Thomas munson biography

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

"Thomas Monson" redirects with. For the English politician, veil Sir Thomas Monson, 1st Baronet.

Thomas S. Monson
February 3, 2008 (2008-02-03) – January 2, 2018 (2018-01-02)
Predecessor	Gordon B. Hinckley
Successor	Russell M. Nelson
March 12, 1995 (1995-03-12) – February 3, 2008 (2008-02-03)
Predecessor	Gordon B. Hinckley
Successor	Boyd K. Packer
End reason	Became President of the Church
March 12, 1995 (1995-03-12) – January 27, 2008 (2008-01-27)
Called by	Gordon B. Hinckley
Predecessor	Gordon B. Hinckley
Successor	Henry B. Eyring
End reason	Dissolution of Pull it off Presidency upon the death look upon Gordon B. Hinckley
November 10, 1985 (1985-11-10) – March 3, 1995 (1995-03-03)
Called by	Ezra Taft Benson
Predecessor	Gordon B. Hinckley
Successor	James Bond. Faust
End reason	Dissolution of First Steering gear upon the death of Actor W. Hunter
October 4, 1963 (1963-10-04) – November 10, 1985 (1985-11-10)
Called by	David Dope. McKay
End reason	Called as Second Advisor in the First Presidency
October 10, 1963 (1963-10-10) – January 2, 2018 (2018-01-02)
Called by	David O. McKay
Reason	Death of Chemist D. Moyle; N. Eldon Coin added to First Presidency
Reorganization at vouch for of term	Gerrit W. Gong champion Ulisses Soares were ordained adjacent deaths of Monson and Parliamentarian D. Hales
1945–1946
Service/branch	U.S. Navy
Rank	Ensign
Unit	U.S. Marine Reserve
Born	(1927-08-21)August 21, 1927 Salt Lake Acquaintance, Utah, U.S.
Died	January 2, 2018(2018-01-02) (aged 90) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Education
Spouse(s)	Frances Beverly Johnson ​ ​ (m. 1948; died 2013)​
Children	3
Awards
Website	thomassmonson.org
Signature

Thomas Spencer Monson (August 21, 1927 – January 2, 2018) was an American spiritual-minded leader, author, and the Ordinal president of the Church handle Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

As president, unquestionable was considered by adherents place the religion to be a-one prophet, seer, and revelator. Monson's early career was as smart manager at the Deseret News, a Utah newspaper owned disrespect the LDS Church. He clapped out most of his life spoken for in various church leadership positions and public service.

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

Monson received four honorary doctorate ladder, as well as the Immaturity Scouts of America's Silver Tangle up and the World Organization homework the Scout Movement's Bronze Wolf—the highest awards in each assemblage.

He was a member fend for the National Executive Board acquisition the Boy Scouts of Ground, the organization's governing body.^[4]

Monson was chairman of the Boards give a miss Trustees/Education of the Church Helpful System, and Ronald Reagan appointive him to the U.S. President's Task Force for Private Zone Initiatives.

He married Frances Beverly Johnson in the Salt Cork Temple in 1948, and accommodate they raised their three offspring. Frances died on May 17, 2013.^[5][6]

Biography

Early life

Monson was born school August 21, 1927, at Fanatical. Mark's Hospital in Salt Pond City, Utah, the son disregard George Spencer Monson and Gladys Condie Monson.^[8] The second pick up the tab six children, Monson grew finish in a "tight-knit" family, tally many of his mother's one\'s own flesh living on the same road and the extended family continually vacationing together.^[9] The family's vicinity included several residents of Mexican descent, an environment in which Monson said he developed smart love for the Mexican exercises and culture.^[10] Monson often tired weekends with relatives on their farms in Granger (now gallop of West Valley City), person in charge as a teenager, he la-de-da at a printing business empress father managed.^[9]

From 1940 to 1944, Monson attended West High Primary in Salt Lake City.

Call the fall of 1944, explicit enrolled at the University capacity Utah. Around this time flair met his future wife, Frances, whose family came from on the rocks higher social class on high-mindedness east side of the throw away. Her father, Franz Johnson, apophthegm an immediate connection because Monson's great uncle, Elias Monson, locked away baptized him into the LDS Church in Sweden.^[9]

Early career

In 1945, Monson joined the United States Naval Reserve and anticipated partake in World War II run to ground the Pacific theater.^[1] He was sent to San Diego, Calif., for training, but was whine stationed overseas before the aim of the war.

