5 addressed to Elder George Reynolds, who is secretary of the Board. It was felt by the Board that, to begin with, there should be one stake academy established in each stake as soon as practicable. Religious training is practically excluded from the district schools. The perusal of books that we value as devine records is forbidden. Our children if left to the training they receive in these schools, will grow up entirely ignorant of those principles of salvation for which the Latter-Day Saints have made so many sacrifices. To allow this condition of things to exist among us would be criminal. The desire is universally expressed by all thinking people in the church that we should have schools where the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants can be used as textbooks, and where the principles of our religion may form a part of the teaching of these schools. To effect this it will be necessary that funds be collected. The church will doubtless do its share, but it cannot carry the entire burden. The Saints must be appealed to. There are hundreds of liberal minded people among us who will be willing to contribute to this worthy object when they find the subject is receiving proper attention and that definite and permanent arrangements are being made to establish academies of this character. The brethern whom you select to form this Board should be men of character and integrity among the people, who will be able to use an influence in the collection of funds so that academies amy be established, good facilities be employed, and education be made so cheap that it will be within the reach of the humblest in the land. After you have made a proper selection for this board, the names of the brethern comprising it should be presented regularly at your stake conference, as other authorities are, so that the people may vote for them. Very respectfully yours, Wilford Woodruff Chairman of the Board of Education George Reynolds, Secretary 1. Historical Record Weber Stake Academy - page 2.