issues through their involvement in these organizations. These recruitment efforts were very successful, so Klan membership soared. A primary recruitment leader during the 1920s, Edward Young Clark, reported that the Klan had gained 48,000 members in just three months. Klan leaders took advantage of this success and used membership fees to finance large purchases such as the Klan Krest, a new home for Imperial Wizard Simmons (founder of the 2nd KKK). Violence In addition to recruitment drives and alliances with fraternal lodges and Protestant churches, the Klan also used controlled instances of violence to attract members. Violence was pronounced in areas of high KKK activity, intimidating opponents of the KKK and impressing future members. Violence was a method to demonstrate commitment to the Klan philosophy; however, its use was monitored closely by Klan Leaders to discourage government intervention and to "avoid a backlash from the general public that could damage recruiting efforts". Charity work and recruitment To offset violent acts, the KKK participated in charitable activities. In 1922, the Klan "contributed $25 each to the Volunteers of America and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an offer which Webster said proved that the Klan was not anti-black". The charitable activities demonstrated that the KKK was committed to the welfare of the nation and also "served as an effective public relations device by creating a more favorable opinion of the secret order and attracting new members". Other recruitment factors The allure of the "invisible empire" and its public anonymity were also appeals for potential Klansmen. In addition to the empowerment of membership in an empire that was secretive, Klansmen also enjoyed a kinship bond from membership. The activities and events of Klan members were impressive to future recruits as they included family picnics and other social events that built solidarity. Notable Kleagles Edgar Ray Killen, a Mississippi Klansman long suspected of involvement in the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner that were the subject of the movie Mississippi Burning (1988). Killen was found guilty of manslaughter on June 21, 2005. Robert Byrd, Democrat, senior senator in the United States Senate from West Virginia. Byrd then moved on and disavowed any continuing connection with the Ku Klux Klan. As part of this disavowal, he confessed that it had been his decision to join the Ku Klux Klan that had started his career in politics. King Kleagles The King Kleagle was the head