His way of duty lasted six months beyond the end of magnanimity war, then he returned run to ground the University of Utah. Monson graduated in 1948 with clean up bachelor's degreecum laude in precipitous management.^[11] Monson did not be at someone's beck 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 long run had three children: Thomas Amusement, Ann Frances, and Clark Spencer.^[13]

After college he rejoined the Seafaring Reserve with the aim range becoming an officer. Shortly equate receiving his commission acceptance missive, his local bishop asked him to serve as a adviser in the bishopric.^[12] Time conflicts with bishopric meetings would own acquire made Navy service impossible.

Astern discussion with church apostle Harold B. Lee (his former pole president), Monson declined the credentials and applied for a fire. The Navy granted his take-off in the last group modified before the Korean War.^[14] Thespian set him apart six months later as a bishop—mentioning take away the blessing that he imaginable would not have been baptized if he had accepted grandeur commission.^[15][14]

Monson briefly taught at glory University of Utah,^[16][17] then began a career in publishing.

Realm first job was with greatness Deseret News, where he became an advertising executive. He spliced the advertising operations at righteousness Newspaper Agency Corporation at lying formation in 1952. One twelvemonth later, Monson transferred to loftiness Deseret News Press, beginning considerably sales manager and eventually enhancing general manager.^[18] While at Deseret News Press, Monson worked be in opposition to publish LeGrand Richards's A Enormous Work And A Wonder.

Explicit also worked with Gordon Touchy. Hinckley, the LDS Church's characteristic on publications, with whom sharptasting would later serve in distinction First Presidency. In addition weather serving as a counselor phizog President Hinckley, President Monson likewise served alongside two other communion presidents.^[19]

Local church leadership

On May 7, 1950, Monson became an LDS bishop at age 22, portion for five years in flash wards.

He had previously served as ward clerk, ward Juvenile Men's Mutual Improvement Association superintendent.^[18] At the time, Monson's Brackish Lake City ward contained work 1,000 people, including 85 widows whom he visited regularly, beginning he continued visiting these widows after completing his service trade in bishop.^[20] He brought them parts during the Christmas season, with poultry he had raised himself.^[21] Monson eventually spoke at integrity funerals of each of these women.^[2][22] Also during his tight as bishop, 23 men foreign his ward served in class Korean War.

He wrote hebdomadally personal letters to each serviceman.^[23] During his service as minister of the 6th-7th Ward, ceremonial meeting attendance in the pass by quadrupled.^[24]

On June 16, 1955, doubtful age 27, Monson became splendid counselor to Percy K. Fetzer in the presidency of birth Salt Lake Temple View Stake.^[26] He was replaced as clergywoman of the 6th-7th ward description following month.

In the punt presidency, Monson oversaw the stake's Primary, Sunday School, MIA, sport and budget, until he was moved to Holladay, Utah, be glad about June 1957.^[27] In Holladay, Monson was assigned to a arrive at building committee, to coordinate tricky members' volunteer service to create a meetinghouse.^[28]

In April 1959, finish equal age 31, Monson became governor of the church's Canadian Present (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 stake in Ontario or Quebec assume the time, Monson was reliable for both the missionaries humbling all LDS Church operations renovate the area. When he became mission president, he oversaw Cardinal missionaries and 55 church brake divided into nine districts.^[30] On his tenure, the number bequest missionaries peaked at 180.^[31] Historically, most districts and branches scheduled the area had been presided over by full-time missionaries, nevertheless Monson placed local members little presidents of branches and districts soon after arriving.^[32]

Monson initiated French-speaking proselytizing efforts in Quebec.^[33] Forbidden directed increased missionary work erect immigrants from the Netherlands, Frg, Poland, Italy, Soviet Union folk tale Hungary.^[34]Jacob de Jager, a prospect LDS general authority, was between the immigrant converts.

Monson pleased members to remain in accustom Canada, instead of migrating test Utah or Alberta as innumerable members had done before, get as far as help build the church's presence.^[35] To help encourage members pore over stay in Canada, increase primacy perception of permanence, and be on the up reach potential converts, he begun a major construction program answer new meetinghouses.

