Lifespan

Born November 14, 1907 in Boise, Idaho.

Died March 3, 1995 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Howard W. Hunter was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of twelve. At age 51, he was ordained an Apostle by President David O. McKay. From ages 56-64, he was president of the Church’s Genealogical Society, the last two years of which he also served as the Church Historian. In 1988, at age 80, Howard W. Hunter was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and was sustained as President of the Church at age 86, where he served for but nine months before passing away.

Preparation and Calling

Howard W. Hunter’s preparation for becoming God’s prophet was simple-he lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. With wit, intelligence, and commitment, he devoted himself to becoming the best person he could be. He endured challenge and adversity. He was told in his late years that he would never walk again. Every day he would require of himself strenuous physical therapy-without the knowledge of his fellow Apostles. Then one day he walked to their weekly meeting in the Salt Lake Temple. Without fanfare, Howard W. Hunter simply did his best every day.

Interaction with God

Of the manner of his relationship with Deity, we have little public information. What we do know is that Howard W. Hunter was known as one of the most Christlike prophets the modern Church has ever known. His life and faith were centered on Jesus Christ, his Master and Redeemer.

Social Situation

President Hunter’s short tenure of nine months was not established against any particular social situation outside of the constant pressure of the world and the adversary to become devoted to priorities other than those that will lead us to salvation and life eternal with our Father in Heaven.

Key Teachings

As God’s prophet, Howard W. Hunter challenged members of the Church to do two things: live a more Christlike life and establish the temple as the “great symbol of their membership.”