History of the Deaf Latter-day ​Saints Community of ​The Church of Jesus Christ ​of Latter-day Saints (2025)

History of theDeaf Latter-day
​Saints Communityof
​The Church of Jesus Christ
​of Latter-day Saints

Author's Note

Acknowledgement

I'd like to express my appreciation to Kenneth Lee Kinner and Charles Roy Cochran, two long-time dedicated leaders of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, for sharing the Ogden Branch for the Deaf's history and challenges.

Doug Stringham deserves praise for his brilliant title, "The Parallel Difficulties in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and the Utah School for the Deaf: 1962–1980."

I'd like to thank Dan Mathis for thoroughly proofreading the document and sticking to my paper's mission.

Gratitude is extended to Richard Snow, Charles Roy Cochran, G. Leon Curtis, Cherie Carpenter Hodson, and Kenneth L. Kinner for their invaluable contributions, which have greatly enhanced the accuracy and depth of this document, reflecting the collaborative spirit of our community.

Finally, I'd like to thank Mark Erwin, the Ogden Branch's Branch President at the time and the second-longest serving president of thirteen years, for allowing Duane and me to scan the Branch's records for historical preservation before submitting them to the Church History Library.
​
I sincerely thank my husband, Duane Kinner, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, for their constant support and patience while we worked on this project.

Jodi Becker Kinner

The Parallel Difficulties in the
Ogden Branch for the Deaf and
​Utah School for the Deaf:1962-1980​

Prologue

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Builds the Ogden Branch for the Deaf
​for Students of the Utah School for the Deaf

Before we explore the challenges faced by the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, it is essential to acknowledge Dr. Grant B. Bitter, who was a prominent oral and mainstream advocate and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a profound impact as a coordinator for the Deaf Seminary. To fully understand the situation, we should first examine the origins of the Sunday School for the Deaf and the history of the Ogden Branch. Following that, we will discuss the similar challenges encountered by both the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and the Utah School for the Deaf, highlighting the impact of Dr. Bitter's efforts to promote "oralism," an educational method that emphasizes listening and spoken language, also known as LSL, for Deaf children.

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1917. Max W. Woodbury served as the branch president for fifty-one years, with Elsie M. Christiansen as the branch clerk for twenty-eight years. After graduating from the University of Utah, Max, who was hard of hearing, began working at the Utah School for the Deaf (USD) in 1902 before founding the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

On January 10, 1892, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the Sunday School for the Deaf, marking the first organized religious education for the deaf. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Utah School for the Deaf and the Church, primarily consisting of Deaf Latter-day Saints students from the school. The first superintendent, Charles H. Barrell, along with his Deaf assistant, Laron Pratt—who was an early leader in the Deaf Latter-day Saints community—played pivotal roles in laying the foundation for the Sunday School. Their dedication and vision were instrumental in this initiative (The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892; Woodbury, History of the Branch; History of the Ogden Branch).

The Sunday School for the Deaf exemplifies the church's unwavering commitment to the religious education of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. It continued its operations even after the Utah School for the Deaf relocated to Ogden, Utah, in 1896. Classes were held in the old Fourth Ward Amusement Hall on Madison Avenue, situated between 22nd and 23rd Streets, within the boundaries of the 4th Ward. Fred Chambers was appointed as the Sunday School superintendent.

In early 1902, the Utah School for the Deaf requested Max, a teacher and supervisor of boys in the dormitory, to assist with the Sunday School. This led to his eventual calling as a teacher (Woodbury, History of the Branch; History of the Ogden Branch).

During his time at the school, Max served as a Sunday School teacher for the Ogden 4th Ward. He encountered challenges while teaching due to the noise from other classrooms in the building, which consisted of one large room divided by black cotton curtains. During lessons, he could hear the sounds of teachers instructing non-deaf children, making it challenging to maintain focus. He recalled, "It was impossible to teach because of the noise from other teachers, children talking, people laughing, and babies crying."

Additionally, the extreme cold in winter necessitated the installation of a massive heating furnace in the center of the large room (Ward Stake Historical Record Book #4, 1941–45; Woodbury, History of the Branch; History of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 1979; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, 1992). Despite these challenges, Max continued to serve as a Sunday School teacher. He also learned sign language through his interactions with Deaf students from the Utah School for the Deaf and members of the Sunday School class.

Max and his assistant, Elsie, quickly received several church calls before establishing the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, which motivated them to build their own chapel. In 1907, Max took on the role of assistant superintendent, while Elsie M. Christiansen, a 1907 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, became the secretary. Three years later, in 1911, Max was promoted to superintendent, and Elsie became the assistant superintendent (Woodbury, History of the Branch). By 1912, the branch had approximately eighty members. Max struggled to accommodate the increasing number of Deaf members coming to the Sunday School from the Utah School for the Deaf, given that only one room could accommodate five lessons. He believed that Deaf members deserved their own place of worship (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

The construction of the Ogden Branch chapel, which cost $15,000, was completed in October 1916. The Sunday School immediately moved into the new building, which included a beautiful chapel, eight classrooms, a small library, two restrooms, and a drinking fountain. The chapel was equipped with a coal stove for heating and featured a storage room for janitorial supplies (Woodbury, History of the Branch; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, 1992).

Max W. Woodbury, a humble and faithful individual, served as the superintendent of the Sunday School until February 4, 1917. During this time, Stake President Evans recognized Max's leadership potential and asked him if he would be interested in becoming the branch president. Demonstrating his characteristic humility, Max suggested several individuals he believed would excel in the role. However, Stake President Evans informed him that the Church Presidency wanted him to serve as the first branch president, highlighting both Max's leadership qualities and the Church's confidence in his abilities (History of the Ogden Branch).

On January 14, 1917, a significant event occurred when President Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. The Ogden Stake President, Thomas B. Evans, organized a meeting to dedicate the new chapel, the first of its kind in the world. A large crowd gathered, and the faith and devotion of the Deaf members moved President Joseph F. Smith to tears during the dedication. He delivered an uplifting sermon before offering the dedicatory prayer. Other speakers, including Stake President Thomas B. Evans, Dr. Joseph Morrell, Chairman of the Building Committee Leslie S. Hodgson, the building architect Apostle Hyrum Smith, Presiding Bishop David A. Smith, and First Presidency President Anthon H. Lund, shared their perspectives at the event. Superintendent of the Sunday School Max W. Woodbury provided a history of the Sunday School for the Deaf, while Superintendent Frank M. Briggs of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind served as an interpreter of the event (Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 5, 1917; Woodbury, History of the Branch; History of the Ogden Branch; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, 1992).

On February 4, 1917, the Ogden Stake organized and established the Ogden Branch for the Deaf at the corner of Liberty Avenue and 21st Street. This marked a significant achievement for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, who were overjoyed at the prospect of having a dedicated place for their social and religious gatherings. Max W. Woodbury became the new branch president, with David John Thurman as the first counselor and Elsie M. Christiansen as the clerk. Otto P. Farley later became the second counselor (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

This milestone reflected the community's strength and resilience, as they had long been advocating for a place of their own. The chapel was located one and a half blocks from the Utah School for the Deaf campus (Ward Stake Historical Record Book #4, 1941–1945; Woodbury, History of the Branch; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, 1992). The presence of the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden led to a large Deaf population. By 1920, nearly a quarter of the school's students were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This necessitated the creation of a dedicated place for their social and religious gatherings (White, The Silent Worker, October 1920).

In the 1946 Biennial Report to Utah Governor Herbert B. Maw, the Board of Trustees of the Utah School for the Deaf recognized the value of the Ogden Branch to the students and stated the following:

"The location of the school in Ogden has congregated a number of deaf and blind in that city, which together with the school population, make quite a colony. To provide for the religious training of those among them, who are Latter-day Saints, the authorities of that church have built a beautiful chapel, costing $13,500 [$15,000 is the correct amount], one and one-half blocks from the school. We have this is the first religious organization in the world to construct a place to worship for the exclusive use of the deaf and blind."

In a significant turn of events, on February 4, 1917, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf underwent a transformative reorganization. The branch elected new leadership, appointed key officers, and established the Young Men and Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Associations, all of which marked a pivotal moment in the branch's history and set the stage for its future development.

The Ogden Deaf Branch has reorganized its Sunday School and appointed the following officers: Elizabeth DeLong as superintendent, marking her as the first Deaf female to hold this position; Nephi Larson as the first assistant; Grant Morgan as the second assistant; and Loran Savage as secretary (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

Max also established the Mutual Improvement Associations, a pivotal step in the branch's history. Elsie Christensen was named president of the Y.L.M.I.A., with Pearl Farley as the first counselor and Lucille M. Crowe as the second counselor. Otto Farley served as president of the Y.M.M.I.A., with A.W. Postma as the first counselor, Carlos Y. Seegmiller as the second counselor, and Thomas Auston appointed secretary (Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 5, 1917). With their fifty-nine members, these associations actively fostered social interaction and personal development among the branch members. Various events and activities, such as social gatherings, educational programs, and service projects, were vibrant and lively, helping build a strong sense of community and belonging among the members, which still resonates today (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

On November 18, 1917, the Aaronic Priesthood Quorums formed and initiated the Priesthood class, enrolling all thirty-five boys between the ages of 12 and 20. They also sent ward teachers to visit the homes of Ogden members who were not attending the Utah School for the Deaf (Jones, Deseret News, July 30, 1952; Woodbury, History of the Branch).

Under the capable leadership of Branch President Max W. Woodbury, the Ogden Deaf Branch has significantly impacted the Deaf Latter-day Saints community by creating new opportunities for its members to learn about and share the gospel. As a result, many individuals have become proficient in public speaking, teaching, and leading meetings. Their 'combined system' approach, which included sign language, writing, and fingerspelling, has made a notable difference. By incorporating spoken language as well, they demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity and adaptability, ensuring that every member of the community feels valued and understood (Woodbury, History of the Ogden Branch).

Though the Ogden Branch for the Deaf was not affiliated with the Utah School for the Deaf, it played an essential role in the children's lives for many years. The church encouraged all students to participate in its activities. The majority of the older Deaf students attended services on Sunday mornings and evenings. The Mutual Improvement Association, a young people's organization, had meetings on Tuesday evenings. Every school day began with a short prayer for the younger students. Every Sunday afternoon, a regular member of the main department's faculty delivered a Sunday School lesson on campus (Pace, 1946).