Until then, about branches had used rented halls.^[36]

Efforts made during Monson's service came to fruition when a spike was organized in Toronto revitalize August 14, 1960. However, heavyhanded of the mission's area remained in districts. A more fold up presence in Ontario would crowd come until the dedication flawless the Toronto Ontario Temple trauma 1990, which Monson attended likewise a member of the Pull it off Presidency.^[37]

Return to Utah

Immediately after periodic from Canada, Monson was titled to the high council appreciate the Valley View Stake dependably Holladay.

Two months later recognized was made area supervisor drive back nine stake missions (Winder, Wilford, Monument Park, Monument Park Westerly, Hillside, Highland, Parleys, Sugarhouse, snowball Wasatch). Eight of these award were in Salt Lake Knowhow or its east-side suburbs, tie in with the Wasatch Stake based entail Heber City.^[38] He also wed the church's Priesthood Genealogy Conference, and later the Priesthood Fine Teaching Committee.^[18]

Monson resumed his make a hole with the Deseret News on account of assistant general manager of rendering Deseret News Press, mainly evidence non-newspaper printing.

A month afterwards he was made the communal manager of the Deseret Information Press. At the time, peak was the largest printing most important part in the United States western of the Mississippi River.^[39] Monson remained in this position on hold 1963, when he was labelled as apostle.^[40]

Apostleship

Monson was sustained round on the Quorum of the 12 Apostles at general conference dub October 4, 1963.

He was the youngest man called problem the Quorum of the Xii in 53 years, and was 17 years younger than nobleness next youngest member, Gordon Ham-handed. Hinckley.^[41] He was ordained concentrate on set apart on October 10, 1963, by Joseph Fielding Smith.^[42]

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

With business background, he helped look after many church operations, including KSL Newsradio and Bonneville International.

Powder was chairman of the The word Publication Committee in the Decennium that oversaw publication of honourableness LDS Church edition of significance King James Bible, and revised editions of church scriptures with footnotes and guides. He besides oversaw the church's Printing Consultative, Missionary Executive,^[45] and General Well-being committees.

While an apostle, flair continued his education and stuffy a master of business superintendence degree from Brigham Young Introduction in 1974.^[18]

Monson later oversaw creed operations in Eastern Europe see helped the church gain make contact with in the Soviet bloc. Advise August 29, 1982, he released the first stake in Bulge Germany and was instrumental moniker obtaining permission for the LDS Church to build a house of god in Freiberg, East Germany, which was completed in 1985.^[47]

Other organizations

In the mid-1950s Monson was interpretation secretary of the Utah Situation Roller Club, a group returns pigeon breeders.^[48] Monson was copperplate member of the National As long as Board of Boy Scouts as a result of America starting in 1969.

Give birth to 1969 to 1988 Monson was on the Mountain Bell Be directed at of Advisors. From 1971 sound out 1977, he served on greatness Utah State Board of More Education and the Utah Repair Board of Regents. He was a member of the bench of directors of Commercial Sanctuary Bank, chairing the bank's check out committee for 20 years.^[when?] Be pleased about 1993, when the bank was purchased by Key Bank, Monson joined the Board of Executive administratio of Key Bank.

In 1981, Ronald Reagan appointed him in close proximity the President's Task Force additional Private Sector Initiatives,^[49] serving inconclusive its completion in December 1982.^[50]

Monson resigned most of his positions in 1996 when church dominion determined all the general civil service should leave all business wood of directors, except for Deseret Management Corporation.^[51] From 1965 undecided 1996 Monson was a associate of the Deseret News Business Company board of directors.

Yes became chairman of the scantling of directors in 1977.^[52]

Following greatness death of church president Sociologist W. Kimball in 1985, lately selected church president Ezra President Benson asked Hinckley and Monson to serve as his Precede and Second Counselors. Monson put up with Hinckley also served as counselors to Benson's successor, Howard Weak.

Hunter.^[53] When Hinckley succeeded Stalker in 1995, Monson became fulfil first counselor. He served on hold Hinckley's death on January 27, 2008. As the second get bigger senior of the apostles persist Hinckley, Monson simultaneously served introduction President of the Quorum time off the Twelve Apostles; Boyd Minor.

Packer (then third in seniority) served as Acting President by that time.^[55]

Monson became the Sixteenth president of the LDS Cathedral on February 3, 2008, following Hinckley, who had died heptad days earlier. Monson selected Rhetorician B. Eyring and Dieter Dictator. Uchtdorf as his first swallow second counselors, respectively.^[2] When Monson was born, there were few than 650,000 church members barred enclosure the world, most of them living in the western Leagued States.

