David O. McKay
Born: 8 September 1873
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 9 April 1906
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1907
Called as First Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1909
Called as General Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1918
Released from Sunday School Presidency: 1934
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 11 October 1934 (Heber J. Grant)
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 21 May 1945 (George Albert Smith)
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 8 August 1950
Sustained as President of the Church: 9 April 1951
Died: 18 January 1970
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 9 April 1906
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1907
Called as First Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1909
Called as General Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1918
Released from Sunday School Presidency: 1934
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 11 October 1934 (Heber J. Grant)
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 21 May 1945 (George Albert Smith)
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 8 August 1950
Sustained as President of the Church: 9 April 1951
Died: 18 January 1970
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 June 1906, Apostle David Oman McKay
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, The New General Superintendency of Sunday Schools - S. L. Richards, David O. McKay, George D. Pyper
Improvement Era, May 1932, Greatness in Men--David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, President David O. McKay
Instructor, May 1949, Sunday School Activities of David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, December 1950, President David O. McKay Named President of the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, May 1951, President David O. McKay--Increased Responsibility
Improvement Era, May 1951, David O. McKay Becomes Ninth President of the Church
Improvement Era, June 1951, David O. McKay Portrait of a President
Improvement Era, June 1951, Highlights in the Life of David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, June 1951, President David O. McKay--An Appreciation
Improvement Era, September 1953, Our Tribute to President McKay
Improvement Era, September 1953, At Home with the McKays
Improvement Era, September 1953, Our Tribute to President McKay
Relief Society Magazine, September 1953, Ancestry of President David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, October 1953, Boyhood of President David O. McKay
Instructor, November 1953, Eleven Days with President McKay in Europe
Relief Society Magazine, November 1953, Life of President David O. McKay--Highlights of a Busy Life
Instructor, September 1954, A Tribute to My Husband--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, April 1955, President David O. McKay and the South Seas Mission
Relief Society Magazine, September 1955, A Tribute to President David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1956, President David O. McKay Reaches 83 Years, September 8, 1956
Instructor, September 1956, David O. McKay: A Holy Man
Instructor, October 1956, Presidents McKay and Richards - Originators not Imitators
Improvement Era, December 1956, A Christmas Letter from David O. McKay to His Brother
Relief Society Magazine, September 1957, My Father--A True Leader
Improvement Era, September 1958, President McKay at Eighty-Five
Relief Society Magazine, September 1958, Tribute to David O. McKay--A Great Missionary
Improvement Era, September 1960, President David O. McKay, a Tribute
Instructor, September 1960, President David O. McKay... Father of the Modern Sunday School
Improvement Era, April 1961, When David McKay Went on a Mission
Improvement Era, September 1961, President David O. McKay's Eighty-eighth Birthday
Relief Society Magazine, September 1961, President and Prophet--Birthday Congratulations to David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1962, President David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1962, David O. McKay Was a Deacon, Too
Improvement Era, September 1963, David O. McKay: Highlights of His Life and Works
Improvement Era, September 1963, Tributes to David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1963, Dates and Events in the Life of David O. McKay
Instructor, October 1963, Congratulations President David O. McKay... Four Score Years and Ten!
Improvement Era, September 1964, President David O. McKay
Improvement Era, March 1965, President McKay Becomes Oldest Church President
Instructor, April 1965, David O. McKay--A Man with a Secret
Instructor, September 1965, Our Prophet, David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, September 1965, A Prophet in the Latter-days--Birthday Congratulations to President David O. McKay
Instructor, December 1965, Two Presidents and a Flag--Lyndon B. Johnson and David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1966, Inspirational Stories in the Life of David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1966, Sunday School Pioneer--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1967, A Trilogy of Reminiscences
Improvement Era, September 1967, Thoughts on September 8, 1967 for David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1967, That 94th Candle Burns Like a Beacon... In Honor of President David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1968, The Spirit of Our Leader--David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1969, Home Teachings of President McKay
Instructor, September 1969, David, a Boy of Promise--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, February 1970, David O. McKay 1873-1970
Improvement Era, February 1970, Tributes and Messages of Sympathy - David O. McKay
Improvement Era, February 1970, Memories of a Prophet--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, February 1970, The Poetry of David O. McKay
Instructor, February 1970, David O. McKay: Ninth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Relief Society Magazine, March 1970, In Memoriam--President David O. McKay
Instructor, October 1970, Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men
Ensign, August 1984, Remembering Father and Mother, President David O. McKay and Sister Emma Rae Riggs McKay
Ensign, January 2005, David O. McKay: Ambassador of the Faith
Ensign, July 2010, President David O. McKay (1873-1970)
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 June 1906, Apostle David Oman McKay
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, The New General Superintendency of Sunday Schools - S. L. Richards, David O. McKay, George D. Pyper
Improvement Era, May 1932, Greatness in Men--David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, President David O. McKay
Instructor, May 1949, Sunday School Activities of David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, December 1950, President David O. McKay Named President of the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, May 1951, President David O. McKay--Increased Responsibility
Improvement Era, May 1951, David O. McKay Becomes Ninth President of the Church
Improvement Era, June 1951, David O. McKay Portrait of a President
Improvement Era, June 1951, Highlights in the Life of David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, June 1951, President David O. McKay--An Appreciation
Improvement Era, September 1953, Our Tribute to President McKay
Improvement Era, September 1953, At Home with the McKays
Improvement Era, September 1953, Our Tribute to President McKay
Relief Society Magazine, September 1953, Ancestry of President David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, October 1953, Boyhood of President David O. McKay
Instructor, November 1953, Eleven Days with President McKay in Europe
Relief Society Magazine, November 1953, Life of President David O. McKay--Highlights of a Busy Life
Instructor, September 1954, A Tribute to My Husband--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, April 1955, President David O. McKay and the South Seas Mission
Relief Society Magazine, September 1955, A Tribute to President David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1956, President David O. McKay Reaches 83 Years, September 8, 1956
Instructor, September 1956, David O. McKay: A Holy Man
Instructor, October 1956, Presidents McKay and Richards - Originators not Imitators
Improvement Era, December 1956, A Christmas Letter from David O. McKay to His Brother
Relief Society Magazine, September 1957, My Father--A True Leader
Improvement Era, September 1958, President McKay at Eighty-Five
Relief Society Magazine, September 1958, Tribute to David O. McKay--A Great Missionary
Improvement Era, September 1960, President David O. McKay, a Tribute
Instructor, September 1960, President David O. McKay... Father of the Modern Sunday School
Improvement Era, April 1961, When David McKay Went on a Mission
Improvement Era, September 1961, President David O. McKay's Eighty-eighth Birthday
Relief Society Magazine, September 1961, President and Prophet--Birthday Congratulations to David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1962, President David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1962, David O. McKay Was a Deacon, Too
Improvement Era, September 1963, David O. McKay: Highlights of His Life and Works
Improvement Era, September 1963, Tributes to David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1963, Dates and Events in the Life of David O. McKay
Instructor, October 1963, Congratulations President David O. McKay... Four Score Years and Ten!
Improvement Era, September 1964, President David O. McKay
Improvement Era, March 1965, President McKay Becomes Oldest Church President
Instructor, April 1965, David O. McKay--A Man with a Secret
Instructor, September 1965, Our Prophet, David O. McKay
Relief Society Magazine, September 1965, A Prophet in the Latter-days--Birthday Congratulations to President David O. McKay
Instructor, December 1965, Two Presidents and a Flag--Lyndon B. Johnson and David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1966, Inspirational Stories in the Life of David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1966, Sunday School Pioneer--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, September 1967, A Trilogy of Reminiscences
Improvement Era, September 1967, Thoughts on September 8, 1967 for David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1967, That 94th Candle Burns Like a Beacon... In Honor of President David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1968, The Spirit of Our Leader--David O. McKay
Instructor, September 1969, Home Teachings of President McKay
Instructor, September 1969, David, a Boy of Promise--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, February 1970, David O. McKay 1873-1970
Improvement Era, February 1970, Tributes and Messages of Sympathy - David O. McKay
Improvement Era, February 1970, Memories of a Prophet--David O. McKay
Improvement Era, February 1970, The Poetry of David O. McKay
Instructor, February 1970, David O. McKay: Ninth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Relief Society Magazine, March 1970, In Memoriam--President David O. McKay
Instructor, October 1970, Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men
Ensign, August 1984, Remembering Father and Mother, President David O. McKay and Sister Emma Rae Riggs McKay
Ensign, January 2005, David O. McKay: Ambassador of the Faith
Ensign, July 2010, President David O. McKay (1873-1970)
Jenson, Andrew. "McKay, David Oman." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 760-764.
McKAY, David Oman, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, was born Sept. 8, 1873, in Huntsville, Weber county, Utah, the son of Bishop David McKay, of Huntsville, and Jennette Evans. His father was born in Caithness, Scotland, but, when still a small boy, emigrated with his parents to Utah, where he arrived in the year 1859. He was Bishop of Huntsville for twenty years, and after his removal to Ogden was ordained a Patriarch and chosen as a member of the High Council of the Weber Stake. He also served in the last Utah territorial legislature and afterwards was elected State senator three times. Jennette Evans, mother of David O., was born in South Wales, Aug. 28, 1850. In the fall of 1859, she arrived with her parents in Ogden, Utah, and resided there until her marriage, in 1867, when she accompanied her husband to Huntsville and made her home there until one year before her death, which occurred Jan. 6, 1905. She was connected with the Relief Society and Y. L. M. I. A. of the Huntsville Ward from the time of their organization, b\it during her entire life her home and family received such attention, consideration and gentle care that can be bestowed only by an ideal wife and mother. Thus David O. McKay, in his childhood and youth, was highly favored in having the guidance of exceptionally discreet and loving parents — faithful, consistent Latter-day Saints. In their home the Priesthood of God was always respected. It was a home where the performance of every religious duty was a part of life, where respect and honor for parents and for each other was impressed daily by words and acts and in which the most sacred obligation was the daily devotion to God. With such home influence it is not surprising that the young boy David was early impressed with the efficacy of prayer and that as a youth, when the religious part of his nature began to assert itself, he sought guidance in secret prayer. When riding in the hills he would sometimes dismount, and, kneeling by a serviceberry bush with only his horse for company, would plead with the Lord to give him a testimony of His truth. Sometimes it would be by the creek in his father's meadow, and sometimes in the timber when out in the hills. Thus the influence of his early teaching, the influence of his home, guided his thoughts and actions until the critical period of youth was passed. He was baptized September 8, 1881, by Peter C. Geertsen, of Huntsville, and soon afterwards he was ordained to the Lesser Priesthood. From his early childhood he was an enthusiastic member of the Sunday school and Primary Association. Later he became secretary of the Huntsville Sunday school and Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. His God-fearing parents watched the development of their eldest son with that anxiety and pride which are felt only by those who truly love, and many a time a kind word and loving arm kept the lad from swerving from that straight path which they knew would lead to respected manhood. David O. received his early education in the Huntsville common schools, and when twenty years old he became principal of the Huntsville school. He went from this position to the University of Utah, where he graduated as president of his class in 1897. While he was enthusiastically planning to enter the teaching profession to repay in a measure what his parents had sacrificed to keep him at school, a call came for him to go to Europe as a missionary. Having previously been ordained an Elder, he was now ordained a Seventy, August 1, 1897, by Seymour B. Young, and set apart for a mission to Great Britain. On his arrival in Liverpool he was appointed to labor in Scotland, where he performed most excellent missionary labors. Having taken advantage of every opportunity offered by the Church and the educational institutions of his State, it is a natural consequence that companions, saints, friends and enemies alike should be deeply impressed by the teaching of this earnest and enthusiastic young missionary. As a result of his two years' work, several families were brought to a knowledge of the truth, and prejudice against the work of the Lord was allayed in the minds of many people who were willing to listen to his testimony. From March, 1898, until August, 1899, he presided over the Scottish conference and returned home Sept. 10, 1899, being specially released to become an instructor in the Weber Stake Academy. One week after his return from Europe he entered said Academy and three years later became the principal of that institution, which position he held until 1908. His influence upon the Academy was indeed remarkable. During his administration a spirit of love and unity permeated the life of the entire school. His ambitions and ideals soon became the goal for which teachers and students were willing to make great sacrifices, and the daily association with him counted for genuine mental and spiritual development. His spirit was felt especially by the careless and wayward students. A pleasant look, a word of encouragement, a hand on the shoulder, a heart-to-heart talk, a confession, followed by continued interest and assistance, resulted almost invariably in a conversion; and scores of boys and girls now grown to manhood and womanhood give him credit for leading them to higher and more useful lives by his noble example and teachings. As president of the Board of Education of the Weber Normal College, to which office he was chosen in 1908, he has still been able to give much encouragement and inspiration; and all connected with the institution hope that his many other duties will not compel the withdrawal of his assistance from the school that is so greatly indebted to him for its growth and development. For six years (1899- 1906), Bro. McKay labored as second assistant superintendent of the Sunday Schools of the Weber Stake, and in connection with Supt. Thomas B. Evans and Charles J. Ross he worked energetically and unceasingly for the advancement of the youth. Possibly no other schools of the Church made greater strides toward perfection than did those of Weber Stake at that time. Bro. McKay won the love and respect of all connected with the Sabbath Schools, all his work being characterized by that energy and unselfishness which cannot but win the confidence of associates, and the blessings of the Lord, and as a mark of appreciation, a party was tendered him in Ogden May 16, 1906, by the entire body of officers in this organization, who presented him with a handsome watch fob set with diamonds, and a worthy tribute in a testimonial beautifully engrossed. The recent testimonial of the Weber Stake Sunday Schools in the Ogden Tabernacle, December, 1919, and the presentation of a handsome gold watch and chain, was but another of the many expressions of appreciation that came from the members of the great Sunday School Union. In the beginning of his labors in the Stake superintendency preparation meetings for teachers were established, individual and co-operative outlines of the lesson were prepared, through which each Sunday School lesson became a unit. Subsequently "aim," "illustration" and "application" became household terms. So firmly did he believe, and so enthusiastically did he explain this new class work system that even brothers and sisters who had been teaching in the good old way for many years, became converted and through most strenuous efforts were soon among the strongest supporters of the new method. In 1901 (Jan. 2nd) Bro. McKay married Emma Ray Riggs of Salt Lake City, the daughter of O. H. Riggs and Emma Robbins. She was born June 23, 1877, in Salt Lake City, where she was reared and educated, graduating from the University of Utah with the degree of A. B. in 1898. This marriage has been blessed with six children, namely, David Lawrence, Llewelyn Riggs, Louise Jeanette, Royle Riggs, Emma Ray and Edward Riggs. Sister McKay has been an ideal wife and mother and an inspiration in all the work of her husband. In the rearing of his children we again see in David O. McKay the remarkable teacher, for although his Church work has required much of his time, every possible moment he has been permitted to spend at home has been given to his boys and girls and as a result of this association and training, supplemented by the guiding hand of a wise and loving mother, these young people are marching toward the goal of splendid manhood and beautiful womanhood. The ideals he has held up to teachers in the Sunday School, Religion Class, Primary and Priesthood quorums he has practiced in his home. At the general conference of the Church held in April, 1906, three vacancies were filled in the Council of the Twelve Apostles, caused by the death of Elder Marriner W. Merrill and the resignation of John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley. These vacancies were filled by the appointment of Elders George Franklin Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay, who were unanimously sustained by the conference April 8, 1906. Bro. McKay was ordained an Apostle by President Joseph F. Smith April 9., 1906. In 1906 (Oct. 6th), he was sustained as second assistant general Sunday school superintendent, and as first assistant general Sunday school superintendent April 4, 1909. In reporting the reorganization of the general superintendency, many splendid things were said of what Bro. McKay had accomplished in the Sunday school work. Among them the following was recorded in an editorial in the "Juvenile Instructor": "Apostle David O. McKay is well known to the Church at large. His phenomenally successful labors in the superintendency of the Weber Stake Sunday schools were watched with interest before he became one of the Lord's special witnesses. His great influence for better Sunday schools since he became second assistant general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, has been felt not only on that board, but also throughout the Stakes of Zion. We are glad to welcome him as our first assistant general superintendent." In February, 1918, Apostle McKay received from the press, "Ancient Apostles," a book written by him for the Deseret Sunday School Union. In this book the Ancient Apostles are made real living men with characteristics, such as men possess today—men about whom young people love to read and from whom the highest ideals may be formed. In 1918 (Nov. 27th), Elder McKay was appointed general superintendent of the Church Sunday schools by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve. He selected as his assistants Elder Stephen L. Richards and Elder George D. Pyper. The confidence and love that each of these three men has for the other is appreciated by all who know them. At a meeting of the General Board held Jan. 7, 1919, which was attended also by the First Presidency, the names of the new general superintendency were presented by President Heber J. Grant and unanimously sustained by the board. Elder Edward P. Kimball, writing of the reorganization, says: "Elder David O. McKay is signally honored by this call to preside over the Sunday schools of the Church in all the world. He is the first general superintendent who has not been in the First Presidency of the Church while acting in this capacity. His appointment comes as a merited recognition of the faithfulness and zeal which he has displayed during his long association with the Sunday schools; and that confidence in his training for the great responsibility of his new calling and in his capabilities in the fidelity to the great Sunday school cause, exhibited by his brethren in placing him at the head of this wonderful work will find an echo in the heart of every Sunday school worker throughout the Church. His name is synonymous with the Sunday school movement, and those who are most intimately acquainted with him know best how close to his heart are the youth of Zion, and how devoutly and indefatigably he has applied himself for their improvement and salvation. Bro. McKay has given his strength to the work ever since he was first appointed a member of the Sunday school board in 1906. His mind is constantly busy with new problems and plans for the growth of the work. While he looks to and into the future, he is no idle dreamer; he has a wonderful capacity for making men see his vision and then of solving the details of his plan which will make this vision a living reality. His sure and unfailing testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is exemplified in his every thought, word and deed for the young people of the Church. His kindly, gentlemanly bearing toward every one whom he meets is proverbial; his testimony is inspiring, and his example compels admiration." When the Church School Superintendency was reorganized in the spring of 1919, Bro. McKay was appointed commissioner of Church school education, with Stephen L. Richards as first and Richard R. Lyman as second assistant commissioner, and Adam S. Bennion, superintendent. He is at present head of the outline work in the general committee on courses of study for the Priesthood, and chairman of the Church Correlation Committee. Even with all the calls that have been made upon his time in an educational way and by the Church, Bro. McKay has accomplished much real social service work that has resulted in improved conditions in his home city, county and State. He was for several years president of the Ogden Betterment League, an organization formed to improve civic conditions and especially to establish higher standards of morality for young people. In all the campaigns against liquor and vice he has been most energetic. He has been since 1915 also an active member of the Red Cross Executive Board of Weber county. Since his ordination to the high and holy calling of an Apostle, Elder McKay has labored most zealously and successfully in the interests of the Church. He has traveled very extensively in the different Stakes of Zion, attending quarterly conferences, organizing and re-organizing Stakes and Wards and paying particular attention also to Church schools and to the work done by the auxiliary organizations of the Church. Elder McKay is a popular speaker, his earnestness always making a favorable impression upon his hearers, and being a man of education he wields a great influence among the professors and teachers of Church schools, where his counsels and advise have done much to improve the educational conditions of the Church.
McKAY, David Oman, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, was born Sept. 8, 1873, in Huntsville, Weber county, Utah, the son of Bishop David McKay, of Huntsville, and Jennette Evans. His father was born in Caithness, Scotland, but, when still a small boy, emigrated with his parents to Utah, where he arrived in the year 1859. He was Bishop of Huntsville for twenty years, and after his removal to Ogden was ordained a Patriarch and chosen as a member of the High Council of the Weber Stake. He also served in the last Utah territorial legislature and afterwards was elected State senator three times. Jennette Evans, mother of David O., was born in South Wales, Aug. 28, 1850. In the fall of 1859, she arrived with her parents in Ogden, Utah, and resided there until her marriage, in 1867, when she accompanied her husband to Huntsville and made her home there until one year before her death, which occurred Jan. 6, 1905. She was connected with the Relief Society and Y. L. M. I. A. of the Huntsville Ward from the time of their organization, b\it during her entire life her home and family received such attention, consideration and gentle care that can be bestowed only by an ideal wife and mother. Thus David O. McKay, in his childhood and youth, was highly favored in having the guidance of exceptionally discreet and loving parents — faithful, consistent Latter-day Saints. In their home the Priesthood of God was always respected. It was a home where the performance of every religious duty was a part of life, where respect and honor for parents and for each other was impressed daily by words and acts and in which the most sacred obligation was the daily devotion to God. With such home influence it is not surprising that the young boy David was early impressed with the efficacy of prayer and that as a youth, when the religious part of his nature began to assert itself, he sought guidance in secret prayer. When riding in the hills he would sometimes dismount, and, kneeling by a serviceberry bush with only his horse for company, would plead with the Lord to give him a testimony of His truth. Sometimes it would be by the creek in his father's meadow, and sometimes in the timber when out in the hills. Thus the influence of his early teaching, the influence of his home, guided his thoughts and actions until the critical period of youth was passed. He was baptized September 8, 1881, by Peter C. Geertsen, of Huntsville, and soon afterwards he was ordained to the Lesser Priesthood. From his early childhood he was an enthusiastic member of the Sunday school and Primary Association. Later he became secretary of the Huntsville Sunday school and Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. His God-fearing parents watched the development of their eldest son with that anxiety and pride which are felt only by those who truly love, and many a time a kind word and loving arm kept the lad from swerving from that straight path which they knew would lead to respected manhood. David O. received his early education in the Huntsville common schools, and when twenty years old he became principal of the Huntsville school. He went from this position to the University of Utah, where he graduated as president of his class in 1897. While he was enthusiastically planning to enter the teaching profession to repay in a measure what his parents had sacrificed to keep him at school, a call came for him to go to Europe as a missionary. Having previously been ordained an Elder, he was now ordained a Seventy, August 1, 1897, by Seymour B. Young, and set apart for a mission to Great Britain. On his arrival in Liverpool he was appointed to labor in Scotland, where he performed most excellent missionary labors. Having taken advantage of every opportunity offered by the Church and the educational institutions of his State, it is a natural consequence that companions, saints, friends and enemies alike should be deeply impressed by the teaching of this earnest and enthusiastic young missionary. As a result of his two years' work, several families were brought to a knowledge of the truth, and prejudice against the work of the Lord was allayed in the minds of many people who were willing to listen to his testimony. From March, 1898, until August, 1899, he presided over the Scottish conference and returned home Sept. 10, 1899, being specially released to become an instructor in the Weber Stake Academy. One week after his return from Europe he entered said Academy and three years later became the principal of that institution, which position he held until 1908. His influence upon the Academy was indeed remarkable. During his administration a spirit of love and unity permeated the life of the entire school. His ambitions and ideals soon became the goal for which teachers and students were willing to make great sacrifices, and the daily association with him counted for genuine mental and spiritual development. His spirit was felt especially by the careless and wayward students. A pleasant look, a word of encouragement, a hand on the shoulder, a heart-to-heart talk, a confession, followed by continued interest and assistance, resulted almost invariably in a conversion; and scores of boys and girls now grown to manhood and womanhood give him credit for leading them to higher and more useful lives by his noble example and teachings. As president of the Board of Education of the Weber Normal College, to which office he was chosen in 1908, he has still been able to give much encouragement and inspiration; and all connected with the institution hope that his many other duties will not compel the withdrawal of his assistance from the school that is so greatly indebted to him for its growth and development. For six years (1899- 1906), Bro. McKay labored as second assistant superintendent of the Sunday Schools of the Weber Stake, and in connection with Supt. Thomas B. Evans and Charles J. Ross he worked energetically and unceasingly for the advancement of the youth. Possibly no other schools of the Church made greater strides toward perfection than did those of Weber Stake at that time. Bro. McKay won the love and respect of all connected with the Sabbath Schools, all his work being characterized by that energy and unselfishness which cannot but win the confidence of associates, and the blessings of the Lord, and as a mark of appreciation, a party was tendered him in Ogden May 16, 1906, by the entire body of officers in this organization, who presented him with a handsome watch fob set with diamonds, and a worthy tribute in a testimonial beautifully engrossed. The recent testimonial of the Weber Stake Sunday Schools in the Ogden Tabernacle, December, 1919, and the presentation of a handsome gold watch and chain, was but another of the many expressions of appreciation that came from the members of the great Sunday School Union. In the beginning of his labors in the Stake superintendency preparation meetings for teachers were established, individual and co-operative outlines of the lesson were prepared, through which each Sunday School lesson became a unit. Subsequently "aim," "illustration" and "application" became household terms. So firmly did he believe, and so enthusiastically did he explain this new class work system that even brothers and sisters who had been teaching in the good old way for many years, became converted and through most strenuous efforts were soon among the strongest supporters of the new method. In 1901 (Jan. 2nd) Bro. McKay married Emma Ray Riggs of Salt Lake City, the daughter of O. H. Riggs and Emma Robbins. She was born June 23, 1877, in Salt Lake City, where she was reared and educated, graduating from the University of Utah with the degree of A. B. in 1898. This marriage has been blessed with six children, namely, David Lawrence, Llewelyn Riggs, Louise Jeanette, Royle Riggs, Emma Ray and Edward Riggs. Sister McKay has been an ideal wife and mother and an inspiration in all the work of her husband. In the rearing of his children we again see in David O. McKay the remarkable teacher, for although his Church work has required much of his time, every possible moment he has been permitted to spend at home has been given to his boys and girls and as a result of this association and training, supplemented by the guiding hand of a wise and loving mother, these young people are marching toward the goal of splendid manhood and beautiful womanhood. The ideals he has held up to teachers in the Sunday School, Religion Class, Primary and Priesthood quorums he has practiced in his home. At the general conference of the Church held in April, 1906, three vacancies were filled in the Council of the Twelve Apostles, caused by the death of Elder Marriner W. Merrill and the resignation of John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley. These vacancies were filled by the appointment of Elders George Franklin Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay, who were unanimously sustained by the conference April 8, 1906. Bro. McKay was ordained an Apostle by President Joseph F. Smith April 9., 1906. In 1906 (Oct. 6th), he was sustained as second assistant general Sunday school superintendent, and as first assistant general Sunday school superintendent April 4, 1909. In reporting the reorganization of the general superintendency, many splendid things were said of what Bro. McKay had accomplished in the Sunday school work. Among them the following was recorded in an editorial in the "Juvenile Instructor": "Apostle David O. McKay is well known to the Church at large. His phenomenally successful labors in the superintendency of the Weber Stake Sunday schools were watched with interest before he became one of the Lord's special witnesses. His great influence for better Sunday schools since he became second assistant general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, has been felt not only on that board, but also throughout the Stakes of Zion. We are glad to welcome him as our first assistant general superintendent." In February, 1918, Apostle McKay received from the press, "Ancient Apostles," a book written by him for the Deseret Sunday School Union. In this book the Ancient Apostles are made real living men with characteristics, such as men possess today—men about whom young people love to read and from whom the highest ideals may be formed. In 1918 (Nov. 27th), Elder McKay was appointed general superintendent of the Church Sunday schools by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve. He selected as his assistants Elder Stephen L. Richards and Elder George D. Pyper. The confidence and love that each of these three men has for the other is appreciated by all who know them. At a meeting of the General Board held Jan. 7, 1919, which was attended also by the First Presidency, the names of the new general superintendency were presented by President Heber J. Grant and unanimously sustained by the board. Elder Edward P. Kimball, writing of the reorganization, says: "Elder David O. McKay is signally honored by this call to preside over the Sunday schools of the Church in all the world. He is the first general superintendent who has not been in the First Presidency of the Church while acting in this capacity. His appointment comes as a merited recognition of the faithfulness and zeal which he has displayed during his long association with the Sunday schools; and that confidence in his training for the great responsibility of his new calling and in his capabilities in the fidelity to the great Sunday school cause, exhibited by his brethren in placing him at the head of this wonderful work will find an echo in the heart of every Sunday school worker throughout the Church. His name is synonymous with the Sunday school movement, and those who are most intimately acquainted with him know best how close to his heart are the youth of Zion, and how devoutly and indefatigably he has applied himself for their improvement and salvation. Bro. McKay has given his strength to the work ever since he was first appointed a member of the Sunday school board in 1906. His mind is constantly busy with new problems and plans for the growth of the work. While he looks to and into the future, he is no idle dreamer; he has a wonderful capacity for making men see his vision and then of solving the details of his plan which will make this vision a living reality. His sure and unfailing testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is exemplified in his every thought, word and deed for the young people of the Church. His kindly, gentlemanly bearing toward every one whom he meets is proverbial; his testimony is inspiring, and his example compels admiration." When the Church School Superintendency was reorganized in the spring of 1919, Bro. McKay was appointed commissioner of Church school education, with Stephen L. Richards as first and Richard R. Lyman as second assistant commissioner, and Adam S. Bennion, superintendent. He is at present head of the outline work in the general committee on courses of study for the Priesthood, and chairman of the Church Correlation Committee. Even with all the calls that have been made upon his time in an educational way and by the Church, Bro. McKay has accomplished much real social service work that has resulted in improved conditions in his home city, county and State. He was for several years president of the Ogden Betterment League, an organization formed to improve civic conditions and especially to establish higher standards of morality for young people. In all the campaigns against liquor and vice he has been most energetic. He has been since 1915 also an active member of the Red Cross Executive Board of Weber county. Since his ordination to the high and holy calling of an Apostle, Elder McKay has labored most zealously and successfully in the interests of the Church. He has traveled very extensively in the different Stakes of Zion, attending quarterly conferences, organizing and re-organizing Stakes and Wards and paying particular attention also to Church schools and to the work done by the auxiliary organizations of the Church. Elder McKay is a popular speaker, his earnestness always making a favorable impression upon his hearers, and being a man of education he wields a great influence among the professors and teachers of Church schools, where his counsels and advise have done much to improve the educational conditions of the Church.
