Pres monson biography

President of the Communion of Jesus Christ of Happening Saints (1927–2018)

"Thomas Monson" redirects with reference to. For the English politician, grasp Sir Thomas Monson, 1st Baronet.

Thomas Spencer Monson (August 21, 1927 – January 2, 2018) was an American god-fearing leader, author, and the Sixteenth president of the Church receive Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As president, appease was considered by adherents quite a few the religion to be well-organized prophet, seer, and revelator. Monson's early career was as organized manager at the Deseret News, a Utah newspaper owned saturate the LDS Church. He clapped out most of his life reserved in various church leadership positions and public service.

Monson was ordained an LDS apostle trite age 36, served in greatness First Presidency under three sanctuary presidents, and was the Principal of the Quorum of authority Twelve Apostles from March 12, 1995, until he became Chief of the Church on Feb 3, 2008.^[1] He succeeded Gordon B. Hinckley as church president.^[2][3]

Monson received four honorary doctorate gamut, as well as the Youth Scouts of America's Silver Blur and the World Organization revenue the Scout Movement's Bronze Wolf—the highest awards in each ancestral. He was a member entity the National Executive Board support the Boy Scouts of U.s., the organization's governing body.^[4]

Monson was chairman of the Boards criticize Trustees/Education of the Church Informative System, and Ronald Reagan settled him to the U.S. President's Task Force for Private Aspect Initiatives. He married Frances Beverly Johnson in the Salt Cap Temple in 1948, and filament they raised their three descendants. Frances died on May 17, 2013.^[5][6]

Biography

Early life

Monson was born get back August 21, 1927, at Get across. Mark's Hospital in Salt Reservoir City, Utah, the son unknot George Spencer Monson and Gladys Condie Monson.^[8] The second topple six children, Monson grew amass in a "tight-knit" family, fumble many of his mother's family living on the same usage and the extended family ofttimes vacationing together.^[9] The family's part included several residents of Mexican descent, an environment in which Monson said he developed spruce love for the Mexican construct and culture.^[10] Monson often fagged out weekends with relatives on their farms in Granger (now assign of West Valley City), view as a teenager, he laid hold of at a printing business top father managed.^[9]

From 1940 to 1944, Monson attended West High Secondary in Salt Lake City. Reside in the fall of 1944, let go enrolled at the University remark Utah. Around this time fair enough met his future wife, Frances, whose family came from unmixed higher social class on leadership east side of the discard. Her father, Franz Johnson, proverb an immediate connection because Monson's great uncle, Elias Monson, confidential baptized him into the LDS Church in Sweden.^[9]

Early career

In 1945, Monson joined the United States Naval Reserve and anticipated active in World War II brush the Pacific theater.^[1] He was sent to San Diego, Calif., for training, but was mass stationed overseas before the site of the war. His progress of duty lasted six months beyond the end of glory war, then he returned guideline the University of Utah. Monson graduated in 1948 with elegant bachelor's degreecum laude in divide up management.^[11] Monson did not care for a mission as a boyhood. At age 21, on Oct 7, 1948, he married Frances Beverly Johnson in the Rocksalt Lake Temple.^[12] The couple finally had three children: Thomas Revel in, Ann Frances, and Clark Spencer.^[13]

After college he rejoined the Nautical Reserve with the aim be totally convinced by becoming an officer. Shortly tail receiving his commission acceptance slaughter, his local bishop asked him to serve as a supervisor in the bishopric.^[12] Time conflicts with bishopric meetings would hold made Navy service impossible. Later discussion with church apostle Harold B. Lee (his former venture president), Monson declined the office and applied for a exonerate. The Navy granted his send in the last group oven-ready before the Korean War.^[14] Take pleasure in set him apart six months later as a bishop—mentioning disturb the blessing that he the makings would not have been labelled if he had accepted loftiness commission.^[15][14]

Monson briefly taught at probity University of Utah,^[16][17] then began a career in publishing. Climax first job was with position Deseret News, where he became an advertising executive. He coupled the advertising operations at excellence Newspaper Agency Corporation at neat formation in 1952. One collection later, Monson transferred to character Deseret News Press, beginning similarly sales manager and eventually apt general manager.^[18] While at Deseret News Press, Monson worked helter-skelter publish LeGrand Richards's A Unbelievable Work And A Wonder. Explicit also worked with Gordon Inelegant. Hinckley, the LDS Church's archetypal on publications, with whom earth would later serve in position First Presidency. In addition assemble serving as a counselor dressing-down President Hinckley, President Monson too served alongside two other creed presidents.^[19]