Since its inception in 1917, Max W. Woodbury, an ecclesiastical leader known for his cheerful and pleasant demeanor, has led the Ogden Branch for the Deaf for fifty-one years. His leadership has paved the way for the establishment of future branches and wards for the Deaf. During his tenure, many Deaf members advanced to positions as teachers and community leaders.

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf has also been recognized as a model for other Deaf branches and wards, including the Gooding Branch for the Deaf, Los Angeles Branch for the Deaf, Portland Heights Branch for the Deaf, and Fremont Branch for the Deaf (Walker, 2006). Additionally, the Deaf branches and wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have become essential centers for worship and social events. They foster a sense of community and provide spaces for Deaf-signing Latter-day Saints and non-Latter-day Saints to interact through sign language, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity of our church.

​For additional information about the Ogden Deaf Branch, visit the Deseret News feature on theOgden's Branch 100th anniversary in May 2017.

Did You Know?

Elsie M. Christiansen, a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907, served with unwavering dedication as a clerk for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf from 1917 to 1948, a total of twenty-eight years. She was the first and only Deaf woman to hold this position. Branch President Max W. Woodbury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf noted that her records were meticulously maintained and that Elsie was always able and willing to provide information whenever needed. She lived by and taught the gospel, as highlighted in the History of the Branch. Elsie's work was consistently neat and thorough, as demonstrated in the following section.

The Y.I.M.I.A of the Branch for the Deaf
​Written by Elsie Christensen, 1918

Historical Events and Persons
​Involved Ogden Branch for the Deaf

Did You Know?

Kenneth C. Burdett, a 1929 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, and Afton Curtis, a 1933 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, were childhood friends in Ogden, Utah. Kenneth started dating Afton during his senior year at Gallaudet College, while she was still in her first year. They tied the knot as the first couple in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on July 29, 1936. The couple was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 5, 1941.

The Establishment of the
​First SeminaryClass for Deaf Latter-day Saints
​of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf

Since its establishment in 1917, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, has been operating independently, using sign language under the guidance of Branch President Max W. Woodbury. He also provided young Deaf church members with opportunities to advance in leadership roles.​

On September 15, 1961, a comprehensive seminary program was launched for the thirty-one Deaf Latter-day Saints attending the Utah School for the Deaf. This seminary class, an important milestone in religious education, took place in the Relief Society room of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf before regular school classes began (Deseret News, September 16, 1961). The class was taught by G. Leon Curtis, the younger brother of Afton Curtis Burnett, who was hard of hearing. He was assisted by Kenneth L. Kinner, known as Ken, who was deaf. This initiative not only provided a vital platform for religious education but also paved the way for Deaf missionaries to serve around the world, significantly impacting the Deaf Latter-day Saint community. More information can be found in the section on this webpage titled "The First Four Deaf Missionaries."

The new seminary for the deaf was established under the direction of Kenneth Sheffield, the coordinator of the Ogden District seminaries. Stake President Lawrence S. Burton of the Ogden Stake and Branch President Max W. Woodbury played crucial roles in encouraging the formation of this class. For the first time in history, their collaborative efforts with Kenneth Sheffield included a seminary class specifically for Deaf Latter-day Saints (Curtis, The Utah Eagle, October 1961). This was a significant milestone, as it marked the first sign language seminary class at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and the first teaching specifically designed for Deaf students of the faith.

Every morning, the class, consisting of thirty-two students, met five days a week, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Participation was entirely voluntary. G. Leon Curtis, a primary instructor, was assisted by Ken Kinner, a teacher. Leon and Ken, who also shared a night shift at the Newspaper Agency Corps and often didn't go to bed until the 'wee hours,' went above and beyond to help direct this endeavor. Richard Snow, another Deaf person, was the full-time principal of the seminary. Leon, the first hard of hearing who identified himself as deaf, was a seminary teacher at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and taught a diverse group of students, each with their own unique learning needs and aspirations (Richard Snow, personal communication, December 21, 2014).

​BranchPresident Curtis of the Ogden Branch, a trailblazer in his own right, became the first hard of hearing principal of the Deaf Seminary classes in 1968, with the assistance of J. Wayne Noble and Stephen Mecham. Branch President Curtis directed the teaching of the gospel in three distinct classes: oral, sign language, and Braille. Each class consisted of approximately fifteen students, and the classes continued at the branch (Scott, 1960s).

The First SeminaryClass
​for Deaf Members, 1961

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf
has Appointed New presidency Officials

Max W. Woodbury, the longest-serving branch president, retired at the age of 91. He had served as branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf for fifty-one years until his release in 1968 (Cochran, Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 13, 1968, and December 30, 1977).

In 1968, G. Leon Curtis, a seminary instructor and principal, took over leadership at the Ogden Branch, ensuring its continuity and stability. He was supported by Kenneth L. Kinner and William Ronald Johnston as counselors and Avrel H. Christensen as the clerk in his presidency group. The teamwork of this group was essential to the success of the Ogden Branch (The Ogden Standard Examiner, February 4, 1967; UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967; Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

However, in 1962, the Utah School for the Deaf implemented a significant change by introducing the dual-track program, commonly known as the "Y" system. This new policy required Deaf students to start in the oral program and transition to the signing program around 6th or 7th grade. Despite this shift, members of the Latter-day Saint community in the Ogden Branch continued to attend church services.

Branch President Woodbury, a committed leader who had been peacefully leading the Ogden Branch for the Deaf since 1917, was a long-time educator who retired as principal in 1947. He had observed the impacts of the dual-track program at the school while leading the Ogden Branch and continuing to provide seminary classes in sign language. In a candid conversation filled with concern, Branch President Woodbury shared his worries about the potential consequences of adopting the oral movement at the Utah School for the Deaf. He discussed these concerns with Branch President Curtis and his first counselor, Kenneth L. Kinner (personal communication, June 19, 2011).

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf is Confronted
​with Challenges and Obstacles

Eighteen months later, Branch President Curtis moved to Arizona to complete his master's degree, which led to his release from the calling. The Branch Presidency was reorganized on April 27, 1969, marking a significant event shaped by the active involvement and collective decision-making of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. Demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf appointed Kenneth L. Kinner as the first Deaf Branch President. Ken, a familiar figure in the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, embraced this role with a deep understanding of their needs and aspirations.

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf appointed Charles Roy Cochran, commonly known as Roy, as the new first counselor, recognizing his extensive experience and dedication to the role. As a long-time member of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, Roy was a natural choice for this important position. William Ronald Johnston served as the second counselor (The Ogden Standard Examiner on February 4, 1967; The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967. This marked the beginning of Ken and Roy's long-term leadership at the Ogden Branch, a place they both cherished as home.

Ken and Roy attended the Ogden Branch for the Deaf as students at the Utah School for the Deaf. Each of them served as branch president twice, playing a crucial role in establishing leadership positions for Deaf Latter-day Saints within the branch. Ken was branch president from 1969 to 1975 and again from 1994 to 1999, while Roy served from 1975 to 1983 and then again from 1989 to 1993.

Adding a personal touch, both Ken and Roy were Deaf parents of two Deaf children who also attended the Utah School for the Deaf. They actively opposed the school's adoption of oral education methods. Additionally, they worked as printers at the Ogden Standard-Examiner newspaper.

After a branch restructuring, Branch President Kenneth L. Kinner and first Counselor Charles Roy Cochran faced unexpected challenges. A year before the restructuring in 1969, Deaf members who had successfully taught the Deaf Seminary Program at the Utah School for the Deaf since 1961 experienced a significant change. In 1968, Dr. William E. Berrett, Administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, appointed Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a prominent advocate for oral and mainstream education, to coordinate the Deaf Seminary Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Bitter, A Summary Report for Tenure, March 15, 1985). This appointment later had a profound impact on the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. At the time, it wasn't fully understood that his appointment led to a decrease in the participation of Deaf youth in its services and activities.

Max W. Woodbury's prediction came true when Dr. Bitter, a prominent figure in oral deaf education, devised a plan for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. He recruited oral teachers from the Utah School for the Deaf to conduct seven oral seminary classes. Additionally, he appointed J. Boyd Neilson, a coordinator in the Oral Department at the Utah School for the Deaf, as the principal of these seminary classes for the deaf.

This significant change also impacted the Utah School for the Deaf, where a new "Y" policy in the dual-track program led to an increase in the number of oral teachers. These teachers received their training through a teacher training program at the University of Utah, which was organized and taught by Dr. Bitter (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).

Dr. Bitter also assigned Lola Elizabeth Harris Jensen, known as Beth, a Deaf member and wife of Donald Jensen, a Deaf teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, to teach one sign language seminary class (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Dr. Bitter, the deaf seminary supervisor, left a lasting impact on the Utah School for the Deaf and its seminary program. He envisioned integrating Deaf individuals into the hearing community by implementing oral instruction at both the Utah School for the Deaf and the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. However, this vision faced significant challenges. A controversy arose when Dr. Bitter, Boyd Neilson, and members of the oral department at the Utah School for the Deaf disagreed with students from the oral program attending services and activities at the Ogden Branch. This disagreement escalated to the point where they attempted to take control of the Ogden Branch and prohibited the use of sign language in seminary classes, igniting a heated debate about the best approach to deaf education.

Dr. Grant B. Bitter Emphasizes
Oralism in the Seminary Program of
​The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Dr. Grant B. Bitter, the new supervisor of the seminary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, advocated for oral and mainstream education in 1967. He emphasized the importance of providing spiritual education to individuals with hearing loss, stating that spiritual development is not merely an afterthought but an essential part of their overall education. Dr. Bitter highlighted the need for continuous stimulation to improve speech in Deaf children and asserted that spiritual and moral training should complement their regular academic education. Furthermore, he noted that educators agree that spiritual experiences aid children with hearing loss in integrating into mainstream society (Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967).

In discussing the instructors of the program, Dr. Bitter highlighted their professional training. He mentioned that he had two instructors who were teaching sign language in a seminary class for Deaf students (Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967). The remaining seven instructors still primarily used the oral method, which emphasized spoken language and lip-reading.

​The seminary classes at the BYU Salt Lake Center for Adult Education, located at 200 N. Main, welcomed a diverse group of nineteen Deaf students aged 8 to 12, highlighting the program's inclusivity (Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967). Dr. Bitter was well-known in the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, which marked the beginning of tensions between him and community leaders, including Kenneth L. Kinner, Charles Roy Cochran, and Lloyd H. Perkins.