Jenson, Andrew. "McKay, David Oman." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 316.
McKAY, David O., president of the British Mission from 1922 to 1924. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 3, p. 760.) David O. McKay now holds the position of second counselor in the First Presidency.
McKAY, David O., president of the British Mission from 1922 to 1924. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 3, p. 760.) David O. McKay now holds the position of second counselor in the First Presidency.
"Apostle David Oman McKay." Juvenile Instructor. 15 June 1906. pg. 353-354.
APOSTLE DAVID OMAN McKAY. SOME great man has said, "All that I am, all that I ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." This same thought has been expressed many times by the subject of this sketch, Apostle David O. McKay. In his childhood and youth, he was highly favored in having the guidance of exceptionally discreet and loving parents—faithful, consistent Latter-day Saints. Their home was a home where the Priesthood of God was always respected; a home where the performance of every religious duty was a part of life; a home where respect and honor for parents and for each other was impressed daily by words and acts; their home was a home in which the most sacred obligation was the daily devotion to God. With such a home influence, it is not surprising to know that the young boy, David, was early impressed with the efficacy of prayer, and that as a youth, when the religious part of his nature began to exert itself, he sought guidance in secret prayer. Recently in an address delivered in the Ogden Tabernacle, he told of his early solicitations for a testimony of God's existence, and of the truth of the Gospel. When riding in the hills, he would sometimes dismount, and kneeling by a serviceberry bush, with only his horse for company, would plead with the Lord to give him a testimony of His Truth. Sometimes it would be by the creek in his father's meadow, sometimes in the timber when out in the hills. Thus the influence of his early teaching, the influence of his home guided his thoughts and actions until the critical period of youth was past. David 0. McKay is the son of David McKay and Jennette Evans, and was born in Huntsville, Weber County, Utah, Sept. 8, 1873. His father was born in Caithness, Scotland and has proved himself to be "the real McI." He was Bishop of Huntsville for twenty years, and has since removed to Ogden where he is performing the duty of a Patriarch and member of the High Council of Weber Stake. He served his State in the last Territorial legislature and has been elected State Senator three times. Jennette Evans was born in South Wales, August 25th, 1850. She came with her parents to Ogden in the fall of '59, where she resided until her marriage in 1867, when she accompanied her husband to Huntsville, and made her home there until one year before her death, which occurred January 6, 1905. She was connected with the Relief Society and Y. L. M. I. A. of the Huntsville ward from the lime of their organization, but during her entire life, her home and family received the attention, consideration and gentle care that can be bestowed only by an ideal wife and mother. These God-fearing parents watched the development of their eldest son with that anxiety and pride that are felt only by those who truly love, and many a time a kind word and loving arm kept the lad from swerving from that straight path they knew would lead to respected manhood. When Apostle McKay was twenty years old he became principal of the Huntsville school, and went from this position to the University of Utah, where he graduated as president of his class in 1897. While he was enthusiastically planning to enter the teaching profession to repay, in a measure, what his parents had sacrificed to keep him at school, a call came for him to go to Europe as a missionary. For two years he labored in Scotland, serving part of the time as president of that conference. One week after his return from Europe he entered the Weber Stake Academy where he still retains the position of principal. Scores of young people who have attended that institution have been led to higher and more useful lives by his noble example and teachings. The spirit of love and unity has characterized the life of the school since his connection with it. He was married in 1901 to Sister Ray Riggs. of Salt Lake City, who has been an inspiration in all his work. Two sons, David Lawrence and Llewelyn Riggs have completed the little home circle in which love reigns supreme. For six years he has labored as second assistant superintendent of the Sunday Schools of the Stake, and in connection with Superintendent, Thomas B. Evans and Charles J. Ross, has worked energetically and unceasingly for the advancement of the youth. Possibly no other schools of the Church have made greater strides toward perfection than those of Weber Stake. He has the love and respect of- all connected with the Sabbath Schools and as a mark of appreciation, a party was tendered him in Ogden, May 16th, by the entire body of officers in this organization. They presented him with a beautifully engrossed testimonial and a handsome watch fob set with diamonds. All his work has been characterized by that energy and entire loss of self that cannot but win the confidence of his associates and the blessing of our Father in Heaven. The prayers of his brethren and sisters in Weber Stake will ever ascend in his behalf that in his new field of labor as an Apostle, he may be given strength to fulfill every duty, and continue to be a power for good among the children of God. |
Apostle David O. McKay
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Morton, William A. "The New General Superintendency of Sunday Schools - S. L. Richards, David O. McKay, George D. Pyper." Relief Society Magazine. February 1919. pg. 77-78.
The New General Superintendency of Sunday Schools. William A. Morton of the General Sunday School Board. When the announcement was made that Elder David O. McKay, of the Council of Twelve, had been chosen to succeed the late President Joseph F. Smith as General Superintendent of the Sunday Schools of the Church, expressions of hearty approval were heard on every hand. No better selection could have been made, for, apart from his calling as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder McKay is, above all else, a Sunday School man. He was cradled in the Sunday School ; in his childhood it was his nursery; in his youth his guiding star. His love for the cause, his long years of devoted service to it, the great experience he had acquired as an officer and also as assistant to President Joseph F. Smith, fully qualified him for the exalted position to which he has been called. His love for little children is unbounded, and he possesses the rare gift of being "able to reach them." We have seen hundreds of little ones sit spell-bound while he taught them the ways of the Lord, and told them about the blessings which he as an individual had received from his heavenly Father. In Superintendent McKay, the youth of Zion have a father and a friend. Around the neck of many a wayward boy his big, brotherly arm has been placed while he pleaded with the erring one to forsake the paths of sin and to turn his feet into the ways of righteousness. He has been the means in the hands of the Lord of bringing peace to many a troubled conscience, joy to many an aching heart, and sunshine into many a home that had been darkened for years. He is loved and honored by all who know him, and their name is legion. He has the faith and prayers of all Israel that the Lord may continue to bless him and give him much joy and success in the work to which he has consecrated his life. As might have been expected, when Elder McKay was chosen General Superintendent, Elder Stephen L. Richards, also of the Council of the Twelve, was chosen as his first assistant. The .souls of these two men are knit as closely together as were the souls of David and Jonathan and Joseph and Hyrum. We know of no tetter team of Church workers. Elder Richards, like his file leader, has had many years of experience in Sunday School work. He is. a man of good, sound judgment, and .during the years he has been in the Superintendency he has assisted materially in .bringing the Sunday School work up to its present high ,state of perfection. He-is a man of sterling character, and his life is an inspiration to all Church workers. His presence at Sunday School conventions and conferences is always hailed with delight, for officers and teachers know that they will receive from him the help they need in order to make their labors more successful. We extend to Elder Richards our hearty congratulations, and wish him continued success in his ministry. With the elevation of Elder Stephen L. Richards to the office of First Assistant Superintendent, the genial Secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, Elder George D. Pyper, also received well-earned recognition, he having been chosen to fill the office of Second Assistant Superintendent. This appointment has also met with universal favor. His experience of many years as General Secretary of the Union Board has made Brother Pyper familiar with Sunday School work, and has thoroughly qualified him for his new position. He is beloved by all who know him for his breadth of vision, his soulful music, his cheerfulness, his kindness, his wide sympathy, his brotherly love, and many other virtues. In him the Sunday Schools of the Church have a valuable asset. Long may he live to put sunshine into the souls of his fellow-mortals, and to point out to the young, in song and story, the way to a still higher and a better life. |
S. L. Richards
David O. McKay
Geo. D. Pyper
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Hinckley, Bryant S. "Greatness in Men--David O. McKay." Improvement Era. May 1932. pg. 389-391, 443-446.
Greatness in Men By Bryant S. Hinckley President of Liberty Stake It is fitting that David O. McKay, general superintendent of Sunday Schools which are organized upon every continent and the apostle who encircled the globe dedicating and blessing the various continents and missions should be the member of the Council of the Twelve to be treated in this special "Missionary Number" of the Improvement Era. In this article President Hinckley presents a striking and inspiring picture of a truly great character. David O. McKay "Great men are the noblest possession of any nation." DAVID O. McKAY is a leader. He has an indefinable, fascinating personal charm which awakens friendship and secures at once a cheerful and gratuitous following. Tolerant, genial and sincere he maintains, without offense, the high standards of his own life and wins the confidence of others. He has, in happy combination, the fundamental characteristics which underlie successful leadership. The world owes its progress in civilization and character building more to leadership than to any other single factor, and when this is applied to young people it becomes at once far-reaching and significant. He is preeminently a leader of young people. The quality of leadership which is symbolized by the lash never reaches the sources from which springs the highest and finest allegiance. It never commands the generous response which is awakened by an appeal to the higher and finer emotions of the soul. David O. McKay is a technician in making this higher and finer appeal. HIS splendid courage, his strong and flexible intellect, his idealism, his kind but chivalrous attitude toward the humblest, combine to give him that magic power which calls forth the best there is in one. It is stimulating to meet him—you go from his presence feeling a little finer, a little better than you were. David O. McKay is an educator by nature and training. He would be an outstanding personality in any company, but he is at his best before a group of young people. We do not know his superior in this capacity. He received his preliminary training in the public schools of his native town and in the Weber Stake Academy. He was graduated from the University of Utah in 1897 and was president of the graduating class of that year. Before attending the University he taught in the school at Huntsville and after graduating became principal of that school. On returning from a mission to Scotland he was employed as a teacher in the Weber Academy and three years thereafter became its principal, which position he held at the time he was called to the apostleship. THOSE days in the Weber Academy were indeed happy days for- him and for all those about him. He had discovered himself, found his place, and was doing his work. Scores of boys and girls now grown to manhood and womanhood rise up and bless his name. He was a young man but he was a great social and spiritual force. His students and his faculty caught the contagion of his radiant soul. From the blazing altar of his own heart he kindled the love for truth in the hearts of his associates—that is real teaching, teaching at its best. IN those days the buildings were altogether inadequate, the libraries small, the laboratories limited; but in those humble surroundings there was created a lofty idealism. Under his leadership there was developed an educational atmosphere and in such an atmosphere men and women grow. In April, 1906 he was chosen to be an apostle. In 1908 he was made president of the Board of Education of the Weber Normal College, and in 1919 was appointed Commissioner of Education for the Church schools. This, in large outline, is the record of his educational activities, but it is only a small indication of his educational achievements. People follow him because of the admiration which they hold for him. The world always stands in need of this kind of leadership. It carries with it the quality which marks the real educator, for the best things in education and in character building cannot be taught, they must be caught. They leap from soul to soul like electricity from the dynamo. In addition to this he is a good organizer, an effective disciplinarian, a superior judge of men. This, with his training and experience, has secured for him a prominent place in the great field of education. HIS parents were devotees of education. His father, David McKay, of Scotch descent, was one of the strong men of his day, a pioneer in many fields and a leader in his community. He served for twenty years as bishop of the ward in which he resided and was also active in civil and educational affairs, representing the people of his district in the territorial legislature prior to statehood and for three terms in the state senate. He was one of the original founders of the Weber College; a man of great kindness and of strong individualism. AGAINST current opinion he maintained that girls should be given the advantages of a college training, attaching equal, if not more, importance to their education than to the education of boys. He did this because the training of the next generation is committed largely into the hands of mothers and because they have fewer opportunities for cultural contact. He felt that a college training for girls would go far toward solving this. David O. McKay's mother, Jenette Evans McKay, of Welch descent, was a woman of native culture and delicate sensibilities who imbued her children with a love for learning. Her influence in the home has found expression in the lives of the splendid men and women who grew up in it. There is an almost regal dignity about the children of this family. They received superior inheritances from both of their parents; however, their refined taste and lofty self-respect seem to be a direct inheritance from their mother. Denied the advantages of a liberal education, she felt keenly its worth and fostered by every means at her command this desire in her children. She always dressed with scrupulous care and presided in her home with dignity. DEFERRING to his mother David O. McKay said: "I cannot think of a womanly virtue that my mother did not possess. Undoubtedly, many a youth, in affectionate appreciation of his mother's love and unselfish devotion can pay his mother the same tribute; but I say this in the maturity of manhood when calm judgment should weigh facts dispassionately. To her children, and all others who knew her well, she was beautiful and dignified. Though high spirited she was even-tempered and self-possessed. Her dark brown eyes immediately expressed any rising emotion which, however, she always held under perfect control. "In the management of her household she was frugal yet surprisingly generous, as was father also, in providing for the welfare and education of his children. To make home the most pleasant place in the world for her husband and children was her constant aim, which she achieved naturally and supremely. Though unselfishly devoted to her family, yet she tactfully taught each one to reciprocate in little acts of service. "Her soul, to quote the words of the poet was 'As pure as lines of green that streak the first white of the snowdrop's inner leaves.' In tenderness, watchful care, loving patience, loyalty to home and to right, she seemed to me in boyhood, and she seems to me now after these years, to have been supreme. "Mother left us when she was still young, only fifty-four. During the intervening twenty-seven years I have often wished that I had told her in my young manhood that my love for her and the realization of her love and of her confidence gave me power more than once during fiery youth to keep my name untarnished and my soul from clay. "From my beautiful, ever devoted and watchful mother, from my loyal sisters in our early home associations, and from my beloved wife during the maturer years that followed, I have received my high ideals of womanhood. No man has had inspiration from nobler, more loving women. To them I owe a debt of eternal gratitude." David O. is the eldest of his father's children and the idol of them all. His influence in the family has been a great factor. HE has made a lasting contribution to the Sunday School cause. No history of the Church hereafter will be written that will not exalt him to a high place because of this work. In 1899 he became a member of the Weber Stake Sunday School board with Thomas B. Evans as stake superintendent. This was a significant event, for Thomas B. Evans was an unusual man. His executive ability, his discipline and the quality of his leadership won for him Church-wide recognition and placed him among the foremost leaders in the great Sunday School organization. David O. McKay worked in this capacity for six years and then became second assistant to President Joseph F. Smith, who at that time was general superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and three years later became first assistant to President Smith, and in 1918 he was appointed general superintendent, which position he holds at the present time. THUS for many years he has been the directing spirit in this organization and it has moved majestically forward under his leadership. The personnel of his present board reflects credit on his judgment of men. In the Weber stake he introduced features which were destined to find their way into all the Sunday Schools of the Church and which resulted in revolutionizing the teaching throughout the entire organization. For the first time outlines were prepared, preparation meetings held and the lesson work unified and made progressive. Sunday School work has never been done more efficiently and effectively than it was done in the Weber Stake under the direction of Thomas B. Evans, Charles J. Ross and David O. McKay. This work appeals to the best and the finest that is in Superintendent McKay. He has brought to it not only an undivided heart but the strength and devotion of all his splendid powers. He has put into the organization, the program and the leadership of the Sunday Schools a part of the sublime and attractive faith so manifest in his own life. Through the Sunday School he has fostered two major objectives of the Church — the development of faith and the building of character. The Sunday School work is the pride of his heart and he has left forever upon it the impress of his shining personality. He was ordained an apostle under the hands of President Joseph F. Smith on April 8, 1906. He has been a most valiant servant, adding dignity and lustre to that great quorum. FIFTY-NINE years ago, September 8, he was born in Huntsville, Weber County, Utah, and grew to manhood on a farm. His early surroundings were of the most wholesome character. His home life was, in all fundamental respects, ideal, and his contacts contributed to the building of a sound, sweet and harmonious life. No wonder David O. McKay loves the great outdoors! In his boyhood he imbibed the freshness, the delight and the inspiration that comes from direct contact with nature free and unspoiled. Love of freedom, boldness of spirit, force of character are the knightly virtues which have marked the people reared in the mountains. , The native beauty and sublimity of his early surroundings must have found a happy response in his honest heart and awakened in his stainless soul the high ideals which have been so manifest in his life. On the farm he learned to ride, to swim, to fish and to enjoy the manly sports which robust youth so much craves. As a boy he played and played hard and, let us remember, the instinct to play is as deep and precious as the instinct to pray. At the same time he did his full measure of honest toil. On a farm that means long days of hard work, work which usually finds one, at the day's end, tired but satisfied. It brings the fatigue that makes sleep sweet to a boy. Homes such as this have contributed generously to the manhood and leadership of this Republic. All down the ages contact with the soil has been the source from which have come leaders. Civilization is more secure when it keeps close to nature. Let the boy on the farm be not too discontented for it is a good place to grow up — it is the source from which strong men have come. TO this day there is no recreation so satisfying to David O. McKay, no relaxation so complete, as that which comes from a visit to the old homestead, of which he is joint owner. He loves animals and delights to care for them. His method in handling them is the method which he employs in handling boys — he treats them with kindness and they respond. This Huntsville farm is located in a picturesque and delightful little valley, high in the mountain tops and still easy of access. In his youth he played baseball, football and other games with the same wholesome zest that he now plays the great game of life. Football was introduced in the University of Utah while he was a student there and he played right guard on the original team. The men on that team are today recognized as the leading citizens of the state. Thirty-one years ago January last he married Emma Ray Riggs, daughter of O. H. Riggs and Emma Robbins of Salt Lake City. She is a graduate of the University of Utah and now the mother of seven brilliant children — David Lawrence, Llewelyn Riggs, Louise Jeanette, Royal Riggs (deceased) , Emma Ray, Edward Riggs and Robert Riggs McKay. Sister McKay is an ideal wife, a wise and loving mother, greatly devoted to her husband, aiding and inspiring him in all his work. His enforced absence from home leaves largely the responsibility of directing the family and rearing the children upon her. She has met this responsibility cheerfully, courageously and successfully. David O. McKay and his wife, Emma Ray McKay, know how to make a home a refuge and a shrine. ONE of the interesting and historic events of the Church was the world tour which David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon made in 1921-22. They visited officially all the missions of the Church outside of the United States. To make this journey required thirteen months in time and sixty-two thousand five hundred miles of travel. They were five months upon the water and sailed on every ocean of the globe, crossing the Equator three times. In the distance covered, in the lands visited, in the variety of people met, in the ocean calms through which they sailed, the fury of the storms through which they passed, the tranquilities and luxuries, the hazards and hardships which were a part of it, were combined the elements of a memorable journey, but its deepest significance was religion. Elder McKay was the first man bearing the apostolic power to visit many of these Missions. This visit will never be forgotten. It will be handed down to coming generations by means of monuments and inscriptions, recorded history and traditions. The inspiration of their calling rested in mighty power upon him and his companion. Experiences of the most sacred and convincing character were given, showing divine approval of their work. The limits of this article are such that we can only mention, without detail or comment, an event or two of that memorable journey. In Hawaii a prayer was offered on the spot where George Q. Cannon as a boy missionary eighty years before had prayed and received a divine and marvelous manifestation. On this occasion the same sacred influence was experienced. The very presence of personages from the spirit world was felt. The farewell which was given the visitors by the saints of Samoa will remain forever, as one of the sublimest and sweetest memories of all who witnessed it; the spot where Elder McKay offered his final prayer in behalf of that people is today marked by an appropriate monument; the "Hui Tau" held in their honor by the saints of New Zealand; the dedication of the land of China for the preaching of the gospel; their visit to the Holy Land were all events of major significance. Fortunately detailed accounts in printed form of these events are available. DAVID O. McKAY has a deep and clear understanding of the priesthood and its functions and a broad vision of its possibilities. The recent progress of this work, which is of such basic significance in the development of the Church, owes much to the genius and devotion of David O. McKay. It has an absorbing and transcendent interest to him and this must mean much to it, for he works with the zeal and spirit of a crusader at anything which claims his interest. He has been instrumental in introducing some measures of practical and far-reaching value in this work. Every meritorious cause can rely upon him for his loyal support. He was delegate to the White House Convention on Child Health and Protection and is chairman of that organization in the State of Utah. This movement will feel the quickening touch of his strong and radiant personality. In August, 1897, he was set apart for a mission to Great Britain, returning in September, 1899, to take up his work in the Weber Stake Academy. During a large part of this mission he presided over the Scottish conference. From November, 1922, to December, 1924, he presided over the European Mission. It may be said with modesty that as a missionary, as conference president, and as president of the mission he was eminently successful. He has the rare quality of winning the confidence of people and this is the first step toward conversion. On returning home he was instrumental in establishing the Mission Home in Salt Lake City where young men and women receive brief but intensive training prior to leaving for their missions. THE religion of the Latter-day Saints is the deep and dominant force in his life. He understands it and knows how to interpret it. The religion which David O. McKay preaches and practices is a cheerful one, encouraging everything that makes life rich and full and effective, cultivating in every way the romance and gladness that comes from abundant living. It is not a straight jacket, it is not a kill-joy, there is nothing forbidding in its aspects, nothing inhibited by it that would contribute to one's permanent peace and happiness. It discourages only those things which would abridge one's usefulness or curtail his righteous possibilities. Now what is the source of his influence, the secret of his superior leadership? Put this question to his most intimate friends and they will answer—his love for mankind, his human-ness. He has a luminous and impressionable mind, a will of the strongest fibre, a great and tender heart. He is a clear and graceful writer, an appealing and convincing speaker, a delightful companion, a chivalrous leader; a lovable man who holds forever your confidence. You trust him—you believe in him. His loyalty is superb. He never forsakes a friend and is big enough to love the sinner while he hates the sin. This gives him a lifting power that comes only to noble souls. He has a really great heart, a deep and abiding sympathy, a passionate love for the souls of men — all qualities which the world stands so much in need of. ANOTHER secret of his success is his sweet and unimpeachable character. He lives above the fog and turmoil of daily circumstance. David O. McKay never did a mean or little thing, he is guilty of no injustice to his fellows, he is free from the indictments of selfishness and trickery. All his days he has lived upon a high moral plateau and has risen to spiritual altitudes which few people reach, inspiring all the while those about him to climb to the same heights. David O. McKay has done many good things and said many beautiful things but somehow he is finer than anything he has ever said or done. Back of all his splendid deeds, rising above all his achievements, is the charm of his winsome personality. Dignified and handsome in appearance, congenial and gracious in manner, kind, sincere, genuine and peace loving; but when necessity requires, courageous in action, fearless in defense of right, brave in the hour of battle, gentle and sympathetic in times of trouble, strong for truth, justice, purity and righteousness, he is always and everywhere a gentleman. |
"Close to Nature." Brother McKay, his Wife and Son.
Emma Ray Riggs McKay
Elder McKay and the late Hugh J. Cannon in Egypt
Mrs. McKay and three of her Children.
"Signals" The Boys of the First U. of U. Football Team.
