Did the KKK ever get a foothold in Utah? (Historical question)

[poptart]

Historical question, did the KKK ever get a foothold in Utah?  What was their relationship to the Church?  Finding out Colorado's history with the Klan, I'm shocked and a bit sick at my stomach.  

https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/ku-klux-klan-colorado

I've heard how the Church did things like help Vietnamese refugees find foods they're used to plus the presence in E.Asia and the South Pacific, also Utah has three BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) temples while CO has 2 (That I know of).  The BCA was started by Japanese immigrants, Utah having more than CO was interesting.  I'd imagine not having the KKK around helped.  More I learn about the Mountain West more I figure out how things can and do change over time.  

 

Edited November 20, 2024 by poptart

[Pyreaux]

The KKK did attempt to gain a foothold in Utah, but it did not have the same level of influence as it did in other parts of the United States. The Klan when it was particularly active during the 1920s, spread to several Western states, including Utah. The reason the Klan were drawn to the West was partly because of the large presence of non-Protestant groups (including Catholics and Jews), fueled by the general climate of racial and religious intolerance in the country.

In Utah, the KKK made efforts to recruit and establish chapters, and in the early 1920s, the organization did attract some attention. However, its presence in Utah was relatively brief and limited compared to the widespread Klan activity in states like Indiana and Texas.

While the LDS Church did not have an official stance on the Klan, its influence likely played a role in limiting the Klan's growth in the state. The Church was actively involved in promoting a sense of unifying identity among Saints in Utah and so would have viewed the Klan's rhetoric and activities disruptive. It was a group responsible for attacks on non-Protestant groups. The Saints, having experienced discrimination themselves, were less inclined to tolerate the Klan’s white supremacy, even though there were some individual members who may have sympathized with the Klan’s goals of promoting Protestant, "American" values.

Thus by the late 1920s, the national Klan had begun to decline in influence due to growing resistance. The LDS Church, with its large, unified membership and strong social and cultural influence, likely helped to counterbalance Klan efforts in Utah. While the LDS Church did not single-handedly prevent the KKK from gaining a foothold in Utah, its cultural influence helped limit the Klan's spread in the state, may have created a protective barrier against the kind of widespread Klan activity seen in other regions. 

[poptart]

19 minutes ago, Pyreaux said:

The KKK did attempt to gain a foothold in Utah, but it did not have the same level of influence as it did in other parts of the United States. The Klan when it was particularly active during the 1920s, spread to several Western states, including Utah. The reason the Klan were drawn to the West was partly because of the large presence of non-Protestant groups (including Catholics and Jews), fueled by the general climate of racial and religious intolerance in the country.

In Utah, the KKK made efforts to recruit and establish chapters, and in the early 1920s, the organization did attract some attention. However, its presence in Utah was relatively brief and limited compared to the widespread Klan activity in states like Indiana and Texas.

While the LDS Church did not have an official stance on the Klan, its influence likely played a role in limiting the Klan's growth in the state. The Church was actively involved in promoting a sense of unifying identity among Saints in Utah and so would have viewed the Klan's rhetoric and activities disruptive. It was a group responsible for attacks on non-Protestant groups. The Saints, having experienced discrimination themselves, were less inclined to tolerate the Klan’s white supremacy, even though there were some individual members who may have sympathized with the Klan’s goals of promoting Protestant, "American" values.

Thus by the late 1920s, the national Klan had begun to decline in influence due to growing resistance. The LDS Church, with its large, unified membership and strong social and cultural influence, likely helped to counterbalance Klan efforts in Utah. While the LDS Church did not single-handedly prevent the KKK from gaining a foothold in Utah, its cultural influence helped limit the Klan's spread in the state, may have created a protective barrier against the kind of widespread Klan activity seen in other regions. 

This I believe, the Protestants weren't exactly nice at times back then.  Any good sources for this?  I like to get my hands on books/pfs and when I get time read them, it's why I really don't watch TV.

Thank you for sharing, more time goes on I think it's important to appreciate our shared heritage, especially when it comes for standing up for the rights of all Americans.  This bit of history makes me like having Utah as a neighbor even more than I already do.  Unrelated, love the new-ish state flag.  

Edited November 21, 2024 by poptart

[rpn]

3 hours ago, poptart said:

how the Church did things like help Vietnamese refugees find foods they're used to plus the presence in E.Asia and the South Pacific, also Utah has three BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) temple

The Church helped build the Spanish Fork Krishna Temple in 2001 at 19:46 , and 34:00 minutes   (And a little later in this film, the narrator reminds that Brigham Young laid out 2d ave in 1846 for various non-lds religious facilities.)