The Launch of the Annual Seminary
Conference for Exceptional Children and Youth

Dr. Bitter was passionate about promoting oralism among Deaf youth, and he demonstrated this by organizing the 'Annual Seminary Conferences for Exceptional Children and Youth' from 1968 to 1970 (Bitter, A Summary Report for Tenure, March 15, 1985). In 1968, as the supervisor of seminars for children and youth with disabilities, he started the first annual Seminary Conference for Exceptional Children and Youth in Salt Lake County, Utah. The conference, themed 'An Age of Dignity,' was a significant event that featured student presentations on dignity through prayer, work, reverence, obedience, and love. The conference had a wide impact, with over 150 students from Ogden, Salt Lake City, and American Fork seminaries participating in the program, as well as 11 seminary classes offered in those regions, including Gooding, Idaho, and Tucson, Arizona (Deseret News, May 4, 1968).

Dr. Bitter organized the second Annual Seminary Conference for Exceptional Children on May 3, 1969, at the University of Utah East Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event was attended by 200 to 300 Deaf, Blind, and Disabled Latter-day Saint members. Dr. Bitter promised to create a space that would honor their dignity and worth. The conference activities included fun, fellowship, and interaction. Dr. Bitter also announced plans to expand the seminary programs for children and youth with disabilities. In 1969, eighteen teachers and 340 students participated in classes in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. (Sueldo, Deseret News, April 28, 1969).

Dr. Bitter organized the Third Annual Seminary Conference for Exceptional Youth at the East Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, in May 1970. Dr. Bitter invited approximately 300 Deaf, Blind, and Disabled individuals, ranging in age from 10 to teen, from Utah, Idaho, and Arizona to attend the conference. Dr. Bitter's goal was to help participants see the value and importance of people with disabilities as productive individuals. The program included plays, skits, dancing, songs, and speech activities (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 2, 1970).

One of the attendees, Cherie Carpenter Hodson, traveled to the event with her deaf seminary class from the Arizona State School for the Deaf and the Blind in Tucson, Arizona. At the conference, Dr. Bitter invited 15-year-old Cherie to speak using her voice. However, as she approached the stage, Cherie was uncertain whether to speak or sign. She noticed numerous oral interpreters seated between each row to assist the oralists, along with one sign language interpreter on the right side of the audience.

Ultimately, Cherie chose to use sign language and requested that the interpreter accompany her to speak on her behalf. While this decision seemed to displease Dr. Bitter, it had a significant impact on the event. This incident may have contributed to the discontinuation of the Annual Seminary Conferences for Exceptional Children and Youth. Cherie's choice to use sign language during her presentation was a courageous act.

Charles Roy Cochran, a Deaf leader of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, observed that Dr. Bitter aspired to be perceived as successful by the church leaders (Charles Roy Cochran, personal communication, April 19, 2012). In his writing, Dr. Bitter mentioned receiving an invitation to a conference as a guest speaker, which included prominent civic and church figures such as Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife, Jessie Evans Smith, Alvin R. Dyer, N. Eldon Tanner, and Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency. Elders on the Council of Twelve include Marvin Ashton and Boyd K. Packer, among others (Bitter, A Summary Report for Tenure, March 15, 1985).

Dr. Bitter's advocacy for the oral and mainstreaming movements led to a dispute with the Deaf community leaders, particularly Ken and Roy. They defended the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and its use of sign language in classroom and seminary settings, while Dr. Bitter opposed this approach. His opposition also included a long-standing feud with the Utah Association for the Deaf, particularly with Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent figure in the Utah Deaf community, who defended Ogden's residential school and the use of sign language in the classroom environment. Dr. Bitter claimed that between 1968 and 1970, the Deaf community in Utah was spreading negative rumors about him during church events and at the University of Utah. He also stated that they urged the church to adopt a total communication approach for teaching religious subjects to all Deaf children.

Over the years, Dr. Bitter worked in close collaboration with church curriculum committees and missionary programs to address and mitigate various issues. He noted that Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve represented his efforts to educate and uphold liberty. Dr. Bitter stated that his research was conducted on the "front line of human activity" (Bitter, A Summary Report for Tenure, March 15, 1985).

For many years, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf has served as a hub for social gatherings. However, there have been challenges in including oral Deaf members in certain activities. The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association encountered difficulties in their efforts to integrate oral Deaf members. Although the Ogden Branch extended invitations to oral seminary classes to participate in regular activities, the oral teachers politely declined, citing concerns that the oral Deaf students might unintentionally learn sign language.

Under Dr. Bitter's leadership, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf organized separate activities for oral and sign language users, similar to the approach taken at the Utah School for the Deaf campus. Later, President Kinner and First Counselor Cochran observed a concerning decline in the number of children attending the Ogden Branch and the seminary classes offered in sign language (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Two incidents took place at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, a well-known institution focused on the education and empowerment of Deaf individuals. Young Deaf members often faced barriers and oppression in their pursuit of literacy and sign language skills.

One example of this took place during the weekly testimony meetings held on Wednesday mornings before school, where seminary members shared their learnings. The sign language group members took the stage to share their testimonies in sign language, prompting the oral members to follow suit. This created a palpable joy in the room but upset the oral teachers.

The following month, to the disappointment of the oral members, the teachers instructed them not to use sign language when approaching the pulpit. As a result, the desire to share testimonies gradually faded away (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

​Another incident occurred when Roy Cochran attempted to teach a class for Deaf students, which he co-taught with Ken Kinner. Unfortunately, many of the students struggled to understand Roy's sign language, as well as the notes and drawings he presented on the board. This experience left Roy feeling discouraged and questioning whether it was worth his time and effort to continue teaching. The students' significant difficulty in comprehending his lessons not only impacted their understanding but also affected their self-esteem and sense of belonging. This situation highlighted the emotional toll of "language deprivation" and the pressing need for more inclusive teaching methods (Kenneth L. Kinner, Personal Communication, June 19, 2011).

Kenneth L. Kinner, a leader of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, noted that President Joseph F. Smith dedicated the branch in 1917 to honor both current and future students of the Utah School for the Deaf. To support this mission, the branch even created a small water fountain specifically for children. Most of the Deaf students attending the Utah School for the Deaf were actively involved in the branch, helping to form a strong and united community (Ogden Branch for the Deaf: 90th Anniversary 1917–2007 Film; Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

However, Dr. Bitter, Boyd Nielson, and their oral teachers expressed a desire for these students to join the local hearing families' church. One day, Boyd Nielson gathered all the local bishops at the Ogden Branch on a Sunday evening for training, with the intention of transferring oral Deaf members to their home wards. Their goal was to have an oral interpreter available during the services provided by the local church. Despite the training session, little progress was made, and the members continued to remain at the Ogden Branch for a longer period (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

The dispute continued despite Dr. Sanderson's efforts to help resolve the internal issues. Branch President Kinner and his First Counselor, Cochran, reported ongoing and disruptive interference with religious services and activities caused by Dr. Bitter and his team of oral advocates, and they requested intervention.

Meanwhile, Bishop Lloyd H. Perkins of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf discovered Dr. Bitter's attempt to take control of both the branch and the seminary. He acted quickly and decisively, bringing relief to former oral Deaf students from Dr. Bitter's seminary class who had joined his ward. These former students informed Bishop Perkins that Dr. Bitter had warned them against attending the Deaf branch or ward, claiming that sign language was "awful."

Upon learning this, Bishop Perkins, with the support of Branch President Kinner, took immediate action to resolve the contentious situation. He clearly communicated to the former oral members that they were welcome in the ward and reassured them that sign language was not as bad as Dr. Bitter had suggested. This action reaffirmed inclusivity and support for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

A Seminary Building for
​the Deaf Becomes a Reality

After years of conflict with Dr. Bitter and his team, the leaders of the Ogden Branch requested intervention, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Eventually, Neal Maxwell, the chairman of the Church Educational Department, and his assistant, Mr. Bradshaw, stepped in to investigate the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Mr. Bradshaw spent several months visiting and speaking with local church leaders to address the issues.

In 1974, he reported back to the Church Department, which decided to purchase a plot of land on the Utah School for the Deaf campus and build a seminary building at the southern end of 20th Street. As a result, the Ogden Seminary for the Deaf received its own building adjacent to the Utah School for the Deaf campus in 1976, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Richard Snow, a key figure in this initiative, served as the first Deaf principal and teacher of the seminary classes in both Ogden and Salt Lake City for 34 years, leaving a lasting impact on the institution. After Brother Snow's retirement in 2008, Nathan Van De Graff, also a Deaf individual, took on the role of principal and seminary teacher for the Salt Lake area, continuing the legacy of dedication and service (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011; Richard Snow, personal communication, February 9, 2012).

When the Church Educational Department revamped the deaf seminary program, Dr. Bitter faced a difficult decision. The church asked him to choose between his coordinating position at the University of Utah and the deaf seminary program. After careful consideration, he decided to resign from his role as seminar coordinator. This choice, along with Boyd Nielson stepping down as the principal of the seminary classes after the completion of the new seminary building and the oral teachers from the Utah School for the Deaf discontinuing their teaching of the seminary classes, has led to significant changes in the program (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011). While we can speculate about the reasons behind these changes, we may never know the full truth.

During Charles Roy Cochran's tenure as the branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, a significant milestone occurred in October 1976. The purchase of a building next to the Utah School for the Deaf campus realized the long-cherished dream of establishing the Ogden Seminary for the Deaf. The Church Educational Department acknowledged the importance of this achievement by warmly inviting all visitors to an open house at the new facility. This inclusive event demonstrated their commitment to community and education. Edward Fisher, a fluent signer, and principal, along with Kyle Jaussi, a dedicated teacher, led the classes, showcasing the potential and promise of the new seminary (UAD Bulletin, October 1976).

In 1961, upon hiring G. Leon Curtis as a seminary instructor, he expressed his excitement about the prospect of constructing a seminary on his stunning property (Utah Eagle, October 1961, p. 12). Fifteen years later, in 1976, his vision became a reality.

The Deaf Seminary Program soon expanded in the Salt Lake area when Richard Snow became the full-time principal at the Salt Lake Seminary for the Deaf, while Edward Fisher served as the first full-time principal at the Ogden Seminary for the Deaf (Richard Snow, personal communication, December 21, 2014).

