Utah, Pt. 3 of 3- The Ugly

I've posted about the beauties and perils of Utah, but not the people.

Though the Church thinks they face no opposition within their stronghold, there are always factions. Though there are less than in Vegas, and even among the divisions, there is little difference in their goals.

In fact, it's inconceivable to me that the Church does not know of the barbarians in their midst. They must be simply tolerated either because they are a source of good in the city, or because the Church secretly acknowledges the virtue of diversity.

On to the groups:

Almost in the shadow of the Church command buildings sits a grand cathedral. To describe it as beautiful is an understatement. It's an old Catholic church, and imposing in an almost comforting way, almost like a father.

I'm fond of old churches, and make a point to visit them whenever possible. So, my first chance alone, I took a crowbar and walked up the steps. To my surprise, the door opened easily to my touch, it wasn't barred or boarded up. It wasn't even locked. My heart jumped as I entered and saw a figure, kneeling between the pews.

I stood speechless, watching him as he finished his prayers, made the sign of the cross and stood. In a quite, even voice he asked if I could please close the door. I did so, and stepped into the isle, introducing myself and explaining I didn't expect to find anyone here.

He replied cryptically, "If you hadn't have expected me, I wouldn't have been here, Chronicler."

My jaw opened, and he went on to explain (though his explanation didn't come close to addressing my question), that he belonged to an underground sect of Catholics dedicated to protecting Salt Lake and the area around it- It seems Watchdogs, the competent lawmen of the Church, are away more often than they're at home, and much of Salt Lake's defenses come from this small, unthanked unit. Their intelligence network is impressive, and they knew of our presence around the time we arrived in Cedar City.

I believe I've successfully opened up communications with them, and think they could turn out to be a valuable resource if we decide to accept the Watchdog's offer to reclaim our city.

Later, in the center of South Salt Lake, I came upon a building whose history was as interesting as its architecture. It seems the City-County building was constructed as an aesthetic statement. The US government needed to show they were the law in Salt Lake and not the Church, so they built a magnificent stone structure whose beauty rivals that of the old LDS temple.

I received an invitation to tour the building after dark one night from an anonymous friend. I, of course, thought it was a trap; and I, of course, went anyway. I'm glad I did.

Seems the old City-County building is the regular meeting place of an unsanctioned group of Dogs. There's no official membership roster, and no need for one, as only a few of the members are in the city at any given time.

From what I gathered in an evening of excellent conversation, there are more than a few Watchdogs who don't approve of the church's heavy handed leadership. Being out in the field, seeing things and meeting people has "opened their eyes" so to speak. They're an unofficial group, as they still believe in their faith and don't want to be excommunicated by the church, but they are conscientious dissenters nonetheless. And their presence within the Church puts me a little more at ease to be dealing with the organization as a whole.

I believe that just about covers Utah, now, to find out what's been going on here since I left.