want me to go and look at it, I will. All right. I think that is all I have on my mind now. We hope you will get a little rest.
President McKay: I am going to take two or three days.
President Wilkinson: Now that does not sound like a vacation!
President McKay: I am glad you and Sister Wilkinson are going.
President Wilkinson: You are worse than I am, but at least I am taking a vacation this year.
President McKay: Give my greetings to the presidents of missions, and to your son and to the people behind the Iron Curtain.
President Wilkinson: I expect to see some of them.
President McKay: Good-bye.”
Mon., 15 June, 1959:
“7 a.m.
Dr. Reuben D. Law called at the office at 7 o’clock this morning without an appointment regarding his status at the Brigham Young University. Inasmuch as the First Presidency appointed him President of the Church College of Hawaii, he feels he should be able to return to the Brigham Young University. While Dr. Law was in the office, I called Harvey Taylor of the presidency of the Brigham Young University in regard to Brother Law’s teaching at the B.Y.U., and told him we feel he should make arrangements for putting Brother Law back on the faculty. Brother Taylor said it would be difficult because Brother Law was Dean before he went to Hawaii. I told him he need not consider his restoration to deanship, but that I thought he should take him back merely as a member of the faculty, and that if he wishes to accept some other position, he should be at liberty to do so; that so far as we are concerned and our obligation to him, we feel he should be reinstated.
Brother Law said further that he felt that inasmuch as he was appointed President of the Church College of Hawaii that the Pacific Board of Education has no authority to release him. He feels that his release should come from the First Presidency, and under the circumstances the First Presidency will send him an honorable release from his position as President of the Church College of Hawaii. Dr. Law has been away for the past year on a sabbatical leave.”
Tues., 16 June, 1959:
“Tuesday, June 16, 1959.
Telephone conversation with Dr. Reuben D. Law.
President McKay: Good morning.
Dr. Law: Good morning, President McKay.
President McKay: You called right on the dot.
Dr. Law: Yes, perhaps a minute too early.
President McKay: I got the word from Brother Taylor. He hesitated–said something about deanship. I said, ‘my point is that you would take him back to the faculty. He belongs to the faculty rightly.’ So that is the word.
Dr. Law: Well, I appreciate that, President McKay.
President McKay: I am looking up the records about your appointment and my responsibility therewith. I will prepare you a letter of honorable release from the Church College of Hawaii.
Dr. Law: Thank you. I sincerely appreciate this. President McKay, I appreciate your grand helpfulness, and I shall always try to be worthy of it. Am I supposed to see Brother Taylor or just let it work out?
President McKay: Brother Taylor did not say whether you are to call him or not. I think I will get another call from him. If there is any question, you have him call us.
Dr. Law: In that event I shall go to Los Angeles and get ready to start teaching summer school there, and I presume September would be the time I would come to the B.Y.U.
President McKay: I will tell them to get in touch with you.
Dr. Law: I wonder if you have my California address.
President McKay: Give it to Miss Middlemiss.
Dr. Law: 831 1/2 Helitrope Drive, Los Angeles 29, California. My telephone number is Normandy 3-9494. Thanks again President McKay. Take care of yourself. We want you to last a long, long time. Good-bye.
President McKay: Good-bye.”
Tues., 21 July 1959:
“From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. I had a conference with Elder Joseph T. Bentley who presented the following to me:
(1) Suggested that inasmuch as President Wilkinson is receiving no salary for being President of the Brigham Young University, he wonders if it would not be a nice gesture for the B.Y.U. Board to pay for his trip abroad. President Wilkinson has already left for Iran, and later he will go to Europe for a vacation.”
Wed., 26 Aug. 1959:
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
of
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
Thurs., 5 Nov. 1959:
“3:50 to 5 p.m. – Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University came in and presented the following matters which had been approved November 4 at the Board of Education and Board of Trustees meeting of the B.Y.U.:
(1) Proposal as to the proper procedure to be followed by the Administrator of the Church School System or the President of BYU in obtaining approval of special building projects for the Church School System or Brigham Young University. All special projects are to be submitted to the Board of Trustees or Board of Education for budgetary approval. Once budgetary approval has been obtained, projects involving new buildings, major facilities, or which involve major questions of policy would be referred back, as at present, to the proper Executive Committee and Board for their approval. After this approval, and when figures are available, a Form 86 will be submitted and reference will be made in that form to the dates of approval, both as to budget and to authorization. When an appropriation has been made, the Administrator, or President, as the case may be, is authorized, subject to the approval of the Building Committee, to engage an architect and/or engineer. Illustrations of projects were listed.
I indicated in general my approval of this procedure. This new procedure is also in keeping with recent decisions of the Expenditures Committee.
(2) Purchase of land for possible locations of Junior Colleges — viz., 249 acres of land now owned by the State of Arizona – 199 acres of land in Fremont City, California (which is south of Oakland, northeast of Palo Alto, and southeast of San Francisco, for a price of approximately $1,258,000, roughly $6,000 per acre – to confer with stake presidents in the Portland area as to the relative merits of different locations for the purchase of land for a possible junior college site in the Portland area, after which President Wilkinson is to make final recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
I approved of these actions of the Board.
(3) The Board of Education directed President Wilkinson to inform me that for the present school year the Church College of Hawaii, in connection with airline companies had recruited 135 students from the mainland to attend the Church College of Hawaii. The Board of Education expressed its disapproval of that practice on the theory that there were just as many dangers in white students going to Hawaii as there were for Hawaiian students to come to the mainland for their respective educations.
I expressed agreement with the viewpoint of the Board of Education and asked President Wilkinson to send me documentary materials concerning this practice.
Later he sent three copies of an article appearing in the Church Section of the Deseret News of October 3, from which it appears that a total of 135 students from the mainland are this year attending the Church College of Hawaii. This matter will be referred to the Pacific Board of Education.
President Wilkinson then informed me that Leland Flint, Chairman of the committee raising funds for the University of Utah Medical School, had informed him that the United States Steel Corporation wanted to make a gift to the Brigham Young University for its own benefit of an unknown amount; also that the U.S. Steel Corporation had proposed to make a gift of $250,000 to the Brigham Young University, which that University in turn would give to the University of Utah Medical Foundation. President Wilkinson informed me that this proposal of the U.S. Steel Corporation had also, in essence, been made to me previously by Homer Turner, Director of the U.S. Steel Educational Foundation, although no amount had been stated by him.
I immediately expressed disapproval of the BYU acting as conduit for this gift.
President Wilkinson said that he would have further conferences with Mr. Homer Turner of the U.S. Steel on the matter, after which he would report back to me as to whether there is any better way of working out this matter.
I then told President Wilkinson of my having received a letter from Director Claude Burtenshaw of Carbon College criticizing him as Administrator of the Church School System and making suggestions with respect to that System. President Wilkinson asked to have a copy of it and inasmuch as the letter was also addressed to the Board of Education, I suggested that I should like to read it first, after which I would send him a copy.”
Wed., 6 Jan. 1960:
“Telephone Calls
Received telephone call from Mayor J. Bracken Lee regarding statement that he has made to the papers that the Church will not build a Junior College on the Forest Dale Property, and that the city will try to re-purchase the property. The Tribune reporter also called to verify this story. The reporter was told that when Mayor Lee made a courtesy call to my office in company with Bishop Isaacson, I made the statement that the Church had not decided when they would build a Junior College on that property, and Mayor Lee interpreted what I said as meaning that the Church was not going to build one.
This matter was later turned over to President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University who was instrumental in getting the Forst Dale Property for the Church, and the matter was finally settled and announced in the local newspapers that the Church would not sell the property back to the City.”
Thurs., 7 Jan. 1960:
“(3) Junior Colleges – and Salt Lake City’s Interest to Re-Purchase Forest Dale Golf Course.
By telephone, Henry Smith of the Deseret News, asked for instructions in the matter of a newspaper report of the interest of the Salt Lake City Commission in the re-purchase of the Forest Dale Golf Course. After consideration, it was agreed that it will be better if nothing is said about the matter in the newspapers. It was explained that the Mayor had been informed that nothing has been done about building a Junior College on the property. No decision about the building will be made until the Church gains possession of the property in 1961.
I stated that the whole question of Junior Colleges, institutes, and seminaries is before the First Presidency. The rapid expansion of the Brigham Young University and the matter of providing additional Junior Colleges in several places and giving training in basic courses in education rather than in the ‘fringe’ subjects were mentioned as warranting a full review of the general subject with President Wilkinson.
Wed., 13 Jan. 1960:
“Telephone Calls
Junior College Property
1. President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. called regarding the Forest Dale Property and Mayor J. Bracken Lee’s attitude that the city should buy the property back from the Church — see notes following.
Received a telephone call from Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, Re: Forest Dale Property and Mayor J. Bracken Lee’s attitude that the city should buy the property back from the Church.
President Wilkinson reported that he is getting inquiries from ‘City Hall’ in Salt Lake City as to whether the Church is going to sell the Forest Dale property it purchased last year from the City.
I told President Wilkinson that we did not know anything about Mayor Lee’s proposals, and that we are not going to sell the property or do anything about it until we consult with him. I said further that he (President Wilkinson) could call Mayor Lee and tell him the matter has been referred to him (President Wilkinson). I said that I would tell Mayor Lee that I had referred the matter to him (President Wilkinson).
I then told President Wilkinson that I had other matters about which I should like to talk to him, and he asked me to designate the time, which I shall do upon my return from California.
Later I called President Wilkinson and told him that The First Presidency had not discussed with the City Commission nor Mayor Lee the matter pertaining to the Forest Dale Property; that in the first place I understand that we do not get possession of the property until 1961. President Wilkinson turned to Clyde Sandgren who was by his side and asked him, and he said that that was right – 1961.
I then repeated to President Wilkinson that we had said nothing about plans for a Junior College; that no commitment whatsoever has been made, that we should say nothing until we are sure; until at least we have possession of the land.
I said: ‘Now if the Mayor calls again, the matter is in your hands. You may have this – (a comment made by one of the brethren in our consultation this morning) – that pending our decision regarding our Junior College, if the city wants to continue to rent it from us for a golf course, that might be a consideration.’
President Wilkinson said: ‘I think that is wise. I’ll suggest that; I’ll tell Mayor Lee that I will sit down with him, and if the City wants to rent it, we might work out something.'”
Fri., 15 Jan. 1960:
“Note by Secretary
Re: Forest Dale Property
At the direction of President McKay just before he left for California, I called Mayor J. Bracken Lee, and gave him the following message:
‘President McKay tried to reach you by telephone before he left for an appointment out of the State. Said to tell you that they (The First Presidency) have considered the Forest Dale property matter, and think it best to put the matter in the hands of President Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, who handled the transaction when the property was purchased as a probable site for a Junior college.
‘The thought was expressed by the First Presidency that pending definite plans for future Junior Colleges that some arrangements could be made whereby the city can continue to use this property as a golf course on a rental basis.'”
Wednesday, February 3, 1960
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE HELD WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY AT
8:15 A.M., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1960
1. I again asked President McKay if I might have a personal blessing from him some time at his convenience. I pointed out to him that I had hesitated for years to take his time for this purpose but that it was apparent that the pressures on him would never lessen. He indicated he would set a time for this at his convenience.
2. I told him that a number of matters had accumulated which my Executive Committee did not want to pass on and asked if I could have a meeting with him which would take at least an hour as soon as convenient. He suggested that I present the matters to the entire First Presidency so that he would not have to represent them. I gladly agreed to this. (Subsequently he set the date of February 9, at which time I appeared before the First Presidency.)
3. I presented to him a proposed invitation to Honorable J. Edgar Hoover to be our Commencement speaker this year. At my suggestion, he signed it as Chairman of the Board of Trustees along with me as President of the University.
4. I presented to him a careful study of the history of Leadership Weeks since 1922 when they were first organized.
5. I referred to a letter which I had just received from the First Presidency asking me to obtain all tithing information concerning faculty members from the First Presidency. I reminded him that in April of last year he consented that I obtain this information direct from the Presiding Bishopric. I asked if there had been complaints that I had been obtaining the information from local Bishops. He told me that they had received a letter of criticism to the effect that all secretaries in my office and other places knew the amounts paid by faculty members. I assured him there was no truth of any kind to that statement, that no one had the information except me. He said he had himself assumed that fact but that he was glad to have this assurance. He suggested I take this up with the First Presidency when I met with them.
6. I raised a number of other subjects in quick order but it was decided I would present them in the meeting with the First Presidency when I met with them, so I am not here recording them. No decisions were made with respect to them.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:nvf
Addendum to Conference with President McKay
February 3, 1960
7. Richard Durham. I told President McKay that I understood Richard Durham, a seminary teacher who was taking courses on our campus this summer, had written him a letter complaining about the orthodoxy of teachers at the BYU. As I started to explain to President McKay that, in my opinion, Brother Durham was an extremist in this respect and that his criticisms were much overstated. President McKay replied that I need not fear about his reaction to the letter, that anyone who wrote a letter as partisan as the letter of Brother Durham did not make any impression on him at all, that things couldn’t be as bad at the BYU as Brother Durham said they were.”
Tues., 16 Feb. 1960:
“(3) Leadership Week by Brigham Young University
We considered President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s letters about the Brigham Young University Leadership Weeks in various places throughout the Church. Another letter will be written on the subject since the designation of Leadership Week in various places in the Church and giving instruction to ecclesiastical officers of the Church in the program of these ‘weeks’ is not an ecclesiastical function of the Brigham Young University. President Wilkinson’s letters were reserved for reading by members of the presidency individually.”
Wed., 17 Feb. 1960:
“8:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. Many matters were considered at this time, among them were:
(1) Brigham Young University Leadership Weeks
The origin of the BYU Leadership Week was briefly reviewed, and the departures from the original purpose and plan were noted. President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s letters were commented upon, and it was decided that now that he clearly understands the approved scope of the Leadership Week, he be asked to submit a proposed program for subsequent Leadership Weeks and it was agreed that the program should be confined to educational, scientific, and cultural subjects and that ecclesiastical matters and administration be not included.”
Wed., 24 Feb. 1960:
“12:15 p.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson stepped in the office for a few moments. Mentioned the matter of asking B.Y.U. graduate students for a contribution to the Brigham Young University. Said it would be a voluntary contribution. I stated that I thought it would be all right for these students to contribute to the B.Y.U. when they are able to do so.”
Wed., 23 Mar. 1960:
“Brigham Young University Leadership Weeks
Later, at Council meeting (held Thursday, March 24, 1960)
I reported to the Brethren that the First Presidency had given instructions to President Ernest L. Wilkinson that the Brigham Young University Leadership Week should be discontinued in outside places, such as Rexburg, Arizona, and California, and that such Leadership Weeks should be held only as other educational institutions carry on Leadership Weeks — that is should not be a Church Leadership Week. President Wilkinson said that he would submit another plan for the consideration of the Brethren. I said that the First Presidency felt that the Brigham Young University was giving authoritative instruction at Leadership Weeks which should come only from the Council of the Twelve and the other General Authorities.
Wednesday, March 23, 1960
Conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University regarding discontinuance of B.Y.U. Leadership Weeks in outside places, etc.
President McKay: After careful consideration we believe that Leadership Weeks
should be discontinued in outside places.
President Wilkinson: By ‘outside’ do you include Rexburg?
President McKay: Yes, and also Provo; Leadership Weeks are to be held only as other educational institutions conduct leadership weeks, and this may be
continued in Rexburg and every other place, but why make it a
Church Leadership Week? Why should Leadership Week in Provo
and Rexburg be conducted as a Church Leadership Week?
President Wilkinson: We thought that we were doing what you Brethren wanted us to do. In view of this, I think I should present a modified plan to
conform with your wishes. I shall be happy to do it. Is there any one I should talk to in order to get details of your views?
President McKay: I think not, but we shall leave that with you. Leadership Week
is an established program in all Colleges, and we should have it in the Brigham Young University, but it is an educational affair,
and we should have it in the B.Y.U., but it is not a Church affair.
President Wilkinson: All right, we shall present a plan which we think will conform with
your ideas in this matter.
How is Sister McKay?
President McKay: She is getting better, thank you. I think we have signed for her a
letter to you, thanking you for your thoughtful remembrance of her.
She was very grateful, and I add my appreciation.
President Wilkinson: We have a letter of thanks this morning, signed by your daughter, Lou Jean.
I understand that you were kind enough to consent to a Board of
Trustees meeting for the 25th – the day after tomorrow. We need
to have this meeting. There is the matter of the insurance plan – I
ran into a little difficulty with the Executive Committee. We must act before the year is over, so I shall present that matter at the
meeting.
President McKay: Yes, bring it up next Friday.
Thurs., 28 Apr. 1960:
“8 a.m.
At the request of President Ernest L. Wilkinson (see letter following) I gave a blessing to him at this hour. This blessing was given to President Wilkinson as President of the Brigham Young University and Chancellor of the Unified Church School System.
April 9, 1960
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
With the conclusion of the April Conference, it has now been nine years since I have had the honor and privilege of serving under you as President of the BYU and seven years as Administrator of the Church School System.
During that time, on several occasions, I have rather obliquely suggested to you that whenever you had time I would be grateful to have a blessing at your hands. I have never pressed the point because of the extreme pressures to which you have been continuously subjected.
It is not apparent to me, however, that those pressures will never lighten. I, therefore, make bold to ask if you would be kind enough to set a time –either in the early morning, late in the evening, or any other time — when I may have the privilege of receiving a blessing from you and talking over with you personally and receiving advice concerning some of the large problems that I must fairly resolve with respect to the Church School System. Even after nine years I hesitate to take your time for this, but I think the proper administration of our Church schools requires on my part both the blessing and your advice.
I hope when you do plan this I may have from one-half to three-fourths of an hour.
Faithfully yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra”
Tues., 10 May 1960:
1:25 p.m. – Left for home for lunch. I ate hurriedly and back at the office at 2 p.m. at which time a special meeting of the Church Board of Education was held.
This was a history-making meeting dealing with the future educational policies of the Church for the next 15 to 20 years, relating particularly to Junior Colleges and higher education.
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:
1) New Athletic Conference
We agreed that the Brigham Young University will proceed in cooperation with the University of Utah to attempt to persuade the other institutions to include Utah State University in the new Athletic Conference. (The other proposed members are the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Washington State University, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and the University of New Mexico). Should it be possible to persuade the other schools to accept the Utah State University, the Brigham Young University will still go ahead with the organization of the new conference with the definite understanding that both the University of Utah and the Brigham Young University will nevertheless play Utah State University each year in all the various sports – that the Brigham Young University should maintain this relationship with them.
President Wilkinson said that he had met with Joseph Cowley, President of the Utah State University Alumni Association, and he said the above program is all they could expect.
2) Relationship Between KSL and BYU
President Wilkinson explained that while KSL this year had offered to pay the University of Utah $9500 for the privilege of broadcasting its athletic games, they had offered the BYU only $3,000; further, that on June 10 Joseph Kjar of KSL informed Brother Clyde Sandgren in effect that the BYU was ‘deader than a pigeon this year as far as commercial radio sponsorship is concerned,’ and that the BYU had better prepare to pay KSL for the broadcasting of their games rather than KSL pay the BYU for the privilege.
President Wilkinson asked me to do nothing about this matter for the present; that he would try to work it out for the BYU with KSL, but that he wanted me to know the facts should they come up for my attention.
I instructed him that under no circumstances should the BYU pay KSL anything for the broadcasting of their games.
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)”
Wed., 6 July 1960:
Wednesday, July 6, 1960
MEMORANDUM OF MEETING OF
ELDER DELBERT L. STAPLEY AND PRESIDENT ERNEST L. WILKINSON,
ADMINISTRATOR OF CHURCH SCHOOL SYSTEM, WITH
PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY
JULY 6, 1960
(Other members of the First Presidency were out of town)
1. Phoenix Property
Elder Stapley and Brother Wilkinson reported that an official appraisal of $1,550,000 had been made of the property located in Phoenix which the State of Arizona had arranged to have put up for bid in order that the Brigham Young University may attempt to purchase it as a prospective site for a junior college. They also stated that under the law of Arizona the bidding would have to start with the appriased price. They asked for instructions as to how far above the appraised price they should go. So far there is no indication that others will bid, but on the other hand, there is no way of telling what others will bid.
President McKay left the matter entirely in the discretion of Elder Stapley and Brother Wilkinson, suggesting that it be purchased as cheaply as possible but that in any event it should be purchased.
2. Purchase of Future Institute Site at San Bernardino
Brother Wilkinson reported that the Executive Committee recommended the purchase of an available lot 110 feet by 315 feet adjacent to San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, California, for a possible future site for an Institute of Religion. There is a sufficient amount in the budget for this purpose. The cost is $10,500.
President McKay approved the purchase.
3. Purchase of Seminary Site and Authorization to Construct One-Room Seminary at Tucson, Arizona
Brother Wilkinson reported that the Executive Committee recommended the purchase of a lot 80 feet by 145 feet one block from the Rincon High School in Tucson for the erection thereon of a one-room seminary building. The estimated cost of the lot and the building would be $15,000, of which the Church would pay half. There is sufficient in the Board of Education budget for this purchase.
President McKay approved the purchase.
4. Appropriation for Video Tape Equipment
President Wilkinson reported that the Board of Trustees had from time to time authorized the setting up and operation of a television studio on the BYU campus and had approved of a budget for the purchase of major studio equipment therefor. The budget, however, falls $10,000 short of the amount necessary to purchase all of the video tape which it is proposed be purchased from KSL at a big discount (tape which that station can no longer use but which is satisfactory for the BYU). President Wilkinson therefore asked for an additional appropriation of $10,000 for this purpose. President McKay approved this authorization. This had already been approved by the Executive Committee.
5. Obert Tanner Gift
President Wilkinson recalled that Obert Tanner had offered to make a gift of a substantial amount to the University to equip a room in the new library which was to be in honor of Brother Tanner’s son who had died. President Wilkinson pointed out that the Board of Trustees had decided against having such collections of books in special rooms because it was much more functional to have these books cataloged and in the library stacks in their proper places, and further because it was too expensive to maintain separate rooms.
He therefore asked authority to propose to Brother Tanner that instead of this room arrangement the funds be used to acquire the statue of Joseph Smith which the University desires to place in the lobby of the library. The funds would also be used for the development of a browsing area in the library, both of which would be identified with Brother Tanner by the use of an appropriate plaque satisfactory to him. If this plan is unacceptable to Brother Tanner, President Wilkinson requested authority to use the money contributed by Brother Tanner to make this area in the library more beautiful through the use of more expensive paneling in the area, a better grade of carpet, more expensive drapes, better and more expensive furniture, and other changes. All of this, however, would be done in keeping with the overall interior decoration planned for the library and would not alter the original use that is planned for the area. A plaque would identify Brother Tanner with the area.
President McKay approved of this proposal.
6. Proposed Physical Plant Building
President Wilkinson pointed out that at the present time the Physical Plant staff at the BYU and the operations of the Physical Plant are housed in 26 temporary buildings all over the campus; that this was entirely satisfactory from the standpoint of full utilization of the facilities of the Physical Plant staff and also from the standpoint of economy. He pointed out that at one time approval had been given to the construction of a single Physical Plant Building, but that it was felt that other buildings should have a priority, with the result that a Physical Plant Building had not been constructed.
He pointed out further that the BYU was exceedingly short of space for the engineering sciences and that unless they had additional space for the engineering sciences by September of 1961 they would probably have to curtail certain of their engineering programs, which would be very embarrassing. The Dean of Physical and Engineering Sciences had therefore proposed that the University build some temporary buildings to take care of the engineering needs. President Wilkinson pointed out that both he and the Executive Committee were opposed to the erection of more temporary buildings.
President Wilkinson therefore proposed that he be now authorized to proceed with the construction of a Physical Plant Building, the money for which would be approved in the 1961 budget. He pointed out that by planning for this building immediately and getting it under construction as soon as possible it could be finished by the fall of 1961, in which event the 26 buildings now occupied by Physical Plant could be made available to the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. In this way the needs of both of these areas would be met.
President McKay authorized President Wilkinson to proceed forthwith with the planning of the Physical Plant Building, including the engaging of architectural services with the understanding that after members of the Board of Trustees returned from their vacations in the late summer or early fall he would then present to the Board of Trustees the official request for an appropriation for next year.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra”
Tues., 19 July 1960:
“Purchase of Properties in Arizona by B.Y.U. for Junior College
I called attention this morning to the sale by the State of Arizona of properties which President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University has solicited to be put up at auction. President Wilkinson and Brother Stapley were authorized to pay up to $1,155,000, the appraised value of two tracts of land desired by the Church, the larger tract title to be taken by the Brigham Young University and the smaller tract to the Corporation of the President of the Phoenix Stake. These brethren were also authorized to exceed this amount in their bid by $100,000 or so, but if it is necessary to bid more that approval should be obtained by telephone call to me.
The proposed minutes of the meeting held between Elder Stapley and President Wilkinson on July 6, 1960 with me were reviewed for the information of my counselors who were absent at that meeting. (See diary of Juy 6, 1960.) The actions were approved with the exception of the action on item #6 relative to proposed physical plant building at the BYU for further consideration, and to so advise the Expenditures Committee meeting which will follow our meeting of the First Presidency today. I stated that this minute in item #6 was not correct inasmuch as I had not approved the same at the conference with these brethren.
(see newspaper clipping announcing the purchase by the Church of the Arizona property.) (also see July 21 for telephone call from Pres. Wilkinson)
Tuesday, July 19, 1960
CHURCH OBTAINS PHOENIX SITE FOR BYU BRANCH
Phoenix, Ariz. (UPI)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friday bought 249 acres of land here for a future branch campus of Brigham Young University.
The land, sold in two parcels, went for $1,550,000 during a public auction on the steps of the Maricopa County Courthouse. There were no other bidders and checks for the amount were presented on the spot.
Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve of the Church bought one parcel of 159 acres of land on behalf of BYU for $1,150,000.
President David E. Heywood of the Phoenix Stake purchased the other parcel of 90 acres for $400,000.
Elder Stapley and President Heywood both told newsmen that the land would be used jointly for a new educational institution.
Don Lockwood, executive secretary, Arizona State Planning and Building Commission, conducted the auction which attracted about 40 persons.
After a reading of the sale announcement, Elder Stapley and President Heywood offfered their bids which coincided exactly with the appraisals set by the state for the surplus land. When no other bidders spoke up, the sale was concluded immediately. The land was actioned at the specific request of BYU.
BYU officials said future expansion plans include a branch in Phoenix with an eventual student population of 5,000 or more.
The proposed sale brought some opposition in the Arizona State Legislature earlier this year, but most of the opposition was under cover and a majority in both houses defeated attempts to sidetrack sale of the land. A bill was passed authorizing the transaction either for cash or on five-year payment terms and stipulating that bidding should start at a figure agreed upon by three state-appointed appraisers.
The state’s planning and building commission, which has the power to dispose of surplus state property, decided to make the sale for cash plus appraisers’ fees.
The legislation earmarked the proceeds from the land sale for a state hospital construction fund to run for six years after which any unappropriated money would revert to the state general fund.
Deseret News – Friday, July 22, 1960″
Thurs., 21 July 1960:
“Telephone Calls
1) President Ernest L. Wilkinson called at 8:15 this morning to say that he is Vice Chairman of the Platform on Education and Science at the Republican Convention in Chicago, and that tomorrow is the very day that he has to present their various planks. He wondered, since Elder Delbert L. Stapley, and President Hayward are in Phoenix to take care of the bidding for the Junior College property, etc., if he would have to be there. I told him that we had received a telephone message from a real estate man by the name of Bob Stafford on July 20 who claims that he has a better piece of property than the one we are considering and that he could save the Church six million dollars. We referred this man to Brother Stapley who is down there and can make an investigation of his claims.
I then told President Wilkinson that he need not go down and that he should stay where he is and attend to his duties there. (see July 19, 1960 for announcement of purchase of this property)
Brother Wilkinson then said that he understood from Brother Mendenhall that at the Expenditures Committee meeting held yesterday the plans for the B.Y.U. physical building had been held up. He said that he and Brother Stapley had presented the matter to me, and that I had authorized him to go ahead. I said that there had been some misunderstanding, and that further investigations must be made. (See diary of July 6 and July 19, 1960)”
Wed., 27 July 1960:
“Telephone Calls
President Ernest L. Wilkinson called from Chicago where he is attending the Republican Convention. Said that he is on the Republican Platform Committee for education and science, and has to give a report today. He asked if he is especially needed in Arizona for the purchase of that property. I told him to stay there and attend to the duties before him, and that Brother Stapley and the President of the Stake in Arizona could take care of the bidding for the property we are attempting to purchase to be used for a Junior College building.
He then mentioned the Physical Education building at the B.Y.U. Said he received word from Brother Mendenhall that at the Expenditures Committee held yesterday the plans for this building were held up. I told him that they had been and explained why this had been done.”
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:
1. Presiding Officers for Summer Commencement
I asked President McKay to appoint presiding officers for our Summer Commencement, the Baccalaureate of which is on August 18, and the Commencement of which is on August 19. He appointed President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. to preside at the Baccalaureate and President Henry D. Moyle to preside at the Commencement. He said he would notify both of them. (It was later decided that Elder Harold B. Lee would preside)
2. Speakers for Summer Commencement
Informed President McKay that in his absence, President Joseph Fielding Smith, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board, had consented to our inviting Superintendent Reed H. Beckstead, President of the Midvale Stake and Superintendent of the Jordan School District, to give the Baccalaureate address on August 18.
I asked President McKay as to whom he would like to be the Commencement speaker. He suggested we obtain either Sterling W. Sill or William J. Critchlow, Jr. (As none of the General Authorities was available President Wilkinson appointed a person of his own choosing)
3. Junior College Presentation at Board Meeting in September
I proposed for President McKay’s agreement that the regular Board of Trustees and Board of Education meeting on September 7 be devoted to decisions with respect to the junior college program which had been held over at our meeting in May. He consented to this.
4. Physical Plant Building
I raised again with President McKay the question of our engaging an architect to go ahead with preliminary plans for a Physical Plant building. I pointed out to him that I had taken this matter up with him before and that he had consented to our engaging an architect to make preliminary plans with the understanding, however, that the final decision as to whether we would now go ahead with the construction of this building be made by the Board of Trustees at a meeting in the fall, it being understood, however, that if the Board should decide not to go ahead with it, the architect could then be discharged and be paid only for his services to that time.
I informed President McKay that when the matter went to the Expenditures Committee for engaging the architect, it was not approved, apparently on the ground that the Board wanted to ascertain certain things with respect to our engineering and agricultural programs.
I told President McKay that unless we could engage an architect for preliminary work on this building at the present time, that we would never be able to have it ready by September of 1961 when it was needed in order to release other buildings for engineering purposes.
President McKay thereupon gave me authority to go ahead and engage architectural services with the understanding that the matter would also be presented at the September 7, 1960 meeting, and with the further understanding that if the Physical Plant building is not authorized at that time, the architect’s services could be dispensed with by his being paid for his services to that date.
5. Utah Conference on Higher Education
I informed President McKay that September 15 and 16 had been set apart this year as the meeting for the annual Utah Conference on Higher Education, and that they were to be held at BYU. I informed him that one of the sections of this Utah Conference was a section for Boards of Trustees, that they had a luncheon meeting planned for all members of the Boards of Trustees of all institutions of higher learning in the state for September 16.
I informed him that in the past we had had very poor representation from members of the Board of Trustees of the BYU and that I hoped this year we could have a good representation; that I thought this was a good opportunity for members of our Board to become acquainted with members of the Boards of our sister institutions and that such would have invaluable public relations consequences.
President McKay agreed and asked me to give him a memorandum of the conference and said that he would try to see that we have a good representation.
6. Institute of Religion at Arizona State University
I informed President McKay that our Institute of Religion building at Arizona State University cost us $50,000, that it was inadequate both because it did not contain a large enough area of ground for its location and also because the building was not large enough; further, that we had already been given authority to enlarge the building but that a new development had occurred, as a result of which we had held off adding to the building.
That new development was that Arizona State University desired to purchase this institute building from us. They have offered us $70,000 for it plus what we could agree upon as the appraised value of the land itself.
I then showed President McKay a map showing that there was another area of land which could be purchased by us and that it was in a more favorable location. I told him that my Executive Committee favored selling our present land and building to Arizona State University and the acquisition of the other tract of land. He approved of this and authorized me to present it the next day to the Expenditures Committee.
7. President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s Activities at the Republican National Convention and Utah County Republican Convention
I gave President McKay a short report on my having been a delegate and member of the Resolutions Committee of the Republican National Convention. I told him I had now been invited to give the keynote address at the Utah County Republican Convention on August 13. I suggested to him that I thought that it might be a little unwise for me to give the keynote address but asked if he would have any objections to my giving a comparative report as to the platforms of the two national parties. He agreed that I probably ought not to give the keynote address but commented that the other would be largely educational in nature and that he thought I ought to give it.
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.
9. Property Purchased at Anaheim, California
President McKay agreed that the next time he went to California, he would be very happy either on the way down or the way back to be driven through Anaheim and have pointed out to him the tract of land that we had purchased for a future junior college in that area.
10. Prospective New Institute for University of California
President McKay said that while he was at Laguna Beach this last week he had understood that the Irvine Ranch had given the University of California 1000 acres for the location of a new campus on what was the Irvine Ranch. He said he had talked to Bishop Christensen of the Laguna Ward, suggesting that the Bishop immediately get in touch with President Durham of that stake, and that they recommend to me certain land which we should immediately purchase for an institute site. I told President McKay that I would follow up with President Durham on this matter.
11. W. Cleon Skousen
I asked President McKay if he had any objections to our engaging W. Cleon Skousen as a teacher on the BYU faculty. He said he had no objections.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:nvf”
Thurs., 25 Aug. 1960:
President Olpin then explained that he had come also to ask assurance of the First Presidency that his nominating to the Board of Regents at the meeting to be held tomorrow of Dr. Asahel D. Woodruff of the Brigham Young University faculty, for appointment as Dean of the College of Education of the University of Utah would be with the permission of the First Presidency. He reviewed conferences he said he had had with President Ernest L. Wilkinson on the subject, and presented a letter dated August 19, 1960, written to him by President Wilkinson in which President Wilkinson expressed willingness that Dr. Woodruff be interviewed. President Wilkinson also explained that he will present to the Board of Trustees of the B.Y.U. recommendation that Dr. Woodruff be released from his contract to the Brigham Young University, and be free to accept the appointment of the University of Utah if it is made. President Olpin explained that it is important to the University to be able to announce the action of the Board of Rgents tomorrow whether or not the First Presidency would have any objection to Dr. Woodruff’s being released from the Brigham Young University, and his being free to accept the appointment.
I assured Dr. Olpin that he may present the nomination with the assurance that Dr. Woodruff will be at liberty to accept.
Wed., 21 Sept. 1960:
“9 to 11:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the First Presidency was held. We took up matters pertaining to 4) Cost of Proposed Junior College Program. I stated that the committee should bring back to the Board of Education a plan, and then the Board is to decide whether or not the plan be adopted. We agreed that until the income of the Church will justify the junior college program, it should not be undertaken; and the answer warns the committee not to project a program which will cut into the reserves of the Church.
Wed., 19 Oct. 1960:
“8:20 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson came in. He asked if the new Library building at the B.Y.U. should be named after President Clark or Brother Franklin Harris, formerly President of the B.Y.U. I said that the Library could be named after President Clark, and the new Fine Arts building could be named after Dr. Harris.
Thurs., 3 Nov. 1960:
“9:30 a.m.
Received a courtesy call from the Honorable John H. Stambaugh, Vice Chancellor of the Vanderbuilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, and special consultant to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I met Mr. Stambaugh once before when he called at my office on February 28, 1955.
Dr. Stambaugh said that he brought President Eisenhower’s greetings; that President Eisenhower had instructed him not to leave Salt Lake City without paying his respects to President McKay and the First Presidency. He commented optimistically upon the prospects for the election of Vice President Nixon, whose campaign he is assisting.
Mr. Stambaugh reviewed briefly his having been a speaker last evening at the Brigham Young University and expressed satisfaction with the spirit of the young people whom he met. He reported that the senior students at the Vanderbilt University had been given opporutnity to express a choice as between 1) having a job with assured security on a living wage; 2) a better job, but with reasonable security; and 3) without security, but with opportunity to be productive and to have the rewards for risk taking — and that 68% selected the third choice.
He commented upon the attitudes of people who advocate doing what the Communists are doing and said that ‘the minute we mimick the Communists, we lose the battle.’ He left a copy of an address he gave on the subject of how democracy dies when the people become apathetic.
Dr. Stambaugh said he was impressed by the dormitories of the Brigham Young University and by the cost of their construction. He also expressed his interest in the University and its student body, with special interest in the fact that the students come from all parts of the world.
He described a plan being considered at Vanderbilt to have branches of the university in Latin America, in Pakistan, and in other places where students can have one semester of study. The courses and advanced work in the economic development of backward nations are being emphasized. He expressed admiration for the missionary system of the Church, and for the opportunities which the young people have.
He described the graduate courses and schools of Vanderbilt University and mentioned especially the department of interdenominational religions in which Jewish and Christian scholars offer courses. The University hopes, also, to have an Islamic scholar and also a Catholic scholar if the University can choose him free of the dictation of the local bishop. He said that the University has a liberal arts college, a school of medicine, school of law, school for the ministry, as well as advanced courses in science and humanities.
He recommended a book on ‘The Freudian Ethic’ by Richard LaPiere of Stanford. He expressed his appreciation and admiration of President Eisenhower, and also his opportunity to meet with the First Presidency. He said, ‘It does something to me every time I come into this building.’
I asked Dr. Stambaugh when he returns to Washington to give President Eisenhower my love, and I said, ‘and note that I use the word ‘love’.’ President Moyle, who was present during the interview, expressed interest in the courses offered at Vanderbilt, and Dr. Stambaugh said that he would be pleased to send a copy of the catalog to him.
I gave directions to have a copy of the Book of Mormon delivered to Dr. Stambuagh at the hotel before he leaves the city by air this noon.”
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:
1. Purchase of Apple Orchard at Emmett, Idaho
President Wilkinson reported that the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University Board of Trustees had recommended the purchase out of University Destiny Funds an orchard located at Emmett, Idaho, for not more than $600,000.00. This purchase has been approved by the Investment Committee of the University, composed of William F. Edwards, G. Kenneth Handley, and Joseph T. Bentley, and also by the Investment Committee of the Executive Committee, composed of Harold B. Lee and Delbert L. Stapley.
President McKay approved of the purchase.
2. Archaeological work in Central America
President Wilkinson reported that the committee appointed by the First Presidency composed of Elders Mark E. Petersen, Marion G. Romney and himself recommended that the Church spend approximately $100,000.00 a year on further archaeological explorations and excavations in Central America (mainly lower Mexico); and that this $100,000.00 be included in the Brigham Young University budget for next year. He informed President McKay that it was necessary to go ahead and compensate men who are on the job rather than lose them until a final decision is made by the First Presidency. President McKay expressed surprise at the recommendations of the committee. President Wilkinson replied that he and the other members of the committee were themselves surprised, but that they had visited what had been done by the New World Archaeological Foundation with considerable doubt, and they were convinced that this work should continue. President McKay authorized President Wilkinson to go ahead and make such expenditures as were necessary until a final determination was made.
3. Request from Democratic Committee of Utah County to Examine School Records
President Wilkinson reported that a delegation from the Utah County Democratic Party had visited him on November 21 complaining about certain BYU students voting. This Democratic Committee had thought that many of these students were domiciled elsewhere and therefore did not have the right to vote in Utah County. They had requested of him that he make all records of the University available to determine what statements they had made to the University as to their permanent residence. President Wilkinson reported that he had discussed the same with President Moyle and that President Moyle had objected to it seriously and suggested that the Democratic Committee write to the First Presidency for permission. President Wilkinson informed him that presumably a letter would be coming to him from the Democratic Committee of Utah County.
4. President Wilkinson’s Absence From the University
President McKay gave permission to President Wilkinson to speak to the Union Stockyards in Chicago on November 29 at a testimonial in honor of Ezra Taft Benson, then go to Washington, D.C., to attend to certain legal business, and then to attend the meeting of presidents on university fund raising at St. Louis on December 11 -13. President Wilkinson requested permision also to have a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees go with him to the meeting in St. Louis. President McKay authorized him to invite Elder Harold B. Lee or his designee to attend that convention.
5. Civil Defense Protection
President Wilkinson informed President McKay that it was felt necessary for the BYU to engage a firm of architectural and engineering consultants to advise as to what could be done at the BYU for civil defense protection. President McKay commented that in the past the advice given on this matter seemed to be so uncertain as to be of little value. President Wilkinson agreed, but informed President McKay that the Department of Civil Defense in Washington was now recommending certain firms who seemed to be competent in this area. Permission was granted to get such advice as seemed necessary.
6. Meeting with Arch Madsen
President Wilkinson informed President McKay that at the request of President Moyle he had invited Arch Madsen of Washington, D.C., to meet with President McKay on December 2 with respect to KSL matters. He asked President McKay what time of the day he would like to see Brother Madsen. President McKay said he thought it would be more desirable to have Brother Madsen come after Brother Moyle had returned from Europe. President Wilkinson agreed to see if the appointment could be delayed to that time.
7. Regional Conference of the American Assembly
President Wilkinson reported that the BYU had been invited to hold on its campus next June the regional conference of the American Assembly entitled, ‘The American Secretary of State.’ He asked permission to hold this assembly in accordance with BYU standards. Permission was given.
8. Junior College at Anaheim
President Wilkinson exhibited a map to President McKay showing the location of the 139 acres purchased by the BYU for a junior college at Anaheim and also an additional 15 acres which could not be purchased at $15,000 per acre. He reported that he was not vigorously recommending the purchase; that it would be desirable; but that in view of the financial situation of the Church he thought the decision ought to be made by President McKay. President McKay decided against the purchase at the present time.
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.
10. Junior College Construction
President Wilkinson reported that in the budget he had submitted for 1961 he had proposed an item of $5 million for junior college construction, including the amount to be spent on Ricks College. He asked President Mckay whether he should inform the Budget Committee that President McKay desired for this item to be included in the budget. President McKay requested that he so inform the Budget Committee. President Wilkinson pointed out that the $5 million would permit the construction of the buildings at Rexburg and also leave an amount for architectural and engineering planning for other junior college campuses. This was approved.
/s/ Ernest L. Wilkinson
Acting Secretary”
Wed., 30 Nov. 1960:
“Wednesday, November 30, 1960
Report of a conversation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson who telephoned from Chicago regarding Attendance of Elder Delbert L. Stapley at a meeting of Universities in St. Louis, December 11-13 and success of the meeting held in Chicago honoring Elder Ezra Taft Benson.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson called and said that the Brigham Young University has been invited to attend a meeting of representatives from 20 universities, 10 or which are large State Universities from Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, among which the B.Y.U. is one of the largest. It is the first time that the University has been invited to attend such a meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to study fund raising methods, and other overall managerial problems.
President Wilkinson said that he had talked to Elder Harold B. Lee with respect to the desire he has to have a member of the Executive Committee attend, and he suggested that since Elder Stapley is on budget committee, it would be very helpful to have him attend this meeting, because more and more they are having to meet financial problems at the College.
The meeting will be held in St. Louis on December 11-13.
I told President Wilkinson that I would give consideration to the matter, and he said that he had already talked to Elder Stapley about it, and that he, Elder Stapley, would talk to me.
President Wilkinson then said that he had attended the dinner in honor of Elder Ezra Taft Benson given during the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago. Elder Harold B. Lee was a speaker. He talked about the Calling of an Apostle — and said he gave one of the finest talks he has ever heard. He talked on the special mission of a member of the Quorum of the Twelve to testify to the divinity of Jesus Christ, and said that while Brother Benson had an important governmental position, he was now coming home to a much more important position. Elder Lee was tactful, but firm about it, and there were 300 prominent persons present.
Brother Benson responded in a similar vein and said that while he had enjoyed his position, he knew he was going back to something more important.
It was a real missionary meeting among prominent people.
I said how happy I was over the success of the meeting, and stated that I knew that he, President Wilkinson, had also given an excellent talk. He said that the talks given by the Brethren were far superior to his, and that he was proud of them.”
Fri., 16 Dec. 1960:
“MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AND ADMINISTRATOR ERNEST L. WILKINSON ON DECEMBER 16, 1960, AT 12:40 P.M. RELATING TO MATTERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Administrator Wilkinson informed President McKay that the Executive Committee of the Board of Education approved of certain matters which required attention of the Expenditures Committee before the end of the year and that since the December meeting of the Board of Education had been canceled, these matters required a decision from President McKay. Administrator Wilkinson thereupon presented them to President McKay with the following results:
1. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the purchase of a new proposed site for an institute building for the students of Arizona State University at Tempe, Arizona. The new property may cost around $75,000. It was understood that the property which had just recently been acquired for the same purpose would be sold to Arizona State University at the fair market price.
2. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the purchase of a site adjoining the San Francisco State College for a future institute building. This property will cost around $60,000.
3. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the erection of a new seminary building at Castle Dale to take care of students at a new consolidated high school. This building will cost approximately $35,000, of which one half will be paid by the Church.
4. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the construction of two additional rooms at the Church’s seminary at Kaysville, Utah. These two additional rooms will cost around $30,000, of which one half will be paid by the Church.
5. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee to give the consent of the Church Board of Education to close a right of way adjoining the Church’s seminary at West High School in Salt Lake City, providing the Salt Lake City Board of Education will provide a satisfactory method of ingress and egress to the Church’s seminary building.
6. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the sale to Guy Cardon of Logan of surplus land owned by the Church (comprising about .01 acres) for $1.00 in order that it may be beautified.
/s/ Ernest L. Wilkinson
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AND ADMINISTRATOR ERNEST L. WILKINSON ON DECEMBER 16, 1960, WITH RESPECT TO BUSINESS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
Administrator Wilkinson informed President McKay that the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University approved of certain matters which required attention of the Expenditures Committee before the end of the year and that since the December meeting of the Board of Trustees had been canceled, these matters required a decision from President McKay. Administrator Wilkinson thereupon presented them to President McKay with the following results:
1. President McKay confirmed the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing President Wilkinson to suggest and accept the resignation of Tally Stevens as football coach and to appoint in his stead, Max Spillsbury if, upon investigation by President Wilkinson, this seems the wise thing to do.
2. President McKay approved of the two research projects in the field of Religion; one by James R. Clark entitled ‘Compilation and Bibliography of Official Statements of the First Presidency’ and the other by Truman G. Madsen entitled ‘Research on the Unique Teachings of Mormonism on the Sources, Effects, and Validation of Religious Testimony’. Both, however, were approved on the condition that the research, when completed, be presented to the Executive Committee and that no publication be made thereof except with the consent of the First Presidency.
3. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the Brigham Young University to consent to the annexation by the City of Provo of the Isaacson-Dennis property.
4. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in recommending that the Expenditures Committee of the Church appropriate $90,000 for partial architectural fees for a Physical Education Building at Brigham Young University. This money is already included in the 1960 budget of Brigham Young University.
5. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in authorizing the exchange of grants of easement with Stewart Canyon Corporation on land in Aspen Grove.
6. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee subject to careful study and final approval by President Wilkinson, of an appropriation of $15,000 for a certain research laboratory in the Joseph Smith Family Living Center.
7. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in consenting to a right of way in easement grant for a gas line over certain property.
8. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in consenting to the purchase by the Brigham Young University of approximately ten (10) acres of land owned by Sid Belmont.
9. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in recommending that the Expenditures Committee appropriate this year $110,000 as provided in the 1960 budget of Brigham Young University, for the construction of an Alumni Building without waiting for bids to be received on the same.
10. President McKay approved the action of the Executive Committee in consenting to the appropriation of $3,000 for certain refrigeration in a room in the Eyring Science Center where chemicals are stored.
/s/ Ernest L. Wilkinson”
Wed., 28 Dec. 1960:
“Wednesday, December 28, 1960
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AND GOVERNOR GEORGE D. CLYDE
DECEMBER 28, 1960
Pursuant to an invitation from President McKay, I met with him and Governor Clyde at President McKay’s office at 8:00 a.m.
President McKay opened the meeting by telling Governor Clyde that we would like to just confidentially and informally discuss certain mutual financial problems relating to the financing of the BYU on the part of the Church and the financing of USU, the U of U and other institutions of higher learning on the part of the state. He told Governor Clyde that if the Governor thought this was none of our business he should say so.
1. We discussed budgets which the institutions of higher learning in the state had requested. For operating budgets the University of Utah had requested an increase of 54.6%, Utah State University 40.8%, the junior colleges 47.3%, or an average of 48%. With respect to these requests, the Coordinating Council had recommended that the University of Utah receive an increase of only 16.7%, Utah State University an increase of 24.7%, the junior colleges 25.1%, or an average amount of 20.9%.
