Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0353
Otis Gatewood vs Kenneth E. Farnsworth (Mormon)
October 7, 1943
Ogden, Utah
(By R. D. Horton)
The debate was held in the open air of the beautiful spacious city, County Park, which is in the center of Ogden, Utah. It lasted five nights, July 12-16.
Farnsworth affirmed all propositions.
(1) Resolved, that the doctrine of baptism for the dead, as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is in harmony with the Bible and the 'Book of Mormon'.
(2) That the 'Book of Mormon' is of divine origin.
(3) That the scriptures teach the doctrine of continuous revelation.
(4) That the doctrine of divine authority, as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is in harmony with the Bible.
Crowds of 1,500 attended each session and good order prevailed. The speakers kept the debate on a high Christian plane. Theirs was a doctrinal discussion, not a personal one. Neither indulged in slander. Still, they pressed the issue hard. Mormonism, which was held undisputed in Utah for 100 years, winced under public exposure of their false positions and spiritual wickedness in high places. $1,500 was spent in preparation for the debate. When it was announced that the Mormons were not bearing a penny of it, I was setting upon the platform and could see the withering effect I had on them (R. D. Horton is writing). I could also see the disapproval written on the faces of the non-Mormons.
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