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.

Born August 21, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Thomas S. Monson was sustained as a ward bishop at the age of 22. He also served at a relatively young age in the Temple View Stake in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1959, he was called to serve as president of the Canadian Mission. In 1963, at the age of 36, he was ordained an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was set apart as second counselor in the Church’s First Presidency in 1985 and as first counselor in 1995. In February 2008, Thomas S. Monson was sustained as President of the Church.

Preparation and Calling

At the young age of 22, Thomas S. Monson was ordained to be a bishop. His ward had a significant number of widows, and Bishop Monson learned much about caring for the elderly and the lonely at an early age. He was still in his 20s when he was called to serve in the Temple View Stake Presidency, and age 32 was called to be a mission president in Canada. At age 36, he was ordained an Apostle. When he was sustained as President of the Church, he had been serving as a counselor in the First Presidency for over 20 years.

Interaction with God

President Monson’s relationship with Deity seems to be simple but powerful. As he serves those in need and goes about the Lord’s business, God blesses him with His all-powerful Spirit. His ministry is one of service and influence among those judged by the world as both great and small.

Social Situation

The world is facing political challenges at every corner. Socio-religious conflicts run rampant in many societies. One of the greatest challenges of the generation is the availability of pornography via the home or the computer. At the same time, volunteerism and general optimism in a brighter future are generally on the rise.

See also: thomasmonson.com

Born June 23, 1910 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died January 27, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Gordon B. Hinckley was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of eight in 1919. From 1933 to 1935 he served a full-time mission in Great Britain. Upon his return, he became employed by the Church, where he worked for the next 22 years. At age 47, he was ordained an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Four years later he was ordained an Apostle, and from 1981 to 1995, he served as Counselor to Presidents Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and Howard W. Hunter. In 1995, at age 84, he was sustained as President of the Church, until his passing on January 27, 2008.

Preparation and Calling

Few prophets have been as prepared administratively as has Gordon B. Hinckley. Twenty-two years of Church employment developing and supporting various Church programs followed by 37 years as a General Authority of the Church, including 14 years in the First Presidency gave him much experience in the programs and administration of Church affairs. In addition, his background in journalism and public affairs, combined with a natural optimism and quick wit, served him well in dealing more closely with media people than any prophet before him.

Interaction with God

Much of President Hinckley’s administration has been hallmarked by the use of councils to discuss thoroughly inspired ideas, which are brought forward only when all members of the council reach unanimity and full accord with those ideas. He has provided leaders an example of allowing the Spirit to work on others in order to perfect a quiet inspiration into a full-fledged plan of action.

Social Situation

President Hinckley has done much to bring the Church out of obscurity and into the warm light of public recognition.

Key Teachings

Gordon B. Hinckley’s teachings as God’s prophet on earth have been centered on optimistically pressing forward to do the will of the Lord. He has visited every continent except Antarctica, met with Saints in over 50 countries, and encouraged people everywhere to always be a little better than they were before.

See also: http://gordonhinckley.com/

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.”

Born August 4, 1899 in Whitney, Idaho.

Died May 30, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Saints at the age of eight in 1907. At age 44 he was ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant. His missionary experiences included serving as a proselyting missionary in Great Britain (1921-23) and twice as president of the European Mission. At age 74 he was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and in 1985 he was sustained as President of the Church, in which position he served until his passing in 1994. He also served as Secretary of Agriculture of the United States 1952-60.

Preparation and Calling

Two periods of service in particular serve as milestones in the preparation of Ezra Taft Benson to become the prophet of God. First was his appointment to tour war-torn Europe following World War II and begin to bring hundreds and thousands of tons of relief goods to the Saints in Germany and elsewhere. The second was his service in President Dwight Eisenhower’s cabinet, the only Apostle in this latter-day to serve in the cabinet of a U.S. president. These experiences served him well, for during his time as prophet, he initiated humanitarian service projects that began the Church’s current policy of providing lifesaving goods and services throughout the world in time of disaster. His political contacts and proven track record of relief opened many, many doors with international leaders.

Interaction with God

President Benson’s relationship with Deity is hallmarked by humility and dedication to the word of God as revealed in holy writ, particularly the Book of Mormon.

Social Situation

During President Benson’s time of God’s prophet, he was able to negotiate the dedication of a temple in the German Democratic Republic and the presence of missionaries in the same in 1985 and 1989, respectively. In November 1989, the boundaries between eastern and western Europe came down. Though President Benson’s accomplishments are many, none are more critical than the spiritual influence he exerted in behalf of the Saints in those countries, including down to this day.

Key Teachings

The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion, and we must remain true to the witness that it bears of Jesus Christ.

Born March 28, 1895 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died November 5, 1985 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Spencer W. Kimball was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of eight. He served a mission in the central United States from 1914-16. At age 48, he was ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant. His missionary leadership involved supervising the work with the American Indians and in South America. In 1972, at age 72, he was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and eighteen months later was sustained as President of the Church, where he served until his death at the age of 90 in 1985.

Preparation and Calling

Spencer W. Kimball had endured many personal challenges, including the removal of most of his vocal chords. His ministry was always given to assignments requiring both action and understanding, so it is not surprising that these two qualities were among his strengths.