 

Edited November 21, 2024 by rpn

[poptart]

2 hours ago, rpn said:

The Church helped build the Spanish Fork Krishna Temple in 2001 at 19:46 , and 34:00 minutes   (And a little later in this film, the narrator reminds that Brigham Young laid out 2d ave in 1846 for various non-lds religious facilities.)

 

This is impressive, they helped build it?  Wow....

My friends who spent some time growing up outside of the E.Asian country their moms were from and/or the W.Coast weren't always welcome, people would harass them for not being Christian and like them.  Sometimes the hatred and racism was violent.

Curious, have any of the saints seriously studied systems/philosophies like Buddhism, Taoism etc. ?  I know a lot of the Christians out there claim to but far as I can tell those outside their bubble don't exist.  Outside of the Orthodox no one's really bothered except during times like WWII when they put the Japanese in camps.  One of the clergy from my school has done aragyo more than once, an aesthetic training that's not easy.  

https://www.onjuin.com/english/pg67.html

This video is wonderful, thanks for sharing.  

Edited November 21, 2024 by poptart

[Robert F. Smith]

4 hours ago, poptart said:

This is impressive, they helped build it?  Wow....

......................

President Nathan Eldon Tanner led the successful effort in the 1970s to save Westminster College (a Presbyterian school which was traditionally hostile to Mormons) in SLC.

[Robert F. Smith]

10 hours ago, poptart said:

Historical question, did the KKK ever get a foothold in Utah?  What was their relationship to the Church?  Finding out Colorado's history with the Klan, I'm shocked and a bit sick at my stomach.  ......................

Larry R. Gerlach, Blazing Crosses in Zion: The Ku Klux Klan in Utah (USU, 1982).

Courtney Tanner, “University of Utah investigating reports of KKK group in dorms, feces smeared on Black student’s door,” Salt Lake Tribune, Dec 20/21, 2021, online at https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2021/12/20/university-utah/ .  Possibly a hoax.

[JVW]

14 hours ago, poptart said:

This is impressive, they helped build it?  Wow....

My friends who spent some time growing up outside of the E.Asian country their moms were from and/or the W.Coast weren't always welcome, people would harass them for not being Christian and like them.  Sometimes the hatred and racism was violent.

Curious, have any of the saints seriously studied systems/philosophies like Buddhism, Taoism etc. ?  I know a lot of the Christians out there claim to but far as I can tell those outside their bubble don't exist.  Outside of the Orthodox no one's really bothered except during times like WWII when they put the Japanese in camps.  One of the clergy from my school has done aragyo more than once, an aesthetic training that's not easy.  

https://www.onjuin.com/english/pg67.html

This video is wonderful, thanks for sharing.  

I assume that you're referring to American saints? There are saints in China, Japan, India, etc. many of whom would have been raised Bhuddist, etc. Elder Gong, one of the twelve apostles is Chinese, I have no idea, but there is a likelihood that he is well acquainted with Eastern philosophies. He probably has a lot of family and friends who are themselves Bhuddist.

I personally have read the Bhagavad Gita and have had many deep conversations about Hinduism with some of my Indian friends. I haven't directly studied Bhuddism beyond watching an unhealthy amount of Chinese/Japanese/Korean media and books that are all heavily influenced by a Bhuddist/Taoist culture.

I'm not interested in Islam.

I've read many books about Wiccanism and considered becoming a witch once upon a time. I've also spent a lot of time among a variety of subcultures based on niche beliefs (e.g. Sanguinarians).

My favorite religion to learn about is Judaism. I also really enjoy learning about Esoteric Philosophy and things like the Golden Ratio.

[poptart]

On 11/21/2024 at 12:23 PM, JVW said:

I assume that you're referring to American saints? There are saints in China, Japan, India, etc. many of whom would have been raised Bhuddist, etc. Elder Gong, one of the twelve apostles is Chinese, I have no idea, but there is a likelihood that he is well acquainted with Eastern philosophies. He probably has a lot of family and friends who are themselves Bhuddist.

I personally have read the Bhagavad Gita and have had many deep conversations about Hinduism with some of my Indian friends. I haven't directly studied Bhuddism beyond watching an unhealthy amount of Chinese/Japanese/Korean media and books that are all heavily influenced by a Bhuddist/Taoist culture.

I'm not interested in Islam.

I've read many books about Wiccanism and considered becoming a witch once upon a time. I've also spent a lot of time among a variety of subcultures based on niche beliefs (e.g. Sanguinarians).

My favorite religion to learn about is Judaism. I also really enjoy learning about Esoteric Philosophy and things like the Golden Ratio.

Yes I was, I've known E.Asian saints, not many.  I'd be curious what their relations with their Buddhist neighbors are, I've had relatives who "converted" to various flavors of Christianity, mostly to keep everyone happy.  I know a few of them had their butsudans found after they passed, they never threw them out.

