History of the Deaf Latter-day Saints Community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

History of the Deaf Latter-day
Saints Community of
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints

Author's Note

The narrative titled "The Parallel Difficulties in the Deaf Latter-day Saints Community and the Utah School for the Deaf: 1962–1980" is not a critique but rather a compelling and educational account. It highlights the steadfast efforts of Deaf Latter-day Saints at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf to preserve their sign language and their sense of community. This webpage aims to raise public awareness about this important history and its profound impact on Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This history not only illuminates the resilience of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community but also serves as a poignant reminder of the significant roles inclusivity and cultural preservation play within religious organizations. By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire future generations to honor their heritage and continue fostering a supportive environment for all members.

Exploring the history of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community reveals a story of unwavering strength and significant contributions within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To gain a greater appreciation for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community in Utah, we will delve into the following topics:

"The Parallel Difficulties in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and Utah School for the Deaf: 1962–1980,"
"The Relocation of Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 1917–1999,"
"A Pioneer Day Parade in Utah on July 24, 1961,"
"The First Four Deaf Missionaries," and
"A Unique Deaf-Friendly Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf"
"The History of Relief Society for the Deaf"

These narratives emphasize the vital role and contributions of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They provide fascinating insights into their unique history, making them an essential part of the Church's rich heritage. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate this distinctive heritage. By recognizing their experiences and contributions, we can foster a deeper understanding of the Church's diversity and promote inclusivity for all members.

When writing about exceptional individuals for our history website, I use their first names to show appreciation for everyone who contributes to our community's causes. Our patriarchal culture often links women's achievements with their husbands' last names, rather than recognizing their contributions under their own names. I aim to challenge this norm. By using first names, I honor each person's unique identity and highlight the importance of women's contributions in the Deaf Latter-day Saints community.

Furthermore, our organization was previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, but we changed our name to the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2012. For some background, we were known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962, then became the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963, and finally reverted to our original name in 2012. When I write for the history website, I mention both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras of our association's history.

Last but not least, the opinions expressed may not necessarily reflect the views of the entire Deaf community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intention is not to disparage all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or specific political parties, but to present a clear picture of historical events from the perspective of many Deaf members. Many Deaf members have unique experiences and insights that contribute to a richer understanding of these events. By sharing their perspectives, we hope to foster dialogue and promote inclusivity within the Church and beyond.

Thank you for taking an interest in this topic.

Enjoy!

Jodi Christel Becker

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 14 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 Christel Becker

Mark Erwin

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

Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Dan V. Mathis

Published in 2012
Updated in 2026  

Prologue

As the author of this webpage, I aim to highlight the unique challenges faced by the Deaf Latter-day Saints community in Utah. The stories of individuals like Dr. Grant B. Bitter, Kenneth L. Kinner, and Charles Roy Cochran go beyond mere historical facts; they provide vital insights that illuminate our history and inform our present. These narratives address specific issues, such as the difficulties encountered within the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and the establishment of the listening and spoken language program at the Deaf seminary, which impacted the branch. Furthermore, they offer valuable lessons for future generations. By documenting and sharing these experiences, we enhance our understanding of the distinct challenges and achievements that have shaped the identity of Deaf Latter-day Saints.

Ken and Roy demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance in the face of opposition from Dr. Grant B. Bitter and the oral advocacy team. Despite conflicts over communication methods, educational philosophies, and control of branch and seminary classes, they adapted to the changes and overcame challenges while continuing to lead the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Their determination is not only admirable but also serves as an inspiring testament to the strength of the community. This strength was evident as community members rallied together to support one another, fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding. This solidarity, rooted in the values of inclusivity and understanding, not only strengthened their educational initiatives but also enriched the cultural fabric of the Deaf community in Ogden.

Regardless of the journey we undertake, we can learn from the struggles of those who came before us, appreciate their lifelong dedication to protecting our language and culture, and recognize the immense value of American Sign Language. It is essential that we pass down this unique language and culture to future generations, as it is a cornerstone of our community's identity. Future generations will significantly benefit from the wisdom and experiences of their predecessors, helping to ensure that the rich heritage of American Sign Language continues to thrive. By nurturing this legacy, we empower young Deaf individuals to embrace their identity and make meaningful contributions to a more inclusive society.

I wanted to thank Doug Stringham, who has done extensive research on the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, for recommending to name this webpage "The Parallel Difficulties in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and Utah School for the Deaf: 1962-1980." This title not only encapsulates the unique challenges faced by both communities during that period but also underscores the profound significance of their shared experiences and the efforts made to support one another. By examining these parallel difficulties, we can become more familiar with the social dynamics and cultural interactions within the Deaf Latter-day Saints community in Utah, fostering a sense of unity and connection.

Jodi Christel Becker

Ogden Branch for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah. Photo by Kenneth L. Kinner

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 exploring the challenges faced by the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, it is essential to acknowledge Dr. Grant B. Bitter. He was a prominent advocate for oral and mainstream education, as well as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Bitter had a significant impact as a coordinator for the Deaf Seminary. To fully understand the situation, we must 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 influence of Dr. Bitter's efforts to promote "oralism," an educational method that emphasizes listening and spoken language (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 51 years, while Elsie M. Christiansen was the branch clerk for 28 years. Max, who was hard-of-hearing, began working at the Utah School for the Deaf (USD) in 1902 after graduating from the University of Utah, before founding the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

It all began when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the Sunday School for the Deaf on January 10, 1892, marking the first organized religious education for Deaf individuals. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Utah School for the Deaf and the Church, primarily serving Deaf Latter-day Saint students from the school. The first superintendent, Charles H. Barrell, along with his Deaf assistant, Laron Pratt—an early leader in the Deaf Latter-day Saints community—played crucial 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).

Laron Pratt

The Sunday School for the Deaf is a testament to the Church's steadfast commitment to the religious education of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. It continued to operate 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, located between 22nd and 23rd Streets, within the boundaries of the Fourth Ward. Fred Chambers was appointed as the Sunday School superintendent.

In early 1902, the Utah School for the Deaf requested that Max, who was a teacher and supervisor of boys in the dormitory, assist with the Sunday School. This led to his subsequent 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 Fourth Ward. He faced challenges in teaching due to the noise from other classrooms in the building, which consisted of a single large room divided by black cotton curtains. During lessons, he could hear the instructors teaching 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."

Furthermore, the extreme cold in winter required the installation of a large heating furnace in the center of the 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 in the Branch for the Deaf, 1992). Despite these challenges, Max persevered in his role 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 W. Woodbury. Source: Biennial Report of the Utah State School for the Deaf, Dumb, & Blind, 1903-1904

Max and his assistant, Elsie, quickly received several church calls before establishing the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, which inspired them to build their own chapel. In 1907, Max became the assistant superintendent, while Elsie M. Christiansen, who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf that same year, took on the role of 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 faced difficulties accommodating the increasing number of Deaf students attending Sunday School from the Utah School for the Deaf, as only one classroom was available, seating only five students at a time. He believed that Deaf members deserved their own place of worship (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

The LDS Fourth Ward Ogden building (left and above) shows English influence with fine detailing, marble stairs, oak woodwork, and stained-glass windows. Source: Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 31, 1987

As the Ogden Deaf Sunday School group expanded, Max and Elsie wrote a letter in October 1912 to Joseph F. Smith, the then-president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In their letter, they emphasized the need for Deaf members to gather in a more suitable environment that would support their growth and learning. This letter was not merely a request; it was a well-reasoned appeal for the construction of a dedicated worship space for Deaf members. Such a space would enable them to participate in Sunday School, sacrament meetings, and Mutual Improvement Associations (M.I.A.) for both the Young Men's and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Associations (Y.M. and Y.W.). These initiatives aimed to enhance Deaf members' involvement in church activities and address their communication and fellowship needs. Their advocacy proved successful, as many Deaf members later submitted a follow-up letter to church headquarters expressing their strong desire for their own meetinghouse for worship services and social events (Ward Stake Historical Record Book #4, 1941–1945; Woodbury, History of the Branch; Historical Events and Persons Involved in the Branch for the Deaf, 1992).