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Morrell, Jeannette. "President David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. July 1945. pg. 395-396, 448.
President David O. McKay Jeanette MorrelI Visiting Teachers' Message Leader, Twelfth Ward, Mount Ogden Stake THE home into which President David O. McKay was born proved the best possible environment to prepare him for the responsibilities that have come into his later life. It was characterized by regular family prayers, harmony, love, and hospitality which was enjoyed by many Church and civic leaders. His parents directed his youthful development with faith and with sympathetic understanding. As a boy, he had his dog, a pony, pigeons, rabbits, and other pets. There was the old swimming pool which was a gathering place for the boys of the town during the hot summer days, and, later, his interests were centered in the baseball nine and in an orchestra in which he was pianist. With all these activities, incident to pleasant life in the country, there was still plenty of well-organized work which he shared with his father and brothers. There was also an unswerving rule that all attend sacrament, priesthood quorum, and auxiliary organization meetings, and that the Sabbath be respected as a day of rest. Thus, proper and lasting habits were formed in his early life and they have proved to be valuable ones. When he was twelve years old, he received a blessing from Patriarch John Smith, then on one of his regular visits at the Huntsville home. Among many other promises, the blessing said, 'The eye of the Lord is upon thee. It shall be thy lot to sit in council with thy brethren and to preside among the people and exhort the saints to faithfulness. And thou shalt go forth wherever thou art sent by the Priesthood, like a roaring lion in the forest, none to stay thee, for the power of God shall rest upon thee and give thee strength, wisdom and understanding." At the close of the blessing, Brother Smith placed his hand on David O's head and said, "My boy, you have much to do besides play marbles." Thinking the Patriarch was suggesting that he give up the game entirely, he was quite perturbed and so expressed himself to some members of his family; for playing marbles was one of his favorite games and he was an expert in it. Only after his mother explained what Elder Smith really meant did he understand the meaningful remark. He was president of the class graduated from the University of Utah in June 1897, and, in August of that same year, left for the British Mission. Upon his return from a successful missionary experience, he commenced his career as a teacher—first as an instructor in English and later as principal of Weber Stake Academy. In this latter position, he was not only an excellent teacher, but was father-confessor and spiritual adviser to hundreds of young people who still refer to him as the greatest influence in their educational and spiritual development. While directing the affairs of Weber Academy, he was called to the superintendency of the Weber Stake Sunday School Board. Under his supervision, a new era in religious teaching came into existence. The system of teacher-training, outlining lessons, and intelligent, organized presentation aroused new interest on the part of teacher and pupil, and brought deserved commendation from other churches and religious organizations. In 1895, became second assistant to President Joseph F. Smith who was then General Superintendent of Sunday Schools. In 1918, he was appointed General Superintendent, which position he held for years. Elder Bryant S. Hinckley said of him: ''He brought to the Sunday School work not only an undivided heart, but the strength and devotion of all his splendid powers. Through the Sunday School, he has fostered two major objectives of the Church —the development of faith, and the building of character." From these duties, he was made a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles on April 8, 1906. His years as president of the European Mission and his world tour of Latter-day Saint missions, in company with Brother Hugh J. Cannon, are replete with faith-promoting experiences, and were paralleled only by recorded history of similar trips made by the ancient apostles. Many bishops, presidents of stakes, and a large membership of the Priesthood remember his strong advocacy of a Church Welfare organization long before it became a church-wide movement. In this, as in his stake and general Sabbath school and missionary work, were manifest an earnestness and vision that always result in progress. His everyday life has been consistent with his teaching and preaching, and has earned for him the love and confidence of all who really know him. He stands for what he thinks is right regardless of opposition or criticism, but he is tolerant and charitable toward all—whether or not they believe as he does. He loves deeply and tenderly, as his family and friends can testify. President McKay's wide experience in Church activities since early boyhood, his devotion to duty as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, and as counselor to President Heber J. Grant have eminently qualified him for the responsible position to which he has been called as second counselor to President George Albert Smith. |
David O. McKay
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Morrell, Jeannette M. "Sunday School Activities of David O. McKay." Instructor. May 1949. pg. 208-210, 243.
Sunday School Activities of President David O. McKay
JEANETTE M. MORRELL
In the life of President David O. McKay, the chapter devoted to Sunday School activities is a most interesting and significant one—interesting because it is a phase of Church work very dear to his heart and significant because through his efforts , a new era in lesson preparation and presentation was instituted.
Like all Latter-day Saint children, he was enrolled in the Sunday School at a very early age, and learned to love the association and spiritual atmosphere resulting from constant attendance. His first responsibility came on January 27, 1889, when he became secretary of the Huntsville Sunday School. On August 20, 1893, he was sustained as a teacher in the same organization and was released when he left home for his last year at the University of Utah, October 4, 1896.
After being graduated from the University in 1897, he spent two years in the British mission, laboring in Scotland, the birth place of his father, David McKay. Upon his return, he was made a member of the Weber Stake Sunday School Board in September, 1899, and was sustained as second assistant to Superintendent Thomas B. Evans early in 1900. It was in this capacity, during the next six years, that his greatest contribution was made to the Latter-day Saint Sunday schools. As second assistant, he was given the responsibility of class work and those of us who remember the methods used in teaching at that time appreciate the great need of reorganization in preparation and presentation.
President McKay's plan included a careful grading of students and a definite course of study for each department, with an adequate teaching force in each ward and corresponding supervisors for each department on the stake board. When he suggested the outlining of lessons and co-operative discussion of the month's work at union meetings, the task of education really commenced.
Teachers were asked to study each lesson at home; to decide upon a definite aim; to arrange topics logically; to suggest a timely illustration from outside the text and to write out a practical application of the lesson to the child's life. Then there was to be a weekly preparation meeting for all officer* and teachers in each ward, where every detail of the following Sunday service would be discussed and teachers would co-operate in perfecting the lesson outline and dividing the work of the class period so that there would be no time wasted and no time when pupils might get out of hand because of unnecessary pauses.
At the union meeting once each month, all officers and teachers of the stake were to come together and after receiving general instructions from the superintendency, were to separate for department work where under the supervision of stake workers, problems were discussed and plans for the coming month's work perfected co-operatively. At the close of union meeting, each teacher had in her note book four suggested composite outlines for the coming month's lessons—an example of which follows:
THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
Text: Matt. 4: 1-11; Luke 4: 1-13
Lesson setting: Time, place, etc.
I. The First Temptation.
1. Physical condition after fasting.
2. Tempter seeks to have the Savior turn stones into bread.
3. The Savior's reply.
II. The Second Temptation.
1. Tempted to cast himself from pinnacle of Temple.
a. Tempter quotes Scriptures
b. The Savior's reply.
III. The Third Temptation.
1. To worship Satan.
a. Reward offered.
b. The Savior's refusal to worship or serve any but His Heavenly Father.
Suggested Aim: Resisting temptation strengthens character.
Illustrations—stories and experiences drawn from members of class.
Application: Suggestions from pupils as to practical application in their daily lives.
The plan which is taken for granted now, but which was an innovation in 1900, was accepted first by the stake board, then by the assembled superintendencies, and, most important of all, by teachers of the stake. Many of the latter who had been active for years expressed their inability to outline lessons and adopt the new methods, but the great majority of these became the most ardent supporters of the plan when they were converted to the living lessons as compared with the unorganized material of earlier presentations.
It was not long before each teacher felt that unless every pupil left his class with a burning desire to do something as a direct result of the Sunday morning lesson, he had failed in his presentation of the subject in hand. And thus was fulfilled the admonition "Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only."
Sunday School work under the tutelage of Superintendent Thomas B. Evans, Charles J. Ross, and David O. McKay became a living, moving force in the lives of all who participated in it. Attendance, punctuality, intelligent, thorough preparation and co-operation became watchwords that brought this organization to heights never before realized, and strengthened testimonies that might never have reached maturity, but for this experience. Under President McKay's direction, a parents' convention was held in the Ogden Tabernacle, attended by President Joseph F. Smith. Out of this gathering came the Parents' Class, an addition to the regular Sunday School.
On April 8, 1906, President Mc- Kay was called to the Council of Twelve Apostles and was therefore released from the Weber Stake board which had been the laboratory of the great modern Sunday School movement. At a testimonial given on May 16, 1906, Superintendent Evans said, in behalf of the Sunday School workers of Weber Stake: "His unusual ability and integrity in his class work have enabled all to get a clearer conception of their duty. His devotion to the Sunday School cause, his untiring zeal and purity of life and conversation have inspired all to nobler deeds and awakened in them a determination to perform their labors with an eye single to the Glory of God.
"His kindness of spirit and grace of conduct have touched the hearts and won the love of all his associates who unite in praying Heaven's greatest and choicest blessings to attend him at all times, wherever he may be."
After moving to Salt Lake City, he returned once each week to give an extended course of lectures to officers and teachers of Weber Stake.
On October 6, 1906, he became second assistant to President Joseph F. Smith in the general Sunday School superintendency and on April 14, 1909, he was called to be the first assistant general superintendent. He became general superintendent on November 27, 1918 with Stephen L Richards and George D. Pyper as his assistants. Elder Edward P. Kimball, writing in the Juvenile Instructor for February, 1919, said: "Elder David O. McKay is signally honored by his call to preside over the Sunday Schools of the Church in all the world. His appointment comes as a merited recognition for the faithfulness and zeal which he has displayed during his long association with this organization. His name is synonymous with the Sunday School movement, and those who are most intimately acquainted with him know best how close to his heart are the youth of Zion, and how devoutly and indefatigably he has applied himself for their improvement and salvation. His kindly, gentlemanly bearing toward everyone whom he meets is proverbial; his testimony is inspiring; and his example compels admiration." He held the position of general superintendent until October 30, 1934, when he was sustained as second counselor to President Heber J. Grant.
While he was general superintendent, the Parents' class was made general throughout the Church, and there was instituted a progressive course of study from the Kindergarten to the Parents’ class. The lessons were graded and the members of each department had a definite assignment to complete before being promoted to the next higher division.
Ideal class instruction as developed in Weber Stake found its way into all the Sunday Schools of the Church, and with this general movement forward there must have come supreme satisfaction as a result of a difficult task well done.
President Bryant S. Hinckley in an article published in the Improvement Era, May, 1932, says: "This work appealed to the best and the finest that is in President McKay. He brought to it, not only an undivided heart, but the strength and devotion of all his splendid powers. He put into the organization a part of the sublime and attractive faith so manifest in his own life. Through the Sunday School he has fostered two major objectives of the Church —the development of faith and the building of character and he has left forever upon it the imprint of his shining personality.
"President David O. McKay has made a lasting contribution to the Sunday School cause. No history of the Church hereafter will be written that will not exalt him to a high place because of this work."
Sunday School Activities of President David O. McKay
JEANETTE M. MORRELL
In the life of President David O. McKay, the chapter devoted to Sunday School activities is a most interesting and significant one—interesting because it is a phase of Church work very dear to his heart and significant because through his efforts , a new era in lesson preparation and presentation was instituted.
Like all Latter-day Saint children, he was enrolled in the Sunday School at a very early age, and learned to love the association and spiritual atmosphere resulting from constant attendance. His first responsibility came on January 27, 1889, when he became secretary of the Huntsville Sunday School. On August 20, 1893, he was sustained as a teacher in the same organization and was released when he left home for his last year at the University of Utah, October 4, 1896.
After being graduated from the University in 1897, he spent two years in the British mission, laboring in Scotland, the birth place of his father, David McKay. Upon his return, he was made a member of the Weber Stake Sunday School Board in September, 1899, and was sustained as second assistant to Superintendent Thomas B. Evans early in 1900. It was in this capacity, during the next six years, that his greatest contribution was made to the Latter-day Saint Sunday schools. As second assistant, he was given the responsibility of class work and those of us who remember the methods used in teaching at that time appreciate the great need of reorganization in preparation and presentation.
President McKay's plan included a careful grading of students and a definite course of study for each department, with an adequate teaching force in each ward and corresponding supervisors for each department on the stake board. When he suggested the outlining of lessons and co-operative discussion of the month's work at union meetings, the task of education really commenced.
Teachers were asked to study each lesson at home; to decide upon a definite aim; to arrange topics logically; to suggest a timely illustration from outside the text and to write out a practical application of the lesson to the child's life. Then there was to be a weekly preparation meeting for all officer* and teachers in each ward, where every detail of the following Sunday service would be discussed and teachers would co-operate in perfecting the lesson outline and dividing the work of the class period so that there would be no time wasted and no time when pupils might get out of hand because of unnecessary pauses.
At the union meeting once each month, all officers and teachers of the stake were to come together and after receiving general instructions from the superintendency, were to separate for department work where under the supervision of stake workers, problems were discussed and plans for the coming month's work perfected co-operatively. At the close of union meeting, each teacher had in her note book four suggested composite outlines for the coming month's lessons—an example of which follows:
THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
Text: Matt. 4: 1-11; Luke 4: 1-13
Lesson setting: Time, place, etc.
I. The First Temptation.
1. Physical condition after fasting.
2. Tempter seeks to have the Savior turn stones into bread.
3. The Savior's reply.
II. The Second Temptation.
1. Tempted to cast himself from pinnacle of Temple.
a. Tempter quotes Scriptures
b. The Savior's reply.
III. The Third Temptation.
1. To worship Satan.
a. Reward offered.
b. The Savior's refusal to worship or serve any but His Heavenly Father.
Suggested Aim: Resisting temptation strengthens character.
Illustrations—stories and experiences drawn from members of class.
Application: Suggestions from pupils as to practical application in their daily lives.
The plan which is taken for granted now, but which was an innovation in 1900, was accepted first by the stake board, then by the assembled superintendencies, and, most important of all, by teachers of the stake. Many of the latter who had been active for years expressed their inability to outline lessons and adopt the new methods, but the great majority of these became the most ardent supporters of the plan when they were converted to the living lessons as compared with the unorganized material of earlier presentations.
It was not long before each teacher felt that unless every pupil left his class with a burning desire to do something as a direct result of the Sunday morning lesson, he had failed in his presentation of the subject in hand. And thus was fulfilled the admonition "Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only."
Sunday School work under the tutelage of Superintendent Thomas B. Evans, Charles J. Ross, and David O. McKay became a living, moving force in the lives of all who participated in it. Attendance, punctuality, intelligent, thorough preparation and co-operation became watchwords that brought this organization to heights never before realized, and strengthened testimonies that might never have reached maturity, but for this experience. Under President McKay's direction, a parents' convention was held in the Ogden Tabernacle, attended by President Joseph F. Smith. Out of this gathering came the Parents' Class, an addition to the regular Sunday School.
On April 8, 1906, President Mc- Kay was called to the Council of Twelve Apostles and was therefore released from the Weber Stake board which had been the laboratory of the great modern Sunday School movement. At a testimonial given on May 16, 1906, Superintendent Evans said, in behalf of the Sunday School workers of Weber Stake: "His unusual ability and integrity in his class work have enabled all to get a clearer conception of their duty. His devotion to the Sunday School cause, his untiring zeal and purity of life and conversation have inspired all to nobler deeds and awakened in them a determination to perform their labors with an eye single to the Glory of God.
"His kindness of spirit and grace of conduct have touched the hearts and won the love of all his associates who unite in praying Heaven's greatest and choicest blessings to attend him at all times, wherever he may be."
After moving to Salt Lake City, he returned once each week to give an extended course of lectures to officers and teachers of Weber Stake.
On October 6, 1906, he became second assistant to President Joseph F. Smith in the general Sunday School superintendency and on April 14, 1909, he was called to be the first assistant general superintendent. He became general superintendent on November 27, 1918 with Stephen L Richards and George D. Pyper as his assistants. Elder Edward P. Kimball, writing in the Juvenile Instructor for February, 1919, said: "Elder David O. McKay is signally honored by his call to preside over the Sunday Schools of the Church in all the world. His appointment comes as a merited recognition for the faithfulness and zeal which he has displayed during his long association with this organization. His name is synonymous with the Sunday School movement, and those who are most intimately acquainted with him know best how close to his heart are the youth of Zion, and how devoutly and indefatigably he has applied himself for their improvement and salvation. His kindly, gentlemanly bearing toward everyone whom he meets is proverbial; his testimony is inspiring; and his example compels admiration." He held the position of general superintendent until October 30, 1934, when he was sustained as second counselor to President Heber J. Grant.
While he was general superintendent, the Parents' class was made general throughout the Church, and there was instituted a progressive course of study from the Kindergarten to the Parents’ class. The lessons were graded and the members of each department had a definite assignment to complete before being promoted to the next higher division.
Ideal class instruction as developed in Weber Stake found its way into all the Sunday Schools of the Church, and with this general movement forward there must have come supreme satisfaction as a result of a difficult task well done.
President Bryant S. Hinckley in an article published in the Improvement Era, May, 1932, says: "This work appealed to the best and the finest that is in President McKay. He brought to it, not only an undivided heart, but the strength and devotion of all his splendid powers. He put into the organization a part of the sublime and attractive faith so manifest in his own life. Through the Sunday School he has fostered two major objectives of the Church —the development of faith and the building of character and he has left forever upon it the imprint of his shining personality.
"President David O. McKay has made a lasting contribution to the Sunday School cause. No history of the Church hereafter will be written that will not exalt him to a high place because of this work."
Petersen, Mark E. "President David O. McKay Named President of the Council of the Twelve." Relief Society Magazine. December 1950. pg. 802-803.
President David O. McKay Named President of the Council of the Twelve Elder Mark E. Petersen Member of the Council of the Twelve WHEN President David O. McKay stands before an audience, everyone present sits up with expectancy. They know they are about to hear from a master teacher. And as he teaches, he reaches into the innermost recesses of the hearts of his hearers, deeply impressing them. He teaches with love, kindness, and great understanding. His doctrine is clear and authoritative. His sincerity is beyond all question; his meaning is clear, and there is poetry in his teachings, and humor, and pathos. There is much of artistry, too, for he paints pictures with words, using illustrative stories with marked effect. Whether in the pulpit, in the homes of the saints, in his office, or while walking down the street, he is always a master teacher. When he sits in council with his brethren. President McKay is an inspired adviser. His long experience in the Church provides an invaluable background. His devotion to the Lord merits the inspiration of the Spirit. He is wise and just, considerate and merciful. In him the Golden Rule is a working principle. One side of a question is not enough. All phases must be known to permit wise and fair consideration. He is fearless in defense of right. To the repentant sinner he is kind and forgiving, but there is no compromise with sin itself. As an executive in the highest ranking group in the Church, he does his work in a pattern of efficiency. Full days and hours mean nothing to him. From his boyhood he has worked hard and long. He likes it. This was a by-product of his farm life at Huntsville, Utah. Then, too, he is a man of exceptional vision. Forward looking always, he plans for the future. His grasp of the mission of the Church is all-inclusive. He gives it detailed attention. His interest reaches into every activity of the Church. Its progress means growth for the kingdom of God on earth, to which he gives undivided allegiance. His consideration for President George Albert Smith, whose counselor he is, and for President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., his associate in the counsellorship, is remarkable, and demonstrates true greatness in the man. He contributes continuously to the spirit of unity which characterizes the First Presidency. His attitude toward the Twelve is like that of Peter or Paul of old. The modern Twelve are grateful for him. As a husband and father, he has surrounded himself with a true Latter-day Saint family. If every husband showed his wife the kindness and consideration extended by President McKay to his life's companion, there would be no need for sorrow in any wife's heart. If every father provided for his children the high type of companionship and example given by President McKay to his family, the world would not fear for the rising generation. Such is the man who became President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles at the last general conference of the Church. President McKay came into this position because of his great worthiness and through his rank as the senior apostle in the Church, following President George Albert Smith. His appointment meets with the universal satisfaction of the authorities and membership of the Church. All welcome it with gratitude. Everywhere his people revere him for, like his file leader President Smith, he too, is an ''apostle of love.'' |
David O. McKay
|
"President David O. McKay--Increased Responsibility." Improvement Era. May 1951. pg. 317-318.
President McKay—and the Era's Editors
AS WE go to press with this issue of the Era, the Church has witnessed a momentous week—with President Smith's passing coming so close to the annual conference, and with the sustaining in solemn assembly of a new President, a new First Presidency, and a new President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.
In it all and through it all the strength of the divinely directed organization of the Church of Jesus Christ has been in evidence. Men are of limited duration in this life, but the Lord's work is unending, and in his wisdom he has provided for all the shifting scenes.
More is said of these events elsewhere in this issue, and much more will be said of the men who have been called to these weighty responsibilities in issues to come.
But now we hold publication only long enough to announce a new Editor of The Improvement Era. For more than fifty years President David O. McKay's predecessors in the Presidency of the Church have served successively as the Era's senior editors—Presidents Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, and George Albert Smith. And now, in accord with this long observed precedent, President McKay has also consented to serve as the Era's senior editor. We welcome him and axe grateful for his willingness so to serve, and we know that the Era's readers, worldwide, will gratefully welcome his messages as they appear in these pages. —R. L. E.
President McKay—and the Era's Editors
AS WE go to press with this issue of the Era, the Church has witnessed a momentous week—with President Smith's passing coming so close to the annual conference, and with the sustaining in solemn assembly of a new President, a new First Presidency, and a new President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.
In it all and through it all the strength of the divinely directed organization of the Church of Jesus Christ has been in evidence. Men are of limited duration in this life, but the Lord's work is unending, and in his wisdom he has provided for all the shifting scenes.
More is said of these events elsewhere in this issue, and much more will be said of the men who have been called to these weighty responsibilities in issues to come.
But now we hold publication only long enough to announce a new Editor of The Improvement Era. For more than fifty years President David O. McKay's predecessors in the Presidency of the Church have served successively as the Era's senior editors—Presidents Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, and George Albert Smith. And now, in accord with this long observed precedent, President McKay has also consented to serve as the Era's senior editor. We welcome him and axe grateful for his willingness so to serve, and we know that the Era's readers, worldwide, will gratefully welcome his messages as they appear in these pages. —R. L. E.
"David O. McKay Becomes Ninth President of the Church." Improvement Era. May 1951. pg. 324-325, 363.
DAVID O. MCKAY Becomes Ninth President of the Church, Stephen L Richards, J. Reuben Clark, Jr. selected as counselors, Joseph Fielding Smith sustained as President of the Council of the Twelve Meeting in solemn assembly on the morning of April 9, 1951, the membership of the Church, voting first by priesthood quorum and then as a whole, sustained President David O. McKay as the ninth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stephen L Richards of the Council of the Twelve and J. Reuben Clark, Jr., also of the Council of the Twelve and for eighteen years a counselor in the First Presidency, were sustained in the same manner as first and second counselors in the First Presidency. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith was then sustained president of the Council of the Twelve by the same inspiring vote, as were the members of the Twelve. There is a vacancy in the Council of the Twelve, due to President Richards' call to the First Presidency, which will be filled sometime later. Elder Eldred G. Smith was then sustained as Patriarch to the Church in this solemn assembly and the members of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Patriarch to the Church were sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators to the Church. Four stalwart, humble men now hold these places of highest responsibility: President David O. Mc- Kay; President Stephen L Richards, his first counselor; President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., his second counselor; and President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve. Perhaps the first recollection of President McKay for many of the members of the Church was "that kindly Sunday School superintendent." He was a member of the superintendency of the Weber (Utah) Stake Sunday School when he was called to the apostleship in 1906. A few months later he was sustained as second assistant general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union board and in April 1909, he was advanced to first assistant superintendent. Following the death of President Joseph F. Smith in 1918, he was sustained as general superintendent of Sunday Schools, a position he held until 1934. During 1921-22, President McKay had the assignment to tour the world, inspecting the missions of the Church outside of the United States, and he visited all the then organized missions except South Africa. The Saints of the mission fields still remember his visit among them. In New Zealand, during this assignment, he was given the gift of the Maori tongue while addressing a Church meeting. Following the completion of this assignment, he was called to preside over the European Missions of the Church. To other thousands, especially the youth of the Church, he has been always President David O. McKay of the First Presidency. He was sustained as second counselor to President Heber J. Grant at the October 1934 semi-annual conference, and served in that capacity to President Grant and to President George Albert Smith. Since the death of President George F. Richards of the Council of the Twelve last summer, President McKay, as the senior Apostle, was made president of the Council of the Twelve, although much of the administrative work of that quorum has fallen to Elder Joseph Fielding Smith as its acting president. President David O. McKay has been aided in all his endeavors throughout his adult life by his wife, Emma Ray Riggs McKay. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on January 2, 1951. They have seven sons and daughters: David Lawrence McKay, Dr. Llewellyn Riggs Mc- Kay, Royal Riggs McKay, Mrs. Lou Jean Blood, Mrs. Emma Rae Ashton, Dr. Edward Riggs McKay, and Robert Riggs McKay. President Stephen L Richards, the first counselor in the First Presidency, has long worked with President McKay. He was called as second assistant in the general Sunday School superintendency in 1909, and when President McKay was sustained as general superintendent in 1918, President Richards was called as first assistant. This Sunday School work continued for both men until October 1934 when they were released from the general superintendency. At the time of his call to the First Presidency President Richards served with Elder John A. Widtsoe as adviser to the Deseret Sunday School Union board. President Richards was called to the apostleship in January 1917. He is an able speaker and has raised his voice for the Church in all parts of the United States, in Mexico, Canada, the Hawaiian Islands, South America, Europe, and the Near East. In 1949 he filled a call, inspecting the three missions of South America, and in 1950 he went to Europe and to Palestine to survey the conditions of the missions there. His sermons and writings indicate his judgment, his loyalty, his faith, his courage, and his integrity, in defending the principles of the gospel. He is rightly proud of his heritage—-his grandfather, Willard Richards, was with the Prophet and his brother Hyrum, the Patriarch, at their martyrdom, and Dr. Willard Richards later became a counselor to President Brigham Young. He and his wife, Irene Merrill Richards, celebrated their golden wedding a little over a year ago. They are the parents of the following sons and daughters: Lynn S. Richards, Mrs. Irene Louise R. Covey, Mrs. Lois B. R. Hinckley, Mrs. Alice L. R. Allen, Mrs. Georgia G. R. Olson, Richard M. Richards, Phillip L. Richards. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., was called as second counselor to President Heber J. Grant during the April 1933 general conference. A native of Utah, he had long been in the East and was an expert on financial and Latin American affairs. He had just completed a term as United States ambassador to Mexico. President Heber J. Grant called him as his first counselor, a year and a half later, and he was also sustained as a member of the Council of the Twelve. He now holds a position in that quorum between Elders Joseph F. Merrill and Albert E. Bowen. During his eighteen years as a member of the First Presidency, he has seen much growth and strength come to the Church. He has been a leader of the Church welfare work from the beginning. He and President McKay have carried temporarily much of the responsibility of Church leadership during the illnesses of President Heber J. Grant and President George Albert Smith. President Clark has one of the largest libraries in the Church on Jesus the Christ. He has enriched the Church not only with his energy and with his counsel, but also with his writings. Books he has written include: Wist Ye Not That I Am About My Father's Business?, To Them of the Last Wagon, and On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life. His companion in life, Luacine Savage Clark, died in 1944. He has four children: Mrs. Louise C. Bennion, Mrs. Marianne C. Sharp, J. Reuben Clark, III, and Luacine C. Fox. President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve is known far and wide as an authority on the history and the doctrine of the Church. He is the son of President Joseph F. Smith and the grandson of the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. He has served the Church, first in the Church historian's office, later as assistant Church historian, and as Church historian for thirty years. He was called to the apostleship at the April 1910 general conference. He has long been active in temple and genealogical work in the Church. His writings include: Blood-Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage—The Reorganized Church and Question of Succession, Essentials in Church History, The Way to Perfection, The Progress of Man, Life of Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Signs of the Times, The Restoration of All Things, and the manuals currently used as lesson material, in conjunction with History of the Church, by the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. He was in Europe on Church business at the outbreak of World War II in 1938 and had the responsibility of evacuating missionaries. President Smith married Louie Emyla Shurtliff in April 1898. She died in 1908. He then married Ethel Georgina Reynolds, who died in 1937. His present wife is the former Jessie Ella Evans. His children are: Mrs. Josephine S. Reinhardt, Mrs. Julina S. Hart, Mrs. Emily S. Myers, Mrs. Naomi S. Brewster, Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., Mrs. Amelia S. McConkie, Lewis Warren Smith (who gave his life in World War II), George Reynolds Smith, Douglas Allan Smith, and Milton Edmund Smith. |
President Stephen L Richards
President David O. McKay
Ninth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
President Joseph Fielding Smith
Of the Council of the Twelve In the famed Tabernacle on Temple Square, assembled members of the Church raised their right arms to the square in unanimous approval of the leaders of God's true Church upon the earth.