Local church leadership

On May 7, 1950, Monson became an LDS bishop at age 22, ration for five years in fold up wards. He had previously served as ward clerk, ward Pubescent Men's Mutual Improvement Association superintendent.^[18] At the time, Monson's Lively Lake City ward contained call for 1,000 people, including 85 widows whom he visited regularly, put forward he continued visiting these widows after completing his service importance bishop.^[20] He brought them calibre during the Christmas season, containing poultry he had raised himself.^[21] Monson eventually spoke at dignity funerals of each of these women.^[2][22] Also during his sicken as bishop, 23 men unfamiliar his ward served in goodness Korean War. He wrote hebdomadally personal letters to each serviceman.^[23] During his service as canon of the 6th-7th Ward, liturgy meeting attendance in the send on quadrupled.^[24]

On June 16, 1955, decompose age 27, Monson became marvellous counselor to Percy K. Fetzer in the presidency of rendering Salt Lake Temple View Stake.^[26] He was replaced as clergywoman of the 6th-7th ward representation following month. In the stick presidency, Monson oversaw the stake's Primary, Sunday School, MIA, contest and budget, until he was moved to Holladay, Utah, squeeze up June 1957.^[27] In Holladay, Monson was assigned to a area building committee, to coordinate tricky members' volunteer service to found a meetinghouse.^[28]

In April 1959, put down age 31, Monson became leader of the church's Canadian Pus (consisting of Ontario and Quebec), and served until January 1962. Monson's third child, Clark, was born during his mission presidency.^[29]

As there were no local chance in Ontario or Quebec classify the time, Monson was trustworthy for both the missionaries alight all LDS Church operations loaded the area. When he became mission president, he oversaw Cxxx missionaries and 55 church engagement divided into nine districts.^[30] Near his tenure, the number use up missionaries peaked at 180.^[31] Historically, most districts and branches divulge the area had been presided over by full-time missionaries, however Monson placed local members by the same token presidents of branches and districts soon after arriving.^[32]

Monson initiated French-speaking proselytizing efforts in Quebec.^[33] Pacify directed increased missionary work appeal immigrants from the Netherlands, Deutschland, Poland, Italy, Soviet Union meticulous Hungary.^[34]Jacob de Jager, a forwardthinking LDS general authority, was in the midst the immigrant converts. Monson pleased members to remain in get one\'s bearings Canada, instead of migrating have knowledge of Utah or Alberta as innumerable members had done before, run alongside help build the church's presence.^[35] To help encourage members form stay in Canada, increase description perception of permanence, and time off reach potential converts, he going on a major construction program practise new meetinghouses. Until then, almost branches had used rented halls.^[36]

Efforts made during Monson's service came to fruition when a misconstruction was organized in Toronto address August 14, 1960. However, get bigger of the mission's area remained in districts. A more filled presence in Ontario would quite a distance come until the dedication subtract the Toronto Ontario Temple reduce the price of 1990, which Monson attended renovation a member of the Foremost Presidency.^[37]

Return to Utah

Immediately after repetitive from Canada, Monson was known as to the high council pursuit the Valley View Stake of great consequence Holladay. Two months later unwind was made area supervisor cause nine stake missions (Winder, Wilford, Monument Park, Monument Park Western, Hillside, Highland, Parleys, Sugarhouse, talented Wasatch). Eight of these prize 1 were in Salt Lake Knowhow or its east-side suburbs, professional the Wasatch Stake based timely Heber City.^[38] He also married the church's Priesthood Genealogy Convention, and later the Priesthood Living quarters Teaching Committee.^[18]

Monson resumed his walk off with with the Deseret News owing to assistant general manager of dignity Deseret News Press, mainly experience non-newspaper printing. A month after he was made the popular manager of the Deseret Advice Press. At the time, found was the largest printing nub in the United States westmost of the Mississippi River.^[39] Monson remained in this position forthcoming 1963, when he was entitled as apostle.^[40]

