Anthon H. Lund
Born: 15 May 1844
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 October 1889
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 17 October 1901 (Joseph F. Smith)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 7 April 1910 (Joseph F. Smith)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 23 November 1918 (Heber J. Grant)
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 23 November 1918
Died: 2 March 1921
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 October 1889
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 17 October 1901 (Joseph F. Smith)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 7 April 1910 (Joseph F. Smith)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 23 November 1918 (Heber J. Grant)
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 23 November 1918
Died: 2 March 1921
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 1 November 1900, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, May 1912, Incidents from the Life of President Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, Anthon H. Lund, President of the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, April 1921, President Anthon H. Lund
Improvement Era, April 1921, In Memory of President Anthon H. Lund
Juvenile Instructor, April 1921, President Anthon Henrik Lund
Relief Society Magazine, April 1921, Death of President Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, President Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, A Man of God. To the Memory of Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, President Anthon H. Lund in His Home
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, President Lund, Founder of the Religion Class
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, Anthon H. Lund
Instructor, May 1931, President Anthon Henrik Lund Remembered on his Eighty-seventh Birthday
My own research and opinion
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 1 November 1900, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, May 1912, Incidents from the Life of President Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, Anthon H. Lund, President of the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, April 1921, President Anthon H. Lund
Improvement Era, April 1921, In Memory of President Anthon H. Lund
Juvenile Instructor, April 1921, President Anthon Henrik Lund
Relief Society Magazine, April 1921, Death of President Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, President Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, A Man of God. To the Memory of Anthon H. Lund
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, President Anthon H. Lund in His Home
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, President Lund, Founder of the Religion Class
Young Woman's Journal, April 1921, Anthon H. Lund
Instructor, May 1931, President Anthon Henrik Lund Remembered on his Eighty-seventh Birthday
My own research and opinion
Jenson, Andrew. "Lund, Anthon Henrik" Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 161-167.
LUND, Anthon Henrik, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1889, was born May 15, 1844, in Aalborg, Denmark. When he was three years and a half old his mother was taken seriously sick. The visit of the doctor, the subdued talking, and the anxiety he saw on the faces around him impressed him deeply. He even remembers what a dismal, rainy day it was. Next he remembers seeing his beloved mother lying in her coffin. These two occasions are indelibly stamped on his memory. In the fall of 1847 his father was drafted into the Danish army and sent to Schleswig, where an insurrection was threatening. In 1848 Schleswig and Holstein revolted and with the aid of Prussia and Germany waged a sanguinary war for three years. During this struggle, Denmark needed all her patriotic sons,and his father served with distinction through the whole war, and did not return until the boy was seven years old. It was a beautiful day when the victorious army returned; and standing near a triumphal arch, having hold of his grandmother's hand, the boy watched the soldiers marching under it. At last his grandmother pointed out the smiling face of his father, marching with his musket on his shoulder. A few hours later he was folded in his father's arms. This, was a happy day for the boy. Shortly after his father moved away about thirty-five miles, and he was left with his grandmother, who proved a tender, loving mother to him, and he became very much attached to her: and when his father a couple of years later wanted to take the boy with him home, he pleaded to be left with his grandmother. She bestowed upon him a mother's love and devotion. She was the soul of honor, and though her own children thought her discipline rather strict. Brother Lund only remembers how tenderly she cared for him. At the early age of four years Anthon Lund was sent to a private school, where he mastered the first elements of reading, writing, arithmetic, etc., and when seven years old he entered the public school of the city of Aalborg. His industry as a student and his aptitude for learning are shown in the fact that he rapidly advanced from one grade to another, passing entirely over the second grade. And while preparing himself for graduation in the course of study given in the school, he took, besides, private lessons in English, and also studied German and French. At the age of eleven years he held the first place in the school. Already at this early age Brother Lund had an irresistible desire to study the word of God. In his grandmother's house was a Bible belonging to his uncle, which the latter had forbidden him to touch for fear he should soil or otherwise deface the precious volume. But his grandmother often asked him to read some of its chapters to her. This filled him with an ardent desire to read the whole book, and encouraged in this by his grandmother he commenced at the beginning and made himself familiar with the main events narrated in that sacred volume. One day in Lent, when the streets were filled with people looking at the Lent procession, he thought: What a delightful day I can have reading the Bible! He imagined that his uncle would be among the sight-seeing multitude. He had comfortably settled himself in his favorite place with the Bible open, reading the fascinating history of Israel under the kings, when he heard a step on the stairs; the door opened, and there stood his uncle before him. He asked his uncle to excuse his having taken the Bible without permission. His uncle answered: "I am delighted, my boy, to find you thus employed on a day like this. Read it as much as you like." As he was only in his eighth year, his uncle was surprised to find how much he had read, and how well he had grasped the meaning. Brother Lund says those early readings have been a great help to him, as they fastened the events of Bible narrative securely upon his mind. Not having brothers or sisters he was left to himself much of the time, and books became his company. He read all the books he could get and all his pocket money was spent at the book stores. He was then, as later, fond of visiting such places. When, in the year 1850, Elder Erastus Snow arrived in Denmark, to open up the mission in the Scandinavian countries, one among the early converts was the uncle of Anthon Lund, Jens Andersen, at present a respected resident of Cedar City, Utah His grandmother, too, accepted the gospel just before his uncle emigrated, and was baptized in 1853, when Anthon was nine years old. In this way he came in constant contact with "Mormonism." In his grandmothers home he found an abundance of "Mormon" literature. He read this eagerIy and the Lord opened his heart and his understanding to believe and to comprehend the truths set forth. He soon became familiar with the history of the Church and its doctrines. Elder Anthon Lund says he can hardly remember a time when he was not convinced of the truth of the gospel. From the first moment it was presented, it appeared to him, in comparison with common orthodoxy, as the clearest daylight compared to the uncertain flare of the northern aurora. It became to him "the pearl of great price," for the possession of which he would gladly sacrifice everything. Yet there was many a conflict in his young heart, before the step was taken which united him with the Church. Those who at that time identified themselves with the Church were generally ostracised socially, and often subjected to persecution, and some years elapsed before Anthon, though fully convinced of the truth of the Gospel, asked for baptism. At that time there was a great deal of persecution of the Saints in Aalborg, and this spirit actuated even the school boys, and to such an extent that none of the Saints could send their children to the public schools. Brother Lund was the only one belonging to the Saints w^ho attended the school. Sometimes the boys threatened to "baptize" him, and at other times they united in beating him, but as a general rule he was a favorite with both teachers and fellow-students. One of his father's younger brothers, about three years older than Anthon, was In the same class, and although he hated "Mormonism," he would not allow anyone to abuse his nephew. Having tact enough never to complain against those who had persecuted him, and always ready to help the boys in their studies, he won them. Nearly every one in his class was two or three years his senior; still they did not envy him his promotion. To become "Dux." or first in the upper class, was the ambition or all the pupils. When the school met after the summer vacation, when Brother Lund was eleven years old, and all were anxious to know where their places would be, the class was unanimous in giving the first place to him and would not allow him to take his old place. At the examination the bishop of the diocese was present and personally catechised Brother Lund. The answers surprised him, and he said to the whole school: "I have not heard a boy answer so well in any of the two hundred schools in my diocese." All the teachers but one were
proud of the praise bestowed on one of their pupils. One, however, a bitter "Mormon-hater," felt much chagrined. On several occasions he would slur the boy because of his belief. One day he said: "It is expected that the 'Dux' of the school shall give a good example to the pupils. What a shame if they should imitate yours and become Mormons!" Brother Lund answered, "They would never regret it." The principal of the school was Brother Lund's best friend. When he learned that the boy acted on his own conviction he said: "I thought you were persuaded by others, but I see you are thoroughly convinced of the truth of 'Mormonism.' Follow your honest convictions, my boy. I would not hinder you from obeying the dictates of your conscience." Brother Lund loved this good man, and when he went back on his first mission he learned with regret that he had died a short time before. He loved his relatives dearly, and, as they were opposed to "Mormonism" they sought to keep him from joining the Church. They wanted him to take a collegiate course, which especially suited his inclinations; his teachers also urged him to take such a course. They did not know how great a temptation this was to the boy, but the Lord gave him strength to resist it, and His Spirit continually strove with him, reminding him of his duty. He was baptized May 15, 1856, on the twelfth anniversary of his birth, by Elder Jacob Julander, who died a short time ago at Monroe; and on the 18th of May he was confirmed by Elder Peter Madsen. now living in the Second Ward, Salt Lake City. When Brother Lund joined the Church, Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted presided over Aalborg conference. Brother Fjeldsted's sermons made a deep impression on the young boy. His original, convincing and entertaining style was much admired. At the same time Elder Christian A. Madsen, now Bishop of Gunnison, was pastor over Aalborg and several other conferences. His excellent wife, who was a highly educated lady, rendered the boy much assistance in his studies of English, and he became very much attached to Brother and Sister Madsen. When Brother Lund was thirteen years old he was called to labor in the vineyard. His mission was to teach emigrating Saints English, to distribute tracts and help the Elders hold meetings. When giving his first report at the conference, Brother Fjeldsted lifted him upon a table, and thus he made his debut before an audience. Besides his tracts he always carried copies of the "Millennial Star," which he would read to the Saints, he being able to translate them into Danish nearly as fluently as if he were reading Danish. The Saints were delighted to listen and were strengthened in their faith. A series
of articles published in the "Millennial Star," entitled "Answers to Objections," was a great help to him in meeting the arguments of the ministers, who were then publishing in Danish the same falsehoods about the "Mormons," which had flooded America and England. When he was first sent out to perform missionary work, some thought the "Mormons"' were very unwise in sending one so young. Such a remark was once reported to Brother Lund. He said: "Never mind, I will make that man my friend." He did so, for in the course of time the man who had spoken so slightingly of him asked to be baptized and wanted Brother Lund to perform the ordinance. Brother Lund became well acquainted in the whole conference. He traveled "without purse and scrip," and, during the four years and a half he labored as a missionary, he does not remember having bought half a dozen meals. Friends were raised up to him on every hand, and men outside of the Church told him to let them know what he needed and they would furnish him the money, and they did so. One day, while he was out tracting, he visited a large mill-owner, whom he found in his library with another gentleman. After spending an hour in answering their questions, the man of the house said: "It is too bad that you are a 'Mormon.' If you will study theology at the university
in Copenhagen and become a Lutheran minister, I will pay the expenses and I will make you my heir." Brother Lund answered, "I have no doubt you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God." The answer seemed to please both the gentlemen. Brother Lund has wondered since whether the man made the offer in good faith. He believed at the time that he did; but it was no temptation to him. He felt he had found "the pearl of great price." His experiences in the mission field were varied and interesting. Once he had promised to meet at a certain place to help hold a meeting. To reach this place he walked about ten miles facing a heavy snow storm. When he arrived at the place he found the house full of people, but the Elders had not come. He sat down among the people and heard them say: "The 'Mormons' have fooled us today." When the time for the commencement of the meeting came, and he saw no one else would be there, he arose and asked the people kindly to give him their attention. How astonished the people looked at the boy! But they were so still that you could hear a pin drop. After the meeting every one present came and shook hands with him and thanked him. Several present have since joined the Church and emigrated to Zion. It was not often Brother Lund was molested. Even in places where other Elders had suffered persecution he succeeded in making friends. Sometimes, however, he also tasted the opposite.
On one occasion, when he was out inviting people to a meeting in the evening, he came into a house and informed a woman he met that there would be a meeting that evening, and invited her to attend. "What kind of a meeting?" she asked. "A 'Mormon' meeting," he replied. There came a change over her face instantly and she became a perfect fury. She grabbed her fire-tongs and screamed, "I will give you 'Mormon' meeting!" and flew at him. He thought discretion the better part of valor, and ran out of the house, but the woman followed, and in her highest key called on her husband to shoot the "Mormon." She made such a disturbance that the neighbors came running to see what was the matter. Years afterwards, when Brother Lund had charge of the Ephraim Coop., a lady came into the store and said to him: "You do not know me, but I have seen you once. Do you remember a woman who ran after you with a pair of fire-tongs?" "Yes," he answered, "but you are not that woman, for her face I have never forgotten." "No," she said, "I was her neighbor, and seeing her running after you, I asked her what you had done. She said that you had invited her to a 'Mormon' meeting. I became curious to learn something about the 'Mormons' and went to the meeting. I heard you speak and was convinced of the truth." The Lord made use of the wrath of an enemy to further His purpose. Brother Lund had on one occasion obtained permission to hold a meeting in a town where it had hitherto been impossible to make an opening. The meeting was appointed for the next Sunday; and in company with a couple of Elders Brother Lund went there. On entering the town they were warned not to go to the meeting, as the mob would disturb the meeting, and they had given the blacksmith, the bully of several parishes, all the liquor he would drink in order to get him to assail the "Mormon" Elders. They thanked their informant, but said they must honor their appointment. They found the house full of people and great numbers outside that could not get in. The meeting was opened, and in stalked the blacksmith. Brother Lund says when he saw him. he thought he was a very Polyphemus. He had only one eye, a sinister look, and fists like sledge hammers. The Elders prayed earnestly that God would overrule the plans of the wicked. The advent of the blacksmith was the signal for disturbing the meeting, and some commenced calling the Elders liars, etc. The blacksmith arose to his feet when he heard the interruptions, and slowly eyeing the audience he said: "I want you all to understand that these are men of God, and they speak His word pure and simple. If any one again interrupts them he shall feel the weight of this," showing his large fist. The crowd did not know what this meant: he had drank their liquor and promised to beat the Elders: he must be joking. A loudmouthed fellow commenced again calling the Elders opprobrious names, when the blacksmith elbowed his way through the dense crowd, and taking hold of the disturber, threw him out of the door. This settled it. For two hours the Elders preached to the congregation, and the one-eyed giant stood guard as a policeman; but as soon as the meeting was dismissed, he seemed to realize that he was on the wrong side and he commenced to be ugly and wanted to quarrel with the brethren, but they got away as quickly as possible. Brother Lund was the last to leave, and he heard those behind say to those in front of him, "Give him a diff!" but Brother Lund nodded politely to the crowd as he passed through and got away unhurt. Some of those present have since come to Utah and have informed Brother Lund that even the man who opened his house for the meeting was in the conspiracy against the Elders. The Elders felt that their prayers were heard in an almost miraculous manner. Brother Lund often found that his youth was the means of gaining sympathy for him, and a hearing which was denied others, and the Lord blessed his efforts with many conversions. At the age of sixteen he was ordained an Elder and appointed president of the Aalborg branch, and traveling Elder in five other branches. This was at the time quite a responsible position, the branch being large and requiring constant care. Elder Lund continued his missionary labors until the year 1862, when, at the age of eighteen, he emigrated to Utah. He left Hamburg on the "Benjamin Franklin." While lying in that city measles came aboard and made fearful ravages among the children. There was no doctor on board, and the captain would deliver the medicines and wine for the sick only on an order from a physician. Elder Christian A. Madsen laid the matter before the Saints, and they voted to appoint Brother Lund the physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and with it a book treating on common diseases and their cures. This he studied diligently and performed his duties so well that he gained the confidence of both the crew and the passengers. Brother Lund was always in demand. At times he had to hide so as to get the much needed rest and sleep. This was rather remarkable for a doctor that had been given his diploma by popular vote instead of by a medical faculty. Four ships left Denmark in the beginning of that year with emigrating Saints. These all met at Florence, whence some continued the journey in the conveyances furnished by the Utah Saints. The others were organized into two independent companies, one under the leadership of Bishop Christian A. Madsen, and one under the care of Patriarch Ola N. Liljenquist. Brother Lund traveled over the plains in Elder Madsen's company. The route traveled was via Elkhorn river, Loup Fork, Wood River, Willow Lake, Rattlesnake creek. Fort Laramie, Upper Platte Bridge, Devil's Gate, South Pass and Green river, and the travelers arrived in Salt Lake City Sept. 23, 1862. The overland travel had lasted seventy-one
days. It had been an exceptionally pleasant journey. The Saints had found good camping places with an abundance of grass and water. Some had walked the entire distance, and very often the men had carried the women and the children across the rivers, but there were no accidents, and a good spirit prevailed. The "Deseret News" of Sept. 24, 1862, says the health of the arrived immigrants was excellent, and the animals were in good condition. They only lost seven or eight animals on the road, and the only accident that happened was the breaking of a wagon tongue, near the end of the journey. The hand of Providence was over Brother Lund, and with the rest of his fellow-travelers he arrived in Salt Lake City, rejoicing at having reached in safety the goal of the long journey over sea and land. Elder Anthon H. Lund's life since his arrival in the valleys of the mountains has been one of continual activity and usefulness. He has filled numerous positions of trust both in the Church and State. He first located at Fairview, Sanpete county, but three months later moved to Mt. Pleasant. Here he remained till the fall of 1870. His first employment in Utah was at farm labor, digging potatoes, working on the threshing machines, etc., as long as such work could be had, and then he got employment in a harness shop and afterwards in a shoe shop. Brother John Barton offered him a home in his family and engaged him to teach his children in the evenings. He was treated by those excellent people as if he were one of the family. To Brother Lund, as to so many others who have come to Utah, the first impressions and experiences of the new country were rather discouraging. He missed his books perhaps more than anything else. An old hand book in astronomy, without maps, which he happened to find, became one of his literary treasures. He studied it and drew his own maps, using the hearthstone for a table, and was able to locate the constellations of the stars and trace the planets. Thus passed his first winter in Utah. He felt that this was the land of Zion, the place to which God had led him, and his heart swelled with sentiments of joy and gratitude, in 1864 he was called to go as a Church teamster to the Missouri river, to bring back immigrating Saints. He performed this mission faithfully. When Pres. Brigham Young called a number of young men to come to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy. Elder Lund was selected as one of them. During his stay in the city at this time he became acquainted with Elder John Henry Smith and others, with whom he later has been intimately associated in the ecclesiastical work. Having learned telegraphy, he returned to Mt. Pleasant and kept the telegraph office there. He also had a photograph gallery. And when the first co-operative Institution was started in that city, he was appointed its secretary. He was also elected a member of the city council. But notwithstanding these varied duties, he found time to devote to the Church. In 1865 he helped to start the first Sunday school in the city where he lived, and achieved great success in this labor of love. He remained in Mt. Pleasant until the fall of 1870, when he moved to Ephraim. In the same year he married Sister Sarah Ann Peterson, a daughter of Stake President Canute Peterson. The issue of this happy union is nine children, of whom seven are still living. In 1871 Elder Lund was called to perform his first foreign mission, since his arrival in Utah. He was sent to Scandinavia in company with Elder Canute Peterson. The latter was appointed president of the Scandinavian mission, and Elder Lund became the business manager of the central office, in Copenhagen. On his return to Ephraim he became interested in the co-operative store of that place, and the next year he was placed in charge of that institution. He held this position for nine years, and it is generally conceded that it was, during this
time, one of the most successful in the county. In 1874 he was appointed a member of the High Council in Sanpete, and when the Stake was organized, in 1877, he became Stake clerk and a member of the new High Council. In 1878 he became superintendent of the Sunday School in Ephraim, a labor which he much enjoyed. In 1883 he was called to fill another mission to Scandinavia. He succeeded Elder Chr. D. Fjeldsted as president of the mission, and was absent from home two years and three months. During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Utah, and he took his seat in that body on his arrival home. In 1888, he was re-elected. The Ogden Reform School and Agricultural College at Logan are lasting monuments of his untiring work in the legislative assembly of Utah, as well as of his wisdom and solicitude for the welfare of the people. In May, 1888, he was appointed vice president of the Manti Temple, assisting Pres. Daniel H. Wells, and in 1891 he succeeded Brother Wells in the presidency. At the organization of the General Church Board of Education he became a member of that board. At the October conference, 1889, he was called to the high office of an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ. He was ordained Oct. 7, 1889, by Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon. In 1893 he was sent to Liverpool, to preside over the European mission. He was gone more than three years, and his administration was marked with much success. His linguistic ability was a great help to him in the performance of his duties, while traveling in the various conferences. At the demise of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, Elder Lund was appointed director of the Z. C. M, I., and, some years before, of the Zion's Savings Bank. In 1897 he was called on a mission to Palestine and Syria to organize the Saints there into branches, and to look after their welfare generally. He returned in the summer of 1898. In the fall of that year he moved to Salt Lake City, where he now resides. Since then he has continued his labors as an Apostle, in the various Stakes of Zion. Since April, 1900, he has also been the superintendent of the religion classes, and in August, 1900, he succeeded Pres. Franklin D. Richards in the important office of Church historian. This, certainly, is a most remarkable career, and the key to it should be of value to the readers of this brief sketch. The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with Brother Lund, asked him, "What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?" To which he replied, after a moment of deep thought: "I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it." That tells all. No one guided by that principle can fail in life. The Son of God Himself attained glory and power and dominion because He yielded faithful obedience to the will of His Father in Heaven. A striking feature of Brother Lund's character is his tendency to religious thought and meditation, which almost reminds one of the best representatives of the Pietistic school which during the last century had so much influence upon Lutheran Protestantism; it should be added, though, that his practical training during a life rich in experiences has preserved him from the errors of mysticism, which under different circumstances might have been difficult to avoid. In his public speaking it is easy to perceive that his thoughts center round the great themes of the gospel: the Redeemer, in His two-fold character of Priest, atoning for the sins of the world; and King, coming to rule and to restore all things. As a teacher in Israel he evidently at all times endeavors to magnify his calling as an Apostle and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. It follows that in the daily events of life he readily acknowledges the hand of the Lord in all things. Through a varied experience he has obtained a firm faith in the promises of God to hear and to answer prayers, and this is a source of strength to him, which never fails. It is no wonder that Brother Lund is much respected and loved by all who know him, or that the feelings of regard grow stronger, as the acquaintance with him becomes more intimate. Few men go through life without enemies but Brother Lund appears to be one of the few. He is very much like the late Pres. Wilford Woodruff in this respect of whom it was said that even his antagonists loved him. The regard in which he is held by his associates in the council of Apostles was very well expressed by Elder Heber J. Grant, in a meeting of Scandinavian saints in this city, he said: "Erastus Snow was my ideal of an apostle of the Lord, and Brother Snow's mantle has, in my opinion, fallen upon Elder Anthon H. Lund."-J. M. Sjodahl. (See also "Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 35. p. 705.)
LUND, Anthon Henrik, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1889, was born May 15, 1844, in Aalborg, Denmark. When he was three years and a half old his mother was taken seriously sick. The visit of the doctor, the subdued talking, and the anxiety he saw on the faces around him impressed him deeply. He even remembers what a dismal, rainy day it was. Next he remembers seeing his beloved mother lying in her coffin. These two occasions are indelibly stamped on his memory. In the fall of 1847 his father was drafted into the Danish army and sent to Schleswig, where an insurrection was threatening. In 1848 Schleswig and Holstein revolted and with the aid of Prussia and Germany waged a sanguinary war for three years. During this struggle, Denmark needed all her patriotic sons,and his father served with distinction through the whole war, and did not return until the boy was seven years old. It was a beautiful day when the victorious army returned; and standing near a triumphal arch, having hold of his grandmother's hand, the boy watched the soldiers marching under it. At last his grandmother pointed out the smiling face of his father, marching with his musket on his shoulder. A few hours later he was folded in his father's arms. This, was a happy day for the boy. Shortly after his father moved away about thirty-five miles, and he was left with his grandmother, who proved a tender, loving mother to him, and he became very much attached to her: and when his father a couple of years later wanted to take the boy with him home, he pleaded to be left with his grandmother. She bestowed upon him a mother's love and devotion. She was the soul of honor, and though her own children thought her discipline rather strict. Brother Lund only remembers how tenderly she cared for him. At the early age of four years Anthon Lund was sent to a private school, where he mastered the first elements of reading, writing, arithmetic, etc., and when seven years old he entered the public school of the city of Aalborg. His industry as a student and his aptitude for learning are shown in the fact that he rapidly advanced from one grade to another, passing entirely over the second grade. And while preparing himself for graduation in the course of study given in the school, he took, besides, private lessons in English, and also studied German and French. At the age of eleven years he held the first place in the school. Already at this early age Brother Lund had an irresistible desire to study the word of God. In his grandmother's house was a Bible belonging to his uncle, which the latter had forbidden him to touch for fear he should soil or otherwise deface the precious volume. But his grandmother often asked him to read some of its chapters to her. This filled him with an ardent desire to read the whole book, and encouraged in this by his grandmother he commenced at the beginning and made himself familiar with the main events narrated in that sacred volume. One day in Lent, when the streets were filled with people looking at the Lent procession, he thought: What a delightful day I can have reading the Bible! He imagined that his uncle would be among the sight-seeing multitude. He had comfortably settled himself in his favorite place with the Bible open, reading the fascinating history of Israel under the kings, when he heard a step on the stairs; the door opened, and there stood his uncle before him. He asked his uncle to excuse his having taken the Bible without permission. His uncle answered: "I am delighted, my boy, to find you thus employed on a day like this. Read it as much as you like." As he was only in his eighth year, his uncle was surprised to find how much he had read, and how well he had grasped the meaning. Brother Lund says those early readings have been a great help to him, as they fastened the events of Bible narrative securely upon his mind. Not having brothers or sisters he was left to himself much of the time, and books became his company. He read all the books he could get and all his pocket money was spent at the book stores. He was then, as later, fond of visiting such places. When, in the year 1850, Elder Erastus Snow arrived in Denmark, to open up the mission in the Scandinavian countries, one among the early converts was the uncle of Anthon Lund, Jens Andersen, at present a respected resident of Cedar City, Utah His grandmother, too, accepted the gospel just before his uncle emigrated, and was baptized in 1853, when Anthon was nine years old. In this way he came in constant contact with "Mormonism." In his grandmothers home he found an abundance of "Mormon" literature. He read this eagerIy and the Lord opened his heart and his understanding to believe and to comprehend the truths set forth. He soon became familiar with the history of the Church and its doctrines. Elder Anthon Lund says he can hardly remember a time when he was not convinced of the truth of the gospel. From the first moment it was presented, it appeared to him, in comparison with common orthodoxy, as the clearest daylight compared to the uncertain flare of the northern aurora. It became to him "the pearl of great price," for the possession of which he would gladly sacrifice everything. Yet there was many a conflict in his young heart, before the step was taken which united him with the Church. Those who at that time identified themselves with the Church were generally ostracised socially, and often subjected to persecution, and some years elapsed before Anthon, though fully convinced of the truth of the Gospel, asked for baptism. At that time there was a great deal of persecution of the Saints in Aalborg, and this spirit actuated even the school boys, and to such an extent that none of the Saints could send their children to the public schools. Brother Lund was the only one belonging to the Saints w^ho attended the school. Sometimes the boys threatened to "baptize" him, and at other times they united in beating him, but as a general rule he was a favorite with both teachers and fellow-students. One of his father's younger brothers, about three years older than Anthon, was In the same class, and although he hated "Mormonism," he would not allow anyone to abuse his nephew. Having tact enough never to complain against those who had persecuted him, and always ready to help the boys in their studies, he won them. Nearly every one in his class was two or three years his senior; still they did not envy him his promotion. To become "Dux." or first in the upper class, was the ambition or all the pupils. When the school met after the summer vacation, when Brother Lund was eleven years old, and all were anxious to know where their places would be, the class was unanimous in giving the first place to him and would not allow him to take his old place. At the examination the bishop of the diocese was present and personally catechised Brother Lund. The answers surprised him, and he said to the whole school: "I have not heard a boy answer so well in any of the two hundred schools in my diocese." All the teachers but one were
proud of the praise bestowed on one of their pupils. One, however, a bitter "Mormon-hater," felt much chagrined. On several occasions he would slur the boy because of his belief. One day he said: "It is expected that the 'Dux' of the school shall give a good example to the pupils. What a shame if they should imitate yours and become Mormons!" Brother Lund answered, "They would never regret it." The principal of the school was Brother Lund's best friend. When he learned that the boy acted on his own conviction he said: "I thought you were persuaded by others, but I see you are thoroughly convinced of the truth of 'Mormonism.' Follow your honest convictions, my boy. I would not hinder you from obeying the dictates of your conscience." Brother Lund loved this good man, and when he went back on his first mission he learned with regret that he had died a short time before. He loved his relatives dearly, and, as they were opposed to "Mormonism" they sought to keep him from joining the Church. They wanted him to take a collegiate course, which especially suited his inclinations; his teachers also urged him to take such a course. They did not know how great a temptation this was to the boy, but the Lord gave him strength to resist it, and His Spirit continually strove with him, reminding him of his duty. He was baptized May 15, 1856, on the twelfth anniversary of his birth, by Elder Jacob Julander, who died a short time ago at Monroe; and on the 18th of May he was confirmed by Elder Peter Madsen. now living in the Second Ward, Salt Lake City. When Brother Lund joined the Church, Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted presided over Aalborg conference. Brother Fjeldsted's sermons made a deep impression on the young boy. His original, convincing and entertaining style was much admired. At the same time Elder Christian A. Madsen, now Bishop of Gunnison, was pastor over Aalborg and several other conferences. His excellent wife, who was a highly educated lady, rendered the boy much assistance in his studies of English, and he became very much attached to Brother and Sister Madsen. When Brother Lund was thirteen years old he was called to labor in the vineyard. His mission was to teach emigrating Saints English, to distribute tracts and help the Elders hold meetings. When giving his first report at the conference, Brother Fjeldsted lifted him upon a table, and thus he made his debut before an audience. Besides his tracts he always carried copies of the "Millennial Star," which he would read to the Saints, he being able to translate them into Danish nearly as fluently as if he were reading Danish. The Saints were delighted to listen and were strengthened in their faith. A series
of articles published in the "Millennial Star," entitled "Answers to Objections," was a great help to him in meeting the arguments of the ministers, who were then publishing in Danish the same falsehoods about the "Mormons," which had flooded America and England. When he was first sent out to perform missionary work, some thought the "Mormons"' were very unwise in sending one so young. Such a remark was once reported to Brother Lund. He said: "Never mind, I will make that man my friend." He did so, for in the course of time the man who had spoken so slightingly of him asked to be baptized and wanted Brother Lund to perform the ordinance. Brother Lund became well acquainted in the whole conference. He traveled "without purse and scrip," and, during the four years and a half he labored as a missionary, he does not remember having bought half a dozen meals. Friends were raised up to him on every hand, and men outside of the Church told him to let them know what he needed and they would furnish him the money, and they did so. One day, while he was out tracting, he visited a large mill-owner, whom he found in his library with another gentleman. After spending an hour in answering their questions, the man of the house said: "It is too bad that you are a 'Mormon.' If you will study theology at the university
in Copenhagen and become a Lutheran minister, I will pay the expenses and I will make you my heir." Brother Lund answered, "I have no doubt you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God." The answer seemed to please both the gentlemen. Brother Lund has wondered since whether the man made the offer in good faith. He believed at the time that he did; but it was no temptation to him. He felt he had found "the pearl of great price." His experiences in the mission field were varied and interesting. Once he had promised to meet at a certain place to help hold a meeting. To reach this place he walked about ten miles facing a heavy snow storm. When he arrived at the place he found the house full of people, but the Elders had not come. He sat down among the people and heard them say: "The 'Mormons' have fooled us today." When the time for the commencement of the meeting came, and he saw no one else would be there, he arose and asked the people kindly to give him their attention. How astonished the people looked at the boy! But they were so still that you could hear a pin drop. After the meeting every one present came and shook hands with him and thanked him. Several present have since joined the Church and emigrated to Zion. It was not often Brother Lund was molested. Even in places where other Elders had suffered persecution he succeeded in making friends. Sometimes, however, he also tasted the opposite.