Interaction with God

Little is known regarding Spencer W. Kimball’s personal relationship with Deity, but we do know that he plead fervently with the Lord regarding a number of soulfelt issues, ranging from his own feelings of inadequacy to the civil rights movement in the United States and the social conditions of the Native American Indians. Significant actions grew out of the answers he received, though he claimed no open visions or visitations from heavenly beings.

Social Situation

Civil rights were a big issue in the United States when Spencer W. Kimball became God’s prophet. He already had significant experience dealing with Native American Indians and helping to improve their social experience, and had great empathy for African Americans who were rising from years and years of repression. In addition, Church membership was growing at an unprecedented pace, increasing the challenges of administering the Church uniformly and effeciently throughout the world.

Key Teachings

President Spencer W. Kimball was known for two hallmark statements: “Lengthen your stride,” and “Do it!” He challenged members of the Church to hasten their pace in doing the work of the Lord and improving their own lives, and he brought about the types of adminstrative changes that enabled all in the Church to move forward. Three of the most important were: (1) extending the priesthood to all worthy male members of age, which meant that every family with a worthy father could have the priesthood in their home, (2) the reconstitution of the Quorums of the Seventy, which established the organizational structure for administering a growing worldwide Church, and (3) the publication of a new edition of the scriptures with additional study aids, which provided the tools needed for every person to have an increased knowledge of the word of God.

Born March 28, 1899 in Clifton, Idaho.

Died December 26, 1973 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Harold B. Lee was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8 years old. He served a mission in the western United States from 1920-22, and at age 36 (1935) was called to organize the Church’s welfare program. At age 42, he was called to become one of the Twelve Apostles. At age 62, he became the chairman of Church Correlation, a new program organized by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At age 70 he was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve, served as a counselor to Joseph Fielding Smith, and was sustained as President of the Church at age 73. He served only 18 months before passing away on December 26, 1973.

Preparation and Calling

Harold B. Lee was called to be a stake president at age 31 in the Pioneer Stake in Salt Lake City. It was located in one of the areas of the city hardest hit by the Great Depression, and his success wth that situation drew the attention of Church and government leaders alike. His organizational abilities led him to have significant responsibilities in establishing the Church’s welfare plan, which has been admired by governments and other organizations the world over, and the Church correlation effort, which coordinates all Church programs and materials.

Interaction with God

When Harold was a small boy, he heard a warning voice as he prepared to explore some broken-down buildings. That voice was as clear as if someone had been standing next to him, although he could see no one there. Later he wrote, “From that time on, I accepted without question the fact that there were processes not known to man by which we can hear voices from the unseen world, by which we can have brought to us the visions of eternity” (“The Way to Eternal Life,” Ensign, Nov. 1971, p. 17). Deep impressions and the quiet whisperings of the Spirit became familiar friends to Harold B. Lee throughout his life and ministry.

Social Situation

With the growth of the Church and the social issues of identity and direction that came with the 1970s, President Lee was instrumental in establishing the structures necessary to deal with issues on an international level. Church correlation established a unified approach for a growing worldwide organization, and efforts such as welfare, health services, social services, agricultural missions, and the establishment of an organization for single adults in the Church demonstrated a deep concern for the individual.

Key Teachings

In addition to his organizational skills, Harold B. Lee was known for his devotion to responding immediately to impressions of the Spirit and for seeking to strengthen testimony constantly through daily devotion to scripture study and personal prayer.

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.

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]).

Born April 4, 1870 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died April 4, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

At age 21 (1891), George Albert was called on his first mission-to southern Utah. From age 22-24, he and his wife, Lucy, served a mission in the southeastern United States. He was ordained an Apostle in 1903 at age 33. From 1919-21, Elder Smith was president of the European Mission. At age 73, he became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1945 at age 75. He passed away on his birthday six years later.

Preparation and Calling

George Albert Smith was named for his grandfather, George A. Smith, who was a cousin to Joseph Smith and a counselor to Brigham Young. For seven years (1903-10), he served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with his father, John Henry Smith, the only father and son duo to do so since the restoration of the Church in 1830. His life was a pattern of righteousness, and his family bore a strong heritage of Church leadership. That heritage figured strongly into his character and his service.

Interaction with God

The most well-known spiritual experience of George Albert Smith could be considered a gift from God, though it did not involve a member of the Godhead directly. At a time of great difficulty and self-doubt, he had a dream in which he met his grandfather, George A. Smith. In a brief interview, George Albert was able to respond positively to his grandfather’s question, and thereafter regained both his physical and spiritual strength. He later referred to this incident as a major turning point in his ministry.

Social Situation

President Smith served during the time when Europe was recovering from World War II. He sent missionaries to many countries where they had been unable to go previously because of the war, and initiated the sending of vast amounts of food and supplies to the Saints in Europe who suffered so badly during and after World War II.

Key Teachings

The teachings of President George Albert Smith can be perhaps best be summarized with this statement, which he made during a general conference of the Church in April 1948: “Every happiness and every joy that has been worthy of the name has been the result of keeping the commandments of God and observing his advice and counsel” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1948, pp. l62).