Bernard P. Brockbank
Born: 9 May 1909
Called as Assistant to the Twelve: 6 October 1962
Called to First Quorum of the Seventy: 1 October 1976
Became Emeritus General Authority: 4 October 1980
Died: 11 October 2000
Called as Assistant to the Twelve: 6 October 1962
Called to First Quorum of the Seventy: 1 October 1976
Became Emeritus General Authority: 4 October 1980
Died: 11 October 2000
Talks on Church WebsiteApr 1971 - Love of God
Oct 1971 - The Ten Commandments Apr 1972 - Knowing God Oct 1972 - Entrance into the Kingdom of God Oct 1973 - God's Way to Eternal Life Apr 1974 - Hearken unto the Voice of God Oct 1974 - The Divine Power of Repentance Apr 1975 - Today Millions Are Waiting Apr 1976 - "The Leaves Are Commencing to Show on the Fig Tree" Apr 1977 - The Living Christ Oct 1979 - Prayer to Our Heavenly Father Image source: Improvement Era, January 1963
Image source: Improvement Era, November 1967
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Image source: Wikipedia, public domain
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, December 1962
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Biographical Articles
Relief Society Magazine, December 1962, Bernard P. Brockbank Appointed Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, January 1963, "...one brick at a time, true and square...every nail driven to stay in its place..." Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, November 1967, Elder Bernard P. Brockbank Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Ensign, November 2000, Elder Bernard P. Brockbank Dies at 91
Improvement Era, January 1963, "...one brick at a time, true and square...every nail driven to stay in its place..." Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, November 1967, Elder Bernard P. Brockbank Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Ensign, November 2000, Elder Bernard P. Brockbank Dies at 91
"Bernard P. Brockbank Appointed Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Relief Society Magazine. December 1962. pg. 885-886.
Bernard P. Brockbank Appointed Assistant to the Council of the Twelve ON October 6, 1962, at the 132d Semi-Annual Conference of the Church, Elder Bernard P. Brockbank was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve to fill the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of Elder Nathan Eldon Tanner to membership in the Council of the Twelve. Elder Brockbank has been a devoted and successful mission president for two years, serving first as president of the North British Mission, and later as president of the Scottish Mission. He recently conducted the session at which the new Glasgow Stake was formed by President McKay and Elder Nathan Eldon Tanner, in the native land of the paternal ancestors of President McKay. Elder Brockbank was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 24, 1909, the son of Taylor P. Brockbank and Sarah LeCheminant Brockbank. He graduated from Granite High School and attended the University of Utah and George Washington University, majoring in business studies. He has been a prominent business man, builder, and contractor in Salt Lake City and has contributed much to civic improvement and community activities. Before his appointment as President of Holladay Stake in May 1959, he had served as a counselor in two bishoprics, as bishop of the Winder Ward, and as a high councilman in both the Big Cottonwood and Holladay Stakes. He filled a mission to Great Britain in 1929-30, during which he was president of the Leeds District. Elder Brockbank was married to Nada Rich of Logan, Utah, November 11, 1935, in Washington, D. C. The marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple. They are the parents of six children: Loren Rich, Bernard Park, Jr., Diane, Bruce, Von, and Roger. In concluding the address which he gave upon the acceptance of his new calling, Elder Brockbank spoke of his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Church and to be a witness to the restoration of the gospel: I pray for the ability and inspiration to serve the Lord and my fellow men. I am thankful for the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ and for the principle of repentance. . . . |
Guttenberg, Ltd.
Manchester, England ELDER BERNARD P. BROCKBANK ELDER AND SISTER BERNARD P. BROCKBANK AND FAMILY
Center: Nada Rich Brockbank and Elder Bernard P. Brockbank. Standing, left to right: Von R.; Roger R.; Diane; and Bruce. This picture was taken in 1960 at the time Elder Brockbank was called to preside over the North British Mission. Two other sons, Loren Rich, and Bernard Park, Jr., are not in the picture. |
Christensen, M. Elmer. ""...one brick at a time, true and square...every nail driven to stay in its place..." Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. January 1963. pg. 29, 41.