On one occasion, when he was out inviting people to a meeting in the evening, he came into a house and informed a woman he met that there would be a meeting that evening, and invited her to attend. "What kind of a meeting?" she asked. "A 'Mormon' meeting," he replied. There came a change over her face instantly and she became a perfect fury. She grabbed her fire-tongs and screamed, "I will give you 'Mormon' meeting!" and flew at him. He thought discretion the better part of valor, and ran out of the house, but the woman followed, and in her highest key called on her husband to shoot the "Mormon." She made such a disturbance that the neighbors came running to see what was the matter. Years afterwards, when Brother Lund had charge of the Ephraim Coop., a lady came into the store and said to him: "You do not know me, but I have seen you once. Do you remember a woman who ran after you with a pair of fire-tongs?" "Yes," he answered, "but you are not that woman, for her face I have never forgotten." "No," she said, "I was her neighbor, and seeing her running after you, I asked her what you had done. She said that you had invited her to a 'Mormon' meeting. I became curious to learn something about the 'Mormons' and went to the meeting. I heard you speak and was convinced of the truth." The Lord made use of the wrath of an enemy to further His purpose. Brother Lund had on one occasion obtained permission to hold a meeting in a town where it had hitherto been impossible to make an opening. The meeting was appointed for the next Sunday; and in company with a couple of Elders Brother Lund went there. On entering the town they were warned not to go to the meeting, as the mob would disturb the meeting, and they had given the blacksmith, the bully of several parishes, all the liquor he would drink in order to get him to assail the "Mormon" Elders. They thanked their informant, but said they must honor their appointment. They found the house full of people and great numbers outside that could not get in. The meeting was opened, and in stalked the blacksmith. Brother Lund says when he saw him. he thought he was a very Polyphemus. He had only one eye, a sinister look, and fists like sledge hammers. The Elders prayed earnestly that God would overrule the plans of the wicked. The advent of the blacksmith was the signal for disturbing the meeting, and some commenced calling the Elders liars, etc. The blacksmith arose to his feet when he heard the interruptions, and slowly eyeing the audience he said: "I want you all to understand that these are men of God, and they speak His word pure and simple. If any one again interrupts them he shall feel the weight of this," showing his large fist. The crowd did not know what this meant: he had drank their liquor and promised to beat the Elders: he must be joking. A loudmouthed fellow commenced again calling the Elders opprobrious names, when the blacksmith elbowed his way through the dense crowd, and taking hold of the disturber, threw him out of the door. This settled it. For two hours the Elders preached to the congregation, and the one-eyed giant stood guard as a policeman; but as soon as the meeting was dismissed, he seemed to realize that he was on the wrong side and he commenced to be ugly and wanted to quarrel with the brethren, but they got away as quickly as possible. Brother Lund was the last to leave, and he heard those behind say to those in front of him, "Give him a diff!" but Brother Lund nodded politely to the crowd as he passed through and got away unhurt. Some of those present have since come to Utah and have informed Brother Lund that even the man who opened his house for the meeting was in the conspiracy against the Elders. The Elders felt that their prayers were heard in an almost miraculous manner. Brother Lund often found that his youth was the means of gaining sympathy for him, and a hearing which was denied others, and the Lord blessed his efforts with many conversions. At the age of sixteen he was ordained an Elder and appointed president of the Aalborg branch, and traveling Elder in five other branches. This was at the time quite a responsible position, the branch being large and requiring constant care. Elder Lund continued his missionary labors until the year 1862, when, at the age of eighteen, he emigrated to Utah. He left Hamburg on the "Benjamin Franklin." While lying in that city measles came aboard and made fearful ravages among the children. There was no doctor on board, and the captain would deliver the medicines and wine for the sick only on an order from a physician. Elder Christian A. Madsen laid the matter before the Saints, and they voted to appoint Brother Lund the physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and with it a book treating on common diseases and their cures. This he studied diligently and performed his duties so well that he gained the confidence of both the crew and the passengers. Brother Lund was always in demand. At times he had to hide so as to get the much needed rest and sleep. This was rather remarkable for a doctor that had been given his diploma by popular vote instead of by a medical faculty. Four ships left Denmark in the beginning of that year with emigrating Saints. These all met at Florence, whence some continued the journey in the conveyances furnished by the Utah Saints. The others were organized into two independent companies, one under the leadership of Bishop Christian A. Madsen, and one under the care of Patriarch Ola N. Liljenquist. Brother Lund traveled over the plains in Elder Madsen's company. The route traveled was via Elkhorn river, Loup Fork, Wood River, Willow Lake, Rattlesnake creek. Fort Laramie, Upper Platte Bridge, Devil's Gate, South Pass and Green river, and the travelers arrived in Salt Lake City Sept. 23, 1862. The overland travel had lasted seventy-one
days. It had been an exceptionally pleasant journey. The Saints had found good camping places with an abundance of grass and water. Some had walked the entire distance, and very often the men had carried the women and the children across the rivers, but there were no accidents, and a good spirit prevailed. The "Deseret News" of Sept. 24, 1862, says the health of the arrived immigrants was excellent, and the animals were in good condition. They only lost seven or eight animals on the road, and the only accident that happened was the breaking of a wagon tongue, near the end of the journey. The hand of Providence was over Brother Lund, and with the rest of his fellow-travelers he arrived in Salt Lake City, rejoicing at having reached in safety the goal of the long journey over sea and land. Elder Anthon H. Lund's life since his arrival in the valleys of the mountains has been one of continual activity and usefulness. He has filled numerous positions of trust both in the Church and State. He first located at Fairview, Sanpete county, but three months later moved to Mt. Pleasant. Here he remained till the fall of 1870. His first employment in Utah was at farm labor, digging potatoes, working on the threshing machines, etc., as long as such work could be had, and then he got employment in a harness shop and afterwards in a shoe shop. Brother John Barton offered him a home in his family and engaged him to teach his children in the evenings. He was treated by those excellent people as if he were one of the family. To Brother Lund, as to so many others who have come to Utah, the first impressions and experiences of the new country were rather discouraging. He missed his books perhaps more than anything else. An old hand book in astronomy, without maps, which he happened to find, became one of his literary treasures. He studied it and drew his own maps, using the hearthstone for a table, and was able to locate the constellations of the stars and trace the planets. Thus passed his first winter in Utah. He felt that this was the land of Zion, the place to which God had led him, and his heart swelled with sentiments of joy and gratitude, in 1864 he was called to go as a Church teamster to the Missouri river, to bring back immigrating Saints. He performed this mission faithfully. When Pres. Brigham Young called a number of young men to come to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy. Elder Lund was selected as one of them. During his stay in the city at this time he became acquainted with Elder John Henry Smith and others, with whom he later has been intimately associated in the ecclesiastical work. Having learned telegraphy, he returned to Mt. Pleasant and kept the telegraph office there. He also had a photograph gallery. And when the first co-operative Institution was started in that city, he was appointed its secretary. He was also elected a member of the city council. But notwithstanding these varied duties, he found time to devote to the Church. In 1865 he helped to start the first Sunday school in the city where he lived, and achieved great success in this labor of love. He remained in Mt. Pleasant until the fall of 1870, when he moved to Ephraim. In the same year he married Sister Sarah Ann Peterson, a daughter of Stake President Canute Peterson. The issue of this happy union is nine children, of whom seven are still living. In 1871 Elder Lund was called to perform his first foreign mission, since his arrival in Utah. He was sent to Scandinavia in company with Elder Canute Peterson. The latter was appointed president of the Scandinavian mission, and Elder Lund became the business manager of the central office, in Copenhagen. On his return to Ephraim he became interested in the co-operative store of that place, and the next year he was placed in charge of that institution. He held this position for nine years, and it is generally conceded that it was, during this
time, one of the most successful in the county. In 1874 he was appointed a member of the High Council in Sanpete, and when the Stake was organized, in 1877, he became Stake clerk and a member of the new High Council. In 1878 he became superintendent of the Sunday School in Ephraim, a labor which he much enjoyed. In 1883 he was called to fill another mission to Scandinavia. He succeeded Elder Chr. D. Fjeldsted as president of the mission, and was absent from home two years and three months. During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Utah, and he took his seat in that body on his arrival home. In 1888, he was re-elected. The Ogden Reform School and Agricultural College at Logan are lasting monuments of his untiring work in the legislative assembly of Utah, as well as of his wisdom and solicitude for the welfare of the people. In May, 1888, he was appointed vice president of the Manti Temple, assisting Pres. Daniel H. Wells, and in 1891 he succeeded Brother Wells in the presidency. At the organization of the General Church Board of Education he became a member of that board. At the October conference, 1889, he was called to the high office of an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ. He was ordained Oct. 7, 1889, by Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon. In 1893 he was sent to Liverpool, to preside over the European mission. He was gone more than three years, and his administration was marked with much success. His linguistic ability was a great help to him in the performance of his duties, while traveling in the various conferences. At the demise of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, Elder Lund was appointed director of the Z. C. M, I., and, some years before, of the Zion's Savings Bank. In 1897 he was called on a mission to Palestine and Syria to organize the Saints there into branches, and to look after their welfare generally. He returned in the summer of 1898. In the fall of that year he moved to Salt Lake City, where he now resides. Since then he has continued his labors as an Apostle, in the various Stakes of Zion. Since April, 1900, he has also been the superintendent of the religion classes, and in August, 1900, he succeeded Pres. Franklin D. Richards in the important office of Church historian. This, certainly, is a most remarkable career, and the key to it should be of value to the readers of this brief sketch. The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with Brother Lund, asked him, "What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?" To which he replied, after a moment of deep thought: "I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it." That tells all. No one guided by that principle can fail in life. The Son of God Himself attained glory and power and dominion because He yielded faithful obedience to the will of His Father in Heaven. A striking feature of Brother Lund's character is his tendency to religious thought and meditation, which almost reminds one of the best representatives of the Pietistic school which during the last century had so much influence upon Lutheran Protestantism; it should be added, though, that his practical training during a life rich in experiences has preserved him from the errors of mysticism, which under different circumstances might have been difficult to avoid. In his public speaking it is easy to perceive that his thoughts center round the great themes of the gospel: the Redeemer, in His two-fold character of Priest, atoning for the sins of the world; and King, coming to rule and to restore all things. As a teacher in Israel he evidently at all times endeavors to magnify his calling as an Apostle and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. It follows that in the daily events of life he readily acknowledges the hand of the Lord in all things. Through a varied experience he has obtained a firm faith in the promises of God to hear and to answer prayers, and this is a source of strength to him, which never fails. It is no wonder that Brother Lund is much respected and loved by all who know him, or that the feelings of regard grow stronger, as the acquaintance with him becomes more intimate. Few men go through life without enemies but Brother Lund appears to be one of the few. He is very much like the late Pres. Wilford Woodruff in this respect of whom it was said that even his antagonists loved him. The regard in which he is held by his associates in the council of Apostles was very well expressed by Elder Heber J. Grant, in a meeting of Scandinavian saints in this city, he said: "Erastus Snow was my ideal of an apostle of the Lord, and Brother Snow's mantle has, in my opinion, fallen upon Elder Anthon H. Lund."-J. M. Sjodahl. (See also "Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 35. p. 705.)
Jenson, Andrew. "Lund, Anthon Henrik" Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 753-754.
LUND, Anthon Henrik, first counselor to President Heber J. Grant. (Continuation from Vol. 1:161.) For an extended account of the truly remarkable career of President Anthon H. Lund the reader is referred to the sketch published in Volume I of this work, which gives the biography in outline to the year 1900, when he was appointed superintendent of the Church Religion Classes and Church Historian. In 1901, Elder Lund was called to the office of second counselor in the First Presidency, and, at the departure of President John R. Winder from this sphere of action, he was appointed first counselor, a position he now (June, 1920) holds. For almost twenty years, then, he has been connected with the First Presidency of the Church. It is needless to say that he has discharged every duty devolving upon him in this calling, as in every other that has come to him, with great ability and never wavering fidelity. Part of the time, particularly during the last illness of our beloved President Joseph F. Smith, the burden of the office was carried entirely by the two counselors. In 1911, President Lund was made acting president of the Salt Lake Temple, and in 1918, at the death of President Joseph F. Smith, he became president of that sacred building, and also president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. President Lund has traveled extensively. In 1909 he and his wife and daughter visited Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and England, and in 1919 he accompanied President Heber J. Grant, Elder Rudger Clawson, Bishop Charles W. Nibley, Elder Stephen L. Richards and Elder Arthur Winter to the Hawaiian Islands, where the Temple at Laie was dedicated Nov. 2 7, 1919. President Lund, in addition to his ecclesiastical offices, holds several positions of industrial and commercial importance, and in every place his sound, well matured judgment, his integrity, and his faithful adherence to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are felt as a powerful influence which is highly esteemed and valued by his associates. (J. M. Sjodahl.)
LUND, Anthon Henrik, first counselor to President Heber J. Grant. (Continuation from Vol. 1:161.) For an extended account of the truly remarkable career of President Anthon H. Lund the reader is referred to the sketch published in Volume I of this work, which gives the biography in outline to the year 1900, when he was appointed superintendent of the Church Religion Classes and Church Historian. In 1901, Elder Lund was called to the office of second counselor in the First Presidency, and, at the departure of President John R. Winder from this sphere of action, he was appointed first counselor, a position he now (June, 1920) holds. For almost twenty years, then, he has been connected with the First Presidency of the Church. It is needless to say that he has discharged every duty devolving upon him in this calling, as in every other that has come to him, with great ability and never wavering fidelity. Part of the time, particularly during the last illness of our beloved President Joseph F. Smith, the burden of the office was carried entirely by the two counselors. In 1911, President Lund was made acting president of the Salt Lake Temple, and in 1918, at the death of President Joseph F. Smith, he became president of that sacred building, and also president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. President Lund has traveled extensively. In 1909 he and his wife and daughter visited Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and England, and in 1919 he accompanied President Heber J. Grant, Elder Rudger Clawson, Bishop Charles W. Nibley, Elder Stephen L. Richards and Elder Arthur Winter to the Hawaiian Islands, where the Temple at Laie was dedicated Nov. 2 7, 1919. President Lund, in addition to his ecclesiastical offices, holds several positions of industrial and commercial importance, and in every place his sound, well matured judgment, his integrity, and his faithful adherence to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are felt as a powerful influence which is highly esteemed and valued by his associates. (J. M. Sjodahl.)
Jenson, Andrew. "Lund, Anthon H." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 242, 315, 372, 683.
LUND, Anthon H., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1909 to 1918, died in Salt Lake City, March 2, 1921. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161, and Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., president of the British Mission from 1893 to 1896. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161, and Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., president of the Scandinavian Mission from 1884 to 1885, died March 2, 1921, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161, and Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., president of the Genealogical Society of Utah from 1900 to 1921, was born May 15, 1844, in Aalborg, Denmark, and died March 2, 1921, in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a member of the First Presidency of the Church. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161; Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1909 to 1918, died in Salt Lake City, March 2, 1921. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161, and Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., president of the British Mission from 1893 to 1896. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161, and Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., president of the Scandinavian Mission from 1884 to 1885, died March 2, 1921, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161, and Vol. 3, p. 753.)
LUND, Anthon H., president of the Genealogical Society of Utah from 1900 to 1921, was born May 15, 1844, in Aalborg, Denmark, and died March 2, 1921, in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a member of the First Presidency of the Church. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 161; Vol. 3, p. 753.)
Sjodahl, J. M. "Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund." The Juvenile Instructor, November 1, 1900: pg. 705-712.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS—THE APOSTLES. ANTHON H. LUND.
A THOUGHTFUL student of Bible and ecclesiastical history can hardly fail to notice what seems to be a general rule in the Kingdom of God, that those who are destined to perform a special work in that kingdom—those whose place is in the foremost ranks in the advancing hosts of victorious Israel, are from the earliest years of their earthly existence led and fostered by the hand of Providence, with that special mission in view.
The rule is well illustrated in the histories of Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Samuel, Ezra, John the Baptist, Paul, Timothy, and many other familiar Bible characters. It is suggested by the lives of Polycarp, Augustine, Luther, Knox, Bunyan and a host of others, prominent in the history of the religious movements of the world. And it appears no less in the biographies of the martyred Seer of this preparatory dispensation, and his successors, the Prophets and Apostles of the Church of the living God. Of all of them it can be said, that they came into the world through a righteous lineage. Their characters were formed from the very beginning of their existence. Many of them bad saintly mothers, to whose devoted love they can trace the course given to their lives, and they were in the words of the royal sage led to «remember their Creator in their youth.» The subject of this brief sketch presents another illustration of this general rule in the kingdom of heaven.
Anthon Henrik Lund, the subject of this sketch, was born in Aalborg, Denmark, May 15, 1844.
When he was three years and a half old his mother was taken seriously sick. The visit of the doctor, the subdued talking, and the anxiety he saw on the faces around him impressed him deeply. He even remembers what a dismal, rainy day it was. Next he remembers seeing his beautiful mother lying in her coffin. These two occasions are indelibly stamped on his memory. In the fall of 1847 his father was drafted into the Danish army and sent to Schleswig, where an insurrection was threatening. In 1848 Schleswig and Holstein revolted and with the aid of Prussia and Germany waged a sanguinary war for three years. During this struggle, Denmark needed all her patriotic sons, and his father served with distinction through the whole war, and did not return until the boy was seven years old. It was a beautiful day when the victorious army returned; and standing near a triumphal arch, having hold of his grandmother's hand, the boy watched the soldiers marching under it. At last his grandmother pointed out the smiling face of his father marching with his musket on his shoulder. A few hours later he was folded in his father's arms. This was a happy day to the boy. Shortly after his father moved away some thirty-five miles and he was left with his grandmother, who proved a tender, loving mother to him, and he became very much attached to her; and when his father a couple of years later wanted to take the boy with him home, he pleaded to be left with his grandmother. She bestowed upon him a mother's love and devotion. She was the soul of honor, and though her own children thought her discipline had been rather strict, Brother Lund only remembers how tenderly she cared for him.
At the early age of four years Anthon Lund was sent to a private school, where he mastered the first elements of reading, writing, arithmetic, etc., and when seven years old he entered the public schools of the city of Aalborg. His industry as a student and his aptitude for learning are shown in the fact that he rapidly advanced from one grade to another, passing entirely over the second grade. And while preparing himself for graduation in the course of study given in the school, he took besides private lessons in English, and also studied German and French. At the age of eleven years, he held the first place in the school. Already at this early age Brother Lund had an irresistible desire to study the word of God. In his grandmother's house was a Bible belonging to his uncle, which his uncle had forbidden him to touch for fear he should soil or otherwise deface the precious volume. But his grandmother often asked him to read some of its chapters to her. This filled him with an ardent desire to read the whole book, and encouraged in this by his grandmother, he commenced at the beginning and made himself familiar with the main events narrated in that sacred volume. One day in Lent when the streets were filled with people looking at the Lent procession, he thought: What a delightful day I can have reading the Bible! He imagined that his uncle would be among the sight-seeing multitude. He had settled himself down on his favorite place with the Bible open, reading the fascinating history of Israel under the kings, when he heard a step on the stairs; the door opened, and there stood his uncle before him. He asked his uncle to excuse his having taken the Bible without permission. His uncle answered: «I am delighted, my boy, to find you thus employed on a day like this. Read it as much as you like.» As he was only in his eighth year, his uncle was surprised to find how much he had read, and how well he had grasped the meaning. Brother Lund says those early readings have been a great help to him, as they fastened the thread of the Bible narrative securely upon his mind. Not having brothers or sisters he was left to himself much of the time, and books became his company. He read all the books he could get and all his pocket money was spent at the book-stores. He was then, as later, fond of visiting such places.
When, in the year 1850, Elder Erastus Snow arrived in Denmark, to open up the mission in the Scandinavian countries, one among the early converts was the uncle of Anthon Lund, Jens Anderson, at present a respected resident of Cedar City, Utah. His grandmother, too, accepted the Gospel just before his uncle emigrated and was baptized in 1853, when Anthon was nine years old. In this way he came in constant contact with Mormonism. In his grandmother's home he found an abundance of Mormon literature. He read this eagerly, and the Lord opened his heart and his understanding to believe and to comprehend the truths set forth. He soon became familiar with the history of the Church and its doctrines. Elder Anthon Lund says he can hardly remember a time when he was not convinced of the truth of the Gospel. From the first moment it was presented it appeared to him in comparison with common orthodoxy as the clearest daylight compared to the uncertain flare of the northern aurora. It became to him «the pearl of great price," for the possession of which he would gladly sacrifice everything.
Yet there was many a conflict in his young heart, before the step was taken which united him with the Church. Those who at that time identified themselves with the Church were generally ostracized socially, and often subjected to persecution, and some years elapsed before Anthon, though fully convinced of the truth of the Gospel, asked for baptism.
At that time there was a great deal of persecution of the Saints in Aalborg, and this spirit actuated even the schoolboys, and to such an extent that none of the Saints could send their children to the public schools. Brother Lund was the only one belonging to the Saints who attended the school. Sometimes the boys threatened to baptize him, and at other times they united in giving him a beating, but as a general thing he was a favorite with both his teachers and fellow students. One of his father's younger brothers, about three years older than Anthon, was in the same class, and although he hated Mormonism, he would not allow anyone to abuse Brother Lund. Having tact enough never to complain against those who had persecuted him, and always ready to help the boys in their studies, he won them. Nearly every one in his class was two or three years his senior; still they did not envy him his promotion. To become «Dux,» or first in the upper class, was the ambition of all the pupils. When the school met after the summer vacation, when Brother Lund was 11 years old, and all were anxious to know where their places would be, the class was unanimous in giving the first place to him, and would not allow him to take his old place. At the examination the bishop of the diocese was present and personally catechized Brother Lund. The answers surprised him, and he said to the whole school: «I have not heard a boy answer so well in any of the two hundred schools in my diocese.» All the teachers but one were proud of the praise bestowed on one of their pupils. One, however, a bitter ((Mormon hater,)) felt much chagrined. On several occasions he would slur the boy because of his belief. One day he said: «It is expected that the (Dux> of the school shall give a good example to the pupils. What a shame if they should imitate yours and become Mormons!» Brother Lund answered, «They would never regret it.»
The principal of the school was Brother Lund's best friend. When he learned that the boy acted on his own conviction he said: «I thought you were persuaded by others, but I see you are thoroughly convinced of the truth of Mormonism. Follow your honest convictions, my boy. I would not hinder you from obeying the dictates of your conscience.” Brother Lund loved this good man, and when he went back on his first mission he learned with regret that he had died a short time before.
He loved his relatives dearly, and, as they were opposed to Mormonism, they sought to keep him from joining the Church. They wanted him to take a collegiate course, which especially suited his inclinations; his teachers also urged him to take such a course. They did not know how great a temptation this was to the boy, but the Lord gave him strength to resist it, and His Spirit continually strove with him, reminding him of his duty. He was baptized on the 15th day of May, 1856, on the twelfth anniversary of his birth. Elder Julander, who died a short time ago at Monroe, performed the ordinance, and on the 18th of May he was confirmed by Elder Peter Madsen, now living in the Second Ward. When Brother Lund joined the Church Elder C. D. Fjeldsted presided over Aalborg conference. Brother Fjeldsted's sermons made a deep impression on the young boy. His original, convincing and entertaining style was much admired. At the same time Bishop C. A. Madsen, of Gunnison, was pastor over Aalborg and several other conferences. His excellent wife, who was a highly educated lady, rendered the boy much assistance in his studies of English, and he became very much attached to Brother and Sister Madsen.
When Brother Lund was thirteen years old he was called to labor in the vineyard. His mission was to teach emigrating Saints English, to distribute tracts and help the Elders hold meetings. When giving his first report at the conference, Brother Fjeldsted lifted him upon a table, and thus he made his debut before an audience.
Besides his tracts he always carried a number of Millennial Stars, which he would read to the Saints, he being able to translate them into Danish nearly as fluently as if he were reading a Danish paper. The Saints were delighted to listen and were strengthened in their faith. A series of articles published in the Millennial Star, "Answers to Objections," was a great help to him in meeting the arguments of the ministers, who were then publishing in Danish the same falsehoods about the Mormons, which had flooded America and England. When 'he' was first sent out some thought the Mormons were going daft in sending one so young. Such a remark was once reported to Brother Lund. He said: "Never mind, I will make that man my friend. » He did so, for in the course of time the man who had spoken so slightingly of him asked to be baptized and wanted Brother Lund to perform the ordinance. Brother Lund became well acquainted in the whole conference. He traveled without purse and scrip and, during the four years and a half he labored as a missionary, he does not remember having bought half a dozen meals. Friends were raised up to him on every hand, and men outside of the Church told him to let them know what he needed and they would furnish him the money, and they did so. One day while he was out tracting, he visited a large mill-owner, whom he found in his library with another gentleman. After spending an hour in answering their questions, the man of the house said: «It is too bad that you are a Mormon. If you will study theology at the university in Copenhagen and become a Lutheran minister I will pay the expenses and I will make you my heir.» Brother Lund answered, «I have no doubt you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God.» The answer seemed to please both the gentlemen. Brother Lund has wondered since whether the man meant what he said or not. He believed at the time that he was in earnest, but it was no temptation to him. He felt he had found the pearl of great price.
His experiences in the mission field have been varied and interesting. Once he had promised to meet at a certain place to help hold a meeting. To reach this place he walked some ten miles facing a heavy snow storm. When he arrived at the house he found the house full of people, but the Elders had not come. He sat down among the people and heard them say: «The Mormons have fooled us today." When the time was up and he saw no one else would be there, he arose and asked the people kindly to give him their attention. How astonished the people looked at the boy! But they were so still that you could hear a pin drop. After the meeting every one present came and shook hands with him and thanked him. Several present have since joined the Church and emigrated to Zion.
It was not often Brother Lund was molested. Even in places where other Elders had suffered persecution he succeeded in making friends. Sometimes, however, he also tasted the opposite. On one occasion, when he was out inviting people to a meeting in the evening, he came into a house and informed a woman he met that there would be a meeting in the evening, and invited her to attend.
«What kind of a meeting?” she asked.
«A Mormon meeting," he replied.
There came a change over her face instantly and she became a perfect fury. She grabbed her fire-tongs and screamed, «I will give you Mormon meeting," and flew at him.
He thought discretion the better part of valor, and ran out of the house, but the woman followed and in her highest key called on her husband to shoot the Mormon. She made such a disturbance that the neighbors came running to see what was the matter.
Years afterwards when Brother Lund had charge of the Ephraim Co-op a lady came into the store, and said to him, «You do not know me, but I have seen you once. Do you remember a woman who ran after you with a pair of fire-tongs ?»
«Yes,» he answered, «but you are not that woman, for her face I have never forgotten."
«No,» she said, «I was her neighbor, and seeing her running after you, I asked her what you had done. She said that you had invited her to a Mormon meeting. I became curious to learn something about the Mormons and went to the meeting. I heard you speak and was convinced of the truth.»
The Lord turned the wrath of an enemy to further His purposes.
Brother Lund had on one occasion obtained permission to hold a meeting in a town where it had hitherto been impossible to make an opening. The meeting was appointed for the next Sunday, and in company with a couple of Elders Brother Lund went there. On entering the town they were warned not to go to the meeting as the mob would disturb the meeting, and they had given the blacksmith, the bully of several parishes, all the liquor he would drink in order to get him to pound the Mormon Elders. They thanked their informant, but said they must honor their appointment. They found the house full of people and great numbers outside that could not get in. The meeting was opened, and in stalked the blacksmith. Brother Lund says when he saw him, he thought he was a very Polyphemus. He had only one eye, a sinister look, and fists like sledge hammers. They prayed earnestly that God would overrule the plans of the wicked. The advent of the blacksmith was the signal for disturbing the meeting, and some commenced calling the Elders liars, etc. The blacksmith rose to his feet when he heard the interruptions, and slowly eying the audience he said: «I want you all to understand that these are men of God, and they speak His word pure and simple. If any one again interrupt them he shall feel the weight of this," showing his large fist. The crowd did not know what this meant; he had drank their liquor and promised to thrash the Elders; he must be joking. A loud-mouthed fellow commenced again calling the Elders opprobrious names, when the blacksmith elbowed his way through the dense crowd, and taking hold of the disturber he threw him out of the door. This settled it. For two hours the Elders preached to the congregation, and the one-eyed giant stood guard as a policeman; but as soon as the meeting was dismissed, he seemed to realize that he was on the wrong side and he commenced to be ugly and wanted to quarrel with the brethren, but they got away as quickly as possible. Brother Lund was the last to leave and he heard those behind say to those in front of him, "Give him a diff,» but Brother Lund nodded politely to the crowd as he passed through and got away unhurt. Some of those present have since come to Utah and have informed Brother Lund that even the man who opened his house for the meeting was in the conspiracy against the Elders. The Elders felt that their prayers were heard in an almost miraculous manner.