I informed the Governor that I had requested for the BYU an average increase of only 8.9% and that the Budget Committee had trimmed this to 7.4%. The Governor said that he thought we would be well pleased with what he would recommend for the budgets of the other institutions because he intended to cut under the amount recommended by the Coordinating Council.
The Governor also pointed out that one of the difficulties he was having was that over the last several bienniums the state institutions of higher learning had received an average increase each biennium of about 20% and that now they pretty much assumed that this increase was to be automatic each biennium. He knew that this could not continue.
2. With respect to teachers’ salaries, President McKay pointed out that teachers’ salaries he knew in the past had been altogether too low, but that he thought they were now about where they ought to be and he hoped some way could be found of stabilizing them. The Governor and I both agreed.
I pointed out, however, that a committee appointed by President Eisenhower had recommended that the salaries of school teachers be increased 100% by 1970. The Governor in turn pointed out that the National Education Association was proposing that they be increased that much by 1965. It was felt by all that this would be unreasonable, and in Utah would tax our resources altogether too much.
The Governor stated that with respect to both budget increases and salaries he was constantly urged that institutions in other states were raising budgets and salaries and that therefore we should get in line. The Governor said that he had urged that just because others were doing it was no reason why Utah should do it. We all felt that the line had to be held somewhere.
3. With respect to building programs for state institutions, the Governor commented that he thought that the time had come when before new buildings were authorized or constructed they would have to be justified on the question of whether present buildings were fully utilized. I told him in this connection John Fitzpatrick, former head of the Tribune, had informed me that he understood there were some periods during the afternoon when buildings at the University of Utah were utilized to the extent of only 15%. The Governor said he had seen one study showing that they were utilized to the extent of only 11%. The Governor commented that he was going to recommend to the legislature that the State Building Commission have authority to continuously conduct utilization studies of the different institutions; that it was apparent that the institutions themselves could not be relied upon for accurate utilization studies.
4. As respects enrollments, the Governor thought that the new Coordinating Council had done a good job in trying to get accurate enrollment figures and that if this Coordinating Council were given a little more time it would come up with some very constructive studies. I agreed with him and suggested that he ought to by all means give the Coordinating Council full support.
5. I informed the Governor I understood some were suggesting a junior college for Provo. he said he had not even heard such a suggestion and he did not think at the present time the state could justify any new junior college anywhere.
6. I informed the Governor I had been critical of academic monies used by other institutions of higher learning for athletic purposes. He said he was aware of that question and was trying to work it out but that they had not been using as much money for that purpose as he thought they had been using.
7. Finally, I recalled to Governor Clyde that he and I had talked with respect to the recommendation of the Chamber of Commrce in Provo that University Avenue be extended northward, in which event some land of the Vocational School as well as of the BYU would be needed for that purpose. I hoped that he would continue in his opposition to such a plan. Governor Clyde said he hoped we could work that out locally, that he did not think the people locally should be told from Salt Lake just what they should do. I told him I thought we had pretty much agreed on a compromise route, and he said he was happy about that.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra
P.S. After the above discussion, President McKay said he had some other matters to take up with the Governor, and I left the conference.
E.L.W.”
Wed., 15 Feb. 1961:
“3 p.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson reported incident that happened the other day when the Brigham Young University basketball team played with the Utah State University in Logan. Trouble was started by a negro who is on the State University team. Much criticism has come because the State University has brought in negroes from the outside to play on their basketball team. President Wilkinson reported President Daryl Chases’ favorable attitude toward the negroes. Fathers and mothers up there are concerned because the negroes have been dating the white girls at the College.”
Thur., 20 Apr., 1961:
“4:10 p.m.
Returned to my private office where I found President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Superintendent Joseph T. Bentley awaiting me. I then held a meeting with them, President Wilkinson presenting many Brigham Young University matters, among them were 1) the presenting of Honorary doctoral degrees upon President Henry D. Moyle, Honorable Barry Goldwater, and Dr. Alton Ochsner. I approved of this, and also of President Moyle being the baccalaureate speaker and of Honorable Barry Goldwater being the commencement speaker. 2) Announcement regarding Ricks College to be simple, and a mere statement that certain buildings are to be erected. (see following minutes of meeting by President Wilkinson)
Thursday, April 20, 1961
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE BETWEEN PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY, ERNEST L. WILKINSON, AND JOSEPH T. BENTLEY ON THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1961, AT 3:30 p.m.
At the outset of the conference President Wilkinson informed President McKay that since there had been no meeting of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University this month, the Executive Committee had suggested that certain matters be cleared with President McKay. Following that suggestion, the following matters were taken up and the following decisions made:
1. Honorary Doctoral Degrees – President McKay approved of honorary doctoral degrees being given to President Henry D. Moyle, Honorable Barry Goldwater, and Dr. Alton Ochsner.
2. Commencement Speakers – President McKay approved of President Henry D. Moyle being the baccalaureate speaker and Honorable Barry Goldwater being the commencement speaker.
3. Awards to be Given at Commencement Time – President McKay approved of the following awards being given at commencement:
a. Jesse Knight Industrial Citizenship Award to President O. Leslie Stone;
b. James E. Talmage Scientific Achievement Award to Chancellor Vern O. Knudsen;
c. Joseph F. Smith Family Living Award to Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Hilton, or in the event of their not being available to receive it, to Sister Clara Fotheringham Whitaker;
d. David O. McKay Humanities Award to Florence Jepperson Madsen;
e. Abraham O. Smoot Public Service Award to Honorable H.C. Shoemaker;
f. Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Teaching Award to Dr. Milton Marshall;
g. Brigham Young University Special Award for Philanthropy to Guy Anderson and family.
4. Institute of Mormon Studies – President McKay approved of the Institute of Mormon Studies at the BYU engaging in the following studies:
a. a comprehensive history of missionary activities of the Church from its beginning;
b. a comprehensive study of the fruits of Mormonism.
He also approved of the Institute of Church Studies making a comprehensive study of the value of BYU and the Institutes to the Church.
It was understood that the first two studies would be submitted to the Reading committee of the Church for approval, after which they would be published. It was contemplated that the third study would not be published, but would be given to the Board of Education and the Board of Trustees of the Church for evaluation of the BYU and the Institutes.
5. Planning for Buildings – President Wilkinson reported that the BYU, through economic administration, had been able to effect a savings of approximately $76,000 out of last year’s budget. He reported that normally this would be returned to the Church. He said, however, that the BYU was in critical need of additional housing for students and of a physical education building, and inquired whether this money could be used to engage architects for planning these buildings on the theory that in subsequent years money would be appropriated for their erection. He pointed out that the Budget Committee, in eliminating a great many items from this year’s budget, had suggested that if the BYU could find any other available money they could make application for its expenditure.
President McKay suggested that this matter should be handled in the regular course.
6. Dean of the College of Family Living – President Wilkinson informed President McKay that the position of Dean of the College of Family Living had been offered to Dr. Virginia Cutler and requested that the President write her a letter urging her to accept. The President instructed President Wilkinson to draft a letter for him, which he agreed to sign.
7. Location of Statues of Brigham Young and Karl G. Maeser – President McKay agreed that on the completion of the Abraham O. Smoot Administration Building the statues of Brigham Young and Karl G. Maeser could be placed in the front of that building as approved by the architect, provided the landscaping was appropriate. This requires the re-location of the Karl G. Maeser statue.
8. Federal Aid to Education – President Wilkinson expressed the hope that in accordance with his recent letter to the First Presidency on federal aid to education President Moyle or some other General Authority would testify before committees of Congress against the federal aid program. President McKay said that they had decided to ask President Wilkinson to appear. (Since the meeting President Wilkinson has learned that the hearings before the Senate have already closed and that the hearings before the House may close very shortly.)
9. Leadership Weeks – President Wilkinson reported that he had received from the First Presidency a copy of the First Presidency’s letter to the Relief Society denying them the right to participate in BYU Leadership Weeks. He inquired as to whether the First Presidency would prefer that these Leadership Weeks be called ‘Educational Leadership Weeks’ rather than ‘Leadership Weeks’ so as to make it plain that they were not ecclesiastical leadership weeks. President McKay replied that since other universities conducted leadership weeks he saw no objection to the continuation of the present name.
President Wilkinson then pointed out that the Church College of New Zealand was including in its leadership weeks the classes of an ecclesiastical nature that had been removed from BYU Leadership Weeks. He left with President McKay a copy of the brochure from the Church College of New Zealand. President McKay thanked him for the same and said that they would give appropriate instructions to the College of New Zealand.
10. Seminary Program in Australia – Administrator Wilkinson advised President McKay he had a letter from the Stake President of the Brisbane Stake in Australia asking for the inauguration of a seminary program. President McKay advised that he did not feel that we were yet ready for the institution of a seminary program outside of North America and Hawaii.
11. Permission to Use Assembly Hall for BYU Adult Education Lectures – President Wilkinson reported that permission had been given for the BYU, in connection with its Salt Lake City Adult Education Center, to conduct each year a series of lyceum lectures to which the public was invited; that these were presently being held in the Assembly Hall through permission given by the Presiding Bishopric; that he had now been advised by the Presiding Bishopric that application for the use of this Assembly Hall should be made through the First Presidency. He further pointed out that BYU had already made commitments for some of these lectures for the following year and he therefore requested permission to use the Assembly Hall.
President McKay suggested that this be brought up in the normal course.
12. L.D.S. Business College – Administrator Wilkinson reported that he had heard indirectly that the buildings now used by L.D.S. Business College were to be torn down; further, that no space had been provided for continuation of the L.D.S. Business College. He raised the question of whether the Business College was to be discontinued or whether space would be provided for it.
President McKay advised that the College would not be discontinued and that Administrator Wilkinson should write a letter to him asking for the necessary space.
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”
Mon., 22 May 1961:
“May 23, 1961
(Dictated May 22)
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
Herewith is a memorandum of our conference today in accordance with our regular practice. Because of the confidential nature of the matters discussed, I am sure you will treat this as entirely confidential.
Faithfully years,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra
Enclosure
Monday, May 22, 1961
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AT HIS OFFICE ON MONDAY, MAY 22, 1961, AT 11:00 A.M.
I took up the following matters and received the following instructions from President McKay:
1. Commencement Speakers – I informed President McKay that President Moyle had telephoned me a few days previously stating that since I had been responsible for inviting Senator Goldwater to be the commencement speaker this year it was now ‘incumbent upon me’ to invite Secretary Stewart Udall as the commencement speaker next year and confer on him a degree; that there were as many Democrats in the Church as Republicans and that because of my political activities I should lean over backwards and invite the Secretary next year — that he had gone further already than Senator Goldwater.
I told President McKay that Senator Goldwater had not been invited because he was a Republican; further, that he had been invited by me with the sanction of the Board of Trustees in early 1960 but could not accept at that time and therefore was invited for this year. President McKay instructed me to pay no attention to this proposal. He said he also had some protests against our having invited Senator Goldwater, but he knew that the decision was because of the principles for which Senator Goldwater stood and not because of his political affiliation, and that he was going to pay no attention to the protests that he received.
I then read to President McKay the citation which we had prepared on the presentation of a Doctor of Laws Degree to Senator Goldwater. He made one or two suggestions for changes and with those suggestions he approved the citation.
2. Baccalaureate and Commencement Services – I informed President McKay that President Moyle had phoned to notify me that President McKay would preside at our commencement services but had not been told to notify me of that. He then handed me a slip of paper with the following designations on it:
Baccalaureate Service, June 1
Presiding – President Joseph Fielding Smith
Invocation – Elder Harold B. Lee
Benediction – Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Commencement, June 2
Presiding – President David O. McKay
Invocation – Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Benediction – Elder Mark E. Petersen
I told President McKay that President Moyle had insisted that we not have the graduates march up on the stand to receive their degrees; that that was something that belonged to the ‘mystic past’ and that there was no justification for it.
President McKay instructed me to continue the present practice unless and until it is changed by the Board of Trustees.
3. Budget for Junior Colleges – I recalled to President McKay that when he visited our campus on May 10 he had asked me how many students I thought we ought to have at the BYU, and I told him I thought the limit should be 15,000; that he agreed with me and suggested that we should therefore immediately start getting our junior college program in operation. I told him that thereafter, in a conversation which I had had with President Moyle, President Moyle practically instructed me not to include anything in the budget for next year for a junior college, stating that in neither his nor my lifetime would we ever see any junior colleges in the Church. I asked President McKay whether I should include any items in the budget next year for junior college construction. He instructed me to do so.
4. Movement in Idaho Falls to Request Church to Give Land for a Community Junior College – I informed President McKay that I had learned in Idaho Falls that there would be a meeting this coming Wednesday to appoint a committee to wait on the First Presidency of the Church in an attempt to get the Church to donate certain land for a community junior college. I urged that the Church not give this land because to have a rival junior college in Idaho Falls before we had Ricks College really built up would be seriously detrimental to Ricks College. President McKay agreed.
I reported to him that whereas we had paid $2,000 per acre for a good part of the 280 acres we purchased, land in this vicinity was now selling as high as $4,000, and that I thought the land should not be sold at the present time. He agreed.
5. Tithing Records in PBO’s Office – I told President McKay that since he had given me authority to check on the tithing of faculty and to work with the faculty in an effort to get them to fully meet their obligations as tithepayers that our tithing record had materially improved. I informed him, however, that, although bishops in the Church were supposed to have their reports in by the middle of January, there were some reports from some bishops this year which did not get in until well after the first of March. This had hindered us in getting the reports as quickly as we should have the facts in order to determine the eligibility of faculty members for reappointment, etc. I suggested that if there was some way of having the Presiding Bishop’s Office get these records in on time, that it would be helpful to us.
6. Camp Koapka – I gave President McKay two newspaper clippings concerning the formation of a boys’ camp to be known as Camp Koapka which would use the facilities of the Church College of Hawaii for the summer. I informed him that while this was not within my jurisdiction, I was concerned over the fact that according to the advertising a boy could spend two weeks there for $179; that of this, $80 would be payable for the camp fees, which would mean that the remaining amount would be only $99. My concern arose from the fact that a low rate of this kind could be obtained only through a special charter or a cheap non-scheduled airline. I suggested I thought the brethren ought to make sure that the airline used was the very best so that every precaution would be taken to avoid any accident.
President McKay said that he had not been informed of this in any way, thanked me for bringing it to his attention, and while I was there put in a call for President Griswold in Hawaii. He indicated he thought there should be no camp of this kind with extensive advertising in the United States.
7. Statement on Federal Aid to Education – I then read to President McKay the first three pages of the statement which he had asked me to prepare in opposition to the proposed bills in Congress for federal aid to education. He suggested two revisions in those pages. I told him that there would, of course, be criticism of my making a statement of this kind and that I wanted to make sure before I sent the statement that it fully met with his approval and that I would have his support. He told me he thought it was the right thing to do and ‘to go ahead.’
Because he did not have the time, I did not read to him word for word the body of my statement, but I summarized the position that I would take and he approved of that position.
8. My Tenure at BYU – I called to the attention of President McKay the fact that under rules adopted by the Board of Trustees before I became President, the age of 65 was the normal year for retirement at the BYU, which I would reach in three years. I told him that if it were intended that I should retire at that time I would appreciate knowing now so that I could decide whether I should get in some other field at the present time before it was too late. I told him I did not want to retire at 65 because I did not believe in it. President McKay asked me how I had been administering the rule with respect to other faculty members. I told him that if they were competent to continue in their employment they had been continued; that in the case of President Christen Jensen, for instance, he had been continued right up to the present time with limited work even though he was 80 years of age.
President McKay indicated that if that were the rule I had applied to other faculty members, he thought there would be no difficulty in my case. The matter was not, however, fully resolved and I suggested to him that at some future time I would like to talk more in detail to him about it.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra”
Tues., 27 June 1961:
Tuesday, June 27, 1961
June 28, 1961
Miss Clare Middlemiss
Secretary to President McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Miss Middlemiss:
Pursuant to our practice, I am enclosing herewith minutes of the short meeting which I had with President McKay yesterday morning. I hope they are satisfactory. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to telephone me.
You will note from the enclosed that according to item 4 President McKay answered the letter of Congressman Ralph Harding of Idaho in essentially the form that I prepared it for him. Will you be kind enough to ask President McKay whether there is any objection to my having a copy of the letter. Such a copy will, of course, give me proper guidance as to how far I should go in this matter, in answer to continuous correspondence.
Will you be kind enough also to ask President McKay if I may have a copy of the minutes which Brother Joseph Anderson took of the conference yesterday of the First Presidency with Musa Bey Alami and his party. I have never before heard a non-member of the Church, in such simple and meaningful terms, tell the meaning of a gift accompanied by genuine love as was stated by Mr. Alami in that meeting. I should like a copy of his statement to read to the Board of Trustees at a later meeting.
Sincerely,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra
Encl.
Tuesday, June 27, 1961
MINUTES OF CONFERENCE BETWEEN PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AND ERNEST L. WILKINSON
JUNE 27, 1961, 8:45 A.M.
At a meeting held today with President McKay at the above time the following business was transacted.
I. Documents Signed in Connection With Sale of Properties to Arizona State University and Lease of Institute Building for Next Year
A. President McKay signed three copies of escrow instructions to Phoenix Title and Trust Company authorizing the sale of lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, block 8, Goldman’s addition to Tempe to Arizona State University for $74,000 (this property was purchased within the prior 18-month period for around $59,000 for the erection of an institute building at Tempe, but Arizona State University subsequently requested that we deed it to the university and purchase new land, which we have done).
B. President McKay executed five copies of escrow instructions to Phoenix Title and Trust Company authorizing the sale of the institute now owned by the Church at Tempe for $125,000. (This was at the request of Arizona State University. We have already purchased additional land for the erection of a new institute.)
C. President McKay signed two copies of a lease whereby the Corporation of the President leased the institute building, sold under item two supra, to the Institute of Religion for the next school year for the amount of $3,000. (This was necessary because during this time we will be using the building while we are building a new institute building.)
II. Public Forum Speakers for Salt Lake City – President Wilkinson explained that the Board of Trustees had authorized BYU to engage speakers and use the Assembly Hall for the coming year for the Adult Education series of speakers; that after having engaged twelve of the speakers and having made an oral representation to engage the remaining three, he had received a letter from the First Presidency dated May 12, 1961, suggesting that no further commitments be made for those not already engaged. He inquired as to whether, under the circumstances, he was authorized to go ahead and conclude the engagements for the remaining three speakers. He was authorized by President McKay to do so. In view of this decision, it will be unnecessary for the First Presidency to answer President Wilkinson’s letter of June 14.
III. Meeting with Stake Presidents – President Wilkinson explained that pursuant to authority of the Board of Education of the Church and Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University, he had been meeting with stake presidents and bishops during annual and semi-annual conferences of the Church for the purpose of getting their cooperation in the operation of the Unified Church School System, in particular the seminaries, institutes, and Brigham Young University. He siad that it seemed particularly desirable that this next October Conference time he should meet with certain of the stake presidents and inquired whether it would be satisfactory to meet with them at an informal dinner or otherwise on Thursday night, September 28, which was the night preceding conference. President McKay advised him that he should check with Brother Joseph Anderson and if that date was clear it would be satisfactory for him to go ahead.
IV. Federal Aid to Education – President Wilkinson inquired whether President McKay had had an opportunity to answer the letter sent to him by Congressman Ralph Harding of Idaho with respect to federal aid to education. President McKay in turn inquired of Miss Middlemiss, who informed him that the letter had been sent to Congressman Harding essentially as drafted by President Wilkinson.
V. Student Housing at Logan – President Wilkinson recalled that at the last meeting of the Board of Education, President McKay had inquired of him with respect to certain matters concerning student housing which was being constructed by the Church at Logan, which led him to wonder whether President McKay desired him, as Administrator, to supervise the rental and administration of the housing at Logan as he, as Administrator, had done at the institute at Moscow and at certain small facilities used for these purposes at other institutes. He reported that whether he, as Administrator, did this or not, it was important that someone be appointed in advance to make sure that this Church housing was properly supervised and rented and would not be leased in a secondary position to other housing which was being constructed by Utah State University. He pointed out in that respect that subsequent to the Church agreeing to construct student housing at Logan, Utah State University had applied to the Federal Government for a several million dollar loan for other housing, and that the Church ought to have a real program all planned well in advance of the completion of the housing so that as high a rate of occupancy as possible could be maintained.
President McKay authorized Administrator Wilkinson to take over the management of these housing units, he, however, to operate in close cooperation not only with the institute at Logan but also with the Mormon fraternity on that campus, Lambda Delta Sigma.
VI. Arab Development Project in Jericho, Jordan – President Wilkinson reported that Musa Bey Alami and his party were ready to see President McKay to express their gratitude for the cattle which had been shipped and given to the Arab Development Society by the Brigham Young University, and inquired whether it would be proper to have Mr. Alami and his party come into the First Presidency meeting which convened at 8:30 a.m. President McKay advised that it would.
President Wilkinson then commented that he understood Mr. Alami was now in this country to see if he could obtain contributions to the Arab Development Society educational project in terms of beef cattle; that he thought Mr. Alami would not ask the Church for this, but he raised the question of whether it might be desirable for the Church to offer to give some of its cattle on the Church farm in Florida. It was decided that no determination would be made of this until after Mr. Alami’s report to the First Presidency.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra
Tuesday, June 27, 1961
August 12, 1961
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: General Program of Federal Aid to Education
Dear President McKay:
This morning’s newspaper carried the news that the administration has finally abandoned its plan to try and force through Congress a general program for federal aid to education at this session.
Of course, I expect them to renew it at the next session but at least those of us who think that such a program is bad have had a temporary victory. I appreciate very much the support you have given me in the position I have taken. When I started to speak out against this a year ago I was informed by nearly everyone that the federal aid bill was inevitable and I was wasting my time. My answer was that I was going to continue because I felt that I was right and I hope we can ultimately prevail.
Sincerely,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ln
Wed., 9 Aug. 1961:
“This morning while taking a rest at Huntsville, received a visit from President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University who took up 14 items of business with me.
President Wilkinson said that he was embarrassed in trespassing upon my time in Huntsville, but that he had tried to clear certain matters with my counselors over a period of two weeks, and they felt that they did not have the authority to make the decisions. ‘Therefore,’ he said, ‘I had to see you in order to get things in readiness for the fall term of school.’
Wednesday, August 9, 1961
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE HAD WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AT HUNTSVILLE, UTAH, ON AUGUST 9, 1961
1. Plans for Putting New Quarters in Shape for L.D.S. Business College – I informed President McKay that the Building Committee had prepared certain plans for certain renovations in the new property that had been purchased which was to be the new home of L.D.S. Business College, but that they were unwilling to go ahead with those plans until they had the approval of the First Presidency; further, that unless they got started immediately they could not have the quarters in shape in time to open school this fall. President McKay looked at the plans generally without examining them in detail and informed me that he knew of no objection to the Building Committee going right ahead and making the plans that had been agreed upon by the officers of the L.D.S. Business College and the Building Committee. I was to so report to Brother Dunn. If Brother Dunn had nay question about the matter, he was to telephone President McKay.
President McKay himself raised the question of when we were going to get a new president of L.D.S. Business College. I informed him that the next item on my agenda was to ask whether he would look with favor upon our recommending a new president for the L.D.S. Business College. He replied that he would and suggested that we make a recommendation and have a new man appointed before the beginning of school.
2. Groundbreaking for Y Student Center and Married Student Housing at BYU – I informed President McKay that it would take two years to construct these buildings; that we had entered into contracts within the last month; that I had tried to get to see him to ask whether we should have groundbreaking ceremonies or not, but that since I had not been able to do so, the contractors had gone right ahead; that the question still remained, however, whether we should have formal groundbreaking ceremonies for both buildings, even though the ground was already broken.
President McKay instructed me immediately to go ahead and have groundbreaking ceremonies and have President Joseph Fielding Smith preside.
3. Summer Commencement at BYU on August 25, 1961 – I told President McKay that our commencement exercises were to be held in approximately two weeks; that we needed immediately to get out written announcements to the graduates and to their parents and that this announcement should indicate the speaker at commencement exercises, the presiding officer, and others on the program. I informed him that President Brown had appoved of Ezra Taft Benson as the commencement speaker, but that Brother Benson wanted to know whether the approval had been given by President McKay.
President McKay advised me to inform Brother Benson that he had approved of his selection and that he desired him to give the address. President McKay also designated President Moyle to preside at the commencement services and authorized me to designate the individuals to give the invocation and benediction.
4. Dedication of Administration and Library Buildings on October 2 – I informed President McKay that the two new buildings which were being completed this week, the Administration Building and the Library, represented a milestone of building achievement at the BYU and that we would like to have both buildings dedicated on Monday, October 2, the day after the semi-annual conference of the Church. I told him further that we would like very much to have the entire Board of Trustees present at the dedicatory services; that in the ten years I have been President of BYU we had never had an inspection of our campus by the entire Board of Trustees.
President McKay enthusiastically approved of the suggestion, stating that he thought we ought to have the dedicatory services in the morning at 10 o’clock and that we could then follow that with a tour of the campus and an opportunity on our part to express our gratitude for what the Board of Trustees had done for the University. He told me to proceed with such plans. I volunteered the suggestion that if the brethren could be persuaded to stay down that evening, we would be most happy to provide the program for a party which the brethren generally have after a conference. President McKay said he had not yet appointed a committee to arrange for that party, but that he would take up this entire matter at the temple meeting on Thursday, August 17.
5. Speaker at Annual Pre-registration Meeting of Faculty at BYU in September – I informed President McKay that under date of July 26 I had written the First Presidency proposing that at our annual faculty workshop held on September 11 and 12, just prior to the opening of the fall semester, we should like very much to have one of the brethren speak to our faculty on the magnitude of the Church missionary program and enthuse the faculty in support of that program. President McKay approved of this suggestion and designated President Hugh B. Brown to give the address to the faculty.
6. Meeting with Presidents or Chairmen of Stake Boards of Education on Thursday Evening, Septebmer 28, the Night Before the General Sessions of the Conference – I advised President McKay that at a meeting which I had with him on June 27 he had consented to me, as Administrator of the Church School System, and William E. Berrett, as Vice Administrator, having a meeting in Salt Lake City with all chairmen of stake boards of education (generally the presidents of such stakes) on September 28, 1961, the night before the semi-annual conference of the Church to ask for their cooperation and support of the seminaries, institutes, Ricks College, L.D.S. Business College, and BYU, but that he had asked me to submit to him a program of what we intended to do and that he had subsequently written asking me to take it up with him further.
I submitted to him the attached program which he approved and authorized me to proceed in calling this meeting. He suggested that Elder Harold B. Lee represent the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education at the meeting of stake presidents.
7. Appointment of Elder Hugh B. Brown’s Third Vice President of the Church Board of Education and Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University – I asked President McKay whether in view of Elder Hugh B. Brown having been made a member of the First Presidency it would now be proper for us to designate him as Third Vice President of both the Board of Education of the Church and Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University. President McKay authorized me to so proceed.
8. Appointment of Dr. Antone Romney as Dean of the College of Education – I informed President McKay that I intended to present to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees the name of Antone Romney as the new Dean of the College of Education and asked if he had any objection to Brother Romney’s appointment. He replied that he had none and thought it would be a good appointment.
9. Reversion to the Church of the Old Weber College Campus – I explained to President McKay that the gymnasium on the new Weber College campus would not be completed by the time school began, as President Miller had once anticipated, and that consequently the old gymnasium and other buildings which had been given to Weber College by the Church would probably not be turned back to the Church until after the first of the year; that President Miller of Weber College had said that he would welcome the Brigham Young University or the Church School System setting up an educational program for adults in the buildings which will revert to the Church just after the new year.
I further reported to President McKay that if we should go into a program of this kind that President Miller had suggested that there are one or two parking areas adjoining the properties which the Church gave to Weber College which the Church should probably purchase.
I further informed President McKay that while I had not talked to any stake president in Ogden and did not have any first-hand information, I had nevertheless been informed by the Director of our Institute in Ogden that he understood that the stake presidents of Ogden had recommended that the gymnasium to be turned back to the Church should be operated by Brigham Young University. President McKay informed me that he had received such a recommendation and would take action on it shortly.
President McKay made the following decisions: a) we should look into a definite adult education program that would utilize the buildings to be turned back to the Church and submit that program in due course to the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees; b) that I should immediately investigate the cost of the parking lots which President Miller thought the Church ought to purchase; c) that he would consider the recommendations made by the stake presidency as to the operation of the Weber gymnasium but that in no event was the reversionary land interest to be given to the City of Ogden.
10. Proposed Gift of Beef Cattle to Arab Development Society in Jericho, Jordan – I recalled to President McKay that prior to the meeting which he had on June 27, 1961, in which Mr. Musa Bey Alami of Jericho, Jordan, had expressed his gratitude for the dairy cattle given his Society by Brigham Young University, that I proposed that the First Presidency give consideration to a gift from the Florida farm of certain beef cattle as the basis for the Arab Development Society building up a herd of beef cattle in Jordan. I informed President McKay that I understood Musa Bey Alami had been given free passage on a ship that was to leave Florida in September for any beef cattle which he could obtain.
President McKay instructed me to get in touch with Leo Ellsworth and determine what his recommendations would be with respect to this and in particular to find out the breed of dairy cattle that could be spared.
11. Tax Proposal of Universities that Congress Grant a Parent or Guardian $750 Annual Income Tax Credit for Tuition on Each of His or Her Children – I informed President McKay that I had been invited to a meeting in St. Louis on August 17 of presidents of important universities in the country to discuss the advisability of asking Congress to pass legislation to enable a parent or guardian to secure up to $750 annual income tax credit for tuition on each of his or her children enrolled in an institution of higher education.
I told President McKay I had no recommendations to make as to the merits, but wanted to know whether he thought I should attend the conference. President McKay thought that, if consistent with my other duties, I should attend.
12. Chairman of Board of Directors of Texas Corporation Organized to Make Loans to Small Business Associations – I informed President McKay that the Bank of the Southwest in Houston, Texas, and certain responsible individuals, largely Texans, were contemplating the organization of a corporation which would have capital stock of $15 million, the purpose of which would be to make loans and invest in small business organizations and that I had been invited to become chairman of the board of directors. The directors would invest $1 million of this capital and the balance was to be sold to the public. One of the purposes of the corporation would be to foster research on university campuses in contrast to having nearly all of that research done by the government. One of the reasons I had been invited to accept this position was because of my belief in free enterprise and my opposition to federal aid to education and further federal encroachment on our rights.
I informed President McKay that I had once been invited to be chairman of the board of directors of the holding corporation controlling Valley State Bank in Salt Lake County, but that I had declined because it was in competition with Zions First National Bank, but that the proposed Texas corporation would not be in competition with any banks because its function would be different and its base of business would largely be elsewhere, althought I hoped BYU would profit from its research program.
I inquired as to whether there would be any objection to my accepting this chairmanship. President McKay replied there would be no objection.
13. Transfer of Accounting for the Department of Education from the Church Financial Department to Administrator of the Church School System – I advised President McKay that at a Board of Education meeting on August 2 the Board of Education authorized me, as Administrator, to prepare budgets, receive appropriated funds, keep and audit the records and make annual financial reports for the Board of Education as I had previously been authroized to do for the BYU.
I informed President McKay that recently he had phoned me from a meeting of the First Presidency asking me to look into this matter and that I had done so and that I still thought it would be of benefit to the Church School System and give me a little better control of expenditures if this accounting function were transferred to me as Administrator rather than being handled by the central office in Salt Lake City. After considerable discussion, President McKay said that he agreed and that I should proceed under the authority given me by the Board of Education.
14. Management of Housing at Logan – I recalled that at one of the last meetings of the Board of Trustees President McKay had asked me certain questions with respect to the student housing that is being built by the Church at Logan and that I had been required to inform him that I did not know because I had had nothing to do with the construction of that housing; that subsequently I had asked President McKay whether he intended by his question to imply that I should have something to do with the management of that housing and that President McKay had then informed me that I should take over management of the housing, being sure in doing so to receive the cooperation of the L.D.S. Institute at Logan and Delta Phi fraternity.
I advised President McKay that before doing so I had made some discreet inquiries from which it seemed apparent that President Bullen of Utah State University Stake had been instructed to take over the management. I further commented that we thought it might be desirable for President Bullen to so proceed.
President McKay asked me to write him a memorandum on the matter so that he could give it further consideration. Said memorandum is being forwarded herewith.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra
*Arab Development Society, Jericho, Jordan — Beef Cattle for
At the meeting of the First Presidency held Wednesday, August 16, 1961, President McKay read President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s letter of August 11, 1961 regarding the Church making a contribution of beef cattle to the Arab Development Society in Jericho, Jordan. President Wilkinson had conferred with Leo Ellsworth of the Florida Farms and Brother Ellsworth had stated that they could easily spare 20 to 25 beef heifers and one bull for this project, and recommends that we send the Santa Gertruditas breed. President Wilkinson indicates that if the First Presidency look favorably upon this proposition he will communicate with Musa Bey Alami and arrange for the shipment of these cattle. It was the sentiment of the Brethren that 20 to 25 such cattle should be sent. President Moyle will telephone Leo Ellsworth asking that he get the cattle ready for shipment and President Wilkinson will be requested to make the arrangements suggested.”
Wed., 23 Aug. 1961:
“8:00 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Supt. Joseph T. Bentley of the Y.M.M.I.A. met with the First Presidency and discussed the matter of centralized accounting for the unified Church school system. A letter was read from George Y. Jarvis, dated August 3, 1961, addressed to President Wilkinson, giving arguments for the centralized accounting; also memoranda by Brother Jarvis to President McKay dated August 3, 1961 and August 22, 1961. President Wilkinson and Brother Bentley are both of the opinion that they should have separate accounting for the Schools.
President Moyle referred to a group of consulting engineers who had met with the First Presidency some time ago regarding electronic equipment, this group consisting of S. Bruce Smith, Chairman; Gary Carlson, Jerry Davey, John T. Pettit and Kendall Wright, all of Los Angeles. Bruce Smith is in the city and will be until the middle of the week. A letter was read from Bruce Smith expressing some views regarding the set-up of the electronic equipment, which has been authorized at an expenditure of a half million dollars. His group does not feel that this program should be placed under the control of the Finance Department of the Church. It is their recommendation that the computer service be made an independent organization, independent from the various users. This is recommended for the reason that they feel that all who use it should get equal consideration. The Finance Department is the most routine department so far as the use of the computer is concerned. On the other hand the most difficult use will be the Genealogical application. The greatest planning and preparation will be required in that area. However, they do not think the Genealogical Association should have control of the facility either.
President Moyle suggested turning the matter over to committee to study and bring back a report, the committee to represent these various interests. This committee could meet with these experts. The Brethren were all in agreement that the whole thing should be explored. It was decided to postpone action on the question of centralized accounting until the electronic computer question has been taken care of.
We named the following committee to take care of this situation, with Ernest L. Wilkinson as chairman: C. Edwin Dean, a member of the faculty of the BYU; Joseph T. Bentley, Alfonso G. Pia, George Y. Jarvis, George H. Fudge of the Genealogical Society, Howard S. Bennion, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Brother Holdaway of the Building Department. President Wilkinson was asked to call the committee together and get the matter under way. (see Diary of September 6, 1961 regarding letters sent to committee.)
Wed., 23 Aug. 1961:
“12:15 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of BYU came in and discussed the following matters:
1) Since Brother Harold B. Lee will be in New York and cannot be present at the meeting of Chairmen of the State Education Committee the night preceding Conference, President Hugh B. Brown will take his place.
2) President McKay will present to the General Authorities the suggestion that the title ‘Administrator’ of the Church School System be changed to ‘Chancellor’ of the Church School System.
3) President McKay asked President Wilkinson to urge the Board of Directors and the General Manager of the Deseret News to print regularly Senator Barry Goldwater’s articles. If the Board and the manager do not do so, President Wilkinson is to report back to President McKay, and he will see that it is done.”
Fri., 25 Aug. 1961:
“8:30 a.m.
Attended the regular meeting of the First Presidency.
Chancellor of Church School System
I mentioned that Ernest L. Wilkinson’s title as Administrator of the Church School System should perhaps be changed to Chancellor, that Administrator is a title given to educators on a lower status than the president of a university, and that where one is head of several universities he usually has the title of Chancellor, as is the case in various educational setups throughout the United States. We decided to change the title to Chancellor of the Church School System.
Sat., 26 Aug. 1961:
“7:30 a.m.
By appointment met with President Henry D. Moyle, President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brother Joeph T. Bentley and Brother Crandall of the faculty of BYU regarding matters pertaining to usable space for the LDS Business College in the Pacific National Life Assurance Building.
President Wilkinson strongly opposed the Purchasing Department taking any of the space in that building. I said that I thought there was no need of discussing the matter further, that I was convinced that the Purchasing Department ought not to go up there anyway and that we would let the LDS Business College take such space as necessary in the Pacific National Building. (see First Presidency’s Minutes of this day for further details.) (see letters of appreciation regarding this matter, following.)
Following our discussion on the above matter, President Wilkinson referred to the appointment of a committee, of which he was made chairman, to give consideration to the installation of electronic equipment. A long discussion was held on this matter (see First Presidency’s minutes of this day for further details.)
Saturday, August 26, 1961
August 28, 1961
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
I want you to know that I appreciate very much the confidence which you have shown in me by appointing me as chairman of the Data Processing Steering Committee for the Church and by deciding that the L.D.S. Business College may have the use of the property purchased from Pacific National Life Insurance Company. Without the full space provided in those two buildings, it would have been impossible for the L.D.S. Business College to have carried on its program.
We are grateful for your leadership.
Sincerely,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:ra”
Fri., 15 Sept. 1961:
At this point President Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came in and presented the following matters:
Dedication of Buildings at BYU – Suggested that the dedication of two new buildings at BYU be postponed.
Discontinuation of Social Units – President Wilkinson reported that Howard W. Hunter had done a magnificent job in presenting to the students the question of discontinuing the social units, and that the student leaders seemed to be satisfied with the situation. In this connection a letter was read that had come to me from Marylyn McMean who said that she was a member of the Tokalo unit in which letter she commends the Brethren for the action taken in discontinuing these units and sets forth certain reasons for objecting to the having of such units at the Brigham Young University. I asked President Wilkinson to expess to the students, particularly those who are members of these units, our appreciation for their cooperation in this matter.
BYU Destiny Fund – Suggestion was made that Rex Hardy, who is assistant trust officer at Zions First National Bank, be asked to go to BYU and take charge of this Destiny Fund. Brother Hardy is willing to take on this service if we desire to use him. We would have to pay him around $12,000 a year but as this would be a permanent position and it is thought that this amount would be a very small percentage of what he would take in, it does not seem unreasonable to authorize this salary.
I said I thought this was the right field to enter, but I told Brother Wilkinson that he must get the consent of the president of the bank before employing Brother Hardy. President Moyle said that Brother Hardy is a good man, that he knew him well, and it would be a handicap to the bank to lose him, that as a matter of a fact, he, President Moyle, did not favor the project but would go along with the idea if it was thought it was the right thing to do. President Brown expressed himself in favor of it. President Wilkinson was authorized to go forward with the matter.
BYU Faculty and Communism – I asked President Wilkinson if there were any Communists on the faculty of the Brigham Young University, and President Wilkinson said he was very sure that there are none. I mentioned a report that I had received to the effect that someone in Provo had claimed that Brother Paul, a member of the faculty, is a Communist, but President Wilkinson siad that he has been unable to get any items of any kind to prove this assertion and that he personally is satisfied that he does not favor Communism.
Following President Wilkinson’s departure we held the regular meeting of the First Presidency with the Presiding Bishopric.”
Thurs., 16 Nov. 1961:
9:30 a.m.
B.Y.U. and College Quiz Program
Following Brother Hunter’s departure, President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University, called and stated that sometime ago he accepted an invitation for our students at the B.Y.U. to participate in a General Electric program known as the College Quiz program; that it is a nation-wide contest over television under the auspices of the General Electric Company whereby each school has a team of about four individuals and the program is one in which they ask a lot of questions on literature, history, mathematics, and other academic subjects. The General Electric Company pays the entire expense of the team to go to New York to participate in this nation-wide television presentation, and to the team that wins the contest they give certain scholastic emoluments to the individuals and a certain presentation or prize to the school. President Wilkinson said that this contest has been going on nationally for sometime; that many of the better eastern schools and some schools on the Pacific Coast have participated, but that never before have any of the schools in the intermountain region been invited, and B.Y.U. is invited this year. He said that the question has been raised by some as to whether it would be violating the observance of the Sabbath Day to participate, inasmuch as this is a Sunday program.. He asked if they might go ahead with the program, and I said that there is no objection to their doing this.
Mon., 18 Dec. 1961:
“At this point, Brother Mendenhall and President Edward L. Clissold withdrew from the meeting, and President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University, and Brother Ben Lewis came into the meeting.
We then had a long conversation with them regarding Seminary Teachers’ Salary Schedule, Single Student Housing, etc. (See First Presidency’s Minutes for details).
We then returned to the office of the First Presidency where for the next hour we met with President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Brother Ben E. Lewis of the Brigham Young University. We continued our discussion on matters pertaining to 1) Student Housing at B.Y.U. 2) Need of swimming pool at the B.Y.U., etc. (See First Presidency’s Minutes for details)
After President Wilkinson and Brother Lewis left the meeting, President Brown (President Moyle having been excused earlier this morning), and I continued the regular meeting of the First Presidency.
Film on the Prophet Joseph Smith
President Brown reported on preliminary research which has been done by a woman in Oregon under the direction of Brother W.O. Whitaker of the Brigham Young University Motion Picture Production Department, and submitted a bill for $7,463.00 which she has. In reply to my inquiry as to the original authorization for this expenditure, President Brown explained that no specific appropriation of the money had been made, but that the people had been told to go forward and to move cautiously and present their bill for actual expense. He said the project has continued and that the picture will be comparable to the film presented this morning (The Brigham Young University film on Science and Religion to be used in the Stake Conferences in 1962.) President Brown said that a reading of the text proposed for the film will be given so that the nature of the presentation can be known. He recalled that Brother Whitaker and Ellis Craig had come to the First Presidency and told about the material the woman in Oregon had gathered, and that the project is now ready for the appointment of a writer to prepare the material for motion picture presentation. The next step will be the choice of the writer, and recommendations will be submitted to the First Presidency.
I directed that the present bill of costs be paid, and that the director of the project be advised to wait for further instructions. I then signed the approval for payment of the bill and directed that it be given to Brother Rulon Tingey of the Financial Department.
Tues., 9 Jan., 1962:
1:10-1:25 p.m.
Called President Ernest L. Wilkinson at Washington, D.C. in accordance with his request regarding Columnist Drew Pearson and Senator Barry Goldwater; also regarding letter from Professor Richard D. Poll of B.Y.U. with reference to W. Cleon Skousen and his book.
(For complete details, see copy of conversation following.)
“Telephone call to President David 0. McKay from President Ernest L. Wilkinson-President of the Brigham Young University–in Washington, D. C., January 9, 1962, at 12:30 p.m.
Wilkinson: President McKay?
McKay: Yes.
Wilkinson: I made bold to call you today, despite knowing how busy you are, because I knew from Preston Robinson that you were meeting him in the morning — Wednesday morning. You afforded me the privilege of going to an Educational Convention in the East, and I have spent one day here in Washington, and I have some new information on this matter that you will be talking to him about, and I thought that it was my duty to get to you.
First, I find in Washington here that Jack Anderson, who is the assistant to this Drew Pearson–Anderson being a member of our Church–is a very, very close friend and goes around all the time with young David King.
Second, I find also, I learned from two sources when I got here on Sunday, that young David King has been telling prominent Church people here that this attack he made on Benson for Benson’s Los Angeles talk was done after he received information from the General Authorities as to a Thursday Conference they had in the Temple, in which they disapproved of Benson’s talk.
Third, Senator Bennett has been so concerned if the news continued with Pearson that Pearson may do as he has done in five or six other instances just before election — come out with some attack or smear on Bennett at the last moment, which is too late to be mentioned or to repute it. Pearson, of course, has had a reputation for doing that. He has done it five or six different times, and everyone who does not agree with his philosophy — he, of course, is an extreme left-winger — is afraid of him, and so Bennett went to Robinson when he was out in Utah this last year — this last fall, and asked Robinson if there was any attack of that kind on the part of Pearson, if he (Bennett) would have time to answer it in the News, and all that Robinson said was that he would have to wait and see at the time — he couldn’t promise him in advance that he could answer it, they would have to judge it as things come up.
Now, I mention those three things that I have learned since I have been in Washington. I placed my opposition to Pearson, of course, on the grounds which I think were solid — that he was just too undependable to be worthy of the traditional Deseret News published by the Church. But if we should continue, of course, to publish his articles and he should make some type of an attack on Bennett at the last moment, and even if the News did not carry it, other papers who have Pearson’s column would carry it, and then if we did not carry it, of course, the News would then be subject to a lot of criticism upon the grounds that they refused to run Pearson’s article, which he was actually against Bennett. In other words in addition to Pearson being entirely undependable and unreliable, there is now introduced into the problem the political danger in this situation, which to me is very, very unhealthy from the standpoint of the Church and the News. Now, that is the first subject I wanted to cover with you, and they all have to do with Pearson.
The second subject I wanted to cover with you is that of Goldwater. On the way back here, and I had to take the train because the planes were down for a couple of days, I had a chance to read the news releases of Goldwater for a period of three or four months, and I would like just to have the opportunity to sit down the minute I get back for one day and make a careful memorandum for you on them — not the summary of all of them.
McKay: Well now, of course, their objection there is that he is a presidential candidate. That is the only objection they had.
Wilkinson: That is the only objection. Now Preston Robinson agreed with me again on Friday, or Saturday, that all that Goldwater says is more nearly the Mormon viewpoints than any other writer. He admits that. Well now, why simply because he may be a presidential candidate, should we deny ourselves the writing of someone who writes more constant with our ideals than anyone else. I should say that Preston told me and, of course, he told me about his conference with you. He told us all about it, so I know about it through him. He told me that if, when he had his further conference with you you then directed him to take Pearson out, that he already had a conservative writer that he would put in in his place. And I asked him who the conservative writer was. He gave me his name. I do not now recall the name, but certainly he is a man completely unknown. Now with Goldwater being known as well as he is. . .
McKay: Wasn’t it Littman?
Wilkinson: No, he has got another man now.
McKay: Oh, I haven’t heard.
Wilkinson: Well, he will tell you about it. He has got another man now.
Of course, Littman is a liberal writer and he is not Conservative. But my
point is if as Preston says, Goldwater echoes our traditional Mormon beliefs
more closely than any man in public life, why should our readers be denied
the rights to read him merely because he might be a presidential candidate?
We are printing every day in the week statements of Kennedy. Certainly
Kennedy is going to be another presidential candidate. Why shouldn’t we put
down side by side — if they want Littman, Littman is liberal, print him side against Goldwater. I am in favor of both sides being expressed, but I do not think we should deprive ourselves of the leading political apostle right now of the views that we believe in. Now that’s on Goldwater. In other words, my own deep feeling is that you should not settle for some third or fourth-rate man whom the public do not know at all, and who very few people would ever read. They would read Goldwater, even if they did not believe in him, because he is well known in public life. My final suggestion on that point is that it seems to me that this whole question of whom these feature writers are should be reviewed all at one time, and unless you want to decide it yourself, it would seem to me that either you or the First Presidency should sit down with the Board of Directors of the News and decide all at one time on the writers who they should be. Some of them may be liberal. I would not object to some of them, a man like Littman being liberal, provided at the same time we were able to put in a man like Goldwater, who admitedly represents our views more than anyone else. Now that is all, President McKay, that I need to bother you with. This thing admittedly has troubled me a lot, but I wanted to get that over to you.
McKay: I thank you very much for it.
Wilkinson: Now, finally, just one comment on another matter. A Richard Poll, a professor of Political Science at the BYU, asked permission of me to send you a letter with respect to Skousen. I did not think that I ought to deny him the privilege if he wanted to. I saw the letter. To me it is rather academic. It has been sent to you, you maybe haven’t opened it yet.
McKay: No, I have not seen it yet.
Wilkinson: May I just tell you on that. Brother Poll, and President Brown have been talking about this somewhat. I do not know whether President Brown suggested that he send it to you, but I have seen correspondence between the two, and it may be that there was some such suggestion, but when I get back, I could talk to you about the entire thing too, if I may, and there is no need for you to answer it immediately. It is an attack on Skousen. I think it is trivial. I do not agree with all that Skousen has done. I think Skousen has been a little careless in some of his statements, but certainly his motives and his purposes are good.