Our School primarily studies the Lotus Sutra, I've read the Heart Sutra but my focus is on the Lotus Sutra and the Gosho, writings of our founder Nichiren Daishonin/Shonin.  Something to keep in mind with the likes of Japanese Buddhism, Shinto, Confucianism/Neo-Confucianism and Japanese culture does a ton of the legwork, it's something I suspect a lot of outsiders don't understand.  

I watch a lot of period dramas on NHK so yes, I see plenty of Buddhism.  

 

[The Nehor]

The first big move by the Klan into Utah was in the 1920s and was mostly non-Mormon in membership and largely middle class. It flourished the most in areas with large immigrant communities. It was less violent than the Klan was generally elsewhere but they were by no means non-violent and minorities were brutally killed. The Church told people not to join this “secret society” which implied a similarity to Gadianton style secret combinations. Mask wearing was banned to keep them from hiding. Also in terms of adherence to religion, demographic “purity”, and culture Utah was not too far removed from the mythic old America the Klan wanted to bring back which made recruiting more difficult. Their organization was also plagued by infighting between leaders. They petered out over time.

In the third wave of the Klan they made inroads in Utah in the 70s and this time the main recruits were unskilled blue collar workers who were mostly LDS. They lacked effective leadership and didn’t last long. By the end of the 70s most of the Klan’s membership had either left the organization or had gone to Idaho or other friendlier locations. The panhandle of Idaho is chock full of extremist weirdos and these loons and their successors are amongst them.

[poptart]

On 11/28/2024 at 9:30 PM, The Nehor said:

The first big move by the Klan into Utah was in the 1920s and was mostly non-Mormon in membership and largely middle class. It flourished the most in areas with large immigrant communities. It was less violent than the Klan was generally elsewhere but they were by no means non-violent and minorities were brutally killed. The Church told people not to join this “secret society” which implied a similarity to Gadianton style secret combinations. Mask wearing was banned to keep them from hiding. Also in terms of adherence to religion, demographic “purity”, and culture Utah was not too far removed from the mythic old America the Klan wanted to bring back which made recruiting more difficult. Their organization was also plagued by infighting between leaders. They petered out over time.

In the third wave of the Klan they made inroads in Utah in the 70s and this time the main recruits were unskilled blue collar workers who were mostly LDS. They lacked effective leadership and didn’t last long. By the end of the 70s most of the Klan’s membership had either left the organization or had gone to Idaho or other friendlier locations. The panhandle of Idaho is chock full of extremist weirdos and these loons and their successors are amongst them.

I've heard parts of Idaho are the neo nazi capital of the world, it's a shame how some people will still blame those different from themselves for whatever problems they may have in life.  I never forgot what I had to go through growing up, a lot of my friends and family will never leave certain areas because of that.  A few friends I know are looking to retire in Japan partially because of how things are getting now, that and access to healthcare, safe and affordable neighborhoods etc.  They're fluent so no problem. 

I may do the same thing someday, I have friends who've told me the closest I'd ever get to the Hawaii my older family knew would be places like Okinawa.  

The rural areas in CA and OR have the crazies but that's about it.  There are places in San Francisco and LA's China town you do not want to cause problems in, the triads won't put up with it.  The Yakuza even work with the triads, pretty sure the Yamaguchi gumi still have a presence.  It's amazing the amount of money some of these guys have.  

[The Nehor]

1 hour ago, poptart said:

I've heard parts of Idaho are the neo nazi capital of the world, it's a shame how some people will still blame those different from themselves for whatever problems they may have in life.  I never forgot what I had to go through growing up, a lot of my friends and family will never leave certain areas because of that.  A few friends I know are looking to retire in Japan partially because of how things are getting now, that and access to healthcare, safe and affordable neighborhoods etc.  They're fluent so no problem. 

I may do the same thing someday, I have friends who've told me the closest I'd ever get to the Hawaii my older family knew would be places like Okinawa.  

The rural areas in CA and OR have the crazies but that's about it.  There are places in San Francisco and LA's China town you do not want to cause problems in, the triads won't put up with it.  The Yakuza even work with the triads, pretty sure the Yamaguchi gumi still have a presence.  It's amazing the amount of money some of these guys have.  

Yeah, parts of northern Idaho and the panhandle are unsafe if you are black or wear pride gear. A lot of Confederate flags.

[poptart]

1 hour ago, The Nehor said:

Yeah, parts of northern Idaho and the panhandle are unsafe if you are black or wear pride gear. A lot of Confederate flags.

Saw Patriot Front a few months ago on my commute, the first two train cars were just packed with em, doors were locked too.  It was spooky.

[Tacenda]

13 hours ago, The Nehor said:

Yeah, parts of northern Idaho and the panhandle are unsafe if you are black or wear pride gear. A lot of Confederate flags.

