JFK Speech to Mormons in 1963 (Part I)

Speech in Salt Lake City at the famous Mormon Tabernacle given by then-President of the United States, John F. Kennedy on September 26, 1963.

I apologize that it is only in audio format. Wish there were video! The picture is of JFK standing next to David O. Mckay, Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 to 1970.

In Part I, JFK says, "Of all the stories of American pioneers and settlers, none is more inspiring than the Mormon trail. The qualities of the founders of this community are the qualities that we seek in America, the qualities which we like to feel this country has, courage, patience, faith, self-reliance, perseverance, and, above all, an unflagging determination to see the right prevail."

"If our task on occasion seems hopeless, if we despair of ever working our will on the other 94 percent of the world population, then let us remember that the Mormons of a century ago were a persecuted and prosecuted minority, harried from place to place, the victims of violence and occasionally murder, while today, in the short space of 100 years, their faith and works are known and respected the world around, and their voices heard in the highest councils of this country. As the Mormons succeeded, so America can succeed, if we will not give up or turn back."

The full text can be found at: http://www.jfklink.com/speeches/jfk/publicpapers/1963/jfk385_63.html

Note: In his opening words the President referred to Frank E. Moss, U.S. Senator from Utah; David O. McKay, President of the Mormon Church, and Hugh B. Brown, his First Counselor; Stewart L. Udall, Secretary of the Interior; George Dewey Clyde, Governor of Utah; and Calvin W. Rawlings of Salt Lake City, Democratic National Committeeman for Utah.

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[mormontauren]

Why the heck was I never told about this speech in Sunday School? I am not only upset, but I am astonished and proud that Kennedy spoke at the Tabernacle. I believe JFK was the only Democratic presidental nominee that Utahns voted for as a majority. Not even Obama got the majority of votes during the 08' election and people are comparing him to this legend? bah... R.I.P. JFK, you will never be forgotten.

[DefendingMormonism]

@mormontauren

I was very pleasantly surprised when I discovered this speech, bc I had similarly never heard about it.

[YoungApologetics]

The Mormon church was a power even in JFK's day as you will hear in this video. However JFK was a CATHOLIC! If he loved the mormon faith he would have been a mormom! Instead he enjoyed the money they put into our economy.. JFK is in no way a defence for mormonism!

[DefendingMormonism]

This is in no way a defense for Mormon doctrine.

However, the fact that the President of the USA felt a need to visit the leadership and membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shows how integral we were to American society even way back in 1963.

If the President were to visit your Church headquarters and visit with its leaders, I'm sure you would feel just as proud.

Members of the LDS Church will continue to contribute in innumerable ways to American progress.

[Nominay]

I feel alive when this man speaks.

[wkayan1969]

Wow what a Great Speach by a Great Man , Its hard to believe that only 2 months after this GREAT SPEACH he was assasinated by a Nut Case !!

[Reueler]

just because you blind eyes can't see what John f Kennedy saw doesn't mean you have the right to make accusations.

[AdmiralCoolkid]

you know, i was always a little iffy on jfk, but when I saw this I did gain a bit of respect for him. No president would dare speak like this now, good for jfk

[TheHuntersBounty]

A Catholic committing a adultery speaking to Mormons, How quaint.

[alexgarcia2020]

Wow! I didn't know President Kennedy had given a speech at the Mormon Tabernacle. He was a great speaker and a great leader. Imperfect, like all of us, but a great person none the less.

[DesertGoddess81]

@ha38bb1 To me that sounds like a new age version of the bible. Mormons use the Kind James version, and believe in the Bible as long as it is translated correctly. Also, God did not write the bible, his Servants (prophets did). You also need to know that times where very different back then, as were customs and laws. Things have been updated, new laws introduced. When Christ introduced the sacrament, it took the place of burnt offerings (sacrifices).

[ELoveSquadUp]

@YoungApologetics Just because he (JFK) didn't join Mormonism doesn't mean he didn't love the religion. And how the majority of the followers of LDS doctrine improve their life in all aspects. Also, he may have been fearful to change his religion due to family concern or some other reason far from not "loving" Mormonism.

[ha38bb1]

@DesertGoddess81 Exodus 21:20-21 "AND IF A MAN BEATS HIS MALE OR FEMALE SERVANT WITH A ROD, SO THAT HE DIES UNDER HIS HAND, HE SHALL SURLEY BE PUNISHED. nOTWITHSTANDING, IF HE REMAINS ALIVE A DAY OR TWO, HE SHALL NOT BE PUNISHED; FOR HE IS HIS PROPERTY."...... I have a hard time believing the all knowing, loving god wrote that verse. sorry i tried to have faith in the bible but there are hundreds of religious books that people believe in and i view them as a control mechinism.

[ha38bb1]

@wkayan1969 maybe killed by a nut case, but in the end the orders were sent from the very top elite. JFK's speechs are amazing. espically the JFK NWO speech.

[larvasting2]

I'm sorry I did not just read that you think Mormons are respected around the world, noone likes momos

[freetube1to1]

I see the church didn't tell him about the members who tried to flee the church were murdered ! yes Murdered !!!