President Joseph F. Smith received the letter, read it, and returned it, explaining that it needed to be reviewed by the bishop and then by the stake president before it could reach the First Presidency. Max then revised the letter, addressing it to the bishop and stake president. (Cochran, History of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 1999).

A week later, Stake President Thomas B. Evans met with Max and invited him and Elsie to Salt Lake City, Utah, to discuss the accessibility issues in Ogden with President Smith. During this conversation, President Smith inquired about Max Woodbury's father, John Stillman Woodbury. Max confirmed his identity, and President Smith shared that, as a young man, he had been called to serve as a missionary in the Sandwich Islands, now known as the Hawaiian Islands. He recalled meeting a remarkably kind man who helped him adjust to life there, guiding him, teaching him the island's language, and helping him settle into his mission.

Subsequently, Max and Elsie arranged another meeting with the Church's First Presidency to discuss their proposal. President Smith granted permission to establish the Ogden Branch for the Deaf (Ward Stake Historical Record Book #4, 1941–1945; Woodbury, History of the Branch for the Deaf; Historical Events and Persons Involved with the Branch for the Deaf, 1992). President Smith's approval of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf underscored Max and Elsie's tireless efforts. This decision marked a significant milestone by providing a Deaf-friendly meetinghouse for Deaf members in Ogden, Utah. More than just a building, it symbolized the recognition and respect for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community within the Church, thanks to Max and Elsie's advocacy.

Elsie M. Christensen. Source: FamilySearch.org

As soon as the proposal was approved, the Church hired Ogden-based architect Leslie Simmons Hodgson, known for designing prominent local buildings such as Peery's Egyptian Theater, to design the meetinghouse. He collaborated closely with Deaf leaders to design a chapel that would facilitate the use of sign language (Hartzel, Church News, July 28, 2025; News Release, July 28, 2025). 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 in the Branch for the Deaf, 1992).

Leslie Simmons Hodgson. Source: standard.net

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, underscoring both Max's leadership qualities and the Church's confidence in his abilities (History of the Ogden Branch).

Leslie Simmons Hodgson designed the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1917. An early photo shows the meetinghouse of the Ogden Valley Deaf Branch before the cultural hall was added in the 1940s

On January 14, 1917, a significant event took place when President Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. 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 included Stake President Thomas B. Evans, Dr. Joseph Morrell, building committee chairman Leslie S. Hodgson, architect Apostle Hyrum Smith, Presiding Bishop David A. Smith, and First Presidency member Anthon H. Lund, who 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 for the event (Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 5, 1917; Woodbury, History of the Branch; History of the Ogden Branch; Historical Events and Persons Involved in the Branch for the Deaf, 1992).

Joseph Fielding Smith. Source: churchofjesuschristof.org

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 was a significant victory for the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, who were thrilled at the prospect of having a dedicated space for their social and religious gatherings. Max W. Woodbury was appointed as the new branch president, with David John Thurman serving as the first counselor and Elsie M. Christiansen as the clerk. Otto P. Farley later joined the leadership as the second counselor (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

Otto Paul Farley. Source: The Silent Worker, October 1920

This milestone reflected the strength and resilience of the community, which had long been advocating for a space of their own. The chapel was situated just 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 contributed to a large Deaf population in the area. By 1920, nearly a quarter of the school's students were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This growing community highlighted the need for a dedicated space for their social and religious gatherings (White, The Silent Worker, October 1920).

Ogden Branch for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, 1920. Source: 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."

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf is a testament to the dedication and vision of its founders, Max and Elsie. They played a crucial role in establishing the first chapel for Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their steadfast dedication and collaboration with church authorities were essential in overseeing the construction process.

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 1924

On February 4, 1917, a significant transformation took place at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. The branch underwent a reorganization that included the election of new leadership and the appointment of key officers. Additionally, it established the Young Men and Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Associations, marking a pivotal moment in the branch's history and laying the groundwork for its future development.

As part of this reorganization, the Ogden Deaf Branch also revamped its Sunday School and appointed the following officers: Elizabeth DeLong was named superintendent, making her the first Deaf woman to hold this position. Nephi Larson was appointed as the first assistant, Grant Morgan was named the second assistant, and Loran Savage took on the role of secretary (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

Elizabeth DeLong. Source: FamilySearch.org

'The Kind In The World.' Source: The Ogden Daily Standard, February 5, 1917

Branch President Woodbury played a crucial role in establishing the Mutual Improvement Associations, marking a significant milestone in the branch's history. Elsie Christensen was appointed president of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association (Y.L.M.I.A.), with Pearl Farley serving as first counselor and Lucille M. Crowe as second counselor. Meanwhile, Otto Farley led the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (Y.M.M.I.A.) as president, supported by A.W. Postma as the first counselor, Carlos Y. Seegmiller as the second counselor, and Thomas Auston, who took on the role of secretary (Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 5, 1917). With a membership of 59, these associations actively promoted social engagement and personal growth through events and activities, including social gatherings, educational programs, and service projects. These vibrant initiatives fostered a strong sense of community and belonging that continues to resonate to this day (Woodbury, History of the Branch).

On November 18, 1917, the Aaronic Priesthood Quorums were officially formed, initiating a Priesthood class that enrolled all 35 boys aged 12 to 20. They also dispatched ward teachers to engage with 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 Woodbury, the Ogden Deaf Branch has made a substantial impact on the Deaf Latter-day Saints community by creating new opportunities for its members to learn about and share the gospel. This commitment to education has enabled many individuals to excel in public speaking, teaching, and leading meetings. The branch's 'combined system' approach—integrating sign language, writing, and fingerspelling—has proven to be effective in fostering understanding and inclusivity. By incorporating spoken language as well, the branch demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that every member of the community feels valued and recognized (Woodbury, History of the Ogden Branch).

Young boys of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, about 1928. L-R: Joseph Burnett, Alton Fisher, John "Jack: White, Wesley Perry, Rodney W. Walker. Source: FamilySearch.org

Branch Presidnet Max W. Woodbury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf receives a certificate of award from George T. Larkin, right, MIA official, in recognition of nearly a half century of service among MIA Deaf Latter-day Saint youth. Source: Deseret News, January 11, 1950

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf, while not formally affiliated with the Utah School for the Deaf, significantly impacted the lives of numerous children over the years. The church actively encouraged all students to engage in its various activities. Most older Deaf students regularly attended services on Sunday mornings and evenings, fostering a strong sense of community. Additionally, the Mutual Improvement Association, designed for young people, held its meetings on Tuesday evenings, providing further opportunities for involvement. Each school day began with a brief prayer tailored for the younger students, reinforcing a sense of routine and spiritual guidance. On Sunday afternoons, a dedicated faculty member from the primary department would deliver engaging Sunday School lessons on campus, further enriching students' educational and spiritual experiences (Pace, 1946).

Branch President Max W. Woodury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf speaks in sign language to his Deaf audience as he presides at one of the branch's meetings. Source: Deseret News, July 30, 1952

Since its founding in 1917, Max W. Woodbury, a cheerful and pleasant ecclesiastical leader, has led the Ogden Branch for the Deaf for 51 years. His leadership has paved the way for the establishment of future branches and wards for the Deaf. During his tenure, many Deaf members have 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 the Ogden's Branch 100th anniversary in May 2017.

In 1924, Deaf students and adults gathered in their Sunday best at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Source: UAD Bulletin, November 1973

Branch President Max W. Woodury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf teaches a Sunday School class. Source: Deseret News, July 30, 1952

Source: Max W. Woodbury. Bishopric Honor Program of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, November 9, 1952

Did You Know?

Elsie M. Christensen. Source: The Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907

Elsie M. Christiansen graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907 and served with unwavering dedication as a clerk for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf from 1917 to 1948, totaling 28 years. She was the first and only Deaf woman to hold this position. Branch President Max W. Woodbury of the Ogden Branch praised her for meticulously maintaining records and noted that Elsie was always able and willing to provide information when needed. She exemplified and taught the gospel, as highlighted in the Branch's history. Elsie's work was consistently neat and thorough, as evidenced in the following section.