McKay: Yes, and he is nearer right than he is wrong.
Wilkinson: He is much nearer right than he is wrong.
McKay: Right.
Wilkinson: And these mathematitions are just altogether too trivial in their harping and their criticisms. They cannot see the forest for the trees.
McKay: That is what I think.
Wilkinson: Well, now, I apologize again for intruding, but I wanted to bring you up to date as far as I knew.
McKay: Thank you very much, I appreciate it.
Wilkinson: Well, thank you, President McKay.
McKay: All right, Good bye.
Wilkinson: I am grateful for the privilege of telling you.
McKay: Thank you.
Wilkinson: Thank you, good bye.
McKay: Good bye.”
Fri., 19 Jan., 1962:
“7:15-7:45 a.m. Office consultation with President Ernest L. Wilkinson re: Deseret News and Brigham Young University matters.
I gave President Wilkinson authority to use part of the funds which he and his assistant, Joseph T. Bentley, have saved during 1961, for architectural purposes pertaining to the Physical Education Building at the Brigham Young University, and that no special appropriation from the budget committee will be necessary.
Tues., 6 Feb., 1962:
[First Presidency Meeting] Basketball Controversy U. S. U. and B. Y. U.
A letter was read from Professor V. D. Gardner of the Business Administration, Utah State University, referring to a controversy that arose in connection with a basketball game played at Logan a year ago between the Brigham Young University and the Utah State University basketball teams, as a result of which the two men involved, Bob Wilson of the BYU and Haney of the USU (Haney is a colored boy) were ‘benched.’ Wilson was not permitted to play in the game at Logan on January 26th of this year, and the report is that Haney will not be permitted to play on the USU team at Provo when the two teams meet there February 10th.
Professor Gardner, in his letter, refers to a lesson on tolerance which was given by me and published in the book “Secrets of a Happy Life,”
and he expresses the hope that I would call a conference of the presidents of the two schools and terminate the punishment of these players.
President Moyle explained that as he understood it the trouble that arose between these players which caused this difficulty was that last
year following the game between these two teams at Logan, Haney, a colored boy on the USU team, struck Wilson, one of the players of the BYU team, and Wilson retaliated. Haney started the fight thinking that because he, Haney, was a negro, Wilson would not retaliate, and it was felt that he had done so intentionally. President Moyle felt that the right action had been taken in regard to the “benching” of these two players. I, too, agreed that the right action had been taken, that inasmuch as Wilson had been “benched” from the game at Logan, it was only proper that Haney should suffer the same punishment in the game at Provo.
Referring to the lesson on tolerance that the professor mentioned, I related that in 1897, with other missionaries, I crossed the Atlantic to
go on my mission. Some of the missionaries were former University
of Utah students. Also on board were the Fiske Jubilee Singers, a group of colored people. As the missionaries lined up to register, one of the University boys said, “I’ll not sit at the table with any negroes, ” and some of them heard him. Some of the others felt the same way, but they were not unwise enough to make such a public remark. The missionaries did not have to sit in the dining room with any negroes, but some of the negro singers sat at the captain’s table as honored guests, and of course Mormon missionaries were not invited to sit at the captain’ s table.
It was a very stormy voyage and the soprano singer, a beautiful mulatto girl, had been unable to come to the dining room, but she did come to the farewell party just before the company landed and she sang a beautiful soprano solo, the chorus of which impressed me very much because of the remark made at the time of the assignment to the seats in the dining room. These were the words which she sang: “If you want to know a Christian, just watch his acts and walks. If you want to know a Christian, just listen how he talks.”
We agreed that we should not enter into this basketball controversy.
Tues., 27 Feb., 1962:
“Telephone Calls:
Today at 9:00 a.m., President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called requesting permission to present the architects contract on the Physical Education Building at the meeting of the Expenditures Committee this morning. I suggested that this be presented to the committee at their next weekly meeting, inasmuch as we had many matters requiring our attention today.
(For complete telephone conversation, see notes following.)”
“Telephone conversation from President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University and President David 0. McKay, February 27, 1962, at 9:00 a.m.
President McKay: Hello
President Wilkinson: Good morning, President McKay.
President McKay: Good morning.
President Wilkinson: President McKay, we are at the point of entering into an Architect on the Physical Education Building. Brother Barker of the Church Building Committee now says that in order to enter into the Architect’s contract, it has to be presented to the Expenditures Committee, even though it requires no appropriation of funds. My question is, do you want us to present it to the Expenditures Committee this morning, or would you prefer that it wait until next week when President Brown is back, or what?
President McKay: I think President Brown will be back this morning.
President Wilkinson: Will he? Should we have it presented this morning then ?
President McKay: You had better wait for a little while, I think.
President Wilkinson: Wait for a little while ?
President McKay: Yes, and get it in proper shape.
President Wilkinson: Excuse me, I did not hear that.
President McKay: We are so busy here this morning.
President Wilkinson: You would prefer then that we not present it this morning.
President McKay: Yes, you can present it a week later.
President Wilkinson: All right, thank you very much.
President McKay: Thank you.”
Wed., 7 Mar., 1962:
7:40 – 8:40 a. m.
Met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham
Young University who took up seventeen items with me.
(See following memorandum regarding matters considered, prepared by President Wilkinson. )
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Attended First Presidency’s Meeting, told my counselors that I had come in just to take up a few matters with them and would then return to my home and follow their and my doctor’s advice.
I told them that I had had a long conference with President Wilkinson this morning. I said that President Wilkinson stated that he would like to withdraw from the Deseret Book Company Board of Directors, that he had suggested the appointment of Ben E. Lewis. The Brethren agreed that this suggestion should be adopted.
“MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT McKAY
ON MARCH 7, 1962, FROM 7:45 A. M. TO 8:45 A. M.
I met with President McKay at his office at the above time. The following decisions were made:
I. Matters relating to the Welfare State and Socialism
1. E. L. W. Speech on free enterprise. President McKay will examine my speech on free enterprise for which I was awarded the George Washington Medal by the Freedom Foundation and which I am using as the basis for talks many places and will give me his reaction thereto.
2. Douglas R. Bunker letter. I read to President McKay the letter I had received from Douglas R. Bunker complaining against my interpretation of Mormonism as applied to our pending national problems and in particular against inviting Senator Barry Goldwater to be Commencement speaker. I started to read President McKay my reply and he interrupted to say I was paying altogether too much attention to Bunker; that I ought to ignore him.
3. Congressional Record for President McKay’s reply to Congressman Harding on Federal Aid. President McKay authorized me to have Senator Goldwater put in the Congressional Record his reply to Congressman Harding’s inquiry on Federal aid to education.
4. Deseret News for President McKay’s reply to Congressman Harding on Federal aid. President McKay authorized me to have his reply to Congressman Harding printed in the Church Section of the Deseret News.
5. Roger Freeman. President McKay authorized me to engage Roger Freeman to bring our research on Federal aid to education up to date .
6. Freedom Institute at BYU. I raised the question of whether we should organize a freedom institute at Brigham Young University and amalgamate thereunder political science, history and economics. President McKay asked me to investigate this further and report back with a specific plan.
7. Political Science teacher teaching welfare state. I informed President McKay we had a member of our faculty who admittedly felt the government should engage in all of the new ventures that were being proposed for it, and which together have been characterized as the welfare state. I told him this faculty member had forthrightly suggested that if he were out of step with our feelings at BYU he would be happy to locate elsewhere. President McKay emphatically told me to have him locate elsewhere .
8. “The Latter Day Saint Looks at Communism.” I told President McKay of a proposed book, “The Latter Day Saint Looks at Communism” which is being authored by teachers at the University of Utah and BYU, and asked whether Dr. Bernhard should contribute a chapter thereto. He thought it would be desirable to have Dr. Bernhard do this so he could help guide the destiny of this publication.
9. Lyceum Forums in Salt Lake. I reminded President McKay that I had received instructions that we should not continue with the Salt Lake Forums next year. I told him I thought that was a mistake and I read to him the speakers that the University of Utah have for their public forums, many of whom were extreme left-wingers, as compared with the speakers we had on our Lyceum course, most of whom believed in the sanctity of our Constitution. I told him we would be surrendering to those who believed in statism if we discontinued our forums. I pointed out also that Utah State University had set up an extension center in Provo and that the University of Utah now had organized a committee in Provo to give advice with respect to civic improvements, etc. He suggested I write a letter to the First Presidency stressing the latter point so they could reconsider their decision.
10. Ernest L. Wilkinson Running for Senate. President McKay and I discussed the political situation this year as well as two years from now, as a result of which he told me that if I wanted to run for the Senate in 1964 he would give me a year’s leave of absence to make the race. He thought I ought to begin preparing for it and probably do it. I told him very definitely, however, that I had not made any decision in that direction but it was agreed that if I did make such a decision I would have his blessing.
11. New Editor for Deseret News. I informed President McKay that at the latest meeting of the Board of Directors of Deseret News the suggestion was made that Preston Robinson be released of his editorial duties and be made General Manager and that we elect a new editor. President McKay confidentially authorized me to begin investigating prospective editors.
12. Goldwater Articles in Deseret News. I recalled to President McKay that I had summarized Goldwater articles for him and told him I thought that since they represented Mormon viewpoint they ought to go in the Deseret News. He replied that since Goldwater is a candidate for president, he didn’t think we could do this. I seem to have lost this battle.
13. Goldwater Speech at Notre Dame. I urged upon the President that Senator Goldwater’s speech at Notre Dame, which was extremely religious in character, be published in the News. He authorized me to see Henry Smith and have it published.
14. Ezra Benson’s Devotional Address. I informed President McKay of Ezra Taft Benson’s address to the Brigham Young University studentbody on public and private debt and urged that it be printed in the News with deletion of certain political references. He agreed and authorized me to have Henry Smith print it.
I informed him that on both the Goldwater and Benson speeches, as well as his own reply to Congressman Harding, I would have Henry Smith check with him.
II. Exclusive BYU Matters
15. Naming of Library at BYU. I again took up with President McKay the naming of the Library. His conclusion was that if we could get the J. Reuben Clark library at BYU we would name the library after President J. Reuben Clark and the Fine Arts Building after President Franklin S. Harris.
16. Doctorate Degrees. President McKay approved of our giving honorary doctorate degrees at our May Commencement to President Hugh B. Brown, Movie Promoter Walt Disney, and Christian Science Monitor Editor Erwin D. Canham, and at our August Commencement to George D. Marler, a former BYU student who is an expert on ‘geysers’ and General Robert D. McClure, who has always pointed to Mormon boys as examples for other ‘inductees’ in the army to follow. He then informed me that he would not be present at the meeting that morning of the Board of Trustees and Board of Education. I asked him what I should do if it were proposed that Stewart Udall or Esther Peterson or someone of that kind were proposed for a doctorate degree; his reply was that such suggestion should be referred to him.
17. Fund Director. I recalled to President McKay he had authorized us to look for a dynamic fund raiser. I told him we might have to pay a considerable sum to obtain that kind of man. He told me, however, to proceed further and then report to him when I had recommendations.
III. Deseret Book Company
18. Director of Deseret Book Company. I told President McKay that I thought that Ben E. Lewis could be of much more value and service as a director of the Deseret Book Company than I, and gave him a letter suggesting that. He agreed with me and thanked me for the suggestion. (I later learned that at the First Presidency meeting he presented my recommendation and it was favorably acted upon.)
Ernest L. Wilkinson”
Tues., 20 Mar., 1962:
“[First Presidency Meeting] Proposal to Name B.Y.U. Buildings as Memorials to Franklin S. Harris and Ernest L. Wilkinson — We read a letter of E. LaMar Buckner, president of the B. Y. U. Alumni Association. It submitted on behalf of the B. Y. U. Alumni Association the suggestion that the naming of new buildings at the Brigham Young University as memorials to President Franklin S. Harris and Ernest L. Wilkinson be given consideration because these men have done so much for the development of the University. I said that we already had in mind naming one for Dr. Harris, and that I think Brother Wilkinson should have one named for him – he has done a great job. Direction was given that the letter be acknowledged, that Brother Buckner be informed that the subject is being taken under advisement.”
Thurs., 22 Mar., 1962:
Brigham Young University – Name of New Library
President Brown submitted the inquiry of President Ernest L. Wilkinson as to whether or not he may propose the naming of the library at the B. Y. U. for President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. President Brown explained that he had asked about the agreement concerning President Clark’s books, and President Wilkinson explained that Brother Romney is acting as legal counselor to the family in connection with President Clark’s estate. Brother Romney, representing the family, is agreeable to the books all going down to the Brigham Young University, provided they can be put part on the one floor, and part on another, the division being the international law books on one floor, and the Church books together on another. President Brown said that he thought it would be a nice thing to do in view of President Clark’s long service to the Church, his distinguished career in public service, and the quality of the unusual library which he developed. President Wilkinson and Brother Romney also feel that way.
I said that we have already decided that the library should be so named, and asked if Brother Wilkinson is satisfied with that division of the books, that we do not exactly meet President Clark’s request that they be put in the Archive’s Building .
President Brown said that the family is agreeable to this arrangement, and it is satisfactory to President Wilkinson and his librarian. To this I said, “Then it is all settled, provided this is agreeable with Brother Romney.”
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. ‘s Library
The thought was then interjected that it was understood that President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., before he died, had expressed the desire that his library should be placed in the proposed Archives Building intact. Elder Marion G. Romney said he was not too well acquainted with that matter; that President Clark had named a Board of Trustees to look after his private papers, and had named Brother Romney on that Board, but he did not put his Library under their jurisdiction; that Brother Gordon B. Affleck is the Executor of Brother Clark’s will, and it was President Clark’s understanding, according to that will which Brother Romney had read, that a replica of his library would be built in the Archives Building, and his books and papers were to be placed in it as they are in his present library.
I said that this cannot be done; that if President Clark’s Library were kept intact in such a building, similar consideration would of necessity have to be given to the libraries of other Brethren.
Elder Benson commented that, thinking of President Clark’s Library, and possibly libraries of other Brethren, it is a great advantage for men who are doing research work, etc., to have a library kept intact, which need not be in a separate room. He said he was faced with a problem so far as his own State papers were concerned; that the Eisenhower Library has made a bid for them; also the Library of Congress; and they are building an Agricultural Hall of Fame in Kansas City. Brother Benson said he had discussed with President Smith the value these might be in the Church Library, and President Smith has had two members of the staff go over them, but no agreement has been made as to what disposition would be made of them. Brother Benson said he did know that it would make a library much more usable if it could be kept intact some way.
President Brown said that so far as President Clark’s Library is concerned, President Ernest L. Wilkinson reports that in consultation with the family they have agreed upon a method by which all the books can be kept in the Brigham Young University. He said that the Brigham Young University is now asking that we name the Library at that school for President Clark.
President Smith commented that it was contrary to President Clark’s wishes that the Library should go to the Brigham Young University.
Elder LeGrand Richards said if it is the recommendation of the Presidency that the Archives Building be not erected, he felt to sustain the recommendation. He mentioned that we can always use the property on that corner when it is needed, that undoubtedly, it will not be sold. Elder Richards recommended approval of the Presidents recommendation that the proposed Archives Building not be erected. Elder Kimball seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by the Council.”
Fri., 23 Mar., 1962:
8:30 a.m.
Went in to the meeting of the First Presidency. President Ernest L. Wilkinson, by appointment, came into the meeting. He discussed several matters pertaining to the Brigham Young University with President Brown and me. President Moyle is attending to Church duties in Florida and the Eastern States.
(For reports of matters discussed, see copy following.)
10:30 a. m.
Office consultation with Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson of the B. Y. U. regarding the publication of a pamphlet by Dr. Richard D. Poll of the B. Y. U., in which he criticizes W. Cleon Skousen’s book “The Naked Communist.” We discussed also the article which has been published in “The Alumnus” of the University of Utah written by T. Edgar Lyons, instructor at the Institute of Religion there, regarding Richard Vetterli’s book, “Mormonism and Politics.”
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH FIRST PRESIDENCY
ON MARCH 23, 1962, AT 8:30 A. M.
Present: President David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, Ernest L. Wilkinson
Absent: President Henry D, Moyle (excused)
The following matters were taken up with the First Presidency and the following decisions made:
1. Investigation of Austin Company for Construction of Buildings. President Wilkinson advised the First Presidency that he had learned of a corporation in the East known as the Austin Company which over a period of several years had constructed buildings having a valuation of one and one-third billion dollars. He reported that he had been advised that through negotiation with this company that we might be able to construct our school buildings cheaper because this company rendered architectural engineering, construction, and all other allied services in one package (it even had its own integrated steel mills).
He inquired as to whether there was anything in Church policy that would prevent the consideration of engaging this company to construct the Anaheim Junior College campus.
Decision: The First Presidency enthusiastically authorized President Wilkinson to make a complete investigation and report back to the First Presidency with recommendations,
2. Dedication of Library and Administration Building. It was decided that the Abraham O. Smoot Administration and General Services Building and Library Building would be dedicated on April 11 rather than April 9 as originally planned. It was also reported that the family of President S. Reuben Clark, Jr. had decided to give his library to the Brigham Young University. On that basis, it was decided the library would be named after President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (Subsequently, during the morning President Wilkinson reported that Gordon Affleck, Executor of the will of President J. Reuben Clark, had advised that no decision had been yet made as to the disposition of President Clarks’ library. It was thereupon decided that the dedication of both buildings would be indefinitely postponed until a final decision had been made as to the naming of the Library and the gift of the books.)
3. Baccalaureate Speaker. President Wilkinson called attention to his letter requesting permission to invite Erwin D. Canham, Editor of the Christian Science Monitor, to be the baccalaureate speaker since the decision had been made to confer an honorary degree upon him.
Decision: Mr. Canham will be invited to give a short response at the conferring of his degree during the commencement excercises. President Hugh B. Brown will give the baccalaureate address.
4. Lowell Bennion. President Wilkinson inquired as to whether a decision had been made to “loan” Lowell D. Bennion to the University of Utah for next year. He advised that Brother Bennion did not desire to go to the University of Utah.
Decision: Brother Bennion should be advised that the Church does not want him to go to the University of Utah unless it is his strong desire. President Wilkinson was further advised that Brother Bennion is under consideration for being called as a mission president and that the decision on this will be made next week.
5. Transaction by Stake Presidents and Bishops of Church Business During School Hours. President Wilkinson called attention to the fact that when he was appointed as a member of the Washington Stake Presidency, President McKay advised him that he was not to permit his Church duties to interfere with his professional work as a lawyer during the day; that his Church work should be transacted after business hours. He further reported that because of the close relationship of the Church and BYU that stake presidents and bishops at BYU had a tendency to transact a great deal of their Church business during the hours they should be devoting their energies to BYU for which they are paid. He inquired as to instructions that he should give these stake presidents and bishops.
Decision: Stake presidents and bishops of the BYU campus are to be advised that since they are compensated for their services at BYU, they should use their regular day-time hours to the performance of BYU duties and that their functions as stake presidents and bishops should be performed in after hours, just the same as if they were engaged by other employers or engaged in other professions.
6. Purchase of Tennis Club Facilities at Forest Dale Golf Course. President Wilkinson recalled that at the last meeting of the Board of Education he had been authorized to purchase the tennis facilities of the Salt Lake Tennis Club at the Forest Dale Golf Course for $61, 000 contingent upon him negotiating a ten-year lease with that group of the facilities at a rental rate of 7 per cent, or $4,270 per year.
He advised that the Salt Lake Tennis Club, however, only wanted to lease the facilities for one year, that they wanted to use the $61, 000 for purchasing other grounds on which they would build their own tennis courts.
Decision: The counter proposal of the Salt Lake Tennis Club is unsatisfactory.
7. Complaint that William Noble Waite was putting pressure on stake presidents to subscribe to the Destiny Lund. President Wilkinson advised that Elder Spencer W. Kimball had been advised by President Hall of the Benson Stake that William Noble Waite had “pressured” him into making a gift of $1,000 to the Destiny Fund; that he put similar pressure on other presidents of stakes in a meeting he had had in Idaho for that purpose.
President Wilkinson reported that he had investigated this matter by inquiring of President Carl A. Mortenson of the Oneida Stake and President James A. Criddle of the Portneuf Stake, who were present at the same meeting, and that they reported that President Waite had specifically said in opening the meeting that he was under instructions to exert no pressure in having anyone subscribe to the Destiny Fund; that while he hoped they would subscribe, they were not to do so unless they had some voluntary desire to do it. President Wilkinson said he was reporting this because he understood that Brother Kimball had made a report of this at one of the temple meetings.
President McKay inquired as to whether President Wilkinson had investigated a similar complaint by the president of the St. George Stake. He replied that he had not because he did not know of the complaints.
Decision: President Wilkinson reported that he would talk to President Waite about this; that he was sure at the present time President Waite was putting no pressure on stake presidents but was merely seeking their counsel as to the proper person to be appointed to head the Destiny Fund drive in the various stakes.
8. Lyceum Forums in Salt Lake City. President Wilkinson referred to a letter received from the First Presidency last year instructing him to discontinue in 1962-63 the lyceum courses carried on in Salt Lake City in connection with the B. Y. U. Adult Education Center. President Wilkinson asked for a reconsideration of the matter on the grounds:
(1) That the Utah State University has now organized an extension center in Provo and (2) that the University of Utah now has established a “community coordinating council” in Provo.
He pointed out that since the other universities were operating in Provo, a city that is very touch dominated by the Brigham Young University, that there was no reason why the Brigham Young University should not operate this lyceum course in Salt Lake City. He further referred to many of the distinguished speakers who had been brought to Salt Lake City by the B. Y. U. and the further fact that the Brigham Young University had brought to Salt Lake City the Berlin Philharmonic, the Philadelphia and the New York philharmonic Orchestras.
Decision: Neither President McKay nor President Brown remembered any complaints having been made by the University of Utah against the B.Y.U. operating its lyceum courses in Salt Lake City, but it was felt that before they made a final decision they should discuss the matter with President Moyle, who had raised the original objection.
9. Youth Leaders Clinic in Salt Lake City. President Wilkinson advised that he had been invited to the meeting to discuss the youth leaders clinic which the Salt Lake City Adult Education Center was proposing to be held in Salt Lake City for various stakes.
He advised that a similar youth leaders clinic had been held in Ogden at the request of the stake presidents in that area and that Director Lynn Hilton of the Salt Lake City Adult Extension area, without consulting him, had sent out a letter to 13 stake presidents in Salt Lake County advising them that a similar youth leaders clinic would be held in Salt Lake City; that each stake could send as many of its members to this clinic as the stake desired for an overall fee of $40, which the stake could either pay for itself or collect from the members who attended.
Decision: There is no objection to the holding of this youth leaders clinic provided that the request comes from the stake presidents of Salt Lake County rather than the Adult Education Center proposing and originating these youth leaders clinics.
10. Exercising Influence on Other Institutions in the State. President Wilkinson referred to the following practices existing among the state institutions of higher learning:
a. The very active solicitation of negro and other athletes to attend those institutions with the result that the normal students at those institutions really do not have the opportunity that they normally would have to become members of athletic teams of those institutions. He referred also to some of the moral problems that have resulted in Logan and Salt Lake City.
b. He referred to the tendency in some of these institutions to engage faculty members without regard to their moral and religious credentials, giving as an example one teacher who has been discharged at the B. Y. U. for a violation of its standards and for disloyalty, but who was immediately engaged at the Utah State University because “those things didn’t matter at Utah State University.”
c. He advised the First Presidency that he had recently had a number of applications from top officers at Utah State University to apply for positions at B. Y. U. because of what they said were demoralizing conditions at Utah State University. He advised he was not considering engaging them because he felt it unwise to disrupt the top administrative machinery at that school.
d. He informed the First Presidency of the pending retirement of President Olpin of the University of Utah.
Decision: President McKay will talk to Chairman of the Board Sonne of Utah State University about certain situations at that institution.
11. Housing Rates for Church Dormitories in Logan. President Wilkinson referred to the letter he had received from the First Presidency dated March 7 asking him to give his appraisal as to whether certain housing rates proposed to be charged for Church dormitories at Logan were satisfactory. He advised that he had written the First Presidency under date of March 20 pointing out that the rates proposed did not cover the costs sufficiently to pay off the indebtedness in 40 years. He referred the Brethren to his letter.
12. Publicity Concerning a Church University in Britain. President Wilkinson advised he had received several clippings from Europe indicating that the Church intended to establish a Church university in Great Britain.
Decision: President McKay advised that this rumor was entirely unfounded.
13. Weber Gymnasium in Ogden. President Wilkinson reported that he understood the Ogden City Commission would make a proposal to the Church for the purchase of Weber Gymnasium in Ogden, which the First Presidency had asked Brigham Young University to operate.
Decision: The gymnasium is not for sale and will be operated by the Brigham Young University in accordance with the previous decision.
14. President McKay’s Address to Students. President McKay will advise whether he can speak to the B. Y. U. students on April 22, May 2, or May 16.
Ernest L. Wilkinson.”
Thursday, May 3, 1962
Telephone conversation between President David O. McKay and President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU in Harriman, New York, May 3, 1962, at 9:45 a.m.
President McKay: Hello.
President Wilkinson: Yes, President McKay, this is Ernest Wilkinson.
President McKay: How are you this morning?
President Wilkinson: Fine, and I hope you are all right.
President McKay: All right, yes, thank you! I have called to report that I had a conference with the brother whom you know, and whose position is now being considered. He reports that everything is fine — there is mutual harmony — and the conclusion of our conference is this: It will be necessary for him to spend more time in the Mutual position.
President Wilkinson: Necessary to spend more time in what?
President McKay: He will have to spend more time as Superintendent of the M.I.A.
President Wilkinson: Oh, I see, yes.
President McKay: He now spends only one day and that is interfered by his responsibilities and duties at the BYU.
President Wilkinson: Yes.
President McKay: Now, it’s either one or the other. And if he is released at the BYU, that stops his income. So the only thing left for us as it seems to me is that we will have to release him from the position in the M.I.A.
President Wilkinson: Well, that’s your judgment and certainly I would agree with you.
President McKay: You don’t hink you could release him from the BYU?
President Wilkinson: Well, of course, but that would stop his income.
President McKay: Absolutely.
President Wilkinson: And I don’t think he is in a position to stop his income. I think he has to have income doesn’t he?
President McKay: I don’t know.
President Wilkinson: Now, let me make sure I understand. I think that he is not in a position to do this other job without compensation, and that would mean that he would, therefore, have to stay at the ‘Y’, wouldn’t it?
President McKay: That’s my conclusion.
President Wilkinson: Well, that’s what I would think would be the conclusion also.
President McKay: Then I will have to have another talk with him.
President Wilkinson: I agree.
President McKay: All right. I will have another talk with him then with that in mind.
President Wilkinson: All right, fine. And how is Sister McKay?
President McKay: Oh, she is feeling better, thank you.
President Wilkinson: That’s fine.
President McKay: She is very well. Are you getting along all right.
President Wilkinson: Yes, fine, thank you, President McKay.
President McKay: Thank you, Good-bye.
President Wilkinson: Good-bye.”
Tues., 22 May 1962:
“Memo of Conference Held With President David O. McKay
At 8:15 A.M. on May 22, 1962
I had a conference with President McKay on the above date and time, at which the following items of business were transacted:
1. I informed President McKay that we were submitting to the Expenditures Committee that morning a recommendation that we be permitted to enter into a contract with the Brown Construction Company of Salt Lake City for the construction of the Fine Arts Center at the B.Y.U., and for the appropriation of $1,600,000 from the B.Y.U. budget for that purpose.
President McKay informed me that he had coincidentally been informed that there was a question as to whether or not the bid of the Brown Company was valid in that they had failed to bid on certain alternates; that since other bidders were required to bid on those alternates, the question was whether it was proper to accept the Brown bid since they did not. He asked me to look into the matter, and I informed him I would do so.
2. President McKay agreed to a conference with the Honorable Musa Alami of Jericho, Jordan, and the First Presidency on Friday morning, May 25, at 8:00 a.m., and invited me to be present.
3. President McKay agreed to a conference of the First Presidency with Mr. Erwin Cannon, Editor of the Christian Science Monitor, on Friday morning, May 25, at 8:30 a.m. He invited me to be present.
4. President McKay agreed that we could transfer $40,000 from the Special Projects Budget for Institutes and Seminaries to the Operating Budget for Institutes and Seminaries for the current school year.
5. I informed President McKay that the low bid for construction of housing at Ricks College amounted to $5,430 per student, as compared with the price of about $3,400 per student when we built our last Heritage Halls at B.Y.U. I informed him that our time for accepting the bid would expire on May 25. I further informed him that it would be impossible for us to finance the project with this high cost out of the income from the project itself, and that it had therefore been proposed that three routes for a new freeway in the western part of Portland, Oregon, and that all three of these alternate routes traversed the property which we have purchased for a Junior College.
I informed him that up to the present time we had not published the fact that we had purchased this property and that Stake Presidents were under injunction not to publicize it. I further stated, however, that it seemed necessary in order to resist the plans of the State Highway Commission of Oregon that we now publicly admit ownership of this property, and that we authorize the Stake Presidents and our friends to oppose any one of the three alternate routes.
President McKay authorized me to proceed in accordance with my recommendations.
Ernest L. Wilkinson”
Fri., 8 June 1962:
“9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Was engaged in the regular meeting of the First Presidency. Bishop John H. Vandenberg, Bishop Robert L. Simpson, and Bishop Victor L. Brown of the Presiding Bishopric came into the meeting and the following matters were discussed.
Bishop John H. Vandenberg called attention to notices that have been sent out by the Brigham Young University to certain individuals who are employed by companies in the United States who have established a policy of matching gifts by their employees to educational institutions. These members pay their tithing to the Brigham Young University, so that the matching payment by the corporation might be treated as a contribution to the Brigham Young University Destiny Fund. Bishop Vandenberg said that the Presiding Bishopric see no objection to the program; that they think it is all right if we can get funds matching tithe payments by members. However, they feel that if such a policy must be followed, a letter should go to the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of Wards notifying them of this program so that they would be informed.
I said that it is all wrong for the B.Y.U. to write letters making solicitations of this kind; that any proposition of this kind — that is, where people want to send their tithing to the B.Y.U. to be credited as tithing on the B.Y.U. budget account with the understanding that the individuals’ employer will match his payment — should come to the First Presidency just as it has been done heretofore in one or two cases, at which time the First Presidency can make the necessary arrangements. This should not be done as a Church-wide program or solicitation.
We decided that we would invite President Wilkinson of the B.Y.U. to meet with us next Tuesday, June 12th, at which time this matter would be explained clearly to him.
Tues., 12 June 1962:
“8:00 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson came in to my private office and had a conference with me on Brigham Young University matters — the submitting to the Expenditures Committee today request for appropriation of $1,600,000 for the construction of the new Fine Arts Building on the B.Y.U. Campus; the selling of property in southwest Salt Lake City purchased originally as a site for a Junior College, etc. (see memorandum on these items following)
The Committee on Expenditures approved of the appropriation for the beginning of the Fine Arts Building, following which an agreement was signed with the contractor to begin construction of the building immediately. President Wilkinson wrote me later, asking that Sister McKay and I attend the groundbreaking ceremonies to be held next week, but I felt it unwise to go against the doctors’ recent advice, and, furthermore, Sister McKay is not well enough to leave the apartment. I therefore asked President Hugh B. Brown to attend to this for me. (See letter of appreciation to President McKay from President Wilkinson regarding the appropriation made for the building, and also letter regarding President McKay’s attending groundbreaking ceremony.)
9:10 a.m.
Following the above consultation, I went into the regular meeting of the First Presidency.
We first met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson and had a long conversation with him regarding tithing and matching gifts from corporations to the Brigham Young University. It was explained that some 141 corporations and foundations throughout the country have adopted a matching gifts’ program to aid higher education. These companies will match dollar for dollar any gift made by their employees to institutions of higher learning. They consider such gifts as investments in their future as business and industry must look to colleges and universities as a source of educated and highly trained manpower essential to their success.
Since the Brigham Young University is largely financed by tithing of members of the Church, the question of members who are employed by corporations and businesses which participate in matching gift programs paying their tithing to the B.Y.U. and receiving full credit for tithing on the records of the Church was considered. If this procedure were followed, the University would qualify for matching gifts from the employer of the member. The amount of the matching gift comes to the University as an aid to education grant.
A letter from the First Presidency dated June 21, 1961, was read, in which a contribution to the University from one Neil C. Winegar of $800 was received in keeping with the intent that a matching contribution would be made by his employer. Authorization was given for them to accept this money.
I said, ‘That is wrong. We shall permit others to do that, but we should be notified. It is not right to say that tithing may be paid to the Brigham Young University. It is a precedent, but we should decide — it will always come through the First Presidency, and instructions on this should not be sent out to Stake Presidents. After some discussion on this matter I said that we shall tell the Presiding Bishopric to handle this matter; that these contributions must not go to the B.Y.U. Destiny Fund; that the order on paying tithing should not go from the B.Y.U.; that it should come from the First Presidency. (For details, see minutes of the First Presidency of this day)
Arab Development Society
President Wilkinson then discussed with us the telephone call he had received from Dr. Garland Hopkins, secretary of the American Sponsors of the Arab Development Society of Jordan and of an organization for promoting Christian and Moslem friendship, who, with Musa Bey Alami, met with the First Presidency on May 25, 1962. Dr. Hopkins says their basic need is for dollars, and Dr. Wilkinson does not recommend that they be given any money. He said, ‘We have helped them with dairy and beef cattle and you have given them cattle from Florida, but we do not recommend that you send them any money.
President Wilkinson said, ‘The question is whether or not the time has arrived when you are going to do missionary work among the Arabs, and whether it would be helpful in that respect. At the present time, proselyting by Christians is frowned upon. I do not know if the time has yet arrived when you will want to send missionaries to these Arab countries.’
Then followed a discussion regarding Mr. Musa Bey Alami and his work among the Arabs, and the future assistance we should give to this society.
Tuesday, June 12, 1962
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY ON TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 1962
At a conference which I had with President McKay at 7:55 a.m. on the above date, the following business was transacted.
1. Fine Arts Building at B.Y.U.
I informed him that we had again taken bids (for the third time) on the Fine Arts Building and that Alfred Brown & Company was again the low bidder and that we were recommending to the Expenditures Committee today the acceptance of their bid and the appropriation of $1,600,000 towards the cost of this building which was provided in the budget. I asked President McKay if he needed to again be briefed with respect to the need for the building. He said he would not because that matter had been resolved and he did not think the need of it would again come up in the Expenditures Committee.
2. I reported that I had had a talk with President A. Ray Olpin at the University of Utah with respect to the report that President Olpin would offer the Deanship of Students to A. Lowell Bennion and that President Olpin had reported he had some doubt as to whether they would offer that position to Brother Bennion. I further inquired if the President would have any objection to our giving Brother Bennion an assignment for the next year of beginning to write some textbooks that we need. President McKay asked that I submit this request in writing specifying what the textbooks would be.
3. I informed President McKay that the Coordinating Council for Higher Education for the state had requested that we participate in a state study on enrollments, class schedules, full-time equivalent students, full-time equivalent teachers, etc. President McKay authorized me to participate in this study as long as we did not give individual salaries of teachers to the Coordinating Council.
4. I informed President McKay that I understood consideration was being given to the sale of the property which had been purchased in the southwest part of Salt Lake County as the possible location of a future junior college. I told him further that I understood 10 acres had been sold to Salt Lake County for a detention home for children, and that I felt badly that this had been done because if we ever used this site for a future junior college that the immediate proximity of this detention home would not be very desirable. I urged him not to consider selling the balance of the property until at least the lawsuit with respect to the property which we had purchased on 23rd South (Nibley Park) had been determined; that if that suit were determined against us we then would probably have to use the property in the southwest part of the city. I further explained that there were some, including Governor Clyde, who thought that in any event it would be better for us to use the property in the southwest part of the site because that is where the center of population of Salt Lake County will ultimately be. President McKay made a note of this but made no commitment.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh
Tuesday, June 12, 1962
June 13, 1962
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
re: The Fine Arts Building
Dear President McKay:
This is just to express our profound thanks to you for your leadership in having the Expenditures Committee today appropriate $1,600,000 so that we may get started on the construction of the Fine Arts Building. We want to assure you that our gratitude will be expressed in terms of trying to economize during the construction of the building and in terms of using this building for uplifting the cultural arts on our campus. I am sure that you will be very much pleased with the performances we will be able to render on this campus when this building is completed. Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts.
Faithfully yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:jb
Tuesday, June 12, 1962
June 19, 1962
CONFIDENTIAL
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Ground Breaking Ceremonies for Fine Arts Building
Dear President McKay:
Immediately after the Expenditures Committee approved of the appropriation of $1,600,000 for beginning the Fine Arts building, we signed an agreement with the contractor to begin construction of this building. He expects to be able to break ground sometime this week.
It is our unanimous desire at the Brigham Young University if it is at all possible, that you be present and officiate and speak at the ground-breaking ceremonies. To that end, we would be willing to have the ceremonies during any day this week or next week — the earlier the better. We could even arrange to have these ceremonies at 5:00 or 6:00 o’clock in the evening if that would be more convenient to you. We do not intend that they last long. They could conclude in certainly no longer than one hour’s time and probably less, depending on your desires.
We hope that when you come it would be possible for you to bring Sister McKay with you, although if that is not possible we will understand. We could have your car driven to the very spot of the ceremony and she would not need to get out of the car. At the same time she would be able to see what has now become one of the most beautiful campuses in America.
If you feel that it is unwise for you to accept this appointment, we should then like to appoint one of your counselors. Because President Moyle honored us with an address on yesterday you may choose to appoint President Brown who, like yourself, has been very much interested in our having a Fine Arts Center and, as you know, was a former member of our faculty.
I am having this delivered to you by hand today in order that you may, through your secretary, give us an immediate answer as to your decision.
I will personally be out of the state on University business beginning early Friday of this week and going through a good part of next week, but it is not necessary for me to be present during these ceremonies. One of our vice presidents will assist you in the officiating if I am absent.
Faithfully yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh
Wed., 20 June 1962:
Assignment of Dr. Lowell Bennion
We read President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s letter relating to the proposal to assign Dr. Lowell Bennion to the writing of five needed seminary and institute courses of study, and his release as director of the Institute at the University of Utah. After consideration, it was agreed that the recommendation be approved.
Fri., 27 July 1962:
Telephone Calls:
1) President Ernest L. Wilkinson called from Denver, Colorado, and wanted my advice about his giving the keynote address at the Republican State Convention. I said that I am in accord with his political activities two years hence, and that I did not mind any appointment that may have come to him under President Eisenhower, but that that is passed and done with. I said, ‘However, I question the advisability of your entering into politics as President of the Brigham Young University, and I should like to talk to you about it.’ I arranged for him to come in to the office tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m.
Sat., 28 July 1962:
“8:00 a.m.
Went over to the office and met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson. He discussed with me the matter of his accepting an invitation to speak at the State Republican Convention to be held in the near future.
As I told him over the phone when he called yesterday, I question the advisability of his entering into politics as President of the Brigham Young University.
In discussing matters with President Wilkinson pertaining to the conditions in the world and the government here in our own United States, I said that I had a letter suggesting that at the forthcoming October Conference of the Church, or in some other way, that I make a statement which would once again be an official pronouncement for the Church in favor of the continuation of the American form of government, and at the same time a condemnation of Communism and all species of socialism. I shall give serious consideration to this matter.
I gave President Wilkinson permission to invite President A. Ray Olpin of the University of Utah to give the Commencement Address at the B.Y.U. August Commencement.”
Thur., 13 Sep., 1962:
“8:00 a. m.
Met by appointment at his request President Ernest L. Wilkinson, who came in to discuss several items pertaining to educational matters.
Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Delbert L. Stapley came in while President Wilkinson was present and discussed matters pertaining to building a junior college in Phoenix.
(See memorandum of conference following)
“MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
September 13, 1962 – 8:00 a. m.
I had a conference with President McKay on September 13 at 8:00 a. m. at which the following decisions were made:
1. Dedication of Administration Building, Library, and Physical Plant Building
The date of the dedication of the Administration building, Library, and Physical Plant building was postponed from October 8 to October 10.
2. Naming of Library
President McKay agreed to present to the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve at the Thursday meeting to be held that morning the question of whether the library should be named after President Clark alone or be named the Clark-Richards Library after both President Clark and Richards.
I informed president McKay that a student movement had generated on the campus last fall during the last school year to have the building named after me; that I had heard from rumors that news of it might have reached him but I wanted him to know that under no circumstances should this be done; that I would not consent to it. President McKay replied that some building ought to eventually be named after me. I again reiterated that I would not under any circumstances consent to the library being named after me.
3. Conference on Higher Education
President McKay agreed that he would urge at the meeting that day that a number of the Board of Trustees attend the Conference on Higher Education to be held the following day.
4. Women’s Residence Halls for Ricks
I recalled to President McKay that the architectural plans for woments residence halls at Ricks had gone to $5,420 for each student. I informed him that thereafter we at the B.Y.U. had made some rough sketches of plans ourselves with a little help from an architect and that we now had estimates on these which would mean that buildings could be constructed for $3,100. I told him, however, that because we did not have definite plans we would, I was sure, run into difficulty if we presented this to the Building Committee. He instructed me to write the First Presidency about it and he would take it up with the Building Committee. I told him I had talked to President Brown about it who was very much in favor of it.
5. Members of Board of Trustees of B. Y. U. and Board of Education
President McKay informed me that the following four members had been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the B. Y. U. and the Board of Education of the Church:
Boyd K. Packer – representing the Assistants to the Quorum
John Vandenberg – representing the Presiding Bishopric
Marion D. Hanks and A. Theodore Tuttle – representing the First Council of Seventies.
I had recommended all of these except Brother Tuttle. I was not by any means opposed to him but I did not think they would appoint more than one person from the first Council of Seventies. I am happy about this decision
The President also informed me that LeGrand Richards and Boyd K. Packer had been named members of both Executive Committees. This, I am sure, will be helpful.
6. Appointment of Dr. John T. Bernhard
President McKay gave consent to Dr. John T. Bernhard being made Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in addition to carrying on as my Administrative Assistant.
7. Deseret News
I informed President McKay that the Deseret News was considering a plan of deferred compensation for employees; that I thought that if such a program went into effect, it should be a uniform one for all Church corporations. He asked me to keep him informed on developments.
8. Junior College at Phoenix
At this juncture Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Delbert L. Stapley joined the meeting. I explained to President McKay that at the last meeting we had had a meeting with the ex-mayor of Phoenix who was very much concerned about our inactivity with respect to building a junior college in Phoenix and wanted us to get started on it. I reported that the ex-mayor, Nicholas Udall, said that there were rumors around we were not going to build the building and wanted assurance we would. President McKay at this report said “We purchased it for that purpose didn’t we?” He gave me encouragement and authority to go ahead and present in the regular way through the Board of Education some plans for building on the campus.
Ernest L. Wilkinson.”
Thurs., 27 Sep., 1962:
“MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
September 27, 1962
1. Enrollment
I informed President McKay that although there were fewer students graduating from high school in June this year throughout the West and throughout the country than the year before, and we, therefore, did not expect much of an increase in enrollment at the Brigham Young University, it was now apparent that we would have at least 12,000 students and possible an increase of 1,000 students. Last year we had 11,178. I told him that by 1965 we would easily reach the 15,000 limit we had tentatively set for the Brigham Young University and it was, therefore, necessary for us to get busy with our junior college program.
2. Contract with Educational Facilities Laboratory
(asubsidiary of the Ford Foundation)
I informed President McKay that Educational Facilities Laboratory had been set up by the Ford Foundation to give advice with respect to the planning of school buildings, and that I thought they could probably be of help to us in planning the Anaheim, and giving us ideas for the Phoenix and Salt Lake City campuses than any other organization at the present time .
I asked permission to enter into a contract with them for program planning for the Anaheim campus, informing him the total cost would not be more than 1% of the cost of the buildings. He gave approval to our entering into this contract subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees which was to meet later that day.
(The Executive Committee approved of such a contract later in the day. )
3. Naming of Buildings At Brigham Young University
I informed President McKay that the dedication of the library building was less than two weeks off. I therefore proposed the library be named after President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., the Fine Arts building after Franklin S. Harris, and the new physical education building after President Stephen L. Richards. He gave approval to all of these names subject to the consent of the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University.
(The Executive Committee later in the day approved of all three names, so I authorized publicity with respect to the naming of these buildings and the notification of the proper parties involved.)
4. Dedicatory Services
I again reminded the President that the dedicatory services would be held on October 10 at 10:00 a. m. and told him we hoped that he would be able to be the one to give the dedicatory address and prayer. He said he thought he would and wanted to do so but if he could not he would designate President Hugh B. Brown.
5. Civil Defense
I informed President McKay that our new buildings had been designed at the Brigham Young University so as to give a maximum of protection in the case of civil ermergency but that in order to take full advantage of what we had done we needed to have tunnels connecting certain buildings and central control facilities which would cost around $ 168,000.
I informed him that we had $100,000 in the budget this year to apply on this facility. The President expressed himself as in favor of it but suggested that I clear it with the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University.
(The Executive Committee felt that this was a matter which the President alone should decide; that a decision in this case required inspiration which the President alone by virtue of his position would be the one to receive. The Committee expressly stated that if the President felt this should be done they would be happy to go along with it but they felt the President should decide.)”
Tues., 9 Oct., 1962:
“7:00 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came in without appointment and discussed several items with me. (See his notes following.)
“MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
October 9, 1962 – 7:00 a.m.
The following business was transacted:
1. Board of Trustees Meeting
I asked for permission to hold a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University and the Board of Education of the Church on the Brigham Young campus the next day at 11:15 a.m. President McKay said he would take this to the First Presidency’s meeting later in the morning for a decision.
(At 9:30 a. m., pursuant to his instructions, I telephoned him and he informed me this meeting could be held.)
2. Dr. Ebid Sarafin
I asked for permission to employ on our faculty Dr. Ebid Sarafin, a noted Egyptian scholar now teaching at the London University and lecturing at Oxford, who is to be baptized into the Church tomorrow. President McKay said he would take this to the First Presidency meeting.
(When I telephoned his office at 9:30 a.m. I was informed I should do nothing on this matter for the present. )
3. Wallace Smith
I told President McKay of the suggestion made by Dr. Homer Durham that we invite President Wallace Smith of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a speaker at one of our forum or devotional assemblies. I asked whether this would meet with his approval. He said that he was favorably inclined toward it but said he would like to know more about the lineage of President Smith and his attitude before I went forward. I am to supply him with this information.
4. Housing at Ricks College
I informed President McKay that we had in this year’s budget $567,800 for housing at Ricks College; that on the basis of the estimate made by Arrington Construction Company it would cost for housing for 120 students $370,780 and for 240 students $743,560; that if we built for 240 students it would take $182,200 more than we have in this year’s budget. President McKay instructed me to immediately get a requisition to him to take up with the Expenditures Committee one week from today.
5. Matters to Come Before Expenditures Committee
I informed President McKay that we had made a requisition to the Expenditures Committee to come up today on the following items:
(a) For Continuous Education Program for Laboratory School – $40,000.
(b) For the Academic Share of Expense for B.Y.U. Creamery – $25,000.
(c) For Contract with Educational Facilities Laboratory at Anaheim – $100,000.
He informed me he might not be present at the Expenditures Committee meeting today but that since all of these had been approved by my Executive Committee he assumed they would go through in due course; that if they did not, I should present them again when he would be present.
6. Junior College Program
I discussed with President McKay the need for our getting going on junior college construction because in two years we would have reached our limit of 15,000 students at the Brigham Young University. He instructed me to proceed with all haste; that we should first build the one at Anaheim, but that we should get going also on the one at Phoenix as soon as possible, and that we might have to go a little slower with respect to the one in Salt Lake City.
I informed him we would need $5 million in the budget for junior college purposes for next year and he commented that if that is what we needed, we would have to spend it.
7. Civil Defense
I told President McKay that although we had $100,000 provided in the budget for this year for connecting certain of our buildings on the “Y” campus by tunnel and to provide a central facility for civil defense, that I had so far been unable to persuade my Executive Committee to authorize the expenditure of that money for this purpose. The President instructed me to keep at it and to try to get the consent of the Committee.
Ernest L. Wilkinson”
Mon., 7 Jan. 1963:
“My secretary called me to report some office matters and President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s request to see me. I told her to tell President Wilkinson that he may come up to my home Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.
In answer to her question as to the weather in Huntsville, I told her that we are having beautiful weather — that the air is clear and crisp, and the sun is shining brightly in a clear blue sky. I reported that I had taken a long walk this morning, and had enjoyed it immensely.”