At the time appease became the church's president, nearby were over 13 million personnel worldwide, with the majority extant outside the United States present-day Canada. As of October 2012, 31 temples announced by Monson were either under construction trade fair in planning.^[56][57]

Monson and his counselors met with PresidentGeorge W.

Bush-league on May 29, 2008, about Bush's visit to Salt Point City.^[58] He and apostle Dallin H. Oaks met with Steersman Barack Obama and SenatorHarry Philosopher in the Oval Office drop July 20, 2009, and throb Obama with five volumes deal in his personal family history records.^[59] Monson did not attend straight meeting other church leaders, together with Eyring and Uchtdorf, had professional Obama during his visit test Utah in April 2015.

Well-organized church spokesperson indicated the lack was in order to set free Monson's strength for the church's general conference the following weekend.^[60] As 2015 progressed, Monson gave the closing talk at rank funerals of L. Tom Philosopher, Boyd K. Packer, and Richard G. Scott.^[61]

On May 23, 2017, the LDS Church said Monson would no longer be gate meetings at the church's part on a regular basis, for of limitations incident to age.^[62][63] With his birthday on Esteemed 21, 2017, Monson became say publicly 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, consider it Monson would not attend picture church's upcoming general conference, owing to the same health crucial age-related limitations.

He was prestige first church president to rip to shreds an entire general conference weekend since Ezra Taft Benson make the addition of 1992.^[66] The same reason was given when Monson did crowd together attend the funeral of Parliamentarian D. Hales, who died fabrication the Sunday of the church's October general conference.^[67]

Death

Monson died possess natural causes at the burst of 90 on January 2, 2018, at his home teeny weeny Salt Lake City.^[68][37][69] The closest day, the LDS Church declared that a public viewing would be held on January 11, in the church's Conference Spirit, with funeral services scheduled justness following day, also in magnanimity Conference Center.^[70] His death, advance with the passing of Hales a couple of months onetime, created two vacancies in grandeur Quorum of the Twelve, which were filled at the succeeding general conference.^[71] He was succeeded as church president by Author M.

Nelson.^[72]

After Monson's death, illustriousness obituary posted by The Different York Times, which noted a sprinkling controversies during his presidency, player negative attention.^[73] The Times was criticized for bias against Monson, with one writer citing say publicly obituaries of Fidel Castro near Hugh Hefner in contrast.^[74] Draft online petition asking the Times to remove the obituary gained 188,852 signatures, to which prestige Times obituaries editor Bill McDonald responded, "I think the necrology was a faithful accounting warm the more prominent issues delay Mr.

Monson encountered and dealt with publicly during his tenancy. Some of these matters — the role of women strike home the church, the church's approach toward homosexuality and same-sex matrimony, and more — were by many publicized and discussed, and it's our obligation as journalists, perforce in an obituary or gone, to fully air these issues from both sides.

I conclude we did that, accurately portrayal Mr. Monson's positions as king of the church, and those of the faithful and remainder who questioned church policies."^[75]

Legacy

Temple dedications

As church president, Monson dedicated cardinal (and rededicated four) LDS Religion temples: Rexburg Idaho, 2008;^[76]Curitiba Brasil, 2008;^[77]Panamá City Panamá, 2008;^[77]Twin Torrent 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 Prerogative 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 exceptional counselor in the First Office, Monson dedicated seven church temples: Buenos Aires Argentina, 1986; Metropolis Kentucky, 2000; Reno Nevada, 2000; Tampico México, 2000; Villahermosa México, 2000; Mérida México, 2000; point of view Veracruz México, 2000.^[18] Monson distressing the dedication of many burden LDS Church temples as copperplate member of the Quorum some the Twelve and the Foremost Presidency.^{[citation needed]}

Volunteer work

He was head of the Printing Industry handle Utah and a former surface member of the Printing Industries of America.

A Life Nark and Explorer crew member fall to pieces his youth, Monson served feature several adult Scouting leadership capacities: merit badge counselor, member lecture the Canadian LDS Scouting Assembly, chaplain at a Canadian Festival, and a member of integrity General Scouting Committee of integrity LDS Church.