The Ogden Branch Historical Record Book 4, written by Elsie Christiansen, Clerk, 1941–1945

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

Source: The Y.I.M.I.A. of the Branch for the Deaf, by Elisie Christensen

Historical Events and Persons
Involved Ogden Branch for the Deaf

Source: Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, compiled on February 11, 1992

The Ogden Branch for the Deaf added a new cultural hall in 1949

In 1949, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf built a new extension, the New Cultural Hal

A blueprint of the plan shows the reconstruction of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, May 22, 1943. Leslie S. Hodgson, an architect

Source: Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, compiled on February 11, 1992

Ogden Branch for the Deaf, 740 21st Street, Ogden, Utah. Source: J. Willard Marriott Library of the University of Utah

Branch President, Max W. Woodbury, of the 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.

Afton & Kenneth Burdett's marriage ceremony at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, July 29, 1936

The Establishment of the
First Seminary Class 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.

Branch President Max W. Woodbury, of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf at the Utah School for the Deaf, is "in his element" with some of the young Deaf Latter-day Saints. From left to right, they are: Lynn G. Loosee, Delta, Aaronic Preisthood secretary; Virginia Brown, Ogden, YWMIA secretary; Helen Wilkin, Eklo, nevanda, Sunday School secretary; and Robert Gillespie, Provo, Teacher's Quorum president. Source: Deseret News, February 27, 1960

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."

Students from the Deaf Seminary of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf assemble at the class opening. Max W. Woodbury, branch president, stands at left with Kenneth Sheffield, coordinator for Ogden District seminaries, kneeling. Kenneth L. Kinner is on the right, kneeling. G. Leon Curtis is standing behind him. Source: Deseret News, September 16, 1961

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.

Deaf Latter-day Saints of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf Seminary sing in sign language led by Diane Quinn and G. Leon Curtis, class instructor. Source: Deseret News, September 16, 1961

G. Leon Curtis

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).

Branch President 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).

Kenneth L. Kinner

The First Seminary Class
for Deaf Members, 1961

Oral Deaf students Paul Arthur and Wayne Kitchen (right) listen on their hearing aids to Steven Mecham, teacher, and G. Leon Curtis, principal (left). Unknown published in the mid-1960s by George L. Scott

The Deaf members sing hymns by signing words. Unknown published in the mid-1960s by George L. Scott

Teacher Steven Mecham gets good responses from Deaf students in his class. Unknown published in the mid-1960s by George L. Scott

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).

Max W. Woodbury and his wife, Kate Forsha, of 72 years

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).

New officials of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf are G. Leon Curtis, Kenneth L. Kinner and W. Ronald Johnston.(left to right). President Curtis succeeds President Woodbury who retired after 51 years of service. Source: The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 20, 1968

However, In 1962, the Utah School for the Deaf made a significant change by introducing the dual-track program, commonly known as the "Y" system. This new policy required Deaf students to begin 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 dedicated leader who had been guiding the Ogden Branch for the Deaf since 1917, was a longtime educator who retired as a principal in 1947. He observed the effects of the dual-track program at the school while leading the Ogden Branch and continuing to teach seminary classes in sign language. In a candid conversation filled with concern, Branch President Woodbury expressed his worries about the potential consequences of adopting the oral movement at the Utah School for the Deaf. He shared these concerns with Branch President Curtis and his first counselor, Kenneth L. Kinner (personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Max W. Woodbury. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967

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, a milestone that was 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 longtime member of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, Roy was a natural choice for this vital position. William Ronald Johnston served as the second counselor (The Ogden Standard Examiner on February 4, 1967; The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967). This experience 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.

Charles Roy Cochran, branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf (right), relies on sign language with Kenneth L. Kinner (left) for communication at his place of employment. Source The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 16, 1982. Photo: Clyde Mueller

After a branch restructuring, Branch President Kenneth L. Kinner and First Counselor Charles Roy Cochran encountered unexpected challenges. A year prior to the 1969 reorganization, Deaf members who had successfully taught the Deaf Seminary Program at the Utah School for the Deaf since 1961 faced a significant change. In 1968, Dr. William E. Berrett, the Administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, appointed Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a well-known 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 had a profound impact on the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, leading to a decrease in participation among Deaf youth in its services and activities. This consequence was not fully understood at the time.

Ogden Branch for the Deaf on April 4,1935

Dr. Bitter has extensive experience in teaching religious education and coordinating the seminary curriculum. He studied religious education in college and taught for eleven years in Utah, from 1951 to 1962. During this time, he worked at Sandy Junior High School, the Davis Seminary Program, the Granite Seminary Program, and the Sandy Seminary Program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Additionally, he served as a seminary teacher at the Riley Extension School, where his daughter, Colleen, attended. Given Dr. Bitter's teaching background and his role as a father to a Deaf daughter, it is likely that the Church Educational Department hired him to coordinate the Deaf Seminary for the State of Utah. From 1961 to 1971, he was responsible for planning, implementing, and directing religious instruction for exceptional children and youth, particularly focusing on Deaf students and students with disabilities (Bitter, A Summary Report for Tenure, March 15, 1985).

In 1961, Dr. Bitter initiated the testing of religious instruction for Deaf children and young people. He divided his time between teaching Extension Division classes under the direction of the Utah School for the Deaf and working for the Department of Institutes and Seminaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for four years. After earning his Ph.D. in 1967, the Church recognized his significant contributions and appointed him to pioneer and direct religious instruction for Deaf students and those with disabilities, further solidifying his pioneering role in this field. In 1968, the University of Utah hired Dr. Bitter to coordinate and teach the Oral Training Program, which extended his influence beyond the classroom (Bitter, A Summary Report for Tenure, March 15, 1985). This position also gave him authority over the Deaf seminary class, impacting the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and Deaf education and ultimately influencing the Utah School for the Deaf.

In the 1970s, Dr. Stephen C. Baldwin, a Deaf educator who served as the Total Communication Division Curriculum Coordinator at the Utah School for the Deaf, shared his observations of Dr. Bitter. As a staunch advocate of oral and mainstream education, Dr. Bitter was particularly vocal about his beliefs. Dr. Baldwin noted that Dr. Bitter's influence was profound. Dr. Bitter was a hard-core oralist and one of the top figures in oral education, and no one was more persistent than he was in promoting an oral and mainstream approach. Dr. Baldwin recalled how Dr. Bitter criticized the popular use of sign language, arguing that it hindered the development of oral skills and contributed to a lower enrollment in residential settings, which he believed isolated Deaf individuals from mainstream society (Baldwin, 1990).

The webpage 'The Deaf Education History in Utah' provides further insights into the education reform at the Utah School for the Deaf. This period marked the beginning of a struggle at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, as they faced challenges stemming from Dr. Bitter's influence. Although his approach was well-intentioned, it had a profound, at times detrimental, impact on the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, contributing to the challenges they faced.

Dr. Grant B. Bitter. Source: The Utah Eagle, October 1962

Max W. Woodbury's prediction came true when Dr. Bitter, a key figure in oral Deaf education, implemented a strategic initiative for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. He successfully brought in oral teachers from the Utah School for the Deaf to lead seven oral seminary classes. Furthermore, he appointed J. Boyd Neilson, the coordinator of the oral department at the Utah School for the Deaf, as the principal overseeing these classes.

This pivotal development also had a significant impact on the Utah School for the Deaf, where the introduction of a new "Y" policy within the dual-track program led to a marked increase in the number of oral educators. These teachers were trained through a specialized oral program at the University of Utah, which was organized and led by Dr. Bitter (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).

J. Boyd Neilson

Dr. Bitter also assigned a Deaf individual, Lola Elizabeth Harris Jensen, known as Beth, a Deaf member and the 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).