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Evans, Richard L. "David O. McKay Portrait of a President." Improvement Era. June 1951. pg. 400-403, 458.
David O. McKay... Portrait of a President By Richard L. Evans TEN RULES OF HAPPINESS By President David O. McKay 1. Develop yourself by self-discipline. 2. Joy comes through creation—sorrow through destruction. Every living thing can grow: Use the world wisely to realize soul growth. 3. Do things which are hard to do. 4. Entertain upbuilding thoughts. What you think about when you do not have to think shows what you really are. 5. Do your best this hour, and you will do better the next. 6. Be true to those who trust you. 7. Pray for wisdom, courage, and a kind heart. 8. Give heed to God's messages through inspiration. If self-indulgence, jealousy, avarice, or worry have deadened your response, pray to the Lord to wipe out these impediments. 9. True friends enrich life. If you would have friends, be one. 10. Faith is the foundation of all things—including happiness. MORE THAN thirty years ago, for a Sunday School social, the late Hugh J. Cannon wrote this brief characterization of President David O. McKay: “. . a man every line of "whose face denotes firmness and courage, intensely serious when serious matters are being considered, as immovable as Gibraltar when principle is involved, but withal a kindly man and one whose heart is full of sympathy and human tenderness and an unfailing love for all mankind. In no degree sanctimonious and with a highly developed sense of humor, he still has a deep appreciation of sacred things; refined and all resemble kingdom of intellectual, he is yet one of the common people; a vital, dynamic power for good wherever he goes, he is still as humble as the little child whom we must in order to enter the heaven. . . .” Twenty years after the above was written, a young man, C. Wayne Rogers by name, sat in a New York Stake quarterly conference and recorded his impressions of President McKay as he looked and listened. From what he wrote we select these sentences: "I am always mentally reconstructing not only what he said but also how he looks: A stately figure well over six feet tall and apparently muscular—at any rate enough to be ultra forceful; a well-blocked face, handsomely engraved . . . ; eyes fiercely tender, hardening and softening in rhythmic harmony to the beautiful thoughts that flow from a strong, expressive mouth; straight lips—the melting point of character— gave him an expression . . . that was wonderful. . . . "Here is a man whose every feature, every line, and every expression mirror a life of kindness, a life of devotion, a life of understanding, of service, and of sympathy, . . . "I still possess a haunting apprehension of the depths of his nature that will never be sounded; of the unfathomable well of feeling and sincerity that will never be drained; of the understanding that while penetrating the comprehension of a mere child drives home an unforgettable lesson to the adult. He is a man that, in full maturity, has retained the sweet, sincere simplicity of a child and has combined it with his superior intellect and mellowness of experience to stand forth as a great spiritual leader." These two impressions recorded some twenty years apart, and at widely separated points across a continent, contain striking resemblances in certain essentials, and appropriately become an introductory part of this "portrait of a President." A chronology of major events in the career of President McKay appears in these pages of the Era (see page 459). A biography of him would require a book. But it is our purpose here and now to say something of the elements that have gone into the making of the man who, on April 9, 1951, was sustained in solemn assembly as ninth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (forty-five years to the day from the time he was ordained an Apostle under the hands of President Joseph F. Smith, on April 9, 1906). The years that preceded his call to the apostleship and the years that have intervened have been richly full and varied in intensive Church and community service, with assignments and appointments and responsibilities that have taken him throughout the world, and have had far-reaching impact on the lives of innumerable people. I have just had the privilege of spending some hours with past press notices and personal mementos pertaining to the President—and I have been profoundly impressed that he has been prepared through unusual experiences and activities for the position he occupies today, and that our Father in heaven has nurtured him and held him in his hand (not always either without adversity). In part at least to President McKay, Huntsville, Weber County, Utah, has always in a very special sense been his "home," since September 8, 1873, (the day of his birth), although his duties have taken him throughout the world, and most of his mature years have been lived elsewhere. But it was as a lad in Huntsville that he learned the lesson of early rising from his wise and frugal father (a man of impressive mental and spiritual stature who accepted the gospel in Scotland and emigrated to Utah in 1859, and who served his Church as missionary and bishop, and in many other ways, served his state as a legislator and community builder, and his family as a wise and loving father). It was here that President McKay learned to love the fields and learned of the problems and the labor of the farm and the ways of the farmer. It was here that he learned a love of fine animals, which love he has never lost—nor has he lost the love of the land of this first farm, which he and his family have kept to this day—as he has said to others: Till your lands: Keep your birthright; cherish your farms and fields; never remove yourselves too far from the soil. For his father he has loved the Scots—but no less has he loved the Welsh from whom his faithful, genteel mother, Jennette Evans McKay, came—she, the mother of ten, of whom David O. was the third child and first-born son. She it was who guided the family's fortunes when David McKay, senior, was sent on a mission to Great Britain, leaving David O. at the age of seven as the eldest of his father's family, the first two daughters having died of diphtheria when David O. was in his fifth year. Huntsville was ravaged that winter by the dread disease. Less than two years after David McKay, Sr., returned from this mission he was made bishop of Huntsville Ward, which position he held for some twenty years, from 1885 to 1905. And thus it was that David O. lived his young manhood as the son of the bishop of Huntsville. President McKay still cultivates— when and as he can—with strong hands, the fields of his father, the fields of his boyhood, where things began stirring at daybreak, including sleeping boys roused by the kindly but commanding voice of Father McKay. And there the clan of McKay still gathers on anniversary occasions to keep alive the cherished traditions which so long have held this family close together. And there, when the pressure of official duties permits, you will find, in the field, a tall, broad-shouldered gentleman in working clothes, grooming a horse or turning a stream of water, or riding a plow or a mower or rake. And even from a distance one wouldn't fail to recognize the tall, straight form and figure of David O. McKay. And there are the colts and horses he has taught to obey his voice. And thus, we find this portrait of a President beginning in the fields of his father—-and continuing through the years. President McKay's love of freedom and of the outdoors has extended into many other activities. From his Huntsville days he has carried with him a lifelong love of riding, swimming, fishing, hiking, of baseball and of other sports. A portrait of him as mission president shows him pitching horseshoes in London. He was a member of the first official University of Utah football team in 1894, (for which he was belatedly awarded a letter in 1934 at a Thanksgiving game — since no letters were awarded when he was on the campus). In watching him at an athletic contest within relatively recent weeks, I saw him appreciatively follow the players with a lighted face and saw him applaud the good performance of both teams with an impartial interest in youth and sportsmanship that overshadowed the ultimate outcome of the score. President McKay first attended the community school in Huntsville (over which he later presided as principal). He later attended the University of Utah, from which, as president of his class, he was graduated in 1897. After a mission, he became an instructor in Weber Stake Academy, of which his father had been one of the founders, and of which President McKay became principal in 1902. In this capacity he continued until he was called to the Council of the Twelve in April 1 906. He has always been a teacher— as well as all else he has been— a teacher of youth, a teacher of men, a teacher of his own children and of the children of others. His discourses and writings are clearly outlined and presented in logical and related points, and his teaching methods were carried over with him into the Sunday Schools in which he served first in Weber Stake, and later, beginning in October 1906, as second assistant in the general superintendency of the Sunday- Schools. Later he became first assistant and then general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union. His academic career also included a term of service (1917 to 1922) as Church commissioner of education, and he has also served as a member of the board of regents of the University of Utah, and on the board of trustees of the Utah State Agricultural College and Brigham Young University, over the latter of which boards he new presides. This portrait of a President must include a brief look at David O. McKay, the missionary, beginning with his first call to the British Mission in 1897, where he labored in Scotland, the land of his father, and latterly presided over the Scottish District. It was here that one of the soul sobering experiences of his life occurred, when, following a missionary meeting in Glasgow, President James McMurrin of the European Mission presidency said to him, as recounted in President McKay's own words: "Paraphrasing the words of the Savior to Peter, he said, 'Let me say to you, Brother David, Satan hath desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you.' Then he added, 'If you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church.' At that moment,' continued President McKay, "there flashed into my mind temptations that had beset my path, and I realized even better than President McMurrin or any other man how truly he had spoken. With the resolve then and there to keep the faith, for there was born a desire to be of service to my fellow men, and with it the realization or a glimpse at least of what I owed to the elder who first carried the message of the restored gospel to my grandfather and grandmother, who had accepted the message years before in the north of Scotland," Since then, his missionary career has continued, next, with a unique assignment in 1921 to make an official visit to all the missions of the Church throughout the world which, with his companion, Elder Hugh J. Cannon, he accomplished (with the exception of South Africa), traveling some 62,500 miles in thirteen months including travel on every ocean except the Arctic. President McKay was the first of the General Authorities of the Church to visit many of the places that were included on this itinerary, and the impressions he left upon the people of these remote lands have lasted until this time, and are symbolized by a monument erected at Apia, Samoa, May 31, 1921 in commemoration of President McKay's visit, and where meetings are still held each year. Soon after his return from this tour, a call came to him to preside over the European Mission (which then included detailed responsibility for the British Mission ) and on this mission he was accompanied by his wife and family. Service in this assignment continued until his release in December 1924. He has since been a foremost factor in missionary work, as a member and later as head of the missionary committee. He was instrumental in organizing the missionary home and has had a large part in shaping mission policies and missionary methods. The years of his activity in the Council of the Twelve (1906 to 1934) were filled with many assignments, some of which have already been indicated, with a wide variety of responsibilities, all preparing him for a place in the First Presidency, in response to the call that came to him at the general conference of the Church in October 1934, to serve as second counselor to President Grant, following the death of President Anthony W. Ivins. He distinguished himself in that position, being chosen again to serve as such by President George Albert Smith, in 1945, and during this time he added to his Church responsibilities many civic assignments, one of the most formidable of which was the chairmanship of the Utah Centennial Commission, which was appointed in 1938, and in which capacity he served until after the affairs of the Centennial were completed, following the 1947 celebration. The loving companion of all these years since January 2, 1901, has been Emma Ray Riggs McKay, a quietly competent and graciously lovely lady, who has shared many experiences with him, and who has faithfully refrained from sharing much that she might have shared as she has stayed home to rear, to nurture, and to teach their seven children—five sons and two daughters— six of whom are living. And of those living, all have been graduated from the University of Utah and all four sons have filled faithful missions for the Church—and these are their children: David Lawrence McKay, Dr. Llewellyn Riggs McKay, Royal Riggs McKay (deceased), Mrs. Lou Jean Blood, Mrs. Emma Rae Ashton, Dr. Edward Riggs McKay, and Robert Riggs McKay. President and Sister McKay observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary on January 2, 1951—after half a century of sweet and understanding association. And much as this family have shared their husband and father with others, they have also kept him close to themselves in their hearts and their homes in an affection of close kinship. May we retouch this incomplete portrait with a few points of personal impression—the point of his presence in his office in the very early morning hours, and on almost any day long after conventional closing time; his delightful laugh and his quick and keen and always kindly humor; his reading of a bit of "Bobby" Burns, or the telling of a Scotch story in the dialect of his father's fathers; his steady and appraising gaze, and the light in his eyes and the changes in his ever expressive face; the broad shoulders and the long, firm stride as he purposefully walks from place to place; the wonderful head of silvered hair; his encouragement, his confidence, and his consideration; and his faith and his firmness. And as I have been privileged to thumb through a few pages covering a brief period of press clippings and personal mementos and programs in which he has participated, my eyes have been all but unbelieving as to the variety and intensity of his activities: programs from farewells and press notices from funerals at which he spoke; reports of public functions in which he participated, appearances on college campuses and high school and seminary graduating classes, and at other institutions; a Mother's Day address before a civic group, difficult letters graciously and comprehensively answered; advice to seminary teachers on perplexing problems in personally and carefully prepared replies; thoughtfully organized addresses on the problems of youth and on public problems and on many temporal matters, as well as on the great truths of eternity; letters of profound appreciation from the sick whom he had blessed; letters to young men in military service and to young people who are puzzled as to the future; and writings—numerous writings—for magazines, for the auxiliaries, lessons for the Sunday Schools and others; a book entitled Ancient Apostles; and tender letters of fatherly affection giving evidence of a fulness and fineness of family life. And with all this surpassing pressure, I have never seen him impatient at interruption in his office; he is always the gracious host, equally gracious to the humble as to the great. Thus has his life been filled with service these seventy-seven years — and thus has he been richly prepared for his present responsibilities. May he have wisdom and guidance and inspiration, and strength and health and endurance, equal to every decision and demand that faces him in these difficult times. |
DAVID O. McKAY
NINTH PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS David McKay, Sr., and Jennette Evans McKay, and their four eldest children. The two eldest daughters, Margaret and Elena, at right and left, lost their lives in a diphtheria epidemic. David O. is standing by his father, and Thomas E. is seated on his mother's lap.
As a lad President McKay learned to love the fields, learned the problems and the labor of the farm. On the McKay family farm in Huntsville, Utah, he learned a love of fine animals, which he has never lost.
President McKay with one of his saddle horses. His horses have learned to know and heed his voice.
Here in Huntsville, Utah, President McKay, when and as he can, still cultivates the fields of his boyhood.
On anniversary occasions, the clan of McKay still gathers at the family home in Huntsville to keep alive the cherished traditions which so long have held this family close together.
As a lad of seventeen.
The youthful David O. with his sister at graduation time.
Brother and Sister McKay enjoying an evening at home around the piano.
President and Sister McKay with their children.
David O. McKay as a young man on his first mission.
President McKay's busy schedule has allowed little time tor such activities as above, but he has always taken a wholesome pleasure in outdoor diversion
Greeting Elbert R. Curtis, General Superintendent of the M. I. A. and a boy of Scout age.
President McKay and President Richards discuss a portrait of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Of their fiftieth wedding anniversary were gathered the children and grandchildren.
President and Sister McKay looking over an album of memories.
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"Highlights in the Life of David O. McKay." Improvement Era. June 1951. pg. 459.
Highlights in the Life of President David O. McKay
September 8, 1873—Born at Huntsville, Utah, the son of David and Jennette Evans McKay.
September 8, 1881—Baptized by Peter Geertsen at Huntsville, Utah.
1897—Graduated from University of Utah and president and valedictorian of his class.
August 1, 1897-—Ordained a seventy and set apart as a missionary to Great Britain by President Seymour B. Young.
September 10, 1 899—Returned home from that mission, having labored in Scotland; from March 1898 as president of the Glasgow District.
September 1899—Began teaching at the Weber Stake Academy (now Weber College), Ogden, Utah.
1899-1906—Second Assistant Superintendent, Weber (Utah) Stake, Sunday School.
January 2, 1901—Married Emma Ray Riggs.
April 17, 1902—Became Principal of Weber Academy.
April 9, 1906—Ordained an Apostle by President Joseph F. Smith.
October 6, 1906—Sustained as Second Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1906—Member of Church Board of Education.
April 4, 1909—Sustained as First Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1914—President of Ogden Betterment League.
September 19, 1915—Laid the cornerstone of the Alberta Temple at Cardston.
November 27, 1918-October 1934—General Superintendent Deseret Sunday School Union. February
1918—His book, Ancient Apostles, came from the press.
May 9, 1919-1921—Church Commissioner of Education.
December 1, 1920-December 24, 1921—Made a world tour of L. D. S. Missions, visiting the fields outside of United States except South Africa, traveling 62,500 miles.
January 9, 1921—Dedicated the land of China for the preaching of the restored gospel.
April 23, 1921—Received the gift of the Maori tongue while addressing Saints at Puketapu, Huntly, Waikato, in New Zealand.
May 31, 1921—Monument erected at Apia, Samoa in commemoration of President McKay's visit.
July 1921 -October 1922—Member of the board of regents, University of Utah.
June 2, 1922—Received a Master of Arts degree (honorary), Brigham Young University.
November 3, 1922—Called as president of the European Mission, succeeding Elder Orson F. Whitney.
January 1924—Attended first conference held in the name of the Armenian Mission, Aleppo, Syria.
December 1924—Released as president of the European Mission.
May 28, 1931—Elected President of the Weber College Alumni Association.
February 18, 1932—Elected Chairman for Utah Council for Child Health and Protection at its organization following the White House Conference on Child Welfare.
October 6, 1934—Sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President Heber J. Grant).
October 11, 1934—Set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
October 31, 1934—Released as General Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1938-1947—Chairman of Utah State Centennial Commission.
October 26, 1940—Laid the cornerstone of the Idaho Falls Temple.
1940-41—Member, board of trustees, Utah State Agricultural College.
1942—Chairman, Utah State Advisory Committee of the American Red Cross; Chairman, Utah Council of Child Health and Protection.
May 21, 1945—Sustained and set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President George Albert Smith).
May 14, 1947—Became member of Newcomen Society.
June 2, 1950—Received a Doctor of Laws degree (honorary) Utah State Agricultural College.
September 30, 1950—Sustained as President of the Council of the Twelve.
October 5, 1950—Set apart as President of the Council of the Twelve.
April 8, 1951—Sustained as President of the Church by members of the Council of the. Twelve and the Patriarch, meeting in the Salt Lake Temple.
April 9, 1951—Sustained as President of the Church by the priesthood and members meeting in Solemn Assembly, in the Tabernacle.
April 12, 1951—Ordained and set apart as President of the Church by the Council of the Twelve, with President Joseph Fielding Smith of that body acting as mouth.
April 16, 1951—Became senior editor of The Improvement Era.
April 1951—President of board of trustees, Brigham Young University.
April 1951—Elected president of the following institutions: Beneficial Life Insurance Co. Utah First National Bank. Zion's Savings Bank & Trust Co. Heber J. Grant & Co. Utah Home Fire Insurance Co. Utah Hotel Company Zion's Securities Company Z. C. M. I. Utah-Idaho Sugar Co.
President McKay previously served as President of the Layton Sugar Company in which position he continues.
Highlights in the Life of President David O. McKay
September 8, 1873—Born at Huntsville, Utah, the son of David and Jennette Evans McKay.
September 8, 1881—Baptized by Peter Geertsen at Huntsville, Utah.
1897—Graduated from University of Utah and president and valedictorian of his class.
August 1, 1897-—Ordained a seventy and set apart as a missionary to Great Britain by President Seymour B. Young.
September 10, 1 899—Returned home from that mission, having labored in Scotland; from March 1898 as president of the Glasgow District.
September 1899—Began teaching at the Weber Stake Academy (now Weber College), Ogden, Utah.
1899-1906—Second Assistant Superintendent, Weber (Utah) Stake, Sunday School.
January 2, 1901—Married Emma Ray Riggs.
April 17, 1902—Became Principal of Weber Academy.
April 9, 1906—Ordained an Apostle by President Joseph F. Smith.
October 6, 1906—Sustained as Second Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1906—Member of Church Board of Education.
April 4, 1909—Sustained as First Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1914—President of Ogden Betterment League.
September 19, 1915—Laid the cornerstone of the Alberta Temple at Cardston.
November 27, 1918-October 1934—General Superintendent Deseret Sunday School Union. February
1918—His book, Ancient Apostles, came from the press.
May 9, 1919-1921—Church Commissioner of Education.
December 1, 1920-December 24, 1921—Made a world tour of L. D. S. Missions, visiting the fields outside of United States except South Africa, traveling 62,500 miles.
January 9, 1921—Dedicated the land of China for the preaching of the restored gospel.
April 23, 1921—Received the gift of the Maori tongue while addressing Saints at Puketapu, Huntly, Waikato, in New Zealand.
May 31, 1921—Monument erected at Apia, Samoa in commemoration of President McKay's visit.
July 1921 -October 1922—Member of the board of regents, University of Utah.
June 2, 1922—Received a Master of Arts degree (honorary), Brigham Young University.
November 3, 1922—Called as president of the European Mission, succeeding Elder Orson F. Whitney.
January 1924—Attended first conference held in the name of the Armenian Mission, Aleppo, Syria.
December 1924—Released as president of the European Mission.
May 28, 1931—Elected President of the Weber College Alumni Association.
February 18, 1932—Elected Chairman for Utah Council for Child Health and Protection at its organization following the White House Conference on Child Welfare.
October 6, 1934—Sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President Heber J. Grant).
October 11, 1934—Set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
October 31, 1934—Released as General Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1938-1947—Chairman of Utah State Centennial Commission.
October 26, 1940—Laid the cornerstone of the Idaho Falls Temple.
1940-41—Member, board of trustees, Utah State Agricultural College.
1942—Chairman, Utah State Advisory Committee of the American Red Cross; Chairman, Utah Council of Child Health and Protection.
May 21, 1945—Sustained and set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President George Albert Smith).
May 14, 1947—Became member of Newcomen Society.
June 2, 1950—Received a Doctor of Laws degree (honorary) Utah State Agricultural College.
September 30, 1950—Sustained as President of the Council of the Twelve.
October 5, 1950—Set apart as President of the Council of the Twelve.
April 8, 1951—Sustained as President of the Church by members of the Council of the. Twelve and the Patriarch, meeting in the Salt Lake Temple.
April 9, 1951—Sustained as President of the Church by the priesthood and members meeting in Solemn Assembly, in the Tabernacle.
April 12, 1951—Ordained and set apart as President of the Church by the Council of the Twelve, with President Joseph Fielding Smith of that body acting as mouth.
April 16, 1951—Became senior editor of The Improvement Era.
April 1951—President of board of trustees, Brigham Young University.
April 1951—Elected president of the following institutions: Beneficial Life Insurance Co. Utah First National Bank. Zion's Savings Bank & Trust Co. Heber J. Grant & Co. Utah Home Fire Insurance Co. Utah Hotel Company Zion's Securities Company Z. C. M. I. Utah-Idaho Sugar Co.
President McKay previously served as President of the Layton Sugar Company in which position he continues.
Richards, Stephen L. "President David O. McKay--An Appreciation." Relief Society Magazine. June 1951. pg. 364-368.