Tues., 8 Jan. 1963:
“Tuesday, January 8, 1963
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY AT HUNTSVILLE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1963, AT 3:30 P.M.
UNIFIED CHURCH SCHOOL MATTERS
At a meeting held with President McKay at his home in Huntsville on January 7 where he graciously received me, the following decisions were made:
1. Special Concert Tour
President McKay agreed to have the First Presidency write a letter to stake presidents in the Northern California area with respect to a special concert to be given in the Berkeley Civic Auditorium by the Brigham Young University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra; also a similar letter to be written to stake presidents in the Southern California area with respect to a special concert to be given by the same group in the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. I am to draft for him such proposed letter.
2. Weber Gymnasium
I asked President McKay if he had yet had an opportunity to see the Honorable Rendell Mabey with respect to Weber College putting the gymnasium in good shape. He said that he had not and asked me instead in behalf of the Board to see Chairman Mabey. He further instructed that in case Weber College did not put the gym in good shape then to confer with the stake presidents in Ogden to see if they can raise the money for this purpose.
3. B.Y.U. Education Weeks
I asked President McKay if he would be kind enough to have the First Presidency make an announcement in the Church Section of the Deseret News concerning the change of name from B.Y.U. Leadership Weeks to B.Y.U. Education Weeks. He said he would and suggested that I prepare the statement. He wanted me to make it plain, however, that these Education Weeks were for education and not Church purposes.
4. Boyd Packer’s Salary
I reported to President McKay that in accordance with instructions from the First Presidency we were still carrying Boyd Packer’s salary on our payroll. I inquired as to whether he wanted this continued. He advised that this should not be continued on our payroll and that he would make some other arrangements to have Boyd Packer paid.
5. Letter from Jefferson Eastmond
I reminded President McKay that Jefferson Eastmond, who is Assistant Secretary of the Utah Educational Association had written him a long and critical letter about the President’s statement on Federal Aid to Education, which letter the President had sent to me. I suggested to the President that he merely make a short response to Brother Eastmond’s letter and that he give me the burden of answering that letter in detail.
6. Letter from Glenn E. Snow of National Education Association
I reminded the President that Glenn Snow of the N.E.A. had written asking the position of the Church as to Federal Aid for Parochial Schools. I suggested that I draft a letter for President McKay to send to Snow on this subject and he agreed.
7. Honorary Doctorate Degree for Joseph Rosenblatt
I informed the President that long before the testimonial given by non-members of the Church to President McKay had been announced that I had thought in my own mind that Joseph Rosenblatt would be a good candidate for an honorary doctorate degree. President McKay agreed and authorized me to proceed.
8. Merger of Radio Service Corporation of Utah and International Educational Broadcasting Corporation
I pointed out to the President that it now looked as though the first of the above corporations would have substantial profits from here on out whereas the second of these corporations would be devoting its time largely to Church proselyting and would have large losses. I suggested therefore that if the two were merged the losses could be offset against the profits with a consequent reduction in taxes. I pointed out that this might, however, require the Church to purchase the minority interest in KSL.
The President informed me he had appointed a committee of Messrs. Madsen, Conklin, and Isaac Stewart to study the acquisition of even further television companies and that when he got their report he would like to talk to me about the entire matter.
9. Director of Destiny Fund for Fund-Raising at B.Y.U.
I informed the President that it looked like I would not be able to persuade Delbert Wright to become head of fund-raising at the B.Y.U. but that I understood that O. Leslie Stone would be retiring from his business in June. I asked permission to appoint him as Vice President at the B.Y.U. in charge of university development which is the name ordinarily given to the head of fund-raising. President McKay expressed great gratification with this suggestion saying that ‘he is the best man in the United States — his personality will take him into any group.’ He gave enthusiastic approval advising, however, that I should make it plain to Brother Stone that this is not a calling and that he is not required to take it unless his ‘heart would be in it.’
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh”
Wednesday, January 23, 1963
MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY
Wednesday, January 23, 1963
I was in Miss Middlemiss’ office to determine whether certain matters I had pending with President McKay had been taken care of. While there President McKay called into the office and Miss Middlemiss put me on the telephone with him.
I reminded him that under date of December 31, 1962, I had written suggesting that certain buildings constructed in Los Angeles with money advanced by George Barrett be dedicated on January 30 when we were honoring Mr. Barrett in Los Angeles. I reminded him also that I had suggested that Elder LeGrand Richards or some other member of the General Authorities do the dedicating unless they were too busy to do so, in which event I wondered whether President McKay would like me to dedicate the buildings.
He instructed me to go ahead and dedicate them.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh”
Tues., 5 Mar. 1963:
“11:45 – 1:00 p.m.
Junior Colleges – Financial Involvement of the Church
The First Presidency met with the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education and considered the matter of Junior Colleges with reference to the financial involvements which would be incurred should the Church embark on the proposed Junior College Program. (see copy of minutes and letter signed by Boyd K. Packer following.)
After a long discussion of the letter to the First Presidency signed by Elder Boyd K. Packer, and of the minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held, March 1, 1963, a motion was made that the Church take steps to approve of the discontinuance of the actions establishing Junior Colleges throughout the Church. (see also March 11, 1963 Diary for meeting with Ernest L.Wilkinson, President of the BYU) (see also Minutes of the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education Meeting with The First Presidency following.)
Tuesday, March 5, 1963
MINUTES OF MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF CHURCH BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 1, 1963
Commencing at 8:00 a.m. at 47 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Present: President Joseph Fielding Smith
Elders Harold B. Lee
Delbert L. Stapley
LeGrand Richards
Howard W. Hunter
Gordon B. Hinckley
Boyd K. Packer
Excused: Elder Marion G. Romney
Prayer: Elder LeGrand Richards
An executive session of the committee was convened at the request of the First Presidency to consider the matter of junior colleges referred to in a letter addressed to the First Presidency, dated February 18, 1963, by Elder Boyd K. Packer, a copy of which is attached. The letter was read to the committee and discussion followed.
Additional information was introduced with reference to the financial involvements which would be incurred should the Church embark on the proposed junior college program. Brother Stapley pointed out that as a member of the Budget Committee, he has been greatly concerned over this matter and questioned whether the Church could carry the financial burden. The fear was expressed that the present estimate of costs for a junior college program would be far exceeded and that to commit the Church presently to the program may eventually preclude bringing educational opportunities to members of the Church residing in other areas of the world. It was the feeling of those present that a full exploration of the potential of the Institute of Religion to achieve Church educational objectives be made.
Each member of the committee expressed himself as being totally in accord with the viewpoint set forth in the above-mentioned letter, and the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED: That the committee advise the First Presidency that careful consideration has been given to the letter which requested reconsideration of the junior college issue. The committee is united in the sentiment that the Church should not at this time embark upon a program to build junior colleges. In view of recent educational developments in the states of California and Arizona as pertains to junior colleges, the committee sees no pertinent need to build the proposed colleges in the vicinity of Southern California and Phoenix, Arizona. The committee further recommends that no further expenditures be directed toward planning of junior college campuses or buildings, and that present planning activity be held up pending resolution of this issue.
It is the further observation of the committee that any feelings of obligation incurred because of previously announced plans to build a junior college at Phoenix, Arizona, could be resolved inasmuch as there is presently interest on the part of state officials to reobtain property sold by the state of Arizona to the Church as a proposed college site. In view of these previous commitments, it is the feeling of the committee that the Phoenix college site be available to the state of Arizona in return for the purchase price.
Following the resolution, Brother Stapley indicated that if the resolution should become the decision of the Board of Education, he would be willing to meet with Church and state officials in Arizona to resolve the issue.
/s/
Joseph Fielding Smith Howard W. Hunter
Harold B. Lee Gordon B. Hinckley
Delbert L. Stapley Boyd K. Packer
LeGrand Richards
Tuesday, March 5, 1963
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
The Council of The Twelve
47 E. South Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
February 18, 1963
President David O. McKay
and Counselors
Building
Dear Brethren:
Some time ago I was appointed a member of the Church Board of Education as well as the Executive Committee of the Board. I regard it as a singularly important assignment for I ‘grew up’ in Church education — most of the past fourteen years in administrative positions. You are aware that I served as Assistant Administrator of Institutes and Seminaries and in that capacity traveled to virtually every educational institution in the Church — most of them a number of times. I was also a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University and was officed there for six years. Recently a series of events has weighed so heavily upon my mind as to overcome my hesitancy to make expression of my feelings. They are as follows:
1. An announcement by President Ernest L. Wilkinson on January 29th to the stake presidents of Southern California that ground will be broken in December of 1963 or January of 1964 for a new junior college at Anaheim.
2. An invitation from President Wilkinson to recommend a president for the proposed college.
3. A conference assignment to Phoenix where a number of inquiries were made of me concerning supposed promises of imminent construction of a junior college.
4. The considerable discussion concerning B.Y.U. and what is to be done when it reaches 15,000 enrollment next year or the year following.
I sense that it may seem impertinent for one newly appointed to speak out regarding decisions evidently reached some time ago, but I have had such concern over the matter that I have felt disloyal to you in withholding my feelings. From this sense of obligation to you I present the following observations with respect to the proposed junior college program:
I. Should the Church forgo the opportunity to build the presently proposed junior colleges, no member of the Church would be deprived of the opportunity to obtain a junior college education; nor would it be made more difficult or inconvenient. In fact, in some instances to build them would make it less convenient and in most cases it would increase the financial burden upon the individual Church member and his family.
A. In California the 13th and 14th years of education are included in the program of so-called free public education. A competent individual may register for junior college training upon payment of a student fee which ranges from $6.50 to $13.00 per semester. As a matter of fact, within 45 miles of the proposed Anaheim campus there are four colleges — Long Beach State College, Orange County State College, Los Angeles State College, and San Fernando State College — which offer upper division work, the Bachelors degree as well as a Masters degree on the same basis. (Orange County State College is scarcely three miles from the proposed Anaheim campus.) Within the immediate drawing area for the students there are upward of thirty other institutions offering junior college educations on this basis. They are supported from regular sources of public school revenue and are subject to state equalization legislation.
B. In Arizona legislation has been passed which provides for a statewide system of junior colleges. It provides ultimately for one college to be established in each county. Within the past few weeks the voters of the Phoenix City College District approved in a referendum the sale of that campus to the state as a part of that system. In addition, much has been said with regard to establishing two other colleges in Maricopa County — one in the Mesa area, the other near Glendale.
Although Arizona schools are not quite as ‘free’ as the ‘free’ public schools in California, these junior colleges will operate as an extension of the high school program. They will be supported from the ordinary sources for public school revenues and will be subject to equalization provisions of state school enactments. The cost of attending these schools would be considerably less than tuition required at a Church-operated school in Arizona.
The establishment of junior colleges by the Church in these areas will constitute a duplication of facilities which already exist and represent a program that will be both more costly and less convenient to the student members of the Church.
II. Should the Church forgo the opportunity to establish junior colleges, no member of the Church need be deprived of the daily religious instruction under Church sponsorship and control. Nor need they be deprived of religious activity and spiritual welfare while living away from home attending school.
A. In Southern California a system of institutes of religion, both full-time and part-time bring daily religious instruction to 68 percent of approximately 2,100 L.D.S. college students. This percentage has been achieved in spite of intensive campaigns to have L.D.S. youth leave California and attend B.Y.U. Obviously the more active stronger youth (approximately 1,500) respond to this intensive encouragement and come to Provo leaving their fellow student members without the benefit of their strength and influence. When I hear that we have 2,520 returned missionaries attending B.Y.U. I must admit to an intense feeling of misgiving, and recognize in it a most unfortunate deployment of strength. Merely a few capable, spiritually secure returned missionaries at each Institute would provide a nucleous of strength around which the student ward bishop and the institute director could build a program to secure the more wayward.
B. At every state institution of higher learning in Arizona an institute of religion is in operation for the training of L.D.S. students and student wards provide a full Church program.
III. Should the Church forgo the opportunity to build junior colleges, untold millions of dollars may be diverted to other uses including the building of other critically needed phases of the educational program. This I emphasize, without sacrifice of any basic objective which junior colleges presumably were to achieve.
A. We already have in the Institute of Religion a tested and effective means to bring religious instruction to our college members attending public institutions of higher learning. To my knowledge the full possible potential of this program has not been fully explored. We already know that the full Church program can operate in the form of student wards and stakes at these institutions.
B. It is already known that this religious training can be achieved without the staggering expense of duplicating the whole secular curriculum. The present cost per student at Brigham Young University is approximately $875.00 per year, over eleven times the approximately $77.00 per year for an institute student. This figure does not include the capital investments necessary.
From my training in educational administration (the area of my doctorate studies) I have some appreciation for the sums necessary to build and to operate an institution of higher learning. The initial expenditure for a campus, although involving many millions of dollars, is but the beginning. Educational institutions follow the pattern of other institutions — they cannot remain minimum but must grow to survive. A campus facility alone ultimately may cost as much as $25,000,000.
IV. Should the Church forgo the opportunity to build junior colleges it would not automatically follow that large numbers of church members not able to enroll at an over-populated B.Y.U. would be unable to find suitable marriage partners and therefore marry outside the Church.
Indications are that the incidence of temple marriage among institute students can equal that of B.Y.U. Particularly if the exaggerated enrollment campaign for B.Y.U. students was to be tempered and worthy members of the Church encouraged to attend these institutions to participate in an active, vital program. B.Y.U. could then be more selective on enrollment and thereby upgrade standards.
V. There is another expression far more important than all I have said with regard to this matter. I confess to a deep yearning concern for the underprivileged youth of the Church, particularly those of Lamanite descent, and find myself restlessly hoping that something may be done to provide even a meager education. I have visited in Mexico and know something of our school program there. In Mexico illiteracy is on the increase. But we are able to provide a year’s elementary education to these poor youngsters for $100.14.
Somehow to commit hundreds of millions of dollars to provide the well-privileged youth of the Church with an education they will achieve anyway with less expense and more convenience than if we provide it seems unfortunate stewardship of our educational resources.
Is it an error to suggest that the testimony of the Book of Mormon for these underprivileged children in Latin America and elsewhere is predicated upon their ability at least to read?
It is in the interest of those unfortunate youngsters in the Church that I feel to plead with you to re-examine and reappraise the matter of a junior college system.
Finally I do not have the disposition to challenge or be critical, but the only way I know to be fully loyal to you is to speak forthrightly and with vigor and then to support your decisions on the matter regardless of how they accord with my personal views.
Faithfully your brother,
Boyd K. Packer
cc: Copies of this expression have been prepared for the other members of the Executive Committee of the Board but I ask your counsel before sending them.
Tuesday, March 5, 1963
Tuesday, March 5, 1963
The Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education met with the First Presidency in the First Presidency’s Office, Church Administration Building, Salt Lake City, Utah, and discussed the matters indicated below.
In addition to the First Presidency, Presidents David O. McKay, Henry D. Moyle and Hugh B. Brown, the following members of the Executive Committee were present: Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Delbert L. Stapley, Marion G. Romney, LeGrand Richards, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley and Boyd K. Packer.
Letter and Minutes on Junior Colleges
At the request of the chairman of the Executive Committee, President Joseph Fielding Smith, Elder Boyd K. Packer presented the problem for discussion.
He made reference to a letter dated February 18, 1963, signed by himself, and addressed to President David O. McKay and Counselors, a copy of which is attached, pertaining to junior colleges, and mentioned that on March 1, 1963, the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education met and discussed the matter as presented in the letter by Brother Packer above referred to. Minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education of March 1, 1963, were also presented and are hereto attached.
It was explained that upon receipt of the letter from Elder Packer, the First Presidency had referred it to the Executive Committee for their report, and that the minutes of the meeting above mentioned convey the attitude and resolution of the committee relative to the subject matter.
It was further mentioned that Elder Marion G. Romney was not present at the time the meeting was held; that, however, he has read the minutes of the meeting and concurs in the resolution therein set forth.
President McKay asked if President Ernest L. Wilkinson knew anything about this meeting and the action therein taken, and the answer was No, that it was in the nature of an executive session of the Executive Committee.
California Junior College Plans
President McKay asked what the action of the Board was in reference to the first junior college in California, and Elder Packer said that so far as he knew the only official action taken by the Board was to approve an expenditure of money to plan the campus site, that he knew of no action by the Board authorizing any ground-breaking or construction.
Elder Stapley said that authorization has been given to architects to prepare the plans on which he understood they are now working.
Elder Lee said that authorization was given for the preparation of plans, these plans to be subject to the review of the Board of Education, that the plans have not been brought to the Board and he supposed they were in a preliminary state. He also said that the Board had seen no sketches of the appraisals made.
President Moyle said that if the schematics have been prepared, we could reject them.
Elder Hinckley mentioned that President Wilkinson had included in his budget figures for this planning, and Elder Lee said that the figures presented were $400,000.00 for campus planning.
Arizona Property for Junior College
President McKay then asked if Brother Wilkinson had the tacit approval of the Board to do anything with the Arizona property.
Elder Hinckley said that Brother Wilkinson brought to the Board meeting on one occasion a pictorial schematic drawing of that campus, as he recalled, that at that time the replacement of the freeway, parking lot, etc. were discussed.
Elder Hunter added that the Board had also authorized a statement to the effect that we were going ahead so that it would stop the possibility of condemnation that was being discussed at that time.
Elder Stapley reported that Brother Bill Porter, a member of the Legislature in the State of Arizona, had called him and said that some of his associates are quite disturbed because the Church was not putting this property to beneficial use as they had understood we were going to do and wanted to know what our intention was. He also expressed the thought that maybe we had purchased it as an investment for the appreciation we might gain in the holding of the property.
Elder Stapley said he told him that our plans were indefinite, but that we did have in mind a junior college there. Brother Stapley further said that one of the representatives wrote to President Heywood under date of February 15 wanting to know what the intentions of the Church were with reference to the use of this property, and called attention to the junior colleges that the State had approved. It appears that a junior college is planned, in addition to the one now in Phoenix, and one just being completed in Yuma, Arizona, at Mesa and one at Glendale, which would cover the east end, as well as the northwest end of the valley. He said that there are plans in Arizona to establish junior colleges, that that program has been approved as a State project and junior colleges will be provided.
President McKay asked Elder Stapley what he said to this man who had called him regarding the Church’s intention. He explained that we had in the beginning purchased the property for a junior college but conditions were changing and he did not know what the outcome would be, that the matter was under consideration. He said he did inform the man that we did not buy the property for an investment, hoping to make money out of the investment.
Elder Stapely said we had two ways out. One is that the State is now establishing junior colleges which would be in competition with what we are doing; and the other, if we do not use the property, we ought to offer it back to the State for the price we paid for it. He said there have been several approaches. First, was an approach by the Phoenix High School to obtain 40 acres of the property, and then the county came in with a request for another 40 acres for a county hospital, and in addition to that, a request was made for property sufficient to establish a medical school, so that the county hospital could be a training operation for the medical school. They would both be located in the same area. Elder Stapley said he knew that other property has been purchased for this purpose, but he believed that this is the property they want and no doubt they will move back to this property if it is available to them; also that they may want it for a junior college. He said there have been many demands for the property since we acquired it.
President McKay inquired if we are committed to such an extent that we cannot get out of it honorably. The thought was expressed that they would no doubt be glad to have us relinquish it.
Elder Lee said that in the event we did relinquish the property, it would be wise to acquire property for an institute, or we could retain part of the property we now have for the building of an institute and perhaps a chapel.
Elder Stapley said he thought if we offer the property to the State for what we paid for it, there could be no unfavorable reaction. He thought that they would perhaps feel disappointed that we are not going forward with this program, but on the other hand, they would understand that this is a proper move on the part of the Church.
Junior College Facilities Available
Elder Lee mentioned a similar project in Anaheim where we own the property by gift, but the junior college policy in that area has us surrounded.
Elder Packer said that there are at least 30 junior colleges within the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Elder Lee said that there is no place where our people would be better served by the State schools than in these two areas that the brethren were talking about. He said that as the committee studied the analysis that Brother Wilkinson made and looked over figures, they were convinced that the vision the brethren had years ago is still a sound policy, that we can offer institute and seminary instruction where we have sufficient members to justify it.
History of Junior College Program
President McKay stated for the information of the brethren that he sat around this table many years ago discussing this same question, that he remembered that President Grant was President of the Church and Brother Joseph F. Merrill was Commissioner of Education. President McKay thought that at the time he was president of the board of the Weber College. The question was whether to give the Church Schools to the State and establish seminaries. Up to that point Beaver had gone, Oakley Academy had gone, Dixie College, the Knight Academy in Raymond, Canada, and the academies in Snowflake and St. John’s, Arizona.
The President said he remembers saying at that time that it is not just the teaching of the theology class in the academy, that we teach the gospel in arithmetic, in history, and in the study of theology particularly, that that is the value of the Church School, not just the theological class. As President Young said, ‘Don’t teach arithmetic without the Spirit of the Lord.’
President McKay said he felt strongly the value of the Church School. He said a motion was made which did not involve the closing of the Church Schools entirely, but ultimately that is what it would mean, and he said he remembered voting against it. President McKay said he was not in the presidency of the Church at the time, that Brother Brimhall came up to him and said, ‘You had better be careful; you voted against the First Presidency of the Church.’
President McKay said, ‘No, I did not; I voted against your motion. I sustain the First Presidency of the Church but I won’t sustain your motion.’
He said that was the beginning of the establishment of the seminaries and turning over the Church School System to the State; that Weber Academy was among them, and luckily in the transfer of the Weber Academy to the State, a clause was put in the agreement that if at any time in the future, the Moench Building and the other buildings, including the gymnasium, were used for any other purpose, all the buildings would revert back to the Church. He said they have been true to that resolution and turned the buildings back to the Church.
The President further said that yesterday he met seventeen Stake Presidents in Weber County and reported to them that the gymnasium in Weber County has now reverted to the Church and the City of Ogden would like us to give them the gymnasium to be used as a public institution. The President said he told these brethren that he thought we ought not to let the gymnasium pass out from under the Church’s influence, and that the men who were meeting with him should act as a board and advise the Church, who now has charge of the gymnasium, tell them how it should be conducted and what the ideals should be, and these brethren voted unanimously so to do.
Extra Cost of Junior Colleges
President McKay said the only question that we have to decide has already been decided in the Church, that is, whether the junior college is worth the extra cost to introduce religion with all the secular subjects, or whether the institute will supply the religious training.
Elder Romney mentioned that he was not at the meeting of the committee when consideration was given to this matter, that he had, however, read Brother Packer’s letter and agreed with it, and that he had signed his copy of the resolution by the committee. He said that he had the same feeling that President McKay had expressed in referring to the original decision to discontinue Church academies, and that if we could furnish junior college and college education to all our Church members, he would favor the junior college where Latter-day Saint teachers could be used in every class, but he felt that the cost would be prohibitive to furnish college work to all the Church. He said he was thinking of the thousands of our people in foreign countries who need the opportunity for education, and where our money for education could be more profitably spent in furthering the Kingdom.
Letter on Seminary Program
President McKay read to the brethren a letter that he had received, which he said he was giving to them as a warning regarding the institute and seminary program. This letter purported to come from a mother who had children attending the seminary at the Skyline High School. She said she visited the seminary class and the teacher made the statement that they cannot teach doctrine that is too strict because there were some youngsters in the seminary who were not members of the Church, and referred to testimony meetings saying, ‘We do not have testimony meetings; we are not supposed to. We have instead a ‘how do you feel’ meeting.’ This too, the teacher is purported to have said, is because some members of the class are not members of the Church.
In this connection Elder Lee mentioned that one would think that the letter had been written about some of our teachers at the B.Y.U., that we have some there who have adopted a somewhat similar attitude of freedom of thinking.
President McKay said if we are going to do this, the value of the religious training will depend wholly upon the man who has charge of the seminary work.
Elder Lee mentioned that he learned that in the seminary system they were not teaching the Book of Mormon because they could not get high school credit if they taught it in the seminary, that finally, however, we did decide that the teaching of the Book of Mormon was more important than the academic credit.
Elder Packer said that in seminaries where credit is given for the subjects taught the thought had been expressed that those courses should remain essentially non-sectarian, that we had thought over the years that we could not get enrollment unless we had credit, but now with the early morning seminary classes, we know that we do not have to give high school credit to get young people to go to seminary. He also mentioned that the time was when in the B.Y.U. only secular classes were accepted for credit at the large universities, but now the sentiment is to accept all Brigham Young University classes, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, etc., and therefore we have no excuse to teach anything without testimony.
Position of Chancellor
Elder Lee said that we have grown to a size educationally where probably next to the Board of Education we ought to have a chancellor who is neither the president of the Brigham Young University nor the supervisor of our seminaries and institutes, who would have under his supervision the president of Brigham Young University and the director of our institutes and seminaries.
Several of the brethren mentioned that they felt this would be a very fine thing.
Resolution of Executive Committee Approved
Elder Lee said that it would seem that a proper motion would be to act on the resolution before the meeting, and then present it to the Board of Education with the committee’s recommendation. He said that Brother Packer had been asked to prepare charts to present to the Board of Education on this matter.
President McKay said he could not see that we could do anything else, that we have discussed the matter and have come to the conclusion that the seminaries and institutes can do the religious work. He said that furthermore we should encourage the B.Y.U. to prepare our teachers to fill these positions as institute and seminary instructors because the value of the institute depends upon the character and the ability and the faith of the men who teach those classes.
Elder Hinckley said that he was in favor of the proposal to present this to the Board of Education tomorrow but he had the feeling that Brother Wilkinson ought to be apprised of this action before the Board meeting tomorrow so that he can come there prepared to defined his position if he desires to do so. He thought that at least he should be advised in advance of what is coming. President McKay agreed with this suggestion and said that he should be notified immediately after this meeting.
President McKay said that he would entertain a motion that this letter and resolution be handed to Brother Wilkinson at once. President Brown made the motion, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
Elder Lee asked the President if he would like to have the action of this meeting indicated to Brother Wilkinson as well. President McKay said No. He should be given the information in advance but the action of this meeting stands.
President McKay asked if an an executive committee they wanted to give official approval to the sentiment of this meeting. Elder Lee said he thought it should be a part of the minutes of this meeting that we take steps to approve the discontinuance of the actions establishing junior colleges throughout the Church.
President Moyle said he would like to make that motion, which he did, and which was seconded by Brother Packer. This motion was unanimously approved.
Minutes by Joseph Anderson”
Wed., 6 Mar. 1963:
“6:00 a.m.
Junior Colleges – Reconsideration of Program for
As I entered the Lobby of the Hotel Utah, I found President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University waiting for me. He said he had not slept all night because of the message he had received from Brother Boyd K. Packer regarding a reconsideration of the Junior College Program of the Church.
He said that Brother Packer had informed him by telephone that President Joseph Fielding Smith had delegated him to deliver the message he had prepared on Junior Colleges, and that Brother Packer said that the matter is to come up today at the meeting of the Board of Education and Board of Trustees, and that he (Brother Wilkinson) should bring the matter up. President Wilkinson said he would rather have time to look it over, and I agreed that he should have time to look it over, and I agreed that he should have time to consider that matter, and that it would not be brought up at the meeting today. I said that everything stands still until President Wilkinson gives a report. I reported my interview with President Wilkinson later to my counselors.
Thurs., 7 Mar. 1963:
“10:00 a.m.
Council Meeting
For the first time for several months, we met in the Salt Lake Temple for our regular weekly meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve.
We then took up the regular order of business. Among items take up were:
Seminary, Institute and BYU Personnel – Interviewing of
It was reported to the Council that the Council of Twelve in giving consideration to the matter of interviewing prospective seminary instructors felt to recommend that all General Authorities who are qualified to interview and set apart stake presidents and bishops be authorized to interview these prospective seminary instructors.
I stated that we are about to launch a new era, and the success of our seminaries and institutes will depend almost wholly upon the man who directs the seminary or institute. I said that we would have to have stronger men right from the top down if we are going to make a success of this plan. I said that I think we should make the requirements for seminary and institute teachers more stringent and that more emphasis should be placed upon the nature of the men to be chosen.
After some discussion of the matter, it became the sentiment of the Council, on motion duly made, seconded and approved, that the interviewing of these brethren be limited to the members of the Board of Education. This will also apply to the matter of interviewing prospective members of the faculty of the Brigham Young University.
Mon., 11 Mar. 1963:
“7:30 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson came in by appointment at my request. I informed him of the meeting held by the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education on March 5, and of the decision that had been made regarding Junior Colleges.
A complete report of my conference with President Wilkinson is given in the memorandum which follows. President Wilkinson also handed to me a confidential letter expressing his feelings regarding the action taken by the Executive Committee. (see following memorandum and letter, also see March 5, 1963, for meeting of Executive Committee on this matter.)
Monday, March 11, 1963
March 12, 1963
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE OF ERNEST L. WILKINSON WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY ON MARCH 11, 1963 AT 7:30 A.M.
President McKay had phoned me the day before asking me to see him at 7:30 a.m.
1. At the meeting President McKay informed me that the Executive Committee had met with the First Presidency on March 5 at which time the Executive Committee presented some minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held on March 1. President McKay informed me that he then asked whether I knew of the meeting that had been held on March 1 and of the meeting that was being held then (March 5) and was told that I had not. He then requested President Smith to get to me a copy of Brother Packer’s letter and also a copy of the minutes of the meeting of March 1 together with any other pertinent information.
I informed President McKay that the afternoon of March 5 Brother Packer had telephoned me telling me that he had been instructed to get this information to me and later in the day it was delivered to me at the Brigham Young University. As to this information, I informed President McKay that the minutes of the first meeting were inaccurate in that they recorded that the decision arrived at was the unanimous decision of the Executive Committee when as a matter of fact I was on that Committee and had not even been notified of the meeting.
I also informed him that the letter of Brother Packer conveyed certain erroneous impressions; that he, for instance, said the cost of education at the B.Y.U. per student was $875 per year as compared with $77 for an institute student. The impression conveyed was that it would cost $875 a year for the education of students in a junior college, whereas estimates are that a junior college education can be furnished for around $500.
2. I recalled to President McKay that at the meeting of the Board of Education held on March 6 Brother Packer had wanted to discuss the action taken by the Executive Committee and the First Presidency on March 5 but that President McKay had informed them that he had an understanding with me that the matter would be brought up when I was ready to discuss it. I informed President McKay that I had had a subsequent talk with Brother Packer who had asked me if President McKay had informed me of the resolution that was passed in the meeting the Executive Committee had had with the First Presidency on March 5 and that I had told Brother Packer I knew nothing about that. Thereupon President McKay showed me a draft of the minutes of that meeting, which I hurriedly read. As I recall the minutes, the resolution or motion that was finally adopted was one to the effect that it would be recommended to the Board of Education that the junior college program be abandoned. I do not recall now whether under these minutes this was to be a permanent decision for the future or whether it was a temporary decision occasioned by the financial situation of the Church. I am asking President McKay for a copy of these minute so that I may study them more carefully.
3. President McKay again informed me that the action taken at the meeting with the First Presidency on March 5 would be taken up with the Board of Education at my discretion — when I was ready to take it up.
4. President McKay informed me that the Church felt that it was necessary to enlarge the elementary school program in Mexico and also to extend it to a number of countries in South America. He said that he would like me to have direct charge of this program rather than Brother Berrett. I have since written President McKay pointing out that Brother Berrett has had nothing to do with our schools in Mexico and would have nothing to do with the schools in South America.
5. President McKay raised the question of Brother Berrett’s continued supervision of institutes and seminaries. He said he wanted the best man in the Church for this work and I asked him if he had anyone in mind. He said he did not. I told President McKay that every complaint that I had heard against Brother Berrett had, upon investigation, turned out to have no basis. In the light of President McKay’s desire, I am to think this matter over and then have a further conference with him.
6. President McKay informed me that one of the great functions of the B.Y.U. in the future would be to prepare institute and seminary teachers.
7. I reported to President McKay that I was having some administrative problems because a number of General Authorities were going direct to faculty members with respect to certain projects and other services which it was desired that these faculty members render. I reminded him that I had had an understanding that all minutes of this kind should be handled through me as administrator. He agreed that all communications to the faculty should be handled through me and asked me to write him a letter so that he could take the matter up with the General Authorities.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
Monday, March 11, 1963
March 11, 1963
CONFIDENTIAL
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Conference With You Today
Dear President McKay:
I want to express my deep appreciation for your kindness in inviting me to a conference this morning and for candidly telling me of the present situation.
As a result of that conference there are three matters I should now comment upon.
1. You informed me that the Church felt it was necessary to establish more elementary schools in Mexico and also elementary schools in a number of countries in South America. You also suggested that you would like me to be in direct charge of these schools rather than Brother Berrett. This, of course, will be done. As a matter of fact, Brother Berrett even at the present time has nothing to do with our schools in Mexico. I supervise them with the assistance of others, working in close cooperation with Elder Marion G. Romney.
2. You were kind enough to let me see a draft of the minutes of the Executive Committee with the First Presidency of March 5. May I have a copy of them so that I may be well prepared for my presentation? They will be treated in confidence. You will recall that so as not to trespass on your time and because I had to get to Springville High School to address the student body that I read them very hurriedly.
3. I note from the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee of March 1, 1963, that ‘additional information was introduced with reference to the financial involvements should the Church embark on the proposed Junior College Programs.’ I assume this ‘additional information’ was presented by Elder Packer. Will you be kind enough to ask Brother Packer to make this information available to me also? This is the only fair procedure since all of my material will be available to all of the brethren.
When I think through further the matters that you discussed with me this morning, I will ask for another conference with you and would be grateful if you would be kind enough to grant my request.
Faithfully your brother,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh
P.S. Herewith is a memorandum of our conference of yesterday.”
Fri., 12 Apr. 1963:
“11:00 a.m.
BYU Meeting – Regarding Utah Education Association
Held a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University to consider the request of the Utah Education Association that the Brigham Young University encourage its students who are going into education to refrain from entering into individual contracts with school boards in this State, and to give powers of attorney to local teachers’ associations so that if the present ‘controversy over school finance has not been satisfactorily resolved ‘from the standpoint of the UEA, teachers may refuse en masse to enter ‘into the actual performance of duties until negotiations between the local education association and schools districts have come to a satisfactory conclusion.’
At 3:30 p.m. that same day we held a meeting with the following:
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU; Royden Derrick, Executive Committee, University of Utah; Wilford M. Burton, Executive Committee, University of Utah; Leland B. Flint, Board of Trustees University of Utah; Henry Hurren, Executive Committee, Utah State University; and Alma Sonne, Chairman of the Board, Utah State University.
Public statements were issued by these schools in criticism of the UEA action, particularly of the letter they had written to Utah teacher-training institutions asking them to support the UEA by informing teacher trainees of the situation and advising them to sign only conditional contracts, and to turn their bargaining rights over to local UEA units.
It was decided that a public statement be issued protesting such actions by the UEA. (see newspaper clippings following, also letter from Clyde Sandgren of the BYU).
Friday, April 12, 1963
April 10, 1963
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
Pursuant to your authorization, I am today sending notices to all members of the BYU Board of Trustees that we will hold a special meeting of said Board at 10:00 a.m. on Friday of this week, April 12.
At the suggestion of President Wilkinson, I am informing the Brethren that the meeting will last approximately one-half hour and will deal with the request by Utah Education Association that BYU encourage its students who are going into education to refrain from entering into individual contracts with school boards in this state and to give powers of attorney to local teachers’ associations so that if the present ‘controversy over school finance has not been satisfactorily resolved’ from the standpoint of UEA, teachers may refuse en masse to enter ‘into the actual performance of duties until negotiations between the local education association and school districts have come to a satisfactory conclusion.’
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely your brother,
Clyde D. Sandgren
Vice-President and General Counsel
CDS:er”
Mon., 3 June 1963:
Monday, June 3, 1963
February 14, 1963
(Dictated February 13)
Feb. 14, 1963
President McKay made appointment to meet this man
Friday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. However, Clyde
Sandgren called him in Tucson, Arizona where he
was attending a luncheon, and Mr. Anderson said
he could not make it to Salt Lake tomorrow, and that
he would like to see Pres. McKay at a later date. Clare
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Guy Anderson of Safford, Arizona
Dear President McKay:
Brother Guy Anderson of Safford, Arizona, has given to this university mining property adjoining and intruding into the Phelps-Dodge Mining operations in Arizona, which Brother Anderson thinks may be worth several hundred million dollars. He thinks it will make the Brigham Young University the wealthiest university in the country.
There is, of course, no way of knowing whether Brother Anderson’s enthusiasm will materialize into the facts which he claims, but there is no question in my mind but what his property is worth several million dollars.
Brother Anderson was a great follower of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. and whenever he came to Utah during President Clarks’ lifetime he called on President Clark and always got inspiration and encouragement to give to the B.Y.U.
In this respect he has other mining property that is every bit as valuable as that he has given to the B.Y.U.
Brother Anderson will be in Utah this coming Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately I am compelled to be in New York at that time. I write, however, to inquire if you would have a few moments of time on either Friday or Saturday whereby Brother Anderson could call on you and you could express your appreciation for what he is doing and give him further encouragement. A word from you would mean more to him than anything else in this world and might mean a gift worth millions of dollars to the Brigham Young University and the Church School System.
I am asking Brother Sandgren to get in touch with your office and see if arrangements for this can be made.
Faithfully yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh”
Wed., 5 June 1963:
“8:20 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson came in to discuss the Junior College question, election of members of the Executive Committees of the Board of Education and Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University, and the request of the John Birch Society to have free time on KSL’s Public Pulse program.
Wednesday, June 5, 1963
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE HELD WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY AT 8:25 A.M. ON JUNE 5, 1963.
The following business was transacted:
1. President McKay agreed with the suggestion of the Budget Committee that it would be desirable to have a special meeting of the Board of Education to discuss the entire junior college program question, immediately after the General Authorities are through visiting their quarterly conferences in June. By that time all the General Authorities would be free from the daily assignments that they have during the balance of the year.
(In accordance with this decision of President McKay, I have written requesting that this meeting be held at 7:00 a.m. on July 2.)
2. In behalf of Arch Madsen of KSL, I informed the President that the John Birch Society had asked for one hour of free time on Public Pulse. The President said he thought that this time should be given to them and that if any reputable organization wanted time to refute the presentation they should be given equal time.
3. I informed the President that at the meeting of the Board of Trustees and Board of Education to be held at 10:00 a.m. that day, the question would arise as to who should be appointed to the respective Executive Committees for the coming year. The President decided that I should present the list of the present members of the Executive Committees and he would recommend that they be re-elected for the coming year.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:lh”
Wed., 26 June 1963:
“Commissioner Cannon then withdrew from the meeting, and President Ernest L. Wilkinson came into the meeting. We talked about Dr. Hugh Nibley’s research opportunities and asked if some of his time could be released from class work to devote to research and for report to the First Presidency. I asked President Wilkinson to find out what Dr. Nibley can do while he is kept in the ancient language department.
President Wilkinson was informed that Ernest J. Wilkins will receive allowance of a Mission President and will not be on the Brigham Young Univeristy payroll. This new Language Training Mission is unique and will need cooperation of the University for housing of missionary students, for food service, and for association with the Department of Languages.
Among other matters taken up by President Wilkinson was the fact that summer school attendance at the BYU has increased 15 per cent, this number in spite of the threat of some teachers organizations to boycott the summer school on account of President Wilkinson’s statement criticizing the position of the Utah Education Association in the teachers contracts matter.”
Thurs., 17 Oct. 1963:
“7:30 a.m.
Ernest L. Wilkinson, and Advisability of His Running for Position of U.S. Senator.
Arrived at the office. Met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU. We discussed the advisability of his running for the U.S. Senate. I said that I think it would be better for him to make further investigation to see what his possibilities are in this respect; that if he gets the nomination, then he should accept with the understanding that he will keep his present position at the Brigham Young University if he does not win the election.
President Wilkins also discussed matters pertaining to the Deseret News. I asked my secretary to keep a reminder for me of the name of Earl Hawkes, General Manager of the Boston American newspaper, as one who will make a good editor for the Deseret News.”
Wed., 20 Nov. 1963:
“Junior Colleges – Policy Regarding
President Tanner asked if we were prepared to announce a policy regarding Junior Colleges. Attention was called to a statement in the Salt Lake Tribune this morning in which President Wilkinson is reported to have announced that we still intend to build a college on the Forest Dale golf course property. I said I think we should make no statement at the present time, and expressed the feeling that Salt Lake is not a good place to build a Junior College.
Thurs., 21 Nov. 1963:
“At 8:30 a.m., I had my counselors come over to the apartment so that we could hold the usual First Presidency’s meeting. Among the matters considered were the following:
Brigham Young University – President Ernest L. Wilkinson’s Senatorial Ambitions
President Brown reported that he was informed by Brother Stapley that President Ernest L. Wilkinson notified the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University Board of Trustees yesterday that he intends to seek the nomination for Senator from Utah. It was reported that all of the Brethren of the Committee were unanimous, with the exception of Brother Lee who was not present, that Brother Wilkinson should not seek this office. The Committee is asking whether we should interfere with his ambitions or if we should seek a new President of the BYU in case he does enter the campaign. I said that I think President Wilkinson should remain as President of the Brigham Young University while he is seeking the nomination, and if he gets the nomination then we can consider finding a successor. If he is not elected, then he should continue at the school.
Tues., 3 Dec. 1963:
“11:00 a.m.
I asked Clare to come over to the apartment. She brought letters and other matters to my attention. I handed her the proof of the original Christmas card, and told her to order 1,500, which will be sent to Stake and Mission authorities, General Authorities, and friends. I told Clare, who had suggested and arranged the first proof, that I am very pleased with it.
Brigham Young University – President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Nomination for United States Senate
Clare presented to me a letter from President Ernest L. Wilkinson dated November 27, 1963, asking for approval to announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate.
I told her to call President Wilkinson and tell him that he may go ahead with his announcement; that he may choose his campaign manager, and that Brother Harvey L. Taylor will become the acting President during his absence at the BYU. (See following letter. Also see Diary of December 13, 1963, for letter from President Wilkinson regarding this matter.)
Tuesday, December 3, 1963
November 27, 1963
Dec. 3, 1963
Permission given for Pres. Wilkinson to go
ahead with his plans to run for Senate – that he
may choose his campaign manager – that
Brother Harvey Taylor will become the acting
president during his absence.
D.O.M.
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
Pursuant to your permission and good wishes I am about to announce my candidacy for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate.
Before doing so, however, I want to make sure that this action still meets with your approval. You have supported me so fully as President of the Brigham Young University and as Chancellor of The Unified Church School System that if you as my President advised against it and urged me to continue in my present positions, gratitude and loyalty on my part would cause me to follow your advice.
In the event you have not changed your views may I have permission to announce my candidacy and terminate my two positions at my discretion sometime during the next 30 or 40 days? I do not believe it would be fair to the Church School System for me to stay on longer, for I do not under any circumstances want to use my present positions to assist in any political ambition. In this respect I learned that this last week a group of BYU students had organized to foster my candidacy. I immediately told them they could not do so. If I stay much longer, I am afraid events of that kind will occur without my knowledge, although I would be blamed therefor.
I am writing this pursuant to our understanding that in the event I am not elected to the Senate I will return to my two present positions. This arrangement contemplates an Acting President and Acting Chancellor, or some other arrangement, until the Republican Primaries next August, and if I get the nomination, until the election next November. Should you desire my suggestions in this respect I shall be pleased to give them to you.
I would have preferred to see you about this, but have not thought it was proper under the circumstances. Whatever your response, I must express my gratitude for your many kindnesses to me. Under your leadership I think we have made real progress in the Unified Church School System.
We pray constantly for your recovery, and good health for Sister McKay.
Faithfully your brother,
Ernest L. Wilkinson”
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.”
Tues., 10 Dec. 1963:
“10:00 a.m.
By appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson called at the apartment and discussed with me the arrangements to be made at the Brigham Young University while he is away from that institution seeking nomination for the United States Senate.
I told President Wilkinson to make his suggestions regarding the men who will succeed him during the period he is away. It is understood if President Wilkinson is not elected, he will return to his present positions at the school. (See letter following from President Wilkinson, giving recommendations for the men to take over during his absence.)
Tuesday, December 10, 1963
December 14, 1963
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
I appreciate very much your kindness in inviting me to your Hotel Utah office last Tuesday and the advice which you gave me. In view of your statement that you want me ‘to be United States Senator’ I have proceeded to make the following arrangements in accordance with your instructions:
1. I will announce at a time to be selected by me the termination of my services as Chancellor of the Unified Church School System and President of the Brigham Young University.
2. During the period I am running for office Harvey L. Taylor will be Acting Chancellor and Earl C. Crockett will be Acting President of Brigham Young University. William E. Berrett will continue as Administrator of Institutes and Seminaries. I enclose herewith a memorandum as to the demarcation of their respective duties.
3. I will, to the extent my time permits, continue to advise with these brethren and to coordinate their activities. The Executive Committee of the Board has asked for certain studies to be made and I have promised to have them made. I will either make a report thereon myself or have it done by others. In this respect you thought it would be proper for me to continue to present certain unfinished matters to the Executive Committees and the Board of Education or the Board of Trustees, even after I announce a termination of my services. This function could not possibly be construed to be the use of my school positions for political purposes, whereas a continuation of my present positions in public could.
4. Should I be successful in being elected a United States Senator the First Presidency will proceed to appoint my permanent successor. Should I not be elected, I will return to my present positions.
Again may I express my deep appreciation for the kind and constant support you have given me over the nearly 13 years I have served as President of Brigham Young University and the 10 years as Chancellor. I pray that the blessings of the Lord will continue with you and Sister McKay.
Faithfully yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW:jh
Enclosure
Tuesday, December 10, 1963
December 14, 1963
Harvey L. Taylor
Earl C. Crockett
William E. Berrett
Clyde B. Sandgren
Re: Termination of My Services at BYU
When and if I announce termination of my services as Chancellor of the Church School System and President of Brigham Young University, President McKay has asked that the following individuals assume the following duties.
1. Harvey L. Taylor will become acting Chancellor of the Unified Church School System subject to the following limitations.
2. Earl C. Crockett will become acting President of the Brigham Young University.
3. William E. Berrett will continue as Administrator of Institutes and Seminaries.
4. To the extent my time permits, I will continue to advise with the above and to coordinate their activities.
5. For the purpose of presenting matters to the Board of Education and the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of each of these boards, it is suggested that the following matters be presented by the following persons:
(a) Matters pertaining to Ricks College, the junior colleges, institutes and seminaries, Juarez Academy, and the Church schools in Mexico, and other general matters pertaining to the Unified Church School System shall be presented by Brother Harvey L. Taylor. He should not hesitate to use the services of Brother Berrett for this purpose as much as he desires.
(b) Matters pertaining to the Brigham Young University shall be presented by Brother Crockett.
(c) I am sure that Brother Sandgren will be a great help to both Brothers Taylor and Crockett and his advice and services should be availed of by them.
6. Because the Administrative Council legislates for all segments of the Church School System, I suggest that on all matters of the Church School System outside of the Brigham Young University that Brother Taylor preside, and that on all matters pertaining to Brigham Young University that Brother Crockett preside.
The above, as you will note, contemplates more of a separation of functions between the Chancellor and the President than has been true when I have filled both positions, but President McKay hopes that the two of you will be able to be in harmony as to your ultimate decisions.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW;jh”
Tues., 17 Dec. 1963:
“Brigham Young University – President and Church Chancellor
President Tanner reported that the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the BYU had called on the First Presidency regarding the administration of the University in the absence of President Ernest L. Wilkinson. President Wilkinson now holds the dual position as President of the BYU and Chancellor of the Church Unified School System. The Committee recommends that Brother Harvey L. Taylor be made the Acting Chancellor of Church education and Brother Earl Crockett the Acting Presiding of the BYU. I mentioned that President Wilkinson had presented this same proposition to me. The Brethren were agreed that this would be a very satisfactory arrangement.”
Fri., 3 Jan. 1964:
“10:30 to 12:00 Noon
Conference with my secretary, Clare. She brought many letters for me to sign — others handed to me were letters of appreciation for Christmas remembrances, and congratulatory letters and telegrams for our sixty-third wedding anniversary. I dictated notes and letters in answer to a number of these.
Brigham Young University – Dr. John Bernhard for Campaign Manager for President Ernest L. Wilkinson
One letter Clare presented to me was from President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University, who asked if he could approach Dr. John Bernhard, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the BYU to become his campaign manager for his candidacy for the Republican nomination of United States Senator. This will necessitate Dr. Bernhard’s taking a Sabbatical Leave, which he has practically earned, or a leave without pay. By doing this, he would be away from the Campus, so there could be no valid criticism of his political activity. President Joseph Fielding Smith, Chairman of the Brigham Young University Executive Committee, has no objection to Dr. Bernhard’s accepting this leave of absence.