Lola Elizabeth Harris Jensen. Source: UAD Bulletin, June 1974

Dr. Bitter, as the Deaf seminary supervisor, had a significant impact on Deaf education and community integration. He aimed to integrate Deaf Latter-day Saint children into the hearing community by promoting oral instruction at the Utah School for the Deaf and the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. However, this vision faced strong opposition from Deaf Latter-day Saint leaders who supported sign language.

A key controversy arose when Dr. Bitter and Boyd Neilson, along with the oral department at the Utah School for the Deaf, disagreed about the involvement of oral program students in services and activities at the Ogden Branch. The conflict escalated to attempts to control the Ogden Branch and ban sign language in seminary classes. This situation sparked a heated debate over the best approaches to Deaf education and raised important questions about balancing oral and sign-language instruction to integrate Deaf individuals into society.

Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1952

Students of the Utah School for the Deaf gathered for the Mutual Improvement Association dance in March 1952

Members of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1953

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 for children who are Deaf and hard of hearing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, advocated for oral and mainstream education in 1967. He emphasized the importance of providing spiritual education to individuals with hearing loss, asserting that spiritual development is not merely an afterthought but an essential component of their overall education. Dr. Bitter highlighted the need for ongoing stimulation to improve speech in Deaf children and stated that spiritual and moral training should complement their regular academic education. He also noted that educators agree that spiritual experiences help children with hearing loss integrate into mainstream society (Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967).

Deborah Hale "feels" the word spoken by teacher Paul Steinfeldt, one of the oral advocates, to learn how to say it. She is one of about 100 Deaf students attending special classes sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah. Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967

In discussing the program's instructors, Dr. Bitter emphasized their professional training. He mentioned that two instructors were teaching sign language in a seminary class for Deaf students (Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, October 7, 1967). The remaining seven instructors 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 dedicated to promoting oralism among Deaf youth, as evidenced by his 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, while serving as the supervisor of seminars for children and youth with disabilities, he initiated the first annual 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 broad impact, with over 150 students from seminaries in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and American Fork participating, in addition to 11 seminary classes offered in those areas, which included locations as far as 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. This event attracted between 200 and 300 Deaf, Blind, and Disabled members of the Latter-day Saints. Dr. Bitter emphasized his commitment to creating a space that honored their dignity and worth. The conference included activities that fostered fun, fellowship, and interaction among participants. Additionally, Dr. Bitter announced plans to expand the seminary programs for children and youth with disabilities. In 1969, eighteen teachers and 340 students were involved in classes across Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. (Sueldo, Deseret News, April 28, 1969).

At an exceptional youth conference, Jon Hodson left Evelyne Mace, Dr. William E. Barrett, Renee Nielson, Dr. Grant Bitter, and Pres Alvin R. Dyer. Source: Deseret News, May 4, 1968

Dr. Bitter organized the Third Annual Seminary Conference for Exceptional Youth at the East Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, in May 1970. He invited approximately 300 Deaf, Blind, and Disabled individuals, aged 10 to 19, from Utah, Idaho, and Arizona to attend the conference. Dr. Bitter aimed to help participants recognize the value and importance of people with disabilities as productive individuals. The program included plays, skits, dancing, singing, 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. During the conference, Dr. Bitter asked 15-year-old Cherie to speak using her voice. However, as she approached the stage, Cherie felt uncertain about whether to speak or sign. She noticed several oral interpreters seated between each row to assist oralists, along with one sign language interpreter on the right side of the audience.

Ultimately, Cherie decided 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.

Cherie Carpenter Hodson, Age 15

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).

Six young Deaf men from the Utah School for the Deaf have received the "Duty to God Award." They pose with Branch President Max W. Woodbury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. The boys are Charles Roy Cochran and Karl N. Checketts, from left to right. At rear are Robert E. Potter, Lloyd T. DeGraw, Lynn G. Losee, and Wendell C. Farnsworth. Source: Deseret News, January 18, 1958

Dr. Bitter's advocacy for the oral and mainstreaming movements led to a conflict with leaders in the Deaf community, particularly Ken and Roy. They defended the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and its use of sign language in classroom and seminary settings, which Dr. Bitter opposed. His opposition also included a long-standing feud with the Utah Association for the Deaf, especially with Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent figure in the Utah Deaf community who supported Ogden's residential school and sign language instruction.

Dr. Bitter claimed that between 1968 and 1970, individuals in the Deaf community in Utah spread negative rumors about him during church events and at the University of Utah. He also stated that they encouraged the church to adopt a total communication approach for teaching religious subjects to all Deaf children.

Over the years, Dr. Bitter worked closely with church curriculum committees and missionary programs to address and resolve various issues. He noted that Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve supported his efforts to educate and promote 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).

Charles Roy Cochran

For many years, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf has served as a central 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 faced difficulties in their efforts to integrate oral Deaf members. The Ogden Branch had invited oral seminary students to join in on regular activities, but the oral teachers from the Utah School for the Deaf declined the invitation. They were concerned that the oral Deaf students might pick up sign language.

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

Members of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf L-R: Von Jones, Kenneth Kinner, Robert Bonnell, Boyd Collins, Bruce Harvey, May 1954

Two incidents occurred at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, which is dedicated to empowering Deaf individuals. However, young oral Deaf members often faced barriers in developing both literacy and sign language skills, leading to frustration and feelings of exclusion.

During the Wednesday morning testimony meetings, the sign language group members took the stage to share their testimonies in sign language, which prompted the oral members to follow suit. This created palpable joy in the room and demonstrated the power of including sign language. However, this expression of Deaf identity upset the oral teachers, who felt threatened by it. The following month, teachers instructed the oral members not to use sign language at the pulpit, resulting in a decline in their willingness to share testimonies (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

The second incident involved Roy Cochran co-teaching a class for Deaf students with Ken Kinner. Many students struggled to understand Roy's sign language, as well as the notes and drawings on the board. This led Roy to feel discouraged about teaching (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011). The students' difficulty in understanding not only affected their learning but also deeply impacted their self-esteem and sense of belonging. This situation highlights the emotional consequences of language deprivation and the need for inclusive teaching methods.

The Ogden Branch Banquet in October 1954

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 Ogden 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 ensure that an oral interpreter would be available during the services provided by the local church. Despite the training session, little progress was made, and the members remained at the Ogden Branch for a more extended period (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Kenneth C. Burdett and his M-Men basketball team of the Ogden Deaf Branch, 1943-44. Coach Kenneth C. Burdett (Center). Clockwise bottom: #2 Peter Koukoutsakis, #9 Lloyd Perkins, #7 Kirk Allred, #7 Mike Pallerakis, #2 Merrill Bauer, #3 Bruce Eyre, #5 Melvin Sorensen, #4 Paul Loveland, #8 Lyle G. Mortensen, #9 Tony Jealco, and #6 Sam Judd

In the M Men Tournament, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf is the runner-up in the championship. Back row from left to right: Kenneth Burdett, Joe Burnett, Paul Loveland, and Tony Jelace. Front row from left to right: "Pat" Parrerakis, "Konky" Konkanisskis, Lee Shepard, and Kirk Allred. Source: Deseret News, March 17, 1945

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent leader in the Utah Deaf community who was non-LDS and an atheist, engaged in a heated dispute with Dr. Bitter. In a letter to Stake President Gunn McKay, he clearly expressed his strong opposition to Dr. Bitter's involvement with the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and its seminary.

In the letter, Dr. Sanderson mentioned Branch President Ken Kinner while requesting that his name remain anonymous. Written on behalf of the Branch Presidency, the letter voiced concerns about Dr. Bitter's involvement and sought intervention. The incident marked a significant turning point in the conflict and highlighted the profound impact on the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and its seminary program when Dr. Sanderson's letter caught the attention of Stake President Gunn McKay (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011; Charles Roy Cochran, personal communication, April 19, 2012).

