Lifespan

Born July 19, 1876 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died July 2, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Joseph Fielding Smith was baptized a member of the Church at age 8 in 1884. He served a mission in England 1899-1901, and was ordained an Apostle at age 33. From age 44 to 93, he served as Church Historian. When he was aged 68-72, he served as president of the Salt Lake Temple, and in 1951 (age 74) became president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At age 93, Joseph Fielding Smith was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served until his death in 1972.

Preparation and Calling

Joseph Fielding Smith was the son of a prophet (Joseph F. Smith) and the grandson of Hyrum Smith, Assistant President of the Church and brother of Joseph Smith Jr., the first prophet of this dispensation. He loved the scriptures and studied them his entire life, becoming one of the Church’s foremost theologians. He served as an Apostle for 60 years in preparation for his eventual calling as the prophet of the Lord.

Interaction with God

Not much is known about Joseph Fielding Smith’s actual interactions with Deity. From his teachings, however, we can see that he was a man who cared deeply about the scriptures and desired to keep his life and teaching in line with the accepted revelations of the Lord. His natural inclination was perhaps to look for direction and answers in what the Lord had already given His children before seeking additional instruction.

Social Situation

During the two and a half years of President Smith’s tenure as prophet, the first stakes were organized in Africa and Asia. In America, the turbulent 70s were just beginning, and his counsel to adhere closely to the revealed gospel of Jesus Christ provided a much needed voice of clear direction in a country that was seeking meaning in life.

Key Teachings

Joseph Fielding Smith taught that we have an obligation to both seek and understand God’s word as revealed in the holy scriptures, and then to hold fast to that word with unshakable faith and action. In essence, God has given us what we need to gain exaltation and return to live with Him, so let nothing interfere with your commitment to do that will.