When Edward Fisher departed for Alaska, Richard Snow, a deaf seminary pioneer, took over as the second full-time principal of the deaf seminary in Ogden, Utah. Lucy McMills Greenwood frequently interpreted his meetings at the Ogden Seminary for him. In 1994, the Utah School for the Deaf relocated to 7th Street, integrating the majority of Deaf students and leaving no room for his teaching. He then relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he served as a Deaf principal and taught seminary in sign language to students at Skyline High, Bonneville Junior High, and Churchill Junior High. He also taught Institute of Religion classes at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah, as well as a seminary class at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf in Salt Lake City for both Deaf and hearing-signing students. Additionally, he utilized the videophone to teach deaf classes in New York, Indiana, and Arizona. The first videophone seminary graduate was Tahnee Brinks Woodbury, a Deaf student from the Indiana School for the Deaf. She married Max Woodbury III, a descendant of Max W. Woodbury, the 51-year branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, at the Nauvoo Temple (Richard Snow, personal communication, December 21, 2014).

The Ogden Branch presidency held high expectations for Edward Fisher's appointment as the principal of the deaf seminary program, as they believed it would aid the branch in overcoming its challenges. However, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of Deaf children enrolled in the seminary program, primarily due to decisions made by parents who advocate for oral education. This drop in enrollment has resulted in smaller class sizes for the deaf seminary program.

A similar situation occurred in the early 1960s when parent advocates for oral education wrote a letter to the Utah State Office of Education, urging the implementation of a dual-track program at the Utah School for the Deaf. Due to the mainstreaming of many students into nearby public schools, this resulted in a decrease in residential enrollment for the deaf in Ogden.

Stake President Jensen and Branch President Kinner convened a meeting to address the concerns raised by parents of orally educated children after receiving their letters. Stake President Jensen, who understood the parents' concerns, informed Ken that these parents insisted on transferring their oral Deaf children to a nearby hearing ward. The involvement of the branch presidency in oral seminary classes had upset the parents. Both Branch President Kinner and sign language interpreter Lucy McMills Greenwood expressed their disappointment and discouragement regarding the situation. Respecting the parents' wishes, Stake President Jensen approved their request for their oral Deaf children to attend the 31st Ward, which led to a decline in enrollment at the Ogden Deaf Branch.
​
Despite the new seminary building on the school campus, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf has faced several challenges. These include a shortage of leadership roles among young Deaf Latter-day Saints, decreased enrollment in the chapel and its seminary program, and limited membership (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011). Nonetheless, the Deaf Latter-day Saints community remains committed to providing a deaf seminary program. Richard Snow has taught this program for over thirty years, demonstrating his dedication and respect for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community.

In the October 1988 issue of the Utah Association for the Deaf Bulletin, Ronald J. Nelson, writing under the pseudonym Mabel Bell, shared his experiences and insights regarding parents' decisions when raising a Deaf child. As a former Oral-Deaf individual raised in a hearing Latter-day Saint family, he noted, "Utah's strong Latter-day Saint population often presents challenges for LDS families with a Deaf child."

The Latter-day Saints community, known for its emphasis on family values, occasionally faces challenges when a family has a Deaf child. A Deaf child's struggles to fully participate in daily family activities can challenge the cherished concept of 'togetherness.' As a result, many parents consider enrolling their child in an oral education program at school in an effort to promote normalcy and maintain the importance of 'family togetherness.'

​There is a more promising solution to consider. Parents and siblings can learn American Sign Language (ASL) and use it as their primary mode of communication when engaging with their Deaf child. This approach, as Ron concluded, not only enhances family togetherness but also promotes a strong sense of unity. ASL is more than just a language; it serves as a bridge that connects family members, offering a hopeful alternative to the challenges faced by families with Deaf children (Nelson, UAD Bulletin, October 1988, p. 4). One cannot overstate the importance of ASL for family communication. It opens new avenues for understanding and interaction, fostering a more profound sense of togetherness and unity within the family.

Ronald J. Nelson's observations of Latter-day Saint families are similar to those of Henry C. White, a former principal, and teacher, who noted the unique characteristics of the Utah School for the Deaf, which was different from other state schools for the deafdue to the wishes of Latter-day Saints families with Deaf children. During its first two years, from 1884 to 1886, the school operated as a day school without dormitory rooms. Many students did not live in Salt Lake City, Utah, but resided in various parts of the state. Henry White, a graduate of Gallaudet andthesole principal and teacher at the timemade significant efforts to establish a home for Deaf children who lived outside the Salt Lake City area so they could attend the school. However, parents found this arrangement unsatisfactory (Pace, 1946).

​A non-LDS member, Professor White, wrote a letter to Dr. Edward Miner Gallaudet, the president of Gallaudet College, who recommended that Dr. John R. Park, president of the University of Deseret, where the school was located, hire him to run the newly established school. In his letter, Professor White noted that "the organization of the school is peculiar, like all the methods of the Mormons" (Evans, 1999, p. 24). He added that, unlike other residential schools, his students boarded with neighborhood families, attended school from nine a.m. until two p.m. without a break, and ate dinner at two or three p.m. Additionally, Henry observed that the school operated more like a day school than a residential school (Evans, 1999). This unique approach highlights the innovative solutions in the deaf education system, providing a rich context for understanding the challenges and solutions for LDS families with Deaf children.

Just one year before the deaf seminary building's construction in 1976, the stake presidency underwent a reorganization in 1975. One day, Apostle Mark E. Petersen visited Branch President Kinner to discuss a potential candidate for stake president. He also inquired about the branch's struggles to participate in mutual youth activities. Branch President Kinner explained the challenges they were facing.

The following day, Apostle Petersen addressed the stake presidency issues at the stake conference. In his closing remarks, he said, "Attention, attention! Please help the Ogden Branch for the Deaf establish the Kingdom of God on Earth" (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

​In 1975, Glenn F. Holley, the newly appointed stake president, released Branch President Kinner from his duties and appointed Charles Roy Cochran as the new branch president. Kenneth and Roy continued to work together to address the branch's internal issues. In a meeting with officials from the Utah School for the Deaf, Stake President Holley questioned the separation of oral and signing children from youth activities. They explained the school's two-track policy, which had evolved from a dual-track program adopted in 1962 to the two-track program established in 1970. "We are the children of God," Stake President Holley stated, urging them to allow the branch to operate independently (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Kenneth L. Kinner's Reflection
​of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf

Kenneth L. Kinner, a former branch president, reflected on a growing trend at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. He emphasized the branch's commitment to preserving sign language, an essential part of the identity of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, by integrating it into the classroom. Graduates from the Utah School for the Deaf, including oral Deaf students, found a welcoming environment at the Ogden Branch and embraced sign language with pride. The community has experienced slow but hopeful growth, with an increase in membership over time. Although running the branch with a small membership presented significant challenges, the members' deep connection to it is a testament to Branch President Max W. Woodbury's dedication and his efforts to establish a church that Deaf members truly needed (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

The View of the Deaf Community on
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
and Its Impact on Deaf Education Policy
​ at the National Level

Given the information, it is evident that, despite the efforts of individuals like Dr. Grant B. Bitter, American Sign Language (ASL) continues to thrive within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This reflects the church's acknowledgment of the significance of Deaf origins in establishing Deaf congregations worldwide, particularly in the United States (Dan Mathis, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

The Church actively supports ASL and Deaf culture in numerous ways, showcasing its deep respect for these community aspects. These initiatives include offering ASL Seminary and Institute classes via videophone with Deaf instructors, expanding video production to include ASL translations (notably, Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz's ASL Book of Mormon translation videos), publishing important messages in church magazines in ASL, and having Deaf translators interpret church teachings into ASL every month. The Missionary Training Program (MTC) also incorporates ASL into its classes.

Rumors are circulating within the Deaf Latter-day Saints community that Dr. Bitter attempted to prevent the Church Presidency from allowing ASL classes at the MTC, but the validity of this rumor remains unclear.

However, some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintain beliefs and ideologies that conflict with the ASL/English bilingual community, which has replaced Total Communication. The Utah Deaf community has been advocating for Deaf children and their parents who support American Sign Language (ASL), as noted by Dan Mathis in a personal communication on April 24, 2012. According to this community, two individuals who oppose these efforts are Dr. Karl R. White and Steven W. Noyce.

Dr. White, the founder and director of Utah State University's National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), aimed to enhance Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs both in the United States and internationally. His goal was to create a global database of hearing loss causes and improve genetic services by training medical professionals (Clark and Riker, 2010). Under his leadership at NCHAM in 2012, advancements in listening and spoken language education, as well as the use of cochlear implants, were anticipated to significantly impact sign language learning and state schools for the deaf, both nationally and internationally.

The Deaf community expressed outrage over his "eugenic-style" bills in California and Indiana. National Deaf activists who researched Dr. White discovered that he was from Utah and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a stake president in his local ward at the time. This connection affected the Deaf community's perception of the church, raising concerns about its influence on national deaf education policy. Deaf activists questioned his religious beliefs and how his role as an Latter-day Saint member may have influenced his medical practice, particularly regarding the humanity and choices of Deaf newborns.

On the other hand, Steven W. Noyce, a former superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, was no stranger to the Utah Deaf community. Several members of the Utah Deaf community were aware that he was a former student of Dr. Grant B. Bitter's Oral Training Program at the University of Utah, as stated in his letter dated December 2, 1971. When he was hired in 2009, the local Deaf community was concerned that he would seek to carry on Dr. Bitter's oral and mainstreaming agenda as superintendent.

Some Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed significant concern about Steven Noyce, a fellow church member, who they felt opposed to the linguistic and cultural values of the Deaf community. The Utah Deaf Education Core Group, primarily consisting of Deaf Latter-day members, actively fought against what they perceived as bias favoring listening and spoken language over sign language. Dr. Bitter was in charge of Deaf education and Deaf seminary from the 1960s to the 1980s, while Steven Noyce worked as a teacher, director, and superintendent for over thirty years. For more information about educational issues at the Utah School for the Deaf, you can visit the 'Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Dream' webpage.

During the 2012 Deaf Studies Today! Conference in Orem, Utah, leaders from the Deafhood Foundation and the Deaf Bilingual Coalition, including Ella Mae Lentz, Judy Gough, Ruthie Jordan, and Patti Durr, had disagreements with the Oral Only Option Schools Group, a new grassroots organization influenced by the Alexander Graham Bell Association. At that time, there was a significant debate between advocates of American Sign Language (ASL) and those of Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) in California, Indiana, Delaware, and other regions.

At the conference, leaders requested a meeting with the Utah Deaf community to discuss Dr. Karl White's connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving in the Utah Association of the Deaf, Dan Mathis chaired the Education Committee. Alongside Dr. J. King Freeman, Dr. Bryan Eldridge, Dr. Curtis Radford, and James Smith, all affiliated with the church, he had the opportunity to discuss the church's involvement in deaf education, particularly in Utah.