To address the ongoing issues, Stake President McKay organized a meeting that included Branch President Kinner, his interpreter Lucy McMills Greenwood, Dr. Bitter, and Boyd Neilsen. However, the meeting had to be concluded early due to McKay's prior commitment to another engagement. His subsequent election to the U.S. Congress and relocation to Washington, D.C., limited his ability to stay involved, despite his essential role in the intervention process. After Gunn McKay, Stake President Keith Jensen took over. He was aware of the branch's challenges but felt uncertain about the appropriate course of action (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

After careful consideration, the Ogden Stake presidency made an important decision: hearing children should attend the regular wards, while Deaf children, who primarily communicate in sign language, should attend the Ogden Branch. This decision was made to support the community's needs and foster a more inclusive environment, significantly changing the dynamics of the Ogden Branch (Charles Roy Cochran, personal communication, April 19, 2012).

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Source: Gallaudet University Archives

The dispute persisted 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, prompting them to request further intervention.

Meanwhile, Bishop Lloyd H. Perkins of the Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf discovered Dr. Bitter's attempts to control both the branch and the seminary. Recognizing the threat to Deaf community cohesion, he acted quickly and decisively, bringing relief to former oral Deaf students from Dr. Bitter's seminary class who had joined his ward. These students informed Bishop Perkins that Dr. Bitter had warned them against attending the Deaf branch or ward, claiming that sign language was "awful." This underscored the ongoing conflict and the need for strong leadership responses.

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 decisive action reinforced the community's sense of inclusion and support for Deaf members (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Lloyd H. Perkins. Source: UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

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).

MIA Camp of the Ogden Deaf Branch in October 1955. Front L-R: Elaine Sprouse, Ilene Coles, Darlene Green, Joanne Burdett, _____. Second Row L-R: Afton Curtis Burdett, Dixie Lee Larson, Lois Williams, Carola Selzle. Back Row L-R: Betty Jo Alldredge, Lucille Simmons, Judith Jenkins

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 whole 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. By purchasing a building next to the Utah School for the Deaf campus, they 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 its 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.

A Seminary Building for the Deaf

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).

Richard Snow

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).

Richard Snow, principal of the Latter-day Saints Seminary for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, uses sign language to converse a doctrinal point to his student, Rex Mankin. Source: The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 16, 1982. Photo: Daniel Price

Nathan Van De Graaff

The Ogden Branch presidency had high expectations for Edward Fisher's appointment as the principal of the Deaf seminary program, believing it would help the branch overcome its challenges. However, there has been a significant decline in the number of Deaf children enrolled in the seminary program, primarily due to parents advocating for oral education. This drop in enrollment has led to smaller class sizes in the Deaf seminary program.

A similar situation occurred in the early 1960s when 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. The mainstreaming of many students into nearby public schools led to a decrease in residential enrollment for Deaf students in Ogden.

To address the concerns raised by parents of orally educated children, Stake President Jensen and Branch President Kinner convened a meeting after receiving their letters. Stake President Jensen, who understood the parents' concerns, informed Ken that these parents insisted on transferring their orally educated Deaf children to a nearby hearing ward. The branch presidency's involvement 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 orally educated Deaf children to attend the 31st Ward, which led to a further decline in enrollment at the Ogden Deaf Branch.

Despite the new seminary building on the school campus, the Ogden Branch for the Deaf continues to face 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.

Lucy McMills Greenwood. Source: UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

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 on the decisions parents face when raising a Deaf child. As a former Oral-Deaf individual raised in a hearing Latter-day Saint family, he remarked, "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 underestimate 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

Ronald J. Nelson's observations about Latter-day Saint families align closely with those of Henry C. White, a former principal and teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf. This school was distinct from other state schools for the deaf due to the specific preferences of Latter-day Saint families with Deaf children. During its first two years, from 1884 to 1886, the school functioned as a day school without dormitories. Many students did not live in Salt Lake City, Utah, but came from various parts of the state.

Henry White, a graduate of Gallaudet University and the only principal and teacher at the time, made significant efforts to create a supportive environment for Deaf children living outside the Salt Lake City area so they could attend the school. However, parents found this arrangement to be unsatisfactory (Pace, 1946).

As a non-LDS member, Professor White wrote a letter to Dr. Edward Miner Gallaudet, the president of Gallaudet College, suggesting that Dr. John R. Park, president of the University of Deseret—where the school was located—hire him to lead 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 pointed out that, unlike other residential schools, his students boarded with local families, attended school from nine a.m. to two p.m. without a break, and had 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 illustrates innovative solutions within the Deaf educational system, offering helpful information about the challenges and strategies faced by LDS families with Deaf children.

Henry C. White. Source: Gallaudet University Achieves

Just one year before the construction of the Deaf seminary building in 1976, the stake presidency underwent a reorganization in 1975. One day, Apostle Mark E. Petersen visited Branch President Kinner to discuss a potential stake president candidate. 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 issues within the stake presidency 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 Kenneth Kinner from his duties and appointed Charles Roy Cochran as the new branch president. Following this change, Kenneth Kinner and Roy Cochran collaborated to address the internal issues within the branch.

During a meeting with administration from the Utah School for the Deaf, Stake President Holley questioned the separation of oral and signing children in youth activities. The administration explained the school's two-track policy, which had evolved from a dual-track program established in 1962 to the two-track program initiated in 1971. Stake President Holley emphasized, "We are the children of God," urging them to allow the branch to operate independently without interference (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

A poster of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf

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

Kenneth L. Kinner, a former branch president, reflected a significant trend at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. He emphasized the branch's dedication to preserving sign language, an essential part of the identity of the Deaf Latter-day Saints community, by integrating it into classroom activities. Graduates of the Utah School for the Deaf, as well as oral Deaf students, have found a supportive environment at the Ogden Branch, where sign language is embraced with pride. The community has experienced gradual yet promising growth in membership over time. While the challenges of managing the branch with a small membership are considerable, the strong bonds among members reflect Branch President Max W. Woodbury's commitment to creating a church that genuinely serves the needs of Deaf members (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011).

Ogden Deaf Branch picnic on July 17, 1969

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

Despite Dr. Grant B. Bitter's opposition, American Sign Language (ASL) remains a crucial part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church acknowledges the significance of Deaf heritage in establishing Deaf congregations, particularly in the United States (Dan V. Mathis, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

To support ASL and Deaf culture, the Church has implemented various initiatives. These include offering ASL Seminary and Institute classes via videophone with Deaf instructors, enhancing video content with ASL translations—such as Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz's ASL Book of Mormon translation videos—and publishing important ASL messages in Church magazines. Additionally, Deaf translators are frequently hired to interpret Church teachings into ASL, and ASL is incorporated into the Missionary Training Program curriculum.

However, there are ongoing rumors within the Deaf Latter-day Saints community that Dr. Bitter may be attempting to block the approval of ASL classes at the Missionary Training Center. The accuracy of this rumor is uncertain.

Dan V. Mathis. Source: University of Washington

Some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold beliefs and ideologies that conflict with the ASL/English bilingual community, which has moved away from Total Communication. The Utah Deaf community has been advocating for Deaf children and their parents who support ASL, as noted by Dan V. 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), worked to enhance Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs in the United States and internationally. His goal was to create a global database of causes of hearing loss and to improve genetic services by training medical professionals (Clark and Riker, 2010). Under his leadership at NCHAM, advancements in listening and spoken language education, as well as the use of cochlear implants, were expected to significantly impact sign language learning and state schools for the Deaf, both nationally and internationally.

The Deaf community expressed outrage over Dr. White's "eugenic-style" bills in California and Indiana. National Deaf activists who researched Dr. White discovered his connections to Utah and his active membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a stake president in his local ward at the time. This affiliation influenced the Deaf community's perception of the Church, raising concerns about its impact on national Deaf education policy. Deaf activists questioned how his religious beliefs and role as a Church member might have influenced his medical practices, especially regarding the treatment and choices for Deaf newborns.

Dr. Karl R. White

On the other hand, Steven W. Noyce, a former superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, was well known within the Utah Deaf community. Several members were aware that he had been a student in Dr. Grant B. Bitter's Oral Training Program at the University of Utah, as mentioned in his letter dated December 2, 1971. When Noyce was hired in 2009, the local Deaf community was concerned that he would continue Dr. Bitter's legacy of oral and mainstream education as superintendent.