It's scary for sure. 

 

11 hours ago, poptart said:

Saw Patriot Front a few months ago on my commute, the first two train cars were just packed with em, doors were locked too.  It was spooky.

It's scary, and they are just a state over from mine. 

[The Nehor]

13 hours ago, poptart said:

Saw Patriot Front a few months ago on my commute, the first two train cars were just packed with em, doors were locked too.  It was spooky.

They’re definitely dangerous but they are also pathetic. Last year a group of them tried to sue an infiltrator for just revealing their names with the intent of making many members lose their jobs (which worked).

Sadly the mass arrest a while back in Idaho didn’t go too well. The local city didn’t have the court resources to prosecute them effectively and the FBI and the city screwed up with some of the evidence. They had to drop the case against the leader and they got some convictions but not nearly as many as could be hoped. Federal prosecutors should really have stepped in and run the case so they had the resources to handle it and hopefully would have been able to work better with the FBI.

[Tacenda]

I googled this if it helps.

https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/k/KU_KLUX_KLAN.shtml

Also if interested, this movie, "The BlackkKlansman" is based on a true story. Not Utah, but our neighbor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlacKkKlansman

Oh dear, googled something and this came up. It's where my son and daughter in law live.  

https://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/813 

Headline: "A Large KKK Parade and Initiation Ceremony in Boise, Idaho"

"On September 8th, 1924, 350 Knights of the Ku Klux Klan marched through downtown Boise, Idaho. The parade—representing Klan chapters from all over Idaho—was a large spectacle and reminiscent of a traditional Fourth of July celebration. The parade contained floats, pyrotechnics, and a band blaring “Rally ‘Round the Flag”—an old Civil War tune. They marched through downtown before eventually ending at the fairground where Klan initiation ceremonies and speeches took place in front of an audience of 3000."

Edited December 1, 2024 by Tacenda

[sunstoned]

I just saw this on Amazon. There is actually a book about the Klan in Utah.  It's called Blazing Crosses in Zion: The Ku Klux Klan in Utah by Larry Gerlach.  I have little interest in things, but I did glance at the overview.  Apparently, the high point of the Klan in Utah was in the 1920s.

[Dario_M]

I may hope not. 

[sunstoned]

14 hours ago, Dario_M said:

I may hope not. 

have lived in Utah for several decades and have never seen or heard of any Klan activity. To the best of my recollection, nothing has appeared in the news about them either.

[Dario_M]

24 minutes ago, sunstoned said:

have lived in Utah for several decades and have never seen or heard of any Klan activity. To the best of my recollection, nothing has appeared in the news about them either.

I'm happy to read that. The KKK is such an evil group. Such a dangerous group like that will never fit in Utah's saintly environment. One will expect those kind of groups more in states like....Texas maybe. But not Utah no. Can you only imagine. Oh my. 

Edited January 3, 2025 by Dario_M

[sunstoned]

6 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I'm happy to read that. The KKK is such an evil group. Such a dangerous group like that will never fit in Utah's saintly environment. One will expect those kind of groups more in states like....Texas maybe. But not Utah no. Can you only imagine. Oh my. 

The Klan is just one group that espouses hate, intolerance, racism, and violence to achieve its goals. This wickedness is alive and well and is spreading.  The US government experienced a violent attempted coup four years ago. The first time since the civil war 170 years ago. 

[Dario_M]

5 minutes ago, sunstoned said:

The Klan is just one group that espouses hate, intolerance, racism, and violence to achieve its goals. This wickedness is alive and well and is spreading.  The US government experienced a violent attempted coup four years ago. The first time since the civil war 170 years ago. 

A coup? An voilent attempt on wich group of people then? And where was that? In Utah? 

[Calm]

This is Social Hall and that is definitely politics, which may be sneaking in the main forum because no one is reporting it, but let’s keep Social for the personal stuff, please.

Edited January 3, 2025 by Calm

[Dario_M]

9 hours ago, Calm said:

This is Social Hall and that is definitely politics, which may be sneaking in the main forum because no one is reporting if, but let’s keep Social for the personal stuff, please.

Have you report this topic if i may be so free to ask Calm? Just curious, that's all. 

[Calm]

3 hours ago, Dario_M said:

Have you report this topic if i may be so free to ask Calm? Just curious, that's all. 

I haven’t reported this thread yet since so far as it’s been historical more than anything else discussing past activities of the Klan last century which I think is useful info, but if it gets into current politics and starts a debate about more recent events, since the thread is in Social, I will.   
 

I am not reporting politics in the other forum recently because the board has been slow enough it hasn’t seem to get as intense as it usually has and people have kept it relatively civil, but if it gets more disrespectful than it has been in a personal way, I will report it.

Edited January 3, 2025 by Calm