President David O. McKay —An Appreciation Sustained President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 9, 1951 President Stephen L Richards Of the First Presidency TO sit under the spell of a handsome, magnetic presence and listen to the exposition of the gospel of our Lord, embellished with touching, impressive illustrations and incidents, has been the experience of many thousands within and without the Church of Christ who have been privileged to hear the eloquent sermons and addresses of our beloved President, David O. McKay. For more than forty-five years this able, devoted servant of the Lord has carried on his ministry not only in all the establishments of the Church on the continent of America, but also throughout Europe, the islands of the seas, and in nearly all of the continents of the world. A teacher by profession, he has brought, to the edification and stimulation of people, the finest characteristics of that noble art. Few, if any, within the community of the Church have ever been able to use the art to such high purposes as has he. He has been a teacher of children and adults, and a teacher of teachers. In his capacity of general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, he did more than any other man of his time to systematize the orderly teaching of the gospel and the establishment of effective procedures in that largest of all the auxiliary organizations of the Church. There are thousands of teachers all over the land who have developed their love of the work and a capacity to inspire youth in large measure through his inspiring instructions and example. His capacity for effective administration arises largely out of his consideration for others. His deep sympathies are easily touched, and he so generously bestows his love that it begets eager response in others. He is quick to recognize the good in his associates and accord full measure of praise for every contribution. His courtesy is unfailing and genuine, in evidence with all whom he meets, young and old, rich and poor. He is impeccably honest and creates an atmosphere of trust and confidence wherever he goes. This altogether too brief sketch of the public life of our President cannot be expected to convey to the stranger any adequate idea of the personality, the charm, and strength of this good man. But perhaps to the members of the Church it may serve in a meager way to recall impressions which have come to thousands upon thousands during the many years of his devoted public service. Among the readers of this Magazine, there will be many who will recognize in the foregoing account an omission which must not be ignored even in this short statement. It is his remarkable capacity for friendship and affection. This talent with which he has been so richly blessed cannot well be set out in words on the printed page; it is something that must be felt and experienced to be appreciated. Those who have looked into his loving eyes and seen the smile on his handsome countenance, and felt the warmth of his handclasp, and the pressure of his embrace, will understand. He can make a friend feel like a blood brother. He can cement and fuse his own soul with the soul of a kindred spirit. He can transform worldly friendship into a bond of such intensity and durability as to invest this noble relation with divine character. He is a living exponent and exemplar of the true brotherhood of Christ. With such a precious gift as his endowment, both inherited and cultivated, it is not difficult to imagine his beautiful relations with his beloved wife, Emma Ray Riggs McKay, their children and kinsfolk. I have been a witness over many years to the exquisitely beautiful family life of this devoted husband, father, and brother. It is no wonder that the love of his kinsfolk has encircled him, protected and encouraged him for many long years. They have but requited the affection and deep solicitude he has ever had for them. I have tried but have never been able to express the gratitude I feel for the high privilege of being admitted to the circle of his intimate friends. If I may be permitted to remain within that circle for the period of this life, and for the life to come, I shall feel that I have won a blessing of incomparable value. It is thus I pay a brief and humble tribute to this noble man, faithful and exalted servant of the Most High God, lover of mankind—my friend. |
PRESIDENT DAVID OMAN McKAY
DAVID McKAY AND JENNETTE EVANS McKAY
PARENTS OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY David McKay, the father, was born May 3, 1844, in Thurso, Scotland, and died November 17, 1917, in Ogden, Utah. The mother, Jennette Evans McKay, was born August 28, 1850, in Wales, and died January 5, 1905, in Ogden, Utah. Brother and Sister McKay are buried in Huntsville, and Brother McKay deeded the old family home to the eight children as common property, to which all could return for companionship and enjoyment. The McKay brothers and sisters often go back to this home for holidays, and for special occasions. The home is beautiful and spacious and the surrounding grounds provide opportunities for many outdoor activities. THE FOUR SISTERS OF PRESIDENT McKAY
At front, left to right: Jeanette McKay Morrell; Elizabeth McKay Hill. At back, left to right: Katherine McKay Ricks; Ann McKay Farr. All of these women have been active in Relief Society work for many years. Sister Morrell was formerly literature class leader in the Twelfth Ward in Ogden, Utah, and is now theology class leader in that ward; Sister Hill has served on the Liberty Stake and Bonneville Stake Relief Society Boards and also as theology class leader, at present she is visiting teacher in Yale Ward, Salt Lake City, and a member of the advisory committee of the Mormon Handicraft Shop; Sister Ricks has served as literature class leader in Logan Fifth Ward; Sister Farr has been stake Relief Society president in Smithfield and Benson stakes, serving in this capacity a total of sixteen years. EMMA RAY RIGGS (McKAY) AND DAVID OMAN McKAY AT THE TIME OF THEIR MARRIAGE
PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY, HIS WIFE, EMMA RAY RIGGS McKAY,
AND THEIR FAMILY Front row, left to right: Francis Ellen Anderson McKay; Robert R. McKay; Sister Emma Ray Riggs McKay; President David O. McKay; Lou Jean McKay Blood; Llewelyn R. McKay, Ph.D.; Alice Smith McKay. Back row, left to right: Conway A. Ashton; Emma Rae McKay Ashton; Dr. Edward R. McKay; Lottie Lund McKay; David Lawrence McKay; Mildred Calderwood McKay. One son-in-law, Dr. R. Russell Blood, a Commander in the United States Navy, was absent from the group, as he was serving with the United Nations forces in Korea when this photograph was taken. He is still on active duty in the Pacific. |
Clark, J. Reuben, Jr. "Our Tribute to President McKay." Improvement Era. September 1953. pg. 641.
Our Tribute To President McKay
by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
As one of the General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for nearly half a century, President David Oman McKay has devoted his time, energy, and talents to the service of the Lord in building up his kingdom here on earth. He was made an Apostle in 1906; a member of the First Presidency in 1934; and became President of the Church in April 1951, following the regular order of succession that obtains in that matter.
Educated and trained as a teacher, experienced as a successful administrator of Weber College (then the Weber Stake Academy), over which he presided with great credit and distinguished ability, it was natural that his early special assignment in Church service called him into the work of the auxiliaries.
His initial work as counselor in the superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union under President Joseph F. Smith as superintendent, and later his service as superintendent, gave him opportunity for the further exercise of his outstanding abilities as a teacher and inspirer of youth. Recognizing his superior talents in the field of education, President Heber J. Grant made him Commissioner of Education for the Church. He had again moved into his chosen field of activity, which he loved and still loves. He is a great teacher. Under his able and energetic direction the Church school system began a march forward that has continued to this time.
His success and experience in this field, plus a successful missionary experience in his earlier life in Great Britain, led to his appointment as President of the European Mission of the Church —a position which he held for two years, and to which he brought a devotion to duty, a contagious enthusiasm, and an unfaltering faith in the restored gospel, that led to outstanding achievement. This service was preceded by a tour of the Church missions in all parts of the world, a more extensive tour than any theretofore or since undertaken by any General Authority. The experiences of that tour, particularly in the islands of the Pacific, are still held in reverent memory by all the Saints who were privileged to participate in the rich outpourings of the Spirit that accompanied his ministrations to the people.
He has a personality of unusual charm. He loves the people; he is grateful for the love he welcomes in return. He loves to mingle among them and visit with them. They find him kind, courteous, considerate, interested in them and in their welfare. He brings to his work great enthusiasm and energy. He is a great preacher, and the inspiration gathered from his words has led thousands of our members, in the wards and stakes and missions, to better lives and greater devotion to the building up of the cause of truth in the earth. His great aim is to build up the kingdom, to spread and increase its influence, so that righteousness may rule the world.
The people unite in a prayer that God will continue to bless him abundantly.
Our Tribute To President McKay
by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
As one of the General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for nearly half a century, President David Oman McKay has devoted his time, energy, and talents to the service of the Lord in building up his kingdom here on earth. He was made an Apostle in 1906; a member of the First Presidency in 1934; and became President of the Church in April 1951, following the regular order of succession that obtains in that matter.
Educated and trained as a teacher, experienced as a successful administrator of Weber College (then the Weber Stake Academy), over which he presided with great credit and distinguished ability, it was natural that his early special assignment in Church service called him into the work of the auxiliaries.
His initial work as counselor in the superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union under President Joseph F. Smith as superintendent, and later his service as superintendent, gave him opportunity for the further exercise of his outstanding abilities as a teacher and inspirer of youth. Recognizing his superior talents in the field of education, President Heber J. Grant made him Commissioner of Education for the Church. He had again moved into his chosen field of activity, which he loved and still loves. He is a great teacher. Under his able and energetic direction the Church school system began a march forward that has continued to this time.
His success and experience in this field, plus a successful missionary experience in his earlier life in Great Britain, led to his appointment as President of the European Mission of the Church —a position which he held for two years, and to which he brought a devotion to duty, a contagious enthusiasm, and an unfaltering faith in the restored gospel, that led to outstanding achievement. This service was preceded by a tour of the Church missions in all parts of the world, a more extensive tour than any theretofore or since undertaken by any General Authority. The experiences of that tour, particularly in the islands of the Pacific, are still held in reverent memory by all the Saints who were privileged to participate in the rich outpourings of the Spirit that accompanied his ministrations to the people.
He has a personality of unusual charm. He loves the people; he is grateful for the love he welcomes in return. He loves to mingle among them and visit with them. They find him kind, courteous, considerate, interested in them and in their welfare. He brings to his work great enthusiasm and energy. He is a great preacher, and the inspiration gathered from his words has led thousands of our members, in the wards and stakes and missions, to better lives and greater devotion to the building up of the cause of truth in the earth. His great aim is to build up the kingdom, to spread and increase its influence, so that righteousness may rule the world.
The people unite in a prayer that God will continue to bless him abundantly.
Josephson, Marba C. "At Home with the McKays." Improvement Era. September 1953. pg. 644-645, 680, 683.
At Home with the McKays by Marba C. Josephson Associate Managing Editor One quality that typifies the home life of President and Sister David O. McKay is their unfailing graciousness, which follows the admonition of the Savior concerning the importance of the individual. It matters not to President McKay and his wife what the age of the person is; what matters to them is that he is a child of our eternal Father, one born into the world to work out his salvation and entitled to the respect, help, and encouragement that can be given him in this struggle upwards. And President and Mrs. McKay are there to help. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:40) has been the guiding light of the McKay household. There is a thoroughgoing respect for everyone who has crossed the threshold of that home, just as there is for everyone whom they meet. Their family life is an ideal one. There are traditional occasions for the McKays to celebrate as a family; birthdays are never forgotten—no matter what the stress of other pressing business; for instance, while President and Sister McKay were east to meet with the heads of the government, one of the sons had a birthday—and a telegram came from "Papa Dade" as the family affectionately call the President, wishing the son a happy day—and many more of them. Christmas is also a tradition with the family as are Decoration Day, and the Fourth of July. Other special days are celebrated whenever possible. Even when illness has made it seem advisable to cancel plans for these family days of celebration, Sister McKay has said, "As long as I can crawl, I want the family to come to the home." And come they do—infants in arms, toddlers, older grandchildren, children, and wives or husbands. At nine-thirty in the morning, they assemble, and the entire day is spent in joyful reunion. The Christmas celebration provides the younger people with their full measure of acceptance. Instead of their sitting at small tables, it is the adults who sit at card tables, and the children are at the big dining room table—"Papa Dade" at the head, where their personal importance is stressed, to their everlasting delight. It was the eldest grandson, incidentally, who picked up the name "Papa Dade" (Sister McKay has always called her husband "Dade") and bestowed it on the President, a name that has persisted throughout the years. And it is "Mama Ray," tiny but strong, who is right beside him to see that events move as they should and to give him support right down the line. To some it might seem that Sister McKay would agree completely with what the President might say. But it is not always so; their differences are such as indicate the strength of their characters. There is no arguing, but a thoroughgoing respect for each other's opinions. However, on fundamentals they act as a unit, giving security to their children and grandchildren. Concerning "Mama Ray" and "Papa Dade" in their relationship, there is a closeness of the two that is beautiful to see. During the years while the children were little, "Mama Ray" stayed at home because she felt that she was needed with the family. Her place was with them. Now that the family are grown, the two go everywhere together. And it is well they do, for they complement each other. There has always been a thoroughgoing respect for each other. Neither has ever raised his voice. There has never been any quarreling or nagging in the family. Some annoyance may have been shown by facial or bodily expression, but the voices throughout have remained sweet, respectful. Sister McKay, like her husband, has a sweet sense of humor. Once as she was driving through the Kaibab Forest with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law, she became somewhat apprehensive because her son was driving a bit rapidly. Finally, in her quiet manner, she said, "Llewlyn, will be it all right if I take my eyes off the road to look for some flying squirrels?" Incidentally, she saw some! President McKay loves Scotch stories and tells them with rare good dialect. And he even delights in telling stories on himself. Sister McKay has always had her two feet planted firmly on the ground. She has a sense of appropriateness in dress, words, and actions that has given her a poise so great that she makes other people feel perfectly at ease with her. It is a tribute to Sister McKay that a few years ago when she was ill and had to go to the hospital, President McKay would not stay in their home. He was either in the hospital with her or in the office where work could release him from concern and loneliness. This closeness permeates the child- parent relationship as well; the McKays are a closely knit family. With the busy life that President McKay lives there should be an equal "busy-ness" about his relaxation, and there is. The word Huntsville typifies the release and the opportunity to work hard at relaxation. President McKay has felt a marked closeness to the home of his youth and has given that feeling to his family. Decoration Day, the Fourth of July, Christmas, winter holidays, President and Sister McKay go one day early to the Huntsville home when they can to make it ready for the family. President McKay will hitch the horses to the lawn mower and cut the grass, so that the boys will have a good place to play baseball. The riding horses are curried and made ready so that each child may have a turn riding. On the current July Fourth, President McKay was scheduled to appear in the Provo parade, which he did. But as soon as the parade was over, he headed the car for Huntsville and arrived there at three o'clock in the afternoon—to be in that community where his heart is. In the early days the four kitchens at the Huntsville home provided adequate cooking facilities for all President McKay's brothers and sisters and their families in addition. Consequently solidarity developed in the McKay family and provided good companionship between President McKay and his sons as they worked in the fields or played together. They also developed and learned the true value of work. The girls of the family also had opportunity when "Mama Ray" came to Salt Lake City occasionally to care for her husband. The girls were left to keep house—cook, wash, iron, mend, and learn home management from a practical point of view. During the winter holidays, "Papa Dade" hitches' the horses so that the children may have sleigh rides. Oh, the fun they have as a family might be the example for all Latter-day Saint families throughout the world! The great game for all the McKays is Rook. It is a relaxation as well as a social pastime. Crokinole used to be a favorite when the children were 680 younger. There were always two outings that they could count on for the summer: a trip to Yellowstone Park and an excursion to Lagoon. No summer was complete without these two experiences, which served to bind the family even more closely into a unit. On a recent trip President McKay learned that a daughter-in-law of his had never been to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Nothing would do but that they delay their own crowded schedule to see that she was given the great joy of seeing that spectacular sight. The McKays derive sincere pleasure out of giving pleasure to others. On this trip, also, President McKay spent twenty minutes feeding the squirrels with some of the buns left over from their lunch. One sure way, the old adage runs, of telling whether a man is good is to see how animals react to him. Animals love President McKay, and he loves them. It is nothing for President McKay to leave his home in Salt Lake City, drive to Huntsville, help break a colt, and be back at the office by opening time. His love for animals makes his training of them easy and enjoyable. The family parties are intensified in interest because of the musical ability of the family. The McKays have had from the early days of childhood the ability to entertain themselves. Lawrence plays the violin; Llewelyn the clarinet; and Lou Jean the piano. On rare occasions when Lou Jean is not able to be present, "Mama Ray" herself will play the accompaniment for the music. "Papa Dade" is a storyteller of the greatest ability. His stories usually have a purpose as well as being entertaining. His dancing eyes hold his audience spellbound. A sister-in-law once said that she had never met anyone else who had the rare ability that President McKay has of tying his entire audience to him — from the oldest to the youngest. Always at the family gatherings one grandchild is on President McKay's lap, more frequently there are two. He is especially careful to see that each of his children and grandchildren shares equally in his demonstrated affection and favors. At the family get-togethers each is supposed to do something—great or small—to add to the enjoyment of all. And "Papa Dade" watches with graciousness and appreciation as each does his bit. This characteristic of giving full credit to everyone for what he can do stems from his basic belief in the worth of the human soul. In this thorough respect he is a most consistent person. But he is consistent in every way with that which he preaches—a quality that has persisted through the years. In their religious association the McKays have always been a unit. Whenever the children gave their two and a half minute talks or recited or played in the various organizations of the Church, President and Sister McKay were there to give support and to encourage the activity. When the ward teachers came, President McKay called his family in to listen to the message. His respect for the ward teachers is part of his respect for the authority of the priesthood in addition to his respect for all mankind. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it," (Prov. 22:6) has indeed proved true in the McKay household. The consistency in President and Sister McKay's family life has proved itself in the rearing in love and happiness of an honorable and respected family. |
On holidays the McKay family gather together—sons and daughters, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, babes in arms, toddlers, and adolescents—for the fun that always results in being together.
Music is a favorite pastime in the McKay household. Sister McKay plays the piano for the President—or with her musical family.
Huntsville affords the McKays the opportunity to learn the value of work.
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"Our Tribute to President McKay." Improvement Era. September 1953. pg. 707.
Our Tribute to President David O. McKay President David O. McKay is pre-eminently the composite of all we expect to see in the best of men. Without reservation, we honor this mighty prophet, seer, and revelator, this great presiding high priest, who is the living oracle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eighty years in the school of life have so leavened his character as to make it synonymous with everything of good report or praiseworthy. The eloquency of his words is sustained in the becoming dignity of his every act. He asks no man to do that which he does not do himself. His example is worthy of the closest emulation by all. There seems to be no time when President McKay is not at his best. He is never less great than he has been. He is ever greater than he was before. He is progressive, forward looking, indomitable. He is not vainly proud, but the pride of his righteous heart beats out, in holy rhythm, the increasing tempo of the abundant life. He stands today on an eminence where all the plateaus of life are easily brought into focus before him. He leads as a prophet; he sees as a seer; he counsels as a revelator! President McKay is as much at ease in the presence of the world's mighty as he is in the company of God's little ones. Children love him; great ones admire him; everyone respects him. The warmth of his greeting, the depth of his friendship, the smile of his approval, his handshake, are succor to the soul. As the Presiding Bishopric, we thank our heavenly Father for President David O. McKay. We pray for many happy returns of the day which marks the eightieth anniversary of his birth. We pray it may please our Lord to spare him to the Church, the Saints, and the world for many years to come. God bless his body and his great mind that their every faculty may respond to the sensitive will of his invincible spirit as long as he lives. The Presiding Bishopric |
Morrell, Jeannette McKay. "Ancestry of President David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. September 1953. pg. 574-581.
Ancestry of President David O. McKay Jeanette McKay Morrell [The first of a series of articles on the ancestry and life of President McKay.] PRESIDENT David O. McKay comes from two lines of religious people. His paternal grandmother, Ellen Oman McKay was one of ten children, seven girls and three boys. Her father, David Oman, for whom President McKay was named, was the factor or steward of the large estate of the Earl of Caithness. The three sons went to India where they became the owners of a large tea plantation. The youngest of the brothers died in early manhood, but the other two remained to rear their families there, sending their children to London for their education. The seven daughters were given the best education Scotland afforded at that time. They all sang in the Presbyterian Church choir, and were popular among the young people of the church, and the town of Thurso. Ellen Oman met and married William McKay from Strathnaver, Sutherlandshire, and their family consisted of two sons and three daughters: Isabella, Williamena, Katherine, Isaac, and David. On November 3, 1850, the William McKay family became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The three eldest children were baptized with their parents on that date, and they all became enthusiastic workers in their new faith. Ellen was greatly surprised and greatly disappointed when her parents and sisters refused to accept the gospel as she explained it to them. They even destroyed the books and tracts she gave them to read. Their attitude, however, failed to cool her ardor, and when, in 1852, her husband was ordained an elder, and later was made branch president, she was as active as he in proclaiming the tenets of the Latter-day Saint religion. When the time arrived for the family to leave their home for the long journey to Utah, Ellen's family pleaded with her to desist from what they termed "this mad adventure." The Presbyterian minister visited her, at the request of her family, and spent hours arguing against her leaving. He left her home saying, “I am sorry to lose such a strong Christian member." The Earl and Countess of Caithness added their pleas for her to remain, but when Ellen Oman McKay knew she was right, nothing could change her from her duty. After disposing of their property and making arrangements to leave Scotland, the children developed measles, and their departure had to be postponed. A friend of the family took advantage of the delay and asked William McKay to lend him sufficient money to take his family to the States, promising to return the amount when the family arrived at New York with a later company. The McKay family left Liverpool on Sunday, May 4, 1856, on the sailing vessel Thornton, commanded by Captain Collins, and reached New York on June 4th. Upon their arrival they were greatly disappointed to find no trace of the friend to whom they had loaned their money; so they found themselves in a new country without means to continue the journey to Utah. Undaunted, a family council was held, and with the advice of the president of the New York Branch, William McKay and his two sons, Isaac, sixteen, and David, twelve, found work, the father going to Connecticut, Isaac to New Jersey, and David upstate in New York. THE mother, left with her three small daughters, rented an unfurnished, upstairs apartment, to which they removed their bedding and the few household articles they had been able to bring with them. Since the family observed the Word of Wisdom, there was an accumulation of tea, which had been issued to them on the boat, and this was exchanged for bread and groceries, which lasted until they had earned their first money. After two years in the East, the family left for Iowa, where they remained another year preparing for the long journey across the plains. From Iowa City, they, with a small company of ten wagons, moved to Florence, where they joined the company of Captain James Brown, leaving on June 13, 1859. As the family was ready to leave, word reached Ellen Oman McKay, that there were a lame woman and her daughter who had no place in the company. She immediately offered her own place in the wagon, and she walked every step of the long journey to Salt Lake City, arriving Monday, August 29, 1859. Was it a coincidence that the experiences of President McKay's mother's family in Wales paralleled those of his father's family in Scotland? His maternal grandfather, Thomas Evans, the son of Edward Evans and Jennette Powell Evans, was born in October, 1812, in Glamorganshire, South Wales. He was descended from a long line of professional people, among whom were lawyers, ministers, and teachers. His grandmother, Margaret (Peggy) Powell, daughter of Thomas Powell and Ann Lewis Powell, was born July 2, 1813, in Brecknockshire, South Wales. The families of both maternal grandparents were devout members of the Methodist Church, and shortly before Margaret Powell's passing in 1896, she received a visit from one of her nephews, Morgan Powell, who had come to America, and lived somewhere in the West, and who was on his way East to accept a pastorate in the Methodist Church. Thomas Evans and Margaret were married March 27, 1837, establishing their home in Cefen Coed, near Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire, South Wales. They were the parents of eleven children. They became converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and were baptized the same year the McKay family became members, in May 1850. Because of this action, Thomas was disinherited by his family, and received no word from any of them from that time until his death in Ogden, Utah, May 25, 1877. Since that time, however, his descendants have exchanged visits with some of his people who came to the United States but remained in the East. Thomas was ordained an elder by William Richards, and later became president of the branch in which he lived. The family sailed for America, on the packet ship Horizon, May 25, 1856. They arrived in Boston harbor on June 30, and immediately boarded a train for Iowa City, arriving there July 8, 1856. THE Evans family remained in Iowa three years, and after securing wagons, teams, and an extra cow to supply them with milk and butter, they left Florence June 7, 1859, in the private company of Philip H. Buzzard, arriving in Salt Lake City August 24, 1859. Thus the two families, living in different countries, were baptized in the same year, sailed for the United States during the month of May 1856, and both reached America about six weeks later. The McKays remained in New York two years, and one year in Iowa, while the Evans family spent three years in Iowa, and the arrival of both families in Utah was in August 1859. Neither was conscious of the existence of the other until they met in Ogden, Utah. Surely theirs were ''ships that passed in the night." The Evans family remained in Salt Lake City two weeks, and then came to Ogden, purchasing the property between what is now Adams and Madison Avenues, and between Twenty-eighth and Thirtieth Streets. Here they built a temporary log cabin, and, later, a rock house was completed. This was a comfortable and quite elaborate house for the times, and was occupied continuously until 1951, when it was replaced by an apartment house, owned by their grandson, Thomas Edward Gibbons. David McKay, a lad of fifteen, saw Jennette Evans as she sat on the tongue of their wagon, shortly after her arrival in Ogden, and he said he never forgot her large, brown eyes under the pink sunbonnet. She became one of the most beautiful and most popular young ladies of Ogden, and David kept in touch with her and her family, and finally persuaded them to allow him to marry her on April 9, 1867, when she was not quite eighteen. Apostle Wilford Woodruff performed the marriage ceremony in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. Previous to their marriage, David had been in Huntsville for several years working with his father and brother. They had all taken up land, and Father William McKay had herds of cattle and sheep from which his meat market in Ogden was supplied. David lived in a log cabin, and his sister, Williamena McKay, kept house for him and his father on his frequent visits to Huntsville. David was active in religious affairs, even as a young man. When the old rock schoolhouse in Huntsville was razed in 1934, and the cornerstone was removed, a sealed glass jar was discovered containing the following: Huntsville, Weber County, Utah Territory, United States of America, July 4, 1866. The following named persons, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, agree to assist in building a house in Huntsville, wherein to worship God and educate their children. Then followed a long list of names, and David McKay's was one of them. FOLLOWING their marriage, David took his bride Jennette to the log cabin in Huntsville, and they commenced life as young pioneers. Indians came frequently to the village and, carrying out President Young's instructions, they were always received as friends and given food. The Deseret News gave an account of one such visit consisting of seven chiefs of the Shoshones, accompanied by about one thousand of their men, squaws, and papooses. They arrived on Thursday, and made their camp a mile west of the settlement. On Sunday, the chiefs attended the meetings of the Church, at which President Francis A. Hammond asked that a donation of food be brought the next day to the public square, and invited the entire party to come and receive their presents. The Indians came, singing and dancing, and concluded their performance with a sham battle. They were given four beefs, nine sheep, several sacks of flour, and from fifty to seventy-five bushels of potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips. This was not an unusual experience for Huntsville, except that the visitors came often in smaller groups. On one of these occasions a young brave must have decided that he would like the young bride, Jennette, for his own. He came to the cabin one morning when she was washing clothes, and said: 'Tou be my squaw!" She struck him in the face with a towel from her tub, and then ran to another room where Grandfather McKay was sleeping. As soon as the Indian realized that she was not alone, he hurried out to his horse and disappeared. During the months that followed she was nervous whenever an Indian approached the house. Although she fed a great many of them, she said she was always relieved when she saw them on their way back toward their camp. Two daughters, Margaret, January 22, 1869, and Ellena, May 22, 1871, were born in the log cabin before the front part of the rock house, now known as 'The Old Home," was completed. It was a happy day for this small family when they moved into the larger and more comfortable home, and it was in this house that President David O. McKay was born, eighty years ago on September eighth. |
THURSO CASTLE, SCOTLAND, HOME OF THE EARL OF CAITHNESS
David Oman, great-grandfather of President McKay, acted as steward on the estate of the Earl of Caithness WILLIAM AND ELLEN OMAN McKAY
Paternal Grandparents of President David O. McKay LODGE ON THE ESTATE OF THE EARL OF CAITHNESS, THURSO, SCOTLAND
This lodge was occupied by David Oman, father of Ellen Oman McKay, paternal grandmother of President McKay. David Oman was the factor, or steward, on the estate of the Earl of Caithness, and this lodge was his residence, and from this place Ellen Oman was married to William McKay. HOME OF WILLIAM McKAY AND ELLEN OMAN McKAY, THURSO, SCOTLAND
This house, once the home of President McKay's paternal grandparents, is still occupied. THOMAS AND MARGARET POWELL EVANS
Maternal Grandparents of President David O. McKay HOME OF THOMAS AND MARGARET POWELL EVANS, GEFEN COED, NEAR MERTHYR TYDFIL, WALES
Jennette Evans McKay, mother of President McKay, was born in this house. The picture was taken July 16, 1952. Standing, left to right: Emma Ray Riggs McKay, wife of President McKay; a distant cousin of President McKay, Blodwyn Davis; President McKay. ROCK HOME OF THOMAS AND MARGARET POWELL EVANS IN OGDEN, UTAH
This house stood until 1951 at the corner of 28th Street and Porter Avenue. View taken from the northwest, showing the front and one side of the house, part of the old walnut tree, and the lilac bushes. |
Morrell, Jeannette McKay. "Boyhood of President David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. October 1953. pg. 656-662.