Some Deaf members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed significant concerns about Steven Noyce, a fellow church member whom they believed opposed the linguistic and cultural values of the Deaf community. The Utah Deaf Education Core Group, primarily composed of Deaf Latter-day Saints, actively opposed what they perceived as a bias favoring listening and spoken language over sign language. Dr. Bitter oversaw Deaf education and the Deaf seminary from the 1960s to the 1980s, while Steven Noyce served as a teacher, director, and superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf for over 30 years.

Steven W. Noyce. Source: Twitter

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, expressed their disagreement with the Oral Only Option Schools Group. This new grassroots organization was influenced by the Alexander Graham Bell Association. At that time, a significant debate was taking place between advocates of American Sign Language (ASL) and those supporting Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) in California, Indiana, Delaware, and other regions.

During 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. Dan V. Mathis chaired the meeting while serving on the Education Committee of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Alongside Dr. J. King Freeman, Dr. Bryan Eldridge, Dr. Curtis Radford, and James Smith—all affiliated with the church—Mathis had the opportunity to discuss the church's involvement in Deaf education, particularly within Utah.

The discussions revealed that many 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 Deaf activists mistakenly believed that these positions were paid roles, with individuals advancing based on their performance and life deeds. LDS members clarified that the church's structure is distinct from individuals' professional lives and emphasized that the church does not play a role in Deaf education. They explained that church leaders are called to serve in higher capacities without compensation, and accepting such a call is entirely voluntary.

Moreover, Dan noted that the LDS religion encourages its members to perform good deeds and volunteer their time to improve their lives. However, he also pointed out that well-intentioned members may inadvertently bring their viewpoints into their initiatives, believing these perspectives to be beneficial, even when they may inadvertently harm others. The initiatives led by Dr. White and Mr. Noyce for the Deaf community served as an example of this dynamic. The Deaf activists were receptive to the discussion and valued the insights provided by their LDS counterparts regarding the church's emphasis on volunteerism (Dan V. Mathis, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

This interaction highlights the crucial need for collaboration and mutual understanding between leaders in the Deaf community and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, showcasing their collective contributions to the future of Deaf education.

Ogden Deaf Branch picnic at Camp Atoka, July 20, 1979

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 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, including considerations of ethnicity, race, and language. Dan expressed hope that the church would take urgent action to raise awareness of these challenges (Dan V. 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 Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 15, 2012).

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz

Conclusion

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

Throughout its history, the Utah Deaf Latter-day Saint community has faced many hurdles that have shaped its educational and religious beliefs, serving as a stark reminder of its struggles. Nevertheless, leaders like Kenneth L. Kinner and Charles Roy Cochran have demonstrated remarkable adaptability. They have overcome obstacles, embraced change, and persevered through difficult times while leading the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. Their courage and determination are admirable, showcasing their commitment and serving as an inspiration to the entire Deaf Latter-day Saints community.

A primary class of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1984

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.

I REMEMBER MAX W. WOODBURY...

“I had known Brother Max W. Woodbury for over fifty years. I was with him as a student and later as a teacher in the Utah School for the Deaf as well as the Latter Day Saints Branch for the Deaf. All the deaf people in Utah looked up to Brother Woodbury as a great man who served not because a task had been assigned, but one of the desires of his heart. By the measure he achieved true greatness. He never flinched from what was right and just and his values were high." - Kenneth C. Burdett, Curriculum Coordinator of the Total Communication Division, Utah School for the Deaf

The life of Max W. Woodbury has been much more than just a great inspiration to me. During my many years of pleasant association with him, I have found him to be a very dedicated man to the cause of the deaf, be it education, religion, or welfare. He gave an overflowing measure of devotion to the causes. The privileges of having him as a teacher and counselor has been a great rewarded. The influence he has left on the lives of the people who have known him will long be felt. - Donald Jensen, Instructor, Utah School for the Deaf

“On behalf of the members of the Branch for the Deaf, we pay our last tribute to resident Max W. Woodbury. We feel deeply the loss of a fine dedicated teacher and spiritual leader who taught us a philosophy of life that helps us meet the challenges of this world. The gospel of Jesus Christ, which he taught us, will make us better men and women and help us to receive joy and happiness in our lives.

No man that we have known has ever lived a more useful life of service to deaf people than President Max W. Woodbury. His untiring service in furthering our education and religion was greatly appreciated. It is our desire and responsibility to so live that we will ever reflect credit to his sincere efforts. We will never forget his kindness, fatherly advice and love shown to us. He leaves with us the memory of his fine leadership and sweet personality. He was a man of superior courage, one we have loved and respected during the years we have spent together.”

Ogden LDS Branch for the Deaf.

Kenneth L. Kinner, Branch President
C. Roy Cochran, First Counselor
W. Ronald Johnson, Second Counselor

Source: R.W.T., The Utah Eagle, January 1974, p. 1-2)

Kenneth L. Kinner and Charles Roy Cochran in 1976

Notes

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

Dan V. 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.

"Church Restores Chapel Building with a Unique Ministry." News Release, July 28, 2025.

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.

Hartzel, Eastin. "'Welcome Home': Deaf Saints Return to First Chapel Built for Accessibility." Church News, July 28, 2025.

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.

“Two Events Will Honor Deaf Branch President.” Ogden Standard-Examiner, February 4, 1967.

“Unveiling Ceremony at Ogden Branch.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 11, no. 3 (October 1976): 2.

White, Bob. (1920, October). Ogden’s social and religious Center. The Silent Worker vol. 33 no. 1, p. 32. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38209

Woodbury, Max. W. History of the Branch. “A Sunday School Organized for the Deaf Mutes.” The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892.

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

Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker

Published in 2012
Updated in 2026

Before we explore the relocation of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 1999, it is essential 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 the 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, posed 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 exemplified the community's commitment to providing education for all.

John Beck. Source: FamilySearch.org

William Wood. Source: FamilySearch.org

The Utah School for the Deaf was established in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1884. Initially, students attended a Protestant church because of 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: the establishment of a Sunday School, which began 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.

Laron Pratt. Source: God Made Me Deaf Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saints, 1836-1916

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, along with other members of the Ogden community, established the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. This initiative created a meetinghouse that welcomed Deaf individuals in the area. The signing branch was not just a local effort; 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 Ogden 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, which 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, along with other bishops. The focus of the meeting was on relocating the stake presidency, redrawing ward boundaries, and transferring the Ogden Branch for the Deaf to another stake ward. Branch President Kinner quickly stepped out of the room, heartbroken and unable to share the news with the branch members.

This announcement 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.

Kenneth L. Kinner

During the stake meeting, approximately sixty members gathered to hear the latest news regarding the reorganization of the stake presidency. The room was filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as Branch President Kinner observed the members' reactions when Elder Pinnock, on behalf of the Quorums of the Seventy, delivered the shocking announcement about the branch's relocation. This news startled and saddened the members, leaving them feeling weighed down by change. Everyone felt overwhelmed with sorrow at the loss of their cherished branch. Lucy McMills Greenwood, a longtime interpreter and elder member of the branch, was particularly hit the hardest, as this branch had been her home for many years.

Lucy McMills Greenwood

The decision to relocate was prompted by the increasing inconvenience of the chapel building over time. The annual Christmas party often overcrowded the cultural hall, which made 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 was renamed the Ogden Valley Deaf Branch (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, June 19, 2011). This relocation resulted in a significant loss for the community, creating a void that continues to be felt today.