Brother Lund often found that his youth was the means of gaining sympathy for him, and a hearing which was denied others, and the Lord blessed his efforts with many fruits.
At the age of sixteen he was ordained an Elder and appointed president of the Aalborg branch, and traveling Elder in five other branches. This was at the time quite a responsible position, the branch being large and requiring constant care.
Elder Lund continued his missionary labors until the year 1862, when, at the age of eighteen, he emigrated to Utah. He left Hamburg on the Benjamin Franklin. While lying in that city measles came aboard and made fearful ravages amongst the children. There was no doctor on board, and the captain would deliver the medicines and wine for the sick only on an order from a physician. Bishop C. A. Madsen laid the matter before the Saints, and they voted to appoint Brother Lund to be the physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and with it a book treating on common diseases and their cures. This he studied diligently and performed his duties so well that he gained the confidence of both the crew and the passengers. Brother Lund was always in demand. At times he had to hide so as to get the much-needed rest and sleep. This was rather remarkable for a doctor that had been given his diploma by popular vote instead of by a medical faculty.
Four ships left Denmark in the beginning of that year with emigrating Saints. These all met at Florence, whence some continued the journey in the conveyances furnished by the Utah Saints. The others were organized into two independent companies, one under the leadership of Bishop C. A. Madsen, and one under the care of Patriarch 0. N. Liljenquist. Brother Lund traveled over the plains in Bishop Madsen's company. This, according to the journal of the late Elder Welbye, consisted of 214 persons. They had 40 wagons, 14 horses, 174 oxen, 99 cows, 37 heifers, 7 calves, 6 dogs, and 10 chickens. They also brought with them 22 tents, 32 kitchen stoves, 5 revolvers and 37 rifles. Thus equipped the company started from Florence, after having remained there for seven weeks. The route was via Elkhorn River, Loup Fork, Wood River, Willow Lake, Rattlesnake Creek, Fort Laramie, Upper Platte Bridge, Devil's Gate, South Pass and Green River, and the travelers arrived in Salt Lake City on the 23rd day of September, 1862. The overland travel had lasted 71 days. It had been an exceptionally pleasant journey. The Saints had found good camping places with an abundance of grass and water. Some had walked the entire distance, and very often the men had carried the women and the children across the rivers, but there were no accidents, and a good spirit prevailed. The Deseret News of the 24th of September, 1862, says the health of the arrived immigrants was excellent, and the animals were in good condition. They only lost seven or eight animals on the road, and the only accident that happened was the breaking of a wagon tongue, near the end of the journey. The hand of Providence was over Brother Lund, and with the rest of his fellow-travelers he arrived in Salt Lake City, rejoicing at having reached in safety the goal of the long journey over sea and land.
Elder Anthon H. Lund's life since his arrival in the valleys of the mountains has been one of continual activity and usefulness. He has filled numerous positions of trust both in the Church and State.
He first located at Fairview, Sanpete County, but three months later moved to Mt. Pleasant. Here he remained till the fall of 1870. His first employment in Utah was at farm labor, digging potatoes, working on the threshing machines, etc., as long as such work could be had, and then he got employment in a harness shop and afterwards in a shoe shop. He was never idle a day. Brother John Barton offered him a home in his family and engaged him to teach his children in the evenings. He was treated by those excellent people as if he were one of the family.
To Brother Lund, as to so many others who have come to Utah, the first impressions and experiences of the new country were rather discouraging. He missed his books perhaps more than anything else. An old handbook in astronomy, without maps, which he happened to find, became one of his literary treasures. He studied it and drew his own maps, using the hearthstone for a table, and was able to locate the constellations of the stars and trace the planets. Thus passed his first winter in Utah. He felt that this was the land of Zion, the place to which God had led him, and his heart swelled with sentiments of joy and gratitude.
In 1864 he was called to go as a teamster to the Missouri River, to bring back some immigrating Saints. He performed this mission faithfully.
When President Brigham Young called a number of young men to come to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy, Elder Lund was selected as one of them. During his stay in the city at this time he became acquainted with Elder John Henry Smith and others, with whom he later has been intimately associated in ecclesiastical work.
Having learned telegraphy, he returned to Mt. Pleasant and kept the telegraph office there. He also had a photograph gallery. And when the first co-operative institution was started in that city, he was appointed its secretary. He was also elected a member of the city council. But notwithstanding these varied duties, he found time to devote to the Church. In 1865 he helped to start the first Sunday School in the city where he lived, and achieved great success in this labor of love.
He remained in Mt. Pleasant until the fall of 1870, when he moved to Ephraim. In the same year he married Sister Sarah Ann Peterson, a daughter of Stake President Canute Peterson. The issue of this happy union is nine children, of whom seven are still living.
Most of the faithful Elders of Israel have at some time or another the privilege of going out among the nations of the earth as messengers of life and salvation. Elder Lund was called, in the year 1871, to perform his first foreign mission, since his arrival in Utah. He was sent to Denmark in company with Elder Canute Peterson. The latter was appointed president of the Scandinavian mission, and Elder Lund became the business manager of the central office, in Copenhagen.
On his return to Ephraim he became interested in the co-operative store of that place, and the next year he was placed in charge of that institution. He held this position for nine years, and it is generally conceded that it was, during this time, one of the most successful in the county.
In 1874 he was appointed a member of the High Council in Sanpete, and when the stake was organized, in 1877, he became stake clerk and a member of the new High Council. In 1878 he became superintendent of the Sunday School in Ephraim, a labor which he much enjoyed.
In 1883 he was called to fill another mission to Scandinavia. He succeeded Elder C. D. Fjeldsted as president of the mission, and was absent from home two years and three months.
During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Utah, and he took his seat in that body on his arrival home. In 1888 he was re-elected. The Ogden Reform School and the Agricultural College at Logan are lasting monuments of his untiring work in the legislative assembly of Utah, as well as of his wisdom and solicitude for the welfare of the people.
In May, 1888, he was appointed vice president of the Manti Temple, assisting President Daniel H. Wells, and in 1891 he succeeded Brother Wells in the presidency. At the organization of the General Church Board of Education he became a member of that board.
At the October conference, 1889, he was called to the high office of an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ, and in 1893 he was sent to Liverpool, to preside over the European mission. He was gone more than three years, and his administration was marked with much success. His linguistic ability was a great help to him in the performance of his duties, while traveling in the various conferences.
At the demise of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, Elder Lund was appointed director of the Z. C. M. I. and, some years before, of the Zion's Savings Bank.
In 1897 he was called to a mission to Palestine and Syria, to organize the Saints there into branches; and to look after their welfare generally. He returned in the summer of 1898.
In the fall of that year he moved to Salt Lake City, where he now resides. Since then he has continued his labors as an Apostle, in the various stakes of Zion. Since April, 1900, he has also been the superintendent of the Religion classes, and in August last, he succeeded President Franklin D. Richards in the important office of Church Historian.
This, certainly, is a most remarkable career, and the key to it should be of value to the readers of this brief sketch. The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with Brother Lund, asked him, «What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?" To which he replied, after a moment of deep thought: «I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it.»
That tells all. No one guided by that principle can fail in life. The Son of God Himself attained glory and power and dominion because He yielded faithful obedience to the will of His Father in Heaven.
A striking feature of Brother Lund's character is his tendency to religious thought and meditation, which almost reminds one of the best representatives of the Pietistic school which during the last century had so much influence upon Lutheran Protestantism; it should be added, though, that his practical training during a life rich in experiences, has preserved him from the errors of mysticism, which under different circumstances might have been difficult to avoid. In his public speaking it is easy to perceive that his thoughts center round the great themes of the Gospel: the Redeemer, in His two-fold character of Priest, atoning for the sins of the world; and King, coming to rule and to restore all things. As a teacher in Israel he evidently at all times endeavors to magnify his calling of an Apostle and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. It follows, that in the daily events of life he readily acknowledges the hand of the Lord in all things. Through a varied experience he has obtained a firm faith in the promises of God to hear and to answer prayers, and this is a source of strength to him, which never fails.
It is no wonder that Brother Lund is much respected and loved by all who know him, or that the feelings of regard grow stronger, as the acquaintance with him becomes more intimate. Few men go through life without enemies, but Brother Lund appears to be one of the few. He is very much like the late President Wilford Woodruff in this respect, of whom it was said that even his antagonists loved him. The regard in which he is held by his associates in the Council of Apostles was very well expressed by Elder Heber J. Grant when in a meeting of Scandinavian Saints in this city, not long ago, he said: «Erastus Snow was my ideal of an Apostle of the Lord, and Brother Snow's mantle has, in my opinion, fallen upon Elder Anthon H. Lund.»
It would be impossible, even in a lengthy treatise, to give a more striking tribute to the genuine worth of the successor of him who has been called the Apostle of Scandinavia.
J. M. Sjodahl.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS—THE APOSTLES. ANTHON H. LUND.
A THOUGHTFUL student of Bible and ecclesiastical history can hardly fail to notice what seems to be a general rule in the Kingdom of God, that those who are destined to perform a special work in that kingdom—those whose place is in the foremost ranks in the advancing hosts of victorious Israel, are from the earliest years of their earthly existence led and fostered by the hand of Providence, with that special mission in view.
The rule is well illustrated in the histories of Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Samuel, Ezra, John the Baptist, Paul, Timothy, and many other familiar Bible characters. It is suggested by the lives of Polycarp, Augustine, Luther, Knox, Bunyan and a host of others, prominent in the history of the religious movements of the world. And it appears no less in the biographies of the martyred Seer of this preparatory dispensation, and his successors, the Prophets and Apostles of the Church of the living God. Of all of them it can be said, that they came into the world through a righteous lineage. Their characters were formed from the very beginning of their existence. Many of them bad saintly mothers, to whose devoted love they can trace the course given to their lives, and they were in the words of the royal sage led to «remember their Creator in their youth.» The subject of this brief sketch presents another illustration of this general rule in the kingdom of heaven.
Anthon Henrik Lund, the subject of this sketch, was born in Aalborg, Denmark, May 15, 1844.
When he was three years and a half old his mother was taken seriously sick. The visit of the doctor, the subdued talking, and the anxiety he saw on the faces around him impressed him deeply. He even remembers what a dismal, rainy day it was. Next he remembers seeing his beautiful mother lying in her coffin. These two occasions are indelibly stamped on his memory. In the fall of 1847 his father was drafted into the Danish army and sent to Schleswig, where an insurrection was threatening. In 1848 Schleswig and Holstein revolted and with the aid of Prussia and Germany waged a sanguinary war for three years. During this struggle, Denmark needed all her patriotic sons, and his father served with distinction through the whole war, and did not return until the boy was seven years old. It was a beautiful day when the victorious army returned; and standing near a triumphal arch, having hold of his grandmother's hand, the boy watched the soldiers marching under it. At last his grandmother pointed out the smiling face of his father marching with his musket on his shoulder. A few hours later he was folded in his father's arms. This was a happy day to the boy. Shortly after his father moved away some thirty-five miles and he was left with his grandmother, who proved a tender, loving mother to him, and he became very much attached to her; and when his father a couple of years later wanted to take the boy with him home, he pleaded to be left with his grandmother. She bestowed upon him a mother's love and devotion. She was the soul of honor, and though her own children thought her discipline had been rather strict, Brother Lund only remembers how tenderly she cared for him.
At the early age of four years Anthon Lund was sent to a private school, where he mastered the first elements of reading, writing, arithmetic, etc., and when seven years old he entered the public schools of the city of Aalborg. His industry as a student and his aptitude for learning are shown in the fact that he rapidly advanced from one grade to another, passing entirely over the second grade. And while preparing himself for graduation in the course of study given in the school, he took besides private lessons in English, and also studied German and French. At the age of eleven years, he held the first place in the school. Already at this early age Brother Lund had an irresistible desire to study the word of God. In his grandmother's house was a Bible belonging to his uncle, which his uncle had forbidden him to touch for fear he should soil or otherwise deface the precious volume. But his grandmother often asked him to read some of its chapters to her. This filled him with an ardent desire to read the whole book, and encouraged in this by his grandmother, he commenced at the beginning and made himself familiar with the main events narrated in that sacred volume. One day in Lent when the streets were filled with people looking at the Lent procession, he thought: What a delightful day I can have reading the Bible! He imagined that his uncle would be among the sight-seeing multitude. He had settled himself down on his favorite place with the Bible open, reading the fascinating history of Israel under the kings, when he heard a step on the stairs; the door opened, and there stood his uncle before him. He asked his uncle to excuse his having taken the Bible without permission. His uncle answered: «I am delighted, my boy, to find you thus employed on a day like this. Read it as much as you like.» As he was only in his eighth year, his uncle was surprised to find how much he had read, and how well he had grasped the meaning. Brother Lund says those early readings have been a great help to him, as they fastened the thread of the Bible narrative securely upon his mind. Not having brothers or sisters he was left to himself much of the time, and books became his company. He read all the books he could get and all his pocket money was spent at the book-stores. He was then, as later, fond of visiting such places.
When, in the year 1850, Elder Erastus Snow arrived in Denmark, to open up the mission in the Scandinavian countries, one among the early converts was the uncle of Anthon Lund, Jens Anderson, at present a respected resident of Cedar City, Utah. His grandmother, too, accepted the Gospel just before his uncle emigrated and was baptized in 1853, when Anthon was nine years old. In this way he came in constant contact with Mormonism. In his grandmother's home he found an abundance of Mormon literature. He read this eagerly, and the Lord opened his heart and his understanding to believe and to comprehend the truths set forth. He soon became familiar with the history of the Church and its doctrines. Elder Anthon Lund says he can hardly remember a time when he was not convinced of the truth of the Gospel. From the first moment it was presented it appeared to him in comparison with common orthodoxy as the clearest daylight compared to the uncertain flare of the northern aurora. It became to him «the pearl of great price," for the possession of which he would gladly sacrifice everything.
Yet there was many a conflict in his young heart, before the step was taken which united him with the Church. Those who at that time identified themselves with the Church were generally ostracized socially, and often subjected to persecution, and some years elapsed before Anthon, though fully convinced of the truth of the Gospel, asked for baptism.
At that time there was a great deal of persecution of the Saints in Aalborg, and this spirit actuated even the schoolboys, and to such an extent that none of the Saints could send their children to the public schools. Brother Lund was the only one belonging to the Saints who attended the school. Sometimes the boys threatened to baptize him, and at other times they united in giving him a beating, but as a general thing he was a favorite with both his teachers and fellow students. One of his father's younger brothers, about three years older than Anthon, was in the same class, and although he hated Mormonism, he would not allow anyone to abuse Brother Lund. Having tact enough never to complain against those who had persecuted him, and always ready to help the boys in their studies, he won them. Nearly every one in his class was two or three years his senior; still they did not envy him his promotion. To become «Dux,» or first in the upper class, was the ambition of all the pupils. When the school met after the summer vacation, when Brother Lund was 11 years old, and all were anxious to know where their places would be, the class was unanimous in giving the first place to him, and would not allow him to take his old place. At the examination the bishop of the diocese was present and personally catechized Brother Lund. The answers surprised him, and he said to the whole school: «I have not heard a boy answer so well in any of the two hundred schools in my diocese.» All the teachers but one were proud of the praise bestowed on one of their pupils. One, however, a bitter ((Mormon hater,)) felt much chagrined. On several occasions he would slur the boy because of his belief. One day he said: «It is expected that the (Dux> of the school shall give a good example to the pupils. What a shame if they should imitate yours and become Mormons!» Brother Lund answered, «They would never regret it.»
The principal of the school was Brother Lund's best friend. When he learned that the boy acted on his own conviction he said: «I thought you were persuaded by others, but I see you are thoroughly convinced of the truth of Mormonism. Follow your honest convictions, my boy. I would not hinder you from obeying the dictates of your conscience.” Brother Lund loved this good man, and when he went back on his first mission he learned with regret that he had died a short time before.
He loved his relatives dearly, and, as they were opposed to Mormonism, they sought to keep him from joining the Church. They wanted him to take a collegiate course, which especially suited his inclinations; his teachers also urged him to take such a course. They did not know how great a temptation this was to the boy, but the Lord gave him strength to resist it, and His Spirit continually strove with him, reminding him of his duty. He was baptized on the 15th day of May, 1856, on the twelfth anniversary of his birth. Elder Julander, who died a short time ago at Monroe, performed the ordinance, and on the 18th of May he was confirmed by Elder Peter Madsen, now living in the Second Ward. When Brother Lund joined the Church Elder C. D. Fjeldsted presided over Aalborg conference. Brother Fjeldsted's sermons made a deep impression on the young boy. His original, convincing and entertaining style was much admired. At the same time Bishop C. A. Madsen, of Gunnison, was pastor over Aalborg and several other conferences. His excellent wife, who was a highly educated lady, rendered the boy much assistance in his studies of English, and he became very much attached to Brother and Sister Madsen.
When Brother Lund was thirteen years old he was called to labor in the vineyard. His mission was to teach emigrating Saints English, to distribute tracts and help the Elders hold meetings. When giving his first report at the conference, Brother Fjeldsted lifted him upon a table, and thus he made his debut before an audience.
Besides his tracts he always carried a number of Millennial Stars, which he would read to the Saints, he being able to translate them into Danish nearly as fluently as if he were reading a Danish paper. The Saints were delighted to listen and were strengthened in their faith. A series of articles published in the Millennial Star, "Answers to Objections," was a great help to him in meeting the arguments of the ministers, who were then publishing in Danish the same falsehoods about the Mormons, which had flooded America and England. When 'he' was first sent out some thought the Mormons were going daft in sending one so young. Such a remark was once reported to Brother Lund. He said: "Never mind, I will make that man my friend. » He did so, for in the course of time the man who had spoken so slightingly of him asked to be baptized and wanted Brother Lund to perform the ordinance. Brother Lund became well acquainted in the whole conference. He traveled without purse and scrip and, during the four years and a half he labored as a missionary, he does not remember having bought half a dozen meals. Friends were raised up to him on every hand, and men outside of the Church told him to let them know what he needed and they would furnish him the money, and they did so. One day while he was out tracting, he visited a large mill-owner, whom he found in his library with another gentleman. After spending an hour in answering their questions, the man of the house said: «It is too bad that you are a Mormon. If you will study theology at the university in Copenhagen and become a Lutheran minister I will pay the expenses and I will make you my heir.» Brother Lund answered, «I have no doubt you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God.» The answer seemed to please both the gentlemen. Brother Lund has wondered since whether the man meant what he said or not. He believed at the time that he was in earnest, but it was no temptation to him. He felt he had found the pearl of great price.
His experiences in the mission field have been varied and interesting. Once he had promised to meet at a certain place to help hold a meeting. To reach this place he walked some ten miles facing a heavy snow storm. When he arrived at the house he found the house full of people, but the Elders had not come. He sat down among the people and heard them say: «The Mormons have fooled us today." When the time was up and he saw no one else would be there, he arose and asked the people kindly to give him their attention. How astonished the people looked at the boy! But they were so still that you could hear a pin drop. After the meeting every one present came and shook hands with him and thanked him. Several present have since joined the Church and emigrated to Zion.
It was not often Brother Lund was molested. Even in places where other Elders had suffered persecution he succeeded in making friends. Sometimes, however, he also tasted the opposite. On one occasion, when he was out inviting people to a meeting in the evening, he came into a house and informed a woman he met that there would be a meeting in the evening, and invited her to attend.
«What kind of a meeting?” she asked.
«A Mormon meeting," he replied.
There came a change over her face instantly and she became a perfect fury. She grabbed her fire-tongs and screamed, «I will give you Mormon meeting," and flew at him.
He thought discretion the better part of valor, and ran out of the house, but the woman followed and in her highest key called on her husband to shoot the Mormon. She made such a disturbance that the neighbors came running to see what was the matter.
Years afterwards when Brother Lund had charge of the Ephraim Co-op a lady came into the store, and said to him, «You do not know me, but I have seen you once. Do you remember a woman who ran after you with a pair of fire-tongs ?»
«Yes,» he answered, «but you are not that woman, for her face I have never forgotten."
«No,» she said, «I was her neighbor, and seeing her running after you, I asked her what you had done. She said that you had invited her to a Mormon meeting. I became curious to learn something about the Mormons and went to the meeting. I heard you speak and was convinced of the truth.»
The Lord turned the wrath of an enemy to further His purposes.
Brother Lund had on one occasion obtained permission to hold a meeting in a town where it had hitherto been impossible to make an opening. The meeting was appointed for the next Sunday, and in company with a couple of Elders Brother Lund went there. On entering the town they were warned not to go to the meeting as the mob would disturb the meeting, and they had given the blacksmith, the bully of several parishes, all the liquor he would drink in order to get him to pound the Mormon Elders. They thanked their informant, but said they must honor their appointment. They found the house full of people and great numbers outside that could not get in. The meeting was opened, and in stalked the blacksmith. Brother Lund says when he saw him, he thought he was a very Polyphemus. He had only one eye, a sinister look, and fists like sledge hammers. They prayed earnestly that God would overrule the plans of the wicked. The advent of the blacksmith was the signal for disturbing the meeting, and some commenced calling the Elders liars, etc. The blacksmith rose to his feet when he heard the interruptions, and slowly eying the audience he said: «I want you all to understand that these are men of God, and they speak His word pure and simple. If any one again interrupt them he shall feel the weight of this," showing his large fist. The crowd did not know what this meant; he had drank their liquor and promised to thrash the Elders; he must be joking. A loud-mouthed fellow commenced again calling the Elders opprobrious names, when the blacksmith elbowed his way through the dense crowd, and taking hold of the disturber he threw him out of the door. This settled it. For two hours the Elders preached to the congregation, and the one-eyed giant stood guard as a policeman; but as soon as the meeting was dismissed, he seemed to realize that he was on the wrong side and he commenced to be ugly and wanted to quarrel with the brethren, but they got away as quickly as possible. Brother Lund was the last to leave and he heard those behind say to those in front of him, "Give him a diff,» but Brother Lund nodded politely to the crowd as he passed through and got away unhurt. Some of those present have since come to Utah and have informed Brother Lund that even the man who opened his house for the meeting was in the conspiracy against the Elders. The Elders felt that their prayers were heard in an almost miraculous manner.
Brother Lund often found that his youth was the means of gaining sympathy for him, and a hearing which was denied others, and the Lord blessed his efforts with many fruits.
At the age of sixteen he was ordained an Elder and appointed president of the Aalborg branch, and traveling Elder in five other branches. This was at the time quite a responsible position, the branch being large and requiring constant care.
Elder Lund continued his missionary labors until the year 1862, when, at the age of eighteen, he emigrated to Utah. He left Hamburg on the Benjamin Franklin. While lying in that city measles came aboard and made fearful ravages amongst the children. There was no doctor on board, and the captain would deliver the medicines and wine for the sick only on an order from a physician. Bishop C. A. Madsen laid the matter before the Saints, and they voted to appoint Brother Lund to be the physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and with it a book treating on common diseases and their cures. This he studied diligently and performed his duties so well that he gained the confidence of both the crew and the passengers. Brother Lund was always in demand. At times he had to hide so as to get the much-needed rest and sleep. This was rather remarkable for a doctor that had been given his diploma by popular vote instead of by a medical faculty.
Four ships left Denmark in the beginning of that year with emigrating Saints. These all met at Florence, whence some continued the journey in the conveyances furnished by the Utah Saints. The others were organized into two independent companies, one under the leadership of Bishop C. A. Madsen, and one under the care of Patriarch 0. N. Liljenquist. Brother Lund traveled over the plains in Bishop Madsen's company. This, according to the journal of the late Elder Welbye, consisted of 214 persons. They had 40 wagons, 14 horses, 174 oxen, 99 cows, 37 heifers, 7 calves, 6 dogs, and 10 chickens. They also brought with them 22 tents, 32 kitchen stoves, 5 revolvers and 37 rifles. Thus equipped the company started from Florence, after having remained there for seven weeks. The route was via Elkhorn River, Loup Fork, Wood River, Willow Lake, Rattlesnake Creek, Fort Laramie, Upper Platte Bridge, Devil's Gate, South Pass and Green River, and the travelers arrived in Salt Lake City on the 23rd day of September, 1862. The overland travel had lasted 71 days. It had been an exceptionally pleasant journey. The Saints had found good camping places with an abundance of grass and water. Some had walked the entire distance, and very often the men had carried the women and the children across the rivers, but there were no accidents, and a good spirit prevailed. The Deseret News of the 24th of September, 1862, says the health of the arrived immigrants was excellent, and the animals were in good condition. They only lost seven or eight animals on the road, and the only accident that happened was the breaking of a wagon tongue, near the end of the journey. The hand of Providence was over Brother Lund, and with the rest of his fellow-travelers he arrived in Salt Lake City, rejoicing at having reached in safety the goal of the long journey over sea and land.
Elder Anthon H. Lund's life since his arrival in the valleys of the mountains has been one of continual activity and usefulness. He has filled numerous positions of trust both in the Church and State.
He first located at Fairview, Sanpete County, but three months later moved to Mt. Pleasant. Here he remained till the fall of 1870. His first employment in Utah was at farm labor, digging potatoes, working on the threshing machines, etc., as long as such work could be had, and then he got employment in a harness shop and afterwards in a shoe shop. He was never idle a day. Brother John Barton offered him a home in his family and engaged him to teach his children in the evenings. He was treated by those excellent people as if he were one of the family.
To Brother Lund, as to so many others who have come to Utah, the first impressions and experiences of the new country were rather discouraging. He missed his books perhaps more than anything else. An old handbook in astronomy, without maps, which he happened to find, became one of his literary treasures. He studied it and drew his own maps, using the hearthstone for a table, and was able to locate the constellations of the stars and trace the planets. Thus passed his first winter in Utah. He felt that this was the land of Zion, the place to which God had led him, and his heart swelled with sentiments of joy and gratitude.
In 1864 he was called to go as a teamster to the Missouri River, to bring back some immigrating Saints. He performed this mission faithfully.
When President Brigham Young called a number of young men to come to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy, Elder Lund was selected as one of them. During his stay in the city at this time he became acquainted with Elder John Henry Smith and others, with whom he later has been intimately associated in ecclesiastical work.
Having learned telegraphy, he returned to Mt. Pleasant and kept the telegraph office there. He also had a photograph gallery. And when the first co-operative institution was started in that city, he was appointed its secretary. He was also elected a member of the city council. But notwithstanding these varied duties, he found time to devote to the Church. In 1865 he helped to start the first Sunday School in the city where he lived, and achieved great success in this labor of love.
He remained in Mt. Pleasant until the fall of 1870, when he moved to Ephraim. In the same year he married Sister Sarah Ann Peterson, a daughter of Stake President Canute Peterson. The issue of this happy union is nine children, of whom seven are still living.
Most of the faithful Elders of Israel have at some time or another the privilege of going out among the nations of the earth as messengers of life and salvation. Elder Lund was called, in the year 1871, to perform his first foreign mission, since his arrival in Utah. He was sent to Denmark in company with Elder Canute Peterson. The latter was appointed president of the Scandinavian mission, and Elder Lund became the business manager of the central office, in Copenhagen.
On his return to Ephraim he became interested in the co-operative store of that place, and the next year he was placed in charge of that institution. He held this position for nine years, and it is generally conceded that it was, during this time, one of the most successful in the county.
In 1874 he was appointed a member of the High Council in Sanpete, and when the stake was organized, in 1877, he became stake clerk and a member of the new High Council. In 1878 he became superintendent of the Sunday School in Ephraim, a labor which he much enjoyed.
In 1883 he was called to fill another mission to Scandinavia. He succeeded Elder C. D. Fjeldsted as president of the mission, and was absent from home two years and three months.
During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Utah, and he took his seat in that body on his arrival home. In 1888 he was re-elected. The Ogden Reform School and the Agricultural College at Logan are lasting monuments of his untiring work in the legislative assembly of Utah, as well as of his wisdom and solicitude for the welfare of the people.
In May, 1888, he was appointed vice president of the Manti Temple, assisting President Daniel H. Wells, and in 1891 he succeeded Brother Wells in the presidency. At the organization of the General Church Board of Education he became a member of that board.
At the October conference, 1889, he was called to the high office of an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ, and in 1893 he was sent to Liverpool, to preside over the European mission. He was gone more than three years, and his administration was marked with much success. His linguistic ability was a great help to him in the performance of his duties, while traveling in the various conferences.
At the demise of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, Elder Lund was appointed director of the Z. C. M. I. and, some years before, of the Zion's Savings Bank.
In 1897 he was called to a mission to Palestine and Syria, to organize the Saints there into branches; and to look after their welfare generally. He returned in the summer of 1898.
In the fall of that year he moved to Salt Lake City, where he now resides. Since then he has continued his labors as an Apostle, in the various stakes of Zion. Since April, 1900, he has also been the superintendent of the Religion classes, and in August last, he succeeded President Franklin D. Richards in the important office of Church Historian.
This, certainly, is a most remarkable career, and the key to it should be of value to the readers of this brief sketch. The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with Brother Lund, asked him, «What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?" To which he replied, after a moment of deep thought: «I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it.»
That tells all. No one guided by that principle can fail in life. The Son of God Himself attained glory and power and dominion because He yielded faithful obedience to the will of His Father in Heaven.
A striking feature of Brother Lund's character is his tendency to religious thought and meditation, which almost reminds one of the best representatives of the Pietistic school which during the last century had so much influence upon Lutheran Protestantism; it should be added, though, that his practical training during a life rich in experiences, has preserved him from the errors of mysticism, which under different circumstances might have been difficult to avoid. In his public speaking it is easy to perceive that his thoughts center round the great themes of the Gospel: the Redeemer, in His two-fold character of Priest, atoning for the sins of the world; and King, coming to rule and to restore all things. As a teacher in Israel he evidently at all times endeavors to magnify his calling of an Apostle and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. It follows, that in the daily events of life he readily acknowledges the hand of the Lord in all things. Through a varied experience he has obtained a firm faith in the promises of God to hear and to answer prayers, and this is a source of strength to him, which never fails.
It is no wonder that Brother Lund is much respected and loved by all who know him, or that the feelings of regard grow stronger, as the acquaintance with him becomes more intimate. Few men go through life without enemies, but Brother Lund appears to be one of the few. He is very much like the late President Wilford Woodruff in this respect, of whom it was said that even his antagonists loved him. The regard in which he is held by his associates in the Council of Apostles was very well expressed by Elder Heber J. Grant when in a meeting of Scandinavian Saints in this city, not long ago, he said: «Erastus Snow was my ideal of an Apostle of the Lord, and Brother Snow's mantle has, in my opinion, fallen upon Elder Anthon H. Lund.»
