The Brigham Young Center

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Great Salt Lake City
Jan 22nd 1866.

J. M. Ellis Esq.
Worshipfull Master Mt. Moriah Lodge
U. D. F & A M.

Dear Sir:-

Your favor of yesterday's date, on the subject of the organization of a Lodge of Masons and also making the inquiry whether you might not instruct a committee to wait on me for the purpose of getting the use of the Social Hall for a Masonic banquet and dance, has been received. I never have let out the Social Hall, for such purposes as you desire, to any parties outside of our own organization; but have no objections to let the Masons have the building on the same terms and subject to the same conditions which are always required of all who use it.

The charge for the building, with music, lights and fire, is $150.00. The basement is used for a dining hall, and the necessary tables are there, but no other furniture. If you should wish to take the building I should place a gentleman, a Mason, to preside in the building and maintain the customary regulations. There has never been any smoking, <drinking> or swearing allowed in the building, and where persons chew, it has never been admissable for them to spit on the floor. To the strict enforcement of these regulations, from the first opening of the building until the present, I attribute the reputation which the Hall has gained among the people.

On these conditions you can have the Hall.

I remain respectfully,

Brigham Young

P. S. If there should be an distinction made towards any parties on account of religious tenets, and persons of every religious persausion, who are of good character and standing, cannot be admitted to fellowship according to your advertisement, I will withdraw the above proposal and drop the matter.

B. Y.