During the discussion, it became evident that the Deaf activists were not well-informed about the structure of the priesthood leadership hierarchy within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some mistakenly believed that it was a paid position where individuals advanced based on their performance and "deeds" in life. The LDS members clarified that the church's structure is distinct from individuals' professional lives and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not play a role in deaf education. They further explained that church leaders are called to serve in higher capacities without compensation, and accepting such a call is entirely voluntary.

Additionally, Dan Mathis stated that the LDS religion encourages members to do good deeds and volunteer their time to improve their lives. However, he also clarified that well-intended members may inadvertently bring viewpoints into their initiatives that they think are good or right but end up harming others. Dr. White and Mr. Noyce's initiatives for the Deaf community served as an example of this. The Deaf activists were open to the discussion and appreciated what their LDS members had to say about the volunteer emphasis of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Dan Mathis, personal communication, April 24, 2012).
​
This interaction underscores the essential need for collaboration and mutual understanding between Deaf community leaders and Latter-day Saints members, highlighting their contributions to the future of deaf education.

Many advocates for the Deaf community within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have expressed concerns that Dr. Grant B. Bitter, Steven W. Noyce, and Dr. Karl R. White may have inadvertently overlooked the diverse linguistic and cultural values of the Deaf community. Dan Mathis highlighted the importance of addressing this issue with the global church membership. He emphasized that the leaders and prominent members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints need to recognize and address the needs of this diverse Deaf community, which includes considerations of ethnicity, race, and language. Mathis expressed hope that the church would take urgent action to raise awareness of these challenges (Dan Mathis, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, a translator of the Book of Mormon and co-founder of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, stressed the importance of acknowledging that within any church, even one that is well-intentioned and guided by great leaders, some individuals may hold views that do not align with the church's values. She emphasized that the fundamental belief in free agency is the cornerstone of our faith.

Conclusion

The ongoing challenges and obstacles faced by Ogden Branch leaders Kenneth L. Kinner and Charles Roy Cochran in dealing with Dr. Grant B. Bitter and his oral advocacy team have had a profound impact on the Utah Deaf community. Despite Dr. Bitter's influence, Ken and Roy demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance, becoming beacons of hope for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. The complex debate surrounding the best communication methods is thought-provoking and inspires optimism for a better future.

Throughout their history, the Utah Deaf community has encountered several hurdles that have shaped their education and religious beliefs, serving as a stark reminder of what they have endured. Regardless of these challenges, Deaf leaders like Kenneth L. Kinner and Charles Roy Cochran have exhibited incredible adaptability, enabling them to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and persevere through difficult circumstances while leading the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Their courage and determination are admirable, showcasing the strength of their commitment, and serving as an inspiration to the entire Deaf Latter-day Saints community.

Did You Know?

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf held an unveiling ceremony to honor Branch President Max W. Woodbury, the longest-serving branch president in 51 years. In 1976, Kenneth L. Kinner and C. Roy Cochran, long-time dedicated leaders of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, held a portrait of Max at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Take a look at the picture below.

The following are excerpts from some Deaf people who wrote about their memories of Max for the January 1974 Utah Eagle magazine.

Notes

Cherie Carpenter Hodson, personal communication, October 18, 2010.

Dan Mathis, personal communication, April 24, 2012.

Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 15, 2012.

Richard Snow, personal communication, February 9, 2012.

Richard Snow, personal communication, December 21, 2014.

Roy Cochran, personal communication, April 19, 2012.
​
Steven Noyce, personal communication,December 2, 1971.

References

The Utah Eagle, February 1968 - Add needed

“A Sunday School Organized for the Deaf Mutes.”The Daily Enquirer,February 11, 1892.

"An Age of Dignity, Honor." Deseret News, May 4, 1968.

Baldwin, Stephen C. “Mainstreaming in retrospect: A Deaf Perception.”National Association of the Deaf(1990): 14-16.

Bell, Mabel. “The Deaf Eye.”UAD Bulletin,vol. 12, no. 6 (October 1988): 4.

Bitter, Grant. “A Summary Report for Tenure.”Grant B. Dr. Bitter Papers,Accn #1072. Manuscripts Division, J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, March 15, 1985.

Clark, K. & Riker, T. (2010, June 7). “Mendoza Against the Deaf:Tony Mendoza California Eugenics-Style Bill Creates Uproar Among the Deaf Community.”http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com/index.php?article=12260&pageid=&pagename=

Christiansen, E. (1918). “The YLMIA of the Branch for the Deaf.” Copied from the Young Women’s Journal, Vol. 29.

Cochran, Charles Roy. Max W. Woodbury. Ogden Standard-Examiner,January 13, 1968, and December 30, 1977).

Cochran, Charles Roy. History of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 1999.

Curtis, G. Leon. “With Our Alumni.”The Utah Eagle(October 1961): 12.

'Dream, O Youth,' Session's Theme." The Salt Lake Tribune, May 5, 1970.

Evans, David S. A Silent World In The Intermountain West: Records From The Utah School For The Deaf and Blind, 1884-1941. Utah State University: Logan, Utah. 1999.

"First Organization of the Kind in the World." Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 5, 1917.

Grant B. Bitter.The Utah Eagle,vol. 74, no. 1 (October 1962): 11.

Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf- Compiled February 11, 1992.

History of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf,1979.

History of the Ogden Branch. Unknown date.

Jones, Harry. "Ogden Deaf Branch Takes Leading Part in Teaching Gospel." Deseret News, July 30, 1952.

Larsen, Cary. "Deaf Youngsters Learns of God." The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967.

“New seminary at USD.”UAD Bulletin,Vol. 11, No. 3 (October 1976): 3.

Pace, Irma Acord. “A History of the Utah School for the Deaf.”The Utah Eagle,vol. 58, no. 1 (May 18, 1946): 1-33.

"Program Arranged for Deaf Seminary Pupils." Deseret News, September 16, 1961.

Scott, George, L. (-).

“Seminary Class Stared At School for Deaf.”The UAD Bulletin,vo1. 2, no. 4 (Fall 1961): 3.

"SWinging 'round the nation." The Silent Worker, vol. 16, no. 5 (January 1964): 15.

Sueldo, Manuel A. 'Stay Firm In The Gospel.' Deseret News, April 26, 1969.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Branch for the Deaf, Ogden. Ward Stake Historical Record Book #4. 1941 – 1945.

The Relocation of Ogden
​Branch for the Deaf, 1917-1999

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
​
​Published in 2012
Updated in 2024

Before we explore the relocation of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1999, it's important to understand the significant role of the Utah School for the Deaf in our history, which ultimately led to the branch's formation. On July 24, 1847, the first pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers faced a considerable challenge: Deaf children needed education, but sending them to schools for the Deaf outside the area was costly. The nearest school, the Colorado School for the Deaf, presented additional difficulties due to the long separation from family and community.

In response to this need, two church members, John Beck and William Wood—both parents of Deaf children—took the initiative to establish the Utah School for the Deaf. Their efforts exemplify the community's commitment to providing education for all.

The Utah School for the Deaf was established in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1884. Initially, students attended a Protestant church due to the teachers' backgrounds (Roberts, 1994). However, several Latter-day Saint parents expressed concerns about their children's exposure to Protestant beliefs. To address these concerns, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established a Sunday School for Deaf children, marking a significant adaptive move. On January 10, 1892, a historic event took place in Salt Lake City, marking the establishment of a Sunday School with eleven boys and sixteen girls as its first members. Elder H.C. Barrell was appointed as the first superintendent of the Sunday School, with Deaf Elder Laron Pratt serving as his assistant (The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892). The involvement of Elder H.C. Barrell and Elder Laron Pratt highlighted the community's commitment to supporting its Deaf Latter-day Saint members.

On November 16, 1896, the Utah School for the Deaf relocated to Ogden, Utah, where it began offering a Sunday School for Deaf and Blind children as well as adults at the 4th Ward Amusement Hall (Deseret News, November 21, 1896). On February 14, 1917, students from the Utah School for the Deaf and other members of the Ogden community established the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, creating a meetinghouse that was welcoming to Deaf individuals in the area. This signing branch was not just a local initiative; it became a source of inspiration for future Deaf branches and wards around the world, showcasing the strength and resilience of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. The branch also served as a model for other deaf units, including the Salt Lake Valley Deaf Ward, Los Angeles Deaf Branch, Portland Heights Deaf Branch, Fremont Deaf Branch, Gooding Deaf Branch, and many others globally (Walker, 2006).

Since 1917, members have attended the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, a place that holds deep sentimental value for them. However, on June 21, 1998, a significant change was announced. Stake President Mark Johnson convened a special meeting with Kenneth L. Kinner, who had served twice as the Branch President of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, and other bishops. The meeting focused on relocating the stake presidency, redrawing ward boundaries, and transferring the Ogden Branch for the Deaf to another stake ward.

This news was a heavy blow for Branch President Kinner, who had grown up in the Ogden Deaf Branch. After eighty-two years in the original chapel of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, decided to move the branch to a new stake building in South Ogden, effective January 3, 1999. This decision left the branch members with mixed emotions, reflecting their deep connection to their original meeting place.

During the stake meeting, approximately sixty members gathered to hear the latest news about the reorganization of the stake presidency. The room was filled with anticipation and anxiety as Branch President Kinner observed the reactions of the branch members when Elder Pinnock delivered the shocking news about the branch's move from the Quorums of the Seventy. The members were startled and saddened by this announcement, their hearts heavy with the weight of change. The loss of their cherished branch left everyone feeling overwhelmed with sorrow. Lucy McMills Greenwood, a long-time interpreter and elder branch member, was the hardest hit, as this branch had been her home for many years.

Over time, the chapel building became inconvenient, prompting the decision to relocate the branch. The annual Christmas party often overcrowded the cultural hall, making it difficult for older individuals to navigate the stairwells. The primary reason for the branch's move was to establish a stronger priesthood support system in the new ward and to provide better parking facilities. After relocating to the stake building, the Ogden Branch changed its name to the Ogden Valley Deaf Branch (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011). The relocation of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf resulted in a significant loss for the community, creating a void that continues to be felt today.

Lucy McMills Greenwood,
a long-serving Interpreter, Receives a
Gift of Art from Benjamin Davis, a Deaf Artist

Celebrating the 90th Anniversary
​of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf: 1917-2007

C. Roy Cochran, Kenneth L. Kinner, Lorna Kennedy, Lucy McMills Greenwood, Mark Erwin, and Michael Houtz presented a talk about the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Ben Davis, a Deaf artist, painted a picture of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and gifted it to Lucy McMills Greenwood, a Child of Deaf Adults, in appreciation of her years of dedicated service to the branch. Some Deaf Latter-day Saints shared their personal and cherished memories of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

Thanks to Bobby Giles, a 1983 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, and his team at Eye-Sign Media LLC, which includes Julio Diaz Jr. and Jim Harper, produced a film about the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and its 90th-anniversary celebration.

Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner

Note

Kenneth L. Kinner, interview by Jodi Becker Kinner, “Relocation of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf,” June 19, 2011.

References

“A Sunday School Organized for the Deaf Mutes.”The Daily Enquirer,February 11, 1892.

Giles, Bobby. "Ogden Branch for the Deaf: 90th Anniversary 1917 – 2007."Eye-Sign Media, LLC.2007. DVD.

“For Blind, Deaf, and Dumb.”Deseret News,November 21, 1896.
​
Pace, Irma Acord. “A History of the Utah School for the Deaf.”The Utah Eagle,vol. 58, no. 1 (October 1946): 1-33.

Roberts, Elaine M. “The Early History of the Utah School for the Deaf and Its influence in the Development of a Cohesive Deaf Society in Utah, circa. 1884 – 1905.”A thesis presented to the Department of History:Brigham Young University. August 1994.
​
Walker, Rodney W.My Life Story,2006.

A Pioneer Day Parade in Utah
​on July 24, 1961

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

Published in 2021

In 1961, Branch President Spencer C. Hind of the Salt Lake Valley Branch, along with a group of members including Kenneth Kinner, Evelyn Hardy, Bruce Harvey, Sharon Olson, and Robert Kerr, decided to participate in the prestigious 24th of July parade. This event was significant to the Deaf Latter-day Saints community because it commemorated the arrival of the Utah Pioneers in Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Despite facing a shortage of time and funds, they managed to come up with a simple design. Rodney W. Walker's friend, Theodore Collier, generously agreed to lend them his two-wheel trailer, symbolizing the community's support.

Their unwavering commitment to the theme, "And on that day, the deaf shall hear the book's words," was evident. Drawing from Isaiah 29:18, they inscribed these words on two poster boards, placing one on each side of the float. Additionally, they printed "Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf" on two large sheets of paper and affixed a strip to each side of the trailer. The centerpiece of the float was a large piece of cardboard in the shape of a book, with the words "Book of Mormon" written on its cover. Two missionaries and four investigators, representing the dedication of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, occupied six floating chairs. The visually striking float, a beacon of their shared values, captivated the attention of thousands of spectators and filled them with pride during the parade.

Since its founding, the membership of the Salt Lake Valley branch has continued to grow. Over the past twenty-eight years, an increasing number of Deaf individuals have moved to the area, joined the church, or expanded their families, bringing the total Deaf population to 310. The Salt Lake Valley building quickly began to fill up. To accommodate everyone, the chapel and cultural hall were combined to create a single meeting space for sacrament services (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961). For more information about the Salt Lake Valley, please refer to the section titled 'A Unique Deaf-Friendly Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf.'

References

"Sunday School on Wheel." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 4. (Fall 1961): p. 1.

Walker, Rodney.My Life Story.2006.

"United Utah Organization of the Deaf." The Silent Worker, vol. 14, no. 3. (1961,November). p. 9.

The First Four
​Deaf Missionaries

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

Published in 2020
​Updated in 2024

Since the formation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, Deaf members were unable to serve on missions until 1968, when G. Leon Curtis, the branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, led the way. On November 20, 1968, the Church appointed Elder Abel Martinez and Elder Wayne Kitchen, both from Utah, as the first two Deaf missionaries to serve in Los Angeles, California. They received mission training at the Language Training Mission (LTM), which was located at Lafayette Elementary School in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah; this school previously held an oral program for deaf education. The Church eventually acquired the former oral school of the Utah School for the Deaf.

​Later, the Church demolished Lafayette Elementary School and converted the site into a parking lot across from the Church Office Building. During their training, Abel and Wayne learned to teach the gospel without a sign language interpreter, as the instructors did not use sign language. They memorized the scriptures and participated in mission discussions. Several church authorities, including Joseph Fielding Smith and Spencer W. Kimball, spoke at LTM, but no interpreter was available for these presentations (Abel Martinez, personal communication, April 8, 2020).

Elder Dale Cook from Utah joined other Deaf missionaries at the California Mission on December 3, 1969. A few days later, on December 9, Elder Wayne Bennett from Louisiana transferred into the deaf program. Among the Deaf missionaries who pioneered as official missionaries were Elder Jack Rose, Elder Thayne Grossenbach, and Elder Clark Kemp.

In 1978, at a pivotal moment in the church's history, the Language Training Mission underwent a significant transformation. The church, recognizing the rapid growth and increasing number of missionaries, relocated and restructured it into the Missionary Training Center. This transition symbolized the evolving needs and scope of the church's missionary work and marked an important chapter in the history of missionary work for the Deaf. Additionally, this period saw the establishment of the American Sign Language Program, highlighting the church's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by bringing together a diverse group of Deaf and hearing missionaries to support the deaf mission.

Did You Know?

Rodney W. Walker, an 84-year-old man, made history as the first Deaf sealer at the Salt Lake Temple on August 8, 1998. He graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933 and Gallaudet College in 1939. Rodney dedicated nine years of his life to this important role. In a poignant testament to his commitment, he conducted a temple wedding just four days before his passing on August 2, 2007, sealing approximately eighty couples.

My spouse, Duane, and I were among those couples who were sealed by Rodney on August 7, 1999. You can find his signature on our temple marriage certificate, along with Kenneth L. Kinner, the president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf at the time, serving as our witness.

Notes

Abel Martinez, personal communication, April 8, 2020.

Doug Stringham, persona communication, April 8, 2020.

Lisa Richard Roush, personalcommunication, April 8, 2020.

W. David Samuelsen, personalcommunication, April 15, 2020.

A Unique Deaf-Friendly
Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf

Compiled & Written by JodiBeckerKinner
Edited by Jennifer Young Leeds

Published in 2020
Updated in 2024

Prologue

Lloyd H. Perkins, a Deaf carpenter, and the branch president as well as bishop of the Salt Lake City Valley, was a visionary. He proposed the concept of a Deaf-friendly church building, which had not yet received official recognition. As the bishop of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf, he envisioned unique elements of "deaf space" that would not only meet the visual needs of Deaf members but also foster a sense of inclusivity. It was in 1977 that his idea for a church design that truly embraced the Deaf Latter-day Saints community began to take shape, inspiring many. I wrote this section with the support of various sources and oral histories because Lloyd's work deserves recognition.

​Jodi Becker Kinner

Bountiful and Salt Lake City
​ Sunday School Classes for the Deaf

Before we explore the unique deaf-friendly Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf, it's important to acknowledge the challenges Deaf members faced in the Salt Lake area. The establishment of the Sunday School for the Deaf in Bountiful, followed by the creation of the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf, marked significant steps in addressing these challenges. However, the formation of the ward in 1977 truly catered to the specific needs of Deaf Latter-day Saint members. The Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf, established in 1977, became a beacon of hope, alleviating the difficulties Deaf members encountered when trying to attend church services in the Salt Lake area.

At that time, most Deaf individuals lived in Ogden or attended the Utah School for the Deaf, where they participated in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Unfortunately, no Sunday School sessions were available in Salt Lake City, Utah. The financial burden of traveling to the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, a permanent church chapel in Ogden, for sacrament and priesthood services was challenging, and only a few members could afford it. In March 1920, the Wright family, with their ten children—five of whom were Deaf—began a mission. Their commitment to ensuring that their Deaf children learned about the gospel led to a significant increase in Deaf membership, including a couple who were both Deaf joining the organization. This small group in Bountiful was deeply concerned about the lack of Deaf Latter-day Saints' activities in the Salt Lake area (Thurston, The Improvement Era, January 1946).

Willard E. Barlow, a visionary and the hearing brother-in-law of the White family, proposed the creation of a deaf class and took on the role of Sunday School instructor. He established a Sunday School class with ten initial members at the Bountiful First Ward in Bountiful, Utah. This initiative marked the beginning of an important journey, as many Deaf individuals from nearby towns, especially Salt Lake City, began to come to Bountiful.

As a testament to the community's resilience and unity, residents from Salt Lake City formed the majority of those who regularly attended the Bountiful Sunday School. Over time, attendance grew to fifty members, which was a remarkable achievement. Most participants would travel by streetcar to Bamberger and then take a train to Bountiful. This growth represented the start of an organized group for Deaf members in the Salt Lake Valley.

Elder Willard Barlow and his wife, Jessie, noticed a significant increase in attendance at the Bountiful Sunday School. To accommodate the growing number of participants, they decided to relocate the Sunday School to Salt Lake City. In August 1920, they successfully established and began leading the Sunday School in this new location.

​In 1923, they appointed Gladys Burnham Wenger, who was hard of hearing, as their interpreter for the church meetings. Although she lived in Ogden, Gladys selflessly commuted to Bountiful every Sunday on the Bamberger train, with the church covering her travel expenses (Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf). Her dedication and sacrifice were truly commendable.

For an impressive twenty-eight years, from 1920 to 1948, the Salt Lake City Sunday School group held its classes in nine different locations throughout the Salt Lake area. These venues included the Bureau of Information, LDS Business College, Assembly Hall, Missionary Home, Baptistry Room, the 6th and 7th Ward buildings, LDS University Building, East High Seminary Building, and Lion House. This variety of locations reflects the group's commitment and dedication to their mission (Thurston, The Improvement Era, January 1946; Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf; Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008).

The Sunday School for the Deaf became increasingly organized in the mid-1940s. Several members were designated as "missionaries," tasked with reactivating members and teaching the gospel to non-members. At that time, there were three classes, and the group believed that enough members would attend to justify establishing a deaf branch in Salt Lake City. However, for many years, societal attitudes and misconceptions about their abilities denied Deaf members the right to hold priesthood and sacrament meetings.

​They met occasionally to stay connected and update each other on gospel teachings. These meetings frequently involved lively discussions about various aspects of the gospel, including its interpretation and application in their lives (Thurston, The Improvement Era, January 1946; Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008). The Sunday School class was available for the Deaf Latter-day Saints from 1920 to 1948.

In 1947, driven by a surge in attendance, Dr. John A. Widtsoe, the esteemed chair of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquarters' foreign language committee, and Willard E. Barlow, the diligent superintendent of the Salt Lake City Sunday School, embarked on a mission to explore the possibility of establishing a branch for Deaf members living in Salt Lake City (Thurston, The Improvement Era, April 1949).