Since 2001, the meetinghouse has been a space for formerly incarcerated individuals—a place where men and women seeking spiritual renewal after prison can come together and worship (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Ogden Branch for the Deaf

Ogden Valley Deaf Branch for the Deaf

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

During the 90th Anniversary of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf in 2007, a Deaf artist, Benjamin Davis, painted a picture of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf for Lucy McMillis Greenwood

Lucy McMills Greenwood is interpreting for the Deaf members at the General Conference. Source: Publication Unknown

Deaf Latter-day Saints Return
to the First Chapel Built for Accessibility

On July 27, 2025, Deaf Latter-day Saints and their friends gathered once again for an open house at the restored 1917 meetinghouse, marking twenty-five years since their relocation in 1999. Deeply touched, many attendees raised their hands in love and testimony. "Welcome home," expressed Doug Stringham, a member of the Sign Language Board of Accessibility for the Church, using American Sign Language (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Douglas B. Stringham, member of the Sign Language Board of Accessibility for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tells open-house attendees about the construction of the historic Ogden meetinghouse. Deaf members, Church leaders and historians gathered to remember and celebrate the building's legacy on Sunday July 27, 2025. Source: News Release

"This place was unlike any other hearing church you could find," said Emily Utt, the historic sites curator for the Church History Department. "For more than 80 years, this place was home for the Deaf community" (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Emily Utt, historic sites curator for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tells open-house attendees about the historic Ogden meetinghouse. Deaf members, Church leaders and historians gathered to remember and celebrate the building's legacy on Sunday July 27, 2025. Source: Release News

Gaye Collins Berg, who first attended the branch as a young girl in the 1950s, recalled walking from the Deaf school dormitories to the chapel for Primary, Mutual, and Sunday services. "We had so many social activities," she said. "It was our life" (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Elder Jason C. Jensen, Area Seventy, speaks at an open house at the original meetinghouse for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News. Source: Church News

Darlene Stewart Cochran and her family have been part of the Ogden branch for the Deaf for three generations. She, the wife of the late Charles Roy Cochran, a former branch president of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, returned to the meetinghouse for the first time in years, feeling a deep sense of connection and belonging. "It's just unbelievable to see this building, the renovation, and how beautiful it absolutely is," Darlene said. "This is a place that teaches us the gospel. In the past, we didn't have many places to learn the gospel. You feel comfortable with people who are Deaf and like you. You feel that connection, that way of interacting, that community, being able to discuss the gospel" (News Release, July 28, 2025).

Darlene Cochran poses for a portrait at the original meetinghouse for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News. Source: Church News

Darlene Cochran points to herself in an old photo on a poster about the rostrum at the original meetinghouse for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News. Source: Church News

"This is our home," said Mark Erwin, who served as branch president for 14 years. The building holds generations of memories for him. "I feel a close connection to family and being together and just knowing that we are all the same. We share the same culture, the same communication, and the same language. It's just wonderful" (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

In 1999, the growing Deaf branch relocated to a larger, more accessible meetinghouse. Mark Erwin, the second counselor in the branch presidency at that time, conducted the final meeting in the beloved building. "We understood the need to move," Erwin said, "but there were many hard feelings and many tears as we felt the loss of this building. That time was really, really hard" (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Churchgoers watch a presentation about the history of the original meetinghouse for the Deaf community during an open house in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News. Source: Church News

In 2024, the building was closed for much-needed refurbishments. After an 18-month restoration project, it will continue to serve as a meetinghouse for the Church's prison ministry (News Release, July 28, 2025).

"It's much more than construction; it's a restoration," said Elder Jensen. Elder Jensen stated, "It's not just about a building, but about a legacy" (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

"The best story here is really about the community," Emily Utt said. "All of us want a place to belong. We all want to find a group of people and a location that we can call home" (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Dixie Lee O'Brien, an early member of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, points herself out in an old photo. Deaf members, Church leaders and historians gathered to remember and celebrate the building's legacy on Sunday July 27, 2025. Source: Release News

Churchgoers converse after a presentation about the history of the original meetinghouse for the Deaf during an open house in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News. Source: Release News

President Jimmy Adair, the current president of the Ogden Valley Branch (Sign Language), stood quietly in the chapel he first entered as a 24-year-old in 1984. He reflected on the progress of the Latter-day Saint Deaf community from then to now (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025).

Branch President Jimmy Adair, right, signs to John Galli, a deaf-blind branch member, during an open house at the original meetinghouse for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News. Source: Church News

As the Deaf Latter-day Saints continue to grow and worship in new spaces, and as the correctional branch enters a new season of ministry, the spirit of the building remains strong—not only in its structure and design but also in the hearts, hands, and stories of the community (Hartzell, Church News, July 28, 2025). This sense of belonging fosters a deep connection among members, enabling them to share their experiences and support one another. As they navigate their spiritual journeys together, the community's resilience and unity serve as a testament to their faith and dedication.

For nearly a century, this church building in Ogden was home to the church’s first-ever congregation organized entirely for Deaf members. Deaf members, Church leaders and historians gathered to remember and celebrate the building's legacy on Sunday July 27, 2025. Source: Release News

*****

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

In this video, C. Roy Cochran, Kenneth L. Kinner, Lorna Kennedy, Lucy McMills Greenwood, Mark Erwin, and Michael Houtz present 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, who is a Child of Deaf Adults, in appreciation of her years of dedicated service to the branch. Several Deaf Latter-day Saints shared their cherished personal memories of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

Special 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, for producing a film about the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and its 90th-anniversary celebration.

Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker

The Church has Restored the
Former Ogden Branch for the Deaf

In this video, Deaf Latter-day Saints gathered at the first accessibility-equipped chapel in 25 years during an open house on July 27, 2025. This video was produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This small but historic chapel, located on 21st Street in Ogden, Utah, often goes unnoticed by passersby. However, it carries a significant story of worship and community for Deaf Latter-day Saints members. Built in 1917, this chapel served as a gathering place for Deaf Latter-day Saints for 82 years.
The Church has been using the building for its prison ministry since 2001. After undergoing an 18-month restoration project, this ministry will continue to use it as a meetinghouse.

Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker

*****

Note

Kenneth L. Kinner, interview by Jodi Christel Becker, “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.

"Church Restores Chapel Building with a Unique Ministry." News Release, July 28, 2025.

“For Blind, Deaf, and Dumb.” Deseret News, November 21, 1896.

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

Hartzel, Eastin. "'Welcome Home': Deaf Saints Return to First Chapel Built for Accessibility." Church News, July 28, 2025.

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 Christel Becker

Published in 2021
Updated in 2025

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.

Spencer C. Hind

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.

The Salt Lake Valley Branch sponsored the float for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which drew the attention of thousands of spectators during the Days of '47 to celebrate the arrival of the Utah Pioneers on July 24, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah. While Branch President Spencer C. Hind looks on, Kenneth Kinner gives the lesson in sign language from left to right: Evelyn Hardy, Bruce Hardy, Sharon Olson, and Robert Kerr. Rodney Walker is driving the float. Source: The Silent Worker, November 1961; Rodney, 2006

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 Christel Becker

Published in 2020
Updated in 2025

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 Cook, Elder Martinez, Elder Bennett, & Elder Kitchen, December 1969

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.

Elder Wayne Bennet, Elder Thayne Grossenbach, Elder Abel Martinez, Elder Jack Rose, Elder Clark Zemp, & Elder Wayne Kitchen @ Church News, February 7, 1970

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.

Rodney W. Walker

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, personal communication, April 8, 2020.

W. David Samuelsen, personal communication, April 15, 2020.

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

Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Jennifer Young Leeds

Published in 2020
Updated in 2025

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 Christel Becker

Lloyd H. Perkins

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

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.

The first Sunday School for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, in 1920

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.

Gladys Burnham Wenger & her husband, David Hartzler Wenger. Source: FamilySearch.org

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 in the Baptistry Room in the Tabernacle between the 1920s and 1930s

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.

The Sunday School for the Deaf in the Baptistry Room in the Tabernacle between the 1920s and 1930s

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.

Rodney W. Walker. Source: The Utah Eagle, April 1955

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).

Elder Widtsoe, with the Foreign Language Committee and Leaders L-R: 3rd Apostle Widtsoe, 5th E. Ross Thurston, 7th Holger Larsen 8th Willard E. Barlow, 9th Max W. Woodbury, and 10th Elgin Jacobsen

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).

