Lifespan

Born August 4, 1899 in Whitney, Idaho.

Died May 30, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Saints at the age of eight in 1907. At age 44 he was ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant. His missionary experiences included serving as a proselyting missionary in Great Britain (1921-23) and twice as president of the European Mission. At age 74 he was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and in 1985 he was sustained as President of the Church, in which position he served until his passing in 1994. He also served as Secretary of Agriculture of the United States 1952-60.

Preparation and Calling

Two periods of service in particular serve as milestones in the preparation of Ezra Taft Benson to become the prophet of God. First was his appointment to tour war-torn Europe following World War II and begin to bring hundreds and thousands of tons of relief goods to the Saints in Germany and elsewhere. The second was his service in President Dwight Eisenhower’s cabinet, the only Apostle in this latter-day to serve in the cabinet of a U.S. president. These experiences served him well, for during his time as prophet, he initiated humanitarian service projects that began the Church’s current policy of providing lifesaving goods and services throughout the world in time of disaster. His political contacts and proven track record of relief opened many, many doors with international leaders.

Interaction with God

President Benson’s relationship with Deity is hallmarked by humility and dedication to the word of God as revealed in holy writ, particularly the Book of Mormon.

Social Situation

During President Benson’s time of God’s prophet, he was able to negotiate the dedication of a temple in the German Democratic Republic and the presence of missionaries in the same in 1985 and 1989, respectively. In November 1989, the boundaries between eastern and western Europe came down. Though President Benson’s accomplishments are many, none are more critical than the spiritual influence he exerted in behalf of the Saints in those countries, including down to this day.

Key Teachings

The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion, and we must remain true to the witness that it bears of Jesus Christ.

Lifespan

Born September 8, 1873 in Huntsville, Utah.

Died January 18, 1970 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

David O. McKay served a mission in Scotland 1897-99. Six years after his return, he was ordained an Apostle at age 32. At ages 47-48, he made a tour of Church missions worldwide; during this tour, he dedicated China for the preaching of the gospel. From ages 49-51, Elder McKay served as president of the European mission. From 1934 through 1951, he served in the First Presidency of the Church, serving first as a counselor to Heber J. Grant and then to George Albert Smith. In 1950 he became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, and in 1951 was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served until his death in 1970.

Preparation and Calling

David O. McKay served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for 45 years, including 16 years as a counselor in the First Presidency, before being called to become the Lord’s prophet, seer, and revelator. He was the most widely traveled Apostle of his time, having visited members of the Church around the world. Before he passed away, he had visited almost all countries of the world that a Westerner could visit.

Interaction with God

Little is known about President McKay’s relationship with Deity, but his public teachings reveal a man who was dedicated to following the Master Teacher and implementing the Savior’s example in his everyday living, particularly in the home.

Social Situation

War had torn down some of the social and political walls that had held back the missionary effort for many years. However, with Mormon soldiers opening doors in the countries where they served, particularly as they helped to build back up the countries that the United States had defeated, such as Japan, Korea, and Germany, the Church began to make serious inroads into many parts of the world. For the first time since the Restoration, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was truly becoming an international church. During President McKay’s nearly 20 years as prophet, the Church grew almost threefold.

Key Teachings

Although President McKay taught powerfully about many things, no teaching was more important than this: “The home is the first and most effective place for children to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control; the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home” (Family Home Evening Manual [1968]).

Lifespan

Born April 4, 1870 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died April 4, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

At age 21 (1891), George Albert was called on his first mission-to southern Utah. From age 22-24, he and his wife, Lucy, served a mission in the southeastern United States. He was ordained an Apostle in 1903 at age 33. From 1919-21, Elder Smith was president of the European Mission. At age 73, he became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1945 at age 75. He passed away on his birthday six years later.

Preparation and Calling

George Albert Smith was named for his grandfather, George A. Smith, who was a cousin to Joseph Smith and a counselor to Brigham Young. For seven years (1903-10), he served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with his father, John Henry Smith, the only father and son duo to do so since the restoration of the Church in 1830. His life was a pattern of righteousness, and his family bore a strong heritage of Church leadership. That heritage figured strongly into his character and his service.

Interaction with God

The most well-known spiritual experience of George Albert Smith could be considered a gift from God, though it did not involve a member of the Godhead directly. At a time of great difficulty and self-doubt, he had a dream in which he met his grandfather, George A. Smith. In a brief interview, George Albert was able to respond positively to his grandfather’s question, and thereafter regained both his physical and spiritual strength. He later referred to this incident as a major turning point in his ministry.

Social Situation

President Smith served during the time when Europe was recovering from World War II. He sent missionaries to many countries where they had been unable to go previously because of the war, and initiated the sending of vast amounts of food and supplies to the Saints in Europe who suffered so badly during and after World War II.

Key Teachings

The teachings of President George Albert Smith can be perhaps best be summarized with this statement, which he made during a general conference of the Church in April 1948: “Every happiness and every joy that has been worthy of the name has been the result of keeping the commandments of God and observing his advice and counsel” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1948, pp. l62).