I instructed Clare to tell President Wilkinson that he may ask Dr. Bernhard to accept the responsibility to direct President Wilkinson’s campaign, and that he may take his Sabbatical Leave in order to do so.
Thurs., 9 Jan. 1963:
12:15 p.m.
Returned to the apartment, where I rested most of the afternoon.
Brigham Young University – Announcement of Ernest L. Wilkinson’s Resignation as President (see newspaper clippings following.)”
Fri., 24 Jan. 1963:
“Brigham Young University – Unified Church School System
There was read to me excerpts from the minutes of the Executive Committee of the Unified Church School System and Brigham Young University held January 17, 1964, concerning the situation created by the resignation of Ernest L. Wilkinson as Chancellor of the Unified Church School System and as President of the Brigham Young University, and the appointment of Harvey L. Taylor as Acting Chancellor of the Unified Church School System, and Earl C. Crockett as Acting President of the Brigham Young University. It was moved that President Wilkinson be advised that he is relieved of all responsibility in connection with his former offices, and that Acting Chancellor Taylor be given responsibility for the overall direction of Brigham Young University, Ricks College, the LDS Business College, Juarez Academy, and other Church schools in Mexico, the various seminaries and institutes, and any other facilities included in the Unified Church School System, and that the executives of these various institutions serve under his direction, he to be responsible to the Church Board of Education and its Executive Committee until such time as a Chancellor is appointed and a President of the Brigham Young University is named, or until the Board amends this action. This was approved by the Committee.
Presidents Brown and Tanner explained that the committee feel that Brother Harvey Taylor should be the Acting Chancellor of the entire Church School System, including the Brigham Young University, and that Brother Earl C. Crockett as Acting President of the Brigham Young University would be working under him. They reported that President Wilkinson, under date of December 14, 1963, had sent a memorandum to Harvey L. Taylor, Earl C. Crockett, William E. Berrett, and Clyde Sandgren, regarding the termination of his services at the BYU and stating that I had asked that individuals whom he named in the letter assume duties indicated by him in his letter. President Brown then read a letter addressed to Harvey Taylor by President Wilkinson dated January 8, in which he set forth the functions of Brother Taylor as Acting Chancellor and the functions of Brother Earl C. Crockett as Acting President of the BYU. President Brown said that the committee feel it should be clearly understood that the Chancellor of the Unified Church School System, Brother Taylor, should have jurisdiction such as the title indicates, that he is the Chancellor of the whole system, including the Brigham Young University, Ricks College, the LDS Business College, Juarez Academy, etc., except of course South Pacific, which is a thing apart.
President Brown also mentioned that President Wilkinson has made the statement that to the extent that his time permits he would continue to advise with the Acting Chancellor and Acting President relative to the coordinating of their activities. The committee did not feel that it was desirable that President Wilkinson pursue that course while he is engaged in his campaign work because that would seem to negate what his resignation implies. It was decided to ask the committee to notify Acting Chancellor Harvey L. Taylor and Acting President Earl C. Crockett of their responsibilities to which they have been appointed, the committee also to notify President Wilkinson of this decision.
Mention was made of the fact that President Wilkins had granted to one of the deans of the college, John T. Bernhard, a leave of absence from the BYU to give his full time to Brother Wilkinson’s campaign. It appears that this matter had not been brought to the attention of the Board or the executive committee. (See diary of January 3, 1964, for President McKay’s and President Smith’s approval of this.)
Wed., 29 Jan. 1964:
Brigham Young University – President Wilkinson’s Relation to Church School Positions
President Brown mentioned that the Executive Committee of the Board of Education had been requested to notify Harvey L. Taylor, Acting Chancellor of the Unified Church School System, and Earl C. Crockett, Acting President of the Brigham Young University, of their appointments and responsibilities in connection with their new assignments. In this connection Elder Lee had suggested that the First Presidency notify President Wilkinson of the situation rather than have the Executive Committee do so. The Brethren discussed the matter of members of the President serving on Bank Boards. President Brown had accepted a directorship on the Board of Zions First National Bank, which he said he understood was at the suggestion of me. President Brown is also a director of the Beehive State Bank. President Tanner said he withdrew his membership on the Board of the Beehive State Bank, thinking it inadvisable for two of the counselors of the First Presidency to be on the same bank board. This, of course, he said would be quite different where the Church owned the company as is the case with the Beneficial Life and Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, and as was the case formerly with Zions First National Bank. I said the matter would be held in abeyance. President Brown’s appointment on Zions First National Bank Board was at the request of Leland B. Flint, who called on me and asked for permission to ask President Brown. (See dairy of Friday, January 24, 1964.)
Tues., 4 Feb. 1964:
Brigham Young University – Ernest L. Wilkinson’s Position During His Political Activities
I reported that I had spoken to President Ernest L. Wilkinson over the telephone suggesting that he have nothing whatever to do with the Brigham Young University while he is seeking the nomination for U.S. Senator from Utah. In this connection President Brown mentioned that President Wilkinson is still occupying the president’s office, that the acting president, Brother Crockett, needs the office to carry on his work, and that Brother Wilkinson could very well use the president’s home as his office if he desired. It was also mentioned that with my permission Presidents Brown and Tanner had written a letter to President Wilkinson quoting that section of the resolution of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees that he should have nothing whatever to do with the BYU during his campaign.”
Thurs., 6 Feb. 1964:
Wilkinson, Ernest L. – Retirement from Deseret News Board
A letter was read from President Ernest L. Wilkinson addressed to the Chairman of the Board of the Deseret News tendering his resignation as a member of the board on account of his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. The question was discussed as to whether or not Brother Wilkinson’s resignation should be accepted, and it was our sentiment that it was proper that he should be relieved of his membership on the Deseret News Board during his senatorial campaign.
Wed., 4 Mar. 1964:
12:20 p.m.
Brother Clyde Sandgren of the Brigham Young University came in with some legal papers pertaining to the Nibley Park property, and asked me to put my signature to them. This property was purchased by the Church for the BYU to be used for the erection of a Junior College. Brother Sandgren said that the golf course will be leased to the City for $4,000 — the first time we shall be getting any money out of the property.
Tues., 26 May 1964:
“Brigham Young University – Editorial in ‘Universe’ Regarding John Birch Society
Called President Earl C. Crockett and asked him to call in Professor Louis Midgley of the Political Science Department and ask him why he should have written the editorial ‘Birch Society Reviewed’ for ten thousand students to read. I said that it was very unfortunate that he had written such an editorial; that this matter of the John Birch Society should be dropped, and that it is not to be discussed in the classroom.
Later, President Crockett sent a letter giving a report of his interview with Professor Midgley. (See following editorial and copy of President Crockett’s letter and my answer thereto.)
Tuesday, May 26, 1964
Friday, May 22, 1964
DAILY UNIVERSE
THE VOICE OF THE BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
BIRCH SOCIETY REVIEWED BY PROF. LOUIS MIDGLEY
By Louis Midgley
I have been asked by the Editor at the Daily Universe to make some comments on the John Birch Society. It is difficult to believe that anyone at a university — anyone who reads books and thinks — would take such a movement seriously. It is shocking to realize that it is necessary to discuss seriously the Welch-Birch business with students at the BYU. It is, however, something necessary to do so.
I feel that the most appropriate approach to the Birchers is to let the so-called ‘conservative’ reply to them. Barry Goldwater, once the darling of Robert Welch and his followers, has done just that.
Goldwater had read into the Congressional Record on Oct. 1, 1963, the following speech by Gerald J. Skibbins. Goldwater specifically stated that he was ‘in agreement with the remarks’ by Skibbins – that being the reason he had them placed in the record.
Skibbins said in part: ‘Many Americans squirm when they hear the label ‘conservative because they think of pre-World War II isolationism, John Birch Society members, American Firsters, segregationists, Ku Klux Klansmen, and many other little groups who feel that freedom means an extra-legal hunting or hat license rather than a responsible privilege held under law.
Let us look honestly at the so-called radical right. First, it is not radical at all. Most of its elements either believe in the ancient rule of force outside the law, or else they merely reflect an ignorant unawareness of their world.
As our society grows more complex and changes before our eyes each day, many citizens – especially those who cannot easily change with the times, or who possess little breadth of human understanding – lose their living courage and succumb to fear. Fear always seeks a scapegoat, and rather than see themselves in the mirror for what they are, these people exonerate themselves by finding something or someone to hate.
In the past, this element of fear in our American society has burned witches in Puritan times, held African natives in contempt as slaves and sold them as farm animals, shot American Presidents, hated all foreigners, attacked Wall Street barons in the 1930’s, screamed Communist at those who sought new ideas; and today it hates the U.N., big business, the Federal Government, and all taxes.
These attacks are actually psychotic projections of people who fear that their world is slipping away forever. This is understandable but unforgivable human error is called reactionaryism and it exists on the far right just as much as it does on the far left.
It is quite common to hear that a politician is opposed to the tactics or the methods of the Welch-Birch but not to the goals the society seeks. Welch claims that he is simply attacking communism and defending the constitution, however there is no evidence that he is really interested in either.
He and many of his followers seem unaware of what actually constitutes either the American constitution or the threat of communism.
The Welch-Birchers feel that the constitution was written by Sam Adams or Patrick Henry- that being the level of their historical understanding. And their interest in fighting communism is best illustrated by the charges against Eisenhower and their hatred of Polish hams.
The man who wrote the Politician did so to inform his followers that former President Eisenhower was a communist. Of course he provides no evidence but the usual collection garbage. For absurdity, the charge against Ike would have to be placed next to the belief, as far as I know, held by no one, that President McKay is secretly a Catholic.
What Welch-Birch really wants is to return to a world without taxes, the U.N., labor unions, racial minorities demanding some kind of legal equality; Birchers want a world without foridation, the Soviet Union, large cities and emerging nations and all the rest that goes with our world.
They view the entire course of recent history as a conspiracy against the Truth. Their proposed solutions to problems involve the denial of reality; they feel that if we could only get rid of some evil persons who have caused all our troubles the world would be unambiguously good.
Further, they propose to use evil to fight evil. If the Communists have a certain tactic, then the only possible reply is to copy them wholesale. There morality is simply the old notion that the end justifies the means; any stick to beat the devil.
It is little wonder that the First Presidency has taken steps to warn Church members not to try to align the Church or its leadership with the partisan views of the Welch-Birch or any similar monstrosity.
Of course, everyone is free to do as he pleases with respect to the Birch Society. This is a kind of freedom that one suspects the Welch-Birchers do not understand.
Daily Universe – Friday, May 22, 1964
Tuesday, May 26, 1964
June 2, 1964
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Birch Society Article by Brother Louis Midgley,
Daily Universe, May 22, 1964.
Dear President McKay:
I had a long talk with Brother Midgley, pointing out the following serious errors in his article on the John Birch Society:
1. He demonstrated personal hatred and intolerance in his article —
the very traits he alleged as being defects of members of the Birch
Society.
2. He practiced name calling and ridicule in a most unscientific and
unchristian manner.
3. He pretended to know the attitude of the First Presidency toward
the Society, expressing what he purported to be the First Presidency’s
advice and counsel on the subject.
This latter error in his article I consider to be particularly inexcusable and told him so.
Brother Midgley expressed keen regret and sorrow for his mistaken indiscretions and poor judgment. He assured me that he would not allow something like this to happen again; that it sorrowed him the Church and school were embarrassed because of his article.
One thing which could be done is to make a retraction in the student newspaper. It will not be published again, however, until Summer School begins in two weeks and then the student body members will be quite different. Moreover, this follow-up article, even though a retraction, might merely keep the issue alive in the minds of readers.
If you have other suggestions, I shall appreciate receiving them, as my sole desire is to cooperate completely with your wishes. I am instructing the faculty advisor on the Universe that no good purpose will be accomplished in the future by allowing articles in the newspaper on the subject of the Birch Society.
Sincerely and faithfully,
Earl C. Crockett
ECC:lh
Tuesday, May 26, 1964
June 4, 1964
Dr. Earl C. Crockett, Acting President
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Dear Brother Crockett:
Thank you for your letter of June 2, 1964, giving a report on your interview with Brother Louis Midgley regarding his editorial in the ‘Daily Universe’ May 22, 1964.
I thank you for your thorough attention to this matter, and am pleased to know that you have instructed the faculty advisor on the ‘Universe’ that ‘no good purpose will be accomplished in the future by allowing articles in the newspaper on the subject of the Birch Society.’
It would be well for faculty members to hold no discussions whatsoever on the John Birch Society, and to drop the matter entirely.
With kind personal regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
(President)”
Thurs., 28 May 1964:
“8:10 a.m.
Was engaged in considering general Church matters with President Tanner. Among matters discussed were:
Junior Colleges – Offer for Anaheim, California Junior College Property
President Tanner presented information about an offer to purchase the Anaheim Junior College property of 340 acres for which $4,180,000 is offered. He explained that Brother McClure of the real estate division of the Building Department received the offer. Brother Mendenhall expressed the opinion that the property could be sold for $5,000,000. I said the First Presidency has responsibility to decide whether or not this property should be sold, and the question should be considered with the decision on Junior Colleges whether this property and the property owned in Phoenix, Arizona may be needed for Junior Colleges. I commented upon the BYU enrollment approaching 15,000.
President Tanner said that when he was in Phoenix he met President G. Homer Durham of Arizona State University who showed him the property purchased for the Junior College in Phoenix, and explained that the people are now talking about building a multi-stake center on this property.
I said the Church is obligated to have some Junior Colleges, and probably one should be at Phoenix.
President Tanner reviewed that he had asked President Durham what the obligation of the Church is, and President Durham explained that people earlier had inquired if a Junior College is to be built but that this inquiry had quieted down. President Durham said he thought the land could not be sold to gain a speculative profit but that the people would not be critical if a multi-stake center is built on it. I said we must take up this as one of our obligations, and that Anaheim is another. President Tanner said, ‘We shall just hold this for the time being,’ and I said that we cannot put it off much longer, that we must decide.”
Tues., 2 June 1964:
10:00 a.m.
Returned to my private office where I held consultation with –
1) Junior Colleges – Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson on Junior Colleges — the need to go ahead with new colleges inasmuch as the Brigham Young University now has 15,000 students, and that next year the number might be increased to 18,000 which they cannot handle.
I asked Dr. Wilkinson to take the matter up with President Joseph Fielding Smith, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Unified School System.”
Wed., 1 July 1964:
“10:20 a.m.
Forest Dale Property – Board of Trustees Meeting and Editorial
President Brown came in to see if I intended to come into the Board of Trustees meeting of the Brigham Young University. I told him that I would not go in, for him to go ahead. He then asked about the Forest Dale Junior College property, and the City’s desire to re-purchase the property from the Church, and the accusation that is being made by Lorenzo E. Ellgren that the transaction which was made is an injustice to the citizens.
I told President Brown to say nothing about it at the present time.
Later, President Tanner came into my private office, he having left the meeting of the Board of Trustees, and said that the members of the Board do not want President Wilkinson’s statement explaining the transaction which was made by the Brigham Young University with the City Commission for the Forest Dale property for a Junior College to go into the newspapers as a statement from the First Presidency. I told President Tanner that we would say nothing about it in the meeting today; that I had already mentioned this to President Brown.
I, therefore, instructed Henry Smith of the Deseret News, who was in the secretary’s office waiting for the statement, to come in, and after discussing the matter with him, I told him to have an editorial written on the matter, and thus avoid the First Presidency’s getting into the controversy. The editorial was written and appeared in the Deseret News the following evening. (See editorial following.)”
Tues., 14 July 1964:
“11:30 a.m.
Received a telephone call from President Ernest L. Wilkinson, who is attending the Republican Convention in San Francisco. He said that he had learned that Sherman Lloyd who is running against him for the Senate, is claiming that he has my backing and that the Church is not supporting him (Wilkinson), and that he has a letter to that effect. Lloyd had allegedly told Leland B. Flint this. President Wilkinson then said that he has meticulously avoided bringing the Church into his campaign.
I told President Wilkinson that I have not seen Lloyd; that I have not written to him, nor am I backing him; that his claims are entirely false.”
Sat., 31 Oct. 1964:
“10:30 a.m.
Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson came to the apartment and reported about a scurrilous letter referring to his attitude as President of the Brigham Young University on Federal Aid to Education that is being circulated by his opponents, which involves the integrity of the Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University as well as Dr. Wilkinson.
A statement regarding this matter will be published in the newspapers Monday.”
Sun., 1 Nov. 1964:
“10:30 a.m.
According to appointment, Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson called on me at the office in our apartment at the Hotel Utah. He reported that within the past few days a very unfortunate and scurrilous attack has been made on him by his political opponents; that an anonymous letter, filled with errors, distortions and innuendos, is now being circulated, which has caused the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make an investigation of the charges that are being made against him. Since this attack impugns the motives and objectives of the Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University, as well as those of Dr. Wilkinson, the former President of the school, Dr. Wilkinson recommends that I issue a statement concerning this matter in order to correct the impressions that have been given.
I told Brother Wilkinson that I shall gladly sign a statement correcting these untruths, and that I shall see that it is published in tomorrow’s newspapers. (See Monday, November 2, 1964, for newspaper clippings regarding this.)
Dr. Wilkinson then reported that he had just been informed that the entire editorial staff of the ‘Y’ Universe (the BYU student newspaper) had decided that in Monday’s edition of the paper they would unanimously endorse Dr. Wilkinson for the office of United States Senator in view of the contributions he has made to the BYU, which they had listed in a carefully-prepared statement.
Wanting to make sure that there would be no objection to this statement, they took it to President Earl C. Crockett, who in turn presented it to President Hugh B. Brown. President Brown informed them that it was the policy of all Church newspapers never to endorse any candidate for office, and he considered the student newspaper to be a Church newspaper for this purpose, and that they should not run this endorsement. Brother Wilkinson said that President Brown may be correct in making this deduction, but on the other hand, he could see a great difference between the expression of opinion by the editors of a school newspaper and any form of declaration by the Deseret News or the First Presidency.
I made no commitment to Brother Wilkinson on this matter, but felt that there would be no objection to the students expressing their preference for their former President if they desired to do so; however, the school paper had already gone to press before I had an opportunity to talk to President Crockett about it, so this matter was not corrected.”
Mon., 2 Nov. 1964:
“Telephoned to my secretary, Clare Middlemiss, and told her of Dr. Wilkinson’s visit with me yesterday at which time he reported the scurrilous attack made on him by his political opponents. I stated that a statement has been signed by me correcting the falsehoods appearing in the anonymous letter that has been sent out as an attack on Dr. Wilkinson. I instructed her to get in touch with Earl Hawkes, General Manager of the Deseret News, immediately and see that he follows through with the publishing of this statement in the paper today.
I also said that a revised statement regarding the people’s getting out to vote signed by the First Presidency would be re-run again in today’s papers.
9:00 a.m.
Senator Frank E. Moss, with one of his aides, came into the office in the Hotel without an appointment. He was all upset about the statement regarding the anonymous letter which is to be published. He said that he felt that the statement indicated that I was endorsing Dr., Wilkinson, and that it would ‘ruin’ him, and asked that I add the following paragraph, which he had already prepared, to the statement:
‘We know that Senator Moss had nothing to do with either the scurrilous letter or the political advertisements. Senator Moss also holds positions within the Church, and we know him to be a man of high principle and integrity. The Church neither favors nor endorses Senator Moss or Dr. Wilkinson. We are proud of both of them, and will not side with either or against either of these fine men.’
Before I could give consideration to the matter, he picked up the telephone and called Mr. Hawkes of the Deseret News and read the statement to him.
Later, after reconsidering the matter, I called Brother Hawkes of the Deseret News and revised the paragraph to read:
‘Senator Moss denies having had anything to do with either the scurrilous letter or the political advertisements. The Church neither favors nor endorses Senator Moss or Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson.'”
Fri., 6 Nov. 1964:
10:30 a.m.
Met by appointment George L. Nelson, President of the Board of Directors of the Deseret News, who stated that they would like Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson to return to the Board. I said that I would see Dr. Wilkinson at 3:00 p.m. and talk to him about the matter.
3:00 p.m.
By appointment, met Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson and talked to him about the Deseret News and Brigham Young University.”
Tues., 10 Nov. 1964:
Brigham Young University – Ernest L. Wilkinson’s Return
The Brethren brought up the matter of whether or not Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson should be invited to return to the Brigham Young University as President of that institution. I asked the counselors what they thought about permitting him to come back, and they were agreed that inasmuch as I had been promised that he could return to the Brigham Young University, we are obligated to grant him this privilege if he desired to do so. Presidents Brown and Tanner both expressed the feeling that considering his own interest it would seem that he might not wish to go back to the Brigham Young University. The Brethren were unanimous in expressing their appreciation of the fine work that he had done at the University without compensation during the past thirteen years. It was also mentioned that many of the members of the Board feel that it would be better to have a change. It was agreed that I should offer the position to him and that he has the right of refusal.”
Mon., 30 Nov. 1964:
“8:00 a.m.
By appointment at his request, met with Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson. We had a long talk regarding the Brigham Young University, and the matter of his taking over the positions of Chancellor of the Unified Church School System and President of the Brigham Young University. I told him that I should like him to resume his work, and he said that he would be very happy to take up the reigns again.
As there will be meetings of the Church Board of Education and Brigham Young University Board of Trustees next Wednesday morning, Dr. Wilkinson’s name will be presented for approval.
Wed., 2 Dec. 1964:
“9:30 a.m.
Arrived at the office. For the next hour and one-half, I met with my secretary, Clare, and went over notes which I shall use in the Board of Education and BYU Board of Trustees meeting this morning.
I read again a letter, dated November 30, 1964, signed by ten of the top professors of the Brigham Young University, conveying their feelings toward Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, and urging that he be returned to his former positions at the BYU.
10:30 to 12:50 p.m.
Announcement of Return of Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson to his Former Educational Positions of the Church
Was engaged in the Church Board of Education and BYU Board of Trustees meeting. Following the regular meetings, I made an official announcement of the return of Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson to his positions as President of the Brigham Young University and as Chancellor of the United Church School System. (For statement issued and newspaper announcements, see following.)
1:00 p.m.
Returned to the office. Written statements regarding Dr. Wilkinson’s appointments were handed to the newspapers and United Press. Also went over regular office matters.
Wednesday, December 2, 1964
November 30, 1964
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
We love you and sustain you not only as President of the Church and as our living Prophet, but also as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University.
This letter is being written with the hope that it might convey to you an indication of our feelings for Ernest L. Wilkinson.
Since the election, we have wondered about the future of Brother Wilkinson and of the future of BYU. We value very highly Dr. Wilkinson’s contributions to the growth and prestige of our University during the past thirteen years, and know how much he is respected and honored by the students and faculty.
We have been urged by some to circulate a petition among the faculty and students requesting his return, with this petition being forwarded to you. Many of us have discouraged this kind of action because we have felt that it was contrary to the spirit of the Church.
We think you should know, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, that there is a general and strong feeling on our faculty and among the students and alumni in favor of his return. He has been a great spiritual strength, a dynamic administrator, and a dedicated, hard working leader who has set a high standard of excellence and a fast pace for us to follow.
This is in no way a reflection upon those who have carried on so magnificently since Dr. Wilkinson’s resignation nearly a year ago. These brethren have served well. They deserve full commendation by the Board and by their colleagues for what they have done.
Our primary interest is to let you know that we feel strongly about President Wilkinson, and are confident that he can continue to give the same kind of vital and devoted leadership to our school which has characterized his administration in the past.
May the Lord continue to bless you as you regain your strength.
Sincerely,
Raymond E. Beckham
Wayne B. Hales
Rudger H. Walker
Ernest C. Jeppoeus
Virginia F. Cutler
A. Harold Goodman
? J. Hill
Phillip V. Christensen
Bruce L. Olsen
Milton F. Hartigsen
(top professors at BYU)
Tuesday, December 2, 1964
Proposed Statement by President McKay to the Board of Education and Board of Trustees respecting reappointment of Ernest L. Wilkinson.
I have one matter to present which I have wanted to present personally.
Last January Brother Ernest Wilkinson consulted me as to whether he should run for the U.S. Senate, stating that he would be governed entirely by my desires. I told him I wanted him in the U.S. Senate. He accordingly resigned as Chancellor of the Unified Church School System and as President of the B.Y.U.
The resignation was unconditional — it was not a leave of absence as some have inferred. When he stated during the political campaign that he had resigned he was telling the truth. However, I told him that if my desires were not satisfied — if he were not elected — we would want to reappoint him to his former positions.
Shortly after the election, in which he was defeated, I called him to my office and asked him to return to his prior positions, which I think he filled with great dedication and devotion. He considered the matter for a few weeks and has now informed me that if you brethren desire him to return he and Sister Wilkinson are willing that he do so.
I do not believe that we have ever had anyone in charge of our Church schools who has displayed the vigorous leadership of Brother Wilkinson and I think it is greatly in our interest that he return. I therefore strongly recommend that these two Boards reappoint him to his two prior positions — as Chancellor and as President. I would appreciate a motion to that effect.
After the motion has passed the following statement should be made:
Brother Wilkinson very reluctantly told me that after having served for his previous term without compensation, and after having gone through a very expensive political campaign, his finances are not in as liquid a condition as they once were and that he would not now object to a salary. Previously he has refused to accept such. I am sure we will not object to such for the future, and I will leave it to the Executive Committee to come to terms with him as to what the salary shall be.
_____________
I wish to express deep gratitude and commendation to Dr. Harvey L. Taylor who has served as Acting Chancellor of the Church School System, and to Dr. Earl C. Crockett, Acting President of the Brigham Young University. Their unselfish and devoted service during President Wilkinsons’ absence has been greatly appreciated.”
Sun., 3 Jan. 1965:
“This morning, Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came over to the apartment and discussed with me the proposed legislations for the forthcoming State legislature. He said that because of his recent political experience he is quite familiar with the proposals of the Legislature, and that he is concerned about some of them. He feels that the Right-to-Work law should not be repealed; that the State should not be authorized to engage in a heavy bonding program; and that grants to education be reasonable, but not consonant with the excessive demands of the Utah Educational Association.
It was decided that Elder Delbert L. Stapley should be asked to watch the interests of our people in these State Legislative matters in the best way he could; that the Church as such could not enter into these political matters.”
Brigham Young University – Division of Responsibility in Unified Church School System
President Tanner reported that at the meeting of the Board of the Brigham Young University and the Church Board of Education held a few days ago a recommendation was passed that President Ernest L. Wilkinson be made President of the Brigham Young University and that all the other schools be placed under the direction of Dr. Harvey L. Taylor, this action being taken subject to my approval.
President Tanner said that there were two points in regard to this matter which he thought should have consideration, one of which he discussed at the meeting mentioned. President Tanner said he expressed his feeling at the meeting that the higher education of the Church could well be placed under one administration and all the other departments under another, that there is very little relationship between Ricks College and the other schools that come under the Unified School System.
The other question that he had in mind was the timing; that when I met recently with the Board, it was decided to make Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson Chancellor of the whole system and also President of the Brigham Young University. President Tanner said that it would hardly be wise to make a division so shortly after the decision to make Brother Wilkinson Chancellor, and that the division should be made with the BYU, Ricks College and the Church College of Hawaii in one division, and the Pacific College is placed under Brother Wilkinson’s supervision, it might be necessary to release the President of the School, President Clarke.
President Tanner further mentioned that at the recent meeting of the Boards, Brother Wilkinson had said that he did not object to the proposed division, but he did think the Universities should be in one division, and the others come under another. President Tanner felt that if it were decided to make the division along these lines, this change could be made at any time.
I said that it would not do to make Brother Wilkinson President of the Brigham Young University and nothing else, and place Dr. Harvey Taylor in charge of the balance of the Church School System.
Tues., 2 Feb. 1965:
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Tuesday, February 2, 1965, in the winter home of President David O. McKay at Laguna Beach, California.
Present: President David O. McKay and President Hugh B. Brown. President N. Eldon Tanner was in Salt Lake City. The following matters were discussed:
Chancellor of Unified School System and President of BYU:
A draft letter for the signature of the First Presidency, addressed to Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, was reviewed, and a decision was reached that it should be modified and only that part which refers to the BYU sent to President Wilkinson and the balance of the letter sent to Harvey Taylor, who was appointed temporary chancellor of the Unified Church School System. It was the decision of the Brethren that the responsibility of these two offices should be divided between Dr. Wilkinson and Chancellor Taylor, that the duties and responsibilities of the BYU was sufficient for one man’s full attention. The balance of the responsibility of the Unified Church School system should be, for the time being, in the hands of Harvey Taylor until a permanent chancellor can be appointed.
Wed., 3 Feb. 1965:
“Note by CM
Announcement made of the appointment of Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson as President of the Brigham Young University and Dr. Harvey L. Taylor as Administrator of the Unified Church School System. Although the newspaper does not say so, it is the understanding of the Board that Brother Taylor’s appointment is temporary, and he is so informed.”
Mon., 19 Apr. 1965:
“8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, came in on the following matters:
1) Scurrilous letter which came out during his campaign;
2) Letter from James D. MacConnell regarding Junior Colleges;
3) Letter of First Presidency to Stake and Ward Officers on Attendance at
BYU and Institutes:
4) Lease of Forest Dale Golf Course;
5) Activities of Richard Poll and others;
6) Auto Tour of Campus;
7) Study of School System of the Church;
8) Acting President of the Church College of Hawaii;
9) Manager of Deseret News Printing Press;
10) Marion Hanks as Associate Editor of the News;
11) William Knecht as Director of Deseret News; and
12) Republican State Chairman
Monday, April 19, 1965
CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY BY ERNEST L. WILKINSON
9:30 A.M. ON APRIL 19, 1965
Pursuant to appointment and a request of President McKay that I keep him advised on certain matters, I met with him at 9:30 a.m. on April 19. The following business was transacted:
1. Scurrilous letter denouncing me during campaign.
I reported to the President that although the F.B.I. had been asked to investigate the source of the scurrilous letter written against me during the last campaign, the F.B.I. had conducted a very superficial investigation. I inquired if he would like to write a letter to President Johnson asking for a thorough investigation to be made. I told him I was not pressing the matter but merely wanted to raise it. He answered that he preferred not to write such a letter.
2. Letter from James D. MacConnell.
I called attention to the President that he had received a letter dated February 4 from James D. MacConnell, one of the partners of O’dell, MacConnell Associates in Palo Alto, urging construction of the Anaheim Junior College and that he had sent such letter to me asking me to draft a letter for his reply to Dr. MacConnell. Through Miss Middlemiss he wanted me to say that the Church had not as yet abandoned plans for the construction of a Junior College at Anaheim and that if any commitment had been made to build a Junior College it would be kept. I read the draft of letter to Dr. MacConnell to him along the lines he had indicated which he approved. This draft is attached hereto. He asked me to have Miss Middlemiss type it on regular stationery so that he could sign it and send it out. (See copy of letter following)
3. Letter of First Presidency to Stake Presidents, etc. on Attendance at B.Y.U. and Institutes.
I reminded President McKay that under date of December 28, 1964, the First Presidency had sent a letter to Presidents of Missions, Presidents of Stakes, Bishops of Wards, and Presidents of Independent Branches stating that all Latter-day Saint students of College cannot be accommodated in a Church School (B.Y.U., Ricks College or Church College of Hawaii) and that therefore ‘when a Latter-day Saint Institute of Religion is available at a nearby college, we believe that in many cases it would be wise for the student to complete his freshman year where the influence of the home could be a supportive factor.’
I informed him that after this letter went out the Brigham Young University experienced a substantial decline in student enrollment the second semester of this year and that the letter had been interpreted by many people throughout the Church as indicating that the First Presidency preferred them to send their children to Institutes rather than the B.Y.U.
I pointed out that the Priesthood Bulletin for March and April of 1965 contained the following statement; which went beyond the advice of the First Presidency:
‘In a letter dated December 28, 1965, the First Presidency
reemphasized the need of encouraging young people to attend
college. When a Latter-day Saint Institute of Religion is available
at a nearby college, they felt it wise for the student to complete his
freshman year where the influence of the home could be a supportive
factor.’
I further informed him that the Board of Trustees had approved of the B.Y.U. organizing a Counseling Center for all L.D.S.. students and suggested that it was desirable to advise Church officials of this Center.
I therefore suggested that since the original letter had been sent out by the First Presidency a clarifying letter should be sent out by them which should also tell of the Counseling Center. President McKay agreed, and requested I draft such a letter for the First Presidency. I enclose a copy of proposed letter. (See copy of approved letter following.)
4. Lease of Forest Dale Golf Course.
I presented to President McKay a lease agreement for leasing the Forest Dale Golf Course which had been purchased for a Junior College site, to the City of Salt Lake for another year. I informed him that the Board of Education was in favor of such a lease. He signed the same.
5. Richard Poll and others.
I recalled to the President that he had been very critical of Richard Poll for his critical ‘liberal’ attitude, and particularly Poll’s attack on Cleon Skousen and that he had urged me to restrain Poll and others from attacks of that nature, and if necessary to separate them from the faculty. The President recalled that Poll had been a ‘troublemaker’. I told the President that I was now attempting to put some voluntary restraints on Poll and others who had been quite liberal in their social and economic views; that I intended to let them know they could not stay at the ‘Y’ if they persisted in their critical attitude; that I merely wanted him to know and make sure that I would have his full support. The President told me to go ahead and that I would have his full support.
6. Auto Tour of Campus.
I recalled to the President that it had been several years since he had been to the B.Y.U. and that he had never seen the Campus since it was completed. I suggested that one of these bright spring days he have one of his sons or someone else drive him to Provo where he could drive over and view the entire majestic Campus which we now have; that this would not necessitate any address to the student body. The President said he would like very much to do this and I agreed I would try to interest one of his sons or someone else in arranging this trip for him.
7. Study of Church School System
I reminded the President that under date of January 4th he had written me a letter asking me to send him a report of the Committee which is at work studying the future of the Church School System; that I had drafted a letter to him but then had decided it might be better for a conference, but that several conferences with him had been cancelled because of his health.
I informed the President that I had nothing to do with this study and was not being consulted concerning it and that he should obtain his information either from Elder Harold B. Lee, who is Chairman of the Committee, or Elliot Cameron, who is the Director of the Committee. The President again asked me to write him about the same. I therefore enclosed with this memorandum a copy of the letter sent me by President McKay on January 4, 1965, and a letter which I originally drafted on January 20th but which I have held since that time.
8. Acting President, Church College of Hawaii
I reminded the President that when he had seen me several months previously he had inquired as to who might be a good president of the Church College of Hawaii. I recalled that I said at that time that I was not prepared to make a recommendation but that in view of laudatory comments he had made to me about Elder Marion Hanks he might want to consider him; further that he had asked me to report back on this matter. I told the President I had not considered it further because I had now been released from all responsibility with respect to the Church College of Hawaii, and I had also learned that the Pacific Board of Education, after it had learned that the Pacific Schools were to be transferred to the Church Board of Education, had entered into a contract with Owen J. Cook, who was Secretary to the Pacific Board of Education, to be Acting President for five years at a salary of $18,000.00 a year. The President expressed surprise at this and asked who was responsible. I told him that Wendell Mendenhall, who is Chairman of the Pacific Board of Education, and others on that Board were responsible for this unusual contract. I told him further that I understood that Dr. Harvey Taylor, Administrator of the Church Schools, had desired Cook for Superintendent of Secondary and Elementary Schools in the Pacific, but that Cook had demurred and was relying on his contract to continue as Acting President of the Church College of Hawaii. I expressed the opinion that this contract was quite irregular because the Pacific Board of Education, of which Cook was clerk, knew that supervision of these schools was to be transferred to the regular Church Board of Education, and should never have made a five-year contract in its ‘dying days’. I further suggested that if the President desired I was sure this contract could be changed.
The President asked me to make a full note of this in these minutes, so he could further consider it. I believe this note suffices for that purpose.
9. Manager of Deseret News Printing Press.
In view of the President’s request when he asked me to again become a member of the Board of Directors of the Deseret News to keep him informed on ‘news’ matters, I informed the President that the Manager of the Deseret News Printing Press had resigned under pressure from the Board of Directors, and asked him whether he thought Lorin Wheelwright would make a good Manager of the Deseret News Press. He informed me that Brother Wheelwright had always impressed him greatly, that Wheelwright’s firm did quality work, and he hoped we would give full consideration to working out some arrangement so that he could be Manager of the Press. I informed him that I thought the only way this could be done would be to purchase Wheelwright’s business and merge with the Deseret Press. He suggested that I urge the Board of Directors to consider that alternative.
10. Marion Hanks as Associate Editor of the News.
I recalled to the President that before I ran for the Senate I had urged that Marion Hanks be appointed Associate Editor of the News and that he had agreed. The President said he had talked to Brother Hanks about this matter but he did not want the assignment.
11. William Knecht as Director of Deseret News.
I told President McKay that one difficulty we had as directors of the news was that all the directors were so busy they didn’t have a great deal of time to devote to their duties as Directors. I told him, however that William Knecht, who had had Executive positions with steel companies in the East for 40 years, was now retired and living in Utah and I thought would render a real service as a Director of the News because he had time to give a great deal of attention to it. The President asked me to send him a memorandum as to Knecht’s qualifications so that he could consider this.
12. Republican State Chairman
I pointed out to President McKay that leaders in high Church positions or closely related to the Church had seldom been successful in politics in Utah and that I thought one of the reasons for it was that leaders of the Church had never used their influence in seeing that proper State Chairmen were appointed. I advised him that a new State Chairman of the Republican Party would be appointed on May 15th but that we were having difficulty in obtaining real prominent members of the Church becoming interested in such an appointment. I asked if we came up with a good name whether he would urge that person to accept this as a civic duty. He told me to recommend someone to him and he would give full consideration to it.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
Enclosures:
1. A proposed letter to Dr. James D. MacConnell, which President McKay approved.
2. A proposed letter for the First Presidency to send to Stake Presidents, etc. which he asked me to draft.
3. Copy of letter from President McKay to Ernest L. Wilkinson dated January 4, 1965, requesting a copy of report made on Church Schools, and my reply to President McKay, dated January 20, 1965 which had not previously been delivered because of cancelled conferences with the President.
4. A memorandum on the qualifications of William P. Knecht whom I suggested for a member of the Board of Directors of the Deseret News.
Monday, April 19, 1965
February 4, 1965
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. David O. McKay
Chairman Unified Board of Education
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Mr. McKay:
In 1963 my associates and I (as educational consultants) were engaged to prepare pre-architectural plans and specifications for a Junior College for your Church at Anaheim, California, and to consult with the architects as they prepared their plans.
In the preparation of these plans and specifications, we had many conferences with Dr. Harvey L. Taylor and others under his direction who were assigned to work with us by President Wilkinson. They told us of the educational and spiritual philosophy of your Church, which made such an impression on us that we considered this not merely another job, but an opportunity to design specifications which would be conducive to character training as well as secular learning.
In 1964 we completed our plans and specifications but were told by Dr. Taylor that the project had been temporarily, if not permanently, discontinued, and that the trend appeared to be toward religious Institutes rather than junior colleges.
As we review the projections of faculty and facility needs for educating the present and future 17-21 year old youth of our country, it is frightening. The Educational Policies Commission report issued in 1964 recommends universal education through grade 12, and we are conservatively predicting that 80% of the 17-24 age group will be enrolled in some form of post high school education by 1970.
The junior college sector of our post high school organization pattern is the fastest growing section, with some seven hundred twenty-five campuses now in existence and twenty to thirty new ones being added yearly.
When we attended the all student assembly at the opening of the 1963-64 school year, we were amazed to see the great percent of students in attendance who were from southern California.
Our great fear today is that due to enrollment restrictions being adopted by colleges and universities, that many youth are not going to be admitted to higher educational institutions, and I feel that your young people will be effected materially because of the great number involved. We have had occasion to review the educational specifications that we prepared for you, in connection with some other campuses we are planning, and I could not help but reflect on the superior spiritual and character education your young people would obtain in your proposed junior college at Anaheim over what they will receive in a secular institution with a Religious Institute on the side. I say this as one who knows something about your Institutes, and one who has a deep interest in the youth of the Mormon faith. I hope you will not consider me presumptuous when I say that in my opinion these Religious Institutes will not take the place of your proposed junior college, for the latter will have a religious environment throughout the entire curriculum. This is not possible in a secular institution, even though there is a separate institute for religious instruction.
In the interest, therefore, of your great Church, and future generations, I hope you will reconsider and build the Anaheim Junior College. The remaining fee due us on the contract will be consumed in its totality for personnel who will be assigned by us to the architect as he progresses. This letter is completely devoid of any financial interest on my part or the part of my associates, but is being written solely in the interest of character education for the youth of your Church.
I hope you will forgive me for injecting myself into your business, but I feel so strongly on this subject that I would feel guilty if I did not express my feelings to you.
Respectfully yours,
James D. MacConnell
JDM:m
Monday, April 19, 1965
May 13, 1965
Mr. James D. MacConnell
Stanford Professional Center, Suite 309
750 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California
Dear Mr. MacConnell:
It was very kind of you to take the time to send me your letter of February 4, 1965, in which you express your interest in our educational system, and in the proposed Anaheim Junior College.
I appreciate very much having your sincere advice and suggestions regarding these matters.
I am happy to inform you that we have not permanently abandoned our plans to build a Junior College at Anaheim, and that if any commitments have been made, the Church intends to keep its word.
With appreciation for your interest in the future education of our young men and women, I remain
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
(President)
Monday, April 19, 1965
May 5, 1965
To: Presidents of Missions, Presidents of Stakes, Bishops of Wards, and
Presidents of Independent Branches.
Dear Brethren:
On December 28, 1964, we addressed to you a letter in which we urged that you ‘counsel the youth under your jurisdiction upon graduation from high school to seek the type of educational program for which they are best suited and which will best prepare them for service in the Church and the community.’ We also asked that you ‘take into consideration the special needs of the individual students.’
In writing that letter, it was not our purpose to discourage attendance at Brigham Young University, Ricks College, or the Church College of Hawaii by students who are leaving home anyway and who can be admitted to those institutions or whose special circumstances indicate the desirability of their doing so. Each case should be determined on the basis of its own circumstances.
As a special aid to you in following the recommendations as to counseling, we have approved the establishment of an Educational Admissions Guidance Center where all Latter-day Saint youth may apply for advice and guidance as to their educational plans. This Center will be located on the BYU campus, but will work in close cooperation with the Administrator of the Church Schools, who has charge of other parts of the Church School System, such as Ricks College and the Institutes.
We suggest that you encourage all of your youth who are ready for college to write to: Admissions Guidance Center, A-183 Abraham O. Smoot Building, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
There will be no charge for this service, and we believe it will be of great assistance to many who need it.
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
Hugh B. Brown
N. Eldon Tanner
The First Presidency”
Mon., 26 Apr. 1965:
“10:30 a.m.
Held a meeting in my apartment at the Hotel Utah on Junior College matters. Those in attendance were: Presidents Brown and Tanner, President Joseph Fielding Smith, Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney, President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brother Elliot Cameron, and nine Presidents of Southern California Stakes.
Monday, April 26, 1965
Monday, April 26, 1965
Minutes of a meeting of the First Presidency and members of the Twelve with the following presidents of stakes from Southern California, held in President McKay’s apartment at 10:00 A.M. Present of the Twelve were: Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee and Marion G. Romney; stake presidents: President Arvo Van Alstyne, Los Angeles Stake; Justin B. Lillywhite, Orange County Stake; Max V. Eliason, Anaheim Stake; Wayne A. Reeves, San Bernardino Stake; Collins E. Jones, Canoga Park Stake; E. Garrett Barlow, Santa Monica Stake; also Elliott Cameron.
President Van Alstyne, representing the stake presidents from Southern California, made the presentation from notes that he had. (See attached copy)
President McKay inquired what proportion of the population are members of the Church.
President Van Alstyne said he was not sure what the total number of Latter-day Saint people in that area are except he thought it was close to 200,000 out of about ten million, that about 1.4 of the college students enrolled in Southern California are members of the Church, and that figure was on a state-wide basis and it was thought that we would probably have by 1970 somewhere near 12,000 in the University of California, probably another 12,000 or more outside of the University of California.
President McKay asked how many of these prospective junior college students have formed the habit of smoking. President Van Alstyne answered that his personal experience at UCLA is that of a hundred students who come to the campus and have a good testimony and are active, at the end of four years 20 to 30 of them will be inactive and some will have apostatized. He said they become exposed to a social activity where beer drinking, smoking, and the social pressures are so great they succumb to them. He said they had no exact figures.
President Van Alstyne said that the people in Southern California generally feel that the Church has made a commitment to consider the erection of a junior college there. He said this feeling is shared not only by members of the Church but by public officials, that the 140 acres acquired in Anaheim is a choice piece of property for education purposes located in the heart of one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, in a place where there is a demand for educational facilities. He further said that an action was taken in the court to condemn the land, that the action has not gone forward, and the property has not actually been taken under eminent domain because local church officers and others interested in preserving it for the Church made a strong effort to obtain local support from local public officials to call off this condemnation action. He said that the city officials in Anaheim believe the Church has a permit there, they have taken that into account, and their present planning maps still show this 140 acres as a site to be used by the Brigham Young University.
In regard to this matter President Eliason said that the condemnation action is pending and is still on file, and that apparently the school district that commenced the action is not proceeding due to the intervention of church people with the City Council. At present the Planning Commission has a big chart showing the Brigham Young University property and the local and city council are very favorable and very interested in having a school there.
President Van Alstyne suggested another matter. He said that some members in his stake have advanced a point that he thought needed to be aired, that one member of the stake had said he did not understand why Brigham Young University would not take his son next year, that his grades are not very good, but he would like to see him go to the ‘Y’ if he can get in. He said that he had been a tithe payer all his life and had supported the Brigham Young University. President Van Alstyne said there is a feeling on the part of some people in the Church that it is difficult to know where we draw the line, when the tithe paying members of the Church are supporting the educational system and would like to have their children educated in the Church system. He said they feel that perhaps a junior college program is the most feasible and most effective way to approach the solution in the least expensive way. He said that they feel that they are going to have perhaps as many as 2,000 of the young people in Southern California rejected from the Brigham Young University this fall. He said that many people would prefer to send their children to a local junior college rather than send them to Brigham Young University.
President Barlow commented that they had had seven children, four of whom have graduated from Brigham Young University, and one they had kept at a local city college within walking distance of the home. He said they found that the young man who was comparable to his brothers in interest, etc., did better staying at home near the home influence for his first four years, and then finishing up at the Brigham Young University, than the other boys did by going immediately into the full college program at the BYU. He said he thought that the junior college is a better solution of the academic problem and he thought it better for the young people to stay where their fathers and mothers can keep a closer eye on them.
President McKay asked if it is quite generally admitted that the Church is committed to have a school in Southern California.
President Barlow said that in his stake they do not feel that the Church has made a commitment, but they do feel the Church has advanced a program that they would be happy to support.
President Eliason said that in the city of Anaheim the city officials feel that the Church has in a sense committed itself to build a school there.
President Lillywhite said that about a year after the acquisition of the land the stake made application for a stake center reasonably close, within three or four blocks of this proposed site, and there was a lot of opposition, some by the city officials. He thought the reason it was granted was because of the prospects of the University coming in there.
President Barlow mentioned another matter. He said that there is a group of parents, non-members of the Church, good stable people who want good things for their children, who would prefer to have them brought up under our program than the public school program because the public school program is not the best. He thought we would attract many non-member young people into the program, good clean-living people, who could be influenced toward a better way of life. He thought it would be a good missionary program.
Elder Romney referred to the statement by President Barlow to the effect that his student son who attended college near home had done equally as well if not better than the ones at the BYU.
President Barlow said yes, that he went to seminary.
Elder Romney said that it looked to him like that was a compliment to the home and the institute influence.
President Van Alstyne said that the great majority live at home and commute back and forth so far as UCLA is concerned, that they have a total enrollment of about 23,000, and the LDS enrollment is about 5400. He said that his experience working with these young people as their bishop was that those who came from good Latter-day Saint homes who had the support of the home and attended the institute, remained faithful; that the institute was a great support in their lives and the home was the most important influence. He said the trouble was, as they went over the records and as they met every month with the institute director, they found that they were getting only about 50 to 55 per cent of the LDS students in the institute and that those who are living at home were not the ones they could not reach. He said they were convinced that if those who drifted away could have been attracted to a Church school or junior college, many of them if not all would still be active. He mentioned cases where good faithful young people had come to live on the campus at the dormitories and because of the environment and the educational curriculum drifted away. President Van Alstyne said he certainly would not want the institute program to suffer as the price of constructing junior colleges.
Elder Romney asked the question that if he were the father of all the students in the Church and could build junior colleges for half of them but not all of them, would he do that rather than supply institutes for all of them.
President Van Alstyne said he would not like to see the present institute program eliminated.