​At the same time, George R. Hill, the general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union and Rodney W. Walker's supervisor, sought to better understand the Deaf population in the Salt Lake area and their status within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To achieve this, he requested relevant statistics. Rodney, a Deaf member from Salt Lake City, volunteered to conduct a comprehensive survey of all Deaf individuals in the area, regardless of their religious affiliation. He shared his findings with Willard E. Barlow and John A. Widtsoe (Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf; Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008), which provided valuable insights.

After twenty-eight years without a permanent 'home' in the Salt Lake area, the Foreign Language Committee approved the plan to establish a branch for the deaf (Thurston, The Improvement Era, April 1949; Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008).

Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson, a representative of the presiding authorities, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony on August 20, 1947. The event attracted a large and enthusiastic gathering of Deaf individuals and their friends. Many members of the community volunteered their time to assist with gardening and repairs to the church. Deaf individuals Joseph Cameron Jr. and Kate Orr Keeley played pivotal roles in this selfless volunteer work, and their contributions received widespread recognition (Thurston, The Improvement Era, April 1949).

Home of the Salt Lake
City Valley Branch

On November 14, 1948, leaders officially established the Salt Lake City Valley Branch for the Deaf. Under the direction of Elder John A. Widtsoe, Branch President Willard E. Barlow, along with Deaf counselors L. Elgin Jacobson and E. Ross Thurston, guided the branch in fulfilling its mission.

The Chapel, representing the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf, became a gathering place for the community. Located at 500 South 800 East in Salt Lake City, Utah, it served as a beacon of unity for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community (The Beginning of Organized Group of Deaf Members; Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf; Thurston, The Improvement Era, April 1949; UAD Bulletin, October 1975).

On November 13, 1949, President George A. Smith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf. Shortly after its dedication, the branch was transferred to the Park Stake during President J. Percy Goddard's final term. Kenneth Olson became the first president of the Elder Quorum, which began as the 9th Quorum in the Park Stake. This event marked the formation of an organized group of Deaf members within the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf (The Beginning of Organized Group of Deaf Members; Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf; Thurston, The Improvement Era, April 19490.

On October 28, 1956, Park Stake President George B. Glade, a respected leader, reorganized the branch presidency and appointed Spencer C. Hind as the branch president, with Paul D. Wood and Ferdinand T. Billeter serving as counselors; all were deaf. This act of leadership and inclusivity was a testament to his respect and appreciation for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. Willard E. Barlow concluded his work with the Deaf community, marking the establishment of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf. Spencer C. Hind became the first Deaf branch president of the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf, serving 240 Deaf Latter-day Saints members (Deseret News, February 18, 1961).

Eight years later, on October 18, 1964, Lloyd H. Perkins, a Deaf individual, was confirmed as the third branch president under the authority of Park Stake President Gifford U. Gee. His counselors were Varion West and Keith Stewart, who were both deaf (Walker, 2006).

The Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf
​Becomes Overcrowded

On September 26, 1971, under the guidance of President Clifford U. Gee from the Salt Lake Park Stake and with the authority of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant milestone was achieved. The Salt Lake Valley Branch was officially transformed into the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf. Lloyd H. Perkins took on the distinguished role of the first Deaf bishop, supported by his Deaf counselors, Edward L. Bell and G. Lynn Losee, who played key roles in this historic transition(The Beginning of Organized Group of Deaf Members; Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf).

In the twenty-seven years since 1948, more Deaf individuals have joined the church, increasing to 310 members (UAD Bulletin, October 1975). This growth, along with the addition of more families, quickly made the original branch structure too small for the expanding ward. With only 80 seats, the meetinghouse could not accommodate the growing congregation (Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018).

As described in the October 1975 issue of the UAD Bulletin, "with so many people in such a small structure, it was rather like a sardine can."

Bishop Perkins and his counselors, Edward L. Bell and G. Lynn Losee, received advice from two key contributors in the decision-making process: Elder Simpson, an Assistant Apostle, and Elder Browning, the chair of the Church Building Committee. They highlighted a significant issue regarding several older churches with stairwells, which created serious accessibility challenges for elderly members (Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018). This pressing concern led to the conclusion that purchasing an older church would be impractical and that building a new, larger meetinghouse was the best option moving forward.

Did You Know?

Lloyd H. Perkins, a Deaf carpenter, became the branch president on October 18, 1964, with Varian West and Keith Stewart as his counselors in the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf. This was the humble beginning of what would later evolve into a vibrant and thriving Deaf Latter-day Saints community. Over time, the small branch grew in size and spirit, eventually transforming into a ward on September 26, 1971. This moment brought immense joy and pride, marking the establishment of the church's first Deaf ward. Branch President Lloyd H. Perkins, a beacon of faith and resilience, made history by becoming the first Deaf bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His leadership as both the first Deaf bishop and branch president in church history highlights the power of faith and community.

Proposal for a Deaf-Friendly
​Design of the Chapel

Bishop Perkins and his supporters—Edward L. Bell, G. Lynn Losee, Rodney W. Walker, Stan O'Neal, Alden Broomhead, and Varian West—collaborated on designing a new church for the deaf. As a carpenter, Bishop Perkins proposed a semi-circular seating arrangement in the chapel. This design would allow deaf members to see the speaker at the podium without needing to constantly adjust their heads (Madelaine Perkins, personal communication, March 7, 2012; Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018; Edward Bell, personal communication, December 4, 2018).

They presented specific plans for a new church structure designed to create a deaf-friendly environment for Deaf members to Elder Simpson and Elder Browning. These drawings included a proposal for a unique chapel layout. However, Elder Browning rejected Bishop Perkins' project because it did not conform to the standard architectural plan (Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008; Kleda Baker Quigley, personal communication, February 28, 2012; Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018).

Bishop Perkins, driven by a strong sense of inclusivity, was determined not to give up. He believed it was his duty as a bishop to address the visual and deaf-friendly needs of his congregation. To that end, he took a different approach: he wrote a letter to Spencer W. Kimball, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, seeking his support in building a new church for Deaf members. Additionally, he reached out to Mary Eyring, a 1922 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and sister-in-law of President Kimball, asking her to deliver the letter to him (Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018; Edward Bell, personal communication, December 4, 2018).

One day, Bishop Perkins and his team, along with Ed Bell, visited Mary Eyring, a Deaf member of the ward. Mary lived with her sister, Camilla, and her brother-in-law, Spencer W. Kimball, whom Bishop Perkins and Ed Bell had the opportunity to meet. President Kimball, who not only knew sign language but also used it to communicate effectively with Lloyd and Ed, demonstrated his deep understanding and support for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. He recognized the need for more space and shared the vision of a new church.

After their discussion, President Kimball requested a meeting with Bishop Perkins, and Madelaine Peterson Burton served as the interpreter. During this significant meeting, President Kimball not only approved the design for a Deaf-friendly church building but also made a phone call authorizing Church Headquarters to proceed with the construction (Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008; Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018; Edward Bell, personal communication, December 4, 2018). This was a monumental step forward! President Kimball's decisive action, his unwavering support for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, and his commitment to their needs inspired hope and a sense of possibility. His action ensured that the community would have access to an environment that met their visual needs.

The Church Headquarters Department of Architecture, in collaboration with Bishop Perkins and his counselors, Edward L. Bell and G. Lynn Losee, developed an architectural model. Their contributions were greatly valued, and they played a crucial role in shaping the design and discussing various ideas. Jonathon Hodson, a long-time member of the Salt Lake Valley Ward, pointed out that this might be the first time our department designed a model building without stairs on the first floor. This design choice has since become standard for church buildings (Jonathon Hodson, personal communication, October 17, 2018). The innovative layout ideas proposed by Bishop Perkins and his support team underscore their crucial role in this process (Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018; Edward Bell, personal communication, December 4, 2018).

Jonathon Hodson, a long-time member of the Salt Lake Valley Ward, pointed out that this might be the first time our department designed a model building without stairs on the first floor. This design choice has since become standard for church buildings (Jonathon Hodson, personal communication, October 17, 2018). The innovative layout ideas proposed by Bishop Perkins and his support team underscore their crucial role in this process.

In July 1975, the Salt Lake Valley Ward was sold to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The ward's overcrowding and the need for a larger meetinghouse, reflecting the growing strength and size of the Deaf Latter-day Saint community, led to this decision (UAD Bulletin, October 1975).

The members, united in their faith, temporarily relocated to the old Emigration Ward building at 700 South and 1010 East. They stayed there for two years, supporting each other during the construction of their new church at 800 East and 700 South, specifically designed to meet their needs (UAD Bulletin, October 1975; Walker, 2006). A groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1976, marking a significant step in their shared journey.

The First Emigration and Salt Lake Valley wards, filled with anticipation and joy, moved into their new facility after the construction was complete. On October 6, 1977, Elder Mark E. Peterson presided over the dedication of the church building, a momentous occasion that filled their hearts with optimism and hope (Walker, 2006).

Madelaine Peterson Burton
Shares Her Memories of the Deaf-Friendly
​Design of the Chapel

Madelaine Peterson Burton Perkins noted that the collaboration between Bishop Perkins and President Spencer W. Kimball was crucial for establishing a new ward. President Kimball’s personal connection to the Deaf Latter-day Saint community, through his Deaf sister-in-law, Mary, played a significant role in this effort (Madelaine Peterson Perkins, personal communication, March 7, 2012).

The Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf serves as a testament to the active involvement of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community in its creation. Their collective efforts resulted in a significant milestone: the dedication of the first church built entirely to meet their needs (UAD Bulletin, December 1974).

Two New Divisions of
​Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf

For many years, our Deaf members have cherished our wonderful, deaf-friendly chapel, which has always been attentive to their visual needs. As membership continued to grow, the size of the ward expanded, leading to the necessity for a split. This decision, like any change in ward boundaries, was not taken lightly and was made with careful consideration.

​On September 13, 1998, stake presidents from the Park Stake and the Bennion Stake announced the division of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf into two separate wards: the Salt Lake Valley 1st Deaf Ward and the Salt Lake Valley 2nd Deaf Ward. New bishoprics were also established, reflecting our commitment to serving the needs of this community.

The division process involved 452 individuals, with new members joining each month. At that time, Keith Lauritzen, who had been a bishop for six years, was hesitant about the decision to divide the ward. He aimed to maintain the unity of all ward members, viewing them as "one big family." However, due to the large number of members, the decision was made to split the ward into two sections (Keith Lauritzen, personal communication, 2008).