“ . . one brick at a time, true and square . . . every nail driven to stay in its place . .” ELDER BERNARD P. BROCKBANK, ASSISTANT TO THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE BY M. ELMER CHRISTENSEN. PRESIDENT WINDER STAKE Elder Bernard P. Brockbank was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve on October 6, 1962. Thus commences a new building program for this great leader in the Church. Building projects have been his specialty for many years. Some have involved the characters of people, and others have constituted his vocation in the construction of homes. Many barren mountain slopes, salt grass flats, and abandoned farm lands have emerged into thriving, happy communities through the vision, planning, and skill he has demonstrated. Elder Brockbank has built equally well in the vineyard of our Heavenly Father. Early in life he demonstrated his leadership ability and willingness to serve. He was an active member of the Aaronic Priesthood and served in the presidency of his teachers quorum. At the age of twenty, he accepted a call for a mission to England, where he labored from July 4, 1929, to August 1931. For one year he was a district president. During 1934 and 1935, he served as a parttime missionary in Washington, DC while attending school. Other experiences in the Church include service as a scoutmaster in Winder Ward, Cottonwood Stake, a member of the superintendency of the Ensign Ward YMMIA, a gospel doctrine instructor in two wards, a counselor in two bishoprics, and bishop of the Winder Ward, Cottonwood Stake, from June 1946 to 1949. He was a member of the high council in both the Cottonwood and Holladay stakes, and in June 1958, was sustained as president of Holladay Stake. On May 18, 1959, he was sustained as chairman of the Jordan Valley welfare region, where he served until called to preside over the North British Mission in March 1960. When the North British Mission was divided in December 1960, he was made president of the new Scottish-Irish Mission, and then president of the Scottish Mission when it was organized in 1962. Born in Holladay, Salt Lake County, May 24, 1909, Elder Brockbank was the son of Taylor P. and Sarah LeCheminant Brockbank. He was married November 11, 1935, to Nada Rich, of Logan, Utah, in Washington, DC. Among the first things they did upon returning West was to receive their sealing in the Salt Lake Temple on May 4, 1937. Their six children are all active in the Church: Loren R. is president of his elders' quorum, having previously completed a mission to England; Bernard Park, Jr., is a member of the Cottonwood Fifth Ward bishopric; Bruce, having recently completed a mission in Scotland, is now attending BYU; Von is at present on a mission in Scotland, and Diane (Mrs. John Osborne) has served as a ward president of YWMIA. Their youngest son, Roger, is accompanying his parents in the mission field. They have seven grandchildren. Elder Brockbank attended elementary school in Holladay, and later was a student at Granite High School. While at the Utah State University, Logan, Utah, he milked cows to pay his expenses. He was also enrolled at the University of Utah, and later studied law at George Washington University, in Washington, DC. Highly respected in his community, Elder Brockbank has identified himself in a variety of civic activities. He served as a member and officer of the Salt Lake Real Estate Board, an officer of the Holladay Lions Club, an officer of the Sons of Utah Pioneers, and of the Utah Home Builders Association. For three years he was a member of the Granite Board of Education and was honored as its president for one year prior to leaving for the mission field. Those who observed him as a member of the board were impressed with his mental alertness, his sincere sense of responsibility to the youth and patrons he represented, the firmness of his convictions, and the fairness of his decisions. He was always approachable and willing to champion the worthy needs of his constituents. As chairman of the Jordan Valley welfare region, he demonstrated his humility and faith. Elder Brockbank never questioned the divine mission of that program and prayed only for the wisdom and strength to properly discharge his responsibility in it. He thought big and acted with dignity. Elder Brockbank would never accept failure. He aimed to succeed in every venture he undertook and knew the Lord would provide the means for it. His associates in church leadership always felt at ease in his presence and sought the counsel he humbly and generously imparted. President Brockbank is loved by members of the Holladay Stake. President Wayne Prince, a former counselor and successor as stake president, recalls the fervency of his testimonies, and soberness of his plea for unqualified loyalty to the leaders of the Church. Every council meeting he presided over marked a positive step forward. He expected much of his associates, who upheld him by superior effort and the love of true brotherhood. Although Elder Brockbank built many fine houses, his best creation was the peace, love, and beauty of his own home. A touch of the past in the form of a few choice family souvenirs, a well-chosen library, and attractive furnishings make it distinctive and inviting. Select shrubbery, meticulously placed and groomed, lend aesthetic balance to the surroundings. He points with pride to his half dozen beautiful horses, and enjoys telling of experiences in such sports of his youth as hunting, football, and boxing, in which he won several trophies. Casual visitors to the Brockbank home seldom care to cut short their stay but are inclined to extend their call to bask in the tranquility and reserved pleasure of their hospitality. The listener in his presence is impressed with the apparent orderliness of his reasoning, and the logic of his conclusions. The Lord has surely blessed Elder Brockbank with a gifted sense of deduction and good judgment. Sister Brockbank is a lovely woman and radiates a sweet personality. Her innate sense of culture and refinement have served to complement the ability of Elder Brockbank and make their marriage a pleasing pattern of harmony and love. An example of his willingness to accept the counsel and teachings of church leaders is the large supply of stored food in a well-protected corner of his basement. The type of food selected, its labeling and preservation, indicates the ingenuity and thoughtful acceptance of the principle of a "year's