Groundbreaking for the new Salt Lake Branch of the Deaf building at 800 East and 500 South in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 20, 1947

They were excavating a trench for the oil pipeline during the construction of the new Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. L-R: Kate Orr Keeley, Rodney Walker, Wayne Stewart, and Joseph Cameron Child: Darlene Stewart Cochran

'LDS Rushing Work On Chapel for Deaf.' Source: The Salt Lake Telegram, September 18, 1948

Willard E. Barlow, presiding elder of Salt Lake Deaf Branch, is seen with Eva Greenwood Prudence Flower and Eula R. Rusey (sitting), members of the branch who can hear. The women listened to a conference on the radio and conveyed a message in sign language to nearly 150 Deaf members on October 12, 1948. Source: Unknown publication

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).

First Branch Presidency of the Salt Lake Branch. L-R: Willard Barlow (Pres), L. Elgin Jacobson (1st), E. Ross Thurston (2nd), Ferdinand T. Billeter (Clerk)

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.

President George Albert Smith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicating Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf. Gladys Burnham Wenger is interpreting his speech. Source: Unknown publication

Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf in 1948

Members of the Sunday School for the Deaf were ready to move into the new Salt Lake Valley Branch building on November 14, 1948

Source: Dedication of the Chapel for the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint on November 13, 1949

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).

Spencer C. Hind

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 Deaf Latter-day Saint members of the Salt Lake Valley Branch were photographed around 1950

The Deaf Latter-day Saint members of the Salt Lake Valley Branch in the 1960s

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).

Lloyd H. Perkins

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."

Edward L. Bell

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.

G. Lynn Losee

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.

The left-bottom picture depicts the Relief Society, with Helen Wilkins Potter, Kleda Quigley, Ethel Kirk, Diane Quinn Stewart, and Carol Weenig arranged in the L-R rows. On the right side, at the forefront of the picture, are Arvel Christensen, his wife Berdean, Wayne Stewart, his wife Georgie Mae, _________, Earl Smith, and other individuals in the distant portrait. Source: Publication unknown

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).

Lloyd H. Perkins works as a carpenter. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf in 1963

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).

Deaf Latter-day Saint members of the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf in 1966

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).

Mary Eyring

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.

LDS President Spencer W. Kimball. Source: churchofjesuschristof.org

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).

Groundbreaking Ceremony, 1976. Bishop G. Lynn Losee (center) with his counselors, Rollin Jones (L) and Norman Williams (R)

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.

Cherie (Carpenter) and Jonathon Hodson

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).

Mark E. Peterson. Source: churchofjesus christ.org

Salt Lake Valley Ward for the Deaf in 1977

Source: Dedicatory Service for First Ward and S.L. Valley Ward for the Deaf Chapel on October 16, 1977

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

Bishop Lloyd H. Perkins' wife, Madelaine Peterson Burton Perkins, provided insights from an email interview regarding his vision for the new Deaf chapel. Lloyd designed the chapel with the specific needs of Deaf individuals in mind, as summarized in the following list:

The classrooms featured small, wide windows at the top of the walls, allowing light without causing glare that could interfere with viewing videos or overhead projector images.

The chapel's floor was gradually raised toward the back to enhance visibility, and the seating was arranged in a semicircle. This design choice helped reduce the need for Deaf members to constantly turn their heads to see the speaker at the pulpit. Subsequent modifications included projecting speakers onto a TV screen for better viewing comfort.

Lloyd had visited an older chapel considered a "new home" for the Deaf branch and ward. However, this older building had numerous windows on the left and right sides, which created challenges for attendees trying to see the speaker when the sun shone through.

Moreover, he preferred the sacrament table to be positioned directly in front of the pulpit for similar reasons. Regrettably, the church architects positioned the sacrament table on the left side of the chapel, making sure it was sufficiently elevated for easy viewing.

Additionally, he designed a seating area on the right side of the chapel for the bishopric and other attendees to prevent them from sitting behind the pulpit. Later improvements included installing a TV screen behind the pulpit, allowing those on the stand to see individuals on the platform (Madelaine Perkins, personal communication, March 7, 2012).

Madelaine Peterson Burton. Source: UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

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.

Keith Lauritzen

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).

Bruce Harvey

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).

Robert Bonnell, Bishop

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).

Lloyd H. Perkins

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 1st and 2nd Deaf 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
Society for 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).

Gladys A. Hind

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.

Lucy McMills Greenwood

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.

Orba Sanders Seeley

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).

At Elizabeth Buck's 75th birthday party in 1963. Seated, left to right: Berdean Christensen. Ruth Smith. Lilian Freston, Mary Anderson, Cleo Peterson, Georgia Maen Stewart. Second Row: Rosa Lee Parkins, Theor Logan, Kate Kelly, Lillian Cole, Ivy Low, Elizabeth Buck, Elsie Christensen. Third Row: Jeannie Holton, Phyllis Penman, Jessie Keeley, Beth Jensen, Irba Sealey, Violet Zabel, Winnie Kerschaum, LaVern Burnett (The Silent Worker, January 1964)

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.

Max W. Woodbury

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.

Lola Elizabeth Harris Jensen. UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

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.

Lola Elizabeth Jensen, President
Violet Zabel, 1st Counselor
Berdean Christensen, 2nd Counselor
Fawn Woodward, Secretary
Lucy Greenwood, Theology Teacher
Marie Allen, Homemaking Teacher
Afton Burdett, Literature Teacher
Orba Seeley, Social Relations Teacher (Lola Elizabeth Jensen, History of the Relief Society of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf).

From its humble beginnings in 1955 with just eleven members, the Relief Society has since expanded significantly, growing to forty-four members by 1974. Initially, the Society held its weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., attracting an average attendance of 15 to 20 women. A major development occurred in 1974 when a second meeting section was introduced on Sunday mornings, allowing women with careers to participate while their husbands attended Priesthood meetings (Jensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1974).

In the June 1974 UAD Bulletin, Beth highlighted that the meetings of the organization are a rich blend of enjoyable and beneficial activities. The aim is to inspire attendees to return and learn about various topics, including other countries, family nutrition, mothers' education, and spiritual growth within the Relief Society. The activities offered—from quilting and bread-making to embroidery, knitting, crocheting, bargello, and macramé—are not only enjoyable but also impart practical skills, making homemaking days empowering experiences (Jensen, UAD Bulletin, June 1974).

Thanks to the efforts of Gladys A. Hind, Lucy McMills Greenwood, and Lola Elizabeth Harris Jensen, deaf branches and wards across the country have established their own Relief Society, providing a valuable support network for all involved.

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 Christel Becker

Anne Leahy. Source: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, inc.

Doug Stringham. Source: Utah Valley University

Rediscovering the History of Deaf Latter-day Saints: http://history.deaflds.org/

How Firm a Foundation: The Latter-day Saint Deaf-Mute Sunday School: https://www.academia.edu/1835979/How_Firm_a_Foundation_The_Latter-day_Saint_Deaf- Mute_Sunday_School

'God Made Me Deaf': Accounts from Deaf Latter-day Saints, 1836-1916: www.academia.edu/1835974/God_Made_Me_Deaf_Accounts_from_Deaf_Latter-day_Saints_1836-1916

Recovering From Failed Healings: https://www.academia.edu/7302314/Recovering_Mormonism_from_Failed_Healings

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!

Horn-Marsh, Petra M (1992). "Silent Saints: Deaf Mormons in Utah." All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1688. http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1688/

ARCHIVES

Ogden Branch for the Deaf Minutes - 1941 - 1945. (PDF)

Flygare, Christopher. "Powerpoint of the Salt Lake Valley 1st and 2nd Deaf Wards: A History in Pictures." (PDF)

A Slideshow of the
Ogden Branch for the Deaf

A Slideshow of the
Salt Lake Valley Branch and Ward

The First Four ​Deaf Missionaries

A Slideshow of the​Ogden Branch for the Deaf

The First Four
Deaf Missionaries

A Slideshow of the
Ogden Branch for the Deaf