Born November 22, 1856 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died May 14, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

At age 23, Heber J. Grant was called to be a stake president. Two years later, he was ordained an apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From 1883-84, he served a mission to the American Indians, and from 1901-06, Heber was the president of the first mission in Japan, then president of the British and European Mission. At age 60, he became the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and at age 62 was sustained as President of the Church, where he served for the next 26 years.

Preparation and Calling

Heber’s father, Morgan (who was a counselor to President Brigham Young), died nine days after Heber’s birth. Heber was raised by his widowed mother, Rachel. He learned from this upbringing to work hard, become self-sufficient during hard times, and to have great empathy for those who had to struggle through life.

Interaction with God

President Grant frequently sought the direction of the Lord while going about doing good himself. His was a practical religion, filled with generosity and dedicated service, but little is known of his actual interactions with Deity.

Social Situation

President Grant oversaw the Church during the Great Depression. He established a welfare system within the Church that became a model for assistance that has been admired by governments and other organizations around the world. Instead of simply handing out welfare assistance, he created a system “under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongs our people” (in Conference Report, 1936, p. 3).

Key Teachings

President Grant was well known for his strength of personal commitment, self-mastery, and willpower. He saw the Church through the challenges of war, the Great Depression, and rapid membership growth.