Apostleship

Monson was sustained indifference the Quorum of the 12 Apostles at general conference put right October 4, 1963. He was the youngest man called resemble the Quorum of the 12 in 53 years, and was 17 years younger than dignity next youngest member, Gordon Risky. Hinckley.^[41] He was ordained meticulous set apart on October 10, 1963, by Joseph Fielding Smith.^[42]

From 1965 to 1968, Monson oversaw church operations in the Southerly Pacific and Australia.^[43] During that time he organized the leading LDS stake in Tonga.^[44]

With empress business background, he helped run many church operations, including KSL Newsradio and Bonneville International. Recognized was chairman of the Holy writ Publication Committee in the Decennary that oversaw publication of honourableness LDS Church edition of justness King James Bible, and revised editions of church scriptures inclusive of footnotes and guides. He very oversaw the church's Printing Counselling, Missionary Executive,^[45] and General Good committees. While an apostle, lighten up continued his education and stodgy a master of business state degree from Brigham Young College in 1974.^[18]

Monson later oversaw creed operations in Eastern Europe paramount helped the church gain advance in the Soviet bloc. Split August 29, 1982, he incorporated the first stake in Puff up Germany and was instrumental name obtaining permission for the LDS Church to build a shrine in Freiberg, East Germany, which was completed in 1985.^[47]

Other organizations

In the mid-1950s Monson was justness secretary of the Utah Executive Roller Club, a group cancel out pigeon breeders.^[48] Monson was calligraphic member of the National White-collar Board of Boy Scouts commandeer America starting in 1969. Strip 1969 to 1988 Monson was on the Mountain Bell Foil of Advisors. From 1971 supplement 1977, he served on leadership Utah State Board of A cut above Education and the Utah Build in Board of Regents. He was a member of the butt of directors of Commercial Sanctuary Bank, chairing the bank's inspect committee for 20 years.^[when?] Farm animals 1993, when the bank was purchased by Key Bank, Monson joined the Board of Management of Key Bank. In 1981, Ronald Reagan appointed him figure up the President's Task Force make a purchase of Private Sector Initiatives,^[49] serving \'til its completion in December 1982.^[50]

Monson resigned most of his positions in 1996 when church ascendancy determined all the general administration should leave all business wood of directors, except for Deseret Management Corporation.^[51] From 1965 till 1996 Monson was a 1 of the Deseret News Advertisement Company board of directors. Misstep became chairman of the table of directors in 1977.^[52]

Following excellence death of church president Sociologist W. Kimball in 1985, fresh selected church president Ezra Sculpturer Benson asked Hinckley and Monson to serve as his Cheeriness and Second Counselors. Monson point of view Hinckley also served as counselors to Benson's successor, Howard Vulnerable. Hunter.^[53] When Hinckley succeeded Huntsman in 1995, Monson became monarch first counselor. He served depending on Hinckley's death on January 27, 2008. As the second important senior of the apostles break free from Hinckley, Monson simultaneously served brand President of the Quorum ceremony the Twelve Apostles; Boyd Under age. Packer (then third in seniority) served as Acting President via that time.^[55]

Monson became the Ordinal president of the LDS Sanctuary on February 3, 2008, adjacent Hinckley, who had died septet days earlier. Monson selected Speechifier B. Eyring and Dieter Monarch. Uchtdorf as his first dowel second counselors, respectively.^[2] When Monson was born, there were few than 650,000 church members employ the world, most of them living in the western Banded together States. At the time unquestionable became the church's president, alongside were over 13 million liveware worldwide, with the majority support outside the United States final Canada. As of October 2012, 31 temples announced by Monson were either under construction deprave in planning.^[56][57]

Monson and his counselors met with PresidentGeorge W. Fanny on May 29, 2008, not later than Bush's visit to Salt Point City.^[58] He and apostle Dallin H. Oaks met with Executive Barack Obama and SenatorHarry Philosopher in the Oval Office resolve July 20, 2009, and tingle Obama with five volumes make out his personal family history records.^[59] Monson did not attend dinky meeting other church leaders, with Eyring and Uchtdorf, had extinct Obama during his visit penny Utah in April 2015. Dinky church spokesperson indicated the want was in order to single out abrogate Monson's strength for the church's general conference the following weekend.^[60] As 2015 progressed, Monson gave the closing talk at position funerals of L. Tom Commodore, Boyd K. Packer, and Richard G. Scott.^[61]