Boyhood of President David O. McKay Jeanette McKay Morrell [Second Article in a Series on the Ancestry and Life of President David O. McKay] PRESIDENT David O. McKay was born September 8, 1873, in one of the loveliest mountain valleys in the then Territory of Utah. The little town of Huntsville nestles at the foot of the mountains, with a canyon to the east leading to ideal camping grounds, and another to the west, with a good highway which passes Pine View Lake and goes on into Ogden City. David was ushered into the world by Mary Heathman Smith, lovingly known as ''Grandma Smith," who was more than an ordinary midwife of her time. She had received medical training in England, which prepared her to go far beyond the practice of obstetrics, whenever her skill was required. David was the first son and the third member of a family of ten children. His childhood was a happy one, and his pleasures were those every child longs for and enjoys. He owned a dog, a pony, pigeons, rabbits, and a magpie that learned to talk. He was active in all the games known to inventive youngsters, and best of all, he was born into a home full of love and sympathetic understanding. His first great sorrow came when he was only seven, for it was early in 1880 that both his older sisters passed away. Margaret, the elder of the two, was too ill to attend school when it opened in the autumn, and as little was understood then about rheumatic fever, she grew gradually worse until March 28, the date of her death. It was a sad time for this household when Ellena, the second daughter, developed pneumonia and died the day of her sister's funeral, April first. The grave was enlarged, and the two were placed side by side as they had always been during their short lives of nine and eleven years. It was only one year later that David's father received a call to do missionary work in Scotland. Another baby was expected shortly, and the father was reluctant to leave his wife with the responsibility of the family and the farm, for which the last payment had recently been made. The hopes and plans that had been in their minds for so long, regarding the enlargement of the house and furnishing it, seemed almost within their grasp, and now, because of this call, everything must be postponed. The mother of President McKay, however, like his grandmothers, was equal to any sacrifice, and insisted on her husband's accepting the call and leaving with the company of missionaries he was expected to join. Consequently, the father left for the long journey across the ocean on April 19, 1881, and David O.'s childhood came to an end. His father had asked him to ''take care of mama" during his absence, and from that moment he assumed responsibility far beyond his years. THE new baby daughter, the sixth in the family, arrived ten days after her father's departure, but the news of her birth did not reach him until after he was settled in Scotland. Then, as always during his mission, the letter said, ''Everything at home is going smoothly, and we are all well, so you must not worry about us." Many times during his absence there were serious problems to be solved, but their existence never reached the absent missionary. He received only encouraging reports of the baby's development, and the wonderful help the two boys were giving, and of the great kindness of relatives, neighbors, and friends. Before leaving, Brother McKay had arranged for a man to take the responsibility of the cattle and the other outside work. He came, bringing a yoke of oxen with him, and these became an additional barnyard worry. He had not been at the home long before he decided to go away to visit distant relatives, leaving the oxen behind. One evening when David O. and his mother were feeding the animals, they came at last to the discouraging task of carrying sufficient hay to satisfy these large bovines, which seemed to eat faster than they could be sup plied. The boy, with tears in his eyes, said, ''Now let's give them two large armfuls of hay, and then run to the house before they eat it." In spite of all difficulties, the two boys were kept in school, but were taught to assume their part of the home duties, which they did willingly because it was "helping mama." Family prayer had always been a regular procedure in the McKay home, and now with the mother left alone with her small family, it seemed even a more important part of each day's beginning and closing. David was taught to take his turn in this religious rite, and the little group was united more closely than it could have been without this wonderful institution. With the assistance of her husband's Priesthood quorum, the spring planting was done, and the season was a good one for bounteous crops. Hay brought a good price, but grain was down, so the family was advised to keep that part of the harvest until prices advanced. At some sacrifice, this was done, and in the spring the price of grain was higher than it had ever been before, and, as a result, there was a fair-sized bank account at the end of the season. Encouraged by their success, the mother and son found the following year profitable, and their bank account increased until they felt justified in making the addition to the home which had previously been planned. The original part of the house had been built by William Christy and William McKay, the latter not a relative but the missionary who had converted the William McKay family in Scotland. These builders had moved from the town, and it was necessary to secure others, but that was not difficult, as Huntsville boasted of many artisans in every line of work. This addition was made without the knowledge of the absent missionary, and was a wonderful surprise when he returned in 1883. On November 20 of that year, he was made bishop of the Eden Ward, and, on March 29, 1885, he was ordained bishop of the Huntsville Ward, to succeed Bishop Francis A. Hammond. BISHOP McKays home was always open to visitors who came to Huntsville. There was no hotel in the town, and no restaurant, so everyone called at the bishop's and found a welcome. The table in the large dining room was always out full length, and guest rooms were occupied, especially on week ends. Patriarch John Smith was a frequent visitor, and would spend two or three weeks giving blessings to members of the three wards in the valley. On one of these occasions, July 27, 1887, David O. received his patriarchal blessing, and at the close, the white-haired visitor placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and said, ''My boy, you have something to do besides playing marbles." David went to the kitchen where his mother was preparing dinner, and said, ''If he thinks I am going to stop playing marbles, he is mistaken." The wise mother sat down with her son and explained what Brother Smith really meant. Two years later, his sister Ann was baptized on her birthday, as was the family custom, and with her were three cousins and a friend of about the same age. As the group came from the swimming hole toward the house, they met Brothers Richard Ballantyne, George Goddard, and William Willis, who had come to attend the Sunday School conference, which was to be held the following day. These visitors assisted with the confirmations of the young people, and that evening, at the family prayer. Brother Goddard thanked our Heavenly Father that he had been permitted to participate in such a marvelous ceremony, when five children had become members of The Church of Jesus Ghrist of Latter- day Saints. All the younger members of the family, kneeling in that circle, who had taken baptism as a matter of course, were impressed by its sacredness as they had never been before. David O. was made secretary of the Huntsville Sunday School on January 27, 1889, and became a teacher in the same organization on August 20, 1893. He was in the presidency of the deacon's quorum when the duties of the deacons were far more arduous than at present. They kept the chapel clean and in order, chopped wood to keep fires going for Sunday School and for all other Church gatherings. They were also sent by twos to chop wood for the widows of the ward. The presidency of Weber Stake, Brothers Lewis W. Shurtliff, Charles F. Middleton, and Nels C. Flygare, were as well known in the McKay home as though they were relatives, because of their regular visits to the ward. Stake officers of the auxiliary organizations came quite regularly, and were honored guests always. These included Sisters Jane S. Richards, Emily Shurtliff, Harriet Brown, Josephine West, Elizabeth Stanford, Aunt Rose Canfield, Harriet Woodmansee, and many, many others. Mother, often weary from so much entertaining, would say, 'They always leave a blessing in our home, so we are happy to have them." One of the happiest days of her life was when President Wilford Woodruff, with his Counselors, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, sat at her dinner table together. Apostle Orson F. Whitney came occasionally, and on one of his visits wrote one of his longest poems. In the evenings, around the large fireplace, he would entertain the family reading his own poems and those of his favorite authors. After one of these occasions, he sent an autographed copy of his poems, which is still among the treasures of the Old Home. This was the environment in which President McKay spent his boyhood and early manhood, but his life was far from being consistently serious. He enjoyed swimming, horseback riding, reading, baseball, dancing, playing the piano with the town's dance orchestra, acting in home dramatics, debating, singing in the glee club, and in all these activities he was an enthusiastic leader. Once when David accompanied his father to the canyon to get a load of timber to build the large barn, they had to spend the night in the mountains. The father would chop the large trees and David would hitch them to the singletree and snake them down the mountainside to the wagon. That night, sleeping on their bed of pine boughs, David was awakened by the howls of coyotes and the crashing of bears through the brush near the camp. He was so frightened he nearly cried out, but hearing his father's even breathing, he nestled up to him and knew instinctively that there was protection and security as long as he was near, so he, too, soon slept soundly under the stars. Bishop McKay's influence upon his family always meant loving security and understanding sympathy. AFTER completing the eighth grade in the Huntsville school, David attended Weber Stake Academy in Ogden. During this time he lived at the home of his Grandmother Evans, and the old rock house on Twenty-eighth Street became a second home to him. He remained at the academy two years and then returned to Huntsville as a teacher in the public school. From here he entered the University of Utah and was graduated as president of his class in 1897. He was a member of the first football team that brought honor to his alma mater. His university days were among the most important of his life, for it was here he met Emma Ray Riggs, who later became his wife, and her charming mother. When the young people first met, David O. was ''going out" with a beautiful classmate, and Ray was engaged to a fine young man in the business world. David had made arrangements to teach the year following his graduation, and was greatly perturbed when he received a letter asking him to do missionary work in Great Britain. In his family no one had ever refused a call to work in any capacity in the Church, and this tradition probably assisted him in his decision to change his own plans and spend two years as a missionary. By this time there were four brothers and four sisters in the McKay household, and his leaving was the first break in the family circle. While everyone was proud of his worthiness and willingness to go, there was sadness at parting. The distance from home to Scotland seemed so much greater then than now, with fast boats and airplanes making the two countries neighbors. David O. received a blessing, setting him apart for this new work, and he knew he would have the prayers of his parents, brothers, and sisters; so he left his home feeling that all would be well with him and with the loved ones he was leaving. |
DAVID McKAY AND JENNETTE EVANS McKAY, PARENTS OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
At the time of their marriage, April 9, 1867 DAVID McKAY AND JENNETTE EVANS McKAY AND THEIR FOUR
OLDER CHILDREN Photograph taken in 1877 Left to right: Margaret, who died March 28, 1880, at the age of eleven; David O. McKay; Thomas E. McKay; Ellena, who died April 1, 1880, at the age of nine. THE FAMILY OF DAVID McKAY AND JENNETTE EVANS McKAY
Photograph taken in 1897 Front row, left to right: David McKay; Dr. William McKay; Katherine McKay Ricks; Morgan McKay, Elizabeth McKay Hill; Jennette Evans McKay. Back row, left to right: Jennette McKay Morrell; David O. McKay; Thomas E. McKay; Ann McKay Farr. DAVID O. McKAY AND HIS SISTER JEANETTE McKAY MORRELL
At the time of their graduation from the University of Utah in 1897 |
Reiser, A. Hamer. "Eleven Days with President McKay in Europe." Instructor. November 1953. pg. 324-325, 348-349.
Eleven Days with President McKay in Europe By President A. Hamer Reiser Eleven days in Europe! Eleven eventful, abundant days, filled with inspiration for the scores of Latter-day Saints who were so fortunate as to come within the range of the presence and voice of President David O. McKay. The President's party arrived from New York City by Pan American Airlines at 9:45 a.m. Monday, August 3, 1953. The party included President McKay, Sister McKay, Dr. Llewelyn R. McKay and Church Architect Edward O. Anderson. We met them at the London airport and took them to the Park Lane Hotel on Piccadilly Street. Here, after they had refreshed themselves we took them to "Valerian"—the home of the president of the British Mission. After the brief stop for fruit juice, the party now increased to include the mission presidency and staff from the headquarters at Ravenslea, continued on to New Chapel in Surrey, 24 miles south of London toward Brighton. The New Chapel site was designated a year ago by President McKay for a temple site. President McKay desired to confirm by another careful examination his original judgment that New Chapel was everything he remembered it to be upon his first seeing it more than a year ago. His memory of the details of this beautiful property is remarkable. He remembered and remarked to Sister McKay and Dr. Llewelyn, who were seeing it for the first time, with relation to the heavy oak door, the flagstones in the entrance hall, the oak paneled "baronial" hall, the hand carved designs of the main hall, the oak pillared stairway. The 18 rooms, and eight bathrooms, the merger of medieval and modern with the wonder of one and the comfort of the other, brought enthusiastic exclamations of approval from the President and Sister McKay, from Dr. McKay and Architect Anderson. The lovely formal garden provides a delightful climax to the fascination of New Chapel House. From the main hallway another handsome oak door opens on the garden. A full plate glass door guarded by a heavy wrought iron door permits an all-weather view of the garden. Through this doorway the President and his companions passed into the garden. A vista of noble trees, spacious lawns, hedges, and banks of rhododendron bushes which come together at a vanishing point far down the garden give an illusion of great depth and distance. The trees and shrubs are lovely and add variety and beauty in all seasons. There are roses, peonies, crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils, larkspurs, lupin, snapdragons, the flowering trees, the many hued leaves in multishades of green, the red leaves of maple and the variety of evergreens. Our London attorney, a Cambridge man, Mr. Reid Sharman, upon visiting New Chapel with me earlier remarked upon the treasures we have in the bird population. He is a bird lover. Not many minutes had passed before he informed me that the trees and shrubs and meadows were alive with birds of many varieties. Nests and bird songs were easy for him to observe and to identify. Happy as I have ever seen him, President McKay returned to London in the afternoon, satisfied that New Chapel is indeed the place for the British Temple. He and Architect Anderson decided upon the area in which the temple would be built and a new axis developed for the total design of the site. The present lovely garden and the "restored" Tudor mansion are to be preserved while the future temple will dominate the whole area. Early next morning we left with President McKay's party from London airport for Basel, Switzerland. President William F. and Sister Perschon of the Swiss-Austrian Mission, President Samuel E. Bringhurst on a special temple assignment, and Elder Wilhelm Zimmer of the mission presidency, greeted the President's party on arrival and drove us to mission headquarters. This was the second day. Early next morning we were driven through the verdant Swiss countryside to Berne. The temple site in Switzerland is on the outskirts of Berne. That lovely city is in the near distance and the Alps in the far distance. This clear, bright day brought the Alps in view. Cloudy, dull days of rain obscure the mountains, we were told. But this day was "dedication weather" as President McKay described it. The dedication assembly had already gathered before President McKay's party arrived. The service was simple, but wondrously impressive and inspirational. The dedicatory address and prayer were delivered with the quiet, impressive power characterized of President McKay's earnest utterances. These were remarkable for his thoughtfulness and for his acknowledgment of the graciousness of the people and of the officials of the country and the city and for his interest in their understanding and friendliness. The services attracted Latter-day Saints from many lands. While the Swiss outnumbered others, there were members from Austria, Germany, Great Britain and America, as well as men from the military services and "holiday" visitors. After the dedicatory services, the President's party had lunch in Berne. After seeing the famous Bear Clock, and the hungry performing bears in the bear pit, the group returned by automobile to Basel. This ended the President's third day in Europe. The fourth day was spent in short tours, reading the transcripts of the dedicatory service, and preparing for the departure of the President's party for its return to London. The plane's take-off was delayed due to failure of a starter, but the flight was smooth and pleasant and arrival, though late, put the party in London in time for a good rest. The end of the fourth day. Friday, the fifth day, President and Sister McKay and Dr. Llewelyn McKay spent shopping in London and seeing the Kew Gardens. Early Saturday morning the President, Sister McKay, Dr. Llewelyn, Sister Reiser and I left London by plane for Dublin, en route to Belfast to attend the fall conference of the Irish District. Fog over Dublin Airport prevented landing. Our plane, therefore, flew on to Shannon and put down for an hour and a half. A clear signal was received and our plane flew back to Dublin by 1:15 p.m. By nonstop train the party left Dublin at 2:25 p.m. and arrived in Belfast at 5 p.m. President Reiser, Sister Reiser and Dr. Llewelyn McKay attended a baptismal service at the headquarters of the Irish District in Belfast, Saturday evening. Thus ended the sixth day. At 9 a.m. Sunday morning, the seventh day, President McKay's party to Ireland attended a missionary meeting where the missionaries of the district received instructions from the mission president, bore their testimonies, and received inspiration from President Mc- Kay's instruction and testimony. The 11 a.m. session of the conference featured the Priesthood and Relief Society meetings of the Conference. The 2 p.m. session, was devoted to the Primary program and the address of President McKay. This is thought to be the first time a president of the Church has attended district conference in Ireland. The Saints and the President were delighted with the opportunity. Early Monday morning the party enplaned for London, arriving at 9:45 a.m. Elders met the party at Northolt airport and drove President and Sister McKay and Dr. Llewelyn to the Park Lane Hotel in Piccadilly and then to "Valerian" for lunch, before departure for New Chapel and the dedicatory service of the site of the temple in Great Britain. This was the eighth day of the President's 1953 European sojourn. August 10 was another day of "dedication weather," a clear day full of sunshine and blue sky and only enough white clouds to adorn the heavens with lofty heights. In the shade of a small grove, the speakers platform had been set up. One of the antique, oak tables from the House served as pulpit, and the two massive, carved mahogany chairs from the "baronial" hall, behind the table gave a stately setting. The people sat on the lawn at the feet of President McKay as he delivered the dedicatory address and later the dedicatory prayer. Eyes filled with tears of joy and gratitude as the assembled Saints enjoyed the inspiration of the modern prophets' presence and the kindly warmth of his voice. After the service the people gathered around to shake his hand. Before leaving New Chapel, President McKay took Sister McKay for another view of his favorite, the giant oak. This massive monarch is about halfway down the long vista of the tree-lined garden, over the stone bridge and on the far side of the stream from New Chapel House. As one turns to look back at the House, another beautiful view of trees and gardens is the reward. We returned to London over an old road, a departure from the main highway. It was a lovely tree-lined English country lane and as beautiful as you can imagine. Back in London, at "Valerian," the President's party had dinner in the late afternoon. At the dinner table President McKay expressed one regret, a cloud casting a shadow on the lovely day. He related that after the service at New Chapel a little girl had come to him and had asked for his autograph. Playfully he had asked her if she thought he could write. She answered, "Yes." He then walked toward the table to start signing autographs, but the little girl did not follow him, as he expected she would. He asked several people to find her but none had. He was sorrowful, because he felt he had disappointed a little child. Soon after telling us this, he left the table and went into the front room to visit with Colonel Tueller, a jet flight safety officer in Great Britain, for the American Air Force, who with his wife and family of three little girls had come to visit briefly. It was Colonel Tueller and his commanding officer who a year ago had arranged for President and Sister McKay to receive the invitation to attend the Queen's garden party. As I introduced the President to the children, the eldest, Rosanne, 11, said "Yes, I met President McKay this afternoon, at New Chapel, when I asked him for his autograph." "And did you get it?" President McKay inquired. "No," she replied, "Father called me away. He did not want me to bother you." "Did I ask you if you thought I could write?" the President asked. "Yes," said Rosanne, "and I said 'yes' I thought you could." "Then I have found the little girl I have been looking for. May I give you my autograph now?" And Rosanne was the happiest little American-Mormon girl in England. The President was happy also; he had kept faith with a little child. At 8:30 that evening President and Sister McKay, Dr. Llewelyn McKay and I took the Royal Scot from London's Euston Station for Glasgow, en route to Aberdeen, Scotland where a meeting with the members of the Aberdeen branch had been arranged for Tuesday evening. It was the morning of the ninth day with the President in Europe that we arrived at 6 a.m. in Glasgow. At the Central Station we hired a cab to take us to Buchanan Street Station. When President McKay explained we wanted to catch the 7:30 train to Aberdeen, the cab driver said: "Aye! It's flag day in Aber-r-r-r-r-deen. The streets will be deser-r-r-r-r-ted." "Why?" asked Dr. Llewelyn McKay. "Because, the Aberdonians are Scots and they will na par-r-r-t with a thruppeny bit to buy a flag!" explained the joker. Upon our arriving in Aberdeen, we registered at The Hotel Gloucester, where the President relaxed while he prepared for the evening and was interviewed by a representative of the Associated Press. Sister McKay and Dr. Llewelyn McKay took a tour of this attractive city of granite. They saw the famous Wallace Monument, Mareschal College and the great granite quarries. That evening at 58 Polmuir Road the prearranged Tuesday meeting with the Aberdeen Saints was held. The chapel, attractive and comfortable, accommodates 80 people, but 106 were present. All the members of the Aberdeen branch were there and their friends and a bus load of Saints from Dundee, a two-hour ride away. This was a day which will be long remembered in these delightful Scottish branches of the Church. Before breakfast, on the tenth day with the President, Wednesday, August 12, he and Sister McKay and Dr. Llewelyn McKay left the hotel to go to the famous early morning Aberdeen fish market. I remained at the hotel to meet the automobile parties due to arrive from Carnoustie, where they had stopped for the night. They arrived a few minutes after the President's party left the hotel. We left Aberdeen near 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, driving westward along the banks of the River Dee towards Balmoral. From Balmoral we left the main highway to go over the upland moors, wild and windswept, and threaded our way over the narrow roads toward Inverness. Scotland is bleak, lonely and awesome here. The retreating ranges of mountains fading in the distance impose a silence upon and an illusion of vastness to this plateau. Everywhere heather was in bud. Hues of purple dominated the landscape. Our arrival at Inverness near 3:30 p.m. gave President McKay opportunity to obtain the railroad reservations for the next day. The Scottish Travel Bureau gave us little hope that we would get hotel accommodations for the night by calling ahead so we set out hopefully that some wayside inn would have room. Our route through Dingwall, Bonar Bridge, and Brora to Helmsdale was fair with alternating views of the land and sea, verdant countryside and heather hued mountains and moors. On these Scottish uplands we saw mile upon mile of peat bogs and the digging of peat for the winter fuel. By 6:30 p.m. we arrived at Helmsdale, still 90 miles from Thurso, birthplace of President McKay's father. We decided to try for lodgings for the night. All three hotels in this north of Scotland fishing village were filled, but the hospitable young hotel keeper of the Bridge Hotel said; "We canna have you come into the North of Scotland and have no place to stay." So he drove off in his car to explore the homes of the village for lodgings for our party of nine. When he returned he had rooms at McKays on the water front for President and Sister McKay and Dr. McKay. At another McKay home on the hillside he placed President Stringham and Elder Orgill, and south along the river at Mo Dhachaidh (Gaelic for "My Home") of the Sutherlands he arranged a welcome for the Reisers. Thus closed the tenth eventful day with the President. At 7 a.m. Thursday, the eleventh day, our party drove out of Helmsdale, bound for Thurso. Road traffic, the weather, and our eagerness to reach Thurso favored us and we arrived for breakfast near 8:30 a.m. After that the morning was spent delightfully observing and enjoying President McKay's rediscovery of the birthplace of his father, David McKay, in the stone house in the field near Janetstoun, a few miles west of Thurso. Sometime in the 1830's, the exact date is yet to be discovered, William, "the black McKay"—"black" because he was of dark complexion—built the stone house for his wife, Ellen Oman, and their family. Here David McKay, father of David Oman McKay, was born in 1844. President McKay, when a young missionary in the Scottish district, found the "auld home." As he stood this August day, 1953, towering higher than the low door to the humble stone cottage, he told us how he knocked on the door 54 years ago. He heard the "tap, tap, tap" of a cane on the stone floor, as someone came to answer his knock. After he had introduced himself, the aged lady, another McKay, but not related, said, "Ye'll come right in, and yell sit right doon." And this he did, to enjoy a memorable visit during which the aged lady recalled her memories of the family of the "black minister," who had left long years before to join the Mormons. President McKay's face glowed with warmth and feeling as he relived the memory of that day in his youth spent in this "auld cottage." Soon after noon we were in Wick, where President McKay visited with David Oig (Gaelic for "young"), editor of the John O' Groats Journal, published in Wick. After this we retraced our way back to Inverness, through Helmsdale, Brora, Bonar Bridge, and Dingwall. At Inverness the President and Sister McKay and Dr. Llewelyn McKay took the Inverness-to-London sleeper at 5:15 p.m. Thursday—the eleventh eventful day, our last to spend with them. The rest of us returned by cars to stop en route, to London, at Liverpool, for the district conference. The President and his party arrived in London on Friday morning. They spent the day resting at "Valerian" before departing Friday evening from London airport by Pan American Airlines for New York. Eleven eventful days in Europe, we spent and will never forget. Upon the arrival safely of his party in New York, President McKay, thoughtful always of our interest in his welfare, cabled word of safe arrival. We, in Britain, rejoice in the inspiration of those eventful days. We feel closer and more secure in the knowledge that our beloved leaders are near—only two days away. |
Gathered at the British Temple site at New Chapel, Surrey, England are President David O. McKay and some of the members of his traveling party. Included are (I. to r.) Architect:
Edward O. Anderson, Pres. A. Hamer Reiser, Dr. Llewelyn McKay, Pres. Samuel E. Bringhurst and Pres. William F. Perschon. Photographs reproduced by permission of the Kent and Sussex Courier, England.
Members gathering for the dedication of the British Temple site at New Chapel. Across this lawn the British Temple will be built.
President David O. McKay taking the first shovel of dirt from the southeast corner where the Swiss Temple is to be, built.
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Morrell, Jeannette McKay. "Life of President David O. McKay--Highlights of a Busy Life." Relief Society Magazine. November 1953. pg. 730-737.
