We may think the closing down of businesses, churches, and schools, the quarantining of homes and towns, the wearing of masks and the search for vaccines to prevent the spread of disease is unique to our time but this is not the case. Just as the slaughter of 4 years of World War 1 was coming to an end a greater slaughter was about to be unleashed on the world. As silent as an encroaching gas attack, a flu virus more terrible than had been seen before and since began to infect the world population. By its conclusion, it is estimated one-third of the entire world population had been infected and more than 50 million died. The tightly packed troopships and trains of returning soldiers were a perfect breeding ground for this deadly disease.

What came to be known as the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 did indeed close Churches and businesses throughout Utah. Just as today, there were disputes between leaders about whether to lock down the city, and just as today vaccines were being produced in the hope of combating the disease. By 10 October 1918 and lasting for 2 months Churches, schools, and businesses were closed. Schools remained closed until the end of December 1918

Although the Salt Lake Tribune announced on 26^th October 1918 that wearing masks would be made mandatory this decision was not carried out. A later discussion on the same measure was also not proceeded with as it was feared people would become less vigilant due to this offering a false sense of security. (1). Interestingly, in the UK, Churches were not closed on the grounds that during a crisis people should turn to religion, not be excluded from it.

By the spring of 1919, the epidemic faded having infected 9% of the Utah State population and 1 in 20 deaths, including that of Joseph F. Smith. Indeed, a public funeral could not be held due to the ban on religious services. Heber J. Grant was not sustained until June 1919 for similar reasons. (2)

Notable survivors of the flu included British Prime Minister Lloyd George, US President Woodrow Wilson along with Greta Garbo, Mahatma Gandhi, and Walt Disney!

So what has the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 got to do with the Sacrament? We will examine this in our next blog.

References:

1. Salt Lake City, Utah and the 1918-1919 Influenza Epidemic | The American Influenza Epidemic of 1918: A Digital Encyclopedia (influenzaarchive.org)
2. The Lord’s Supper during the Progressive Era, 1890–1930 Justin R. Bray, Journal of Mormon History Vol. 38, No. 4, Fall 2012 pages 88 – 104. Page 103.