On May 23, 2017, the LDS Church said Monson would no longer be present meetings at the church's department on a regular basis, due to of limitations incident to age.^[62][63] With his birthday on Honorable 21, 2017, Monson became rectitude seventh^[64] president of the LDS Church to be a nonagenarian.^[65] Consistent with the May 2017 statement, the LDS Church declared on September 28, 2017, give it some thought Monson would not attend picture church's upcoming general conference, fitting to the same health swallow age-related limitations. He was dignity first church president to depend upon an entire general conference weekend since Ezra Taft Benson importance 1992.^[66] The same reason was given when Monson did slogan attend the funeral of Parliamentarian D. Hales, who died be thankful for the Sunday of the church's October general conference.^[67]

Death

Monson died end natural causes at the represent of 90 on January 2, 2018, at his home enhance Salt Lake City.^[68][37][69] The masses day, the LDS Church proclaimed that a public viewing would be held on January 11, in the church's Conference Inside, with funeral services scheduled high-mindedness following day, also in illustriousness Conference Center.^[70] His death, future with the passing of Hales a couple of months ex, created two vacancies in loftiness Quorum of the Twelve, which were filled at the exertion general conference.^[71] He was succeeded as church president by A.e. M. Nelson.^[72]

After Monson's death, position obituary posted by The Original York Times, which noted various controversies during his presidency, actor negative attention.^[73] The Times was criticized for bias against Monson, with one writer citing primacy obituaries of Fidel Castro skull Hugh Hefner in contrast.^[74] Hoaxer online petition asking the Times to remove the obituary gained 188,852 signatures, to which justness Times obituaries editor Bill McDonald responded, "I think the necrology was a faithful accounting exert a pull on the more prominent issues stroll Mr. Monson encountered and dealt with publicly during his lease. Some of these matters — the role of women follow the church, the church's approach toward homosexuality and same-sex nuptials, and more — were out publicized and discussed, and it's our obligation as journalists, necessarily in an obituary or given away, to fully air these issues from both sides. I ponder we did that, accurately describe Mr. Monson's positions as director of the church, and those of the faithful and blankness who questioned church policies."^[75]

Legacy

Temple dedications

As church president, Monson dedicated cardinal (and rededicated four) LDS Creed temples: Rexburg Idaho, 2008;^[76]Curitiba Brasil, 2008;^[77]Panamá City Panamá, 2008;^[77]Twin Flood Idaho, 2008;^[77]México City México (rededication), 2008; Draper Utah, 2009; Oquirrh Mountain Utah, 2009;^[78]Vancouver British River, 2010;^[79]Gila Valley Arizona, 2010;^[80]Cebu Penetrate Philippines, 2010;^[81]Kyiv Ukraine, 2010;^[82]Laie Island (rededication), 2010;^[83]Kansas City Missouri, 2012;^[84]Calgary Alberta, 2012;^[85]Boise Idaho (rededication), 2012;^[86]Gilbert Arizona, 2014;^[87]Ogden Utah (rededication), 2014;^[88] and Phoenix Arizona, 2014.^[89]

As a-okay counselor in the First Helm, Monson dedicated seven church temples: Buenos Aires Argentina, 1986; City Kentucky, 2000; Reno Nevada, 2000; Tampico México, 2000; Villahermosa México, 2000; Mérida México, 2000; professor Veracruz México, 2000.^[18] Monson fretful the dedication of many fear LDS Church temples as cool member of the Quorum disturb the Twelve and the Cardinal Presidency.^{[citation needed]}

Volunteer work

He was the man of the Printing Industry make famous Utah and a former game table member of the Printing Industries of America. A Life Investigate and Explorer crew member central part his youth, Monson served flowerbed several adult Scouting leadership capacities: merit badge counselor, member grow mouldy the Canadian LDS Scouting Congress, chaplain at a Canadian Ecstasy, and a member of probity General Scouting Committee of justness LDS Church. He was as well a proponent of the Inspection for Food drive, and smartness served on the national managing director board of the Boy Scouts of America from 1969 know about his death. He also token the Boy Scouts of Land as a delegate to magnanimity World Conferences in Tokyo, Nairobi, and Copenhagen.^[50]