Life of President David O. McKay A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF A BUSY LIFE [The third article of a series on the ancestry and life of President McKay] Jeanette McKay Morrell PRESIDENT David O. McKay was set apart as a missionary to Great Britain by President Seymour B. Young, August 1, 1897. He was then assigned to labor in Scotland. The first part of his mission was spent in Stirling, where he made many lasting friends for the Church, as well as for himself. On June 9, 1898, he received a letter from the presidency of the British Mission about which he wrote the following in his diary: Upon opening the letter I found it to be an appointment to the Presidency of the Scottish Conference. Realizing to some extent what a responsibility this is, I seemed to be seized with a feeling of gloom and fear, lest in accepting I should prove incompetent. I walked to a secret spot in the wood, just below Wallace's monument, and there dedicated my services to the Lord and implored him for his divine assistance. He found the Conference House in Glasgow a large, poorly furnished place; so, with the assistance of the elders and the sister in charge, purchases of linoleum and necessary furniture were made to change it into livable headquarters, as a home for the missionaries, for their many callers, and for the saints and returning European elders, all of whom, at that time, sailed to the United States from Glasgow. During this mission Dr. James E. Talmage and Elder George W. Palmer gave lectures on Utah, with accompanying stereopticon slides in a number of cities in Scotland. While these lectures were not financial successes, and the elders in the conference made up the deficits, they felt that much prejudice was allayed, and many who attended became interested investigators. On May 29, 1899, a memorable Priesthood meeting was held in Glasgow in connection with the Scottish Conference, and it illustrates the spirit of this mission and the love and sympathy existing among those who labored there. President McKay records the events in his diary, excerpts from which follow: A peaceful, Heavenly influence pervaded the room. Some of the Elders were so affected by it that they expressed their feelings in tears. Just as Brother Young sat down after giving his report, Elder Charles Woolfenden said, "Brethren, there are angels in this room," and everyone present, impressed with the spirit of the occasion, and sensing the divine influence, could testify to the truth of his remarks. Elders wept for joy; sobs came from different parts of the room, and they were fitting, too, for it seemed manly to weep there. At the conclusion of the reports, all joined me in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for his blessings and manifestations. President James L. McMurrin then addressed the meeting and said, among other things, “The Lord has accepted our labors, and at this time we stand pure before him." He continued, "Yes, brethren, there are angels in this room," and the announcement was not startling, but seemed wholly proper. Designating two of the brethren, he said their guardian angels were present, then turning to me he continued, "Let me say to you, Brother David, Satan has desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you, and if you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church. WAS it a coincidence that on July 17, 1887, when David was but thirteen years old, Patriarch John Smith had said, in his blessing, 'Tor the eye of the Lord is upon thee—the Lord has a work for thee to do, in which thou shalt see much of the world. It shall be thy lot to sit in council with thy brethren, and preside among the people, and exhort the saints to faithfulness." President McKay said of this occasion, "It was a manifestation for which, as a doubting youth, I had secretly prayed most earnestly on hillside and in meadow. It was an assurance to me that sincere prayer is answered, 'sometime, somewhere.' " On one of his regular visits to Edinburgh he witnessed all the pomp and splendor accompanying the annual visit of the Prince of Wales in Scotland. It was during this mission, also, that President McKay visited Thurso, the birthplace of his father. Here he met people who remembered his Grandfather and Grandmother McKay, as well as his father. Bishop David McKay, when he did missionary work there in 1881-83. Later he went from a conference in Liverpool to his mother's birthplace in Wales. It had been arranged that he and President Mc- Murrin should attend the International Eisteddfod together, but the latter was not well enough to go, so David went alone to Cardiff, where the musical festival was being held. He had a letter of introduction from Professor Evan Stephens of Salt Lake City, to Doctor Parry, the presiding officer at this musical event, and he was kindly received by the great musician, and introduced to Doctor Edwards, assistant director, his two daughters from Pennsylvania, and, after enjoying the competitive events, to many others in attendance. He went from, here to Merthyr Tydfil, where he found relatives and friends of his mother, and wrote to her from the room in which she had been born. He was released from his mission in August 1899. Before leaving Scotland, he received a letter appointing him as a teacher in the Weber Stake Academy, so upon his return he took up his duties in this institution, as well as becoming a member of the Weber Stake Sunday School Board. In both these positions he made outstanding contributions to the Church. As second assistant to Superintendent Thomas B. Evans, his was the responsibility of the class work, and those who remember the methods used in Sunday School teaching at that time, will appreciate the great need for reorganization in preparation and presentation of lessons. President Mc- Kay's plan included a careful grading of students, and a definite course of study for each department, with an adequate teaching force in each ward, and corresponding supervisors for every department of the stake board. THE task of education really commenced when he instituted the outlining of lessons and co-operative discussions of the month's work among all stake teachers in their respective departments at monthly union meetings. This plan, and many others which he instituted and which are taken for granted now, were innovations in the year 1900. He worked in Weber Stake for six years, when he became second assistant to President Joseph F. Smith, who was General Superintendent of the Sunday Schools. Three years later he became first assistant to President Smith, and, in 1918, received the signal honor of being appointed General Superintendent, and the Sunday Schools of the entire Church began to feel the 'Vitalizing touch of his radiant personality, and the stimulating power of his leadership." On May 19, 1919, he was appointed Church Commissioner of Education, which added still greater responsibilities to an already busy life. David was married to Emma Ray Riggs on January 2, 1901. She had received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah, and was an accomplished musician, having studied piano with her mother, who was one of the best piano teachers of her time in Salt Lake City. Later, she continued her musical studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. During their university days, Ray and David's sisters became good friends, and several years before their marriage, she visited at the family home in Huntsville, where she won a special place in the hearts of the McKay family—a place she has kept throughout the years. She has been a wonderful mother and a devoted wife, never complaining at necessary absences from home, and waiting patiently for her husband's frequently late arrivals for carefully prepared meals. She has always been an inspiration in his work, and a constant companion in his many appointments, here and abroad. A great part of the responsibility of rearing their family has been hers, because of President McKay's frequent absences from home on account of Church duties, and the four sons and two daughters, with their families, are a monument to her training, as well as to that of her husband. AS a teacher and as principal at Weber Stake Academy, David lived his ideals and influenced his students by example as well as by precept. He gave the same intelligent preparation and concentration of thought and effort to his literature classes as to theology. As a result, a visiting principal from another institution made this remark after a visit to Weber: "Here is the true spirit of the Latter-day Saint schools.'' Principal McKay gave sympathetic understanding to the problems of every student, and in this way gained the confidence and respect of all. During his tenure of office as principal, the departments of domestic arts and domestic science were inaugurated; a band was organized; Weber's colors, purple and white, were adopted, and the first issue of the school paper. The Acorn, was published. The school grew so rapidly that the existing quarters were inadequate, and when he applied to the board for additional housing facilities, they replied: "You may have a new building if you can raise the money to pay for it, but do not expect one dollar from us." Knowing that these board members had mortgaged their homes for the original building. Principal McKay did not blame them for taking this stand, but their decision did not alter his determination to have more classrooms and a larger auditorium. The problem was discussed at a special meeting of the faculty, and a plan to visit every ward in the Stake, besides soliciting personal assistance, was adopted. In the history of education probably no faculty of its size ever worked more diligently or with greater determination than did Principal McKay and the teachers of Weber Academy. The result was the erection of the sixty-thousand dollar addition, and the board was not asked to contribute one cent. Through the years the building has served students and public alike as a community center for lectures, theatres, and assemblies, besides furnishing more adequate classrooms. Not one of that faculty group will ever forget the generous response of the ''friends" of Weber Academy. In the meantime, April 8, 1906, David was chosen to become a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, one of the greatest honors that can come to a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was ordained by President Joseph F. Smith, and assumed his duties of attending extra meetings in Salt Lake City and visiting stake conferences, besides those he was already carrying in Ogden City and Weber County. When he left the school in 1908, made necessary by the pressing duties connected with his call to the Council of the Twelve, the annual issue of The Acorn was dedicated to him, and the following is an excerpt from that number: Fortunate indeed are the students who have been registered in his classes; for when he taught religion, he gave truths he believed and had proved in practice. His lessons in literature were interpreted in the light of love and charity for all mankind, and his moral teachings had behind them all the force of a perfect moral life. On November 8, 1922, President McKay, his wife, and five children left Utah for England, where he had been called to preside over the European Mission. During the following two years President and Mrs. McKay traveled two thousand miles, held 525 meetings, and visited every mission except South Africa, addressing, in the aggregate, seven thousand people. It was at this time that the French Mission was reorganized, and before the two years ended, was in a flourishing condition, with new interest awakened, and members being added. Probably the two outstanding accomplishments of this mission were the overcoming of the insidious attacks on the Church by the British newspapers, and the extending of missionary work to members, in addition to the elders called for that special purpose. For some time previous to 1922, British newspapers had been publishing spurious articles about the Mormons, and had invariably refused to print refutations written by elders or members. After going into the records on this subject, President McKay decided that to continue the prevailing practice would be futile, and so decided on a change. Without giving any information to reporters, he wrote directly to the editors of the papers. Commencing with the editor of John Bull, one of the oldest and best of the weekly newspapers, he wrote a long letter appealing to English sportsmanship and love of fair play, and requesting only that the truth be told about the Latter-day Saints, instead of the untrue stories which had hitherto been published in that paper. To the amazement of all concerned, the issue of the next week contained the following large headlines: ''A Daniel Come to Judgment," and under this caption appeared the letter of President McKay in full. Not another article in opposition to the Church appeared in the next two years in that paper. The result was the same with other papers, and elders and members alike enjoyed a respite from this form of persecution. In one town in Wales, where members had been meeting in a public building, the town council decided to prohibit any further Mormon assemblies. A letter addressed directly to the council was effective in stopping the action against the Church. The same result was effected in Scotland. The second achievement was in his appeal to every member in each conference to become a special missionary, pledging himself or herself to bring one member into the Church during the year. It was suggested that the convert might be a relative, friend, working companion, or even an acquaintance, or a stranger. The result was that the increase in membership in the European Mission in 1923, excelled previous years by a large margin. That experiment, if put into practice in the missions and stakes today, might prove as successful as during that record year, and what a difference such an innovation would make to members as well as to the growth of the Church! |
BISHOP DAVID McKAY, FATHER OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
As a missionary to Scotland 1881-1883 DAVID O. McKAY AS A MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND
August 1897 * August 1899 PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY AND EMMA RAY RIGGS McKAY
Picture taken during their Weber Academy days when David O. McKay was president of that institution (1902 to 1908) PRESIDENT McKAY AS GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION (1918-1934)
With his assistants Stephen L Richards (left) and George D. Pyper (right) PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY AND EMMA RAY RIGGS McKAY
In the park at Zurich Lake, Switzerland, 1922, while President McKay was presiding over the European Mission THE FOUR McKAY BROTHERS (Photograph taken in 1933)
In front, at left, President David O. McKay; right, Dr. William McKay (deceased); at back, left. Elder Thomas E. McKay, now Assistant to the Council of the Twelve; right, Morgan McKay, now a resident of Kellogg, Idaho. |
McKay, Emma Ray. "A Tribute to My Husband--David O. McKay." Instructor. September 1954. pg. 265, 267.
A Tribute to My Husband—President David O. McKay By Emma Ray McKay President David O. McKay observes the 81st anniversary of his birth on September 8. This birthday tribute to him from the person who knows him best — Emma Ray Riggs McKay, for 53 years his wife and sweetheart— was written on the invitation of The Instructor committee. I have been asked to write a short article, a tribute to my husband, but how can I, with the little experience in writing that has been mine, do him justice? The first time I saw him I was impressed with the tender, loving manner with which he guided his mother up the lane. Observing this, my mother said, "That young man will make a good husband for some girl." The first time I was in his company, I noticed how gentlemanly he was toward an old lady and how he entered into an old-fashioned guessing game that she loved as though he was as fascinated with it himself as she was. And how his young eyes sparkled with her older ones! This is the greatest charm about him. He makes everyone realize that he is especially interested in that person with whom he is conversing. Even as he addresses an audience, each one feels that President McKay is talking especially to him. How many times I have heard the remark, "I felt that he was speaking directly to me, for his eyes looked right through me and I have stopped . . ." ( stopped this or that—whatever that person felt guilty of doing.) That charm enveloped me completely as we danced or read together, and when he asked me to marry him; I knew that I would be a faithful and loving wife forever. In marriage, a woman's happiness is committed to a husband's tender care. David has given me that care always, trying to make everything as easy as possible in the home. He is neat in his habits, always desirous of getting help when needed, especially concerned with my state of health, never reproaching me for my personal or mental effects, ever making me feel that I am of the greatest importance to him. "A man never appears to greater advantage than in proving to the world his affection and preference for his wife." It is a joy to have my birthday and Christmas roll around, not so much for a material gift from my sweetheart as for the "heart-petals in rhyme" with which he continues to woo me and which always thrill me. After the children came, the charm, that is as natural to him as life, was enjoyed by the kiddies who liked nothing better than to climb upon his knee and listen to the story of "The Lady of the Lake," "Ivanhoe," and other Scotch stories, Burns' poems and other interesting selections. Not only the young but everyone likes to be in his company because of his delightful personality. Goethe says, "Anecdotes and maxims are rich treasures to a man, for he knows how to introduce the former at fit places in conversation and to recollect the latter on proper occasions." The President's ability to quote at any time the Bible, Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Burns, Pope and other authors, helps exceedingly to make him an interesting companion and public speaker. The Gospel has always meant everything in the world to my husband, and he has ever chosen to sacrifice his own personal financial gains to help others. Indeed, he has truly followed Christ's teaching, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it," a quotation he especially likes and uses frequently. (Luke 9:24.) Many people have asked us, "How have you been able to instill enthusiasm for Church work in your boys?" The answer is that the father never asked his boys to do anything that he does not do himself. Example is more forcible than precept. "A father that whipped his son for swearing and swore himself while he whipped the boy did more harm by his example than good by his correction." Noble examples stir to noble actions. The President is blessed with prevision. Many a morning while dressing he has told me that certain incidents would happen during the day and invariably the impression would become a reality. This prevision has been a helpful guide to him through life. As I know him, I feel that Shakespeare must have had someone like him in mind when he said, "What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculties! In form and moving how express and admirable!" Yes, he is handsome, he is wise, he is good and kind, he is loyal, he is courteous, he is honest and upright, he is industrious, virtuous, and temperate. And because of these and many other admirable traits, he has the confidence of all who know him. I feel that this short character sketch is far short of the good that might be said of my husband; but if by giving you a glimpse of our intimate life I have shown that he has set a shining example of an outstanding character, then I have attained my objective. |
Sister McKay says of the President, "He makes everyone realize that he is especially interested in that person with whom he is conversing."
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Murdock, Franklin J. "President David O. McKay and the South Seas Mission." Improvement Era. April 1955. pg. 223-225.
PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY AND THE SOUTH SEAS MISSIONS by Franklin J. Murdock[1] This was the itinerary of President David O. McKay's tour of the Pacific Missions. January 2, 1955—Left Salt Lake City. January 4—Left San Francisco; arrived in Honolulu, departed from there 8:30 p.m. January 5—His plane made a refueling stop at Canton Island (a hurricane had missed them), and, after crossing the international date line, he arrived at Suva, Fiji Islands. January 10—Left Suva by steamship. January 11—In Nukaloafa, Tonga. January 13—In Vavau, Tonga; after crossing the date line again, arrived in Nieua, Samoa. January 14—In Pago Pago, Samoa. January 15—In Apia, Samoa. January 16—Dedicated a chapel at Sauniatu, Samoa; inspected Pesaga School, Samoa. January 17—In Apia, Samoa. January 18—Arrived at Aitutaki. January 19—In Papeete, Tahiti. January 20-21—En route from Papeete to Suva. January 23 to 25—Traveling from Suva to New Zealand. January 25—Inspected the Church college at Hamilton, New Zealand; at Wellington, New Zealand, through January 28. January 29-31—In Auckland, New Zealand. February 1—In Sydney, Australia; laid cornerstone for new chapel at Ipswich, Australia. February 2—In Brisbane and Adelaide, Australia. February 3-6—In Melbourne, Australia. February 7—In Sydney, Australia. February 8—En route to Honolulu, Hawaii. February 9-13—In Hawaii. February 12—Broke ground for new college at Laie, Hawaii. February 14—Arrived in San Francisco. February 15—Arrived in Salt Lake City. The 45,000 mile round trip among the South Sea missions to such far distant places as Australia, Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, as well as the Hawaiian Islands, made by President and Sister David O. McKay between January 2 and February 15 was a tremendous undertaking. President McKay has wanted to feel the pulse of Church members throughout the world. Having traveled to Europe, to South Africa, to South America, there remained only the Pacific area to visit in order to know firsthand the conditions prevailing in the far-flung missions of the Church. That President and Sister McKay have been able to do this great missionary service indicates their love and adherence to the principles of the gospel. In spite of the strenuousness of the trip and the wide variety of climatic conditions encountered, President McKay was able to report on his return to Salt Lake City: "We have not had one minute's sickness; though we are tired, all are well and thankful for the blessings of health we have enjoyed." President and Sister McKay left a radiant influence for good on every one they met: missionaries, public officials, members and non-members alike. To the missionaries President and Sister McKay brought a touch of home—they reminded the young missionaries of their own parents. One missionary, in particular, asked Sister McKay whether he might kiss her on the cheek because she reminded him so much of his own mother. The counsel, advice, and special instructions in missionary work provided a great impetus to those laboring in this part of the Lord's vineyard. Mission presidents, missionaries, and members derived great good from the presence of the President of the Church and his wife. The love and devotion they bear to each other became an ideal for other married couples to emulate; their wholehearted adherence to the principles of the gospel, even to the minutest detail, made others eager to follow their example. As for President McKay, he stated on his return home: "Prospects in these missions are most encouraging. The improvements since 1921, when I made my first visit to these missions on a world tour, are so marked I could hardly accept them as a fact." The heads of the government whom President and Sister McKay met went out of their way to prove their respect for the Church and its head, President David O. McKay. President McKay reported: "I wish the whole membership of the Church could have followed us wherever we went. The Church members in these islands and in Australia were wonderful. The chiefs and leaders of tribes and other political officials were most cordial in their welcome." Speaking of the Church schools in these missions, he said: "As great as are their accomplishments, they must continue on a program of expansion." Then citing the Church college now under construction at Hamilton, New Zealand, he said: "Though we had studied the plans and blueprints at Church headquarters, I was not prepared for what I found at Hamilton. I was greatly impressed with what they are accomplishing there, and much of the work on the many buildings is by volunteer labor of the members." President McKay's concluding comment was that the trip was "highly informative, most successful and delightful, though intensely strenuous." [1] Elder Murdock is transportation agent for the Church and acted as secretary to President McKay on the trip. |
President and Sister David O. McKay on arrival at Honolulu on their 45,000 mile trip to the South Seas Missions.
Arm upraised in benediction, President McKay greets Tahitian people at Papeete; President Caldwell in Foreground (standing).
Sauniatu Chapel of the Samoan Mission was dedicated by President McKay, January 14, 1955.
Natives of Tahiti perform for President McKay and his party.
President McKay places the cornerstone for the new chapel at Ipswich, Australia, February 1, 1955.
Malcolm Diehm and Helen Rea presenting President and Sister McKay with a basket of Queensland fruit at dedication ceremonies.
President McKay autographing books at the site of the new Church college being erected at Hamilton, New Zealand.
Saints From Tasmania who traveled over 400 miles by land and sea to meet and hear President McKay speak in Melbourne, third stop on tour of Australia.
Boarding the plane to leave Australia, February 8, 1955.
Enjoying a feast at Neiafu, Vavau, Tonga, January 13, 1955, one of the stops on the tour.
President and Sister McKay, President Edward L. Clissold, Elder
Murdock, and President D. Arthur Haycock. President McKay and President Liljenquist (center), with Mr. Donald Smith (right) U S Consul General, are received by the Rt. Hon. J. Cahill, Premier of New South Wales.
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Boswell, Elizabeth Hill. "A Tribute to President David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. September 1955. pg. 564-565.
A Tribute to President David O. McKay On His Eighty-Second Birthday, September 8, 1955 Elizabeth Hill Boswell Born to this world of sturdy pioneer stock, Nurtured in a home of faith and prayer, Imbued with a love of learning and of men. He stands, stalwart, handsome, unafraid, Our prophet, leader, teacher, loving friend. No woeful Job nor wroth Elijah he Flinging curses at a frightened world. But a kindly prophet of a latter day With compassionate and understanding heart. Leading by example and by faith In the footsteps of the Son of God. A prophet, yes, and loving father, too, To every child that ever crossed his way, With time to listen to some childish woe Or saddle up a horse for happy rides. Always laughing, always smiling eyes, A friend to love and follow without fear. An inspiring teacher, born with love of man As every teacher must be to succeed, But more, imbued with that true love of books That makes of every one a treasured friend, Teaching us by precept, story, poem. Following again the Master's plan. A loving husband, considerate and kind. Exemplifying in this weary world All that is manly, virtuous, and true. The answer to the worldly cynic's taunt That faithfulness does not exist today. This is the man on whom we look with pride. This is the man we follow without fear. This is the man we pray for every day, The kind of man that God meant man to be. |
Courtesy Z.C M.I. Photo Reflex Studio
PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY |
"President David O. McKay Reaches 83 Years, September 8, 1956." Improvement Era. September 1956. pg. 623.
President David O. McKay Reaches 83 Years September 8, 1956 The dictionary defines the given name David as "the beloved." Certainly there is no better description of President David O. McKay, our prophet and leader who attains the eighty-third anniversary of his birth, September 8, 1956. The life of President David O. McKay has been well chronicled. (Still, hardly a week goes by without someone communicating with the Era office and requesting biographical material about him.) First called to the Presiding Councils of the Church as a member of the Council of the Twelve in April 1906, he soon found himself in the great Sunday School cause. In the early 1920's he was the first apostle in modern days to circle the earth on a world-wide mission tour. After twenty eight and one-half years of service in the Council of the Twelve, he was called, in October 1934, to the First Presidency, where his task was much of the administrative work of the Church. He has been "President McKay" now to a full generation of Church folk. In the comparatively short five and one-half years since he became President of the Church, our world-traveling leader has brought, as he has visited our missions and stakes in the earth, a fuller realization of the true meaning of brotherhood in the Church. (And this in a Church that has always proclaimed the brotherhood of man.) His leadership, spirituality, and calm, wise guidance have won untold friends not only for himself but also for the Church and for America. It is doubtful if his popularity and personal appeal have ever been excelled by a leader of the Church. At general conference time, vast crowds gather in his path for a glimpse of this handsome, white-haired President. He is as much at home with the leaders of the world as he is with a group of children who come to visit him at his office or who cluster around him following a Church meeting. We read of his going out to the far places in the stakes and missions of the Church to participate in some activity. Sometimes it is for a regional holiday and observance; more often it is to dedicate a Church building, to bring to final glorious reality the dream of many years for the Saints in the area. We read his speeches that he gives on such occasions. They are masterpieces. And we realize that after he stands at the pulpit for ofttimes an hour or longer, he stands for at least that long greeting the people who have come to the meeting to see and hear his words and wisdom. For all there are a smile and a hearty handshake. There are books and programs to be autographed by the dozens. President David O. McKay is a man of great personal courage. He has the keen insight of what should be done, and he boldly charts the way to accomplish the task. It is a thrill to watch him set the pace and pattern of a program at those times. Once the path is indicated, he waits for the results, knowing that results will come as expected. He has great faith in the future, great faith in the people, great faith in the destiny of the Church, and his decisions and planning show the results of such faith. We saw him, together with his lifelong companion, Sister McKay, at the music and speech festival at the MIA conference in June. It was one of those rare occasions when he could sit in the body of the Tabernacle, and he was enjoying it. After the benediction President and Sister McKay found themselves as usual surrounded by admiring young folk. As they shook hands and chatted with them, it was apparent they were happy to be in the presence of these young people. Almost daily President McKay's car is in the Church parking lot early in the morning, and it is usually one of the last to leave in the evening. Surely the God of modern Israel is answering the daily prayers of the faithful Saints to sustain the life of their present-day Prophet. May he be with us to counsel and to lead us for many years to come! Happy birthday, President McKay! |
Wahlquist, John T. "David O. McKay: A Holy Man." Instructor. September 1956. pg. 264.
David O. McKay: A Holy Man
By John T. Wahlquist[1]
SEVERAL years ago I accompanied a professor of the University of Teheran, Iran, to the Hotel Temple Square in Salt Lake City. There we were to meet his guest, the founder of the modern University of Teheran (1934), who was formerly the minister of education of Iran and then a prominent member of the government and legislature of that country.
The professor had spent several months as the guest of the College of Education at the University of Utah, studying the organization and administration of education in Utah. In the course of his stay he encountered the Mormons for the first time, became greatly interested in an academic study of Mormonism, and spoke in several of our Latter-day Saint chapels.
A Tour for the Minister
It was his wish that I take the minister on a tour of Salt Lake City, the capitol of the state of Utah, and that I arrange interviews with the governor and other distinguished officials.
On the morning of the minister's arrival, we started east on the south side of South Temple Street. I noticed President David O. McKay leave the temple grounds through the gate near the Bureau of Information and start walking east on the north side of the street. On impulse, I excused myself and ran across the street toward him. Across my mind there flashed the thought: This is certainly an opportunity for the minister of education to meet Utah's most distinguished citizen.
President McKay stopped when I called his name, gave me the warm greeting so characteristic of him, and when I explained my mission, awaited the arrival of the Iranian professors from the other side of the street.
Busy Man Takes Time Out
I introduced him as President David O. McKay of the Mormon Church. He welcomed them to the city, suggested that they hear the Tabernacle Organ recital, and insisted upon going into the Bureau of Information to get the details. During this interval I was mindful of the fact that here was a very busy man, getting behind in the day's schedule to be of service to me and guests. Also, I felt that he was doing something I should be doing, but he had insisted that I remain with my guests.
While he was gone on his errand, the minister said, "President McKay, of what is he president? Certainly not some business corporation?"
I said, "He is president of the Mormon Church." The professor came to the rescue and explained that Salt Lake City was the center of the Mormon Church and this was the leader of the world organization. "Oh," said he, “I can understand that. The moment I saw him across the street, I said to myself, there goes a 'holy man.'"
Then he went on to tell me that in his country they have holy men, too; men who spend their lives tuning themselves to the infinite and that many develop a holy appearance just as President McKay had.
While we were awaiting the return of the president, the professor told the minister about the Mormon Church and its peculiar organization, with a president as the head.
Repeats Observation
Again the minister said with emphasis, "I knew when I first saw him, he was a 'holy man.' "
By then the "holy man" was back in our presence with his plans for our entertainment.
