1916-09-09-Brooklyn Chat-Letter to Editor from Rocha
Letter to the Editor from John Edward Rocha
- Brooklyn Chat, 9?? September 1916
Brooklyn, N.Y., Sept. 6, 1916.
Editor Brooklyn Chat:
Reading your issue of September 2nd, I came across an item of news regarding the erection of a Mormon Tabernacle on the corner of Gates and Franklin avenues. After reading the article I came to the conclusion that I could not let such statements pass by without making some friendly criticism toward the people living in that neighborhood. Therefore will you permit me a little space for the publication of the following:
I am not a Mormon church member but I am a Christian in spirit. I am visiting the city of New York for the first time in thirty-five years. These years I have been a resident of the Hawaiian Islands, located in the center of the Pacific Ocean. I am glad to state that we have had the Mormon church established in Hawaii since the year 1850, and from observances that I have made in all these years I find that I have nothing but the very best to say of the Mormon elders and the adherents to the Mormon principles of religion. I am positive that from all the different religious denominations that are working in Hawaii for the good and edification of the people, you can pick out the Mormon church as doing the most work with the best results. Now, for me to come to Brooklyn, N.Y., and read such an article as that published in your paper, I can but say that I am amazed at the Christian indifference manifested by the community surrounding the plot that the Mormon Tabernacle is going to be erected on.
I do not wish to create arguments or to censure the people, but I want to emphatically state that the people there should be very happy of the fact that they are going to have such an institution in their midst. If they have daughters or sons that they love, I am positive that these are perfectly safe among the Mormon elders, or anyone who will frequent that meeting place. I am thoroughly acquainted with the virtues of those elders; have had many dealings with them in social and in business life. I do not wish to meet anyone better. As a father of two boys and two girls, I want to state that when these children of mine have grown up to their own sense of reason, my heart will be grateful if I can look up to them and compare their lives with the lives of those young Mormon elders and those young girls, daughters of the Mormon people, who go out to the different parts of the world, sacrificing perhaps the best part of their life for the good that they can do to humanity. This absolutely without pay and entirely at their own expense, depending only upon the gratefulness of their followers.
How much better is a Mormon tabernacle erected on that conspicuous corner than is a �booze mill� with its hellish back door family entrance. I allow you to form your own conclusion, but I hope that you will agree with me, that in place of these �booze mills� that are so conspicuous on the various corners of the streets of Brooklyn, a Mormon tabernacle would be much better. If this were possible, what a difference there would be in the morality of the sons and daughters of Brooklyn parents.
As to the statement made of polygamy and plural marriages, if those dear people would only take a little time to investigate, they would find that there is the sum of $1,000 ready at any moment in Salt Lake City to be paid over to the one that can prove that there has been plural marriages performed or sanctioned by the Church since the enactment of the law against polygamy some twenty-five years ago. Furthermore, if instead of knocking, they would try to get acquainted with these Mormon elders, they would find them so congenial, their personality so strong, that they couldn�t help but make them their best friends. Their character and standing in life demands it. If they don�t believe this, let them be charitable of heart and try them.
The State of Utah at the present time is one of the most progressive States of the Union and in time to come will be the brightest shining star on the blue field of the Stars and Stripes. �
The Mormon elder, wherever he goes, the first incentive of his heart is to bring peace and consolation to those that will accept of his kindness. At all times, the Mormon elder will be the Good Samaritan; still his kind words are often cast aside, and the seed thrown on barren soil. However, no one can deny that he is giving the best that is in him. �
I could go on indefinitely and make positive statements about the good that the Mormon Church has done in the Hawaiian islands, but suffice it to say that I have given you enough information about these people that will satisfy you of the fact that no harm will come from the erection of a Mormon Tabernacle on the corner of Franklin and Gates avenues, or any other corner in the State of New York. The Mormon is no different to any other Christian, except that he is a little better; therefore, no fear should be had of having them in the midst of any civilized community. I only ask that the good people will have charity in their hearts and think of the words of Christ: �Live and let live, and love ye one another as I have loved you, and as my Father loves me.�
Background information on Rocha can be found at:
- John Edward Rocha: Non-Mormon Champion of the Saints by Ardis E. Parshall, Keepapitchinin, 12 September 2008