It would be impossible, even in a lengthy treatise, to give a more striking tribute to the genuine worth of the successor of him who has been called the Apostle of Scandinavia.
J. M. Sjodahl.
Evans, John Henry. "Incidents in the Life of President Anthon H. Lund." Young Woman's Journal, May 1912: pg. 270-273.
Incidents from the Life of President Anthon H. Lund.
By John Henry Evans.
The fifteenth of May is President Lund’s natal day. He was born sixty-eight years ago. Since he is General Superintendent of the Religion Classes, it has been decided to have a Lund Day in that organization, to be held on the fifteenth of this month, or the day nearest it that is most convenient to the Religion Classes concerned.
As was the case last year when we had Maeser Day, a picture—a fine, large steel engraving—of President Lund may be obtained by any one who so desires, and at the small price of ten cents. Besides, a program has been arranged by the General Board, to be carried out wherever Lund Day is observed. Part of this program, as will be noticed, consists of a biographical sketch of President Lund.
Now, it has been thought desirable, as a concession to the great army of children who may attend these exercises, to supplement this biographical sketch by some incidents from his life. And so the following characteristic narratives have been written especially for this purpose. Perhaps the best way of using them would be to assign them to as many children as there are incidents to be told at the exercises, whether before the public or in class capacity.
I.
THE YOUTH WHO DID NOT STEAL OR DRINK.
Young Anthon was eighteen. He was living at Mount Pleasant.
Flour was dear those days. It sold at from eight to eighteen dollars a hundred. Anthon had some flour, which he was anxious to sell at as high a figure as he could get. So he took it with him to Fort Bridger, on his way to the States after emigrants.
When he got his pay at the Fort, he found that he had been given ten dollars more than was coming to him.
He returned it to the man. “This does not belong to me,” he explained. “You have paid me ten dollars too much.”
The man took the money and said nothing.
Anthon was about to return to his wagon, when he heard a voice crying rather excitedly:
“Where is that boy that wouldn’t take money that didn’t belong to him ? Where is that boy who wouldn’t have a dishonest dollar?”
And presently the man came up to him. “Are you the boy that just sold us some flour?”
Anthon said that he was.
“Then, I’m hunting for you,” the man went on. “I want to treat you Come on and have a drink.”
But the young man did not move. “I never drink!” he said simply.
“Never drink!” the other exclaimed. Well, you’re the strangest boy I ever heard of.” And then he shouted over to a fellow officer—“Say, here’s a boy that won’t have either money or whisky!”
II.
WHAT ANTHON DID WHEN HE WAS “DUX.”
To become “Dux” was the highest honor any one in the class could aspire to or receive.
“Dux,” you should know, was the name given in Denmark to the head of the class. One reason why every boy wanted to be “Dux” was because he would be the head of the class. That was an honor to be sought for. But there was another reason why every boy in the class wanted it, and that was because whoever was “Dux” was appointed monitor.
To be a monitor of a class is not a very desirable thing under most circumstances. But when it is considered an honor, as it was in that school, it is worth striving for. And so everybody in the school wished to be “Dux.”
Now, “Little Anthon” Lund was two or three years younger than any other boy in his class. And, besides, he was a “Mormon.” How could he ever be “Dux?” And yet, like the others, he would like to be “Dux,” and he was. Tt came about in this way.
In those days, in Aalborg, Denmark, it was a very serious thing to be a “Mormon.” Tt meant that people wouldn’t like you, that they wouldn’t associate with you. Indeed. it generally meant that you wouldn’t dare to go to school. How, then, did “Little Anthon” reach the upper grades?
There were two reasons. First, he had even as a boy a way of getting on with people. And, then, too, he had an uncle at school, three years older than himself, who saw to it that the other boys let him alone.
But even if “Little Anthon” hadn’t a way with him of getting on and even if he hadn’t an uncle there three years older than himself, the boys would have respected him anyway, because he knew more than they did. For knowledge always is power. He had gone from the first grade to the third, skipping the second. And once when the bishop of the district came to examine the boys, “Little Anthon’s” answers surprised him. “I have not heard a boy answer so well,” the bishop said, “in any of the two hundred schools in my diocese!” The boys and the teachers, you many be sure, were all proud of this. Besides, he tried not to do anything that would hurt his reputation as a “Mormon.”
And that is how Anthon became “Dux.”
To be “Dux,” as I have said, was not only to be the head of the class, but also to be class monitor. Now, the monitor in the Aalborg school which President Lund attended when a boy, had to take care of the class between the time that one teacher left it and another came. He was supposed to set down on a slate the names of all those who talked or were otherwise noisy.
One day when the teacher had been detained longer than usual, the class became restless. Talking became general. Even Anthon forgetting himself for the moment, talked with the rest.
A heavy step was heard in the hall. It was the teachers’.
Then Anthon recollected himself. He pleaded with the boys to keep still.
“Oh, we’ve got you this time!”
they cried. “We’ve got you this time! You can’t set our names down today, because you’ve talked, too! We’ve got you this time!”
Now, talking or misbehaving so as to have your name down on the slate was a serious offense. It was so serious, in fact, that it always meant a whipping with a supple ratan. But there would be none today, the boys said to themselves because Anthon had talked with the rest, and he would not dare to set any names for fear of getting whipped himself.
The teacher entered. His face was red with anger. Evidently he had heard the noise and talking. He strode up the aisle to his desk, turned round to face the class, and scowled savagely at the' boys as if he read their inmost thoughts.
Meantime, Anthon was busy writing names on the slate! When he finished writing he laid the slate face down on his desk. The teacher went over to Anthon and took it up. He read the list to himself, amid death-like silence. There were a dozen or more names on it. Suddenly his face relaxed into a half-smile.
“Well, Anthon.” he said, “you’re pretty honest! I’ll not whip anybody today.”
After school the boys gathered round their little monitor. “Why didn’t he whip us today?” they asked.
“Go and look at the slate,” he answered.
They ran to his desk. Anthon’s name was on the list.
III.
A SMALL PREACHER, A BIG HOUSE, AND A TEMPTATION.
“Little Anthon,” stepped boldly up to the door o’f the big house and gave it a sounding rap with the end of his bamboo cane. A woman came to see who was there.
“Good afternoon, madam,” he said. “Is the master at home?”
“He’s in,” she replied, “but he’s busy just now. A gentleman has just called on him.”
The boy’s face showed for an instant the least sign of disappointment. But the next instant it brightened up again. “I wonder if he wouldn’t see me anyway,” he said—“it’s very important!”
“Well, I’ll ask him,” she answered, a smile overspreading her face as she viewed the small, persistent figure before her.
She was gone rather longer than it would seem necessary for one who had a simple question to ask and but a simple yes or no to receive in reply. Anthon wondered what could be happening, but he was unable to guess. Before he had time to divine the real cause of the delay, however, the woman returned.
“He will see you,” she said, still smiling; “just come with me.”
And the boy followed her.
Anthon was ushered into a large, elegantly furnished room—evidently the library, for there were bookcases here and there filled with books. Two men sat opposite to each other. They had manifestly been engaged in earnest conversation. Both of them looked at the new comer with more curiosity than was becoming, Anthon thought, in men of their social standing.
The boy was not a whit daunted by their stare, though, for he appeared to be used to this sort of thing. And so he bade them a cheerly “Good afternoon, gentlemen!” to which they as cheerily answered.
“What can I do for you, my little man?” one of the men asked.
“I’m a preacher of the gospel, sir,” Little Anthon replied, “and I’ve come to tell you about it!”
“A what?” inquired the man as of one who was not sure he had understood rightly.
“A preacher of the gospel, sir.”
“A preacher of the gospel!” repeated the man. “Surely you’re not a Lutheran minister?”
“No, sir; I’m a minister of the true religion. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”
“They’re mostly called Mormons, I think ?” put in the other man with a question in his tone and looks, as if he could not make sure he was correct.
“Yes, sir,” Anthon answered. “But that is only a nick name given us by our enemies. Our true name is the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.’ ”
“And have you been educated to the ministry of this ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,’ as you call it,” the first man inquired.
“No, sir.”
“Then, how is it you’re preaching, if you’ve never been educated for the ministry?”
“You see we don’t believe in educating men to be ministers. We believe the Lord qualifies us to preach the gospel just as He did the ancient apostles, who, you know, were not educated men.”
“But you seem to have had considerable schooling.”
“Not very much, sir. My mother died when I was four, and my father was in the army. I’ve lived all my life with my grandmother. She sent me to school. I passed through the upper grades. But I haven’t had as much schooling as I’d like. I’ve always been very fond of reading. though.”
“And how old are you?” ‘‘Fourteen, sir.”
“Only fourteen! A rather young preacher I should think. What do your people believe in, anyway?”
The miller evidently thought, in this question, to test young Anthon’s knowledge of theology and the Bible. But whatever his purpose, a long conversation followed between the two men and Anthon. The Spirit of the Lord was with the little preacher, and he showed such unusual information on questions of religion that the miller said at the close:
“Well, young man. you ought to be a Lutheran priest. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’m a rich man, and have no family. I’ve taken a liking to you. You have talent. Now, if you’ll quit the Mormons and become a Lutheran, I’ll send you to college and make you my heir, and you’ll be a rich man when I die. What do you say to that?”
Now, a vision of an educated priest of large influence and wealth flashed on “Little Anthon’s” mind. He knew he had not had what he would like in the way of an education. He was naturally studious. Always he had yearned for college training. More rapidly than one would guess from his years had he gone from grade to grade till, in the last grade, he found himself among those who were considerably older than he. How he had envied the young scholars at college when he had seen one of them on the street with his book sack. What would he not have given to go to college! And here was the opportunity thrust upon him!
But all this passed through his mind now without leaving an impression. It counted for nothing, the satisfying of a worldly ambition, compared with his love of the truth. He had joined the Church at the sacrifice of much that others held dear, and he loved it accordingly. The conviction had been burned into his soul that he had received the gospel as it had been proclaimed by the Savior.
And so he looked at the men, now at one, now at the other, as they waited for his answer. Then addressing the miller, he said:
“You may be a rich man. I do not doubt that you are. But had you all the gold and silver in the world and offered it to me on such terms, you would not have enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of Christ!"
Incidents from the Life of President Anthon H. Lund.
By John Henry Evans.
The fifteenth of May is President Lund’s natal day. He was born sixty-eight years ago. Since he is General Superintendent of the Religion Classes, it has been decided to have a Lund Day in that organization, to be held on the fifteenth of this month, or the day nearest it that is most convenient to the Religion Classes concerned.
As was the case last year when we had Maeser Day, a picture—a fine, large steel engraving—of President Lund may be obtained by any one who so desires, and at the small price of ten cents. Besides, a program has been arranged by the General Board, to be carried out wherever Lund Day is observed. Part of this program, as will be noticed, consists of a biographical sketch of President Lund.
Now, it has been thought desirable, as a concession to the great army of children who may attend these exercises, to supplement this biographical sketch by some incidents from his life. And so the following characteristic narratives have been written especially for this purpose. Perhaps the best way of using them would be to assign them to as many children as there are incidents to be told at the exercises, whether before the public or in class capacity.
I.
THE YOUTH WHO DID NOT STEAL OR DRINK.
Young Anthon was eighteen. He was living at Mount Pleasant.
Flour was dear those days. It sold at from eight to eighteen dollars a hundred. Anthon had some flour, which he was anxious to sell at as high a figure as he could get. So he took it with him to Fort Bridger, on his way to the States after emigrants.
When he got his pay at the Fort, he found that he had been given ten dollars more than was coming to him.
He returned it to the man. “This does not belong to me,” he explained. “You have paid me ten dollars too much.”
The man took the money and said nothing.
Anthon was about to return to his wagon, when he heard a voice crying rather excitedly:
“Where is that boy that wouldn’t take money that didn’t belong to him ? Where is that boy who wouldn’t have a dishonest dollar?”
And presently the man came up to him. “Are you the boy that just sold us some flour?”
Anthon said that he was.
“Then, I’m hunting for you,” the man went on. “I want to treat you Come on and have a drink.”
But the young man did not move. “I never drink!” he said simply.
“Never drink!” the other exclaimed. Well, you’re the strangest boy I ever heard of.” And then he shouted over to a fellow officer—“Say, here’s a boy that won’t have either money or whisky!”
II.
WHAT ANTHON DID WHEN HE WAS “DUX.”
To become “Dux” was the highest honor any one in the class could aspire to or receive.
“Dux,” you should know, was the name given in Denmark to the head of the class. One reason why every boy wanted to be “Dux” was because he would be the head of the class. That was an honor to be sought for. But there was another reason why every boy in the class wanted it, and that was because whoever was “Dux” was appointed monitor.
To be a monitor of a class is not a very desirable thing under most circumstances. But when it is considered an honor, as it was in that school, it is worth striving for. And so everybody in the school wished to be “Dux.”
Now, “Little Anthon” Lund was two or three years younger than any other boy in his class. And, besides, he was a “Mormon.” How could he ever be “Dux?” And yet, like the others, he would like to be “Dux,” and he was. Tt came about in this way.
In those days, in Aalborg, Denmark, it was a very serious thing to be a “Mormon.” Tt meant that people wouldn’t like you, that they wouldn’t associate with you. Indeed. it generally meant that you wouldn’t dare to go to school. How, then, did “Little Anthon” reach the upper grades?
There were two reasons. First, he had even as a boy a way of getting on with people. And, then, too, he had an uncle at school, three years older than himself, who saw to it that the other boys let him alone.
But even if “Little Anthon” hadn’t a way with him of getting on and even if he hadn’t an uncle there three years older than himself, the boys would have respected him anyway, because he knew more than they did. For knowledge always is power. He had gone from the first grade to the third, skipping the second. And once when the bishop of the district came to examine the boys, “Little Anthon’s” answers surprised him. “I have not heard a boy answer so well,” the bishop said, “in any of the two hundred schools in my diocese!” The boys and the teachers, you many be sure, were all proud of this. Besides, he tried not to do anything that would hurt his reputation as a “Mormon.”
And that is how Anthon became “Dux.”
To be “Dux,” as I have said, was not only to be the head of the class, but also to be class monitor. Now, the monitor in the Aalborg school which President Lund attended when a boy, had to take care of the class between the time that one teacher left it and another came. He was supposed to set down on a slate the names of all those who talked or were otherwise noisy.
One day when the teacher had been detained longer than usual, the class became restless. Talking became general. Even Anthon forgetting himself for the moment, talked with the rest.
A heavy step was heard in the hall. It was the teachers’.
Then Anthon recollected himself. He pleaded with the boys to keep still.
“Oh, we’ve got you this time!”
they cried. “We’ve got you this time! You can’t set our names down today, because you’ve talked, too! We’ve got you this time!”
Now, talking or misbehaving so as to have your name down on the slate was a serious offense. It was so serious, in fact, that it always meant a whipping with a supple ratan. But there would be none today, the boys said to themselves because Anthon had talked with the rest, and he would not dare to set any names for fear of getting whipped himself.
The teacher entered. His face was red with anger. Evidently he had heard the noise and talking. He strode up the aisle to his desk, turned round to face the class, and scowled savagely at the' boys as if he read their inmost thoughts.
Meantime, Anthon was busy writing names on the slate! When he finished writing he laid the slate face down on his desk. The teacher went over to Anthon and took it up. He read the list to himself, amid death-like silence. There were a dozen or more names on it. Suddenly his face relaxed into a half-smile.
“Well, Anthon.” he said, “you’re pretty honest! I’ll not whip anybody today.”
After school the boys gathered round their little monitor. “Why didn’t he whip us today?” they asked.
“Go and look at the slate,” he answered.
They ran to his desk. Anthon’s name was on the list.
III.
A SMALL PREACHER, A BIG HOUSE, AND A TEMPTATION.
“Little Anthon,” stepped boldly up to the door o’f the big house and gave it a sounding rap with the end of his bamboo cane. A woman came to see who was there.
“Good afternoon, madam,” he said. “Is the master at home?”
“He’s in,” she replied, “but he’s busy just now. A gentleman has just called on him.”
The boy’s face showed for an instant the least sign of disappointment. But the next instant it brightened up again. “I wonder if he wouldn’t see me anyway,” he said—“it’s very important!”
“Well, I’ll ask him,” she answered, a smile overspreading her face as she viewed the small, persistent figure before her.
She was gone rather longer than it would seem necessary for one who had a simple question to ask and but a simple yes or no to receive in reply. Anthon wondered what could be happening, but he was unable to guess. Before he had time to divine the real cause of the delay, however, the woman returned.
“He will see you,” she said, still smiling; “just come with me.”
And the boy followed her.
Anthon was ushered into a large, elegantly furnished room—evidently the library, for there were bookcases here and there filled with books. Two men sat opposite to each other. They had manifestly been engaged in earnest conversation. Both of them looked at the new comer with more curiosity than was becoming, Anthon thought, in men of their social standing.
The boy was not a whit daunted by their stare, though, for he appeared to be used to this sort of thing. And so he bade them a cheerly “Good afternoon, gentlemen!” to which they as cheerily answered.
“What can I do for you, my little man?” one of the men asked.
“I’m a preacher of the gospel, sir,” Little Anthon replied, “and I’ve come to tell you about it!”
“A what?” inquired the man as of one who was not sure he had understood rightly.
“A preacher of the gospel, sir.”
“A preacher of the gospel!” repeated the man. “Surely you’re not a Lutheran minister?”
“No, sir; I’m a minister of the true religion. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”
“They’re mostly called Mormons, I think ?” put in the other man with a question in his tone and looks, as if he could not make sure he was correct.
“Yes, sir,” Anthon answered. “But that is only a nick name given us by our enemies. Our true name is the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.’ ”
“And have you been educated to the ministry of this ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,’ as you call it,” the first man inquired.
“No, sir.”
“Then, how is it you’re preaching, if you’ve never been educated for the ministry?”
“You see we don’t believe in educating men to be ministers. We believe the Lord qualifies us to preach the gospel just as He did the ancient apostles, who, you know, were not educated men.”
“But you seem to have had considerable schooling.”
“Not very much, sir. My mother died when I was four, and my father was in the army. I’ve lived all my life with my grandmother. She sent me to school. I passed through the upper grades. But I haven’t had as much schooling as I’d like. I’ve always been very fond of reading. though.”
“And how old are you?” ‘‘Fourteen, sir.”
“Only fourteen! A rather young preacher I should think. What do your people believe in, anyway?”
The miller evidently thought, in this question, to test young Anthon’s knowledge of theology and the Bible. But whatever his purpose, a long conversation followed between the two men and Anthon. The Spirit of the Lord was with the little preacher, and he showed such unusual information on questions of religion that the miller said at the close:
“Well, young man. you ought to be a Lutheran priest. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’m a rich man, and have no family. I’ve taken a liking to you. You have talent. Now, if you’ll quit the Mormons and become a Lutheran, I’ll send you to college and make you my heir, and you’ll be a rich man when I die. What do you say to that?”
Now, a vision of an educated priest of large influence and wealth flashed on “Little Anthon’s” mind. He knew he had not had what he would like in the way of an education. He was naturally studious. Always he had yearned for college training. More rapidly than one would guess from his years had he gone from grade to grade till, in the last grade, he found himself among those who were considerably older than he. How he had envied the young scholars at college when he had seen one of them on the street with his book sack. What would he not have given to go to college! And here was the opportunity thrust upon him!
But all this passed through his mind now without leaving an impression. It counted for nothing, the satisfying of a worldly ambition, compared with his love of the truth. He had joined the Church at the sacrifice of much that others held dear, and he loved it accordingly. The conviction had been burned into his soul that he had received the gospel as it had been proclaimed by the Savior.
And so he looked at the men, now at one, now at the other, as they waited for his answer. Then addressing the miller, he said:
“You may be a rich man. I do not doubt that you are. But had you all the gold and silver in the world and offered it to me on such terms, you would not have enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of Christ!"
Smith, George Albert "Anthon H. Lund, President of the Council of the Twelve." Young Woman's Journal, February 1919: pg. 77-81.
Anthon H. Lund.
President of the Council of the Twelve.[1]
By George Albert Smith, of the Council of the Twelve.
In Aalborg, Denmark, May 15, 1844, a boy was born who was destined to reflect honor on his native land and become a stalwart leader of the hosts of Latter-day Israel gathered from every part of the world. Anthon Henrik Lund, son of Henrik Lund and Anna Christine Anderson made his advent into this world in a real Christian home and his faith in God came to him as a natural heritage. Bereft of his mother at a tender age, he was welcomed into the home of his maternal grandmother, Gertrude Anderson who lovingly devoted herself to his development. When four years old he attended a private school and at the age of seven entered a public institution of learning.
About this time he had the joy of witnessing Denmark’s victorious army return from defending Schliesvig-Holstien against Prussia and Germany. He stood, holding the hand of his beloved grandmother near the triumphal arch when his father, with his musket on his shoulder, passed under and was recognized by the boy who soon after was clasped in his strong arms.
Endowed with a bright mind and a studious disposition, he made rapid progress in acquiring a fund of information that distinguished him among his fellows. He studied English, German, and French, and later became familiar with several other languages. Reading the scripture was most pleasant to him and he availed himself of the opportunity to become familiar with it before he was twelve years of age. His uncle’s Bible was quite a treasure in his grandmother’s home and as he read it carefully, he laid the groundwork for some of his most impressive discourses that have interested and delighted the Latter-day Saints.
His uncle, Jens Anderson and his grandmother were among the early converts to Mormonism when Elder Erastus Snow opened up the Scandinavian Mission in 1850. The glorious truth of the Gospel appealed to Anthon and he became a loyal convert to the unpopular religion. Being gentle and tactful, he overcame prejudice and disarmed those who manifested hatred for the new faith. Great inducement was offered by his kindred and his teachers to keep him from joining the Church, but to no avail. To be sure it took courage to refuse to comply with the desires of those he loved, but he had received a testimony of the divinity of Mormonism, to him the Pearl of Great Price, and come what would, he was determined to serve God. He was baptized on the twelfth anniversary of his birth and at thirteen years of age was called to labor in the ministry. Being young and not large of stature, lie attracted the attention of people he desired to teach. Being favored of the Lord, he was able to expound the Gospel in a convincing manner. Little Anthon, as he was affectionately called, was a welcome visitor in the homes of all who knew him both in and out of the Church and among strangers, only those most bitter and prejudiced refusing him an audience.
On one occasion, he was pursued by an angry woman armed with a pair of tongs who screamed to her husband, “shoot him, shoot him!” because he invited her to attend a meeting of the Saints. A neighbor woman, inquiring the cause of the excitement, learned of the meeting place, attended the service and later joined the Church and emigrated to Utah.
On another occasion as Brother Lund was going through Hadsund, Denmark, a very large dog flew at him. He was carrying a heavy walking stick which he raised to defend himself. The dog grabbed the stick and wrenched it from his hand and came at him more savagely than ever. Instantly another dog just as large rushed toward him from the opposite side of the street. “Now,” thought Anthon, “I am in for it.” But the second dog flew at his assailant and a mighty struggle ensued, enabling him to escape, but he has always felt it was a providential deliverance.
While a traveling missionary at the age of fourteen, he attended a meeting of the Saints held on a certain Sunday. A student by the name of Hammer had said that he would be there and show the Mormons up. At the appointed time, many people, both Saints and non-members had assembled. Mr. Hammer tried his best to break up the meeting, but was told that at the end of the service, he might ask any question he desired. When the youthful missionary had finished. Mr. Hammer arose and commenced vilifying the Church. Among other things he said that the Mormons do not publish in Danish, what they do in English: for example, “on page sixteen and seventeen of their English catechism they teach blood atonement, polygamy, and that Adam is their God, etc.” After Mr. Hammer had talked In this way for some time Anthon, taking a copy of the catechism in English out of his pocket, said, “Kindly read to the people what you find on pages 16 and 17 or I will read and translate for them the English, for you have not spoken the truth concerning that which is written on those pages.” Hammer was very much taken back by this, for he supposed that none of the Danish Saints could read English. After collecting himself, he said, “Well it does say on these pages that you Mormons believe in a God who has a body.”’ “Yes,” replied the boy, “that is just what we believe. Have you never read in the scriptures that Moses talked face to face with God?” “Yes,” replied Hammer, “but you see it was like this, if I have an overcoat and I put it on, you would say ‘that man has an overcoat on.’ So with God, He can put on and off a body at will.” “If that be the case,” said Brother Lund, “then the Scriptures are not true for they clearly state in Malachi, ‘For I am the Lord, I change not.’ And in James, ‘The father of light with whom there is no variableness, neither the shadow of turning.’ ” Hammer admitted his defeat by the Mormon boy when he turned and said to the people “Look at that little puppet, trying to make himself appear smart.” But the audience simply replied, “Why don’t you answer him?”
About two years ago President Lund and others were visiting at Iona, Idaho. While there an old sister sent word that she desired to see him, as she said he had baptized her more than 50 years ago in a stone fountain at Aalborg, Denmark. President Lund remembers that occasion very well and relates the following circumstance connected with it. “There were three converts who desired baptism, but some of our opponents had learned this and were following us. The candidates for baptism wanted to know where this ordinance could be performed in safety without exciting the mob. Brother Lund suggested the fountain in the public park. This brought forth some opposition, but was finally decided upon as the proper place. The fountain was in a secluded part of the park and the water ran out through the mouth of a stone lion. By placing a cloth in the outlet, the water could be raised high enough to perform the ceremony. At the appointed time we met at the park and the baptisms were solemnized.” In 1871, while on his mission to Scandinavia, Brother Lund visited the park, but discovered that the old baptismal font had been filled in.
In his missionary service President Lund has traveled extensively and occupied positions of the highest responsibility. After gathering to Zion in 1862 his first call was in 1864 to go as a teamster to the Missouri river to assist immigrating Saints. In 1871 he was sent upon his first foreign mission, laboring in Scandinavia as business manager of the central office under direction of President Canute Peterson, whose daughter Sarah Ann he married in 1870.
In 1883 he was called again upon a mission to Scandinavia and was President of that Mission about two years. In 1893 he was sent to preside for more than three years over the European Mission, with headquarters at Liverpool. Again in 1897 he performed a special mission to Palestine and Syria, returning to Utah in 1898. He was with President Joseph F. Smith and party at the dedication of the Joseph Smith Memorial monument at Sharon, Vermont, December 23rd, 1905.
Besides filling these foreign missions he was a high councilor in the Sanpete Stake; he was stake clerk, superintendent of the Ephraim Sunday School, and he has been a member of the General Church Board of Education since it was organized. He served two terms in the Utah Legislature and is accredited with writing the bills establishing by law the Reform School of Ogden and the Agricultural College at Logan. He served as a member of the Capitol Commission having charge of the erection of the State Capitol.
In addition to these ecclesiastical and civil services that have occupied so much of his life, President Lund has found time to make a memorable record in business and financial affairs. For nine years he managed the Co-operative Store at Ephraim, and he traveled for a time as salesman for the Z. C. M. I., and later conducted a furniture store of his own. He has served and is now serving as officer and director in many of the most successful commercial and industrial institutions of the State, including the Zion’s Savings Bank, Utah Savings & Trust Co., Amalgamated Sugar Company, and Zion’s Co-operative Merchantile Institution.
Surely the intelligent and conscientious service he has rendered in all these varied pursuits has proved the high order of his mind and laid a heavy labor upon his physical powers. He has sustained it with composure and dignity and has the perfect confidence of his associates in every field that has received his attention.
In the later period of President Lund’s career, apart from the most painstaking and exemplary performance of the routine duties in these various offices and of his calling as one of the Twelve Apostles and Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, his life will be forever memorable for three very notable services that have already and must hereafter enshrine him in the love and admiration of the Latter-day Saints. These are: First, His labors in the House of the Lord ; Second, His organization and establishment of the Religion Classes; Third, His renovation of the Church Historian’s Office.
When the Manti Temple was completed and dedicated in 1888, President Daniel H. Wells was called to preside in it and Elder Lund, then a resident of Ephraim, was chosen to be his assistant. It was a most fortunate and happy selection for both of them, and resulted in giving the work in that Temple an immediate quality of highest value and great popularity, the people flocking there in vast throngs from all parts of the Church to receive blessings and enjoy the delightful influence and power of its administrations. In this association and service Elder Lund developed much of that clear comprehension of the most sacred tenets of our faith and the saving principles of the Gospel, which has so eminently qualified him for many years to officiate as the acting president of the Salt Lake Temple, as President of which he has now been appointed by President Grant. Thousands of our people hold him in highest honor and esteem for the multifarious blessings of the House of the Lord, which he has bestowed upon them in these two temples in which he has so faithfully labored for the greater part of thirty years.
The inspiration of the Religion Class work came to President Lund soon after he was chosen a member of the General Church Board of Education about 1890. He proposed to supplement the instruction in public schools by a system of religious training, being convinced that "An Education without God is faulty.” His conviction of the competence of children to understand systematic religious teaching early in life no doubt was largely the result of his own self-conversion to religion in his childhood, which he accomplished before he was twelve years old, by reading and studious investigation of doctrine. The wide interest awakened in strictly religious study by this class of work has proved his theory and the thousands of children and immature youths who have gained an understanding of fundamental religious principles bear witness to the efficiency of these classes organized under his competent presidency and guidance.
Elder Lund was sustained as Church Historian in 1900 succeeding Franklin D. Richards who had passed away. He at once instituted a system of cataloguing the Church records and other contents of the Historian’s Office; books, periodicals, journals, missionary reports, etc., etc. When the new Church offices were finished and ready for occupancy the entire third floor was given to the Historian’s Office. This affords ample filing space, shelf room, and convenience for the proper care of the Church library, documents, etc., and the work of arranging as well as cataloguing these is being systematically carried on by his able assistants, in such fashion as to presently secure us a most convenient and serviceable library, with ready access to a thorough compilation of records, journals, and documents of great historic worth.
His gentleness of manner and speech and his wonderful poise place him in a class by himself. His devotion to his wife and children (seven living) is notable and during the long illness of his life partner his tender solicitude for her has been most beautiful.