The boundary between the two wards was a straight line running east-west at 5200 South. Residents living north of 5200 South were part of the 1st Ward, which met in the same building as the two hearing wards. Those living south of 5200 South attended the 2nd Ward at 6250 South 2200 West, in which both wards shared a building with the two hearing wards (Young, UAD Bulletin, October 1998; Flygare, The Salt Lake Valley Wards PowerPoint, 2008).

F. Craig Sudbury, president of the Park Stake, released Bishop Keith Lauritzen, First Counselor Fay R. Young, Second Counselor Greg Hansen, and Executive Secretary Bruce Harvey from their positions. He then appointed Bishop Bruce Harvey, First Counselor Fay R. Young, Second Counselor Richard Snow, and Executive Secretary Lynn Losee to serve in the Salt Lake Valley Deaf First Ward Bishopric.

Additionally, President Tibbets of the Bennion Utah Stake appointed Robert Bonnell as Bishop, Mont Palmer as First Counselor, and Edward Bell as Second Counselor for the Salt Lake Valley Deaf Second Ward (Young, UAD Bulletin, October 1998).

Conclusion

After the split, the members were likely grateful for the opportunity to continue meeting at the 1st Ward building, where they could address their vision needs. Bishop Perkins, a source of inspiration, remarked, "Having their own ward meant that deaf people were able to be recognized as having their own language." This significant achievement stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Bishop Lloyd H. Perkins, along with the steadfast support of President Spencer W. Kimball. Together, they paved the way for the creation of a deaf-friendly building. The members of the 1st Ward are fortunate to have these advocates working toward their goals, instilling in them a sense of hope and anticipation for the future.

For further information about the 1st and 2nd Wards of the Salt Lake Valley, Chris Flygare, a Deaf Latter-day Saint member of the 1st Ward, has compiled additional details at this link.

Notes

Edward Bell, personal communication, December 4, 2018.

Jonathon Hudson, personal communication, October 17, 2018

Keith Lauritzen, personal communication, 2008.

Kleda Baker Quigley, personal communication, February 28, 2012.

Lynn Losee, personal communication, October 11, 2018.

Madelaine Perkins, personal communication, March 7, 2012.

References

Flygare, Christopher. “Salt Lake Valley 1stand 2ndDeaf Wards.”PowerPoint,2008.

Lloyd Howard Perkins.Wikipedia, March 29, 2018.

"New Chapel In Future For Salt Lake Valley Ward."UAD Bulletin, December 1974, 1.

Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf.

"S.L. Deaf Branch President Gains Citizenship Award." Deseret News, February 18, 1961.

The Beginning of Organized Group of Deaf Members.

Thurston, Edwin Ross. Teaching the Deaf.The Improvement Era.January 1946, 24 & 56.

Thurston, Edwin Ross. Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf.The Improvement Era.April 1949, p. 215 & 244-245.

"Valley Ward."UAD Bulletin, October 1975, p. 7.

Walker, Rodney.My Life Story.2006.

Young, Fay. “Two New Divisions of Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf and Two New Bishoprics.”UAD Bulletin,vol, 22.5, October 1998.

The History of Relief
​Societyfor the Deaf

The history of the Relief Society for the Deaf is a unique journey that began with the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf and the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. On March 17, 1842, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the Relief Society, making it the oldest organization in the church. With millions of members worldwide, this organization focuses on providing service and support.

​However, Deaf Latter-day Saint women followed their own unique path by establishing a separate Relief Society organization in the late 1940s and mid-1950s, as detailed in the sections below. Today, all branches and wards for the Deaf offer a Relief Society organization, which reflects the church's commitment to inclusivity and support. These groups engage in Sunday lessons and participate in various activities.

The Formation of the Relief Society of the
Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf

The Relief Society organization of the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf has thrived since its founding in November 1948. Gladys A. Hind, the wife of Spencer C. Hind, who was the first president of the Deaf branch, was appointed as its first president. From 1948 to 1974, the sisters initially gathered in the chapel, which later progressed to becoming a branch and then a ward in 1971. The Relief Society started with approximately fifteen members and grew to 120 women by 1974 (Hansen and Eyre, UAD Bulletin, June 1974).

The sisters, united by a strong sense of community, attended meetings where they received spiritual guidance and childcare advice and learned homemaking skills. They provided unwavering support to sick and homebound members, assisted with funeral services, and comforted those who had lost loved ones. The Relief Society organized a variety of activities, such as fundraising for the ward, preparing for an annual bazaar in November to sell homemade and household items, organizing ward dinners, singing songs, making soaps at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' soap factory, and sewing for the stake welfare (Hansen and Eyre, UAD Bulletin, June 1974).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints used the slogan "Charity never faileth," a sentiment embraced by the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf Relief Society during its meetings. Those interested were invited to attend and participate in their activities (Hansen and Eyre, UAD Bulletin, June 1974).

Attempted to Form a Relief Society
​at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf

In the 1940s, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf offered various services, such as sacrament meetings, Sunday school classes, priesthood services, and Mutual Improvement Association activities. However, one essential component was missing—a Relief Society.

In 1949, following the successful formation of a Relief Society by the Salt Lake Valley Branch, the sisters of the Ogden Branch decided to establish their own Relief Society. They encountered numerous challenges, including the need to balance their community responsibilities with family and other commitments, all in an effort to create a vital community organization.

​The proposal was presented by Lucy McMills Greenwood, a Child of Deaf Adult (CODA), and Orba Sanders Seeley, who was Deaf, to Branch President Max W. Woodbury. He recognized their efforts and encouraged them to gather the branch's sisters, emphasizing the importance of leadership and support. Their dream of establishing a Relief Society could become a reality if they could recruit enough members, highlighting both their determination and the supportive leadership within the branch.

With a shared cause, the sisters approached one another. Some were eager to join, while others needed more persuasion. The young mothers, holding their babies, and one sister attending college all contributed to the effort. Despite the challenge of not having enough sisters to fill all the roles, they persevered.

They began in January 1949, receiving lessons from Sister Edith Wheeler, Lillian Cole, Violet Zabel, Orba Seeley, and Lucy Greenwood. Their collective effort was a testament to their unity and continued until the summer when Deseret Industries presented a project. Once again, the branch sisters came together to create several quilts.

The transition from summer to fall temporarily paused the project. After completing six tied woolen quilts, the branch sisters faced a critical decision. Some sisters opted to pursue work opportunities, while others chose to take a break from the weekly meetings. This marked the end of their initial attempt to establish a relief society in the branch. However, instead of being a setback, this experience proved to be a valuable learning opportunity. The sisters discovered the importance of adaptability and personal growth, which ultimately paved the way for their successful endeavors in 1955, as outlined in the section "The Official Relief Society of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf has been Organized" below.

​The attending sisters included Lillian Cole, Violet Zabel, Orba Seeley, Berdean Christensen, Edith Wheeler, Della Bowen, Nellie Coles, Jennie Olive Stanley, Beverly Jane Parker, Lucy Greenwood, and Theo Logan (History of the Relief Society at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1949).

The Ogden Branch Relief Society for
the Deaf has been Organized

Lola Elizabeth Harris Jensen, known as Beth, is a member of the Deaf Latter-day Saints in the Ogden Branch. She wrote a brief history detailing the formation of the Relief Society at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf on November 6, 1955.
​
During the summer of 1955, it became apparent to Beth and Branch President Max W. Woodbury that the sisters in the branch needed a way to come together to share ideas and skills, as well as to discuss challenges related to children and homemaking. One of the sisters made a comment about the necessity of establishing a Relief Society within the branch, prompting Beth to question President Woodbury about why they hadn't done so yet. He explained that multiple attempts to create a Relief Society had failed due to insufficient interest in the endeavor. However, he outlined the requirements for forming a Relief Society organization and expressed confidence in its future success.

Following Branch President Woodbury's advice, Beth gathered the sisters at the branch to share her vision for the Relief Society program. The sisters embraced the idea with enthusiasm. With Branch President Woodbury's permission, they began meeting at the branch twice a month to sew, chat, exchange ideas and patterns, and enjoy meals together. The sisters' response was overwhelming, and they soon expressed a desire to meet every week, a wish that was granted. Encouraged by their camaraderie, they decided to host a bazaar and embarked on quilt-making.

Since their first meeting on August 24, 1955, the Ogden Branch has seen a significant turnout, indicating the sisters' strong desire for a Relief Society organization. With her leadership and dedication, Beth took the initiative to meet with Branch President Woodbury. She conveyed their collective wishes and provided a detailed report on their activities, assuring him they could meet the requirement of having eight faithful members as officers. In response, Branch President Woodbury agreed to present their goals to the Ogden Stake Presidency.

Following the advice of Branch President Woodbury, Beth gathered the branch's sisters to share her vision for the Relief Society program. On the historic day of November 6, 1955, Branch President Max W. Woodbury organized the Relief Society of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Lola Elizabeth (Beth) Harris Jensen became the first Relief Society president, with Violet Zabel and Berdean Christensen serving as her counselors. Beth appointed additional sisters based on their dedication to the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and their willingness to serve.

These sisters participated in Relief Society meetings, where they learned homemaking skills, taught lessons, planned bazaars, prepared branch dinners, and fundraised for the Ogden Branch. They also participated in signed songs in various wards (Lola Elizabeth Jensen, History of the Relief Society of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf; UAD Bulletin, June 1974).

Here is the list of the new officers of the Relief Society of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

References

Jensen, Lola Elizabeth. History of the Relief Society of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

Jensen, Lola Elizabeth. "Past and Present of Relief Societies Given: Ogden Branch." UAD Bulletin, June 1974, vol. 9., no. 3, p. 6-7.

Hansen, Virginia and Eyre, Vera. "Past and Present of Relief Societies Given: S.L. Valley Ward."UAD Bulletin, June 1974, vol. 9., no. 3, p. 7.

History of the Relief Society at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1949.

WEBSITES

The websites below provide
​a list of Anne Leahy and Doug Stringham's presentations and current research

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Anne Leahy and Doug Stringham for their dedicated research on the history of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their extensive work on both the history of this community and the early development of the Utah School for the Deaf serves as a valuable resource of information. I encourage you to explore the following websites showcasing their presentations and current findings on the Deaf Latter-day Saints community.
​
Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner

HISTORICAL DOCUMENT

​I have gathered, digitized, and uploaded various photos and historical materials about the Deaf Latter-day Saint community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to this webpage. Enjoy exploring the rich history of this community!

ARCHIVES

A Slideshow of the
​Ogden Branch for the Deaf

A Slideshow of the
​Salt Lake Valley Branch and Ward