Lifespan

Born November 1, 1808 in Milnthorpe, England.

Died July 25, 1887 in Kaysville, Utah.

Ministry

President John Taylor was ordained an Apostle on 19 December 1838 by Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. He served missions in England (twice), Germany, France, and the Eastern United States. In 1877, President Brigham Young passed away, and President Taylor led the Church as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. On 10 October 1880, at the age of 71, he was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He died at the age of 78.

Preparation and Calling

England-born John Taylor was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 27 with his wife, Lenora, in 1836 in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada. At age 30 he was ordained an Apostle. He served two missions to his homeland of England, and also served in France and Germany, where he had the Book of Mormon published. At age 45 he presided over the Eastern States Mission. Following Brigham Young’s death, he led the Church as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for three years, and then was sustained as President of the Church.

Interaction with God

John Taylor was a man of intelligence and conviction. He prayed humbly and fervently, and he sought to always do what he felt the Spirit directed him to do.

Social Situation

The federal government continued to pass legislature that allowed reform groups and others to persecute the Saints, particularly regarding the practice of plural marriage.

Key Teachings

President Taylor’s personal motto was “The kingdom of God or nothing.” He was courageous, intelligent, and a gifted writer and editor. He desired that members of the Church adopt the same attitude as he exemplified, encouraging them to pray diligently, to fulfill their obligations, to trust in God, to live the Gospel, and to seek and obey the influence of the Holy Spirit.