When he was president, in 1978, Jimmy Carter stood in the Salt Lake Tabernacle with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, telling the audience of some 8,000 people that their attendance was “indeed, a demonstration, an act of faith.”
Carter — who died Sunday at age 100 — was in Salt Lake City on Nov. 27, 1978, to take part in the church’s celebration of “National Family Week.”
As The Salt Lake Tribune reported at the time, Carter complimented the church’s television advertising campaign to promote families. “I know how much less difficult my job would be if your mammoth campaign to strengthen families should succeed,” Carter told the Tabernacle audience.
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Jimmy Carter, right, speaking at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Nov. 27, 1978. The church's president, Spencer W. Kimball, is seated at left.
When families are strong, Carter said then, it leaves the government with less to do.
“Our government spends a great deal repairing damages caused by broken families. But when families fail, the government must act,” Carter said, though he added, “sometimes they act in error.”
The church’s president, Spencer W. Kimball, gave Carter a “Family Unity” award. The award featured a small replica of a Latter-day Saint statue of a man and a woman with arms outstretched, circling a child. Carter called it “absolutely beautiful.”
The Tabernacle crowd greeted Carter warmly, The Tribune reported. Outside Temple Square, the reception was less welcoming.
A protest, made up mostly of some 300 Iranian students opposed to U.S. involvement in Iran, led to a confrontation with Salt Lake City police, The Tribune reported. Students chanted “down with the shah” and “U.S. forces out of Iran.”
Police scuffled with demonstrators briefly, The Tribune reported, when officers tried to confiscate sticks and poles that were being used to carry placards and an effigy of the Shah of Iran — who was overthrown by supporters of the Ayatollah Khomeini less than two months later. Four men and a woman were arrested between the Federal Building and Temple Square on charges of assaulting a police officer, a police official told The Tribune.
Carter’s 1978 visit to Utah was knocked off the national front pages by a tragedy later that day: the assassination of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in their City Hall offices.
On Sunday, the governing First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a news release to mark Carter’s death: “We express our deepest sympathy to the family of President Jimmy Carter and join with others in honoring his legacy of service to his country. President Carter embraced the Savior’s admonition to ‘love thy neighbor,’ leading by example in many humanitarian causes and promoting peace worldwide. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and devoted man of faith. We pray that the Carter family may feel comfort and peace as they reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life.”
In retirement, Carter visited Utah several times, often to lecture about national and global issues — and to sign copies of one of the dozens of books he wrote after his presidency.
On one such trip, in October 2010, a line of some 1,500 fans stretched more than a block from The King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City’s 15th and 15th neighborhood, to get signed copies of this book, “White House Diary.”
A buyer for The King’s English told The Tribune that the only time she had seen a bigger crowd at the bookstore was three years earlier, for the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the last in the series.
Talking with reporters at the bookshop, Carter correctly predicted the results of the 2010 midterm elections — that the Republicans would retake the House majority, but Democrats would keep hold on the Senate — but that President Barack Obama could still advance his agenda by taking his arguments to the American people.
Carter called the political climate of 2010 the nastiest he had seen up to that point. “When I was in office,” he said, “I never called my adversary anything but ‘my worthy opponent.’”
On Sunday, Utah political leaders reacted to Carter’s death with posts on X, formerly Twitter:
• Utah Gov. Spencer Cox: “Jimmy Carter lived a life of service, integrity and faith. As a man deeply devoted to his country and to humanitarian efforts around the globe, he leaves a legacy that transcends politics. Our prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing.” Cox also ordered flags at state facilities to fly at half-staff for 30 days, through Jan. 28, in recognition of Carter’s death.
• Sen. Mike Lee: “Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter’s post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man. From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among America’s leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith.”
• Rep. (and Sen.-elect) John Curtis: “President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and had an unwavering dedication to peace. A copy of The Jerusalem Post from the day the Camp David Accords was signed hangs in my office. It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the power of consensus. President Carter’s legacy of diplomacy inspires us to continue working toward a more just and stable world.”
• Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes: “From his time in the U.S. armed forces, his work with global charities, to quiet work in his church and local community, he leaves a legacy as a champion of human rights and humanitarian service.”
The Utah House’s Democratic Caucus also issued a statement Sunday, expressing condolences to Carter’s “family, loved ones and all who mourn his loss.”
“President Carter’s life was a testament to integrity, humility, and unwavering service to humanity,” the Democrats’ caucus said. “From his time in the Oval Office to his tireless efforts with the Carter Center, he dedicated himself to fostering peace, promoting human rights, and alleviating suffering across the globe. President Carter’s legacy is one of compassion and action.”