Elder Lee said he thought the brethren should know something about the genius of our present thinking on this matter. He stated that what President Van Alstyne had presented was not something new; in fact, that nothing had been presented this morning that had not previously been before them. He said that the Board of Education has the responsibility to look at the entire Church and that as they had approached the idea of junior colleges and institutes they discovered that some of the facts presented were not fully in accordance with the truth, for example the figure that a junior college would cost 15 million dollars. He said that when they questioned Brother Harvey Taylor who had been sent to inquire into these various places where junior colleges had been built it was discovered that it would cost they said 15 million dollars to build the college but this would be just the academic buildings. It would be necessary to begin to add to the academic buildings a field house, a stadium, dormitories, and other things that are needed, and these would mount up to additional millions. He said that as they have studied the matter they have wondered just what the cost would be of the academic buildings and all the appurtenances that are added. Accordingly President McKay had directed that a survey might be made of the whole field and not depend upon guesses and estimates and people’s feelings. He mentioned that Brother Elliott Cameron was borrowed from the Brigham Young University to make this study and was told that we wanted him to be wholly objective and not subject to pressures. He said this study is now nearing conclusion, that in fact Brother Cameron’s entire study which as now reached into three volumes is ready to go to press, and that conclusions will be drawn from the materials that are assembled. He said that some of the seminary people had taken violent opposition to some of the statements that President Wilkinson had made in his statement, which to them de-emphasized the value of an institute and they have some statistics on their part comparing Church schools with institute influence. He said these materials are all being documented to ascertain just what the facts are. He said President Wilkinson drew testimony from a number of men on his faculty that other men claimed was wholly unreliable.
Elder Lee mentioned that the First Presidency had permitted them to go into the financial records on a confidential basis and that this also will be analyzed and placed in the hands of the President of the Church.
Elder Lee mentioned one figure that he had taken out of the study that is preliminary, namely, that in the State of California we have 176 private and public junior colleges and four year private, public colleges. The only state in the Union that has more such colleges is the state of New York where there are 191 as compared with 176 in California. Elder Lee expressed the thought that the area the brethren from Southern California were talking about is that south of Kern County and he understood that there were 41 of these institutions in Southern California giving junior college studies or four year courses. He said to place one of our Church institutions in the midst of what must be a highly competitive situation he thought was a matter that should be looked at inasmuch as there is probably no other place that has more education facilities for students. He thought consideration might be given as to whether a better course would be to place a full grown institute near these major colleges where we have any substantial concentration of Latter-day Saint students. He also said that if we can strengthen the homes, and that is what we are trying to do under the President’s direction, great good would be accomplished. He said that while this discussion was exceedingly interesting, it was probably premature until our study referred to had been completed. Elder Lee also mentioned the need in Mexico, Central America and South America and in the Far East where we have thousands and thousands of little children who, unless the Church provides some kind of primary education will not have any education, and so we have to consider whether it would be preferable to take some of the Church’s available funds and serve these areas against centralizing in a few places where there is ample public education. He said these are serious questions that he thought we should see altogether before reaching any specific conclusions. Elder Lee said the Executive Committee would like to have a little more time to complete the study they are making so that they could arrive at conclusions which they could present to the First Presidency.
Elder Lee said that the committee was not unmindful of the problem in Southern California, that they have gone into the matter, have studied the statistics as to what happens to the students after they leave the institutes and after they leave the Church schools, and that they have some rather searching and illuminating information, all of which they propose to study.
Elder Lee mentioned the further point that Brother Harvey Taylor, who is the other half of the Church educational team, is in the South Seas looking after some matters there, and he thought he should be present on any final discussions or major conclusions. Elder Lee further stated that the Board of Education have all the concern that the brethren from Southern California have, and are just as interested as they are, but they feel that they must take into consideration the Church’s finances and the entire picture of the situation. Elder Lee said he thought he was speaking the feelings of the entire Executive Committee.
President Van Alstyne said that he was sure that all the brethren fully agreed with the necessity of finding out all the facts.
Elder Romney made this further comment regarding the property at Anaheim. He said this property was purchased along with properties in other places, and that one other place was Phoenix, Arizona. He said that the people there had the impression that a commitment was made to build a junior college and that steps were taken to set them right on this matter, that we were not so committed. He said the Church is not committed on any of these sites.
President Jones said that they were not there as a pressure group, that they had come to represent their people for whom they have a great love, and that they would hope that every president will want to champion the rights of his people and the love he has for them, that there is no greater responsibility. He expressed his appreciation for Brother Van Alstyne’s presentation.
Elder Lee said that the Executive Committee echoed that same feeling of love for the young people and their anxiety and concern for them.
President Barlow said that speaking for himself and his people that he had talked with the leadership in the stake and that they are perfectly willing to abide by the decision of the Executive Committee and will support it 100%.
President Van Alstyne said that President Barlow was speaking for all of them in the expression he made.
Minutes by Joseph Anderson
Monday, April 26, 1965
April 26, 1965
MEMORANDUM
A PRESENTATION TO THE FIRST PRESIDENCY by a committee of Stake Presidents from Southern California as to Why Development Of A Branch Of The Brigham Young University (Junior College) In Southern California Is Urgently Needed
We Believe —
1. Thousands of Latter-day Saint Youth Deserve the Best Education Available – An Education Which Will Prepare Them to Assume the Leadership of the Church and Nation in the Future
a. Some revealing statistics
Total population (as of July 1, 1962) for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and
San Bernardino counties was estimated at over 8,180,000. (California Statistical
Abstract – 1962, p. 52.)
Average annual population growth rate in Orange County is over 10%. This is
one of the fastest growing areas in the United States.
University of California enrollment is presently over 71,000 statewide. Estimated
need is for University facilities for 120,000 students by 1975 and 215,000 by the
year 2000. (Report of the President of the University, Nov. 15, 1964, p.5.)
At Brigham Young University there were about 1700 students from California
in 1957-58. Today there are approximately 4,200 – the majority from Southern
California. If there are no limits placed on BYU enrollments, it is estimated that
some 11,000 students from California would be at BYU by the year 1970-71.
b. The need for maximum education consistent with ability
Increasing complexity and technological nature of our society
The ‘drop-out’ problem
c. Announced policy curtailment of BYU enrollments
An issue of fairness: should the children of faithful tithe-paying families be
deprived of the opportunities for a Gospel-oriented education?
d. A proposed solution: development of branch campuses of the Brigham
Young University – the Church Junior College Program
Studies at the University of California demonstrate that students who transfer to
the University after two years of Junior College work do equally as well as
students who started at the University
2. Public and Private College Institutions Not Provide An Acceptable Alternative:
Only A Church-Operated College Program Will Satisfy Fully Both the Educational
and Spiritual Needs of Our Young People
a. Even the best secular education is a curse, not a blessing, if its price is loss
of faith in the Restored Gospel
Latter-Day Saint youth in public and private colleges are exposed constantly to
destructive secular philosophies, misleading and erroneous teachings, and harmful
social pressures to conform to worldly standards of conduct
Experience has demonstrated that a substantial proportion of LDS young people
will become inactive or will wholly apostatize when persistently exposed to these
harmful influences
b. The Institute Program is very helpful. But it cannot provide an adequate
substitute for full-time Gospel-oriented education.
Institute reach effectively only about 50% of the LDS students on campus. The
other 50% are also precious in the sight of the Lord.
A Church operated college would be able to reach 100% of the students –
and do it not on a part-time basis but on a full-time basis, both within and outside
the classrooms.
c. A BYU Junior College Branch would be far superior to other alternatives in
its capacity and effectiveness for perfecting the young people of the Church
Latter-Day Saint standards of dress and conduct can be maintained throughout the
campus.
Religious instruction, when made a part of the regular curriculum, can be much
more thorough and effective.
Secular education on a Church campus can be supportive, and not destructive, of
testimonies of Jesus Christ and of the Restored Gospel.
Opportunities for intermingling of Church members, and for Temple marriages, are
greatly improved on a Church campus.
Opportunities for, and incentive or motivation for, Church activity and service,
including missionary service, are greatly improved on a Church campus.
3. In Considering the Allocation of Church Resources, Development of the BYU Junior
College Program Would Produce Valuable Future Dividends
a. Financial outlay for a Junior College in Southern California would be
moderate
Prearchitectural planning has already been undertaken and is understood to have
been completed.
Total cost (to be spread over several years) has been estimated not to exceed
$15,000,000. First year outlay could be much less than this, of course.
Operational costs of a junior college are about 40% less than costs for
operation for a full University, on a per-student basis.
Further savings appear possible in that Church Junior College would have multiple
use of buildings for both educational and religious (e.g. campus ward) activities.
b. Spiritual dividends would be incalculable
The Junior College Program, as compared with the alternatives, would produce
many more active and dedicated Church leaders with a sound education rooted
in Gospel truth rather than in the philosophies of men.
c. Fiscal dividends would be substantial
The Junior College Program, together with continued building of the Brigham
Young University, will undoubtedly produce many more tithe-paying Church
members in higher income producing occupations.
Higher incomes earned by graduates of private and public colleges will be of
no value to the Church if those who earn them are not active and dedicated to
the building of the Kingdom.
4. The Church Has Made a Commitment to Develop a Junior College in the Anaheim Area. This Commitment Should be Honored in the Near Future.
a. The meeting of President Wilkinson with Stake Presidents from Southern
California in 1963.
b. Public officials in the Anaheim area believe that the Church is committed
to the construction of a BYU Branch Junior College on the site now owned by
the Church there.
City planning authorities contemplate this development.
Withholding of prosecution of pending condemnation action to take the
Junior College site by eminent domain for local public educational purposes
is based on this understanding.
c. Church membership in Southern California is generally aware of the fact
that the Church has acquired property and has undertaken planning for a
Junior College development program.
Conclusion
We earnestly submit that:
First, it would be source of genuine concern, if not actually tragic, if the Church did not move ahead with the development of the Junior College Program.
Second, the need to take immediate action in this regard in Southern California is imminent and pressing.”
Wed., 5 May 1965:
“10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Took up requests for appointments and other office matters with the secretary. Among the matters discussed were:
Wilkinson, Dr. Ernest L.
The secretary then read to me a letter from Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson in which he requests that I talk with Brother Royden Derrick and ask him to serve as the State Republican Chairman. After considering the matter, I told her to tell Brother Wilkinson that I shall have nothing to do with this — that if Brother Derrick accepts this position he should do so on his own.
Tues., 1 June 1965:
“8:30 a.m.
Held the regular meeting of the First Presidency. Some of the matters we discussed were:
Brigham Young University Graduation Exercises
President Brown reported that graduation exercises at the Brigham Young University were well attended and very successful; 1,783 graduates received diplomas.
President Brown will attend the commencement exercises of the Utah State University in Logan on Friday, June 4.
President Tanner will attend graduation exercises at Snow College on the same day.
President Tanner referred to Mr. Emerson Foote, advertising executive, who resigned to devote his time to the effort against the use of tobacco. The Brigham Young University conferred an honorary degree upon him.
Mr. Foote expressed to President Tanner the view that the Church should not try alone to fight advertising of tobacco, because the Church will be hurt if it does. Regardless of how strongly the Church is opposed in its attitude in teaching on the subject, the Church will be hurt by weakening its present position so it cannot fight. Three men have expressed the same view — James Lavenstein, William Edwards, and now Mr. Foote.
I said, ‘I am sure we will make a mistake if we try to fight it alone. We will help the other effort.’
President Tanner commented that everyone knows the stand of the Church. We must not fail to let it be known. President Brown said we must not close the doors which are open to us now to present our message.
Mr. Foote prepared his views on the subject in writing.
Wed., 14 Jul., 1965:
Brigham Young University – Destiny Fund Program
President Brown reported a special meeting that was held on July 7, 1965, which was attended by Presidents Brown, Tanner, Elder Howard W. Hunter, President Wilkinson and Clyde Sandgren, this meeting being held pursuant to instructions received from President Joseph Fielding Smith to Ernest L. Wilkinson that all matters needing the attention of the BYU Board of Trustees during the summer vacation be taken up directly with the First Presidency. In other words, he said there are some things they want action on now without waiting until the regular meetings reconvene.
It was reported at this meeting there was considerable sentiment in favor of reactivating the fund-raising program for the Brigham Young University. On behalf of the committee, Brother Hunter recommended to the First Presidency that David M. Kennedy of Chicago be invited to serve as Chairman of the BYU development program, with the responsibility of organizing this program so that it would obtain maximum results, it being contemplated that Acting Director Beckham would continue to serve in the same capacity as heretofore on the campus, Brother Kennedy to be in charge of the program in Chicago.
President Wilkinson expressed the feeling that Brother Kennedy is in an excellent position to contact men and institutions which Brother Beckham would not be able to reach. It was also mentioned that Brother Kennedy is on the boards of a number of large corporations and has wide contacts. Brother Hunter strongly recommended that Brother Kennedy be asked to take the chairmanship of this committee.
I indicated my approval.
Tues., 27 July 1965:
“Brigham Young University – Development Fund
President Tanner reported a meeting held with David M. Kennedy by President Brown, President Tanner, Ernest L. Wilkinson, Howard W. Hunter, and Raymond E. Beckham, regarding raising funds for the BYU. We discussed the program that is being carried out by different schools throughout the country in the matter of securing bequests, grants, and other contributions. President Tanner said that Brother Kennedy’s attitude was wonderful, that he said he would do anything the Church wanted him to do, even if he had to resign from other positions that he holds. He asked, however, that he be permitted to think the matter over for a week or so for the purpose of deciding how he can carry on this program together with the other work he is doing.
Mon., 6 Sept. 1965:
“8:00 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called at the office in the apartment and discussed the following:
1) The matter of Truman Madsen of the BYU being given time to do some writing for the Church.
2) The matter of the report to be given by J. Elliott Cameron on the future of the Church School System on Wednesday, September 15, 1965.
3) Suggestion that Elder Howard W. Hunter be appointed Chancellor of the Unified Church School System.
Monday, September 6, 1965
CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY
HOTEL UTAH – SEPTEMBER 6, 1965
Promptly at 8:00 AM I went to the apartment of President McKay. I was ushered in by two nurses. He was seated at his desk and cordially greeted me. The following business was transacted:
1. I told him that Clare Middlemiss had told me he wanted to see me with respect to the request of President Tanner that Truman Madsen be given time to do some writing for the Church; and that I had just returned from New York and so called in to see him immediately on it. I explained to President McKay that Brother Madsen had suggested that instead of returning to BYU he join the faculty of a theological school which is being organized in California on the faculty of which are representatives of different religious denominations. I informed the President, however, that the head of this theological college had had difficulty with his faculty in getting them to consent to Madsen being hired and then when it came right down to the test, Madsen was invited to give only four lectures a year, and that I had therefore told Madsen that he could do this as well from the BYU as by going to California and staying there permanently. I told President McKay also that we had already made arrangements so that Madsen could have about two-thirds of his time for research the coming year.
I asked President McKay whether he wanted me to take this up with President Tanner or with Madsen. He instructed me that there was no need for me to take this up with President Tanner but that I should deal direct with Madsen inasmuch as he is a member of my faculty and responsible to me.
2. I informed President McKay that at a meeting of the Board of Education last Wednesday, September 1st, it had been decided to hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 9th, to consider the report of Elliot Cameron on the future of the Church School System. I further advised him that President Tanner had advised the group that President McKay desired that a copy of Cameron’s report be given first to President Taylor and myself but that Brother Lee had objected, stating that the report should be given to us after they had met and decided what to do. President McKay advised me that when and if any action was taken by the Board of Trustees he would hold up taking any action until I had had a copy of the report and had had an opportunity to report to him my views. He asked me to keep in close touch with him in the matter and to report to him in person after I had read the report. He suggested that a good time to see him is early some Monday morning.
3. I reported to President McKay that at the last meeting of the Board of Trustees there seemed to be general agreement that a mistake had been made in separating the Church School System and in not providing a top Chancellor. I told him that in view of this feeling it might be desirable to appoint one of the General Authorities as Chancellor, and I suggested he give consideration to Elder Howard W. Hunter. President McKay enthusiastically concurred. We then jointly went over the list of Members of the Quorum of the Twelve to see if there were any better qualified. President McKay specifically ruled out by name, President Smith and Brothers Lee, Kimball, Benson, Petersen, Stapley, Romney, Evans, Hinckley and Monson (the name of Brother Richards was not mentioned at all — apparently we both forgot him.) After this review President McKay again commented that he thought my suggestion was the proper one, and that Brother Hunter would be able to win the Brethren to his support by his fine spirit and his reasonable and intelligent approach to the problems that would come up.
He asked me to keep him advised when this situation developed so that when the time came he would have an opportunity to take action on this suggestion.”
Thurs., 16 Sept. 1965:
‘8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting of the First Presidency with Presidents Brown and Tanner. Some of the items discussed were:
Board of Education – Report of Survey of Needs of Education by Elliott Cameron
Report was made that a lengthy meeting was held yesterday with the Board of Education at which a very comprehensive presentation was given on the needs of education, whom we shall educate, some reorganizations, etc. The thought was expressed that I should probably like to meet with Brother Cameron and perhaps Brothers Lee and Hinckley, to go over an abbreviated statement of this survey, which survey had taken three and one-half hours to present to the Board.
I said that I had asked for a summary of the survey that I might make a study of it myself.
President Tanner mentioned that sometime ago I had asked that Brother Lee give copies of the report to President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Brother Harvey L. Taylor of the BYU Presidency. He asked if I wished these copies sent to these Brethren at this time or should we wait until he had had an opportunity to go over the report. I said that I thought President Wilkinson and Dr. Taylor should have a copy of the report now.
Mon., 20 Sept. 1965:
“8:00 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson called at the apartment and discussed matters pertaining to the Cameron study on Church schools and the question of whether or not the Church should have Junior Colleges.
I told President Wilkinson that I should like to study the report before I make any decision about these matters.”
Wed., 22 Sept. 1965:
“9:00 a.m.
Board of Education – Cameron Report on Education
Elders Harold B. Lee, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Elliott Cameron, Dean of Students at the Brigham Young University, and Lawrence McKay came in, and Brother Cameron gave a summarization of his survey of the educational program of the Church, in which presentation Brother Cameron presented charts pertaining to various phases of the program. It was indicated that the first step would be to select someone of the General Authorities who would be given the position of Commissioner of Education, he to recommend a professional school man to serve as administrator under his jurisdiction.
I expressed thanks and appreciation to Brother Cameron for his presentation, and also expressed appreciation to the members of the committee for what they have done.
Tues., 28 Sept. 1965:
“Brigham Young University – Assignment for Truman G. Madsen
President Tanner reported that with my approval he had had a visit with Truman G. Madsen and read to him a memorandum regarding his proposed study and report to the Church, and asked Brother Madsen to write a letter to the First Presidency setting out his understanding of the assignment given him. President Tanner read the letter that Brother Madsen had submitted stating that he had discussed the matter with President Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University, and that President Wilkinson feels that this assignment can be consistently related to his work at the University, and that the interests of the school and First Presidency can be coordinated. Brother Madsen asks how much of the material on the Church he gathers should be kept strictly confidential or subject to the First Presidency’s approval. He will be preparing reports for the First Presidency, and he thinks that the First Presidency should have these reports before he makes any use of them. He is desirous of knowing, however, what he can use in article and in classes that he may teach.
I said that this material should be submitted to the First Presidency before it is submitted to others. President Tanner was high in his praise of Brother Madsen and of his capabilities. (See copy of Memorandum by President Tanner regarding this following.)
Tuesday, September 28, 1965
MEMORANDUM TO PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY
Some time ago in our First Presidency meeting I suggested that inasmuch as Truman Madsen had been released as President of the New England Mission and was returning to the Brigham Young University, that his training could be put to good use by the First Presidency and other appropriate General Authorities if he were given the assignment to:
First, keep himself fully informed on the general religious trend and atmosphere in the world.
Second, proposed changes, ecumenical conferences, etc.
Third, criticisms of the LDS Church made by those outside the Church, as individuals or organizations.
Fourth, Our Church and its relation to these events or trends.
Fifth, Trends in philosophical thought as they might affect the general field of religion.
It would seem that if Brother Madsen were assigned to do this work he could work closely with the Information Research people at the Brigham Young University, and those who are working with us here, including Dr. Lyman Tyler.
By following this program the Church could be kept fully advised regarding many questions in which we are interested, such as the articles appearing regarding infant baptism, birth control, the acceptance by one church of the baptism of another, etc., etc.
N. Eldon Tanner”
Sat., 20 Nov. 1965:
“8:30 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came to the office in the apartment of the Hotel Utah. Spent an hour and a half going over BYU problems with him. President Isaacson should be added to the Board of Education and Board of Trustees.”
Tues., 23 Nov. 1965:
Brigham Young University and the Peace Corps of the United States
Brother Isaacson reported that President Milan Smith of the Washington Stake had called him this morning early and seemed very much concerned because of his understanding that letters are going out from Brigham Young University opposing solicitation by the Peace Corps on the BYU campus. President Milan Smith thought this was a very serious matter because the Government is authorized to place the Peace Corps representatives in every country in the world, and he wondered what it might do to our missionary system if we oppose the government in permitting the Peace Corps representatives to solicit on the BYU campus. He stated that the BYU is the only university in the United States that is objecting to this program. President Tanner mentioned that this question had been brought up in a meeting of the Board of Education on two occasions and the Board had voted it down each time and said they did not want it. He mentioned that Brother Lee and Brother Romney and other members of the Board were very much opposed to it, stating that they estimated that our missionary system is doing much more for peace than the Peace Corps.
I said that we do not want to be sanctioning something that will cause us trouble with the Government. President Isaacson was requested to confer with President Wilkinson and ascertain if the letter that he was preparing has been sent and if not to hold it and have it brought to the First Presidency. President Isaacson was assigned to look into the matter.
Mon., 29 Nov. 1965:
“Note by CM
Brigham Young University – Dance Policy Issued
In answer to a letter from a student at the Brigham Young University, President McKay set forth the official Church dance policy. The letter was later published in the BYU paper, ‘The Daily Universe’, and the Deseret News carried a story regarding President McKay’s answer on ‘stomp’ dancing and electronic bands. (See following newspaper clippings, and copies of letters from student, and President McKay’s answer thereto.) (See also following copy of letter from newspaper editor commenting on Church’s stand on dance issue.)
Monday, November 29, 1965
PRES. MCKAY CONFIRMS BYU ‘FAD’ DANCE BAN
PROVO – ‘Stomp’ dancing and electronic bands were out Monday at Brigham Young University after a letter from President David O. McKay was made public.
‘I doubt whether it is possible to dance most of the prevalent fad dances in a manner that will meet LDS standards,’ wrote President McKay of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The letter was written in answer to several inquiries from BYU student Jamie Chandler. Its immediate effect was an announcement by Craig Collette, student body social vice president, that ‘there will no longer be stomp dances on the BYU campus.’
‘Stomp’ dancing – including such recent steps as the ‘twist’ and its offshoots, the ‘frug,’ ‘monkey’ and ‘swim – has been an issue at BYU since the beginning of fall quarter when BYU President Ernest L. Wilkinson condemned such dancing.
Letters to the editor of the BYU Daily Universe, pro and con, have appeared for months. Some ‘stomp’ dancing has continued to be allowed, although strictly regulated.
President McKay’s letter, printed in the Universe, referred to some students’ contention in the letters column that there were no evil intentions among ‘stomp’ dancers at BYU.
‘We do not think the test of a proper dance is whether the dancers have evil intentions, but whether the dance is of such dignity and propriety that, even to an onlooker, it suggests nothing but grace and style,’ President McKay wrote.
He said electronic bands have ‘a very loud beat which is inconsistent with the standards we desire to have observed.’
He referred students to a revived LDS handbook, ‘For the Strength of the Youth,’ which lists LDS standards of posture, body movement, music, lyrics and musical beat in dances.
President McKay said the waltz, fox trot, rhumba, cha-cha, samba, swing and most folk dances are acceptable.
Mr. Collette issued this statement after President McKay’s letter was published:
‘Having considered the letter…the social activities board completely conforms thereto; therefore, there will no longer be stomp dances held on the BYU campus.’
Deseret News – Monday, December 6, 1965
Monday, November 29, 1965
LDS PRESIDENT ADVISES, ‘STOMP’ BOWS OUT AT Y.
PROVO (AP) – President David O. McKay of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has come out as opposed to ‘stomp’ dancing and electronic bands, and Brigham Young University students will comply in campus functions, student body social vice president Craig Collette said Sunday.
Expressed Views
Pres. McKay’s views were expressed in a letter to student Jamie Chandler, who had written the church leader several times on the subject.
Pres. McKay referred in his letter to a revived LDS booklet, ‘For the Strength of the Youth’ which contains standards of posture, body movement, music, lyrics and musical beat which are approved by the church’s general authorities.
Lists Examples
He listed the waltz, fox trot, tango, rhumba, cha-cha, samba and swing and most of the folk dances as examples of acceptable dances.
‘I doubt whether it is possible to dance most of the prevalent fad dances in a manner that will meet LDS standards,’ Pres. McKay wrote.
‘We do not think the test of a proper dance is whether the dancers have evil intentions, but whether the dance is of such dignity and propriety that, even to an onlooker, it suggests nothing but grace and style,’ Pres. McKay wrote.
Loud Beat
He criticized electronic bands on the grounds ‘they have a very loud beat which is inconsistent with the standards we desire to have observed.’
The Salt Lake Tribune – Monday, December 6, 1965
Monday, November 29, 1965
November 29, 1965
Miss Jamie Chandler
Box 132
University Station
Provo, Utah
Dear Sister Chandler:
I have your letter of November 7, 1965, in which you mention that your previous letter was answered by my secretary instead of me. I am sure that you know it is not possible for me to personally answer the thousands of letters which I receive. The previous letter was written by my secretary in accordance with my instructions.
I am answering your second letter because it raises a question on which I desire all youth in the Church to know my views. You are, therefore, authorized to show this letter to anyone you desire. Indeed, I am sending a copy of it to President Ernest L. Wilkinson so that he may use it as he sees fit.
The standards of acceptable dancing for the young men and women of our Church are being set forth in a revised booklet entitled ‘For the Strength of Youth’. This little booklet, as soon as it comes off the press, will contain the statement which I am enclosing herewith.
I note you say that you enjoy what you characterize as ‘stomp’ dances, but you are willing to follow my counsel no matter what the answer. I congratulate you on this attitude. You also say that many young people have no evil intentions in dancing these dances. May I give you the following guidelines in reply:
1) The enclosed statement of acceptable dancing states that if one concentrates on good dance posture, many dances can be danced in a manner which will meet LDS standards. Examples of these dances are the waltz, the fox trot, tango, rhumba, cha-cha, samba, and the swing, and most of the folk dances, for which the Brigham Young University has a very wholesome and fine reputation. The seven dances which I have enumerated have all been approved by the General Boards of the Mutual Improvement Associations. This should provide a sufficient variety of dances to enable the youth of Zion to have a good time.
2) You enclosed with your letter a photograph appearing in the ‘Daily Universe’ of an off-campus ‘stomp’ dance. I do not believe that those photographed in that picture are concentrating on good posture. Indeed, I doubt whether it is possible to dance most of the prevalent fad dances in a manner that will meet LDS standards, and I know that is why President Wilkinson, who has the complete support of the Board of Trustees, criticized certain dances in his address to the student body. The standards which he outlined for the BYU are standards approved by the General Authorities.
3) I admit that many of the young people of our Church do not have any evil intentions in dancing certain current fad dances. However, we do not think the test of a proper dance is whether the dancers have evil intentions, but whether the dance is of such dignity and propriety that, even to an onlooker, it suggests nothing but style and good grace. After all, young men and women of our Church should shun even the appearance of evil, and that is why we would very much prefer that you and others avoid the current trend of what, to many of us, appears to be vulgar dancing. There are too many fine things in this world for the young people to engage in without resorting to dances that are questionable.
4) You inquired as to what is wrong with electronic bands. I am informed that moderate and modest music can be played by electronic bands, but I also understand that most electronic bands have a very loud beat which is inconsistent with the standards we desire to have observed; also, that in some places, two bands are employed because the traditional band or orchestra is not satisfactory for the wild and loud beat necessary for certain fad dances. That is why, in general, electronic bands are not approved.
I hope that you and your friends will follow my advice by dancing in accordance with the standards which I have described. You will find that when you accept those standards you will get much more joy and wholesome satisfaction than you do from the questionable dancing engaged in by many, and you will not be in an atmosphere where there is smoking or drinking as described by you in one of the places where you danced.
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
(President)
Enclosure
Monday, November 29, 1965
STANDARDS
A new booklet ‘For the Strength of Youth’ is now available. It was prepared as a guide for the youth of the Church in helping them to know how to act, dress, and dance in accordance with the Church standards. This booklet has the approval and blessing of the First Presidency. The preface written by them says in part: ‘We wish to endorse what has been here written, commend all responsible for their efforts, and express the hope that all members of the Church, not only the youth, will familiarize themselves with suggestions herein contained, and conform to the regulations set forth.’
All Priesthood leaders should familiarize themselves with the information in this book and should create an opportunity to distribute it in order to inform the youth and their parents of its contents. All members of the Church should realize that this booklet contains accepted standards by which they should conduct themselves. A copy in the hands of every young person in each ward and branch will help then set higher goals and standards by which to live.
The following should be observed:
1) Good Posture – This is the basis for doing all things well in dancing. If one concentrates on good posture, most dances can be danced in a manner which will meet LDS standards.
2) Dance Positions – When dancing, young people should avoid crouching, slumping over, trying to do a backbend, or having too close a body contact.
3) Body Movements – Members of the Church should be good dancers and not contortionists. Extreme body movements should be avoided, and emphasis should be placed more on styling and clever footwork.
4) Acceptable Dancing – Dancing that is suggestive or sensual in any way is incompatible with Church standards. Avoid all grotesque contortions of the body such as shoulder or hip shaking or body jerking. As members of the Church, youth should use wisdom and judgment by adhering to acceptable Church dance standards so that good taste in dance is always exemplified. All dances should be evaluated in terms of approved dance standards.
5) Acceptable Dance Music – The kind of music that is played and sung is more responsible than anything else for proper or improper dancing. Consequently, all dance bands should be informed of Church standards and are to conform thereto. Dance bands, orchestras, or records should not be used without prior approval of Church leaders.
This determination should never be left to a disc jockey or others who may not be familiar with LDS standards.
a) Lyrics – Music lyrics should never be suggestive or off-color, but always dignified and in good taste.
b) Style of Singing – Sensual or wild singing should be avoided. Loud shouting that works people up to a high emotional frenzy is never in good taste.
c) Musical Beat – A definite beat is needed, but should not be extreme. A loud, wild, primitive beat is to be avoided, as it does not meet Church standards.
d) Orchestra – Music for dancing should be moderate. A dance band orchestra should produce happy, bright, cheerful music to inspire a wholesome atmosphere where dancing can be enjoyed as intended by Brigham Young when he said, ‘If we are dancing properly, a Priesthood bearer could walk off the dance floor, administer to the sick in a proper way, and feel good about it.’
Monday, November 29, 1965
Nov. 7, 1965.
Dear President McKay–
I hope you are reading this personally because I don’t want anybody else to read it down the line because it isn’t for them. I hope I don’t sound rude but it is very important that you read this. I wrote you a letter before requesting an appointment with you but I got a letter from your secretary which said you were too busy and kind of sick. I was very sad but I do understand. But please answer this one.
One of the things I was going to task you about if I had the opportunity of talking with you has really been bugging me. I really do feel confused & I must know what to do. I assume you know that there has been a big ruckus on campus here (BYU) about the dances. I know that some of your counsellors called for some kids to come up & demonstrate these dances. I am in Program Bureau & I know one of the boys that went quite well. I was looking forward very much to finding out the results but I didn’t find out anything except that ‘Elder Hunter looked like he was enjoying them’.
I am one of the very many kids here at the Y who really enjoy doing these dances & I have a lot of fun wearing myself out. I don’t think the dances we do are dirty. I know that they can be made very dirty but I have never seen any that way around here. It is my opinion and many others support this opinion (I can send you student comments from the school (paper) that if a person has evil thoughts in his mind no matter what kid of dance he sees or does it makes his mind play up the bad. I have never had this experience & I don’t think bad things when I dance. I don’t even care that much about what other people around you are doing when I’m dancing. It’s fun, really, & I enjoy it & I don’t think it’s bad & sinful & immoral. Many of us are very confused on this point & some bitter feelings have been aroused because of this confusion.
I do not think it is good to have bitter feelings & confusion. You will note that a great percentage of BYU students have gone to off-campus dances. I am included. Just this Friday I attended a U of U stomp with a real good guy. It was at a real neat place called the Old Mill. It was really really fun & my 2 friends & I who went together all enjoyed it. I must point out some drawbacks however. Some of the kids had or were drinking & there was smoking. I expected this & I wasn’t surprised. But I don’t see why we can’t have dances where we can dance the way we feel like it at the Y. I think that the kids are being driven into bad atmospheres partly because they are confused & don’t know what else to do. I wonder why they can’t hold these dances in a good atmosphere here at the Y?
May I point out the example of bowling. I understand that it was frowned upon by church leaders because most of the alleys do have sort of a ‘bad’ atmosphere. I guess it was recognized as a pretty good sport or there wouldn’t have been one installed in the new Y Center. But still, if the kids go home they might want to bowl & there won’t be any place like the Y Center around. I believe that any situation is what you make it. I believe that most of these ‘stompers’ have been brought up in good Mormon families & have been taught all the things so that by the time they become college age they should be able to govern themselves pretty well.
If your answer is going to be sort of general, like ‘we teach correct principles & the people govern themselves’ I will understand but I will probably keep going to these dances. But if you say something definite like ‘yes, it’s ok’ or ‘no, they aren’t right’ I shall be very grateful & shall surely follow your counsel no matter what the answer. If you say ‘fast & pray about it’ I will do it. I guess I have really put you in a spot & I suppose you may get out of it gracefully, as I’m not sure I have the right to ask such a pointed question to the Prophet. But any answer you could give me concerning this I will be very grateful for & would most likely pass it on to my friends & maybe even have it published if you think it warrants it. You see, I don’t want to be a limelight grubber just to get my name in the paper. Also please let me know if I should keep your answer to myself or if it’s ok to let others know.
I will be very grateful for your answer. If you absolutely can’t answer this letter, don’t just give it to your secretary. Give it to another member of the First Presidency. Thank you so much for your time & I hope concern.
Gratefully,
Miss Jamie Chandler
Box 132
Univ. Station
Provo, Utah
P.S. Enclosure.
Please read.
P.P.S.
What’s wrong with ‘electronic bands?'”
Tues., 7 Dec. 1965:
“Dixie College
Following a consideration of the desirability of the Church taking over Dixie College provided it was offered to us by the State, it was decided that it would be advisable to defer any decision of acceptance for the time being at least, having in mind the expense that would be involved in maintaining the college and our desire to live within our income.
President Isaacson reported that two Presidents of Stakes in Saint George, President Atkin of the Temple and Dr. Losee, President of the College, met with him last Friday regarding this matter. They stated that for many years they had hoped the Church would take over the College. This matter is to be referred to the Board of Education for study.
Wed., 8 Dec. 1965:
“8:30 a.m.
Met with Presidents Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith, and Thorpe B. Isaacson, President Brown absent, being in the hospital. Some of the matters considered by us were:
Dixie College
President Isaacson reported having talked by telephone with Stake and Temple Presidents in Saint George, also Dixie College Presidents, regarding Dixie College, and informing them that the Church is not in a position at this time to take over the College if it were offered to us by the State. One of the reasons given for discouraging such an offer at this time is the fact that the Legislature has appropriated two million dollars for buildings on the campus of Dixie College.
Tues., 8 Feb. 1966:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting with Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Nathan Eldon Tanner, and Joseph Fielding Smith. President Isaacson is in the LDS Hospital.
Junior Colleges – Church Property in Anaheim
A letter was read from Max V. Eliason, President of the Anaheim Stake, stating that he had received a call from the assistant superintendent of the Anaheim High School District concerning 150 acres of Church property located in Anaheim, California, and asking him when the Church would commence construction of the college in Anaheim. In answer to my inquiry as to the status of this situation, President Tanner explained that Dr. Cameron had made a report of his investigation and study pertaining to Church schools, that this report he had given to the Executive Committee and the Board of Education, at which time it was agreed that the report would be studied when I was present. President Tanner said that Brother Lee has spoken about the matter on one or two occasions wondering when the report could be studied, that it would seem that the matter is now being held awaiting a meeting with the First Presidency.
I asked that a meeting be set up for the First Presidency to look over the report with the Executive Committee and Dr. Cameron. It was decided to have this meeting in my hotel office on Wednesday, February 16, at 8:30 a.m. (This meeting was later called off by me.)”
Thurs., 10 Feb. 1966:
“8:30 a.m.
Met with Counselors — Presidents Brown and Tanner — in a meeting of the First
Presidency. President Smith is meeting with the Council of the Twelve in the Temple, and President Isaacson is in the hospital.
Some of the matters considered by us were:
Junior College Project – Property in Anaheim
Reference was made to the decision of the First Presidency a few days ago to meet with the Executive Committee of the Church Board of Education and Dr. Elliott Cameron for the purpose of discussing the Cameron report before a decision is made regarding property owned by the Church in Anaheim, and other properties on which it was anticipated junior colleges would be constructed. When the matter of the proposed meeting was brought to the attention of Elder Harold B. Lee, he stated that he had arranged to be away at that time, and he asked if the meeting might be postponed until February 25, at 8:30 a.m. We agreed that this would be satisfactory.
Fri., 11 Feb. 1966:
“8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
Junior Colleges
By appointment met President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University. He reported the word that had come to him in the East that Dr. Elliott Cameron was to hold everything in abeyance for a meeting with the First Presidency and Elder Harold B. Lee, at which time Dr. Cameron would give a report on Junior Colleges.
President Wilinson said that he had not yet had time to go over the voluminous reports of Dr. Cameron, and that he would like to make a report to me on his opinion of the reports before any decision is made regarding the Junior Colleges.
I said that I should like to have his opinion, and that furthermore I should like the meeting called off until all members of the First Presidency can be present; that we should wait and see the outcome of President Isaacson’s illness before we decide to hold a meeting on this matter. I asked President Wilkinson to stay close to me during this crisis with President Isaacson.
Following President Wilkinson’s departure, I called my secretary and told her to call President Joseph Fielding Smith and have him call off the meeting of the First Presidency on the matter of Junior Colleges until all members of the Presidency can be present.
Wed., 8 Jun., 1966:
8:00 a.m.
Met my counselors, Presidents Brown, Tanner, and Smith, and held a meeting of the First Presidency. Some of the matters we discussed were:
Brigham Young University – President Ernest L. Wilkinson Presented Items Pertaining to the School
President Wilkinson discussed with us the following matters which he said he had been advised by the Board of Education to take up with us:
1) In response to President Wilkinson’s presentation, the Presidency authorized a proposition whereby large corporations would match the amount of tithing payments by employees, which tithing payments would be made to the Presiding Bishopric, and by them allotted to the BYU.
2) Authorization was given for a BYU study program in the Middle East for one semester, probably in Lebanon and the other in Israel. The cost to the Church would be no more than if they were educated on the BYU campus, and the total individual student cost would be $1,300, which they will pay themselves.
3) The Brethren approved the suggestion that faculty members who are teaching New Testament and Old Testament and other phases of Church doctrine might substitute their sabbatical leave for a two months’ visit to the Holy Land, the Church to pay their entire expenses.
4) Approval was given to the recommendation that the North Idaho Falls Stake building be used as an adult education center for the BYU and Ricks College, the purchase price being $256,000, one-half of which would be returned to the Church because of its participation in the erection of the building, which amount the Church would turn over to the BYU to assist in paying for the adult education center.”
Mon., 3 Oct. 1966:
“9:45 a.m.
Organization of Brigham Young University Development Committee
Met by appointment Brother David Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, one of the largest banks in the country. He was accompanied by Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, and Raymond E. Beckham, Brigham Young University director of development.
President Wilkinson explained that Brother Kennedy has agreed to become Chairman of the University Development Committee for the Brigham Young University and that in that capacity, his committee will be responsible for perfecting plans which over the years will probably result in millions of dollars for the University.
Brother Kennedy said that his entire nationwide committee, consisting of over 100 individuals, are meeting this morning in the Church Administration Building.
I told Brother Kennedy that I am very happy he is willing to accept the responsibility of directing this Committee, and commended him for his loyalty and desire to serve the Church.
President Wilkinson pointed out that BYU now has become a university of world-wide importance with a student body of over 20,000; that there is tremendous demand for admission to the school, but that the school has had to raise admissions requirements to accept only the top students. He said that they realized the great desire among the youth of the Church to attend the BYU but that we have about reached our numerical limit. He commented that the school can grow further only if we can build new buildings to accommodate the students, and that these must be financed largely outside the school budget. He said that about eighty major, permanent buildings have been constructed on the campus since 1950, but students still occupy the extensive classroom and laboratory facilities to capacity. He stated the BYU has probably the highest classroom utilization rate in the nation. New buildings already have been approved. President Wilkinson further stated that the more students the University accepts, the more expensive the operation becomes for the Church, because each student pays for only about one-fourth of his education, but we want to continue to make the superior education of BYU available to as many students as possible.
Mr. Kennedy explained that the program involves more than fundraising, and that trustees, faculty, and students make up the University, not just brick and mortar. Then he added, ‘Brigham Young University already has come into its own, and will develop new, strong programs in which it can excel.’
I congratulated these brethren and told them that they had my prayers and heartfelt wishes for their success; that education has always been dear to my heart, and that this all pleases me very much.”
Thurs., 20 Oct. 1966:
“2:00 p.m.
Held a meeting of the First Presidency in the Council Room of the Salt Lake Temple at which time we took up some regular matters.
Brigham Young University – Development Program
The Brethren read to me a letter that had been prepared under the direction of Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, which letter it is proposed to be sent to Presidents of Stakes. The letter calls attention to authorization that has been given for the organization of a permanent development program and the selection of men of experience and vision to direct it, and asks for any help and encouragement that can be given to the program.
It indicates that there should be no solicitation of funds for these purposes made through the Priesthood or auxiliary organizations of the Church; that, however, these brethren may wish to use various members of the Church in the Stake areas to serve on committees for gathering information or contacting the individuals or institutions.
The letter was approved with the elimination of one paragraph. (See copy of letter following.)
Following this meeting, I returned to Huntsville.
Thursday, October 20, 1966
October 21, 1966
To: Presidents of Stakes
Dear Brethren:
In a letter to stake presidents in 1955 we stated, ‘Because of its combination of revealed and secular learning, Brigham Young University is destined to become, if not the largest, at least the most proficient institution of learning in the world, producing scholars with testimonies of the truth who will become leaders in science, industry, art, education letters and government.’
The truth of that statement continues with even greater clarity today as B.Y.U. with an enrollment of 20,000, has become the largest church-related university in the nation and its academic standards continue to rise.
To augment Church support of the Church school to foster those academic programs in which it can make major contributions and make it ‘the most proficient institution of learning in the world’ we have authorized the organization of a permanent, long-range development program and we have selected from throughout the Church men of experience and vision who will advise and direct it.
We have appointed David M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, as national chairman of the B.Y.U. Development Council. He has selected with our approval the following men who will serve as the executive committee: Guy Anderson of Safford, Arizona, chairman for mineral gifts; Reed Callister, Glendale, California, and Kline D. Strong, Salt Lake City, co-chairman for deferred gifts; Royden G. Derrick, Salt Lake City, business and industry gifts; Ralph J. Hill, Salt Lake City, Parents’ Committee; J. Willard Marriott, Washington, D.C., special major gifts; O. Leslie Stone, Oakland, California, alumni gifts; and Morris Wright, New York City, foundations committee. President Ernest L. Wilkinson of B.Y.U. and Raymond E. Beckham, director of University Development, will work closely with this committee in coordinating its efforts with the University.
These brethren soon will begin their activities throughout United States and Canada and we shall appreciate any help and encouragement you can give them. You should understand that no solicitation of funds for these purposes should be made through priesthood or auxiliary organizations of the Church. However, these brethren may wish to use various members of the Church in your areas on their committees for gathering information or contacting certain individuals or institutions. You are encouraged to assist in this manner, although we would not expect such an assignment to supplant the present Church responsibilities of any member.
We hope you will understand and appreciate this expanded effort on the part of the Church and the University to meet the increasing educational needs of our young people. We must ever seek to build their faith and testimonies while providing them with a secular education which will compare with the best in the land.
Sincerely yours,
The First Presidency
David O. McKay
Hugh B. Brown
N. Eldon Tanner
Joseph Fielding Smith”
Mon., 24 Oct. 1966:
“Visit of Hubert H. Humphrey to the Brigham Young University
I then met with President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU, who reported to me the circumstances under which Vice-President Hubert Humphrey was invited to speak at the BYU (See following minutes of this meeting by President Wilkinson.)
Sister McKay and I then asked President Wilkinson to stay for lunch, and we had a nice visit with him.
Monday, October 24, 1966
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AT HIS HUNTSVILLE HOME ON OCTOBER 24, 1966, MONDAY AT APPROX. 11:30 a.m.
In the morning, after I had arrived from San Francisco, I reported to Clare Middlemiss by telephone in connection with the Humphrey address given to the student body at Brigham Young University. She suggested that since the B.Y.U. Homecoming queen and her attendants were going to see President McKay that I should also go and tell him what happened.
I responded to her suggestion. The following is a resume of the conversation.
1. I explained to President McKay that we had originally invited Vice President Humphrey, that he had declined, but that on October 17, President Brown told me that the Vice President wanted to come. I reported to President Brown that that was most unusual because he had declined. Whereupon President Brown told me he had a telephone call from Senator Moss asking that the Vice President come. I also explained to President McKay that President Brown told me that he had cleared his coming with President Tanner and with President McKay and asked me to arrange for the meeting, that I had done so and that the meeting would be held October 21.
I told President McKay that after the Vice President came, I learned that President Brown’s grandson, Ed Firmage, had been on the campus the preceeding week arranging for a panel, etc., and had told those involved that I was not to be informed of it until after President Brown had informed me of the same, or otherwise I might cancel it.
President McKay’s response to this was ‘Pay no attention to what they say.’
2. I told President McKay that I was going ahead and arranging then for a Republican meeting. He gave enthusiastic approval for this.
3. I asked him whether since President Brown had introduced Humphrey we could have a General Authority introduce whom we obtain for the Republican rally. He authorized me to ask Elder Hunter in his behalf, to make this introduction.
E.L. Wilkinson
ELW/jmc”
Sun., 13 Nov. 1966:
“9:00 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called at the apartment.
We discussed matters pertaining to the outcome of the recent election, and to the fact that Ralph Harding, who went against the statement of the First Presidency on the Right-to-Work Law had run for the Senate from Idaho and had lost again. I was surprised to learn that President John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College at Rexburg, had openly endorsed Harding over the radio during his recent campaign. I told President Wilkinson to inform Elder Harold B. Lee of this since he is a member of the Church Board of Education.
Brother Wilkinson also informed me of certain actions of Joseph Rosenblatt, who is now threatening to sue the Tribune and Deseret News in an anti-trust suit because his newspaper had failed. I was surprised to learn this.
We also discussed other matters pertaining to the BYU students accepting the invitation of the Department of Defense to entertaining our soldiers in Korea, Japan, and other places in the Far East and the Islands; Junior College properties; Elder Eldred G. Smith’s address to the BYU sutdents; etc. (For details, see following memorandum by Dr. Wilkinson)
Sunday, November 13, 1966
MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY ON NOVEMBER 13, 1966 AT HOTEL UTAH AT 9:00 AM
1. The election, etc.:
At the outset of the conference I asked President McKay what he thought of the election. He said he thought the people were beginning to recover their senses again. He was particularly happy over the defeat of David King and Ralph Harding. He said he had given encouragement to David King at one time but King had been a great disappointment to him. He recalled that Ralph Harding had openly attacked Benson from the floor of the House of Representatives.
During the course of the conversation I expressed disappointment that after the First Presidency had spoken on The Right to Work Law and Ralph Harding had disobeyed the counsel of the Brethren, that President John Clark, of Rexburg, had openly endorsed Harding over the radio in Idaho. The President expressed great surprise at this, and said he thought I ought to take it up with the Board of Education. I pointed out that I was no longer in charge of Ricks College; whereupon he asked me to inform Brother Lee thereof. I asked him if he had anything particularly in mind. He said, ‘No, just put it in Brother Lee’s mind, so that he can consider what to do.’