supply." As a boy, Elder Brockbank was fortunate to grow up in an environment of intimate family relationships. He was a helpful playmate to his sisters, and made flippers, stilts, arrows, and fishing poles for them. He picked fruit, helped his father market it, worked with farm animals, went on frequent family excursions. and joined in family worship. Everyone of the family carried their share of household responsibilities, except that "Bernard always did his share faster and better than the rest" according to his sister Winona. She also adds, "Bernard was always busy or sleeping," which has been characteristic of his work habits throughout life. Elder Brockbank's parents were hard-working, faithful Latter-day Saints, who served the Church ably and generously. His father, Taylor P. Brockbank, was a respected educator and member of the state legislature. Elder Brockbank's mother, at 82, is indeed proud of her son. She recalls that "as a child he was always cheerful and obedient. When given any assignment he was reliable and did his work well. When his father was going to night school, he helped with the chores, and when his father went away to school, Bernard took over the responsibility of the home." While presiding over three missions in Great Britain, he was given special consideration to the improvement of housing conditions for the branches and has sponsored the construction of several chapels. His efforts to promote recreational activities have won support of youth within and outside the Church. Unquestionably the highlight of his life has been his experience as a mission president, where he has seen more than eight thousand converts join the Church under his administration. If one were to list the virtues of Elder Brockbank, high priority would be given to his unconquerable will to succeed. Like a player carrying a ball in a championship game, he seems to see only the goal ahead and the free course to reach it. Then, too, one must recognize his resolute courage to do what he believes to be right, his insatiable desire to serve the Lord, the gentleness of his manners, and simplicity of his faith. Elder Brockbank will carry into the homes of modern Israel an exhilarating enthusiasm for devotion to the Church, a heartened encouragement for faithfulness, and an abiding assurance of the truth of the cause he represents. As an Assistant to the Twelve, he will generously demonstrate allegiance and respect to those he has been called to sustain and will be recognized for the spirit of humility and helpfulness he will display. The days ahead for Elder Brockbank may be long and demanding, they may be full of challenge and concern, but for times like this Elder Brockbank will be found equal to the task. He was chosen through the wisdom of God for a sacred service in a complex era of expansion. He will make a notable contribution to the orderly progression toward ultimate realization of the destiny of the kingdom of our Heavenly Father. He has learned to lay one brick at a time, true and square; every nail has been driven to stay in its place; the foundations he has poured have been skillfully formed and firmly cured. As he continues to build a greater Church for the Master, he will apply the same prayerful care to make it secure and strong, and a blessing to all who may be favored by his labors. |
Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.
Part of the Brockbank family group: Mrs. Nada Rich Brockbank and Elder Brockbank (seated); standing left to right: Von R., Roger R., Diane, and Bruce. Photograph was taken in 1960, when Elder Brockbank was called to preside in one of the mission fields in the British Isles. Not shown in photographs are sons Loren Rich, and Bernard P. Brockbank, Jr.
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"Bernard P. Brockbank Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. November 1967. pg. 52.
Bernard P. Brockbank Assistant to the Council of the Twelve The spirit of missionary work is evident in the life and personality of Elder Bernard P. Brockbank. Most of his adult life has been devoted to promulgating the gospel, and when he speaks, it is with the enthusiasm and conviction of one who loves the work of the Lord and wants to share it with his fellowmen. Elder Brockbank was born May 24, 1909, in Holladay, Utah, a son of Taylor P. and Sarah LeCheminant Brockbank. He attended Utah State Agricultural College, the University of Utah, and George Washington University at Washington, D. C. His studies were interrupted in 1929 when he accepted a call to the British Mission, where he was district president for one year and began the first of his missionary labors. He also served on a stake mission in 1934-35 in Washington, D.C., while he was attending school. On November 1, 1935, he married Nada Rich, and they became the parents of five sons and one daughter. Sister Brockbank died August 1, 1967. A well-known Salt Lake City building contractor. Elder Brockbank has been active in building associations as well as civic affairs, having been a member of the Salt Lake Real Estate Board and the Utah Home Builders Association, as well as past president of the Granite School District Board of Education. Wherever he has resided, Elder Brockbank has held responsible positions in the Church, including bishop of the Winder Ward in Salt Lake City, stake high councilor, president of the Holladay Stake, and chairman of the Jordan Valley welfare region. His great love for missionary work has come to fruition most forcefully since 1960, when he was named president of the North British Mission. When the mission was divided in December 1960, he became president of the new Scottish-Irish Mission and, 18 months later, of the new Scottish Mission. He was serving in the latter mission area when, in October 1962, he was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. When the Mormon Pavilion at the New York World's Fair opened in April 1964, its managing director was Elder Brockbank, whose missionary enthusiasm and zeal were now influencing the many missionaries who labored there under his direction and the millions of visitors who were introduced to the restored gospel there. Since the close of the fair, Elder Brockbank has been assisting in preparing displays for visitors centers throughout the Church. These displays incorporate many of the ideas used so successfully at the fair and are now helping to teach even greater numbers of people the truths of the gospel. |