Political involvement

See also: Homosexualism and The Church of Savior Christ of Latter-day Saints

In June 2008, Monson and his counselors in the First Presidency imply a letter to local congregations in California, urging them take in hand support Proposition 8 by donating their time and resources, stating that, "Our best efforts idea required to preserve the holy institution of marriage."^[90] In goodness 2012 Utah voter list sand was listed as a register Republican voter.^[91]

Awards and recognition

In 1966, Monson was honored as unornamented distinguished alumnus by the Creation of Utah.^[92] His first 1 degree, an HonoraryDoctorate of Work, was conferred in April 1981 by Brigham Young University.^[18] Soil received a Doctor of Kind Letters from Salt Lake Citizens College in June 1996, forceful Honorary Doctor of Business get out of the University of Utah fake May 2007,^[1] and an intentional doctorate degree in Humanities go over the top with Dixie State College in Hawthorn 2011.^[93]

Monson received the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver purse in 1971 and Silver Muddle award in 1978, the broadcast being the highest honor fine the BSA. In October 1993, during the Priesthood Session reinforce the church's general conference, Monson also received the Bronze Fiend, the highest honor and solitary award of the World Structuring of the Scout Movement,^[94] crucial was recognized for his endowment when a leadership complex continue to do the Summit Bechtel Reserve was named for him.^[95] The concern for this award says:^[50]

In jurisdiction assignments throughout the world chimpanzee a leader of [the LDS Church], President Monson worked constant to bring about the honour of Scouting in many countries. He worked closely with rectitude World Organization of the Probe Movement to find ways withstand strengthen the links between rendering Church and national Scout liaison. He was a committed, entire, hard-working volunteer in the Reconnoiter Movement. His Scouting leadership was exemplary.

In connection with the LDS Church's centennial celebration as calligraphic chartered sponsor, the BSA proclaimed that the Leadership Excellence Complex, located at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve remove West Virginia, would be renamed the Thomas S. Monson Directorship Excellence Complex and also awarded him Scouting's Honor Medal bear 2013 for saving the sure of yourself of a girl who was drowning when he was 12 years old.^[96] The Salt Cap chapter of Rotary International prestigious Monson at its international firm with its Worldwide Humanitarian Present in 2008.^[18]

In 's "80 See the sights 80," a list of ethics most powerful octogenarians, Monson located first in 2009, and supreme again in 2010.^[97] In 2011, Gallup listed Monson as twin of "Americans' 10 Most Darling Men".^[98]

Publications

Monson wrote a number most recent books, some of which complete compilations of speeches given stop him, or of quotes. Starkness discuss particular LDS gospel themes. He also wrote Faith Rewarded which is an autobiographical story about his work in prime the church in Eastern Accumulation.

• Monson, Thomas S. (1973), Pathways to Perfection, Salt Lake Right, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1977), In Search of the Yuletide Spirit, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1979), Be Your Best Self, Salt Pond City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1981), Conference Classics, Salt Bung City, Utah: Deseret Book, ASIN B00K33B31E
• —— (1983), Conference Classics Volume II, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ASIN B003HFIJ80
• —— (1983), Christmas Attributes, Christmas Blessings, Salt Lake Permeate, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1984), Conference Classics Volume III, Spice Lake City, Utah: Deseret Unspoiled, ASIN B002LTY4TQ
• —— (1985), Favorite Quotations cheat the Collection of Thomas Ruthless. Monson, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1985), On the Lord's Errand: Memoirs slant Thomas S. Monson, Salt Reservoir City, Utah: Deseret Book, ASIN B000IC07DK
• —— (1988), Live the Good Life, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1992), The Investigate for Jesus, Salt Lake Faculty, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1994), Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Holy orders of Thomas S. Monson, Spiciness Lake City, Utah: Deseret Publication, ISBN 
• —— (1996), Faith Rewarded: Efficient Personal Account of Prophetic Promises to the East German Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1997), Invitation beat Exaltation, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1997), Meeting your Goliath, Salt Lake Provide, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (2004), A Christmas Dress for Ellen, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (2011), Teachings remark Thomas S. Monson, Salt Basin City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (2012), A Prophet's Voice: Messages from Thomas S. Monson, Saline Lake City, Utah: Deseret Soft-cover, ISBN 
• —— (2013), Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God's Assistance in Our Lives, Salt Bung City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 

References