During the course of this conversation also we discussed the election of two years ago when public sentiment was in the opposite direction. I pointed out to him that one of my difficulties in that election had been that I had been very unsuccessful in raising finances for the campaign, but before I decided to run for office Joseph Rosenblatt had promised to raise the funds for me, and then after I announced, he reneged on his promise. Recalling that Rosenblatt had been one of the main parties sponsoring a dinner a few years ago for President McKay, and that later I had even proposed that he be given an Honorary Doctorate Degree at the BYU, I now found that he had a reputation for being dishonorable in business dealings, and that I suppose the President knew that he was now threatening to sue the Tribune and the Deseret News in an anti-trust suit because his newspaper had failed. The President expressed surprise at this, saying he did not know, but thanked me for telling him. It was agreed that the President would be on his guard in the event Rosenblatt attempted to see him.
2. Patriarch Eldred Smith’s address to the students at BYU:
I had with me a copy of Eldred Smith’s address to the students at BYU on November 8 and read to the President that part that had to do with the Negro. I told the President that I had considerable doubts as to whether that part of the speech should be printed, and that Brother Lee had suggested that I see him directly about it. The President directed that no part of the address be printed. I commented that I couldn’t understand why some people didn’t have better common sense, and the President remarked, ‘Neither do I.’
3. Program Bureau Troops to Go Abroad:
I informed the President that the Department of Defense had invited our Program Bureau to send a troop of five students to Viet Nam next March, and a troop of ten students to Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Okinawa, Taiwan, Guam, and Hawaii during the summer of 1967, all expenses to be paid in both cases by the Program Bureau. I told the President that the Board of Trustees had referred the matter to him for final action. The President approved of both trips.
4. Proposed trip to Islands of Pacific:
I told the President that it had long been a hope and dream of the Program Bureau to send a program to the missions of the Church in the South Pacific area. This would include New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and Figi. The President inquired as to the purpose of this and I told him it was to advance missionary work, etc. The President disapproved of this trip.
5. Condemnation of Part of Land purchased in San Fernando Valley for Junior College Site:
I pointed out to the President that we had purchased 284 acres in San Fernando Valley for a future site for a junior college — that the State of California had already condemned certain parts of this land and were now condemning an additional part. The three condemnations would total 44 acres, leaving us 240 acres.
We paid originally $1,250,000 for the entire 284 acres comprising this property, and have paid another $150,000 in taxes. Our entire cost is $1,400,000. We will obtain from the State of California a total of $800,000 for the 44 acres condemned, leaving 244 acres for us at a cost of only $600,000 including the taxes we paid.
I informed him that Vice President Ben E. Lewis had been conducting the negotiations and the State of California now required of us that President Lewis be appointed an agent by the Corporation of the First President to consummate the negotiations. The President thereupon signed a Power of Attorney running to Ben E. Lewis for his purpose.
6. Title to Properties Purchased for Junior Colleges:
I pointed out to the President that titles to the property for future junior college sites in Idaho Falls, Portland, Freemont, Salt Lake City, and Anaheim had been taken in the name of BYU of its nominees; that nominees had been used at the time in order that the real identity of ownership would not be known, but that the identity of the owner was now known, and it seemed therefore advisable to transfer titles from the nominees directly to the University. President McKay authorized that this be done.
I pointed out that title to the property in San Fernando, Phoenix, and one plot in Salt Lake City were in the name of the Corporation of the President; that we at the BYU were managing all of the junior college properties; and that from the standpoint of management it would be more convenient if they were all in the name of the BYU. The President agreed and informed me that if I would draw proper transfers of title he would sign them.
7. Lorin Wheelwright:
I informed the President that Lorin Wheelwright had consented to become Dean of the College of Fine Arts at BYU, and that he had recently been elected President of the National Association of College Year Book Manufacturers. I told the President that as Dean of the College of Fine Arts I thought that he could be a real help to the Church, with many of their periodicals. The President agreed and said that Lorin has ‘great capacity.’
8. Cameron Report:
I asked the President whether any action had been taken on the Cameron Report. He said that he had not, because so many of the Brethren were opposed to it. I did not press the question any further.
As I left the room the President commented, ‘I am very happy that you are still at the BYU to keep things under proper control; that some educators just do not have ‘horse sense.’
Ernest L. Wilkinson
ELW/ej”
Fri., 2 Dec. 1966:
10:30 – 12:30 p.m.
BYU Development Fund
Conference with my secretary, Clare, who handed me for my signature statement to be used as a foreword in the Brigham Young University Brochure to be used by the Development Fund Committee. This has been approved by the BYU Board of Trustees (See copy of brochure following.)
Mon., 12 Dec. 1966:
“8:00 a.m.
Elder W. Cleon Skousen called on me in the office at the Hotel. He presented me with a copy of his newest book ‘The Fourth Thousand Years’, and wished me a happy holiday season.
During our conversation, Elder Skousen mentioned that President Ernest L. Wilkinson had asked him if he could once more join the faculty of the Brigham Young University. Brother Skousen said that he had been giving the matter serious consideration.
I told Brother Skousen that by returning to the BYU his teachings and influence would be extended through the students to a far greater part of the earth than any other way, and that should he find it feasible to return to the teaching field it would have my full approval and blessing.
Note by CM
Following the above interview, Elder Skousen called at the office of Clare Middlemiss, and said that ‘it was a genuine thrill to be in President McKay’s presence again and to partake of his wonderful spirit.'”
Mon., 19 Dec. 1966:
“11:20 a.m.
Brigham Young University – Presentation of Bound Volume of Buildings Constructed during my Presidency
President Ernest L. Wilkinson called on me, and presented a bound volume containing a record of the buildings which have been constructed on the Brigham Young University campus during my administration. He said that it is a memento of the contributions I have made to that beloved University. (See following copy of letter of tribute which is in the front of the bound volume.)
Monday, December 19, 1966
September 1966
President David O. McKay
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
37 East South Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
As you embark upon your ninety-fourth year of accomplishment in a life already full of achievement and marked with greatness, I should like to extend to you this humble expression of my deep personal admiration and devotion together with the love of the Brigham Young University administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Over the years you have demonstrated your testimony as to the destiny of Brigham Young University, your vision of its vast potential, your unceasing efforts for the advancement of its academic and religious programs, your keen insights into the worth of the precious souls who come under our tutelage, and your generosity in directing the funds of the Church into the construction necessary to house this extensive operation. This vast service has been an inspiration to us in the University community and has made possible this institution of worldwide importance in which it is our privilege now to be earnestly engaged.
Be assured, dear President McKay, that your dedicated life is enshrined in the hearts of our young people, and your beautiful companionship with your sweet wife stands as their shining example to be emulated in their own lives.
As a memento of your great contributions to our beloved University, we have presented pictorially in this volume a record of the buildings which have been constructed on Brigham Young University campus through your kind and untiring efforts during your administration as President of the Church. We hope it will bring you pleasure.
With deepest devotion and fond admiration,
Sincerely and respectfully,
Ernest L. Wilkinson
President”
Wed., 18 Jan. 1967:
“10:30 a.m.
Arizona Stakes – Petition for a Branch College of the BYU
President Burke Peterson of the North Phoenix Stake came in with a letter signed by the ten Stake Presidents in the Phoenix area petitioning the First Presidency of the Church that something be done to establish a Branch of the Brigham Young University in Phoenix, Arizona, where the Church already owns a valuable site of ground purchased several years ago for a school.
President Peterson read the letter to me which explained the critical need for a school in Phoenix for our young people, and I told him that I would instruct President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU to meet with the Stake Presidents of Arizona and go over the whole matter with them, and then he can report back to me about it. (See copy of letter following.)
I instructed Clare, who was present, to call President Wilkinson, and tell him to see Brother Peterson while he is here and talk the matter over with him.
Forest Dale Property
I also told Clare to tell President Wilkinson to give me a report on the status of the Forest Dale property here in Salt Lake City; that City attorney Holmgren and Commissioner Barker have asked for a meeting with me to discuss the matter of the Church’s reconveying this property to the city.
Wednesday, January 18, 1967
January 17, 1967
President David O. McKay
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Brigham Young University
Arizona Branch
Dear President McKay:
I have been directed by the ten Stake Presidents of the Salt River Valley of Arizona to forward the enclosed resolution. This resolution has been developed after much consideration, cooperation and prayer by the Stakes of Zion in Central Arizona.
There is no intent in this resolution to be presumptive. There is no thought of our establishing high level policy within the church. The spirit here is to acquaint you with the united feelings of the ten Stakes concerning the Arizona Branch University of Brigham Young.
Any or all of the Stake Presidents are very willing and ready, if requested, to come and discuss personally this resolution with you.
We did not include in the resolution some other factors which we believe also should militate in favor of some early action.
1) When the Church undertook to purchase some choice property in Phoenix for a future university site, the active support of the then Governor of Arizona, the Honorable Paul J. Fannin, leaders of both the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate and the Arizona State Hospital Board, together with help from the newspaper and many other groups in Phoenix, all made possible the purchase of this large parcel. Some feel that the land could have been sold in small parcels for a higher price and some feel that it should not have been sold, but should have been retained by the state. The high school district tried to obtain 40 acres for a high school site and took a less desirable 40 acres about a half mile east. There have been frequent inquiries from those who assisted us in making the land available for purchase. It was generally understood that the property would be used for the establishment of a branch of the University and that this would be brought about within a reasonable time. One of the Stake Presidents in the Valley is the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. Without doubt, he will be asked about this many times. Many other members of the Church constantly are asked by the newspaper and others why construction has not been undertaken.
2) The University at Provo apparently has reached its maximum size as determined by the Board of Trustees for there have been notices sent out discouraging new freshmen and sophomores from registering, but encouraging them to remain at home, and the entrance requirements also have been made more rigid. These factors cause concern to parents who are reluctant to let their 18 and 19-year-old children be subjected to the influences of many of the public universities until they have had opportunity for a little greater maturity.
Once again, we appreciate this opportunity of presenting our thoughts to you. We will accept, support and feel good with the ultimate decision made in this matter.
Faithfully yours,
Maurice R. Tanner
Scottsdale Stake President
MRT:le
Wednesday, January 18, 1967
Resolution
WHEREAS, the General Authorities of the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, in their wisdom, purchased a valuable site for a Branch University in Phoenix, Arizona, some several years ago; and
WHEREAS, the site purchased has, since its acquisition, become even better located and accessible as a Branch University site, by reason of the highways planned for the area, bearing out the wisdom of the General Authorities of the Church in acquiring the site; and
WHEREAS, the members of the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS residing in the Salt River Valley area of Arizona are most desirous of affording their children an opportunity to attend a Church College, because of the environment, training and instruction obtainable only at Church College, such as Brigham Young University at Provo, Utah; and
WHEREAS, many of the Church members which make up the ten (10) Stakes located in the Salt River Valley area of Central Arizona are willing to contribute of their time and means for the construction of a Branch University at the site owned by the Church in Maricopa County, State of Arizona; and
WHEREAS, the Stake Presidents of the ten (10) Stakes located in the Salt River Valley area of Central Arizona feel they express the desire, wishes and needs of the Church members residing in this area, and that they also express the feeling and desire of the Church membership residing in the State of Arizona, when we express our desire that the Church proceed with the plans for a Branch University to be erected on the property acquired for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, we feel that the establishment of a Church College on the site owned by the Church in Maricopa County, State of Arizona, will also serve as a great missionary instrumentality, and that the continued holding of this CHOICE BRANCH UNIVERSITY SITE, without going forward with specific plans for the construction of a Branch University will result in criticism of the Church; and
WHEREAS, we desire to express our complete confidence in and love and devotion to our beloved Prophet and President of the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, David O. McKay, his counselors and the other General Authorities of the Church;
NOW, THEREFORE, in humility and love, the ten (10) Stake Presidents of the Stakes of the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, located in the Salt River Valley area, Maricopa County, Arizona, respectfully PETITION President DAVID O. MCKAY, the other members of the FIRST PRESIDENCY and the GENERAL AUTHORITIES of the Church to proceed with plans for the construction and operation of a Branch University on the property owned by the Church in Maricopa County, State of Arizona; and
FURTHER, we assure the First Presidency and the General Authorities of the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS that many of the members of the Church residing in the State of Arizona, stand ready, willing and able to do their part in the furtherance of the construction of said Branch University in whatever manner requested of them, as we feel that the existence of the Branch University will render a real service to the Church membership, and in particular the young people of this and future generations, and that the operation of the Church College in Arizona will develop many great leaders and will greatly further the work of the Lord throughout the Kingdom.
The foregoing RESOLUTION was considered and unanimously adopted and approved at a meeting of the ten (10) Stake Presidents, as hereafter set forth, this first day of January, 1967.
Eldon W. Cooley
President, East Mesa Stake
Glenn A. Jones
President, East Phoenix Stake
Harold Wright
President, Maricopa Stake
LeRoy Layton
President, Mesa Stake
Stan Turley
President, Mesa South Stake
David E. Heywood
President, Phoenix Stake
Burke Peterson
President, Phoenix North Stake
Keith W. Hubbard
President, Phoenix West Stake
?
President, Scottsdale Stake
George I. Dana
President, Tempe Stake”
Sun., 5 Feb. 1967:
“Minutes of conference held with President David O. McKay and Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, Sunday, February 5, 1967, at 4:00 p.m.
By invitation, I met with President McKay to discuss a number of matters as follows:
1) Refusal to Play Basketball on Sunday. I told President McKay that his son, Lawrence, had inquired of me as to who made the decision not to permit our basketball team to play on Sunday; that I had made the decision; and that I wondered if I had acted properly. President McKay said that he was ‘thrilled’ with the decision, and that if he hadn’t already had confidence in what I was doing, he did now.
2) Political Activities of President John L. Clarke. I reminded President McKay that he had asked me to report the political activities of John L. Clarke, President of Ricks College, to Elder Harold B. Lee. I informed him that I had done so, and that Elder Lee said that he would follow up by seeing President McKay. President McKay said that he had not done so.
3) Newell Weight. I reminded President McKay that Brother Newell Weight had been discharged from the BYU faculty some six years ago because of immorality; that he had also been excommunicated, but that he had been re-baptized about three years ago. He now has had all of his blessings restored. I told President McKay that I never knew of a man who I thought was a repentant as Brother Weight, and asked whether we could now re-employ him on our faculty, since he was probably the best choral leader in the Church. President McKay asked me to have a personal conference with Brother Weight and then report back to him.
4) Tom Anderson and Robert Welch. I asked President McKay whether there would be any objections to having Tom Anderson or Robert Welch speak at the BYU provided we balance them with a liberal speaker. He answered that he would prefer that we wait a while for this.
5) Arizona Branch of the BYU. I told President McKay that President Burke Peterson of the Phoenix North Stake had informed me that President McKay wanted me to meet with the Stake Presidents of the Arizona area to work out a plan for a branch of the BYU in Phoenix. I told President McKay that without a decision by the Board of Trustees to have a branch, I doubted that it would be wise to meet with these Stake Presidents; that I wanted President McKay to know I had never met President Peterson before, and was not pushing this matter, although he knew that I had always been in favor of this. President McKay said he would leave it to me as to how to handle the matter, but he thought that both a branch in Phoenix and Anaheim, California were desirable. He asked me how many students we would probably have to turn away at the BYU this coming fall, and I estimated between 2,000 and 3,000. He said he couldn’t see how the Church could turn down that many students without providing Church schools for them.
6) George Mardikian. I told President McKay that a very prominent naturalized American citizen of Armenia, George Mardikian, who is the owner of the famous Omar Kuyyam Restaurant in San Francisco, had suggested he would like to meet with the First Presidency at some time to discuss the Church’s opening a mission in the Middle East. Mr. Mardikian is a very famous person who knows all of the leaders in Middle Asia, and said that if the Church would open a Mission, he would personally, at his own expense, go to the Middle East and introduce the Mission President to all of the leaders and obtain their friendship. President McKay suggested that I make arrangements for Mr. Mardikian to meet with them at some time. It was suggested that Elders Ezra Taft Benson and Howard W. Hunter, whose assignments cover some of these areas, also be present. (See diary of May 25, 1967.)
7) J. Howard Pew. I told President McKay that as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Federation of Economic Education, I had become very well acquainted with Mr. J. Howard Pew, who was probably the top lay Presbyterian leader in this country, and who was very much opposed to the political orientation of the National Council of Churches. I suggested that I thought Mr. Pew could really inform the First Presidency as to what was going on in Protestantism in this country, and inquired as to whether he would like to have him meet with the First Presidency. President McKay suggested that this be held in abeyance for the time.
8) Governor Ronald Reagan. I informed President McKay that I had congratulated Governor Reagan on his stand against the demonstrations, etc. that have occurred at the University of California, and also commended him for his stand on economy, and that Governor Reagan had replied expressing appreciation for my views and telling me that he had found several places where economy could be effected, as for example at the Davis Campus of the University of California where he had found they were giving four-hours credit for ‘Picketing, Preparation for, and Demonstrations’. President McKay expressed great indignation that such a class should be given at a university. He asked me if I thought Governor Reagan was competent, and I replied that President David B. Haight had informed me of Governor Reagan’s statement during the campaign with respect to public welfare. It sounded like it had been issued by the First Presidency of the Church. I told him that Dr. Max Rafferty, the Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of California, had informed me that Governor Reagan was the first governor in his memory in California who immediately, upon taking office, proceeded to attempt to put all of his platforms into effect. The President was highly pleased with this report.
9) Dr. Max Rafferty. I informed the President that at a public meeting in Salt Lake City, someone had asked Dr. Rafferty as to whether the BYU was just a place for the ‘unwashed’. Dr. Rafferty said that he had visited many campuses over several years and that it was his judgment that the BYU represented the finest student body he had seen — that the students were all intent on obtaining an education and not engaging in noisy demonstrations. President McKay was well pleased with this.
10) Proposal by Social Science Faculty for Appointment of Faculty Members.
I told President McKay that while we were not experiencing the troubles of other universities, where faculties think they ought to control the administration completely, nevertheless I did have a proposal from our College of Social Science that all faculty members in that College should be appointed by the faculty rather than the Administration; that the Administration should have only the right of recommendation. President McKay replied that we could not think of a policy of this kind, that obviously the Administration and Board of Trustees should have the unlimited right of appointment.
11) Teaching of Socialism. I informed President McKay that there was a tendency at most universities throughout the country to teach Socialism and certain ingredients of the welfare state even though I thought the faculty members of those institutions were naive and did not know what they were doing. I informed him that we were subject to the same tendency on the part of certain faculty members at the BYU, and asked whether it would be appropriate for him to give me a statement to the effect that we are not to advocate any facets of Socialism at BYU. He said that he would be happy to give such a statement, and suggested that I draft something for him.
12) Discharge of J. Kenneth Davies. I informed him that we had informed Dr. J. Kenneth Davies that he would not be re-engaged next year, and that the reasons for this were as follows: First, Dr. Davies had accepted from another faculty member a list of faculty salaries which had been stolen. He then refused to help us determine the perpetrator of the theft, and falsified as to the information he had. Further, when I gave him a written reprimand, he accused the Administration and the Board of having a dishonest salary system. He further had said that President McKay was ‘completely wrong’ in his stand on the Right-to-Work issue, and he then made a personal attack on my integrity. President McKay replied that he did not see how, under those circumstances, we could keep him on the faculty.
13) Appointment of a Chancellor over the Entire Church School System.
I told President McKay that I thought the Church School System needed a top Chancellor who would have supervision over all branches of the Church School System; that a divided command at the top was not consistent with Church procedure or with efficient administration. I suggested Elder Howard W. Hunter. He said that he thought that was a good suggestion, but asked me what I thought of Elder Delbert L. Stapley. I told him that Elder Stapley would be fine, but that he did not have the educational background of Elder Howard W. Hunter, and I was afraid that with his health condition this appointment might be too much of a burden. I told President McKay that I thought it ought to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, regardless of who it was. President McKay thought for some time on this point, and then, turning to me, said, ‘I think we ought to appoint you.’ I told President McKay that I was not a candidate for it, that I was happy at the BYU, and that I had had the responsibility of being both Chancellor of the Church School System and President of the BYU at one time, and the joint responsibility was too much for one person. President McKay said he recognized this, but suggested that I give consideration to it, and at the same time come up with a nomination for President of the BYU. I told the President that as always I would do what he said, but that I thought he ought to give long consideration before appointing me. He again, however, urged that I get my recommendations to him.
Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President
Brigham Young University”
Fri., 24 Feb. 1967:
“Brigham Young University – Answering Questions by Students
President Brown stated that while recently at the Brigham Young University where he delivered an address to the student body in their devotional exercises, the question was raised as to whether he would be willing to sit with the students after the devotional and answer questions. President Brown said he told them that he did not desire to do this. He felt that there could be some danger in a policy whereby members of the General Authorities met with the students and answered questions for the reason that all of the Brethren might not answer the questions in the same way. President Brown referred to Elder LeGrand Richards’ report in the Council yesterday that following his address at the BYU devotional exercises he met with the students for several hours and answered questions. President Tanner mentioned that they had invited him to do the same thing and that he refused to do so, feeling that there were some dangers involved in such a policy, that the students might get the impression that there is a lack of unity among the General Authorities. I agreed that this should not be done, and a letter will be sent to President Wilkinson to that effect.
Mon., 6 Mar. 1967:
“4:00 p.m.
Brigham Young University – Conference with President Wilkinson
Brother Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of the Brigham Young University, called at the apartment and reported several matters pertaining to unusual developments at the school. At my request, he sent me minutes of the items he discussed with me. (See memorandum following.)
Monday, March 6, 1967
March 7, 1967
President David O. McKay
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President McKay:
In obedience to your continuing instructions that I keep you personally informed of any unusual developments at the Brigham Young University, I saw you yesterday and reported that on Tuesday of last week certain students charged 1) that certain teachers had resigned because of lack of freedom of speech, and 2) that in effect the Administration had encouraged a student ‘spy’ ring to report on concepts being taught by certain teacher.
I further informed you that at a meeting last Thursday evening the BYU chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which is composed of probably not more than ten percent of the faculty, had passed a resolution asking that an investigation of these charges be made by one member of the Board of Trustees, the Academic Vice-President, and the Dean of Students, and three faculty members selected by the faculty themselves.
I told you that I was investigating these charges and that it appeared that the student making the main accusations was very unreliable and apparently was guilty of a recent robbery in California for which he may be arrested, but it now appears that in addition to his testimony there is probably some truth to the charge that certain students had been organized to report on certain teachers, and that the administration may have advertently or inadvertently encouraged these students although not in the manner it took place. I told you the details of this.
After a rather full discussion, you advised and instructed me as follows:
1) That teachers ought not to object to the Administration knowing what they teach, nor to students reporting on the same so long as the Administration is careful in properly evaluating such reports. You recalled that parents and others often write critical letters of teachers to the General Authorities, and that they have been sent to me for investigation.
2) Where students or teachers have complaints, they should take them up with the Administration, rather than resort to public declamation or newspapers and other media concerning the same. This is in the interest of the University.
3) That your previous instructions to me are to continue; namely, that it is my responsibility to see that Atheism, Communism, and Socialism are not to be advocated by BYU teachers.
4) That you thought it unwise for the Board of Trustees to make an investigation at the instance of the American Association of University Professors.
5) That I should investigate the whole matter and report back to you personally.
As I left your office, you again instructed me to keep close to you and report developments.
Since I want to make sure that what I have said above is a correct statement of your instructions, and that I have authority to proceed, will you please approve this letter in the space provided below.
Faithfully yours,
Brigham Young University
Ernest L. Wilkinson
(President)
Approved: David O. McKay”
Tues., 7 Mar. 1967:
“Junior College – Building Site in Northern California
Reference was made to a letter from Francis B. Winkel, President of the Fremont Stake, California, stating that the local junior college school district is looking for a site for their new junior college and that they appear to be most interested in the site that the Church owns, which property was purchased several years ago by the Church for a junior college and consists of 150 acres.
President Winkel states that the present value of this land is about double what the Church paid for it. He also states that the School district would prefer to negotiate with us for the purchase of the property rather than to get it through condemnation proceedings, that they would like the site if the Church does not intend to build on it. In discussing the matter reference was made to the sentiment of the brethren of the Twelve which it was reported is unanimously in favor of abandoning the idea of having a junior college in that area, it being the thought of the brethren that our money could be used to much better advantage by establishing institutes and seminaries and also my making Church education available in other parts of the world where it is not available now.
I said that I do not feel that we should take action on the matter today.”
Wed., 15 Mar. 1967:
11:30 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came in and informed me regarding the charges made by students at the BYU as to surveillance of teachers. Evidently, a student had tried to organize some very Left-Wing organizations on the campus, and that because of the times President Wilkinson said that he had to be alert as to what some of the faculty members were teaching. He said that they need a man with Federal Bureau of Investigation detective experience to exercise surveillance on the campus.
I authorized President Wilkinson to employ such a person; that we need to keep a hand on such activities on the campus there at BYU. (See memorandum following by President Wilkinson which I have endorsed.)
Wednesday, March 15, 1967
Memorandum of Conference with President David O. McKay on Wednesday, March 15, 1967
In response to President McKay’s instructions that I keep him informed as to the developments and the charges made by students at the BYU as to surveillance of teachers, I saw President McKay about 11:20 a.m. and gave him a general report on developments. As a result of this discussion he gave me two specific instructions:
1. I told him that President Brown’s grandson, Edwin Firmage, had interested himself in the matter, and had seen President Brown, and that the following week President Brown phoned my office and asked for a copy of the Accreditation Report; and that some of the conclusions in this Accreditation Report were related to the accusation of student surveillance of faculty. President McKay told me that under these circumstances I should stand my ground and not give the report to President Brown.
2. I told President McKay that we had now learned that last year we had a student who, in all probability was a Communist on the campus; that he had tried while here to organize some very Left-Wing organizations; and that with the present agitation in the country, we had to be continually on alert against subversive students. I told him, further, that there were times when we really had to learn what certain faculty members were teaching; that I had just been informed, for instance, that a certain teacher had denied the existence of the Holy Ghost. I told him that we had Security officers on our campus, but in addition to them we needed a man with Federal Bureau of Investigation detective experience to exercise surveillance on the campus. He authorized me to proceed to appoint such a person.
Ernest L. Wilkinson
Approved:
___________________
President David O. McKay”
Sun., 21 May 1967:
“8:00 a.m.
Brigham Young University – Problems Concerning
President Wilkinson called at the apartment and discussed with me three items:
1) That the Gospel in its fullness as taught by the teachers at the BYU,
2) That the teachers at the BYU should not advocate Communism or any of its variants per se,
3) That the teachers at the BYU should not advocate Socialism or the Welfare State.
He then took up matters that he will take up at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees.
It was decided that a letter to all members of the Board of Trustees calling attention to the items discussed should be written by me and handed to the members at the next Board meeting to be held next Wednesday, June 7, 1967. I told President Wilkinson that I would be present at the meeting. (See minutes of this meeting by President Wilkinson which follow; see also June 7, 1967.)
Junior Colleges
President Wilkinson then brought up the matter of the Junior College sites which the Church now owns in various places, and that there seemed to be a sentiment on the part of the Church Real Estate Department of the Church that some of these sites should be sold.
I said that I did not feel that these sites should be sold at this time. (See minutes by President Wilkinson following; also see diary of June 27, 1967.)
Sunday, May 21, 1967
Confidential Memorandum of Conference with President David O. McKay Which Lasted From 8:00 a.m. Until About 9:45 a.m. On May 21, 1967
1. First of all I called President McKay’s attention to the demoralizing riots and disorders, and civil disobedience that occurred on many campuses, and reviewed with him instructions he had continuously given me that teachers at the BYU should 1) teach the Gospel in its fullness as taught by Church leaders, 2) not advocate communism or any of its variants per se, 3) not advocate socialism or the welfare state.
I told President McKay that the third item enumerated was difficult of achieving without more definite instructions from him. He reiterated his former instructions to me and said that he would write me a letter about the same. He inquired as to our practice of only hiring members of the Church and I informed him that even the faculty had passed a resolution to that effect and I would get it to him.
2. I then took up with him matters that I propose to take up in the next meeting of the Board of Trustees. I recalled instructions he had given me that when I had important new policies to take up he would appreciate me discussing them with him in advance.
Among the items discussed were the following:
a. Limitations on free speech at the BYU. These are the limitations discussed in 1 supra. He approved of these limitations.
b. I informed him that if the Board wanted to keep intimately acquainted with what was going on at the Brigham Young University, it would be desirable that I have more time with the Board each month. He expressed the hope that this could be worked out.
c. I suggested that, in the interests of the Board maintaining a closer control of what’s going on at the BYU, it would be desirable for us to have three subcommittees of the Board; 1) on faculty and academic programs, 2) on student body affairs, and 3) on finances. Without committing himself as to my final plan, he instructed me to take this up with the Board.
d. I told him that certain members of the faculty had urged a Faculty Senate. After full consideration he thought that we ought to proceed at the BYU in accordance with Church procedure, rather than a Faculty Senate.
e. I told him the faculty of the College of Social Sciences had recommended that the Departmental Chairman, the Dean and the Academic Vice President should be the sole judges of the professional qualifications of teachers, and that the interrogation of these teachers by the President and Members of the Board of Trustees be confined to Church faithfulness. The President did not agree with this. He thought that the President and the Board should be responsible for the selection of teachers and for the right to interrogate them on any matters they saw fit.
3. I told him that I considered this next meeting of the Board of Trustees to be very important and asked if it were possible for him to be present. He said he would be delighted to be present, and would be there.
ELW/ej
Sunday, May 21, 1967
Supplemental Memorandum of Conference with President Daivd O. McKay on May 21, 1967
Junior Colleges:
a. I told him that there seemed to be sentiment on the part of the Real Estate Department of the Church that some of the Junior College sites be sold. He repeated what he had said on many occasions — that he did not want them sold.
b. I recalled that he had asked me to meet with Stake Presidents in Arizona who had come to visit him with respect to building a junior college in Phoenix. I told him that I had not met with them because I knew there was some sentiment against building the junior college, and that I did not want to be caught in the center of a dispute. I advised him, however, that I had heard that the Stake Presidents in Arizona were incensed at what their children were being taught in State schools, that they were about to propose a program to President McKay whereby the members of the Church in Arizona would be in large part responsible for the construction and operation of a junior college in that area. In response to questions from President McKay I told him that there was of course divided feeling among the Brethren as to whether there should be a junior college, but a number of the Brethren had informed me that they were in favor of a junior college if there were any possible way for the Church to finance it; further, they told me that if the President indicated he desired these junior colleges they would enthusiastically support him. The President inquired about this twice and I repeated the same answer.
I urged the President, as I had done on previous occasions, that one of the General Authorities ought to be named as Chancellor of the entire Church School System — that it needed a responsible head. He again looked at me and said that he wanted me to take that position. I told him I doubted seriously whether I should do so, because I thought the person who took that position should have the prestige behind him of being a General Authority. It was understood that I would give further consideration to this matter and report back to him.
ELW/ej
Sunday, May 21, 1967
May 25, 1967
President Ernest L. Wilkinson
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah 84601
Dear President Wilkinson,
Recent disturbing events in our country — such as an alarming increase in nearly all categories of crime, divorce, juvenile and adult delinquency, riots at colleges, strikes of school teachers, civil disorders which go far beyond ‘peaceable assemblies’, the resurrection of a pagan philosophy that God is dead, demoralizing movies, television programs which encourage lewd and lascivious conduct, and now a report of a national committee on law enforcement which, instead of recommending the enforcement of our criminal laws, would surrender to the forces of evil by eliminating from the category of crime nearly all sex offense — have given me great concern and prompt me to write you as to measures which I hope you, as President of the Brigham Young University, and the faculty will follow to make sure that the thousands of students under your supervision are receiving the proper teaching and training. I want them to be protected from the seriously increasing evils of the day which past Prophets have indicated would come to pass, and which are now upon us.
1) I want, first of all, to congratulate you, the faculty, and the students of the Brigham Young University upon the fact that we have had no riots or other serious disturbances at the ‘Y’ such as have tarnished the reputations of other institutions and brought down public condemnation upon them. In view, however, of current trends and pressures on our young people, as reflected daily by the public press, I wish that you and the faculty would be even more vigilant than you have been in the past to see that only students of acceptable spiritual and academic standards are admitted and retained, and that the reputation of the Brigham Young University as a university where the ‘glory of God is intelligence’, and where high standards of moral conduct, sobriety, and order are ever present, are not only maintained, but increasingly improved and enhanced.
2) In these days when not only religious standards but some of the Ten Commandements themselves are under attack, I hope that you and the faculty will go the extra mile in seeing that the religious doctrines of our Church are taught in their fullness so that students will have proper religious convictions for all decisions which they have to make. The trends of the time in the opposite direction are so strong that it will require extraordinary vigilance on the part of all of us to resist them.
I have been happy over the years to know that the faculty itself some years ago resolved that the first qualification for appointment to the faculty of the Brigham Young University is that of an ‘attitude toward and adherence to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ’. I am happy, also, to know that a very large number of faculty members are now serving with General Boards, or as Stake Presidents, Bishops, and High Council members, and in other Church positions. I would urge all the principles of the Gospel and standards in every class whenever the opportunity arises, whether that class be a class in theology or otherwise.
3) I cannot help but think that there is a direct relationship between the present evil trends which I have above indicated, and the very marked tendency of the people of our country to pass on to the State the responsibility for their moral and economic welfare. This trend to a welfare state in which people look to and worship Government more than their God, is certain to sap the individual ambitions and moral fiber of our youth unless they are warned and re-warned of the consequences. History, of course, is replete with the downfall of nations who, instead of assuming their own responsibility for their religious and economic welfare, mistakenly attempted to shift their individual responsibility to the Government.
I, therefore, fervently urge that the departments of History, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and all other related departments continuously teach our students the evils of Socialism and the welfare state, and I hope that no one on the faculty of the Brigham Young University is advocating these demoralizing governmental programs. In urging this, I am not only expressing my individual views as President of the Church, but that of every Prophet of the Church from the Prophet Joseph Smith on down, for all of them in general, and most in specific language, have condemned Socialism and all trends that lead in that direction. From the beginning of our Church it has been a part of our philosophy that we should be strong and self-reliant individuals, not dependent upon the largess or benefactions of Government. In other words, it is not the Government’s duty to support us — no government owes us a living. We get it by our own acts! – never by trespassing upon the rights of a neighbor; never by cheating him.
It is a part of our ‘Mormon’ theology that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired; that our Republic came into existence through wise men raised up for that very purpose. We believe it is the duty of the members of the Church to see that this Republic is not subverted either by any sudden or constant erosion of those principles which gave this Nation its birth.
In these days when there is a special trend among certain groups, including members of faculties of universities, to challenge the principles upon which our Country has been founded and the philosophy of our Founding Fathers, I hope that the Brigham Young University will stand as a bulwark in support of the principles of Government as vouchsafed to us by our Constitutional Fathers.
Again, may I express my gratitude for all that you and members of the faculty have done to give the Brigham Young University the reputation it now has. May God bless you to carry it to still greater heights, in the ‘Mormon’ tradition I have set forth above, I remain
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
(President)”
Mon., 5 June 1967:
“8:40 a.m.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University came in and reminded me of my promise to be present at the meeting of the Board of Trustees this coming Wednesday, June 7.
I told him that I am planning to be present, and asked President Wilkinson to arrange with my secretary, Clare, to have someone call for me and take me to the Church Administration Building.
President Wilkinson said that the Executive Committee at its last meeting had directed him to prepare a statement with respect to limitations on free speech at the BYU, and that I had accordingly drafted a statement, which he read to me. I approved of this statement. (See also May 21, 1967, and June 7, 1967.)”
Wed., 7 June 1967:
“10:40 a.m.
Brigham Young University – Board of Trustees Meeting
Attended the Board of Trustees meeting of the Brigham Young University.
In addition to the regular matters, a letter addressed to all members of the Board, which I had signed, regarding the standards to be upheld by the professors at the BYU, was presented to the Board for their approval. The letter was adopted by the Board as the official stand to be taken at the school. (See copy of letter following.)
Wednesday, June 7, 1967
May 25, 1967
President Ernest L. Wilkinson
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah 84601
Dear President Wilkinson:
Recent disturbing events in our country — such as an alarming increase in nearly all categories of crime, divorce, juvenile and adult delinquency, riots at colleges, strikes of school teachers, civil disorders which go far beyond ‘peaceable assemblies’, the resurrection of a pagan philosophy that God is dead, demoralizing movies, television programs which encourage lewd and lascivious conduct, and now a report of a national committee on law enforcement which, instead of recommending the enforcement of our criminal laws, would surrender to the forces of evil by eliminating from the category of crime nearly all sex offenses — have given me great concern and prompt me to write you as to measure which I hope you, as President of the Brigham Young University, and the faculty will follow to make sure that the thousands of students under your supervision are receiving the proper teaching and training. I want them to be protected from the seriously increasing evils of the day which past Prophets have indicated would come to pass, and which are now upon us.
1) I want, first of all, to congratulate you, the faculty, and the students of the Brigham Young University upon the fact that we have had not riots or other serious disturbances at the ‘Y’ such as have tarnished the reputations of other institutions and brought down public condemnation upon them. In view, however, of current trends and pressures on our young people, as reflected daily by the public press, I wish that you and the faculty would be even more vigilant than you have been in the past to see that only students of acceptable spiritual and academic standards are admitted and retained, and that the reputation of the Brigham Young University as a university where the ‘glory of God is intelligence’, and where high standards of moral conduct, sobriety, and order are ever present, are not only maintained, but increasingly improved and enhanced.
2) In these days when not only religious standards but some of the Ten Commandments themselves are under attack, I hope that you and the faculty will go the extra mile in seeing that the religious doctrines of our Church are taught in their fullness so that students will have proper religious convictions for all decision which they have to make. The trends of the time in the opposite direction are so strong that it will require extraordinary vigilance on the part of all of us to resist them.
I have been happy over the years to know that the faculty itself some years ago resolved that the first qualification for appointment to the faculty of the Brigham Young University is that of an ‘attitude toward and adherence to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am happy, also, to know that a very large number of faculty members are now serving with General Boards, or as Stake Presidents, Bishops, and High Council members, and in other Church positions. I would urge all members of the faculty, whether they have a Church position or not, to teach the principles of the Gospel and standards in every class whenever the opportunity arises, whether that class be a class in theology or otherwise.
3) I cannot help but think that there is a direct relationship between the present evil trends which I have above indicated, and the very marked tendency of the people of our country to pass on to the State the responsibility for their moral and economic welfare. This trend to a welfare state in which people look to and worship Government more than their God, is certain to sap the individual ambitions and moral fiber of our youth unless they are warned and re-warned of the consequences. History, of course, is replete with the downfall of nations who, instead of assuming their own responsibility for their religious and economic welfare, mistakenly attempted to shift their individual responsibility to the Government.
I, therefore, fervently urge that the departments of History, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and all other related departments continuously teach our students the evils of Socialism and the welfare state, and I hope that no one on the faculty of the Brigham Young University is advocating these demoralizing governmental programs. In urging this, I am not only expressing my individual views as President of the Church, but that of every Prophet of the Church from the Prophet Joseph Smith on down, for all of them in general, and most in specific language, have condemned Socialism and all trends that lead in that direction. From the beginning of our Church it has been a part of our philosophy that we should be strong and self-reliant individuals, not dependent upon the largess or benefactions of Government. In other words, it is not the Government’s duty to support us — no government owes us a living. We get it by our own acts! – never by trespassing upon the rights of a neighbor; never by cheating him.
It is a part of our ‘Mormon’ theology that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired; that our Republic came into existence through wise men raised up for that very purpose. We believe it is the duty of the members of the Church to see that this Republic is not subverted either by any sudden or constant erosion of those principles which gave this Nation its birth.
In these days when there is a special trend among certain groups, including members of faculties of universities, to challenge the principles upon which our Country has been founded and the philosophy of our Founding Fathers, I hope that the Brigham Young University will stand as a bulwark in support of the principles of Government as vouchsafed to us by our Constitutional Fathers.
Again, may I express my gratitude for all that you and members of the faculty have done to give the Brigham Young University the reputation it now has. May God bless you to carry it to still greater heights, in the ‘Mormon’ tradition I have set forth above, I remain
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
(President)”
Wed., 14 Jun., 1967:
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
My secretary, Clare, brought over a number of letters needing my signature.
I asked her to re-read to me the letter which was addressed to the Brigham Young University Board of Trustees, and distributed to them at the meeting held June 7. This letter sets forth the policy to be upheld by the Professors and members of the Board at the BYU.
After carefully considering this letter, which bears my signature, and which I had given much thought to prior to its being sent out, I see nothing wrong with it, and do not see where it needs changing.”
Fri., 16 June 1967:
“8:10 a.m.
Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called at the office in the Hotel Utah.
He reported that my secretary had informed him that Elder Richard L. Evans had called her and given her instructions that I am to hold up any circulation of the letter to the Board of Trustees until he heard further on the matter.
President Wilkinson reminded me that the letter was adopted by the Board of Trustees until he heard further on the matter.
President Wilkinson reminded me that the letter was adopted by the Board of Trustees as the policy of that Board at their meeting held June 7, and that copies of the letter have already been distributed.
I told President Wilkinson that I had re-read the letter, and that I think the letter is ‘a good letter’, but that Elder Evans wants to make some ‘radical changes’. I told President Wilkinson that if any changes are made in the letter, they should be presented to him, and that if I receive any recommendations for changes, I shall refer them to him.
President Wilkinson said that one of the General Authorities had said to him: ‘Did President McKay really write that letter?’ I stated, ‘I approved and signed that letter — and it is mine.’
(See following memorandum by President Wilkinson)
President Wilkinson then brought up the matter of Junior College sites which have been purchased by the Church. President Wilkinson said that he had been given instructions that these sites are not for sale, but that some of the General Authorities are giving a different impression. I said that no decision had been made to sell the properties, and that I shall send a memorandum to the General Authorities stating that these properties are not for sale. (See memorandum following by President Wilkinson — also copy of letter sent to all General Authorities.)
Did not hold any other meetings this morning.
Friday, June 16, 1967
Memorandum of Conference with President David O. McKay, Friday, June 16, 1967, at 8:25 a.m.
I informed President McKay that Sister Clare Middlemiss had mentioned to me that Elder Richard L. Evans had expressed an objection to the letter the President had written me giving instructions as to subjects not to be advocated at the BYU; that later Elder Evans told her that she was to inform me that I was to hold up any circulation of the letter until I heard further on the matter.
I reminded the President that his letter to me had been adopted by the Board of Trustees as the policy of that Board, and that copies of it had already been distributed to members of the Board of Trustees, June 7; further that Elder Evans had voted for it.
President McKay replied that he thought it was ‘a good letter’, but that Elder Evans wanted some ‘radical changes’. The President volunteered that if any changes were to be made, they ought to have my approval. He informed me that when and if he received any specific recommendations he would get them to Clare for me so that I could comment on them — that he would not act on any suggestions until this was done.
Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President
Brigham Young University
Approved: David O. McKay
Friday, June 16, 1967
Memorandum of conference held with President David O. McKay, Friday, June 16, 1967, at 8:10 a.m.
Because President McKay had continuously given me instructions that we were not to sell the properties we had purchased for Junior College sites (except the Nibley Golf Course in Salt Lake City), whereas we had been told from time to time that some General Authorities were giving a different impression, Ben Lewis and I saw President McKay to see whether there had been change in views or whether we were to continue to operate under the policy that these properties were not for sale.
After discussing the matter, President McKay instructed us as follows:
1) No decision had been made to sell the properties.
2) I was to have Clare draft for him a memorandum to the General Authorities stating that these properties are not for sale.
Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, President
Brigham Young University
Approved:
David O. McKay
Friday, June 16, 1967
June 27, 1967
To The Members Of The First Presidency And Council Of The Twelve
Dear Brethren:
About ten years ago, we purchased certain sites for proposed Junior Colleges. These sites have now increased in value so that they are now worth about three times the amount paid for them.
Occasionally letters are addressed to me and others inquiring as to whether these properties are for sale. If any inquiries of this nature come to you, I should appreciate your advising those inquiring that these Junior College property sites are not for sale. I have notified President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University to that effect.
Any inquiries respecting these sites should be referred to President Wilkinson or Vice-President Ben E. Lewis, who have been given the responsibility of managing these properties.
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
(President)”
Tues., 20 June 1967:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting with Presidents Brown, Tanner, and Smith. Some of the items we discussed were:
Brigham Young University – Reeves Property in Orange County, California
Elder Howard W. Hunter, President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University, and David B. Haight met with us and discussed the offer of Dr. and Mrs. Ray Reeves to turn their property in San Clemente, Orange County, California, with certain stipulations, over to the Brigham Young University Development Fund.
President Tanner explained that through a misunderstanding last Wednesday, President Wilkinson, Brother Hunter, and Brother Haight had not met with the First Presidency with regard to the acquisition of the property of Dr. Reeves in Orange County, California, and that arrangements were made for them to come today.
President Wilkinson explained that by reading a syndicated article written by Dr. Max Rafferty, praising the Brigham Young University, Dr. and Mrs. Ray Reeves, who own property in San Clemente, Orange County, California, became interested in the Brigham Young University and spent a week there. They came to Salt Lake City this morning and met with Presidents Brown and Tanner.
Dr. Reeves is 63 years of age and his wife is 60. They offer their property to the Brigham Young University and the Church on an arrangement whereby the Church would invest a sum of money, the interest from which would be paid to Dr. Reeves and his wife and two daughters while they live, and a fixed amount for the grandchildren.
The property consists of 1,067 acres in Southern California, Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego. Dr. Reeves ten months ago was offered 21 million dollars for the property, but refused to sell it because his tax obligations, if the property is sold, would be 25 percent for capital gains and death taxes would take 70 percent of the remainder.
President Wilkinson outlined the proposal worked out by Rex Hardy of the BYU staff as follows: The Church and Brigham Young University to set aside sums approximating $5 million, the income from which would be paid to Dr. Reeves and his wife as long as they live. The Church would not have to part with the $5 million, but would invest it and pay the income over to Dr. Reeves and Mrs. Reeves and their daughters. The daughters are of ages 39 and 41. Another $2 million would be invested and the income paid to the daughters for life. The $2 million would come back to the Church when they die. Another $2 1/2 million would be invested for 15 years to go to the grandchildren. We would have to pay taxes on this transaction at the present time.
Brother Haight explained that the third step would include the taxes.
Dr. Wilkinson said that he had been anxious about it because no one wanted to recommend a proposition unless we could be sure we could make some money on it, and that it would be profitable to the University. He mentioned that yesterday he had a long conversation with George Eccles; that he (Dr. Wilkinson) has great confidence in his judgment in financial matters. President Wilkinson talked with Mr. Eccles about this land deal in San Clemente, and Mr. Eccles wanted to know if we wanted a partner in this transaction. The Utah Construction Company has a big project just 20 miles away.
The property is right on the ocean. Dr. Reeves turned down a $21 million offer because of the tax situation. The transactions proposed with the BYU and the Church do not involve any tax obligation. Dr. Reeves also wants to help the University. President Wilkinson explained that Coldwall and Banker’s lowest appraisal was $8 million. Another appraisal is of $7 million. President Wilkinson summarized the proposal, saying that if Dr. Reeves and his wife live to 90 years of age and their children live to 85, the cost would be $8,800,000 over that period of time. If they live a shorter period of time, it would cost considerably less in terms of the present value of money.
He said he had been hesitant about the proposal until he had conversation last week with George Eccles and William F. Edwards. Now he is sure that we should not lose any money but stand to make a lot.
He explained also the title to the property will be transferred to the University and the Church, and they would be free to sell it at once, if they desired.
Elder Howard W. Hunter answered my question as to the location of the property, saying it fronts on the beach in San Clemente, and extends inland covering 1,067 acres to the freeway. He recalled riding along Hollywood Freeway with me, and that I had remarked that someday Los Angeles would extend solid to San Diego. This property is in the lower part of Orange County. The beach property overlooks the ocean. The land is increasing tremendously in value. He asked developers to whom he was talking yesterday if 1,000 acres in the area would be worth $8 million, and they said there is no question about it. They said this would not be a good time to develop it; that it would be a bit premature. Elder Hunter said he felt that the total cost would be far less than $8 1/2 million.
President Wilkinson summarized saying the economists have worked out the cost assuming Dr. and Mrs. Reeves will live to 90 and their children to 85, and that the cost will be $8,800,000.
President Tanner commented that a man who has been buying property for the Pacific Telephone Company estimated the value of the property to be $14,300,000. Brother Haight said he called the Coldwall and Banker, who made an appraisal on this just a few years ago. They placed a conservative value on its being worth $18 million. It would be three times that in ten years because of the number of people moving into Orange County. It is estimated that 350,000 to 400,000 people will be in Orange County who are not there today. This is the most desirable piece of land still left along the coast. It faces right on the ocean.