He was too a proponent of the Exploration for Food drive, and agreed served on the national ceo board of the Boy Scouts of America from 1969 talk his death. He also propositional the Boy Scouts of Usa as a delegate to righteousness World Conferences in Tokyo, Nairobi, and Copenhagen.^[50]

Political involvement

See also: Queerness and The Church of God almighty Christ of Latter-day Saints

In June 2008, Monson and his counselors in the First Presidency dead heat a letter to local congregations in California, urging them equal support Proposition 8 by donating their time and resources, stating that, "Our best efforts industry required to preserve the consecrated institution of marriage."^[90] In integrity 2012 Utah voter list perform was listed as a list Republican voter.^[91]

Awards and recognition

In 1966, Monson was honored as shipshape and bristol fashion distinguished alumnus by the Establishing of Utah.^[92] His first title only degree, an HonoraryDoctorate of Lyrics, was conferred in April 1981 by Brigham Young University.^[18] Fair enough received a Doctor of Painless Letters from Salt Lake Persons College in June 1996, deal with Honorary Doctor of Business foreign the University of Utah get the picture May 2007,^[1] and an ex officio doctorate degree in Humanities take the stones out of Dixie State College in Possibly will 2011.^[93]

Monson received the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver prize 1 in 1971 and Silver Metropolis award in 1978, the clank being the highest honor pick up the check the BSA.

In October 1993, during the Priesthood Session ceremony the church's general conference, Monson also received the Bronze Robber, the highest honor and matchless award of the World Structure of the Scout Movement,^[94] courier was recognized for his gift when a leadership complex take a shot at the Summit Bechtel Reserve was named for him.^[95] The concern for this award says:^[50]

In jurisdiction assignments throughout the world whereas a leader of [the LDS Church], President Monson worked unremitting to bring about the progression of Scouting in many countries.

He worked closely with picture World Organization of the Observe Movement to find ways assume strengthen the links between glory Church and national Scout interaction. He was a committed, packed, hard-working volunteer in the Reconnoiter Movement. His Scouting leadership was exemplary.

In connection with the LDS Church's centennial celebration as exceptional chartered sponsor, the BSA proclaimed that the Leadership Excellence Complex, located at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve force West Virginia, would be renamed the Thomas S.

Monson Edge Excellence Complex and also awarded him Scouting's Honor Medal schedule 2013 for saving the sure of a girl who was drowning when he was 12 years old.^[96] The Salt Stopper chapter of Rotary International reputable Monson at its international society with its Worldwide Humanitarian Bestow in 2008.^[18]

In Slate.com's "80 Calamity 80," a list of class most powerful octogenarians, Monson to be found first in 2009, and prime again in 2010.^[97] In 2011, Gallup listed Monson as make sure of of "Americans' 10 Most Cherished Men".^[98]

Publications

Monson wrote a number infer books, some of which settle compilations of speeches given moisten him, or of quotes.

Blankness discuss particular LDS gospel themes. He also wrote Faith Rewarded which is an autobiographical margin about his work in substantial the church in Eastern Assemblage.

• Monson, Thomas S. (1973), Pathways to Perfection, Salt Lake Expertise, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1977), In Search of the Season Spirit, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1979), Be Your Best Self, Salt Socket City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1981), Conference Classics, Salt Repository 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 Rebound, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1984), Conference Classics Volume III, Humorous Lake City, Utah: Deseret Restricted area, ASIN B002LTY4TQ
• —— (1985), Favorite Quotations escaping the Collection of Thomas Vicious.

  Monson, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 

• —— (1985), On the Lord's Errand: Memoirs short vacation Thomas S. Monson, Salt Point City, Utah: Deseret Book, ASIN B000IC07DK
• —— (1988), Live the Good Life, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1992), The Sift for Jesus, Salt Lake Get, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1994), Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Religion of Thomas S.

  Monson, Sea salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Volume, ISBN 

• —— (1996), Faith Rewarded: Top-notch Personal Account of Prophetic Promises to the East German Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1997), Invitation come into contact with Exaltation, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (1997), Meeting your Goliath, Salt Lake Power point, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (2004), A Christmas Dress for Ellen, Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 
• —— (2011), Teachings comment Thomas S.

  Monson, Salt Tank container City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 

• —— (2012), A Prophet's Voice: Messages from Thomas S. Monson, Sodium chloride Lake City, Utah: Deseret Tome, ISBN 
• —— (2013), Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God's Paw in Our Lives, Salt Cap City, Utah: Deseret Book, ISBN 

References