His affection for his native land and her people has never abated but to his adopted country he has yielded a whole hearted loyalty that is not second to that of those born in free America. To him this is the promised land and the full power of his mind and body have ever been attuned to the inspiration of its constitution.
With his mentality at its best at the ripe age of seventy-four he dignifies the position of First Counselor to the President of the Church and enjoys the approval and love of tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints and the respect and confidence of all who know him. Surely and of a truth “The world is better for his having lived in it.”
[1] President Lund was sustained in this position Nov. 23. 1918.
Anthon H. Lund.
President of the Council of the Twelve.[1]
By George Albert Smith, of the Council of the Twelve.
In Aalborg, Denmark, May 15, 1844, a boy was born who was destined to reflect honor on his native land and become a stalwart leader of the hosts of Latter-day Israel gathered from every part of the world. Anthon Henrik Lund, son of Henrik Lund and Anna Christine Anderson made his advent into this world in a real Christian home and his faith in God came to him as a natural heritage. Bereft of his mother at a tender age, he was welcomed into the home of his maternal grandmother, Gertrude Anderson who lovingly devoted herself to his development. When four years old he attended a private school and at the age of seven entered a public institution of learning.
About this time he had the joy of witnessing Denmark’s victorious army return from defending Schliesvig-Holstien against Prussia and Germany. He stood, holding the hand of his beloved grandmother near the triumphal arch when his father, with his musket on his shoulder, passed under and was recognized by the boy who soon after was clasped in his strong arms.
Endowed with a bright mind and a studious disposition, he made rapid progress in acquiring a fund of information that distinguished him among his fellows. He studied English, German, and French, and later became familiar with several other languages. Reading the scripture was most pleasant to him and he availed himself of the opportunity to become familiar with it before he was twelve years of age. His uncle’s Bible was quite a treasure in his grandmother’s home and as he read it carefully, he laid the groundwork for some of his most impressive discourses that have interested and delighted the Latter-day Saints.
His uncle, Jens Anderson and his grandmother were among the early converts to Mormonism when Elder Erastus Snow opened up the Scandinavian Mission in 1850. The glorious truth of the Gospel appealed to Anthon and he became a loyal convert to the unpopular religion. Being gentle and tactful, he overcame prejudice and disarmed those who manifested hatred for the new faith. Great inducement was offered by his kindred and his teachers to keep him from joining the Church, but to no avail. To be sure it took courage to refuse to comply with the desires of those he loved, but he had received a testimony of the divinity of Mormonism, to him the Pearl of Great Price, and come what would, he was determined to serve God. He was baptized on the twelfth anniversary of his birth and at thirteen years of age was called to labor in the ministry. Being young and not large of stature, lie attracted the attention of people he desired to teach. Being favored of the Lord, he was able to expound the Gospel in a convincing manner. Little Anthon, as he was affectionately called, was a welcome visitor in the homes of all who knew him both in and out of the Church and among strangers, only those most bitter and prejudiced refusing him an audience.
On one occasion, he was pursued by an angry woman armed with a pair of tongs who screamed to her husband, “shoot him, shoot him!” because he invited her to attend a meeting of the Saints. A neighbor woman, inquiring the cause of the excitement, learned of the meeting place, attended the service and later joined the Church and emigrated to Utah.
On another occasion as Brother Lund was going through Hadsund, Denmark, a very large dog flew at him. He was carrying a heavy walking stick which he raised to defend himself. The dog grabbed the stick and wrenched it from his hand and came at him more savagely than ever. Instantly another dog just as large rushed toward him from the opposite side of the street. “Now,” thought Anthon, “I am in for it.” But the second dog flew at his assailant and a mighty struggle ensued, enabling him to escape, but he has always felt it was a providential deliverance.
While a traveling missionary at the age of fourteen, he attended a meeting of the Saints held on a certain Sunday. A student by the name of Hammer had said that he would be there and show the Mormons up. At the appointed time, many people, both Saints and non-members had assembled. Mr. Hammer tried his best to break up the meeting, but was told that at the end of the service, he might ask any question he desired. When the youthful missionary had finished. Mr. Hammer arose and commenced vilifying the Church. Among other things he said that the Mormons do not publish in Danish, what they do in English: for example, “on page sixteen and seventeen of their English catechism they teach blood atonement, polygamy, and that Adam is their God, etc.” After Mr. Hammer had talked In this way for some time Anthon, taking a copy of the catechism in English out of his pocket, said, “Kindly read to the people what you find on pages 16 and 17 or I will read and translate for them the English, for you have not spoken the truth concerning that which is written on those pages.” Hammer was very much taken back by this, for he supposed that none of the Danish Saints could read English. After collecting himself, he said, “Well it does say on these pages that you Mormons believe in a God who has a body.”’ “Yes,” replied the boy, “that is just what we believe. Have you never read in the scriptures that Moses talked face to face with God?” “Yes,” replied Hammer, “but you see it was like this, if I have an overcoat and I put it on, you would say ‘that man has an overcoat on.’ So with God, He can put on and off a body at will.” “If that be the case,” said Brother Lund, “then the Scriptures are not true for they clearly state in Malachi, ‘For I am the Lord, I change not.’ And in James, ‘The father of light with whom there is no variableness, neither the shadow of turning.’ ” Hammer admitted his defeat by the Mormon boy when he turned and said to the people “Look at that little puppet, trying to make himself appear smart.” But the audience simply replied, “Why don’t you answer him?”
About two years ago President Lund and others were visiting at Iona, Idaho. While there an old sister sent word that she desired to see him, as she said he had baptized her more than 50 years ago in a stone fountain at Aalborg, Denmark. President Lund remembers that occasion very well and relates the following circumstance connected with it. “There were three converts who desired baptism, but some of our opponents had learned this and were following us. The candidates for baptism wanted to know where this ordinance could be performed in safety without exciting the mob. Brother Lund suggested the fountain in the public park. This brought forth some opposition, but was finally decided upon as the proper place. The fountain was in a secluded part of the park and the water ran out through the mouth of a stone lion. By placing a cloth in the outlet, the water could be raised high enough to perform the ceremony. At the appointed time we met at the park and the baptisms were solemnized.” In 1871, while on his mission to Scandinavia, Brother Lund visited the park, but discovered that the old baptismal font had been filled in.
In his missionary service President Lund has traveled extensively and occupied positions of the highest responsibility. After gathering to Zion in 1862 his first call was in 1864 to go as a teamster to the Missouri river to assist immigrating Saints. In 1871 he was sent upon his first foreign mission, laboring in Scandinavia as business manager of the central office under direction of President Canute Peterson, whose daughter Sarah Ann he married in 1870.
In 1883 he was called again upon a mission to Scandinavia and was President of that Mission about two years. In 1893 he was sent to preside for more than three years over the European Mission, with headquarters at Liverpool. Again in 1897 he performed a special mission to Palestine and Syria, returning to Utah in 1898. He was with President Joseph F. Smith and party at the dedication of the Joseph Smith Memorial monument at Sharon, Vermont, December 23rd, 1905.
Besides filling these foreign missions he was a high councilor in the Sanpete Stake; he was stake clerk, superintendent of the Ephraim Sunday School, and he has been a member of the General Church Board of Education since it was organized. He served two terms in the Utah Legislature and is accredited with writing the bills establishing by law the Reform School of Ogden and the Agricultural College at Logan. He served as a member of the Capitol Commission having charge of the erection of the State Capitol.
In addition to these ecclesiastical and civil services that have occupied so much of his life, President Lund has found time to make a memorable record in business and financial affairs. For nine years he managed the Co-operative Store at Ephraim, and he traveled for a time as salesman for the Z. C. M. I., and later conducted a furniture store of his own. He has served and is now serving as officer and director in many of the most successful commercial and industrial institutions of the State, including the Zion’s Savings Bank, Utah Savings & Trust Co., Amalgamated Sugar Company, and Zion’s Co-operative Merchantile Institution.
Surely the intelligent and conscientious service he has rendered in all these varied pursuits has proved the high order of his mind and laid a heavy labor upon his physical powers. He has sustained it with composure and dignity and has the perfect confidence of his associates in every field that has received his attention.
In the later period of President Lund’s career, apart from the most painstaking and exemplary performance of the routine duties in these various offices and of his calling as one of the Twelve Apostles and Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, his life will be forever memorable for three very notable services that have already and must hereafter enshrine him in the love and admiration of the Latter-day Saints. These are: First, His labors in the House of the Lord ; Second, His organization and establishment of the Religion Classes; Third, His renovation of the Church Historian’s Office.
When the Manti Temple was completed and dedicated in 1888, President Daniel H. Wells was called to preside in it and Elder Lund, then a resident of Ephraim, was chosen to be his assistant. It was a most fortunate and happy selection for both of them, and resulted in giving the work in that Temple an immediate quality of highest value and great popularity, the people flocking there in vast throngs from all parts of the Church to receive blessings and enjoy the delightful influence and power of its administrations. In this association and service Elder Lund developed much of that clear comprehension of the most sacred tenets of our faith and the saving principles of the Gospel, which has so eminently qualified him for many years to officiate as the acting president of the Salt Lake Temple, as President of which he has now been appointed by President Grant. Thousands of our people hold him in highest honor and esteem for the multifarious blessings of the House of the Lord, which he has bestowed upon them in these two temples in which he has so faithfully labored for the greater part of thirty years.
The inspiration of the Religion Class work came to President Lund soon after he was chosen a member of the General Church Board of Education about 1890. He proposed to supplement the instruction in public schools by a system of religious training, being convinced that "An Education without God is faulty.” His conviction of the competence of children to understand systematic religious teaching early in life no doubt was largely the result of his own self-conversion to religion in his childhood, which he accomplished before he was twelve years old, by reading and studious investigation of doctrine. The wide interest awakened in strictly religious study by this class of work has proved his theory and the thousands of children and immature youths who have gained an understanding of fundamental religious principles bear witness to the efficiency of these classes organized under his competent presidency and guidance.
Elder Lund was sustained as Church Historian in 1900 succeeding Franklin D. Richards who had passed away. He at once instituted a system of cataloguing the Church records and other contents of the Historian’s Office; books, periodicals, journals, missionary reports, etc., etc. When the new Church offices were finished and ready for occupancy the entire third floor was given to the Historian’s Office. This affords ample filing space, shelf room, and convenience for the proper care of the Church library, documents, etc., and the work of arranging as well as cataloguing these is being systematically carried on by his able assistants, in such fashion as to presently secure us a most convenient and serviceable library, with ready access to a thorough compilation of records, journals, and documents of great historic worth.
His gentleness of manner and speech and his wonderful poise place him in a class by himself. His devotion to his wife and children (seven living) is notable and during the long illness of his life partner his tender solicitude for her has been most beautiful.
His affection for his native land and her people has never abated but to his adopted country he has yielded a whole hearted loyalty that is not second to that of those born in free America. To him this is the promised land and the full power of his mind and body have ever been attuned to the inspiration of its constitution.
With his mentality at its best at the ripe age of seventy-four he dignifies the position of First Counselor to the President of the Church and enjoys the approval and love of tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints and the respect and confidence of all who know him. Surely and of a truth “The world is better for his having lived in it.”
[1] President Lund was sustained in this position Nov. 23. 1918.
Sjodahl, J. M. "President Anthon H. Lund." The Improvement Era, April 1921: pg. 499-503.
President Anthon H. Lund
By J. M. Sjodahl
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth; when the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city." (Doctrine and Covenants 63:49.)
A prince in Israel, a great man, indeed, passed gently beyond our limited horizon, when President Anthon H. Lund, on March 2, 1921, followed the call of the silent messenger. His departure is keenly felt by associates and countless friends, as well as by the members of his family. But we rend not our clothes in mourning, as if death were the end. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." They are only resting after their day's labor in the service of God and man. And if they could speak to us, they would, perchance, say, in the language of the poet:
"Heaven's broad day hath o'er me broken
Far above earth's span of sky!
Am I dead? Nay, by this token,
Know that I have ceased to die."
And so we rejoice with our loved ones because they have passed from death to life.
President Lund's departure was peaceful, as the falling asleep of a sweet, innocent child. Some years ago he suffered from an internal ulcer, but he regained his health, apparently, and was able to attend to his numerous duties. A short time ago, however, the old trouble returned, and on Feb. 22, the symptoms became alarming. For brief periods he seemed to rally, but he grew gradually weaker. About midnight on Monday, Feb. 28, he suffered a great deal of pain, and after that he failed to rally, although he was conscious until half an hour before he passed beyond. President Charles W. Penrose and Elder James E. Talmage, together with members of his family, were at the bedside. President Heber J. Grant, who was in California, was promptly notified.
President Anthon H. Lund's life has been one of long, faithful service. Even a mere enumeration of the positions he filled in the Church and the State would occupy more space than allotted to this paper.
He was born at Aalborg, Denmark, May 15, 1844, the year, it will be observed, of the martyrdom of the Prophet, and the day of the month in which the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery, in 1829, were baptized and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. His mother having died, he was left with his grandmother, who bestowed upon him all the love and devotion of a mother, and gave him a good education, covering not only the elementary studies, but also some foreign languages—English, French and German.
Very early in life he began studying the Bible, and in addition he read all the good books he could obtain. The result was that when he heard "Mormonism" preached, he at once became convinced of its truth. One of the early converts, when Elder Erastus Snow, in the year 1850, opened the mission in the Scandinavian countries, was Jens Anderson, an uncle of Anthon H. Lund, and his grandmother was another. She was baptized in 1853, when the boy was only nine years old.
Anthon continued to study the history and doctrines of the Church. During this time he fought many a conflict with himself, owing chiefly to the persecution of enemies, that raged even in the school he attended, but his innate tact never forsook him, and he held a place in the hearts of both teachers and pupils, notwithstanding their hatred of "Mormonism." Nor did he discontinue his search for truth, and he was baptized on the 15th of May, 1856, when twelve years old.
A year later he was called to labor in the vineyard. His first duties were to teach intended emigrating Saints English, to distribute tracts, and to assist in holding meetings. He traveled without purse and scrip, but was always well provided for, though he had many thrilling experiences. At the age of sixteen he was appointed an elder and president of the Aalborg branch. In 1862 he emigrated to America, arriving in Salt Lake City, Sept. 23, that year, in Elder Christian A. Madsen's company.
Anthon H. Lund's life since his arrival in the Valleys of the Mountains has been one of constant usefulness and service. He first located at Fairview, Sanpete Count) , and then at Mount Pleasant, where he remained till the fall of 1870. He engaged in farm labor, and did whatever work he could obtain, at first. Presently he was called to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy, and returned to Mount Pleasant to take charge of the telegraph office. While in the capital, he became acquainted with the late John Henry Smith and others with whom, in later years, he has been intimately associated in Church work. In the fall of 1870 he moved to Ephraim, having married, on May 2, of that year, Sarah Ann Peterson, daughter of Canute Peterson, later president of the Sanpete stake.
In 1871 Elder Lund performed his first mission in the Scandinavian countries. On his return home, he became interested in the Ephraim Co-op., and was very successful in its management. In 1874 he was appointed a member of the High Council, and in 1877 stake clerk. In 1883 he left for his second Scandinavian mission, and succeeded Elder C. D. Fjeldsted in the presidency. During his absence, he was elected a member of the Utah Legislature, and in 1888 he was re-elected. The Agricultural College of Logan and the State Industrial School, at Ogden, are monuments of his work in the legislative halls of the state. In 1888 he was also appointed vice-president of the Manti temple, and in 1891 succeeded Daniel H. Wells in presiding over that sacred building. At the October conference, 1889, he was called to the Apostleship. In 1893 he was appointed president over the European mission. In 1897 he went on a brief mission to Palestine. Since April, 1900, he has been superintendent of the Religion Classes, and in August, the same year, he succeeded Elder Franklin D. Richards in the office of Church Historian. In 1901 Elder Lund was called to the position of second counselor in the First Presidency, and at the demise of President John R. Winder, March 28, 1910, he was appointed first counselor. In 1911, President Lund was made acting president of the Salt Lake temple, and in 1918, at the death of President Joseph F. Smith, president; and also president of the Council of the Twelve.
President Lund's work was not confined entirely to his Church duties, though these were always of first importance to him. At the time of his death he was president of the L. D. S. University, regent of the University of Utah, president of the Amalgamated Sugar Company, vice-president of Zion's Savings Bank, vice-president of Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution, vice-president of the Utah State National Bank, vice-president of the Inland Crystal Salt Company, vice-president of the Utah Savings & Trust Company, and president of Snow Normal College. And he performed every duty imposed upon him with exceptional ability, faithfulness, and, withal, with the genuine humility and gentleness that are the characteristics of a gentleman and a true Latter-day Saint.
The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with President Lund, asked him: "What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided, and to which your success may be attributed?" To which, after a moment of deep thought, he replied : "I have always endeavored to find out what is right and then to do it."
In that answer is summed up a lesson which especially the young people of the Church may draw from the life of the late President Anthon H. Lund. For by a life guided by that principle he, in the words of Paul, "being dead, yet speaketh." (Heb. 11:4.)
President Lund leaves his widow, Sarah Ann Peterson Lund, six sons and one daughter: Anthony C. Lund, head of the vocal department of the L. D. S. School of Music and director of the Salt Lake Tabernacle choir; Judge Henry C, former judge of the Salt Lake City court, civil division; Dr. Herbert Z., for the past fifteen years a physician of Salt Lake City; Othniel R., of the Northwestern States Mission, now at Portland, Ore.; August William, assistant Church historian of the L. D. S. Church; Cannon, recorder in the L. D. S. Church office; Mrs. Eva Lund Barnes, wife of Herbert J. Barnes of Kaysville.
The funeral services were held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, March 6, where loving and eloquent tributes to the character and life-work of the departed Church leader were offered in the presence of an audience that filled the vast building to its utmost capacity. Thousands upon thousands passed by the flower-covered bier and looked for the last time, this side of the veil, upon his noble features, which still seemed expressive of peace, love, and sympathy; so gently, apparently, had they been touched by the hand of the angel of death. Music and song thrilled the hearts with visions of the glories of spheres beyond, and flowers in profusion spoke with thousand tongues of the beauties and joy of the resurrection day. Over all hovered the holy Spirit of peace.
The speakers were: Nephi L. Morris, president of the Salt Lake stake; Dr. John A. Widtsoe, president of the University of Utah ; Charles W. Nibley, presiding bishop ; Brigham H. Roberts, assistant church historian; Joseph Fielding Smith, vice president of the Salt Lake Temple; James E. Talmage and Orson Fo Whitney of the council of the twelve; Charles W. Penrose, second counselor to the first presidency, and President Heber J. Grant, who presided at the obsequies.
Professors Edward P. Kimball, Tracy Y. Cannon and John J. McClellan, in turn presided at the organ, Mr. McClellan playing the organ music required for the services. Raymond Williams and the choir rendered the great song of songs, "O My Father," and Professor Willard Weihe gave a beautiful violin selection characteristic of his inimitable mastery of his instrument. James H. Nielson sang a tenor solo, from Mendelsohn's "Elijah." Professor McClellan rendered "Nearer my God to Thee," with his usual artistic soulfulness and unsurpassed technique. President Louis Anderson of the South Sanpete stake offered the invocation, and Bishop F. S. Tingey of the ward in which President Lund lived pronounced the benediction.
The funeral cortege, comprising more than fifty automobiles, moved from the Tabernacle, passing out from the west gate of the grounds to South Temple street, east to E street, thence to Third avenue, east to N street, north to Fourth avenue, east to the city cemetery. Leading was the First Presidency, the council of twelve, first council of seventy, and the various Church and business organizations with which President Lund had been identified.
The six sons of President Lund, Anthony C, Henry, Herbert Z., Othniel R., A. William and G. Cannon, were the active pallbearers. The honorary pallbearers were the council of the twelve, all of whom were present except Reed Smoot and George Albert Smith.
The Elite quartet, James H. Neilson, Hyrum Christiansen, August and Henry Glissmeyer, sang at the grave, "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken." Elder Rudger Clawson dedicated the grave.
President Anthon H. Lund
By J. M. Sjodahl
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth; when the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city." (Doctrine and Covenants 63:49.)
A prince in Israel, a great man, indeed, passed gently beyond our limited horizon, when President Anthon H. Lund, on March 2, 1921, followed the call of the silent messenger. His departure is keenly felt by associates and countless friends, as well as by the members of his family. But we rend not our clothes in mourning, as if death were the end. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." They are only resting after their day's labor in the service of God and man. And if they could speak to us, they would, perchance, say, in the language of the poet:
"Heaven's broad day hath o'er me broken
Far above earth's span of sky!
Am I dead? Nay, by this token,
Know that I have ceased to die."
And so we rejoice with our loved ones because they have passed from death to life.
President Lund's departure was peaceful, as the falling asleep of a sweet, innocent child. Some years ago he suffered from an internal ulcer, but he regained his health, apparently, and was able to attend to his numerous duties. A short time ago, however, the old trouble returned, and on Feb. 22, the symptoms became alarming. For brief periods he seemed to rally, but he grew gradually weaker. About midnight on Monday, Feb. 28, he suffered a great deal of pain, and after that he failed to rally, although he was conscious until half an hour before he passed beyond. President Charles W. Penrose and Elder James E. Talmage, together with members of his family, were at the bedside. President Heber J. Grant, who was in California, was promptly notified.
President Anthon H. Lund's life has been one of long, faithful service. Even a mere enumeration of the positions he filled in the Church and the State would occupy more space than allotted to this paper.
He was born at Aalborg, Denmark, May 15, 1844, the year, it will be observed, of the martyrdom of the Prophet, and the day of the month in which the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery, in 1829, were baptized and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. His mother having died, he was left with his grandmother, who bestowed upon him all the love and devotion of a mother, and gave him a good education, covering not only the elementary studies, but also some foreign languages—English, French and German.
Very early in life he began studying the Bible, and in addition he read all the good books he could obtain. The result was that when he heard "Mormonism" preached, he at once became convinced of its truth. One of the early converts, when Elder Erastus Snow, in the year 1850, opened the mission in the Scandinavian countries, was Jens Anderson, an uncle of Anthon H. Lund, and his grandmother was another. She was baptized in 1853, when the boy was only nine years old.
Anthon continued to study the history and doctrines of the Church. During this time he fought many a conflict with himself, owing chiefly to the persecution of enemies, that raged even in the school he attended, but his innate tact never forsook him, and he held a place in the hearts of both teachers and pupils, notwithstanding their hatred of "Mormonism." Nor did he discontinue his search for truth, and he was baptized on the 15th of May, 1856, when twelve years old.
A year later he was called to labor in the vineyard. His first duties were to teach intended emigrating Saints English, to distribute tracts, and to assist in holding meetings. He traveled without purse and scrip, but was always well provided for, though he had many thrilling experiences. At the age of sixteen he was appointed an elder and president of the Aalborg branch. In 1862 he emigrated to America, arriving in Salt Lake City, Sept. 23, that year, in Elder Christian A. Madsen's company.
Anthon H. Lund's life since his arrival in the Valleys of the Mountains has been one of constant usefulness and service. He first located at Fairview, Sanpete Count) , and then at Mount Pleasant, where he remained till the fall of 1870. He engaged in farm labor, and did whatever work he could obtain, at first. Presently he was called to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy, and returned to Mount Pleasant to take charge of the telegraph office. While in the capital, he became acquainted with the late John Henry Smith and others with whom, in later years, he has been intimately associated in Church work. In the fall of 1870 he moved to Ephraim, having married, on May 2, of that year, Sarah Ann Peterson, daughter of Canute Peterson, later president of the Sanpete stake.
In 1871 Elder Lund performed his first mission in the Scandinavian countries. On his return home, he became interested in the Ephraim Co-op., and was very successful in its management. In 1874 he was appointed a member of the High Council, and in 1877 stake clerk. In 1883 he left for his second Scandinavian mission, and succeeded Elder C. D. Fjeldsted in the presidency. During his absence, he was elected a member of the Utah Legislature, and in 1888 he was re-elected. The Agricultural College of Logan and the State Industrial School, at Ogden, are monuments of his work in the legislative halls of the state. In 1888 he was also appointed vice-president of the Manti temple, and in 1891 succeeded Daniel H. Wells in presiding over that sacred building. At the October conference, 1889, he was called to the Apostleship. In 1893 he was appointed president over the European mission. In 1897 he went on a brief mission to Palestine. Since April, 1900, he has been superintendent of the Religion Classes, and in August, the same year, he succeeded Elder Franklin D. Richards in the office of Church Historian. In 1901 Elder Lund was called to the position of second counselor in the First Presidency, and at the demise of President John R. Winder, March 28, 1910, he was appointed first counselor. In 1911, President Lund was made acting president of the Salt Lake temple, and in 1918, at the death of President Joseph F. Smith, president; and also president of the Council of the Twelve.
President Lund's work was not confined entirely to his Church duties, though these were always of first importance to him. At the time of his death he was president of the L. D. S. University, regent of the University of Utah, president of the Amalgamated Sugar Company, vice-president of Zion's Savings Bank, vice-president of Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution, vice-president of the Utah State National Bank, vice-president of the Inland Crystal Salt Company, vice-president of the Utah Savings & Trust Company, and president of Snow Normal College. And he performed every duty imposed upon him with exceptional ability, faithfulness, and, withal, with the genuine humility and gentleness that are the characteristics of a gentleman and a true Latter-day Saint.
The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with President Lund, asked him: "What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided, and to which your success may be attributed?" To which, after a moment of deep thought, he replied : "I have always endeavored to find out what is right and then to do it."
In that answer is summed up a lesson which especially the young people of the Church may draw from the life of the late President Anthon H. Lund. For by a life guided by that principle he, in the words of Paul, "being dead, yet speaketh." (Heb. 11:4.)
President Lund leaves his widow, Sarah Ann Peterson Lund, six sons and one daughter: Anthony C. Lund, head of the vocal department of the L. D. S. School of Music and director of the Salt Lake Tabernacle choir; Judge Henry C, former judge of the Salt Lake City court, civil division; Dr. Herbert Z., for the past fifteen years a physician of Salt Lake City; Othniel R., of the Northwestern States Mission, now at Portland, Ore.; August William, assistant Church historian of the L. D. S. Church; Cannon, recorder in the L. D. S. Church office; Mrs. Eva Lund Barnes, wife of Herbert J. Barnes of Kaysville.
The funeral services were held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, March 6, where loving and eloquent tributes to the character and life-work of the departed Church leader were offered in the presence of an audience that filled the vast building to its utmost capacity. Thousands upon thousands passed by the flower-covered bier and looked for the last time, this side of the veil, upon his noble features, which still seemed expressive of peace, love, and sympathy; so gently, apparently, had they been touched by the hand of the angel of death. Music and song thrilled the hearts with visions of the glories of spheres beyond, and flowers in profusion spoke with thousand tongues of the beauties and joy of the resurrection day. Over all hovered the holy Spirit of peace.
The speakers were: Nephi L. Morris, president of the Salt Lake stake; Dr. John A. Widtsoe, president of the University of Utah ; Charles W. Nibley, presiding bishop ; Brigham H. Roberts, assistant church historian; Joseph Fielding Smith, vice president of the Salt Lake Temple; James E. Talmage and Orson Fo Whitney of the council of the twelve; Charles W. Penrose, second counselor to the first presidency, and President Heber J. Grant, who presided at the obsequies.
Professors Edward P. Kimball, Tracy Y. Cannon and John J. McClellan, in turn presided at the organ, Mr. McClellan playing the organ music required for the services. Raymond Williams and the choir rendered the great song of songs, "O My Father," and Professor Willard Weihe gave a beautiful violin selection characteristic of his inimitable mastery of his instrument. James H. Nielson sang a tenor solo, from Mendelsohn's "Elijah." Professor McClellan rendered "Nearer my God to Thee," with his usual artistic soulfulness and unsurpassed technique. President Louis Anderson of the South Sanpete stake offered the invocation, and Bishop F. S. Tingey of the ward in which President Lund lived pronounced the benediction.
The funeral cortege, comprising more than fifty automobiles, moved from the Tabernacle, passing out from the west gate of the grounds to South Temple street, east to E street, thence to Third avenue, east to N street, north to Fourth avenue, east to the city cemetery. Leading was the First Presidency, the council of twelve, first council of seventy, and the various Church and business organizations with which President Lund had been identified.
The six sons of President Lund, Anthony C, Henry, Herbert Z., Othniel R., A. William and G. Cannon, were the active pallbearers. The honorary pallbearers were the council of the twelve, all of whom were present except Reed Smoot and George Albert Smith.
The Elite quartet, James H. Neilson, Hyrum Christiansen, August and Henry Glissmeyer, sang at the grave, "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken." Elder Rudger Clawson dedicated the grave.
"In Memory of President Anthon H. Lund." The Improvement Era, April 1921: pg. 565-567.
In Memory of President Anthon H. Lund
As members of the General Board, Y. M. M. I. A., with whom President Anthon H. Lund was connected for years in the labor of supervising the young men's organizations of the Church, we express these sentiments of our hearts concerning this kind and good man who, through his genial, whole-souled, cheerful, tactful, courteous leadership and conduct, so deeply endeared himself to our whole membership.
We recognize in him a true and faithful servant of God whose activities from early childhood until his glorious passing, covered countless duties at home and in many lands and climes always having in view service and helpfulness to the great cause for which he devoted his life and energies, and to the large numbers of people with whom he came in contact. This attitude molded his career and glorified his life. Smiles and soothing words were natural to him. Always he seemed to see the silver lining to every mist, the rising sun turning the dark clouds into gold.
Born on the peninsula of northern Denmark, May 15, 1844, he was early deprived of his mother who died when he was three and one-half years old. His father was drafted into the army and he was given into the care of his grandmother who saw to his education in which he made unusual advancement, particularly in English and Bible study. She joined the Church in 1853, when the lad was nine years of age, and he thus became familiar with the "Mormon" faith and was baptized on May 15, 1856. From that time on, he rose rapidly in the offices of the Church in his native land, and on his arrival in Utah, September 23, 1862, his faith and enthusiasm were as bright as ever, his labors as diligent, and his advancement was as sure.
