Lifespan

Born April 3, 1814 in Mantua, Ohio.

Died October 10, 1901 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Lorenzo Snow performed missionary service in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Great Britain before the age of 30. At age 34 he was ordained an Apostle by Heber C. Kimball. In his 30s, he served a mission to Italy, England, Switzerland, and Malta. At 50 he served in the Hawaiian Islands. From ages 59-63 he served in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and at 71 served a mission to the Indians of the northwestern United States. At age 84, in 1898, he was sustained as President of the Church, and died at age 87.

Preparation and Calling

Lorenzo Snow’s extensive missionary service taught him humility and spiritual acuity. He knew and was taught by every latter-day prophet prior to his calling.

Interaction with God

President Snow is one of the few latter-day prophets who spoke of having seen the Savior Jesus Christ personally in the Salt Lake Temple, where the Lord told him not to wait to reorganize the First Presidency following President Woodruff’s passing. Rather, he should proceed immediately with the reorganization. He is also well known for the revelation he received in 1899 to reinstate the law of tithing in the Church.

Social Situation

The federal government’s persecution of the Church because of plural marriage had led to serious financial troubles. This was the situation facing the Church during President Snow’s administration. Following much consideration and prayer, while speaking at a general conference in St. George, Utah, President Snow paused for several minutes, then announced to the congregation that he had just had a revelation concerning the law of tithing as the means for resolving this challenging problem.

Key Teachings

President Snow is perhaps best known for reinstituting the law of tithing and for continually expanding the missionary work of the Church, opening missions in Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, and Germany during his adminstration.