Spencer W Kimball

Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ^the 12th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1973-1985).

President Kimball is known to have strengthened the organization structure of the Church and for having signed the Official Declaration 2 of the Doctrine and Covenants announcing access to the priesthood to all worthy men and faithful of the Church irrespective of race or color.

Childhood and Youth

Spencer Woolley Kimball was born March 28, 1895 in Salt Lake, Utah, Andrew Kimball, whose father was Apostle Heber C. Kimball and Olive Woolley. His father, sales representative, worked throughout the western U.S.. When Spencer was three, the family moved to Thatcher, Arizona. His father became president of the stake in the region.

Spencer has a difficult youth. He suffered from typhoid fever and temporary paralysis, he almost died by drowning. Four of his siblings and his mother died when he was eleven. He is a farmer when he is physically able. Nevertheless, he graduated high school. His father describes him as an "exceptional boy who always tries to remember what he should do" ^{Civil Liabilities}

In 1923, Spencer W. Kimball became a member of the Rotary Club , an agency which will be part for twenty five years, including as district governor. In 1927, he became president and director of real estate and insurance company-Kimball Greenhalgh

Curriculum in the Church

Spencer W. Kimball served in various positions. He is an archivist and then pPrsident stake in Arizona and Texas. In 1943 and until 1970 he was a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He then sold his business and moved with his family in Salt Lake City. He is Acting President of the Twelve Apostles from 1970 to 1972, chairman of Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1972 to 1973 and President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

Training Program for Indians

It melts the training program for Indian students. Through this program students voulent access to higher education are supported economically by the members of Eglise hosting them during their studies until their conditions are improving and becoming independent.

Structure of the Church

President Kimball organized the First Quorum of the Seventy, with sets of Regions and Regional Presidents for the government of the Church. It sets the program grouped schedules meetings on Sundays. The temples according spend fifteen to thirty-one.

The priesthood to all worthy men

The growth of the Church in South America is growing remarkably in the 1970s. Many members of the Church in South America are of mixed race. In 1978, President Kimball announced that all worthy male members may now be ordained to the priesthood. This provision is accepted and added to the Doctrine and Covenants as the Official Declaration 2.

The threefold mission of the Church

SW Kimball defines the threefold mission of the Church declares that be to bring all men to Christ through:

• the proclamation of the Gospel to all countries, languages and peoples
• the perfecting of the saints (names of members of the Church)
• salvation for the dead

End of Life

SW Kimball is a powerful speaker and defender of Mormonism. He suffers from many serious diseases, including cancer of the throat and heart problems. The cancer eventually cost him his vocal cords. A transplant allows him to talk, but only with a thin voice hoarse.

When President Harold B. Lee died in 1973, it is believed that the period of the Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball will be brief. However, he served for twelve years. Under his leadership, the church rises to six million members. Despite his age and his health, he is very active and visit the Church worldwide. He is known for its currency: Do it and lengthen their stride.

By 1973, about 9,000 missionaries are called on missions each year. At the death of President Kimball in 1985, 20,000 missionaries are called each year.

Quotes

• Working toward perfection is not an immediate decision but a process that must be continued over time (Hold Fast to the Iron Rod, Ensign, November 1978)

• We are committed to serving our Lord. We are confident that this cause is just and worthy. But, above all, we have the knowledge that God lives and is in heaven and that His Son Jesus Christ has proposed a plan that will bring us and our loved ones eternal life if we are faithful. This life is a life of labor and an abundant life, rich in talent, joy and progress. (The cause is just and worthy Ensign, 1974)

• A real family of Latter-day Saints is a refuge against the storms and dangers of life. ("The fruit of our work," Ensign, November 1978)

Publications

Spencer W. Kimball has published

• The miracle of forgiveness
• Faith precedes the miracle

Bibliography

• Lengthen the stride: The Presidency of Spencer W Kimball by Edward L. Kimball
• Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball by Edward L. Kimball
• Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Spencer W. Kimball

See also

Related Links

• List of Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

References

Preceded by	Spencer W. Kimball	Followed by
Harold B. Lee	President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1973-1985	Ezra Taft Benson

• Portal Latter-day Saints

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