In correspondence with O. Boyd Mathias, Rowena J. Miller, on behalf of J. Reuben Clark, counselor in the First Presidency, states that blood is separated by race at LDS hospital but that Clark gives never gives guidance on blood transfusions.
- Type
- Letter
- Source
- Rowena J. Miller LDS
- Hearsay
- Direct
- Reference
Rowena J. Miller, Correspondence on behalf of J. Reuben Clark to O. Boyd Mathias, March 3, 1953, Register of the Clarkana Papers of Joshua Ruben Clark, Jr., 1873–1962, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University, MSS 303, Box 389, Folder 2 (accessed March 3, 2023)
- Scribe/Publisher
- N/A
- People
- Rowena J. Miller
- Audience
- O. Boyd Mathias
PDF- Transcription
O. Boyd Mathias
February 18, 1953
Pre Fab 2007
Logan, Utah
President J. Reuben Clark
47 E. So. Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear President Clark,
It has been said that you advised members of the Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints to refuse blood transfusions from people with Negro ancestry. Is that correct?
One hears so many things, he is not quite sure what is actually so. I thought you would be the best source for determining the validity of this rumor.
Sincerely,
[signature]
O. Boyd Mathias
***
February 20, 1953
Dear M. Mathias:
Your letter of February 18, 1953 has been received in President Clark's absence.
He is in the East at the present time, and I shall be happy to bring your letter to his attention so soon as he returns.
Faithfully yours
[unsigned]
(Mrs.) Rowena J. MIller
Secretary to President Clark
Mr. O. Boyd Mathias,
Pre Fab 2007,
Logan, Utah.
***
March 3, 1953
Dear Mr. Mathias:
In further reference to your letter of February 18, 1953, and to my preliminary acknowledgment of February 20th, President Clark wishes me to say to you that he has never made any statement such as you report in your letter. He has never attempted to direct anybody as to what they should do with reference to blood transfusitions. As a matter of fact, however, the L.D.S. Hospital here in Salt Lake City, has a blood bank which does not contain any colored blood.
Faithfully yours,
JRC:RJM [Unsigned]
(Mrs.) Rowena J. Miller
Secretary to President Clark
Mr. O. Boyd Mathias,
Pre Fab 2007,
Logan, Utah.
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