After further discussion, I asked the Brethren if they agreed to the proposition, and President Wilkinson said, ‘Yes, we are unanimous.’ We decided to hold Elder Hunter responsible in this matter.
Fri., 18 Aug., 1967:
3:00 p.m.
First Presidency’s Meeting
Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Nathan Eldon Tanner, and Joseph Fielding Smith, called at the apartment. Consideration was given to the following:
Brigham Young University – Honor Code for Students who Register
President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Brother David Haight of the Brigham Young University met with us and presented the proposed BYU Honor Code for the students who register. President Wilkinson said he had taken this whole subject to the Executive Committee and suggested the insertion of certain language regarding maintaining moral standards of the Church. President Wilkinson explained that this is the BYU honor code which all BYU students sign when they come to the Brigham Young University. He thought it was a tremendously important document. The only item to which consideration was given by the First Presidency was item 6, which they had suggested read as follows: “To accept and live the high moral standards of the Church, including preserving one’s virtue and personal sexual purity. This means that there should be no intimacies or improprieties during dating or courting; and no self-abuse (masterbation) or homosexual activity. Sexual relations are only for marriage and its holy purpose, and even then should not be abused. Sin cannot be diluted or washed away by the use of ‘pills’ or contraceptives. The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control, even for married couples.”
After some discussion of the matter, the Brethren were in agreement that the paragraph should read as follows:
“To accept and live the high moral standards of the Church, including preserving one’s virtue and personal sexual purity. Intimacies or improprieties during dating or courting should be avoided. The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control. Homosexuality will not be tolerated.”
Fri., 1 Sep., 1967:
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Friday, September 1, 1967, at 11:00 A.M., at President McKay’s Home in Huntsville
Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith. President Thorpe B. Isaacson absent on account of illness.
Brigham Young University Honor Code
President Tanner mentioned that President Wilkinson and Brother Haight of the BYU had called in to see him regarding the BYU code of honor. They referred to a decision made by the First Presidency some time ago relative to item 6, which, as agreed upon at that time, was to the following effect: “To accept and live the high moral standards of the Church, including preserving one’s virtue and personal sexual purity. Intimacies or improprieties during dating or courting should be avoided. The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control. Homosexuality will not be tolerated.” President Tanner said that Brothers Wilkinson and Haight had discussed this matter with the student body executives and the executives of the faculty who, when they came to the last part, namely, “The Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control,” raised an objection. The student body president said that he understood that the Church doesn’t take that firm a position, and members of the faculty felt that it was too firm a statement. President Tanner said that evening one of the General Authorities had called him and said that someone on the staff at the BYU had told him about this and he wanted to know if the First Presidency did approve this. He indicated that he did not think we should make such a firm statement and suggested it was something we should leave out.
President Brown commented that he felt it was too general a statement.
President McKay suggested that there be eliminated from the code the statement “the Church does not approve of any form of artificial birth control.”
“November 3, 1967
President Ernest L. Wilkinson and
Members of the Board of Trustees of the
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Dear Brethren:
In view of the fact that Elder Alvin R. Dyer has been sustained as an Apostle of the Church, it is my desire that he be appointed a member of the Board of Trustees of the Brigham Young University.
Will you please take the necessary steps to have this matter consummated at the earliest opportunity.
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
President”
Wed., 8 Nov., 1967:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting with my Counselors–Presidents Brown, Tanner, and Smith. Elder Alvin R. Dyer who now meets with us in these meetings, is on his way to visit Nauvoo at my request.
Brigham Young University – General Authorities not to Deal with Faculty Members on Administrative Difficulties
A letter was read from President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University mentioning administrative difficulties because members of committees of the General Authorities deal directly with BYU faculty members for the performance of certain projects. President Wilkinson says this matter was called to the attention of the Board of Trustees this week and the Board recommended that hereafter all such appointments be made through the University administration.
We approved this decsion of the Board of Trustees, and asked President Smith to call this to the attention of the General Authorities in their meeting today, Wednesday, November 8, at 1:00 p.m.
The brethren left the apartment at 10:30 a.m.
Thur., 16 Nov., 1967:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting of the Presidency held in my office in the Hotel Utah. Presidents Brown, Tanner, and Elder Dyer were present. President Smith was attending the meeting of the Twelve in the Temple.
Brigham Young University
Permission was granted for the BYU to solicit funds in Hawaii (non-governmental) through its Development program. However, contributions obtained there are to be amicably distributed with the Church College of Hawaii.
The Brethren left to attend the meeting with the Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple.
Tues., 9 Jan., 1968:
“9:00 a.m.
Held a meeting with Presidents Brown and Tanner and Elder Dyer. President Joseph Fielding Smith was indisposed, and President Isaacson is still confined to his home. Some of the matters discussed at this meeting were:
Brigham Young University – Solemn Assembly to be held in the Salt Lake Temple for BYU Faculty
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU had been asked to meet with us this morning and he referred to correspondence previously had with the First Presidency relative to a proposal that a special meeting be held in this Assembly Room on the fourth floor of the Salt Lake Temple for the BYU faculty members. This meeting would be presided over by the First Presidency.
President Wilkinson said that when the matter was first presented some months ago, there was some doubt by members of the First Presidency as to whether all the members of the faculty were worthy and qualified for Temple recommends, and that he had answered this question suggesting that he thought all of the faculty should be qualified for recommends, and if not, they should not be on the faculty. This applied to all except one or two who are non-members of the Church.
President Wilkinson said that the school needs more spirituality on the faculty, that there are 800 regular members of the faculty, and he felt that a meeting in the Temple would add to their spiritual needs and also those of the students. He felt that the First Presidency and the Board of Trustees should be in charge of the meeting. He stated that he would be happy to suggest, merely by way of suggestion, some program if we desired him to do so. It was felt that this meeting should be somewhat of the nature of meetings recently held in the Temples for returned missionaries and students worthy of Temple recommends, which meetings were conducted by President Brown and Elders Harold B. Lee and Paul H. Dunn.
President Tanner then suggested that he felt President Brown should be given authority to go ahead with such a meeting on a similar basis to that which had beep followed in the other meetings mentioned if I agreed.
The suggestion was also made that it would be desirable to have the wives of these faculty members attend the meeting also and that all of the General Authorities who wished to do so should be invited to be present.
President Tanner moved that we go forward with the matter, inasmuch as it seemed to be the desire of everyone present. Motion is seconded by President Brown. Elder Dyer expressed the feeling that it would be a very fine thing.
I said that I feel good about the matter, and the motion was unanimously approved and authorization was given to go forward with arrangements under the direction of President Brown, Elder Harold B. Leet and President Ernest L. Wilkinson.
BYU – Statement on Birth Control
President Wilkinson referred to a circular letter that is being distributed among the teachers and students of the Brigham Young University by one of the members of the faculty regarding the spacing of children. According to President Wilkinson, this professor, in his letter, mentions a letter that he had received from one of the General Authorities of the Church stating that parents are not violating any doctrine of the Church or any principle of religion by planning their family and spacing their children. He stated that the letter seems to give the inference that there is an implied acquiescence in artificial methods of birth control. President Wilkinson said that there is urgent need of some statement by the First Presidency on this subject for the guidance of the young people at the BYU and of the Church generally. President Wilkinson left us copies of statements on the subject by President Brigham Young, myself, and other Church leaders.
We stated that we shell give this matter very careful consideration.
BYU – Inviting Negro Speakers at the School
President Wilkinson said that they have had much pressure at the BYU from faculty members and others who would like to invite Negroes to speak to the studentbody; that, however, in accordance with my suggestion it had been suggested to the faculty that they not discuss the Negro question nor raise any discussion regarding the John Birch Society. This was about four years ago. President Wilkinson expressed the thought that if they could bring in some prominent Negro of the right kind to speak to the students, there would perhaps be no question. He mentioned in this connection Senator Brook of Massachusetts, formerly Assistant State Attorney General. President Wilkinson had made a check with Senator Bennett and Senator Moss and others regarding this man and had learned that he is not a crusader, and these people all say that they think it would be profitable to have him speak to the students sometime. I stated that this would meet with my approval, and the other Brethren concurred if it was thought desirable to invite Senator Brook to the BYU for this purpose.
BYU – Distribution of Questionnaire Among Faculty Members by a Certain Professor to be Stopped
President Wilkinson mentioned that he had learned that one of the teachers at the BYU had been distributing a questionnaire to nearly all members of the faculty asking about the administrative policy of the Church with regard to salaries of teachers, responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, teaching of controversial issues, faculty senate, if the communication between the Trustees and the President is proper, etc. The Brethren were agreed that this is a matter that President Wilkinson should take up with this particular teacher, asking him to withdraw this kind of discussion and circulation.
Brother Dyer inquired as to whether the BYU publishes anything that would indicate how the school functions. President Wilkinson said that they have a handbook and answers to many of the questions are listed therein. Elder Dyer suggested that perhaps a small, concise pamphlet might be prepared for distribution to the students taking extracts from the handbook treating these various subjects.
President Wilkinson said that in about a month’s time they would be sending out contracts again for the faculty members to sign and he thought that along with that contract he ought to give a succinct statement as to the authority of the Board which is all prevailing, giving a distinction between the faculty members and the administration of the school, etc. He mentioned that there is a very marked trend throughout the United States for all academic matters to be decided by the faculty and in some cases that faculty members, as well as students, are on the Board of Trustees. Elder Dyer also suggested that the class teachers might explain these things to the students in his class.”
Tues., 20 Feb., 1968:
11:15 a.m.
Elder Alvin R. Dyer came over and reported alleged announcements by a Logan man at an auditor’s meeting that President Ernest L. Wilkinson will be released as President of the Brigham Young University, and that Neal Maxwell, now assistant to President James Fletcher of the University of Utah, will become President of the Brigham Young University.
I told Brother Dyer that I know nothing about this — that President Wilkinson is not to be released.
Brother Dyer is to investigate this matter and get at the source of this unauthorized announcement. Brother Dyer then left, and Clare remained. (See minutes by Brother Dyer following.)
“(Meeting With President McKay On Neal Maxwell Rumor)
Later on the same morning I accompanied Clare Middlemiss to President McKay’s apartment to inform him of the rumors that were extant concerning Neal Maxwell being appointed President of the BYU replacing Ernest L. Wilkinson.
I related to the President the reports I had received during the past two days, principally frorn Ernest L. Wilkinson. (Note: These reports have been stated beforehand in this Journal Record, and were given to the President as stated. Attention however is directed to a correction in the story as it affects the alleged open remarks of Lee Stenquist. See Journal Record dated Wednesday, February 21, 1968.)
President McKay seemed greatly surprised at these rumors stating that such statements if made were done so without authority. He did not appear to know who Neal Maxwell was, and asked about him. I told him of the association between Brother Maxwell and Elder Lee in Priesthood Correlation. He asked about him personally. I reported that to my knowledge he was a brilliant young man, but that he fit the pattern of our modern day intellectual liberals — that he was a brilliant liberal and might have difficulty maintaining the kind of discipline in education that is desirable at BYU, which had been maintained by President Wilkinson. The President also asked about Lee Stenquist of USU and where he got his information to make such a statement. I of course did not know. The President intimated that the rumors must stem from somewhere and would I look into the matter and report my findings directly to him, which I agreed to do.
I asked President McKay if President Brown had discussed this matter personally with him. I asked this because it is known that President Brown has seen the President a number of times alone. His answer was that the matter had not been discussed by him and President Brown.
I remarked that it was pretty well established that President Brown and Elder Lee would like to see Ernest Wilkinson removed as President of the BYU. The President asked how I knew this. I said it was common knowledge; that Elder Lee and President Wilkinson openly clashed in the meetings I had attended of the Board of Trustees. The President said for me to look into the matter further and resort back.
Wed., 21 Feb., 1968:
“Held no meetings today.
(See Minutes of Meeting of Elder Alvin R. Dyer with Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University. Meeting Held at my Request.)”
“(Meeting of Elder Alvin R. Dyer with Ernest L. Wilkinson)
At 2:00 p. m. I met with Ernest L. Wilkinson in my office in pursuance of the Neal Maxwell rumor as the President had requested me to do. President Wilkinson had gained information that modifies the reported statement of Lee Stenquist, USU Internal Auditor, who is now reported to have said in the Auditor’s meeting already referred to that Neal Maxwell had been asked to withdraw his name as a candidate to become President of USU, by the Brethren or The First Presidency, because they had other plans for him. No inference as to what the plans were.
The rumor that Neal Maxwell is to become President of BYU is attributable, in this latest report from President Wilkinson, to Lyman Durfee BYU Auditor, who has related that while attending a meeting of the computer committee at the BYU, that 2 out of 5 of the professors of that school had made the statement in his presence.
That when Lyman Durfee heard the Stenquist remark concerning the withdrawal of Neal Maxwell’s name, he put two and two together and assumed that he was referring to the same thing as the two BYU teachers.
I asked President Wilkinson who the two professors were at BYU who had made the remark to Lyman Durfee. He said he did not know at the moment, but would endeavor to find out and report to me.
President Wilkinson Negligent In Not Naming His Successor
Since President McKay had expressed the feeling that President Wilkinson was to be or should be the Chancellor of all Church Educational Programs, and had asked him to recommend to him his successor at BYU, I advised President Wilkinson that he should not delay this. His reply was that he could not make up his mind. But I urged him to get into it and be prepared to make this recommendation to the President. He said he would seriously go to work at it. I said that if he didn’t, others may beat him to it such as is now being rumored.”
“JOURNAL RECORD OF ALVIN R. DYER
MONDAY, February 26, 1968
(Meeting of The First Presidency)
There was no First Presidency meeting held upon this day. Clare Middlemiss was with the President during the morning and reported that he was much better. The Counselors were out of the city for the day.
(A Matter Concerning BYU and President Wilkinson)
On Monday evening, President Wilkinson called me at home appraising me of a letter he had received sometime ago from President McKay personally, concerning the matter of socialism being taught in certain departments at the BYU, and that instructions were to be given against such inclined teachings at this Church School. President Wilkinson advised me that he would soon prepare his annual message and report to the faculty, which includes salary status etc., and that he desired to include the President’s instruction in this message. He reported further that President Brown had evidently heard of the President’s instruction by letter, and had called President Wilkinson suggesting that the matter come before the entire Presidency first. He invited President Wilkinson to be in Salt Lake City early Tuesday morning to so present the matter before The First Presidency is such meeting was held. President Wilkinson agreed so to do.
He asked if I would meet with him at 8:00 A. M. to chat with me about this matter and also several others he would like to bring up if the meeting materialized. These concerned a sought for policy statement from The First Presidency on “Birth Control” and also further pursuance of the invitation to J. Edgar Hoover, with President Johnson’s approval, to speak at the BYU on a national T.V. and Radio hookup on May 1, 1968, which is “Law Day”.
Thus, I met President Wilkinson at the appointed time on this day, and we talked of the things referred to above. I told President Wilkinson that if The First Presidency meeting was held, that he should not bring up the rumored matter of his being succeeded by Neal Maxwell, or of his Chancelorship of the entire Church School System. He agreed to this.
Then we learned that President McKay did not feel the need to meet with The First Presidency on this morning.
(My Desire To See President McKay To Report On Matters Assigned)
Knowing of Clare Middlemiss’s feeling concerning the President’s improved health, she having been with him the previous day, I called her at her home where she was working on the President’s Diary to inform her that there was no meeting of The First Presidency. I also informed her that President Wilkinson was with me, and that this morning might be a good time for me to see the President personally to report on assignments he had given rne, and to take President Wilkinson with me. She agreed to call the President to see if he would see me.
Sister Middlemiss called me back to report that she had talked to the nurse, and that President McKay was eating breakfast, but upon learning that I wanted to see him and bring President Wilkinson with me, the President said he wanted to see us and that we were to come at 9:30 A. M.
(President Ernest L. Wilkinson Meets With The President)
It was about 10:00 A M. when Elder Richards and Brother Williams left. Elder Richards assured the President that he wanted to do only that which the President would approve of. As he left the apartment, he expressed his gratitude for having the privilege of meeting with and reporting directly to the President. He said if I had any suggestions concerning Personnel work he would be pleased to receive them. He also said that if at any time he could help me he would be only too pleased to do so.
President Wilkinson came in as they left. The President expressed a delight in seeing him. He seemed alert and ready to discuss certain matters with him affecting the BYU.
President Wilkinson discussed with the President the following matters which we had discussed previously since I desired to have some idea of what he wanted to see the President about.
1. The proposed letter to J. Edgar Hoover to be the principal speaker at the BYU celebration of “Law Day”. This to be augmented by a letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson asking for his support of the invitation to Mr. Hoover. The President gave his approval.
I gave this my support for I felt that a national T.V. and Radio hookup from our Church School at this particular time would be helpful. However I felt that the letter President Wilkinson proposed be sent to President Johnson, being signed by President McKay, should be re-worded so as not to request that Mr. Hoover be instructed to accept the invitation, but rather that he would approve if Mr. Hoover desired to accept. (Clare Middlemiss and I later rephrased and restated certain parts of the letters before they were sent out under the President’s signature. These are made part of this Journal Record.)
2. A letter which President McKay sent to him under date of May 25, 1967, was referred to. This concerned the President’s wishes that the departments of History, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and all other related departments be urged to teach
the evils of Socialism and the welfare state.
He asked for permission, since he was now preparing his annual message to the faculty of the School, to include all of the faculty members and not just those associated with the departments listed above. He had prepared a substitute paragraph which the President approved.
COMMENT:
Since President McKay’s original letter was dated in May of 1967, but had not been invoked, and also due to the paragraph change, the letter is to be reissued. (The letter is made part of this Journal Record.)
3. The third matter presented by President Wilkinson concerned the teachings of certain “Birth Control” practices by certain professors at the BYU who have claimed that their authority for doing so stems from a letter received from a certain General Authority. President Wilkinson reported that he had learned that the General Authority in question is none other than President Hugh B. Brown. President McKay’s response to this was, “Yes, I know all about him.” He asked if President Wilkinson had been able to get the letter. President Wilkinson reported that he had not, but would keep trying.
What President Wilkinson was asking for was an up-to-date policy statement from The First Presidency on the subject.
I have a real interest in this. I reported to the President an interview I had recently with a post graduate girl student and a returned missionary student who will graduate this year. It was evident that this unmarried couple had used some form of contraceptive in committing a sexual sin. I mentioned also that recent statistics indicate that 1 out of 6 girls in America became pregnant before marriage, and that there was no way of knowing how many had committed the sin where the girl had not become pregnant.
I suggested that a committee from the Quorum of the Twelve be appointed through President Joseph Fielding Smith to study the matter and then bring it before The First Presidency for their approval or disapproval. President Wilkinson urged the President to appoint such a committee directly, but I suggested that the matter be brought before a meeting of The First Presidency before such an appointment.
The President asked me to bring the matter up at the next meeting of The First Presidency. President Wilkinson then left. It was about 10:45 A.M.
“February 27, 1968
President Ernest L. Wilkinson
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah 84601
Dear President Wilkinson:
Recent disturbing events in our country — such as an alarming increase in nearly all categories of crime, divorce, juvenile and adult delinquency, riots at colleges, strikes of school teachers, civil disorders which go far beyond “peaceable assemblies”, the resurrection of a pagan philosophy that God is dead, demoralizing movies, television programs which encourage lewd and lascivious conduct, and now a report of a national committee on law enforcement which, instead of recommending the enforcement of our criminal laws, would surrender to the forces of evil by eliminating from the category of crime nearly all sex offenses — have given me great concern and prompt me to write you as to measures which I hope you, as President of the Brigham Young University, and the faculty will follow to make sure that the thousands of students under your supervision are receiving the proper teaching and training. I want them to be protected from the seriously increasing evils of the day which past Prophets have indicated would come to pass, and which are now upon us.
(1) I want, first of all, to congratulate you, the faculty, and the students of the Brigham Young University upon the fact that we have no riots or other serious disturbances at the “Y” such as have tarnished the reputations of other institutions and brought down public condemnation upon them. In view, however, of current trends and pressures on our young people, as reflected daily by the public press, I wish that you and the faculty would be even more vigilant than you have been in the past to see that only students of acceptable spiritual and academic standards are admitted and retained, and that the reputation of the Brigham Young University as a university where the “glory of God is intelligence”, and where high standards of moral conduct, sobriety, and order are ever present, are not only maintained, but increasingly improved and enhanced.
(2) In these days when not only religious standards but some of the Ten Commandments themselves are under attack, I hope that you and the faculty will go the extra mile in seeing that the religious doctrines of our Church are taught in their fullness so that students will have proper religious convictions for all decisions which they have to make. The trends of the time in the opposite direction are so strong that it will require extraordinary vigilance on the part of all of us to resist them.
I have been happy over the years to know that the faculty itself some years ago resolved that the first qualification for appointment to the faculty of the Brigham Young University is that of an “attitude toward and adherence to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”. I am happy, also, to know that a very large number of faculty members are now serving with General Boards, or as Stake Presidents, Bishops, and High Council members, and in other Church positions. I would urge all members of the faculty, whether they have a Church position or not, to teach the principles of the Gospel and standards in every class whenever the opportunity arises, whether that class be a class in theology or otherwise.
(3) I cannot help but think that there is a direct relationship between the present evil trends which I have above indicated, and the very marked tendency of the people of our country to pass on to the State the responsibility for their moral and economic welfare. This trend to a welfare state in which people look to and worship Government more than their God, is certain to sap the individual ambitions and moral fiber of our youth unless they are warned and remarked of the consequences. History, of course, is replete with the downfall of nations who, instead of assuming their own responsibility for their religious and economic welfare, mistakenly attempted to shift their individual responsibility to the Government.
I am aware that a university has the responsibility of acquainting its students with the theories and doctrines which are prevalent in various disciplines, but I hope that no one on the faculty of Brigharn Young University will advocate positions which cannot be harmonized with the views of every prophet of the Church, from the Prophet Joseph Smith on down, concerning our belief that we should be strong and self-reliant individuals, not dependent upon the largess or benefactions of government. None of the doctrines of our Church give any sanction to the concept of a socialistic state.
It is a part of our “Mormon” theology that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired; that our Republic came into existence through wise men raised up for that very purpose. We believe it is the duty of the members of the Church to see that this Republic is not subverted either by any sudden or constant erosion of those principles which gave this Nation its birth.
In these days when there is a special trend among certain groups, including members of faculties of universities, to challenge the principles upon which our Country has been founded and the philosophy of our Founding Fathers, I hope that the Brigham Young University will stand as a bulwark in support of the principles of Government as vouchsafed to us by our Constitutional Fathers.
Again, may I express my gratitude for all that you and members of the faculty have done to give the Brigham Young University the reputation it now has. May God bless you to carry it to still greater heights, in the “Mormon” tradition I have set forth above, I remain
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
President”
Mon., 14 May, 1968:
BYU – Tithing Paid by Students — Marriages in Temples
Clare also showed me in the Board of Trustees minutes the report that $1,080,000 had been received in tithing from students attending the Brigham Young University, and that 97% of marriages were consummated in the Temples.
Preparation If and When a Riot Should Occur at the BYU
Also that a discussion had ensued as to the readiness to cope with student riots should they develop. President Wilkinson signified assurances that every precaution has been taken, and announced the intention that any student or faculty member associated with such a movement will be promptly expelled.”
Thur., 16 May, 1968:
“Followed doctors’ orders and did not hold a meeting of the First Presidency, nor did I attend the Council meeting in the Temple today.
Note by CM:
President McKay seemed very weak and exhausted.
10:15 a. m.
Brief Meeting with Mr. Paul Harvey National News Commentator
Mr. Paul Harvey, renowned national news commentator, made a brief courtesy visit at the office in the apartment of the Hotel Utah. As Mr. Harvey entered and was introduced to me by my secretary Clare Middlemiss, he said, “I am honored to shake your hand. I shall tell the people on my broadcast at noon today that I had the privilege of shaking your hand — one of the great men of our country.”
I thanked Mr. Harvey, and told him that I had heard a lot about him, and learned of his broadcast about the Brigham Young University the same day that he had spoken to the studentbody in the Fieldhouse. I said I was pleased to learn of his favorable opinion of the school and of the students who attend there. He said it had been an unusual experience to meet with students who had such high ideals and who were so studious and sincere in getting an education. Mr. Harvey said that he spoke to a great crowd in the Tabernacle last evening.
At this point, my secretary Clare said: “You might be interested, Mr. Harvey, in knowing that when President McKay was a young lad of 13 years, he was given a Patriarchal blessing and was told that he would “go forth as a roaring lion”. She said, “He has certainly spoken all over the world, and his voice has truly been as that ‘of a roaring lion'”. She told Mr. Harvey of the many files which are full of my addresses given in many countries of the world. He seemed very interested in hearing about this.
Mr. Harvey then said that he would not keep me, and that he had to prepare for his noon broadcast. I told him how pleased I was with his visit and he said, “It has been wonderful — I’m going to tell all the people about it.”
Thur., 27 Jun., 1968:
“At 9 o’clock this morning, feeling much better than I have for some little while, I called a meeting of the First Presidency. Presidents Brown, Tanner, Smith and Dyer were present.
Among the items we discussed were:
Brigham Young University — Temple Meeting for Faculty
President Tanner mentioned a request made by Ernest L. Wilkinson President of the BYU sometime ago for permission to have the BYU faculty attend a special meeting in the Temple in the auditorium on the fourth floor. When this request originally came it was denied; it being the thought that perhaps there would be some sort of schism between those who could attend and those who could not. President Wilkinson now says that all the members of the faculty except non-members are qualified to receive recommends. He feels that such a meeting where instructions could be given them would result in a spiritual uplift to the faculty and something that would help the BYU. The brethren felt that this permission should not be granted; that, however, if members of the faculty wish to come to the temple to go through the regular sessions in groups there could be no objection to their doing so.
Fri., 28 Jun., 1968:
“10 a. m.
Brigham Young University – Meeting with President Wilkinson
At his request, met by appointment President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University. He was accompanied by President Alvin R. Dyer.
President Wilkinson brought up the following matters:
1. Changing of BYU Athletic Nickname from “Cougars” to “Pioneers”
President Wilkinson said that there were now eight major colleges in the United States that were using the nickname “Cougars” and he felt that the Brigham Young Pioneers would be more appropriate. There was no decision reached on this matter, feeling that the matter should come before the Board of Education for decision.
2. Change of Position to that of Chancellor of Education
President Wilkinson called to mind the fact that some time ago we had discussed the relinquishing of his position as President of the University to become the Church Chancellor of Education, and that I had asked him to submit names of those who might succeed him as President of the Brigham Young University. President Wilkinson then submitted the following three names: Ben Lewis, Lorin Wheelwright, and Marion Duff Hanks
I stated that this matter should be brought up in a meeting of the First Presidency where it could be discussed further. I asked President Dyer to bring this matter up at one of our early First Presidency meetings.
Following the departure of President Dyer and Brother Wilkinson, I decided to hold no more meetings that day. Did not feel up to it.”
Tues., 24 Sep., 1968:
“At 11:00 o’clock this morning my Secretary Clare came up to Huntsville. I was delighted to see her as I had not seen her for a month and I have been worried about the Conference. I said, “It is good to see you”.
She took up the following matters with me:
Brigham Young University – President Ernest L. Wilkinson to Accept Presidency of the American Association of Independent College and University Presidents
Clare presented me a memorandum from President Dyer regarding an invitation which has come to President Ernest L. Wilkinson to become the President of an association of more than 300 University and College Presidents for the coming year. Both President Tanner and President Dyer feel that President Wilkinson should accept this position and said that President Wilkinson has asked for my permission before he will accept.
I told Clare to call President Wilkinson by telephone when she returns to the office and tell him that I approve of his accepting this invitation, but that I should like to know how long it will take him away from his duties tat BYU. She later reported to me that Dr. Wilkinson said that he can easily take care of the duties associated with the position with the University and College Presidents and still handle his duties as President of the Brigham Young University –just as Sister Spafford is handling the position of President of the National Council of Women as well as Relief Society President for the Church.
(See Memo, Clippings and Letter which follow)
“October 2, 1968
President David 0. McKay
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
47 East South Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Dear President McKay:
I understand that you were concerned lest my acceptance of the Presidency of the American Association of Independent College and University Presidents (consisting of over 300 Presidents) would mean that I was resigning from the Presidency of the BYU.
I hasten to inform you that this new position does not contemplate my resigning at BYU. Indeed, I have to be President of a University to accept this position. It will require relatively little time, but will put me in a position where I can help to influence the action of private universities in the country, many of which are church-oriented. Indeed, it seems to me that this is a recognition not of me but of the Church, and it is on that ground I permitted my name to appear on the slate of officers which will be presented next Tuesday to the members.
I certainly would not think of resigning from the BYU without seeing you in person first. You will recall that when, after my political defeat, you asked me to return to the BYU, you told me you wanted me to stay in that position as long as I was willing–certainly as long as you had anything to do with the power of appointment. It was on that ground that I returned to the BYU, and I intend to stay in accordance with our understanding.
Faithfully yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson”
Tues., 25 Feb, 1969:
“9:30 a.m. Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.
The following were some of the matters discussed:
Church College of Hawaii
A letter addressed to me from President Cook of the Church College
of Hawaii was brought up at my request. Yearly costs to students is
spiraling, now over $2,000 per student, due to lack of enrollments.
President Cook requests that a form letter from the Presidency be
sent to the Far Eastern and Pacific Stakes and Missions containing
the following statement: “We encourage students of Hawaii, the South Pacific, and Far East to attend the Church College of Hawaii.”
This was approved. Joseph Anderson to prepare form letter for signatures of First Presidency.
“March 13, 1969
PRESIDENTS OF STAKES AND PRESIDENTS OF MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC AND THE FAR EAST
Dear Brethren:
We call attention to our letter of April 1, 1966 addressed to presidents of missions, presidents of stakes, bishops of wards and presidents of independent branches in which encouragement is given for members, and especially the youth, either to obtain a college education or to become well trained in some vocation in a trade school. lie wish to emphasize the instruction therein given regarding institutions in which our students seeking higher education should enroll.
We specifically encourage students of Hawaii, the South Pacific and the Far East to attend the Church College of Hawaii. With our present facilities in this college we are capable of serving many more students than are now enrolled. Information and advice regarding the school can be obtained by addressing the Admissions Information Guidance Center, A-l83 Abraham Smoot Building, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, or the Church College of Hawaii, Laie, Hawaii.
We shall appreciate it if you will bring this matter to the attention of your people by way of encouraging those who are seeking higher education to patronize the college in Hawaii that has been established especially for the benefit of the young people in your specific areas.
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
Hugh B. Brown
N. Eldon Tanner
The First Presidency”
“March 13, 1969
President Owen J. Cook
The Church College of Hawaii
Late, Hawaii 96762
Dear President Cook:
Your letter of February 11th addressed to President David O. McKay has been read with much interest, and we appreciate the fine work that is being done by you and your associates at the Church College of Hawaii.
We note your suggestion regarding the letter addressed to presidents of missions, presidents of stakes, bishops of wards and presidents of independent branches under date of April 1, 1966, and your suggestion as to the desirability of making a positive statement about the Church college in Hawaii in any circular letter of this kind. We were also interested in noting that your education capabilities would be much greater and the cost per student would be less if you had 1500 students rather than your present 1100, and that your present facilities are capable of serving the larger number.
We appreciate your attitude in regard to this matter and have been pleased to draft a letter to presidents of stakes and presidents of missions in the South Pacific and the Far East, a copy of which we enclose herewith. We trust that this letter may satisfy the situation to which you call attention and encourage more of the students in the areas referred to to seek their educational opportunities in the Church College of Hawaii.
Sincerely yours,
David O. McKay
Hugh B. Brown
N. Eldon Tanner
The First Presidency”
Fri., 28 Feb, 1969:
“8:30 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer present.
The following matters were discussed:
Brigham Young University – Administrative Change
President Brown commented that he thought a reorganization of the presidency of the Brigham Young University was needed before long, that we should get a new president, that President Wilkinson is reaching the age where in any other institution he would be retired.
President Dyer suggested that simultaneously with any change he thought the whole school system and department of education should be brought under Correlation, that so long as they are permitted academic freedom to write whatever they desire they are bound to run counter to the policies of the Church. President Tanner said that he thought that a change would be desirable but he did not think we would get anybody who would control the situation better than is now being done.”
Thurs., 29 May, 1969:
“9:00 a. m.
Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Alvin R. Dyer.
Among the matters discussed were:
Church Commissioner of Education – Proposed
President Brown raised the question as to whether now would be an appropriate time for the appointment of a Commissioner of Education
for the Church to have charge over Harvey Taylor, President Wilkinson and others in the educational work of the Church such as was the case some years ago.
I said I thought it would be wise to have a Church Commissioner of Education. President Brown nominated as the most likely man to assume this position, Brother Neal Maxwell. President Dyer said that while he thought Brother Maxwell was a wonderful man, it would be his suggestion that the Commissioner of Education, if we had one, should be a member of the Twelve or someone of the other General Authorities. It was agreed that the counselors would give the matter consideration and bring back their recommendation.”
Tues., 17 Jun, 1969:
“9:00 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown and Joseph Fielding Smith.
Educational Management Changes
President Brown reported that a number of people are of the opinion that the time has come when we should change the president of the BYU, that President Wilkinson is nearly 70 years old and has done a great work; that, however, there is considerable unrest and a need for new leadership. President Brown also called attention to a matter that had been previously discussed pertaining to the appointment of a commissioner of education for the Church. He wondered what my feelings on the matter were. He said that if it was agreeable to my thinking a search would be commenced for applicants for these positions and bring the applications to the Presidency. President Brown said that he thought it would be desirable to make any change before the beginning of the next school year and asked me if they should go ahead with this. As I indicated previously I am in favor of finding and appointing a commissioner of education for the Church. I am not in favor of the release of Ernest L. Wilkinson as president of the Brigham Young University.”
Tues., Jul. 1, 1969:
“I held no meetings today.
My counselors took up the following matter of importance at a meeting of the First Presidency held in the First Presidency’s Office:
BYU–Ernest L. Wilkinson’s Instruction Regarding Bishops
Attention was called to a letter addressed to the Presiding Bishopric from Rulon E. Johnson, Jr., bishop of the Wilmington Ward, Wilmington, Deleware, referring to certain parts of a speech made to stake presidents and bishops by President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the BYU. Bishop Johnson says he is particularly disturbed by President Wilkinson’s statement: ‘We recognize and appreciate the confidential nature of a bishop’s relationship with his ward members, particularly the youth, but the only matter that is strictly confidential between a bishop and a member of his ward is a confession. All other knowledge that you have can, with propriety, be shared with us.’
Bishop Johnson says that there is much received by a bishop beyond confessions which cannot be shared with propriety with others. In this connection President Wilkinson had mentioned the need for ‘upgrading entrance requirements in the moral and spiritual as well as the academic areas.’
The brethren agreed, and decided to answer Bishop Johnson that the moral judgment as to the worthiness of a boy or girl must be determined by the bishop of the ward, that it is important that we hold the standard of the Brigham Young University high and the students who attend should be worthy, but that the bishop must decide in making his report what is confidential. The bishop and the stake president should determine as they do for temple recommends who is worthy to attend the BYU and who will uphold the standards. They should be looked upon as the ones to make such recommendations.”
Fri., Jul. 25, 1969:
“Church Office Building Closed Today.
11:30 a.m.
Met with Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of the Brigham Young University.
(See copy of minutes of the meeting which follow)
(See also copy of letter)
July 26, 1969
CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE I HAD WITH PRESIDENT McKAY ON JULY 25, 1969, from 11:30 A.M. to 12:05 p.m.
Because I had heard a rumor that I was to be replaced as President of Brigham Young University, I saw President McKay at the above time to ascertain whether there was any truth to the rumor. No one else was present.
At the outset President McKay said it had been a long time since he saw me and chided me for not having been in to see him more frequently as he had requested. I told him that out of deference for his health, his time and his energy his Counselors had advised against my seeing him, and taht I had therefore resolved that I would not initiate any matters with him, but that I felt justified in seeing him this time because rumors indicated my position was at stake.
I advised him that I had heard that I was to be replaced as President of BYU. I reminded him that when, after my defeat as Senator, he called me in and asked me to return to BYU as President, I had informed him that I was 65 years of age and he might not want to reappoint someone of that age, and that he replied in substance – ‘I was 78 when I became President of the Church. You’re just a kid. I want you back and I want you to be President of BYU as long as I am President of the Church. You have had a greater vision for that school and done more for it than any other President.’ I told him that in relying upon that assurance I returned to BYU and did not return to my law office in Washington which I was contemplating, although it would have been very lucrative, and that it was now too late for me to do so.
I then asked him whether he was still of the same opinion about my continuing as President as when he asked me to return in 1964 or whether some complaints had been made against me and he wanted me to leave. He replied in substance that there had been complaints made aginst me but that they should never have been made. He then continued, ‘We have been very close over the years and I think we are now as close as we have ever been and I think you better continue as you are and not let rumors disturb you.’
At the conclusion of the conference I told him that notwithstanding his assurance that I was to be at BYU as long as he was President, that if he wanted me to drop out I would do so, but I wanted to make sure that that would be his decision and not that of someone else. He replied in substance, ‘You never heard me suggest you drop out–you stay, go back to Provo and get ready for the next year.’
[signed] Ernest L. Wiklinson
July 28, 1969
I read and approved these minutes this day.
[signed] David O. McKay
[letter dated August 4, 1969]
Dear President McKay:
I am most grateful to you for your written approval of my memorandum of my conference with you held July 25, 1969.
In accordance therewith I will stay at Brigham Young University and am devoting my full energies in preparation for the opening of school in September, when we will have 24,000 students. It is now the largest private University in the United States, and what is more important has the finest student body in the world.
May the Lord continue to bless you and Sister McKay in your great mission.
Affectionately yours,
Ernest L. Wilkinson”
Thur., 7 Aug, 1969:
9:00 a.m.
Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.
Among the matters discussed were the following:
Church Educational Interests
President Brown reported that President Dyer had been asked to prepare a statement on the proposition of making Ricks College a four year college, whiich he has done and has ready for presentation. President Brown expressed the thought that this matter should go first before the Board of Education. He said he had talked to Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney and Howard W. Hunter about the matter of appointing a Church Commissioner of Education, which matter was brought before the First Presidency previously. He stated that some of the brethren had in mind recommending Neal Maxwell for this position. President Brown said he thought that in the event Brother Maxwell is the one the President wished to appoint as commissioner, Brother Maxwell should take the lead in promoting this four year college and coordinating the work of the educational interests of the Church. He asked me if it would meet with my approval to take this matter of the appointment of a Commissioner of Education before the Church Board of Education and then take up the matter of the four year college in Rexburg, and also the tenure of office of President Clarke of the Ricks College. I said that this would be all right. It was explained that it is the intention now only to present the proposition of a commissioner to the board but not clear any name for that position.
“August 28, 1969
Clare Middlemiss
Building
Dear Clare:
PERSONAL
Yesterday, August 27th, at 11:45 a.m. I had a fifteen minute interview with President David O. McKay. He seemed happy to see me and pleased with my visit. Although in a somewhat weakened position and with breathing somewhat heavy, his mind was clear and he was able to get out his sentences quite well.
I reported to him on my visits to various parts of the Church and the expressions of love on the part of the people which they had asked me to convey to their beloved leader.
I discussed with him, Clare, the matter with which you are familiar having to do with BYU and the possible appointment of a Chancellor of Education. He was firm in his feeling that President Wilkinson should remain at BYU and he seemed to favor the appointment of a Chancellor and seemed to respond to the thought of having a member of the Twelve serve in that capacity. I simply told him that I was offering unsolicited suggestions. He seemed to appreciate the suggestions.
I also reported on the plans to create a new mission by a division of the Southern Far East Mission with headquarters possibly at Singapore or Bangkok. I told him of our plans to visit the area of the Asian Missions in October. We also talked about his visit to some of these countries back in 1921 as I recall.
He seemed reluctant to let me go but in the interest of his health I felt I should not prolong my visit. His eyes filled with tears as I told him of the love the people have for him and how I carried his greetings and love and blessings to the various congregations throughout the Church as I travelled. I told him of my love for him and he reciprocated in the warmest feelings. It was a joy to be with him again.
Sincerely,
Ezra Taft Benson”
Thur., 28 Aug, 1969:
“I held no First Presidency Meeting this morning.
Upon reading the Temple minutes for this day I instructed my secretary Clare to include the following matters that were presented in my Diary:
1:40 p.m.
I met with President Isaacson who extended birthday greetings to me. Many tears were shed as we greeted each other. President Isaacson, who is still unable to express himself, nodded his head with tears running down his face to let me know how glad he was to see me. I have keenly missed President Isaacson since our last visit on May 14, 1969.
l – –
His son Dick, who had brought his father in the wheelchair, was
present and also my Secretary Clare Middlemiss.
President Isaacson and I discussed the status of Clare’s work when I am no longer here to run affairs. We agreed to certain conditions.
Clare left with me a number of letters and copies of editorials from the Newsweek and other magazines regarding the great work that has been done by President Ernest L. Wilkinson at the Brigham Young University. Both President Isaacson and I vehemently shook our heads when the subject came up about his being released as president of the BYU.”
Tues., Sept. 2, 1969:
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Tuesday, September 2, 1969, at 9:00 A.M., in the First Presidency’s Office
Present: Presidents Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer
Board of Education Meeting
President Tanner reported that President Ernest Wilkinson of the BYU had phoned this morning regarding the scheduled meeting of the Board of Education Wednesday forenoon. The brethren decided to postpone this meeting a week. President Tanner will contact Brother Sandgren and ask that he send out the proper notification.
Thur., 4 Sep., 1969:
“Note by CM: Items read by President McKay from Minutes of the Temple Council Meeting held today:
Church Commissioner of Education–To be Appointed
President Brown announced that President McKay has endorsed the suggestion that we appoint a Commissioner of Education for the Church. President Brown suggested that in connection with this proposal he hoped to bring a recommendation that we make the man who may be selected for Commissioner of Education an Assistant to the Twelve. He hoped to be prepared to make such a recommendation at the next meeting of the Council. Elder Lee moved that the Council concur in this proposal. Motion seconded and unanimously approved.
(See Minutes of First Presidency Meeting held on September 11, 1969.)”
Tues., Sept. 9, 1969:
“I held no meeting of the First Presidency this morning.
President Ernest L. Wilkinson of the Brigham Young University called at my office in the hotel for a few minutes and talked about his continuing as President of the BYU; also said that he would have to undergo a minor operation.”
Thurs., 11 Sept., 1969:
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Thursday, September 11, 1969, at 9:00 A.M. in President McKay’s Apartment
Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Alvin R. Dyer.
Church Commissioner of Education (See President Dyer’s account which follows)
President Brown referred to the recent decision to recommend Brother Neal Maxwell to serve as Commissioner of Education. President Brown said he thought that if Brother Maxwell were chosen for this position it might be considered desirable to have him called to be an Assistant to the Twelve. It was agreed that the matter of his appointment as Commissioner of Education should be presented to the Council of the Twelve today for their consideration.
Thur., 11 Sep., 1969:
“Note by CM:
Items read by President McKay from the Minutes of the Temple Council Meeting held today.
Church Commissioner of Education (*See President Dyer’s account following)
President Brown referred to the matter that was passed on a week ago regarding the appointment of a church commissioner of education, and now named for the consideration of the brethren for this position Brother Neal Maxwell. He stated that this matter had been presented to President McKay and the First Presidency who indicated their approval, but felt that it should come to the Twelve. Brother Maxwell is executive vice president of the University of Utah, and has been given an honorary doctorate, but has not received his Ph.D. but does have a master’s degree.
Elder Richard L. Evans moved approval, and he and others of the brethren spoke highly of his qualifications and his faith in the gospel. Some question was raised by certain of the brethren. In this connection it was mentioned that the suggestion has been made that whoever is appointed to this position should be considered for the appointment of Assistant to the Twelve.
Elder Hinckley mentioned the wonderful influence he felt that Brother Maxwell wields at the University of Utah and the need for such an influence. He said that while he had the highest respect for Brother Maxwell, he did not know who would take his place at the University and have the same stength as a church member. He thought he represented the Church’s point of view there courageously. He mentioned also his academic standing with reference to his degrees. He thought that the Church ought to have men who can be questioned anywhere as to their academic standing.
Elder Evans commented that 70 percent plus of the students at the University are members of the Church, and that perhaps 85 per cent of the students come from this metropolitan area, that some of the areas at the University are as alien to the Church and the State and the people as can be, that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot be successfully appointed to a position in the medical school, and some other areas.
After a rather lengthy discussion of the matter, it was decided to hold up the matter until such time as a larger representative group of the Council is assembled.
“(Minutes by President Alvin R. Dyer on Church Commissioner of Education in a Meeting with President David O. McKay)
Church Commissioner of Education
President Brown brought up the question of the Commissioner of Education and intimated that approval had previously been given for the calling of Neal Maxwell to this position. I pointed out that this had not actually been done, that approval had been given for the calling of a Commissioner, but that no approval had been given in the meeting for the calling of Neal Maxwell. This was confirmed by President Tanner and also by Joseph Anderson.
The President, however, gave approval for the presenting of his name to the Quorum of the Twelve for further discussion.
(Minutes by President Alvin R. Dyer on Church Commissioner of Education in a Meeting held in the Temple this day.)
Church Commissioner of Education
In accordance with the approval given by President David O. McKay in the early meeting, Neal Maxwell was presented as a possible Commissioner of Church Education. This evoked considerable discussion. Elder Benson expressed an opposition to the call. He feels he lacks moral courage and that, from his experience with him, he is a ‘back-scratcher,’ meaning an opportunist. Both Richard L. Evans and Delbert L. Stapley spoke favorably of the appointment. Gordon Hinckley felt that the Church would lose something by removing him from his position at the University of Utah. There were others who felt that the one appointed to this position should hold a degree.
President Tanner emphatically spoke in favor of him. My expression involved the discussions I have had with Neal Maxwell at the time when we were studying and analyzing the sensitivity training and sex educatio program and that I had found him sound and solid and his thinking oriented to Gospel standards in these areas and therefore I had gained a higher respect for Brother Maxwell in his thinking. Others had reported that he was a liberal and that he would carry that idea into such a position as Commissioner. Some felt, as I have mentioned, that he would do a better job at the University of Utah for the Church than he would do as Commissioner.”
Wed., Sept. 17, 1969:
Meeting of the First Presidency
The President was interested in reading the following items from the Minutes of the First Presidency’s Meeting, which meeting he was unable to attend:
Commissioner of Education
A letter was read from Dr. Melvin A. Cook addressed to President Joseph Fielding Smith referring to a rumor that he had heard that Neal Maxwell is being considered for the appointment of Commissioner of Education for the Church. Dr. Cook indicates his objections to the appointment of Dr. Maxwell to this position.
Mon., 13 Oct., 1969:
“(Memo from President Ernest L. Wilkinson on his invitations to visit Vietnam.)
Dr. Kenneth Wells of the Freedoms Foundation has invited me along with fifty civic, business, and other leaders in this country to go to Vietnam on October 30 to meet with industrial and other civic leaders in Vietnam to see what kind of non-governmental programs can be set up to assist the people of that country. I am the only educator invited, and he wants me to represent the educational institutions of this country. He has invited me because of the policies of the BYU and his great faith in our Church.
In addition to this invitation, officials of Vietnam have invited me and other representatives of BYU to come to Vietnam to begin negotiations for a contract whereby BYU teachers would train civil servants in Vietnam. Previously this contract was with Michigan State University, but Vietnam terminated this contract because Michigan got involved in local politics. The University of Tennessee has now submitted a contract which also has been turned down. Representatives of the Vietnamese government came directly to the BYU on the Provo campus and told us they wanted us to enter into this contract.
Fortunately both invitations are for the same time and, therefore, I can do both while being over there the first part of November.
(President McKay said ‘Yes’ to these invitations.)”
Tues., 14 Oct., 1969:
“Hair–Wearing of by Male Members
President Tanner reported that while he was in Europe he saw a man who is in a bishopric, a man in the Sunday School Superintendency, two brethren who administered the sacrament, and one who spoke in the sacrament meeting, all with long hair. He said they seemed to be sincere, devoted people, and while their hair was long they were clean and well groomed. The brethren expressed the sentiment that where a person is clean and to all intents and purposes is trying to do the right thing, they would not see why we should discriminated against him because his hair is long. In other words, they did not think we should make an issue of it. President Brown felt that those who are in presiding positions such as stake presidents and bishops should talk to these people and see why they are wearing their hair long, whether it is simply a habit or if there is some other reason. President Tanner said that one reason why he mentioned it is that there is a lot of criticism about the position that has been taken at the BYU.”