It would take more space than can be here allotted even to name the varied business, industrial, educational, religious and other positions of honor and trust which he held. His busy, progressive, and useful life, from childhood to his death, is an inspirational impetus to every young man in the land, and to all those who come after him. His example must help all the members of the Y. M. M. I. A. to do their duties, to face their responsibilities with courage and fidelity, as faithfully, industriously and whole-heartedly as he did, because he did his work and did it well. In the midst of physical labor, he was a student not only of books, but of the great problems of life and human nature, involving both the now and the hereafter.
In his life and record of achievement there stands a striking illustration of a man's rising to place, influence, power and importance, though born and reared in circumstances which, at least in theory, seemed to preclude such advancement.
President Lund gave to every interest his very best, and though through his years of playtime, his shoulders often bore the responsibilities of older age, he made no complaints, but met every hardship with a smile, a spirit invincible, with heart and hand held out in helpfulness to all with whom he came in contact.
In his extensive mission work abroad, he was the ideal of the Saints. At home, as a member of the Council of the Twelve, and the First Presidency, his loyal friendship, wise counsel, earnestness and tact, his conservative action, sympathetic advice and splendid service, in matters religious and secular, exercised a powerful influence for good among the people of the Church. To the Saints generally, and to the thousands of converts from Scandinavia and other foreign lands he was a father whose love and kindness will be held in remembrance while life shall last. Everywhere he has thousands of friends, because he was indeed a friend to all, bearing enmity to none.
We extend our sincere sympathy to his good wife and to our co-worker in the General Board, his son, Henry C. Lund, and all the other members of the bereaved family whose sorrow, though great, must be sweetly ameliorated with the pleasant thought that such a man of God was companion, husband, and father to them.
We shall greatly miss him. In every room and hallway of the Church Office Building there is a feeling that a great Presence has gone out, and this sentiment extends to the Church workers and people, young and old, in every city, town, and hamlet of the Church.
God bless his memory and prolong it among the people.
In behalf of the General Board Y. M. M. I. A.,
Anthony W. Ivins,
Brigham H. Roberts,
Richard R. Lyman,
General Superintendency, Y. M. M. I. A.
In Memory of President Anthon H. Lund
As members of the General Board, Y. M. M. I. A., with whom President Anthon H. Lund was connected for years in the labor of supervising the young men's organizations of the Church, we express these sentiments of our hearts concerning this kind and good man who, through his genial, whole-souled, cheerful, tactful, courteous leadership and conduct, so deeply endeared himself to our whole membership.
We recognize in him a true and faithful servant of God whose activities from early childhood until his glorious passing, covered countless duties at home and in many lands and climes always having in view service and helpfulness to the great cause for which he devoted his life and energies, and to the large numbers of people with whom he came in contact. This attitude molded his career and glorified his life. Smiles and soothing words were natural to him. Always he seemed to see the silver lining to every mist, the rising sun turning the dark clouds into gold.
Born on the peninsula of northern Denmark, May 15, 1844, he was early deprived of his mother who died when he was three and one-half years old. His father was drafted into the army and he was given into the care of his grandmother who saw to his education in which he made unusual advancement, particularly in English and Bible study. She joined the Church in 1853, when the lad was nine years of age, and he thus became familiar with the "Mormon" faith and was baptized on May 15, 1856. From that time on, he rose rapidly in the offices of the Church in his native land, and on his arrival in Utah, September 23, 1862, his faith and enthusiasm were as bright as ever, his labors as diligent, and his advancement was as sure.
It would take more space than can be here allotted even to name the varied business, industrial, educational, religious and other positions of honor and trust which he held. His busy, progressive, and useful life, from childhood to his death, is an inspirational impetus to every young man in the land, and to all those who come after him. His example must help all the members of the Y. M. M. I. A. to do their duties, to face their responsibilities with courage and fidelity, as faithfully, industriously and whole-heartedly as he did, because he did his work and did it well. In the midst of physical labor, he was a student not only of books, but of the great problems of life and human nature, involving both the now and the hereafter.
In his life and record of achievement there stands a striking illustration of a man's rising to place, influence, power and importance, though born and reared in circumstances which, at least in theory, seemed to preclude such advancement.
President Lund gave to every interest his very best, and though through his years of playtime, his shoulders often bore the responsibilities of older age, he made no complaints, but met every hardship with a smile, a spirit invincible, with heart and hand held out in helpfulness to all with whom he came in contact.
In his extensive mission work abroad, he was the ideal of the Saints. At home, as a member of the Council of the Twelve, and the First Presidency, his loyal friendship, wise counsel, earnestness and tact, his conservative action, sympathetic advice and splendid service, in matters religious and secular, exercised a powerful influence for good among the people of the Church. To the Saints generally, and to the thousands of converts from Scandinavia and other foreign lands he was a father whose love and kindness will be held in remembrance while life shall last. Everywhere he has thousands of friends, because he was indeed a friend to all, bearing enmity to none.
We extend our sincere sympathy to his good wife and to our co-worker in the General Board, his son, Henry C. Lund, and all the other members of the bereaved family whose sorrow, though great, must be sweetly ameliorated with the pleasant thought that such a man of God was companion, husband, and father to them.
We shall greatly miss him. In every room and hallway of the Church Office Building there is a feeling that a great Presence has gone out, and this sentiment extends to the Church workers and people, young and old, in every city, town, and hamlet of the Church.
God bless his memory and prolong it among the people.
In behalf of the General Board Y. M. M. I. A.,
Anthony W. Ivins,
Brigham H. Roberts,
Richard R. Lyman,
General Superintendency, Y. M. M. I. A.
Sjodahl, J. M. "President Anthon Henrik Lund." The Juvenile Instructor, April 1921: pg. 171-174.
President Anthon Henrik Lund By J. M. Sjodahl Emerson, speaking of character, calls attention to the great truth that no man can properly serve his fellow- men, be he ever so learned, acute, and fluent in language, unless, before his appointment by man, he is appointed by Almighty God to stand for a fact—invincibly persuaded of that fact in himself—so that the most confident and the most violent persons learn that here is resistance on which both impudence and terror are wasted —namely, faith in a fact. This truth we see confirmed in the lives of the Prophet Joseph and his associates and successors—that brilliant galaxy of stars of the first magnitude, which from the foundation of the Church till the present time, have reflected the true Light that "shineth in darkness," though not comprehended outside the circle of the rays of revelation. They all were appointed by God to stand for a fact — that God has again spoken and established his Church, preparatory to the second coming of His Son. They knew this to be a fact, just as Paul knew that he had seen and heard the crucified, resurrected Lord, and they could no more deny it than they could question their own existence. This is as true of our late Church leader, President Anthon Henrik Lund, as of his associates and predecessors in the leadership of the Church. He, too, was appointed of God, to stand for the fact just stated. He did so faithfully to the end. Anthon H. Lund was a great character among men. Emerson reminds us that great characters cannot be portrayed by a writer's pen. No words can make the impression that the personal presence of Napoleon, of Goethe, of Schiller, etc., made upon those who came under their influence. The mastership of the spirit is known; never described. Hercules was felt to be Hercules whether he stood, or walked, or was seated, or whatever he did. But though words are feeble and inadequate, one likes to linger, like Mary at the tomb, and recall some of the characteristics of departed friends, as one remembers them. No one could have the privilege of an intimate association with President Lund without becoming aware of the fact that in his personality all the qualities of a perfect gentleman were united. His thoughts were pure and, as a consequence, his acts and words, private or public, bore the stamp of refinement. He was gentle as a lamb, even in the presence of opposition. He was sympathetic; no one in sorrow, in trouble, in perplexity, went to him vain for counsel or comfort. He was sociable; his presence in any circle of friends was an inspiration. He was well informed on a great variety of subjects, especially Church history and theology. Blessed with a wonderfully retentive memory, he was always entertaining and helpful, because of his comprehensive reading and knowledge. He was also humble and accessible If anyone were ever, in the language of Peter, "clothed with humility," President Lund was. As it was said of Nathanael, it can truly be said of him, "Behold, an Israelite, indeed, in whom is no guile." It follows that his influence was always exerted for peace. The Scandinavian Saints owe him a debt of gratitude for the wise policy that recognizes their need, when they first come here as strangers in a strange land, of meetings where their own languages are spoken, as well as hymn books, newspapers, social gatherings, etc. All these things he knew would help them in their progress toward citizenship, as well as strengthen them in the faith. Time and again President Lund used to say: "Whatever leads to peace and unity is from God," and no one knew better than he that in order to obtain a solid basis for unity it was necessary to remove every element that might cause discord, as far as this could be done. President Lund was gifted with an unusual capacity for work. This trait of character was prominent even in his childhood. At the age of eleven he was first in his class at school. By hard work he had earned this distinction, and while he mastered the regular lessons, he took private instruction in German, English, and French, and besides he found time to familiarize himself with the Bible. This wonderful capacity for work remained with him almost to the last. As a citizen, President Lund has exercised an influence for good in the many business and educational institutions of the State he was connected with, and the Agricultural College, Logan, the Industrial School, Ogden, and the Lund Home, near Salt Lake City, are noble monuments to his memory. As a Latter-day Saint and a highly honored and trusted Church official, he has been a tower of strength in the Councils of his brethren, in their Temple services, in the Stakes and Wards at home, and the mission fields abroad. He always took an interest in the children. As far back as in 1865 he assisted in starting the first Sunday School in Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, where he then lived, and he was very successful as a teacher, Later in life he became actively interested in the Religion Classes of the Church, and their success has been very largely due to his energy. As the head of a family, President Lund was highly blessed. In his beloved wife, whom he married in 1870, he found a true helpmeet, and their home became a sanctuary filled with the sweet incense of prayer and devotion to the service of God and fellow-men. Their children, all highly gifted, were reared in the atmosphere thus created, and they have grown up to fill important and honored positions in the Church and in the community, President Lund was a great character, because he was sincerely devoted to the service of God. But he was only one of the many whom the Lord has raised up to lead the Saints in the latter-days. He was a fair sample of the kind of men that now stand at the head of the Church, and those who have been the leaders since, and including, the days of the Prophet Joseph. They have all been, and are now, just such men of God. President Lund's life offers at least two great lessons to the young people of the Church. One is best expressed in the words of the ancient royal Preacher of Israel: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." In other words, begin to serve the Lord while you are young, the younger the better. President Lund joined the Church when he was twelve years of age. When he was thirteen, he was called on a mission in his native land, and until he was eighteen he performed the duties of that mission faithfully and successfully. He was offered educational and social advantages if he would leave the Church, but he resisted all temptations. It is a fact that all the men and women who have attained to prominence in the kingdom of God have entered His service early in life. History will bear this statement out. Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Timothy, are a few Bible characters that illustrate the truths stated. Joseph Smith is a well known illustration from our own day and age. No one can give his best years, his youth and strength, his manly and womanly beauty to the service of the adversary and then achieve great things for the Lord by giving to him the leavings, the debris of perhaps a ruined life. The other lesson I can state in President Lund's own words. He was once asked, "What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?" And he answered: "I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it." May I not suggest, especially to the young readers of this magazine, that they make this beautiful saying a memory gem, and that they endeavor to guide their lives accordingly. The Son of God himself attained glory and power and dominion only because He was doing the will of His heavenly Father. |
THE LATE PRESIDENT ANTHON HENRIK LUND
Born May 15, 1844; died March 2, 1921. |
"Death of President Anthon H. Lund." The Relief Society Magazine. April 1921: pg. 234-235.
DEATH OF PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
The passing of one of Israel's great leaders. President Anthon H. Lund, leaves a whole people mourning for a beloved friend, a mighty counselor and a wise conservative patriot.
He was the greatest Scandinavian born through the waters of baptism into the Church of Christ in modern times. If the gospel preached in that land had borne no other fruit this great and mighty man would have repaid the labor and time of the many missionaries in the long years.
His people here have lost a true friend and a faithful father. The Church is rich in his life's labors, and his loss will be felt wherever an L. D. S. branch is formed. His family were knit together in the closest ties of sympathy and affection. Not less great as a woman was his lovely and gifted wife, Sarah Peterson Lund, daughter of the first two Scandinavian converts in the days of the Prophet, in Missouri.
Kanute Peterson was himself a great leader of men, wise in counsel, powerful in testimony, and Sanpete came nearly, in the pioneer Utah days, being spelled out in the letters of his name. While his first wife, Sarah Peterson, was a tower of strength and inspiration to her husband's family, to the people and to the great cause of the Relief Society. She was the Sanpete Stake President of the Society for years and she it was who originated the scheme of saving Sunday eggs for Relief Society funds. The hens always laid the Sabbath eggs.
Her daughter, Sister Lund, has avoided public life, devoting her whole soul to her husband's daily pressing needs, and to her adoring family. She lies now stricken and yet cheerful, buoyed up by the faith which is her inheritance and her anchor.
The children of President Lund are all wonderfully gifted, in music, in art, and in cultural lines. Already they have written their names large in the history of the Church and of the State. Our hearts go out to them in this hour of affliction for we too are lonely and grieved with the passing of our friend and leader, President Anthon H. Lund.
DEATH OF PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
The passing of one of Israel's great leaders. President Anthon H. Lund, leaves a whole people mourning for a beloved friend, a mighty counselor and a wise conservative patriot.
He was the greatest Scandinavian born through the waters of baptism into the Church of Christ in modern times. If the gospel preached in that land had borne no other fruit this great and mighty man would have repaid the labor and time of the many missionaries in the long years.
His people here have lost a true friend and a faithful father. The Church is rich in his life's labors, and his loss will be felt wherever an L. D. S. branch is formed. His family were knit together in the closest ties of sympathy and affection. Not less great as a woman was his lovely and gifted wife, Sarah Peterson Lund, daughter of the first two Scandinavian converts in the days of the Prophet, in Missouri.
Kanute Peterson was himself a great leader of men, wise in counsel, powerful in testimony, and Sanpete came nearly, in the pioneer Utah days, being spelled out in the letters of his name. While his first wife, Sarah Peterson, was a tower of strength and inspiration to her husband's family, to the people and to the great cause of the Relief Society. She was the Sanpete Stake President of the Society for years and she it was who originated the scheme of saving Sunday eggs for Relief Society funds. The hens always laid the Sabbath eggs.
Her daughter, Sister Lund, has avoided public life, devoting her whole soul to her husband's daily pressing needs, and to her adoring family. She lies now stricken and yet cheerful, buoyed up by the faith which is her inheritance and her anchor.
The children of President Lund are all wonderfully gifted, in music, in art, and in cultural lines. Already they have written their names large in the history of the Church and of the State. Our hearts go out to them in this hour of affliction for we too are lonely and grieved with the passing of our friend and leader, President Anthon H. Lund.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. "President Anthon H. Lund." Young Woman's Journal. April 1921: pg. 191-192.
President Anthon H. Lund
A Tribute by Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council the Twelve.
As I reflect on the life and ministry of President Anthon H. Lund I am reminded of the tribute paid by our Redeemer to Nathaniel of old. “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” That the Lord would pay the same tribute to President Lund, I am sure, for he was a man of great humility who observed to keep the second great commandment to love his neighbor as himself as well as mortal man could do.
During the past twenty years I have been closely associated with President Lund, first in the Historian’s office, where I took up my labors in the summer of 1901; then in the Genealogical Society of Utah, over which he presided and I served as secretary and director; and later in the Salt Lake Temple where he was also in charge. I have sat with him in council and have sought him for advice and guidance on many occasions where I learned to know him intimately and to appreciate his wonderful patience, gentleness, and integrity to the truth. Especially since the passing of my own father, on whom I had leaned so much for support, did I turn to President Anthon H. Lund, who always manifested towards me the same love and consideration which I might have expected had I been his son. His kindness towards me and the interest he took in me shall always be remembered and appreciated. It was a pleasure to follow his counsel and instruction, for I looked to him as the one above all others, after my father, to whom I could most readily go for encouragement and help. For these and many other reasons I feel keenly the loss of his companionship and sympathetic guidance.
One of the proverbs says: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” President Lund was a man of few words but of wonderful and clear judgment. His wisdom was manifest in all his words and actions. He was well read, for he had sought for knowledge. If he had a moment cf leisure he usually spent it in the reading of some good book the contents of which he would thoroughly digest. By this means he became acquainted with many subjects and with a knowledge which was well nigh universal. On most subjects he could converse intelligently and by his systematic perseverance became acquainted with several languages besides English and his native tongue, and it has been said of him that “he knew when to keep silent in all of them”—a goodly gift that few have learned who can only converse in one. With all his learning he kept uppermost in mind the greatest knowledge of all—the knowledge of everlasting life and an abiding faith in the mission of the Savior of the world. He was a thorough student of the scriptures and believed, with all his heart, in the great redemption which was made for the children of men and in the divine calling of Joseph Smith the Prophet. He practiced literally the admonition of the Lord to be “instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the laws of the Gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; of things both in heaven and earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass.”
All his thoughts and expressions were pure and undefiled. Although he greatly enjoyed a joke and was exceptionally gifted in the telling of a humorous story and the spontaneity of ready wit, yet levity was always subject to dignity and no unseemly word was ever permitted to pass his lips. His mind was pure as that of a little child and he impressed all with whom he came in contact with the cleanliness of his soul. Benevolence was written upon his face and gentleness the watchword of his noble life.
He was possessed in great measure with that rare gift so well defined by Paul the Apostle, as charity, which is the pure love of God. His life was spent not so much for himself and his alone, but in the interest of humanity, both the living and the dead. Much of his time had been spent in the mission fields abroad and when at home in the vicarious work for those who died without a knowledge of the Gospel. For many years he labored in the Manti Temple, and after the death of President John R. Winder, because of his thorough understanding of temple work, he was placed in charge of the Salt Lake Temple.
He never sought the honors of men or preferment over others. He was too noble to heed a slight or to manifest the spirit of envy. When his friends and associates were honored, he rejoiced; when misfortune and distress overtook them, he wept with them in their sorrows.
No matter what the provocation he was always master of himself. Under most trying circumstances he was calm, dignified, and gentle; but deliberate in the expression of honest convictions. Never have I seen him give way to anger or show the least sign of agitation or feeling of resentment when his views were not received, but always a composure that was most commendable. Yet he was most firm in his convictions and did not yield without a thorough presentation of his views, and never would he submit to compromise the right with wrong. If he could not speak well of a person, he did not speak at all. He never resented a wrong and those who reviled were not by him reviled again. I believe he had no enemies.
The words of the Prophet Joseph pronounced in blessing upon the head of his brother Hyrum are also applicable to President Anthon H. Lund: “Thy name shall never be blotted out from among the just, for the righteous shall rise up, and also thy children after thee, and say * * * thou wert a just man and perfect in thy day.”
President Anthon H. Lund
A Tribute by Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council the Twelve.
As I reflect on the life and ministry of President Anthon H. Lund I am reminded of the tribute paid by our Redeemer to Nathaniel of old. “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” That the Lord would pay the same tribute to President Lund, I am sure, for he was a man of great humility who observed to keep the second great commandment to love his neighbor as himself as well as mortal man could do.
During the past twenty years I have been closely associated with President Lund, first in the Historian’s office, where I took up my labors in the summer of 1901; then in the Genealogical Society of Utah, over which he presided and I served as secretary and director; and later in the Salt Lake Temple where he was also in charge. I have sat with him in council and have sought him for advice and guidance on many occasions where I learned to know him intimately and to appreciate his wonderful patience, gentleness, and integrity to the truth. Especially since the passing of my own father, on whom I had leaned so much for support, did I turn to President Anthon H. Lund, who always manifested towards me the same love and consideration which I might have expected had I been his son. His kindness towards me and the interest he took in me shall always be remembered and appreciated. It was a pleasure to follow his counsel and instruction, for I looked to him as the one above all others, after my father, to whom I could most readily go for encouragement and help. For these and many other reasons I feel keenly the loss of his companionship and sympathetic guidance.
One of the proverbs says: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” President Lund was a man of few words but of wonderful and clear judgment. His wisdom was manifest in all his words and actions. He was well read, for he had sought for knowledge. If he had a moment cf leisure he usually spent it in the reading of some good book the contents of which he would thoroughly digest. By this means he became acquainted with many subjects and with a knowledge which was well nigh universal. On most subjects he could converse intelligently and by his systematic perseverance became acquainted with several languages besides English and his native tongue, and it has been said of him that “he knew when to keep silent in all of them”—a goodly gift that few have learned who can only converse in one. With all his learning he kept uppermost in mind the greatest knowledge of all—the knowledge of everlasting life and an abiding faith in the mission of the Savior of the world. He was a thorough student of the scriptures and believed, with all his heart, in the great redemption which was made for the children of men and in the divine calling of Joseph Smith the Prophet. He practiced literally the admonition of the Lord to be “instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the laws of the Gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; of things both in heaven and earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass.”
All his thoughts and expressions were pure and undefiled. Although he greatly enjoyed a joke and was exceptionally gifted in the telling of a humorous story and the spontaneity of ready wit, yet levity was always subject to dignity and no unseemly word was ever permitted to pass his lips. His mind was pure as that of a little child and he impressed all with whom he came in contact with the cleanliness of his soul. Benevolence was written upon his face and gentleness the watchword of his noble life.
He was possessed in great measure with that rare gift so well defined by Paul the Apostle, as charity, which is the pure love of God. His life was spent not so much for himself and his alone, but in the interest of humanity, both the living and the dead. Much of his time had been spent in the mission fields abroad and when at home in the vicarious work for those who died without a knowledge of the Gospel. For many years he labored in the Manti Temple, and after the death of President John R. Winder, because of his thorough understanding of temple work, he was placed in charge of the Salt Lake Temple.
He never sought the honors of men or preferment over others. He was too noble to heed a slight or to manifest the spirit of envy. When his friends and associates were honored, he rejoiced; when misfortune and distress overtook them, he wept with them in their sorrows.
No matter what the provocation he was always master of himself. Under most trying circumstances he was calm, dignified, and gentle; but deliberate in the expression of honest convictions. Never have I seen him give way to anger or show the least sign of agitation or feeling of resentment when his views were not received, but always a composure that was most commendable. Yet he was most firm in his convictions and did not yield without a thorough presentation of his views, and never would he submit to compromise the right with wrong. If he could not speak well of a person, he did not speak at all. He never resented a wrong and those who reviled were not by him reviled again. I believe he had no enemies.
The words of the Prophet Joseph pronounced in blessing upon the head of his brother Hyrum are also applicable to President Anthon H. Lund: “Thy name shall never be blotted out from among the just, for the righteous shall rise up, and also thy children after thee, and say * * * thou wert a just man and perfect in thy day.”
Fox, Ruth May. "A Man of God. To the Memory of President Anthon H. Lund." Young Woman's Journal. April 1921: pg. 193.
A Man of God
To the Memory of President Anthon H. Lund.
A man of God! write it in flame!
What attributes, what virtues rare
He must possess whom one would dare
To crown with such undying fame.
Patience was his and fortitude
To bear life’s ills; whate’er the cost
Though station, laud, and friends were lost
He chose his way.
The multitude
Held naught for him; e’en in his youth
He loved the Word, and recognized
The voice of God through one despised,
And walked the lonely paths of truth.
The pearly sheen of piety
Reposed serenely on his brow;
While through his face like moon-light’s glow
Beamed faith and hope and charity.
Knowledge and wisdom like a stream
Of crystal waters sweet and pure
Sprang from his lips to make secure
Some doubter’s trust in Elohim.
As lofty mountain lifting high
Its head above the purple mists,
The soul’s full rhapsody enlists,
So this Apostle drew us nigh
To the Eternal; thrilled our breasts
With tongue inspired; dropped precious seeds
Which stirred the heart to noble deeds,
And won our thoughts to God’s behests.
His labors compassed many lands,
His service reached beyond the grave;
His voice was ever raised to save
And not condemn.
His willing hands
Outstretched to bless drew many a tear,
From hearts opprest; his soulful prayer,
For blessings all the world might share
Is written high above his bier.
Such was the man! his Priestly Rod,
Was wielded with such tender grace;
That while earth stands he’ll hold his place
And history shall oft retrace
This truth: He was a man of God.
Ruth May Fox.
A Man of God
To the Memory of President Anthon H. Lund.
A man of God! write it in flame!
What attributes, what virtues rare
He must possess whom one would dare
To crown with such undying fame.
Patience was his and fortitude
To bear life’s ills; whate’er the cost
Though station, laud, and friends were lost
He chose his way.
The multitude
Held naught for him; e’en in his youth
He loved the Word, and recognized
The voice of God through one despised,
And walked the lonely paths of truth.
The pearly sheen of piety
Reposed serenely on his brow;
While through his face like moon-light’s glow
Beamed faith and hope and charity.
Knowledge and wisdom like a stream
Of crystal waters sweet and pure
Sprang from his lips to make secure
Some doubter’s trust in Elohim.
As lofty mountain lifting high
Its head above the purple mists,
The soul’s full rhapsody enlists,
So this Apostle drew us nigh
To the Eternal; thrilled our breasts
With tongue inspired; dropped precious seeds
Which stirred the heart to noble deeds,
And won our thoughts to God’s behests.
His labors compassed many lands,
His service reached beyond the grave;
His voice was ever raised to save
And not condemn.
His willing hands
Outstretched to bless drew many a tear,
From hearts opprest; his soulful prayer,
For blessings all the world might share
Is written high above his bier.
Such was the man! his Priestly Rod,
Was wielded with such tender grace;
That while earth stands he’ll hold his place
And history shall oft retrace
This truth: He was a man of God.
Ruth May Fox.
Lund, Julia A. Farnsworth. "President Anthon H. Lund in His Home." Young Woman's Journal. April 1921: pg. 194-195.
President Anthon H. Lund in his Home
By Julia A. Farnsworth Lund.
“A man is the part he plays among his fellows.” President Lund has been judged by ”‘his fellows.”
Our greatest orators, most profound thinkers, and ablest writers have vied with each other in expressing appreciation, and their words have conveyed the full measure of sympathy intended, because his family has known, that, no matter how exalted the tribute, he was worthy of it. He was great in the world of business, of politics, of education and of the Church, but he was greatest of all within the circle of his own fireside! There his purpose, his character, his splendid gifts and his spiritual growth were unconsciously, but most clearly revealed.
It was a rare privilege to have been a witness and partaker of the joy of that home life.
Everything connected with his home was of interest to him, and no one ever entered, who did not feel the charm of his genial personality. One delivery boy remarked to me: “You know—it makes me feel good for a whole week when President Lund says, ‘Good morning’ and shakes me by the hand, and he never fails to do it, if he sees me.
He was very fond of flowers—and loved to see them in his garden and house. The lily was a great favorite. Naturally, a man of President Lund’s tastes, would surround himself with a rare collection of books—and he has a very remarkable private library, numbering books in many languages and upon every subject of interest one could imagine.
His knowledge of philosophy and religion, of scientific and technical subjects was really astonishing, but what was more amazing to me—was his perfect familiarity with the best poetry, drama, and romance of all languages and peoples. One could only gain some knowledge of this from his delightful stories at home. He was a most excellent critic, seeking only the best and always finding it, and rarely have I heard his equal as a reader, as his interpretative power seemed to catch the very spirit of the author. How the kiddies loved “Grandpa” and would run to meet him as he came home, put a little hand in his and walk to his gate with him.
President Lund was the most tireless worker I have ever known. I have been a member of his family for twenty-two years and I can not recall one single instance of ever seeing him unoccupied at home, and his spirit possessed the charm of perpetual youth. He took the keenest personal interest in every child and grandchild, sharing their joys and their sorrows as his own. He was a pal, to whom we could confide our hopes and fears—yet with a confidence in his judgment, and a respect for his opinion, that amounted to veneration. Never can we forget that family circle bowed in prayer at his call—every night and morning ! No one ever entered more thoroughly into the spirit of wholesome enjoyment than did President Lund. He loved a good theatre, and was particularly fond of our great English novelists, Scott, Dickens, and Thackery—not forgetting the great Danish story teller, Hans Christian Anderson. The crowning pleasure of his life, however, was to gather his family around him in his own home, where he would tell his delightful stories, listen to the experiences of the children, play a game of checkers or chess (in which he was most expert), with one of his six sons, listen to Eva at the piano, or have “Tony” sing the old songs! He has often told me of the romance of his life, and words failed him in expressing his appreciation and loving solicitude for his wife, who had made his home life ideal, and whose perfect devotion to his interests and his dear ones, had made it possible for him to give so much time to the public service.
President Lund has always stood in his own home as the living embodiment of perfect culture and the highest ideals of the Gospel, and he demonstrated that it is possible for a man to realize these ideals, for he did it. He has bequeathed to his family the most priceless heritage a father can give—a life without a stain, a fame without a flaw.
President Anthon H. Lund in his Home
By Julia A. Farnsworth Lund.
“A man is the part he plays among his fellows.” President Lund has been judged by ”‘his fellows.”
Our greatest orators, most profound thinkers, and ablest writers have vied with each other in expressing appreciation, and their words have conveyed the full measure of sympathy intended, because his family has known, that, no matter how exalted the tribute, he was worthy of it. He was great in the world of business, of politics, of education and of the Church, but he was greatest of all within the circle of his own fireside! There his purpose, his character, his splendid gifts and his spiritual growth were unconsciously, but most clearly revealed.
It was a rare privilege to have been a witness and partaker of the joy of that home life.
Everything connected with his home was of interest to him, and no one ever entered, who did not feel the charm of his genial personality. One delivery boy remarked to me: “You know—it makes me feel good for a whole week when President Lund says, ‘Good morning’ and shakes me by the hand, and he never fails to do it, if he sees me.
He was very fond of flowers—and loved to see them in his garden and house. The lily was a great favorite. Naturally, a man of President Lund’s tastes, would surround himself with a rare collection of books—and he has a very remarkable private library, numbering books in many languages and upon every subject of interest one could imagine.
His knowledge of philosophy and religion, of scientific and technical subjects was really astonishing, but what was more amazing to me—was his perfect familiarity with the best poetry, drama, and romance of all languages and peoples. One could only gain some knowledge of this from his delightful stories at home. He was a most excellent critic, seeking only the best and always finding it, and rarely have I heard his equal as a reader, as his interpretative power seemed to catch the very spirit of the author. How the kiddies loved “Grandpa” and would run to meet him as he came home, put a little hand in his and walk to his gate with him.
