Lifespan

Born March 1, 1807 in Avon (Farmington), Connecticut.

Died September 2, 1898 in San Francisco, California.

Ministry

Wilford Woodruff was baptized in an icy stream in New York at the age of 26. He served missions to the southern United States, the eastern United States (twice) and the Fox Islands, Great Britain, and Europe in general. He was ordained an Apostle at age 32 by Brigham Young. At age 80, he led the Church as President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and in 1889 was ordained President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 82. He died at age 91.

Preparation and Calling

Wilford Woodruff served proselyting missions in the southern and eastern United States and in Great Britain. He was mission president over all of Europe. He may have been one of the most successful missionaries in terms of number of converts that the Church has ever had. He led the Church for two years as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before being ordained as its President.

Interaction with God

President Woodruff was dedicated to saving God’s children, both through missionary work and through the saving ordinances of the temple. He was sensitive to the Spirit and received several visions during his time as prophet. However, he was said: “I have been blessed at times with certain gifts and graces, certain revelations and ministrations; but with them I have never found anything that I could place more dependency upon than the still small voice of the Holy Ghost” (Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, 45).

Social Situation

Government and social persecution of the Church over the doctrine of plural marriage was the Church’s greatest challenge. After pleading with God for guidance on how to lead the faithful members concerning this persecution, President Woodruff was shown in vision what would happen to the Church if plural marriage was not ended-the federal government would confiscate Church property, including the temples, and bring to end the important ordinances that the Church taught was essential to salvation. That very evening, President Woodruff wrote the inspired document that became known as the Manifesto, which ended plural marriage in the Church.

Key Teachings

Wilford Woodruff was best known for two principle things: a document known as the Manifesto that ended plural marriage for members of the Church, and a dedication to temple and family history work (including dedicating the Manti and Salt Lake Temples).