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]).