President Lund was the most tireless worker I have ever known. I have been a member of his family for twenty-two years and I can not recall one single instance of ever seeing him unoccupied at home, and his spirit possessed the charm of perpetual youth. He took the keenest personal interest in every child and grandchild, sharing their joys and their sorrows as his own. He was a pal, to whom we could confide our hopes and fears—yet with a confidence in his judgment, and a respect for his opinion, that amounted to veneration. Never can we forget that family circle bowed in prayer at his call—every night and morning ! No one ever entered more thoroughly into the spirit of wholesome enjoyment than did President Lund. He loved a good theatre, and was particularly fond of our great English novelists, Scott, Dickens, and Thackery—not forgetting the great Danish story teller, Hans Christian Anderson. The crowning pleasure of his life, however, was to gather his family around him in his own home, where he would tell his delightful stories, listen to the experiences of the children, play a game of checkers or chess (in which he was most expert), with one of his six sons, listen to Eva at the piano, or have “Tony” sing the old songs! He has often told me of the romance of his life, and words failed him in expressing his appreciation and loving solicitude for his wife, who had made his home life ideal, and whose perfect devotion to his interests and his dear ones, had made it possible for him to give so much time to the public service.
President Lund has always stood in his own home as the living embodiment of perfect culture and the highest ideals of the Gospel, and he demonstrated that it is possible for a man to realize these ideals, for he did it. He has bequeathed to his family the most priceless heritage a father can give—a life without a stain, a fame without a flaw.
Morton, William A. "President Lund, Founder of the Religion Class." Young Woman's Journal. April 1921: pg. 195-196.
President Lund, Founder of the Religion Class
By William A. Morton
At a meeting of the General Church Board of Education, held in October, 1890, the belief was expressed that the time had come when steps should be taken toward the more thorough, practical training of the children of the Latter-day Saints in the requirements of the Gospel. The need of such training was keenly felt by every member of the Board. While the children were receiving secular training five days a week in the public schools, not more than half this number of hours was being devoted to their moral and religious training. The matter was given careful and prayerful consideration, and it was finally decided to establish throughout the Church week-day schools for religious instruction, in which the principles of the Gospel, Church History, and kindred subjects should be taught, the schools to meet for a short time each afternoon, at the close of the district schools. This was the beginning of the Religion Class work, and it is generally conceded that this great religious movement among the Latter-day Saints was first conceived by the late President Anthon H. Lund, who stood as its head for nearly thirty years as general superintendent. The work of organizing Religion Classes was assigned to Dr. Karl G. Maeser, who was at this time superintendent of Church Schools. It was he who devised the six steps—(1) singing, (2) prayer in concert, (3) memory exercise, (4) lesson, (5) testimony bearing or the relating of experiences, and (6) singing and benediction. The work met with considerable opposition at first, but gradually it made its way into all the stakes of the Church, and at this writing weekly classes are being conducted in nearly all the wards. Four thousand officers and teachers are engaged in the work, and the classes have an enrollment of more than 50,000 pupils. The spirit of weekday religious instruction for children is spreading rapidly in the nation. In a number of the states the leading churches supplement the work of the public schools with instruction in moral and religious principles.
President Anthon H. Lund was the pioneer in this great religious movement among the Latter-day Saints, a work, which if he had done none other, is sufficient to make his name immortal.
President Lund, Founder of the Religion Class
By William A. Morton
At a meeting of the General Church Board of Education, held in October, 1890, the belief was expressed that the time had come when steps should be taken toward the more thorough, practical training of the children of the Latter-day Saints in the requirements of the Gospel. The need of such training was keenly felt by every member of the Board. While the children were receiving secular training five days a week in the public schools, not more than half this number of hours was being devoted to their moral and religious training. The matter was given careful and prayerful consideration, and it was finally decided to establish throughout the Church week-day schools for religious instruction, in which the principles of the Gospel, Church History, and kindred subjects should be taught, the schools to meet for a short time each afternoon, at the close of the district schools. This was the beginning of the Religion Class work, and it is generally conceded that this great religious movement among the Latter-day Saints was first conceived by the late President Anthon H. Lund, who stood as its head for nearly thirty years as general superintendent. The work of organizing Religion Classes was assigned to Dr. Karl G. Maeser, who was at this time superintendent of Church Schools. It was he who devised the six steps—(1) singing, (2) prayer in concert, (3) memory exercise, (4) lesson, (5) testimony bearing or the relating of experiences, and (6) singing and benediction. The work met with considerable opposition at first, but gradually it made its way into all the stakes of the Church, and at this writing weekly classes are being conducted in nearly all the wards. Four thousand officers and teachers are engaged in the work, and the classes have an enrollment of more than 50,000 pupils. The spirit of weekday religious instruction for children is spreading rapidly in the nation. In a number of the states the leading churches supplement the work of the public schools with instruction in moral and religious principles.
President Anthon H. Lund was the pioneer in this great religious movement among the Latter-day Saints, a work, which if he had done none other, is sufficient to make his name immortal.
"Anthon H. Lund." Young Woman's Journal. April 1921: pg. 237.
President Anthon H. Lund
In the passing of President Anthon H. Lund the Church and State loses one of its stalwarts. His was a life of devotion. From boyhood he held responsible positions and magnified every trust. He served in the legislative and educational councils of the state, and in public circles he left the impress of his strength and integrity.
Soon after he received the Gospel he labored as a missionary that others might enjoy its light and uplift, and the same spirit of devotion characterized his later labors as Apostle and Counselor in the Presidency of the Church.
He showed how gentleness, and strength can be combined, for he was the embodiment of kindness, sweetness, and tenderness. Yet his whole life showed strength of character, for he ever sought truth, lived truth, and taught truth.
He always appreciated the best, and education had in him an ardent friend. Broad-minded, clear visioned, far seeing, every problem submitted to him had careful consideration and wise decision. The children and the aged all were subjects of his consideration and loving ministration. It was his privilege to work until within a few days of his death for the living and for the dead. Methinks I hear the Master’s welcome and benediction “Well done thou good, and faithful servant.” He sowed to the spirit and of the spirit he will reap life everlasting.
President Anthon H. Lund
In the passing of President Anthon H. Lund the Church and State loses one of its stalwarts. His was a life of devotion. From boyhood he held responsible positions and magnified every trust. He served in the legislative and educational councils of the state, and in public circles he left the impress of his strength and integrity.
Soon after he received the Gospel he labored as a missionary that others might enjoy its light and uplift, and the same spirit of devotion characterized his later labors as Apostle and Counselor in the Presidency of the Church.
He showed how gentleness, and strength can be combined, for he was the embodiment of kindness, sweetness, and tenderness. Yet his whole life showed strength of character, for he ever sought truth, lived truth, and taught truth.
He always appreciated the best, and education had in him an ardent friend. Broad-minded, clear visioned, far seeing, every problem submitted to him had careful consideration and wise decision. The children and the aged all were subjects of his consideration and loving ministration. It was his privilege to work until within a few days of his death for the living and for the dead. Methinks I hear the Master’s welcome and benediction “Well done thou good, and faithful servant.” He sowed to the spirit and of the spirit he will reap life everlasting.
Richards, Lula Greene. "President Anthon Henrik Lund Remembered on his Eighty-seventh Birthday." The Instructor, May 1931: pg. 273-274.
President Anthon Henrik Lund Remembered on his Eighty-seventh Birthday By Lula Greene Richards One month and twelve days prior to the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the greatest Latter-day prophet and seer, and his faithful brother Hyrum, the Patriarch, Anthon Henrik Lund was born. The awful tragedy here mentioned took place on June 27th, 1844, at Carthage, Illinois, in the United States of America, and the birth of the boy referred to occurred on the 15th of May of the same year, thousands of miles away, in Aalborg, Denmark. Yet the spirit born with that boy, Anthon, was one prepared for an understanding acceptance of the Gospel of Christ—as taught by the Savior himself and revealed anew to the prophet Joseph—as soon as it was brought to his notice. When Anthon was three and a half years old his mother was taken from him by death, and soon after his father was drafted as a soldier into the Danish army in which he served with distinction for a number of years. The boy was thus deprived of the care and teachings of both his parents. But he was favored of the Lord in being left to the discipline of a wise and devout grandmother to whom he became very tenderly attached. When four years old little Anthon was sent to a private school. Here he soon displayed unusual power for imbibing book learning, and as he grew older he was always first in all his classes in whatever school he attended. He took great interest in many different lines of education including various languages, also astronomy. Yet always his favorite study was the Bible. His grandmother enjoyed having him read it to her and he took delight in comforting her by doing so. In 1850 a mission introducing the Gospel in Denmark was opened up by Apostle Erastus Snow with other Elders. An uncle of Anthon's, Jens Anderson, was an early convert to Mormonism and was baptized among the first in his country. In 1853, when Anthon was nine years old, his grandmother was also baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ' of Latter-day Saints. Even though Anthon was convinced of the truth of the Gospel when first he heard it taught, still he waited and studied it more thoroughly until he was twelve years old. Then on his birthday, May 15, 1856, he presented himself for baptism and the Elders gladly attended to the sacred ordinance for him. Even as a child he proved very efficient in the work of spreading the Gospel of salvation, and when he was thirteen years old he was chosen as a worker in the vineyard. This first appointment was to teach English to emigrating Saints, distribute tracts and assist the Elders in holding meetings. Anthon was so small in stature that for making his first report at a conference he was lifted upon a table where he stood and made his debut before an audience. Brother Lund was by nature so humble and charitable and withal so zealous for the progress of truth that he won his way by his kind endeavors to interest people in the Gospel and was ' a very successful church worker from the beginning of his career. Like all the others he sometimes had to face opposition and take ''hard knocks." Yet his cheerful acceptance of whatever occurred in a brave and hopeful way gained him many friends and cleared away difficulties often in a manner which appeared miraculous. He was ordained an Elder in other localities. In 1862, at the age of eighteen he emigrated to Utah. He embarked at Hamburg on the ship Benjamin Franklin. While the ship lay at harbor there measles came aboard and caused great' trouble among the children. There was no doctor in the company and the captain would not deliver the medicines for the sick except on an order from a physician. The matter was laid before the Saints by the Eider presiding over them, and they voted to appoint Brother Lund the physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and with it a book treating on common diseases and their cures. He studied the book diligently and performed his duties so well that he gained the confidence of both the crew and the passengers and was always in demand. When the long journey was completed Brother Lund settled first in Fairview, Sanpete County. His first employment in Utah was farm work. But his marked abilities with the sound education he had attained through his industrious studying soon brought him into requisition for work in various lines better suited to the training he had received and his natural inclinations. He was chosen to hold numerous positions of trust, both in the Church and also in the State, which he always gave his best efforts to fulfill faithfully, in which he was so successful as to win the respect and confidence of all who became acquainted with him. Several foreign missions as well as his labors at home he was fortunate in being called to fill. Like all normal young men, Brother Lund had a conviction that "it is not good for man to be alone." And he noticed some of the young ladies he met at Sunday School, meetings and entertainments. As soon as he saw Sarah Ann Peterson, a daughter of Stake President Canute Peterson, he said, "That is the woman who will become my wife." And immediately he began planning to make that prophetic assertion come true. First he asked the father if he had any objection to his paying addresses to his daughter. President' Peterson's reply was that he knew nothing concerning him and how could he tell whether he was willing that he should visit his daughter or not. Anthon told Brother Peterson he could bring him plenty of good recommends from his bishop and associate workers. The young lady favored the young man's suit and they were married in 1870. The union proved a very happy one of which nine children were the beginning of the fruitage. Brother Lund was promoted from one office to another in the quorums of the Priesthood until he was chosen to be an apostle and later counselor to President Joseph F. Smith in the First Presidency of the Church. Doubtless the days in which Anthon H. Lund came nearest to experiencing "a fulness of joy" in his remarkable career were days spent in the Temples of the Lord ; first in Manti, then in Salt Lake City. He was the overseer and took charge of the work in each of these Temples for a number of years. His faculties of clear reasoning and sound judgment and his sympathetic concern for the welfare of all his fellow human creatures fitted him most admirably for the position he was given in that high and most sacred work committed to the care of the Latter-day Saints. No wonder those who worked with and sought instruction of him loved and trusted him most; implicitly. No one ever went to him for advice on important questions concerning the work and was turned away with feelings hurt or mind dissatisfied and disappointed. President Lund was a man who seemed to have arrived at the blessed condition pointed out by the Lord through the Prophet: Joseph in Section 88, verse 125 of the Doctrine and Covenants, which reads, "And above all things, clothe ourselves with the bonds of charity as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace." |
Anthon Henrik Lund
Remembered on His 87th Birthday "Lest We Forget" |
Anthon H. Lund
“…seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom;
seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”
-D&C 88:118
seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”
-D&C 88:118
Ordained: 7 October 1889 at age 45 by Wilford Woodruff
Biography
Anthon Henrik Lund was born 15 May 1844 in Aalborg, Denmark, the only child of Henrik Lund and Anne Anderson. His mother died at age 25, when he was three and a half. Around that time, his father was called to serve in the Danish army against Schleswig-Holstein in what is now Germany. During this time, Anthon was cared for by his maternal grandmother.
Anthon attended a private school from ages four to seven at which time he attended a Lutheran public school in the city of Aalborg. He was so academically gifted that he was able to skip the second grade.
When Anthon was still very young, his father returned from the war and moved to an outlying city. When he sent for his son, Anthon protested and requested to remain with his beloved grandmother, a request which was ultimately granted.
He loved reading the Bible to his grandmother, and when Anthon was only eight years of age, his uncle once caught him reading his Bible while he was out. Little Anthon apologized for taking it without permission upon which his uncle replied, “I am delighted, my boy, to find you thus employed on a day like this. Read it as much as you like.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 706)
When Anthon was still a child, Elder Erastus Snow arrived in Denmark and opened up the mission in Scandanavia. Anthon’s uncle, Jens Anderson, was one of the first converts and his grandmother also accepted the gospel in 1853. Thus, Anthon came in contact with Mormon literature which he read eagerly. He soon became familiar with the history of the Church and its doctrines.
Anthon later said:
Ever since I can remember, almost, I have had a testimony of the truth of that which the world calls "Mormonism." I know it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that men upon the earth hold the power of the holy Priesthood, which enables them to perform the ordinances that are given for the salvation of men. How thankful we ought to be that the Lord has given us this knowledge concerning his will and what he wishes us to do. (Lund 1920, 16)
Although he became convinced of the truth of the gospel very early on, he didn’t immediately ask for baptism. Those identified with the Church at that time were ostracized socially and often had to undergo persecution. It took several years before Anthon became prepared to take this step. He was the only person at his school sympathetic with the Church and sometimes had to experience threats and beatings, but in general he was well-liked. One of Anthon’s uncles, his father's younger brother, three years older than Anthon, attended the same school and although he wanted nothing to do with the church, he wouldn’t allow the other children to persecute his nephew.
Anthon loved to read and spent all his pocket money on books. Having no siblings, he often used books to keep his mind occupied. He took private lessons in the languages of English, German and French and received first place in his class at the age of eleven, an honor that every student strived for. Most of his teachers liked him and were happy to see Anthon become first in the class, but one teacher was a “Mormon-hater”. He said one day, “It is expected that the ‘Dux’ [first in class] of the school shall give a good example to the pupils. What a shame if they should imitate yours and become Mormons!” Young Anthon answered, “They would never regret it.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 707)
The principal of the school was a dear friend of his and once told him, “I thought you were persuaded by others, but I see you are thoroughly convinced of the truth of Mormonism. Follow your honest convictions, my boy. I would not hinder you from obeying the dictates of your conscience.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 707)
His relatives and teachers very much wanted Anthon to follow a collegiate course, and the temptation was great for the studious child, but he decided that he had different priorities. Anthon was baptized 15 May 1856, on his twelfth birthday. Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted was presiding over Aalborg at the time, and his talks and sermons made a deep impression on the young boy. His bishop, Christian A. Madsen, was from the US and Anthon learned a lot of English from his wife.
Brother Lund was called on his first mission at the age of thirteen. He was called to teach emigrating Saints English and to distribute tracts and help the Elders hold meetings. He became so fluent, in fact, that when given an English language newspaper, he was able to translate it into Danish at a glance and it sounded as if he were reading a Danish paper. He would often read articles from the Millennial Star aloud to the Saints, translating them on the spot.
Anthon was small in stature for his age, so when called upon at an area conference to give his first report of his missionary efforts, he had to be lifted up onto a table to address the audience.
When he talked to some people about the gospel, they thought the Church was crazy for sending someone so young. Brother Lund’s attitude was simply, “Never mind, I will make that man my friend.” He traveled without purse or scrip and labored for four and a half years. During that time he didn’t buy half a dozen meals. (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 708)
Brother Lund had many interesting experiences as a missionary in Denmark. He met a wealthy mill-owner while tracting and spent an hour answering his questions. At the end of this time, the man said, “It is too bad you are a Mormon. If you will study theology at the university in Copenhagen and become a Lutheran minister I will pay the expenses and I will make you my heir.” Young Anthon answered, “I have no doubt you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 708)
Another experience required a similar degree of maturity. He had promised to meet at a certain place to help the Elders conduct a meeting. He walked ten miles through a snow storm to reach the appointed house. When he got there, the house was full of people, but the Elders had not yet arrived. He sat down inconspicuously, and heard someone say, “The Mormons have fooled us today.” When the time came to begin, and the Elders had still not yet arrived, Brother Lund stood up and asked the room for their attention. They all stared at this young boy, but it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. After the meeting everyone shook hands with him and thanked him for his sermon. Several present later joined the Church. (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 708)
On another occasion, Anthon invited a woman to a meeting. When the woman discovered that it was to be a “Mormon meeting”, she came after young Anthon with a set of fire tongs. He ran away, but the woman made a big enough fuss that the whole neighborhood heard it. Years later, a woman came up to him in a store in Utah and asked him if he remembered the incident. He said that he did, but he was sure she wasn’t that woman. He never forgot her face. The woman replied, “No... I was her neighbor, and seeing her running after you, I asked her what you had done. She said that you had invited her to a Mormon meeting. I became curious to learn something about the Mormons and went to the meeting. I heard you speak and was convinced of the truth.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 709)
At the age of sixteen, Anthon was ordained an Elder and appointed president of the Aalborg branch and traveling Elder in five other branches. This was a very responsible position, especially for one so young, because the Aalborg branch was very large.
Elder Lund continued his missionary efforts until he immigrated with his beloved grandmother to the United States in 1862 at the age of eighteen. After an outbreak of measles among the company in the ship, the immigrating Saints desired medicine of the captain. He replied that he would only deliver medicine on the order of a physician. Since there was no ship physician aboard, Anthon was voted physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and a book about treating common diseases and their cures. He was in so much demand, in fact, that he sometimes had to hide in order to get some sleep.
Brother Lund then traveled overland to reach Utah in a wagon company led by his old bishop, Christian A. Madsen. The company enjoyed good weather, excellent health and no accidents. They arrived in Salt Lake September of 1862.
He first moved to Fairview and later to Mt. Pleasant. He began doing farm work and later was hired in a harness shop and then a shoe shop. At one point, he lived with Brother John Barton and taught his children in the evenings. He missed his books from home most of all and spent the first winter studying an old book on astronomy he found.
In 1864, he was called to go to the Missouri River as a teamster and bring a group of immigrants back, which he performed faithfully. Later, President Brigham Young called a number of young men, Brother Lund among them, to come to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy. While there, he met Elder John Henry Smith and other general authorities.
Having learned this new trade, he returned to Mt. Pleasant to keep the telegraph office there, as well as a photograph gallery. He was also elected a member of the city council and appointed secretary of the first co-operative institution started in that city. He also helped start the first Sunday School in Mt. Pleasant.
He remained in Mt. Pleasant until 1870 when he moved to Ephraim and married Sarah Ann Peterson, of Norwegian ancestry, daughter of the first Scandinavian converts of the Church. Together they had nine children.
He was called on his first foreign mission in 1871 to his native Denmark in company with Elder Canute Peterson, his father-in-law. His father-in-law became president of the Scandinavian Mission and Elder Lund was the business manager of the central office in Copenhagen.
On his return to Ephraim, he showed interest in the co-operative store there and was placed in charge of it the following year. He ran the store for nine years.
He became a member of the High Council in Sanpete in 1874 and Stake Clerk after the organization of the stake in 1877, as well as member of the new High Council. His favorite work, however, was when he was called as superintendent of the Sunday School in Ephraim in 1878.
In 1883 he was again called to serve a mission. This time, as mission president to Scandinavia, succeeding Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted. During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Utah, a position he accepted after his return home two and a half years later. In 1888 he was reelected. During his tenure in the legislature, he pushed the founding of the Ogden Reform School and the Agricultural College at Logan.
In May of 1888, he was appointed vice-president of the Manti Temple, assisting President Daniel H. Wells, and succeeded Brother Wells as President in 1891. He also served as a member of the General Church Board of Education.
He was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the October 1889 general conference, being called together with Elders Marriner W. Merrill and Abraham H. Cannon.
In 1893 he was called to preside over the European Mission with headquarters in Liverpool, England. His linguistic ability was a great help to him in performing his duties all over the European Mission.
Upon the occasion of the death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon in 1896, Elder Lund was appointed director of ZCMI in addition to his duties as director of Zion's Savings Bank.
In 1897, he was called on a mission to Palestine and Syria to organize the Saints there into branches and to see to their welfare.
The following fall he moved his family to Salt Lake City, where he spent the rest of his days. August 1899, he succeeded Franklin D. Richards as Church Historian. In April 1900 he was called to serve as superintendent of the religion classes (a precursor of the modern seminary and institute classes).
In 1901, Elder Lund was called to the position of Second Counselor in the First Presidency under President Joseph F. Smith, a position he held until 1910 when he was called as First Counselor. 1911, President Lund was made acting president of the Salt Lake Temple. Following the death of President Joseph F. Smith in 1918, Heber J. Grant became President of the Church and Elder Lund became President of the Council of the Twelve. President Lund continued to serve as First Counselor in the First Presidency under the leadership of President Heber J. Grant.
As a member of the First Presidency, President Lund was very much engaged in the work of editing the Pearl of Great Price, arranging it into chapters and verses, and including footnotes in 1902, together with Elder Francis M. Lyman, James E. Talmage, and Presidency Secretary, George Reynolds.
In his later years, President Lund took a great interest in the missionary work of the Church and often reported the progress of missions all over the world, but particularly in Europe, where he had served and presided for so many years. He was very aware of the world situation and often commented on it and its effect on missionary work.
Anthon H. Lund died 2 March 1921 at age 76 from a duodenal ulcer, left too long untreated, which led to peritonitis. He was described as having suffered on and off for the last month of his life, but grew gradually weaker until the pain became acute, he lost consciousness and passed from this life.
At the time of his death, he was president of the LDS University, regent of the University of Utah, president of the Amalgamated Sugar Company, vice president of Zion’s Savings Bank, vice president of ZCMI, vice president of the Utah State National Bank, vice president of the Utah Savings & Trust Company and president of Snow Normal College.
Quotes
After having served so long in the First Presidency, Elder Anthon H. Lund spoke many times in general conference. He spoke simply and used concrete examples, sometimes falling back on his extensive knowledge to illustrate his points. He spoke very knowledgably about gospel topics. Some of his favorites were missionary work, prayer and the state of the world at the time.
J. M. Sjodahl, who was the author of several articles on Elder Lund for Church periodicals, often related the following encounter with him.
The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with Brother Lund, asked him, “What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?” To which he replied, after a moment of deep thought: “I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 712)
Elder Anthon H. Lund had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. The study that was such an integral part of his life, also contributed to his testimony.
We who have studied his [Joseph Smith’s] history can bear witness to the fact that he was not only called a prophet, but that he was indeed a prophet, and also a seer, which is a still greater calling; that he was shown the past, and also what should come to pass, and he was made the means as a revelator of bringing forth the Gospel of Christ in plainness and in perfection…. I feel to bear my testimony unto this congregation that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord, that he proved himself worthy of the name he was called to bear; and that he not only taught the principles of the Gospel, but, as a prophet, was able to tell the Saints what should come to pass, to warn them against certain courses, to tell them what the future had in store for them, and also to prophesy what should befall this nation. (Lund 1905, 14-15)
Elder Lund gave many talks at general conference over the years. After serving as a missionary in Denmark, as business manager of the Scandinavian Mission, as President of the Scandinavian Mission, as a missionary in the Orient, and as President of the European Mission, it is no wonder that missionary work in general, and the European Mission in particular was a subject of great interest to him.
The following is a summary of one of his talks after being released as President of the European Mission, and is typical of the type of detailed information he loved to give the Saints.
In Saxony—a place where the cradle of the Reformation stood—we have had the most success as a conference; over 100 were baptized there last year. In the Netherlands our Elders have had more baptisms to the Elder than in any other mission in Europe. In Scandinavia the work is progressing as usual. The members of the Church are trying to build a meeting house at the capital of Denmark, which I hope they will finish this summer, so that our good Copenhagen Saints may have a suitable house of worship to which they can invite their friends and be proud to take them. On the islands of the sea the Gospel is also spreading.
The Book of Mormon has been translated into Tahitian and Samoan, and it is already printed in the Maori and Hawaiian. You have heard the good report from Apostle Grant concerning Japan. There a Shinto priest has joined the Church. In Turkey a leading Mohammedan has been baptized—something very unusual. When the Lord begins the great work of touching these nations, many will accept the truth. His work will grow in the earth. He has commenced it, and He will see that it is carried forward triumphantly. The Book of Mormon has also been translated into the Turkish language, by Brother Hintze. Gradually the word of the Lord contained in that book will be translated into the leading languages of the earth, so that all men can read it. (Lund 1902, 88)
During World War I, missionary work in all of Europe ground nearly to a stop. However, President Lund took pleasure in reporting the following:
Just now we are prevented from sending elders, like we used to do, into different European countries and to the islands of the sea that are under the English government. They have been kind enough, however, to allow a few of our elders to go there. But we cannot send them as we formerly did when we have the elders ready to go. But our adversary will not be able to stop this work; it is not in his power. If our elders cannot go from Zion, we will have elders over there who will be inspired of the Lord to guide those who join the Church, and to bear testimony to the outsiders and bring many into the Church. I was pleased to hear Brother Richards, upon his return from England, tell us that when they did not have elders enough from Zion to place in charge of the conferences, they would take local elders, and they found even young men who really showed that they had ability to become splendid presidents of conferences. The people listened to them and accepted them as the servants of the Lord, and the work was not stopped. The same was true in Scandinavia. We have had to use local elders over there to a great extent, yet the work is going on. The Saints feel more united. They long, of course, for the elders from here to come as they used to, but as they cannot have them, they are able to take hold of the work themselves and to carry it on. (Lund 1919, 40)
President Lund also loved to talk about his time in Palestine (present-day Israel), Syria, and Turkey. While in Palestine he felt very connected to the time of the Savior and made it a point to visit those places mentioned in the New Testament.
How deeply I felt impressed when I sat on Mount Olivet and looked down upon the Temple ground. I thought of the prediction that not one stone of that building should be left upon another. This was uttered when Jerusalem was flourishing. It seemed an impossibility that such a prophecy could be fulfilled, but within forty years it came to pass. (Lund 1899, 12)
He also loved to speak on missionary work in general.
We are pleased with the reports that come in from the different missions. Our Elders are laboring zealously, going from house to house, spreading their tracts, preaching in the streets and halls wherever opportunities afford. (Lund 1903, 24)
He had a lot of respect for those serving on missions.
They do not go on missions because they like to be away from home, or because they love to ramble around the world, but they go because there is no joy so great as that experienced in devoting oneself entirely to the cause of Christ. And how happy they are to find those who will listen to their words and receive them with honest hearts! They feel then that the Lord is rewarding them for their labors and for the sacrifice they have made in leaving home and loved ones. (Lund 1904, 9)
He was serving in the First Presidency when the decision was made to allow young single sisters to serve missions as well. During World War I, this was a great blessing to missionary work in the Church. President Lund reported:
In the mission fields, now that so many of our young men have had to come home and go into the army, we have been assisted very much by our young women, who have gone out and filled missions. They also are successful in tracting, in meeting the people and getting into their homes. Those who may be afraid of the elders, cannot believe that these innocent girls can come for any purpose of deceiving, and they are willing to listen to them, and many have been brought to believe in the truth by the simple testimonies borne by these young women who have accepted missions. The Lord bless them and make them successful in their labors. (Lund 1918, 8)
Being a European immigrant himself, Elder Lund felt very strongly that members should try to support the immigrants as much as they could and should not forget what these people had to give up back in their own countries.
When our brethren and sisters from abroad come here as immigrants, let us try to look after them and help them. The first week or two they are here everything is strange, they have no work, and they feel tried and friendless. That is the time to reach their hearts. Often we let this opportunity to help them go by, and they become associated with people who are discontented, who, perhaps, have apostatized from the truth, and our immigrant brethren and sisters may be influenced by such people. When the immigrants come to our different wards, let us remember that they have obeyed the Gospel out of love, for it. They have been willing to leave friends and relatives for the sake of their faith, and have come here as strangers. Let them not feel that those whom they have looked upon as children of Zion have lost the love they should have for their brethren. I think this is a very important matter for us to consider. (Lund 1907, 12)
Elder Lund was also very much aware of the persecution the Saints had to endure in different areas of the world and gave them the following words of comfort.
You, my brethren and sisters, have learned what it costs to join an unpopular people, but do you feel that you would exchange the blessings you have received by obeying the Gospel, for the good will of those who despise you? I think not. You have found the “pearl of great price.” To you it is of inestimable value, and you cannot afford to lose it. (Lund 1908, 12)
Perhaps as a consequence to serving as Temple President in Manti and then Salt Lake, President Lund felt very strongly about encouraging young people to marry in the temple.
I would encourage our young people to marry, and to marry right. They should keep themselves pure and free from the sins of the world, that when they wish to marry, their Bishops can give them recommends to the temples, and at the altar of the Lord they can be sealed for time and for all eternity by that authority which binds on earth and it shall be bound in heaven. We believe in the eternity of the marriage contract. We do believe in a future life. We gave evidence of this belief in answer to the question asked us yesterday. We believe that life is continuous. We believe in the resurrection, and that the spirit and body will again be united; we believe that we will know as we are known, and that the marriage relation will continue, that, husband and wife will dwell together through all eternity, that the love which binds their hearts together upon the earth will not leave them at death, but that it will endure eternally, and hence we encourage our young people to commence their married life in the right way. (Lund 1907, 55)
He also took a very personal interest in the education of the young.
We have been accused of being an ignorant people, and that the authorities of the Church believe their strength lies in the ignorance of the people; but this is not the case. We do not want to foster ignorance. On the contrary, we desire that all our children shall enjoy the blessings of an education, as far as it lies in our power to give it them. The Prophet Joseph said that no man could be saved in ignorance. We look upon ignorance as a hindrance to salvation. Hence we want our people to be an enlightened people, an educated people, a people trained in all that leads to eternal life. (Lund 1902, 79)
He often used his own extensive knowledge to teach others about gospel doctrines. Here he uses his knowledge of the Greek language to explain a Bible passage.
The word which is here translated “feed” is a different word in the Greek text from the word so translated above. The word first used is “boske,” which is translated, “to graze; feed, nourish.” The word used in the second place is “pomaine,” which has been translated “feed,” but has a much broader meaning than that. My lexicon gives the following translation of “pomaine:” “to herd; to be a shepherd; to rule; to take care of; to tend.” Peter was, therefore, called to be the shepherd, the caretaker, the ruler of the Church. And the third time, He saith: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” Peter was grieved because He said it unto him the third time, and he replied: “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” Jesus said unto him, “Feed my sheep.” Here the word “feed” is the same as in the first reply—where He told Peter to feed His lambs. Now I consider that the charge which Jesus gave to Peter and the Apostles was that they should direct and take charge of His Church here upon the earth. (Lund 1908, 119)
President Lund was not in the habit of planning out his talks and often relied upon the Spirit to direct him.
When we come together and someone is called to speak unto us, let us sustain him with our prayers, pray in our hearts that the Lord will lead him to speak unto us such things as shall be for our best good, and if we do this, our prayers will be answered. The speaker will be led to speak upon such things as are needed by those who have assembled. Our brethren very seldom write out their sermons before they go to meeting, except in cases where they are asked to speak on a certain, subject. … The Lord wants us to fill our minds with useful knowledge and then ask him to lead us in what we shall speak. By following this course the Lord will bring forth unto us that which he wants us to give unto the hearers. (Lund 1919, 36)
President Lund sometimes felt the need to speak on practical subjects. Here he gives the Saints some economic advice.
I noticed when I was back on my mission in visiting my native land, Denmark, that a great change has come over that country. They formerly exported their rye and other grain, and while they did so they were a poor people. Of late years they import grain, feed it to their stock and export their butter, their eggs, and their meat to England. They have been able to obtain a higher price for their articles of export. The farms there are prospering… I bring this up for our consideration. I believe if we could use up our grain at home and export that which does not weigh so much, we would not have to pay so much freight, would have more means and make ourselves more independent. (Lund 1899, 13)
He also took a keen interest in history and felt it of utmost importance to keep records.
Today, when you go into some wards and ask who was the first Bishop of the ward, and who the next, there is not a scratch of a pen to show it; and when we send Brother Andrew Jenson, as one of the assistants of the Historian’s office, to find out about the histories of the wards, he is often referred to the older members of the ward to get the information he wants. This should not be the case. Our ward records should contain a history of the ward from its organization and the changes that have taken place in the ward, as well as the important events that have happened. (Lund 1901, 23)
He also had a strong testimony of the calling of President Joseph F. Smith. Following his death in 1918, President Lund said:
President Smith was a spiritual-minded man, and he was well versed in all things pertaining to the priesthood, to temple work and to the different activities of the Church. Before I came into the presidency I have often gone to him and asked for his advice and counsel, and I always found it to be the very best that could be given; and when I was called to be his counselor I felt indeed humble, and wondered how I could perform such an office to a man like him. During the seventeen years that we sat at the council table together, I admired the man more and more. I saw how true he was to his professions, how true he was to the interests of the Church, how true to his brethren and the Saints in general. (Lund 1919, 19)
The Juvenile Instructor said this of Elder Lund in 1900:
It is no wonder that Brother Lund is much respected and loved by all who know him, or that the feelings of regard grow stronger, as the acquaintance with him becomes more intimate. Few men go through life without enemies, but Brother Lund appears to be one of the few. He is very much like the late President Wilford Woodruff in this respect, of whom it was said that even his antagonists loved him. The regard in which he is held by his associates in the Council of Apostles was very well expressed by Elder Heber J. Grant when in a meeting of Scandinavian Saints in this city, not long ago, he said “Erastus Snow was my ideal of an Apostle of the Lord, and Brother Snow’s mantle has, in my opinion fallen upon Elder Anthon H. Lund.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 712)
Conclusion
What kind of a man was Anthon H. Lund? He was a hard worker. He had an inquiring mind and he loved to learn. The spirit of missionary work was so integral a part of him, that it was difficult to separate it from his deeds.
He was a natural and capable leader and many people followed him. He always looked for the logic of situations and then drew his own conclusions and parallels based on it. He was well-liked and charismatic. He was aware of all situations and was unafraid to look them in the face. His courage was an example to all who knew him.
Clark, James R. 1976. "Our Pearl of Great Price: From Mission Pamphlet to Standard Work." Ensign, August.
Gates, Susa Young. 1916. "Mothers of Our Leaders in Israel." The Relief Society Magazine, May: 243-255.
Jenson, Andrew. 1901. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1920. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
Lund, Anthon H. 1899. Sixty-Ninth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 11-13.
—. 1899. Seventieth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 11-14.
—. 1901. Seventy-Second Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 21-24.
—. 1902. Seventy-Second Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 87-89.
—. 1902. Seventy-Third Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 79-82.
—. 1903. Seventy-Third Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 23-25.
—. 1904. Seventy-Fifth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 7-11.
—. 1905. Seventy-Fifth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 12-15.
—. 1907. Seventy-Seventh Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 53-59.
—. 1907. Seventy-Eighth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 8-13.
—. 1908. Seventy-Eighth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 9-13.
—. 1918. Eighty-Ninth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 4-9.
—. 1919. Eighty-Ninth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 17-19.
—. 1919. Ninetieth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 35-41.
—. 1920. Ninetieth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret Book Company. 16-22.
—. 1908. Seventy-Ninth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News. 10-13, 115-120.
—. 1920. "Joseph Smith's First Vision and Scripture Promises." The Improvement Era, April: 475-483.
Lyman, Edward Leo. 2010. Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895. Salt Lake City: Signature Books.
Richards, Lula Greene. 1931. "President Anthon Henrik Lund Remembered on his Eighty-seventh Birthday." The Instructor, May: 273-274.
Sjodahl, J. M. 1921. "President Anthon H. Lund." The Improvement Era, April: 499-503.
—. 1900. "Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund." The Juvenile Instructor, November 1: 705-712.
—. 1921. "President Anthon Henrik Lund." The Juvenile Instructor, April: 171-174.
The Relief Society Magazine. 1921. "Death of President Anthon H. Lund." April: 234-235.
Biography
Anthon Henrik Lund was born 15 May 1844 in Aalborg, Denmark, the only child of Henrik Lund and Anne Anderson. His mother died at age 25, when he was three and a half. Around that time, his father was called to serve in the Danish army against Schleswig-Holstein in what is now Germany. During this time, Anthon was cared for by his maternal grandmother.
Anthon attended a private school from ages four to seven at which time he attended a Lutheran public school in the city of Aalborg. He was so academically gifted that he was able to skip the second grade.
When Anthon was still very young, his father returned from the war and moved to an outlying city. When he sent for his son, Anthon protested and requested to remain with his beloved grandmother, a request which was ultimately granted.
He loved reading the Bible to his grandmother, and when Anthon was only eight years of age, his uncle once caught him reading his Bible while he was out. Little Anthon apologized for taking it without permission upon which his uncle replied, “I am delighted, my boy, to find you thus employed on a day like this. Read it as much as you like.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 706)
When Anthon was still a child, Elder Erastus Snow arrived in Denmark and opened up the mission in Scandanavia. Anthon’s uncle, Jens Anderson, was one of the first converts and his grandmother also accepted the gospel in 1853. Thus, Anthon came in contact with Mormon literature which he read eagerly. He soon became familiar with the history of the Church and its doctrines.
Anthon later said:
Ever since I can remember, almost, I have had a testimony of the truth of that which the world calls "Mormonism." I know it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that men upon the earth hold the power of the holy Priesthood, which enables them to perform the ordinances that are given for the salvation of men. How thankful we ought to be that the Lord has given us this knowledge concerning his will and what he wishes us to do. (Lund 1920, 16)
Although he became convinced of the truth of the gospel very early on, he didn’t immediately ask for baptism. Those identified with the Church at that time were ostracized socially and often had to undergo persecution. It took several years before Anthon became prepared to take this step. He was the only person at his school sympathetic with the Church and sometimes had to experience threats and beatings, but in general he was well-liked. One of Anthon’s uncles, his father's younger brother, three years older than Anthon, attended the same school and although he wanted nothing to do with the church, he wouldn’t allow the other children to persecute his nephew.
Anthon loved to read and spent all his pocket money on books. Having no siblings, he often used books to keep his mind occupied. He took private lessons in the languages of English, German and French and received first place in his class at the age of eleven, an honor that every student strived for. Most of his teachers liked him and were happy to see Anthon become first in the class, but one teacher was a “Mormon-hater”. He said one day, “It is expected that the ‘Dux’ [first in class] of the school shall give a good example to the pupils. What a shame if they should imitate yours and become Mormons!” Young Anthon answered, “They would never regret it.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 707)
The principal of the school was a dear friend of his and once told him, “I thought you were persuaded by others, but I see you are thoroughly convinced of the truth of Mormonism. Follow your honest convictions, my boy. I would not hinder you from obeying the dictates of your conscience.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 707)
His relatives and teachers very much wanted Anthon to follow a collegiate course, and the temptation was great for the studious child, but he decided that he had different priorities. Anthon was baptized 15 May 1856, on his twelfth birthday. Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted was presiding over Aalborg at the time, and his talks and sermons made a deep impression on the young boy. His bishop, Christian A. Madsen, was from the US and Anthon learned a lot of English from his wife.
Brother Lund was called on his first mission at the age of thirteen. He was called to teach emigrating Saints English and to distribute tracts and help the Elders hold meetings. He became so fluent, in fact, that when given an English language newspaper, he was able to translate it into Danish at a glance and it sounded as if he were reading a Danish paper. He would often read articles from the Millennial Star aloud to the Saints, translating them on the spot.
Anthon was small in stature for his age, so when called upon at an area conference to give his first report of his missionary efforts, he had to be lifted up onto a table to address the audience.
When he talked to some people about the gospel, they thought the Church was crazy for sending someone so young. Brother Lund’s attitude was simply, “Never mind, I will make that man my friend.” He traveled without purse or scrip and labored for four and a half years. During that time he didn’t buy half a dozen meals. (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 708)
Brother Lund had many interesting experiences as a missionary in Denmark. He met a wealthy mill-owner while tracting and spent an hour answering his questions. At the end of this time, the man said, “It is too bad you are a Mormon. If you will study theology at the university in Copenhagen and become a Lutheran minister I will pay the expenses and I will make you my heir.” Young Anthon answered, “I have no doubt you are a rich man, but you have not money enough to buy my allegiance to the Church of God.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 708)
Another experience required a similar degree of maturity. He had promised to meet at a certain place to help the Elders conduct a meeting. He walked ten miles through a snow storm to reach the appointed house. When he got there, the house was full of people, but the Elders had not yet arrived. He sat down inconspicuously, and heard someone say, “The Mormons have fooled us today.” When the time came to begin, and the Elders had still not yet arrived, Brother Lund stood up and asked the room for their attention. They all stared at this young boy, but it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. After the meeting everyone shook hands with him and thanked him for his sermon. Several present later joined the Church. (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 708)
On another occasion, Anthon invited a woman to a meeting. When the woman discovered that it was to be a “Mormon meeting”, she came after young Anthon with a set of fire tongs. He ran away, but the woman made a big enough fuss that the whole neighborhood heard it. Years later, a woman came up to him in a store in Utah and asked him if he remembered the incident. He said that he did, but he was sure she wasn’t that woman. He never forgot her face. The woman replied, “No... I was her neighbor, and seeing her running after you, I asked her what you had done. She said that you had invited her to a Mormon meeting. I became curious to learn something about the Mormons and went to the meeting. I heard you speak and was convinced of the truth.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 709)
At the age of sixteen, Anthon was ordained an Elder and appointed president of the Aalborg branch and traveling Elder in five other branches. This was a very responsible position, especially for one so young, because the Aalborg branch was very large.
Elder Lund continued his missionary efforts until he immigrated with his beloved grandmother to the United States in 1862 at the age of eighteen. After an outbreak of measles among the company in the ship, the immigrating Saints desired medicine of the captain. He replied that he would only deliver medicine on the order of a physician. Since there was no ship physician aboard, Anthon was voted physician of the company. He received the medicine chest and a book about treating common diseases and their cures. He was in so much demand, in fact, that he sometimes had to hide in order to get some sleep.
Brother Lund then traveled overland to reach Utah in a wagon company led by his old bishop, Christian A. Madsen. The company enjoyed good weather, excellent health and no accidents. They arrived in Salt Lake September of 1862.
He first moved to Fairview and later to Mt. Pleasant. He began doing farm work and later was hired in a harness shop and then a shoe shop. At one point, he lived with Brother John Barton and taught his children in the evenings. He missed his books from home most of all and spent the first winter studying an old book on astronomy he found.
In 1864, he was called to go to the Missouri River as a teamster and bring a group of immigrants back, which he performed faithfully. Later, President Brigham Young called a number of young men, Brother Lund among them, to come to Salt Lake City to learn telegraphy. While there, he met Elder John Henry Smith and other general authorities.
Having learned this new trade, he returned to Mt. Pleasant to keep the telegraph office there, as well as a photograph gallery. He was also elected a member of the city council and appointed secretary of the first co-operative institution started in that city. He also helped start the first Sunday School in Mt. Pleasant.
He remained in Mt. Pleasant until 1870 when he moved to Ephraim and married Sarah Ann Peterson, of Norwegian ancestry, daughter of the first Scandinavian converts of the Church. Together they had nine children.
He was called on his first foreign mission in 1871 to his native Denmark in company with Elder Canute Peterson, his father-in-law. His father-in-law became president of the Scandinavian Mission and Elder Lund was the business manager of the central office in Copenhagen.
On his return to Ephraim, he showed interest in the co-operative store there and was placed in charge of it the following year. He ran the store for nine years.
He became a member of the High Council in Sanpete in 1874 and Stake Clerk after the organization of the stake in 1877, as well as member of the new High Council. His favorite work, however, was when he was called as superintendent of the Sunday School in Ephraim in 1878.
In 1883 he was again called to serve a mission. This time, as mission president to Scandinavia, succeeding Elder Christian D. Fjeldsted. During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Utah, a position he accepted after his return home two and a half years later. In 1888 he was reelected. During his tenure in the legislature, he pushed the founding of the Ogden Reform School and the Agricultural College at Logan.
In May of 1888, he was appointed vice-president of the Manti Temple, assisting President Daniel H. Wells, and succeeded Brother Wells as President in 1891. He also served as a member of the General Church Board of Education.
He was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the October 1889 general conference, being called together with Elders Marriner W. Merrill and Abraham H. Cannon.
In 1893 he was called to preside over the European Mission with headquarters in Liverpool, England. His linguistic ability was a great help to him in performing his duties all over the European Mission.
Upon the occasion of the death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon in 1896, Elder Lund was appointed director of ZCMI in addition to his duties as director of Zion's Savings Bank.
In 1897, he was called on a mission to Palestine and Syria to organize the Saints there into branches and to see to their welfare.
The following fall he moved his family to Salt Lake City, where he spent the rest of his days. August 1899, he succeeded Franklin D. Richards as Church Historian. In April 1900 he was called to serve as superintendent of the religion classes (a precursor of the modern seminary and institute classes).
In 1901, Elder Lund was called to the position of Second Counselor in the First Presidency under President Joseph F. Smith, a position he held until 1910 when he was called as First Counselor. 1911, President Lund was made acting president of the Salt Lake Temple. Following the death of President Joseph F. Smith in 1918, Heber J. Grant became President of the Church and Elder Lund became President of the Council of the Twelve. President Lund continued to serve as First Counselor in the First Presidency under the leadership of President Heber J. Grant.
As a member of the First Presidency, President Lund was very much engaged in the work of editing the Pearl of Great Price, arranging it into chapters and verses, and including footnotes in 1902, together with Elder Francis M. Lyman, James E. Talmage, and Presidency Secretary, George Reynolds.
In his later years, President Lund took a great interest in the missionary work of the Church and often reported the progress of missions all over the world, but particularly in Europe, where he had served and presided for so many years. He was very aware of the world situation and often commented on it and its effect on missionary work.
Anthon H. Lund died 2 March 1921 at age 76 from a duodenal ulcer, left too long untreated, which led to peritonitis. He was described as having suffered on and off for the last month of his life, but grew gradually weaker until the pain became acute, he lost consciousness and passed from this life.
At the time of his death, he was president of the LDS University, regent of the University of Utah, president of the Amalgamated Sugar Company, vice president of Zion’s Savings Bank, vice president of ZCMI, vice president of the Utah State National Bank, vice president of the Utah Savings & Trust Company and president of Snow Normal College.
Quotes
After having served so long in the First Presidency, Elder Anthon H. Lund spoke many times in general conference. He spoke simply and used concrete examples, sometimes falling back on his extensive knowledge to illustrate his points. He spoke very knowledgably about gospel topics. Some of his favorites were missionary work, prayer and the state of the world at the time.
J. M. Sjodahl, who was the author of several articles on Elder Lund for Church periodicals, often related the following encounter with him.
The writer once having the privilege of an intimate conversation with Brother Lund, asked him, “What has been the leading principle by which your life has been guided?” To which he replied, after a moment of deep thought: “I have always endeavored to find out what is right, and then to do it.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 712)
Elder Anthon H. Lund had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. The study that was such an integral part of his life, also contributed to his testimony.
We who have studied his [Joseph Smith’s] history can bear witness to the fact that he was not only called a prophet, but that he was indeed a prophet, and also a seer, which is a still greater calling; that he was shown the past, and also what should come to pass, and he was made the means as a revelator of bringing forth the Gospel of Christ in plainness and in perfection…. I feel to bear my testimony unto this congregation that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord, that he proved himself worthy of the name he was called to bear; and that he not only taught the principles of the Gospel, but, as a prophet, was able to tell the Saints what should come to pass, to warn them against certain courses, to tell them what the future had in store for them, and also to prophesy what should befall this nation. (Lund 1905, 14-15)
Elder Lund gave many talks at general conference over the years. After serving as a missionary in Denmark, as business manager of the Scandinavian Mission, as President of the Scandinavian Mission, as a missionary in the Orient, and as President of the European Mission, it is no wonder that missionary work in general, and the European Mission in particular was a subject of great interest to him.
The following is a summary of one of his talks after being released as President of the European Mission, and is typical of the type of detailed information he loved to give the Saints.
In Saxony—a place where the cradle of the Reformation stood—we have had the most success as a conference; over 100 were baptized there last year. In the Netherlands our Elders have had more baptisms to the Elder than in any other mission in Europe. In Scandinavia the work is progressing as usual. The members of the Church are trying to build a meeting house at the capital of Denmark, which I hope they will finish this summer, so that our good Copenhagen Saints may have a suitable house of worship to which they can invite their friends and be proud to take them. On the islands of the sea the Gospel is also spreading.
The Book of Mormon has been translated into Tahitian and Samoan, and it is already printed in the Maori and Hawaiian. You have heard the good report from Apostle Grant concerning Japan. There a Shinto priest has joined the Church. In Turkey a leading Mohammedan has been baptized—something very unusual. When the Lord begins the great work of touching these nations, many will accept the truth. His work will grow in the earth. He has commenced it, and He will see that it is carried forward triumphantly. The Book of Mormon has also been translated into the Turkish language, by Brother Hintze. Gradually the word of the Lord contained in that book will be translated into the leading languages of the earth, so that all men can read it. (Lund 1902, 88)
During World War I, missionary work in all of Europe ground nearly to a stop. However, President Lund took pleasure in reporting the following:
Just now we are prevented from sending elders, like we used to do, into different European countries and to the islands of the sea that are under the English government. They have been kind enough, however, to allow a few of our elders to go there. But we cannot send them as we formerly did when we have the elders ready to go. But our adversary will not be able to stop this work; it is not in his power. If our elders cannot go from Zion, we will have elders over there who will be inspired of the Lord to guide those who join the Church, and to bear testimony to the outsiders and bring many into the Church. I was pleased to hear Brother Richards, upon his return from England, tell us that when they did not have elders enough from Zion to place in charge of the conferences, they would take local elders, and they found even young men who really showed that they had ability to become splendid presidents of conferences. The people listened to them and accepted them as the servants of the Lord, and the work was not stopped. The same was true in Scandinavia. We have had to use local elders over there to a great extent, yet the work is going on. The Saints feel more united. They long, of course, for the elders from here to come as they used to, but as they cannot have them, they are able to take hold of the work themselves and to carry it on. (Lund 1919, 40)
President Lund also loved to talk about his time in Palestine (present-day Israel), Syria, and Turkey. While in Palestine he felt very connected to the time of the Savior and made it a point to visit those places mentioned in the New Testament.
How deeply I felt impressed when I sat on Mount Olivet and looked down upon the Temple ground. I thought of the prediction that not one stone of that building should be left upon another. This was uttered when Jerusalem was flourishing. It seemed an impossibility that such a prophecy could be fulfilled, but within forty years it came to pass. (Lund 1899, 12)
He also loved to speak on missionary work in general.
We are pleased with the reports that come in from the different missions. Our Elders are laboring zealously, going from house to house, spreading their tracts, preaching in the streets and halls wherever opportunities afford. (Lund 1903, 24)
He had a lot of respect for those serving on missions.
They do not go on missions because they like to be away from home, or because they love to ramble around the world, but they go because there is no joy so great as that experienced in devoting oneself entirely to the cause of Christ. And how happy they are to find those who will listen to their words and receive them with honest hearts! They feel then that the Lord is rewarding them for their labors and for the sacrifice they have made in leaving home and loved ones. (Lund 1904, 9)
He was serving in the First Presidency when the decision was made to allow young single sisters to serve missions as well. During World War I, this was a great blessing to missionary work in the Church. President Lund reported:
In the mission fields, now that so many of our young men have had to come home and go into the army, we have been assisted very much by our young women, who have gone out and filled missions. They also are successful in tracting, in meeting the people and getting into their homes. Those who may be afraid of the elders, cannot believe that these innocent girls can come for any purpose of deceiving, and they are willing to listen to them, and many have been brought to believe in the truth by the simple testimonies borne by these young women who have accepted missions. The Lord bless them and make them successful in their labors. (Lund 1918, 8)
Being a European immigrant himself, Elder Lund felt very strongly that members should try to support the immigrants as much as they could and should not forget what these people had to give up back in their own countries.
When our brethren and sisters from abroad come here as immigrants, let us try to look after them and help them. The first week or two they are here everything is strange, they have no work, and they feel tried and friendless. That is the time to reach their hearts. Often we let this opportunity to help them go by, and they become associated with people who are discontented, who, perhaps, have apostatized from the truth, and our immigrant brethren and sisters may be influenced by such people. When the immigrants come to our different wards, let us remember that they have obeyed the Gospel out of love, for it. They have been willing to leave friends and relatives for the sake of their faith, and have come here as strangers. Let them not feel that those whom they have looked upon as children of Zion have lost the love they should have for their brethren. I think this is a very important matter for us to consider. (Lund 1907, 12)
Elder Lund was also very much aware of the persecution the Saints had to endure in different areas of the world and gave them the following words of comfort.
You, my brethren and sisters, have learned what it costs to join an unpopular people, but do you feel that you would exchange the blessings you have received by obeying the Gospel, for the good will of those who despise you? I think not. You have found the “pearl of great price.” To you it is of inestimable value, and you cannot afford to lose it. (Lund 1908, 12)
Perhaps as a consequence to serving as Temple President in Manti and then Salt Lake, President Lund felt very strongly about encouraging young people to marry in the temple.
I would encourage our young people to marry, and to marry right. They should keep themselves pure and free from the sins of the world, that when they wish to marry, their Bishops can give them recommends to the temples, and at the altar of the Lord they can be sealed for time and for all eternity by that authority which binds on earth and it shall be bound in heaven. We believe in the eternity of the marriage contract. We do believe in a future life. We gave evidence of this belief in answer to the question asked us yesterday. We believe that life is continuous. We believe in the resurrection, and that the spirit and body will again be united; we believe that we will know as we are known, and that the marriage relation will continue, that, husband and wife will dwell together through all eternity, that the love which binds their hearts together upon the earth will not leave them at death, but that it will endure eternally, and hence we encourage our young people to commence their married life in the right way. (Lund 1907, 55)
He also took a very personal interest in the education of the young.
We have been accused of being an ignorant people, and that the authorities of the Church believe their strength lies in the ignorance of the people; but this is not the case. We do not want to foster ignorance. On the contrary, we desire that all our children shall enjoy the blessings of an education, as far as it lies in our power to give it them. The Prophet Joseph said that no man could be saved in ignorance. We look upon ignorance as a hindrance to salvation. Hence we want our people to be an enlightened people, an educated people, a people trained in all that leads to eternal life. (Lund 1902, 79)
He often used his own extensive knowledge to teach others about gospel doctrines. Here he uses his knowledge of the Greek language to explain a Bible passage.
The word which is here translated “feed” is a different word in the Greek text from the word so translated above. The word first used is “boske,” which is translated, “to graze; feed, nourish.” The word used in the second place is “pomaine,” which has been translated “feed,” but has a much broader meaning than that. My lexicon gives the following translation of “pomaine:” “to herd; to be a shepherd; to rule; to take care of; to tend.” Peter was, therefore, called to be the shepherd, the caretaker, the ruler of the Church. And the third time, He saith: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” Peter was grieved because He said it unto him the third time, and he replied: “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” Jesus said unto him, “Feed my sheep.” Here the word “feed” is the same as in the first reply—where He told Peter to feed His lambs. Now I consider that the charge which Jesus gave to Peter and the Apostles was that they should direct and take charge of His Church here upon the earth. (Lund 1908, 119)
President Lund was not in the habit of planning out his talks and often relied upon the Spirit to direct him.
When we come together and someone is called to speak unto us, let us sustain him with our prayers, pray in our hearts that the Lord will lead him to speak unto us such things as shall be for our best good, and if we do this, our prayers will be answered. The speaker will be led to speak upon such things as are needed by those who have assembled. Our brethren very seldom write out their sermons before they go to meeting, except in cases where they are asked to speak on a certain, subject. … The Lord wants us to fill our minds with useful knowledge and then ask him to lead us in what we shall speak. By following this course the Lord will bring forth unto us that which he wants us to give unto the hearers. (Lund 1919, 36)
President Lund sometimes felt the need to speak on practical subjects. Here he gives the Saints some economic advice.
I noticed when I was back on my mission in visiting my native land, Denmark, that a great change has come over that country. They formerly exported their rye and other grain, and while they did so they were a poor people. Of late years they import grain, feed it to their stock and export their butter, their eggs, and their meat to England. They have been able to obtain a higher price for their articles of export. The farms there are prospering… I bring this up for our consideration. I believe if we could use up our grain at home and export that which does not weigh so much, we would not have to pay so much freight, would have more means and make ourselves more independent. (Lund 1899, 13)
He also took a keen interest in history and felt it of utmost importance to keep records.
Today, when you go into some wards and ask who was the first Bishop of the ward, and who the next, there is not a scratch of a pen to show it; and when we send Brother Andrew Jenson, as one of the assistants of the Historian’s office, to find out about the histories of the wards, he is often referred to the older members of the ward to get the information he wants. This should not be the case. Our ward records should contain a history of the ward from its organization and the changes that have taken place in the ward, as well as the important events that have happened. (Lund 1901, 23)
He also had a strong testimony of the calling of President Joseph F. Smith. Following his death in 1918, President Lund said:
President Smith was a spiritual-minded man, and he was well versed in all things pertaining to the priesthood, to temple work and to the different activities of the Church. Before I came into the presidency I have often gone to him and asked for his advice and counsel, and I always found it to be the very best that could be given; and when I was called to be his counselor I felt indeed humble, and wondered how I could perform such an office to a man like him. During the seventeen years that we sat at the council table together, I admired the man more and more. I saw how true he was to his professions, how true he was to the interests of the Church, how true to his brethren and the Saints in general. (Lund 1919, 19)
The Juvenile Instructor said this of Elder Lund in 1900:
It is no wonder that Brother Lund is much respected and loved by all who know him, or that the feelings of regard grow stronger, as the acquaintance with him becomes more intimate. Few men go through life without enemies, but Brother Lund appears to be one of the few. He is very much like the late President Wilford Woodruff in this respect, of whom it was said that even his antagonists loved him. The regard in which he is held by his associates in the Council of Apostles was very well expressed by Elder Heber J. Grant when in a meeting of Scandinavian Saints in this city, not long ago, he said “Erastus Snow was my ideal of an Apostle of the Lord, and Brother Snow’s mantle has, in my opinion fallen upon Elder Anthon H. Lund.” (Sjodahl, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund 1900, 712)
Conclusion
What kind of a man was Anthon H. Lund? He was a hard worker. He had an inquiring mind and he loved to learn. The spirit of missionary work was so integral a part of him, that it was difficult to separate it from his deeds.
He was a natural and capable leader and many people followed him. He always looked for the logic of situations and then drew his own conclusions and parallels based on it. He was well-liked and charismatic. He was aware of all situations and was unafraid to look them in the face. His courage was an example to all who knew him.
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—. 1920. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
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—. 1920. "Joseph Smith's First Vision and Scripture Promises." The Improvement Era, April: 475-483.
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Richards, Lula Greene. 1931. "President Anthon Henrik Lund Remembered on his Eighty-seventh Birthday." The Instructor, May: 273-274.
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—. 1900. "Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Anthon H. Lund." The Juvenile Instructor, November 1: 705-712.
—. 1921. "President Anthon Henrik Lund." The Juvenile Instructor, April: 171-174.
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