The next day, promptly at noon, and, I am sure, following an arduous morning and a long meeting at which the brethren had been seated for hours, we were ushered into the presence of Presidents David O. McKay, Stephen L Richards and J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
A Day To Be Remembered
If ever I was thrilled with the leadership of the Church in which I hold membership that was the day. They recognized these men for what they were — highly educated, cultured gentlemen. President McKay, in response to questions, explained the origin, purpose and mission of the Church. President Richards courteously volunteered them any assistance possible; and President Clark had the minister recite his favorite verses from the works of Omar Khayyam, the 11th century poet, mathematician, astronomer and tentmaker. President Clark said he had always wondered about the English translation of the Rubaiyat by Edward Fitzgerald. The Iranian professors were thoroughly enjoying themselves, so relaxed and at ease, that I began to worry about the brethren and their luncheon engagements and brought the interview to an end.
As we left the Church administration building, I heard the minister say to the professor, "They are all 'holy men.' "
Whenever I think of the three brethren who constitute the First Presidency of the Church and the magnitude of their tasks and their multitudinous duties, I think of my two discerning Iranian friends who first led me to see them as "holy men," with the "holy man" at their head.
[1] President, San Jose State College (California), eminent author of college textbooks, and former member of the Sunday School general board.
David O. McKay: A Holy Man
By John T. Wahlquist[1]
SEVERAL years ago I accompanied a professor of the University of Teheran, Iran, to the Hotel Temple Square in Salt Lake City. There we were to meet his guest, the founder of the modern University of Teheran (1934), who was formerly the minister of education of Iran and then a prominent member of the government and legislature of that country.
The professor had spent several months as the guest of the College of Education at the University of Utah, studying the organization and administration of education in Utah. In the course of his stay he encountered the Mormons for the first time, became greatly interested in an academic study of Mormonism, and spoke in several of our Latter-day Saint chapels.
A Tour for the Minister
It was his wish that I take the minister on a tour of Salt Lake City, the capitol of the state of Utah, and that I arrange interviews with the governor and other distinguished officials.
On the morning of the minister's arrival, we started east on the south side of South Temple Street. I noticed President David O. McKay leave the temple grounds through the gate near the Bureau of Information and start walking east on the north side of the street. On impulse, I excused myself and ran across the street toward him. Across my mind there flashed the thought: This is certainly an opportunity for the minister of education to meet Utah's most distinguished citizen.
President McKay stopped when I called his name, gave me the warm greeting so characteristic of him, and when I explained my mission, awaited the arrival of the Iranian professors from the other side of the street.
Busy Man Takes Time Out
I introduced him as President David O. McKay of the Mormon Church. He welcomed them to the city, suggested that they hear the Tabernacle Organ recital, and insisted upon going into the Bureau of Information to get the details. During this interval I was mindful of the fact that here was a very busy man, getting behind in the day's schedule to be of service to me and guests. Also, I felt that he was doing something I should be doing, but he had insisted that I remain with my guests.
While he was gone on his errand, the minister said, "President McKay, of what is he president? Certainly not some business corporation?"
I said, "He is president of the Mormon Church." The professor came to the rescue and explained that Salt Lake City was the center of the Mormon Church and this was the leader of the world organization. "Oh," said he, “I can understand that. The moment I saw him across the street, I said to myself, there goes a 'holy man.'"
Then he went on to tell me that in his country they have holy men, too; men who spend their lives tuning themselves to the infinite and that many develop a holy appearance just as President McKay had.
While we were awaiting the return of the president, the professor told the minister about the Mormon Church and its peculiar organization, with a president as the head.
Repeats Observation
Again the minister said with emphasis, "I knew when I first saw him, he was a 'holy man.' "
By then the "holy man" was back in our presence with his plans for our entertainment.
The next day, promptly at noon, and, I am sure, following an arduous morning and a long meeting at which the brethren had been seated for hours, we were ushered into the presence of Presidents David O. McKay, Stephen L Richards and J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
A Day To Be Remembered
If ever I was thrilled with the leadership of the Church in which I hold membership that was the day. They recognized these men for what they were — highly educated, cultured gentlemen. President McKay, in response to questions, explained the origin, purpose and mission of the Church. President Richards courteously volunteered them any assistance possible; and President Clark had the minister recite his favorite verses from the works of Omar Khayyam, the 11th century poet, mathematician, astronomer and tentmaker. President Clark said he had always wondered about the English translation of the Rubaiyat by Edward Fitzgerald. The Iranian professors were thoroughly enjoying themselves, so relaxed and at ease, that I began to worry about the brethren and their luncheon engagements and brought the interview to an end.
As we left the Church administration building, I heard the minister say to the professor, "They are all 'holy men.' "
Whenever I think of the three brethren who constitute the First Presidency of the Church and the magnitude of their tasks and their multitudinous duties, I think of my two discerning Iranian friends who first led me to see them as "holy men," with the "holy man" at their head.
[1] President, San Jose State College (California), eminent author of college textbooks, and former member of the Sunday School general board.
Reiser, A. Hamer. "Presidents McKay and Richards - Originators not Imitators." Instructor. October 1956. pg. 293, 295.
DURING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE Presidents McKay and Richards—Originators Not Imitators By A. Hamer Reiser[1] FIFTY years ago two busy young men, one a school teacher and the other a lawyer, were chosen by General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith and his assistants to become members of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union. In October, 1906, Stephen L Richards became a member of the board and David O. McKay, who had been a board member for six months, became President Smith's second assistant in the general superintendency. Thus began an association which has continued to this day and which has developed into a classic of collaboration and teamwork. Two men of complementary talents were brought together by their devotion to and enthusiasm for teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and youth. They have been held together by mutual respect, admiration and affection and have lived exemplary careers of excellence, great productivity and inspiration. President Smith, sixth president of the Church, who was also general superintendent of Sunday Schools, accurately appraised his young associates. He selected them in 1909 to be his assistants in the general superintendency: David O. McKay as first and Stephen L Richards as second assistant. George D. Pyper served as general secretary. These four names spell out the heart, souland substance of Sunday School work for more than half a century. Among them these men — with the steadfastness and devotion of their love of truth and righteousness and their faithfulness to each other — built unity, high standards and excellence into the rapidly developing Sunday Schools of the Church. Under their inspiring leadership, tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints have, emulated their example of devoted Sunday School service. Other hundreds of thousands have been the beneficiaries for two generations of systematic instruction in the fundamentals of the Restored Gospel. Order, reverence, noble self-discipline, love of truth and unselfish service to the work of the Lord have been the inspiration of Latter-day Saints in the Sunday Schools throughout the world through these 50 years by reason of the plans, projects and programs initiated and fostered by these men. Systematic preparation by teachers, the application of orderly lesson planning, graded courses of study, cooperative outlining, quarterly reviews, teacher training, parents' classes, world-wide uniformity and simplicity of worship service, 2 1/2-minute talks, pupil participation, supervised study, libraries, visual aids, personal spiritual guidance, missionary training, genealogical training, Priesthood-Sunday School cooperation, enlistment work, "accounting for everyone," Junior Sunday Schools, home Sunday Schools, correspondence Sunday Schools for the isolated and remote—these are a few of the major projects initiated and promoted by these frontiersmen in character-building and spiritual education. Remarkable also were these men for the practical and personal character of their leadership. They were always faithfully present at superintendent's council meetings and general board meetings. Into very busy daily schedules with other major assignments as members of the Council of Twelve Apostles, Superintendents McKay and Richards faithfully included attendance at annual stake Sunday School conventions and conferences. They also participated personally in teaching, demonstrations and other assignments designed to illustrate the principles they promulgated for their associates in the general, stake and ward Sunday School organizations. They knew the details as well as comprehensive aspects of every project. And knowing and loving people, these brethren inspired them. Countless thousands of faithful Latter-day Saints consider themselves permanently enriched by reason of the opportunities they have enjoyed under the leadership and in association with the great Sunday School triumvirate of Superintendents McKay, Richards and Pyper. For the general board through the years these men have called scores of other able men and women to serve with them. These fortunate people acknowledge the years of their association in this fellowship to be among the richest of their lives. Similarly, hundreds of Latter-day Saints — who have served as stake superintendents, members of stake boards and officers and teachers of local Sunday Schools — remember vividly personal associations with these great accessible leaders. Their careers as Sunday School authorities are noteworthy also because they have been originators and not imitators. The Sunday Schools of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stand today in a class by themselves among Sunday School systems of the world. Our Sunday Schools were just emerging into their present place of eminence under the thoughtful and patient leadership of these men, when one Protestant authority, Marion Lawrence, told a national Sunday School convention that Sunday Schools of the Mormon Church were the best in the world. [1] A member of the Sunday School general board since 1921, Brother Reiser was general secretary from then until 1942 and a member of the general superintendency the next 10 years. |
By 1918, Elders McKay and Richards had been called to greater responsibilities in the Sunday School general superintendency. Standing on Superintendent McKay's right is First Assistant Stephen L Richards; on their left is Second Assistant George D. Pyper.
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"A Christmas Letter from David O. McKay to His Brother." Improvement Era. December 1956. pg. 899, 977.
A Christmas Letter from President David O. McKay to his Brother, Elder Thomas E. McKay My dear brother and playmate, Thomas E., I went to Huntsville the other day and visited the old home. It was a typical wintry day, so you can easily imagine how cold the rooms were in which no fires were burning, and in which none had been lit for weeks. The house was just like a large refrigerator. There were a few things which I wanted to do, so I threw your old coonskin coat over my shoulders and soon felt warm and comfortable. For a few moments I strolled leisurely from room to room, and being in a reminiscent mood, I let my mind wander at will down the lanes of memory. I saw "Tommy" and "Dadie" go upstairs to bed, and felt the tender touch of the sweetest mother that ever lived as she tenderly tucked the bedclothes around her two roguish boys and gave them a good-night's kiss. Again it was Christmas Eve. Our stockings having been hung where Santa couldn't help seeing them, we lay half expecting to hear the jingle of the sleigh bells announcing the approach of good old St. Nick to the chimney top. Sleep came tardily, but finally the sandman succeeded in closing our eyes. Christmas morning! I can see those boys creeping down the stairs before daybreak—no electric switch to press and flood the old kerosene lamp. Step by step they groped their way in the dark and sought the nail (or chair) on which each had hung respectively his empty stocking. Who can ever forget the thrill of that first touch of the stocking stuffed with Santa's treasures! Apple in the toe, sticks of red and white candy protruding from the top, and trinkets and presents hidden in between! Perhaps a trumpet stuck out with the candies; but the drum and sled were standing nearby. The air in the room was cold even though the last embers in the kitchen stove were still smouldering—evidence if the boys had stopped to think that Father and Mother had sat up late enough to welcome St. Nick to our home. Soon the girls were awake also, and the lamp was lit—then the "oh's" and "ah's," and the medley of sounds of drum, jews-harp, harmonica, and music box! As the sun came smiling over those snow-capped mountains, he turned the frost into diamonds that sparkled from the leafless trees and seemed to dance on the twelve-inch blanket of pure white snow. Then came the playmates with their merry cry, "Christmas gift!" In the afternoon the children's dance! (One of those boys danced with a sweet little girl eleven successive times!) Oh, the romance of childhood! Chores—evening shadows, supper, and bed, and another Christmas was gone. Why, to childhood, is Christmas day so short, and the next so far away? By this time the treasures of memory lay before me so profusely that I became oblivious of everything else. The two roguish lads were older now, and their winter sports took the form of coasting, skating, bobsleigh racing around the corners on the icy roads, horseback riding, their first evening dance on the old pine floor in the rock schoolhouse! Christmas again, anticipated by the trip up South Fork to get our own Christmas tree from the hillside. They were older then, those boys, but their stockings still were hung, and good old Santa Claus never failed to fill them. Summertime and the swimming hole in Spring Creek; baseball on the "square." Boys and girls strolling "across the Creek" over on the knoll plucking flowers—daisies, bluebells, and the modest forget-me-nots, then leisurely back to town where we played croquet—parlor games in the evening where we had to redeem our forfeits! Later came school and missions, yet still the tender ties that radiated from a devoted father and loving mother ever pulled us back to the old home, the dearest, sweetest spot on earth. It is only an old country home, but no palace was ever filled with truer love and devotion on the part of parents, brothers, and sisters than that which pervaded the hearts of the loved ones in that family circle. Hanging your coat in its accustomed place, I walked out of the front door; as the night-latch clicked, I thought it might have been a click of the lid of a treasure chest that held the wealth of memories that no money could buy. Well, my brother and pal of youthful days, I just wanted you to share with me this glimpse of happy memories, and to say as the Yuletide now approaches, my heart is full of loving wishes for you, that you and yours may enjoy the happiest Christmas ever, and that the New Year may come laden with happiness and joy supreme. Love and kisses to Fawn and the girls. Affectionately, David O. Mama Ray and Bob join in sending love and best wishes to you all. D. O. M. |
The McKay home in Huntsville, where David and Thomas spent their childhood.
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Ashton, Emma Rae McKay. "My Father--A True Leader." Relief Society Magazine. September 1957. pg. 572-573.
My Father—A True Leader Birthday Greetings to President David O. McKay On His Eighty-Fourth Birthday, September 8, 1957 Emma Rae McKay Ashton PARENTS of the Church are admonished by their leaders to teach the gospel in their homes and to direct their children wisely at the critical periods of their lives. Father, I appreciate your guidance throughout my life. It seems only yesterday that I pleaded to stay home from the kindergarten class in Sunday School. You smiled and explained gently, ''Oh, everyone in our family attends Sunday School on Sunday morning. Out of the seven days in the week, this first one belongs to the Lord. It is different. It is his day—the day when, fresh and clean, your hair neatly curled, and wearing your best shiny shoes and crisp frock, you honor and worship our Heavenly Father in his house. Your spirit, as well as your body, must be fed to become the lovely thing you want it to be." Needless to say, after that, with you and Mother we filed happily to Church. After Sunday School, permission to play on the slide and swings in the park we knew would be denied, so we read quietly, or visited relatives. How secure a small child feels under the influence of parents who live with a purpose and point the way of truth unwaveringly. Not long after you returned from your mission around the world, one day you seated me beside you and announced that it was time that I was baptized. ''Do you know what that means, Emma Rae? When you are immersed in the water, all of your sins are washed away. You emerge a new person with a determination, I hope, to keep your life clean and sweet. After you are baptized, you v/ill be confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide you in choosing the right when temptation confronts you." With deep appreciation, I recall a lesson in politeness that you taught me. Upon request, I arose from the dinner table to cut more bread. Returning, and before placing the bread on the table, I helped myself to a slice. All you said was, "Always serve yourself last. Be mindful of others first." That was enough. Although you said no more than that, from then on, this lesson in courtesy was reinforced and indelibly stamped upon my mind by your daily practice of it. Often you counseled, "It is the little things in life that count—the habitual use of 'please,' 'thank you,' and 'pardon me,' that are important." Sometimes, when our play was tense and our voices became shrill, you quoted King Lear's eulogy to Cordelia to quiet us: "Her voice was ever soft, gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman." |
Courtesy Z.C.M.I. Photo Reflex Studio
PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY |
Green, Doyle L., et al. "President McKay at Eighty-Five." Improvement Era. September 1958. pg. 642-649, 686-687.
President McKAY at EIGHTY-FIVE by Doyle L. Green, Managing Editor and Albert L. Zobell, Jr., Research Editor In presenting an eighty-fifth birthday anniversary tribute to President David O. McKay, who also serves as senior editor of The Improvement Era, his associates on this publication focus attention through the eye of the camera upon the monumental events in his life and in the history of the Church since he became its President, April 9, 1951. The story of President David O. McKay's past seven and one-half years is the story of the Church. The two cannot be separated. As President of the Church, he is God's anointed upon the earth. As such he devotes his time and his energies to the work of the Lord. To faithful Latter-day Saints throughout the world, he is indeed a prophet. This account of the activities of the President and the progress of the Church could fill many volumes. But inasmuch as it is meant only to support the pictures, it must of necessity be brief, and consequently inadequate. But to look at part of the major happenings in the Church and even sketchily to follow President McKay's activities make us marvel at the energy and the completely unselfish devotion of our President, and cause us to be grateful for the way the Lord's work is prospering. No matter in which direction we turn our attention, we find the great Church program has been strengthened under the present administration. Twenty years after many men retire, the President's day still begins long before the sun is up. Usually his car is about the first one on the Church parking lot, as he often reaches his office by seven a.m. His office schedule includes endless meetings, consultations, and appointments, in addition to the hundreds of details involved in watching over the Church and carrying on the regular routine of the office of the President. Most of his evenings, like- wise, are crowded with Church work of one type or another, although he tries to devote a little time each night to study and to his family. One can hardly imagine a person with more at home responsibilities than the President has, and yet since he realizes that the Church has a world-wide mission, he has traveled throughout the world as a messenger of peace and goodwill, strengthening relationships with governments and peoples, promoting missionary work, fostering the building of temples, chapels, and schools, and in many ways blessing the Saints. The year 1952 found him in Europe, where he visited President Juho K. Paasikivi of Finland and attended a garden party given by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England, dedicated two chapels in Germany, and selected a site for a temple near Bern, Switzerland. Returning to Europe in 1953 he dedicated the site and broke ground for the Swiss Temple and dedicated the site for a temple at Newchapel, England. Two days after the beginning of the new year in 1954, he again was on a trip that lasted almost two months and which took him to Europe, South Africa, and South and Central America. A month later he visited Mexico. Before 1955 was two days old, President McKay started a tour of the Pacific Missions of the Church, visiting Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia. Seven months later he flew again to Europe to dedicate the Swiss Temple, break ground for the London Temple, and to support the Tabernacle Choir's concert tour of Europe. April 1958 again saw the President flying over the Pacific to dedicate the temple and Church college in New Zealand. As this magazine goes to press President McKay plans to be winging his way to Europe to dedicate the London Temple. On his eighty-fifth birthday anniversary, September 8, he expects to be conducting the second day's dedicatory services. The President's trips are arduous and strenuous, with little sightseeing or personal pleasure connected with them. His traveling companions have described a typical stop as "from plane to hotel to chapel to government office to plane." On the 1955 tour of the Pacific, for example, he traveled 45,000 miles, delivered 72 talks, held 26 press and radio conferences, conferred with many government, religious, and educational officials, and met with missionaries and mission presidents. In between these major trips President McKay has dedicated some 60 Church buildings in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, California, Georgia, Oregon, Canada, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Idaho, received four honorary doctorate degrees, delivered numerous talks, conferred with literally hundreds of "important and interesting" people in his office and throughout the land, in addition to directing the almost unbelievably complex affairs of the Church. And how the work of the Lord is prospering under his guidance! From a membership of 1,147,157 at the close of 1951 the Church had grown to 1,488,314 by the end of 1957. Stakes have increased in number from 191 at the close of 1951 to 267 as this issue of the magazine goes to press. In 1957 alone, Church membership was increased by 71,583. All phases of missionary work have been strengthened. The full-time foreign force of 5,387 missionaries sent out from Salt Lake City is supplemented by 1,229 local full-time workers. Another 6,366 are serving on stake missions. This large number of missionaries, coupled with improved training and proselyting methods, is bringing an increasingly large number of converts into the Church each year. Soon after becoming President, President McKay said that he desired to bring the temples, with their saving ordinances, to the people, and he has emphasized the importance of temple work ever since. This has resulted in a great increase in temple and genealogical activity. In the entire year of 1951, for example, some 499,358 endowments were given. During the first six months of 1958, 604,756 were given! The Church Genealogical Library housed 63,385 rolls of microfilm in 1951, equivalent to 301,091 books of 300 pages each. This increased to 178,612 rolls on June 30, 1958, or something like 890,014 three hundred page volumes. This is reported to be the largest genealogical microfilm library in the world. Family group sheets increased from 1,702,534 to 3,237,908 during the same period. The Church building program throughout the world has been accelerated to meet Church growth and needs. New chapels, welfare buildings, hospitals, and educational buildings are being rushed to completion. It is estimated that there are at present some 600 structures in the planning and building stage. Traditionally the President of the Church has been president of several businesses that the Church wholly or partially owns. These responsibilities have taken a part of the President's time which President McKay thought should be devoted to other responsibilities. Consequently, beginning in 1957, he started a reorganization of these businesses which relieved him of the presidency of all but one of them, and he became instead "Chairman of the Board." Thus, while remaining in the top position of leadership, the President has materially lessened the detailed business responsibility that had been a part of his office. He now has more time to spend with other activities of the Church. Soon after President McKay became President, the Church school system was reorganized, with Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University, as administrator. This Unified School System is responsible for the operation of BYU, LDS Business College, Salt Lake City, Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, the school system in the Juarez (Mexico) Stake, as well as the institutes, seminaries, and Deseret Clubs. (The schools in the Pacific are under the direction of the "Church Board of the Pacific") Gratifying results have been reported in all phases of Church education. Brigham Young University became (in 1953) the largest church-related institution of higher education in the United States. Student enrolment has doubled since 1951. During the time the physical facilities of the campus have grown too, as classroom buildings, laboratories, student residences, and other college buildings of nearly every description have been completed. Many new projects have now been authorized. Since 1950-51 full-time seminaries have increased from 109 to 126 and the number of part-time seminaries has jumped from 45 to 400. Enrolment has increased from 28,677 to 40,247, while institute enrolment has grown from 4,309 to 6,092. Priesthood and auxiliary organization enrolment and attendance have likewise increased; attendance at Sacrament meetings is going up. Ricks College has grown from an enrolment of 699 in 1950-51 to 1,081 in 1956-57. The physical facilities on this campus have been enlarged and improved. Yes, impressive have been the growth and accomplishments of the Church during the past seven and one-half years under the leadership of President David O. McKay. But the truly vital part of his life's story and his devotion to the Lord can never adequately be reduced to words because it cannot be measured. How can one calculate the prestige and goodwill that he has brought to the Church through his travels, his meetings, his talks? Yet there is more. The full story cannot be told alone in miles traveled, in meetings held, in officials impressed, or in buildings dedicated. We must also look at the increased spirituality that exists throughout the Church, and throughout the world, as a result of his personal devotion and dedication to the service of the Master. The full story must include the deep love he has for humanity—his own family, members of the Church, God's children everywhere. It is told in the warm clasp of his hand, his contagious and friendly smile, his penetrating eyes. Merely meeting the President turns out to be an unforgettable experience. Jack Dempsey, former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, expressed universal sentiments when he recently exclaimed following a brief visit with the President, "This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life!" Never is the President's smile warmer or his eyes brighter than when he is able to find a minute to greet a lay member of the Church or a little child. But this is a pleasure all cannot have, and one of his great sorrows is that it cannot be so. When we realize that the Church is nearing the million-and-a-half mark, and that it would take some twelve years of forty-hour weeks for the President to give but one minute each to the present Church members if he were to attempt to greet them all, we can begin to see the problem involved. Nevertheless, he is sorrowful when anyone has to be turned away. In South Africa he was rushing to catch a plane and found his path lined with Saints wishing to shake his hand. But take-off time was too near for him to be delayed. When he had passed them and turned to wave good-bye, his heart was so filled with compassion that he said to Sister McKay, "I just can't go and leave them like this." And so the plane went without him, and he stayed to say good-bye to his people. In Salt Lake City one Thursday afternoon, a Sunday School class had been granted the great favor of an appointment with the President. Unfortunately, he was called to the hospital where his brother, Thomas E., lay critically ill. The children were naturally disappointed. A member of the Council of the Twelve greeted the class and talked to them. Many busy men would have considered the matter closed, but the next Sunday morning found President McKay driving eight miles to a small chapel south of the city. Entering the building he inquired where this particular class met. Imagine the thrill experienced in that little classroom when the door opened, and the President of the Church walked in. After explaining why he was not in his office when they called, he shook hands with the teacher and with each one of the children and left his blessing. "I want you children to know," he said, "that the President of the Church keeps his appointments if at all possible." Little deeds and big events combine to make up the life of the Prophet of God. As he nears his eighty-fifth birthday the thoughts of members of the Church throughout the world will be with him, and their prayers will be that God will keep him with us for many useful and productive years to come. |
David O. McKay, ninth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, observes his eighty-fifth birthday September 8, 1958. He has been President of the Church since April 9, 1951. This fascinating character study was taken on the McKay family farm in Huntsville, Utah.
Trained as an educator and teacher, President McKay has received high honors from educational institutions. He holds honorary doctorates (Laws, Humanities, Letters) from four universities, and has been granted honorary memberships in or given high awards by many public spirited organizations
In January and February of 1954, President McKay made a 32,500-mile tour of South Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico, to visit with and give instructions to Saints and missionaries and to be an emissary of love and goodwill to all peoples in this part of the world. He and Sister McKay are pictured here with members of the Church in Guatemala.
While visiting missions of the Church in Europe in 1952, President McKay selected and dedicated the ground for a temple in Newchapel, Surrey County, England. On this same trip he also selected a site for a temple in Bern, Switzerland. In August 1953, he returned to Europe to break ground for the Swiss Temple, which he dedicated upon its completion, in September 1955.
On top of Table Mountain in Capetown, South Africa, President McKay pauses long enough to enjoy a cold drink with President Leroy Duncan of the South African Mission.
On August 27, 1955 President McKay cut the first sod to start the beginning of construction of the London Temple. This temple, now completed, is to be dedicated in a series of services beginning September 7, 1958. The second day of the services will be President McKay's 85th birthday.
Everywhere the President of the Church goes he is besieged by crowds of people eager to see their Prophet, take his hand in theirs, and partake of his warm spirit. Here he leaves his blessing with Sister Violet Cottham of Sydney, Australia.
Since becoming President of the Church President McKay has traveled some 250,000 miles to preach the gospel and further [he work of the Lord. Here, he is shown boarding a Clipper with Sister McKay and President Franklin J. Murdock to leave Australia February 8, 1955. On this trip the President traveled 45,000 miles visiting the Tongan, Samoan, Tahitian, New Zealand, and Australian missions. He spoke 72 times, held 26 press and radio conferences, talked with many government, religious, and educational leaders, and selected a site for a temple in New Zealand.
When the Mormon Tabernacle Choir arrived in Greenock, Scotland, to begin its unprecedented concert tour of Europe in August 1955, President and Sister McKay were on the dock to meet them, and accompanied them on most of the tour. It was on this trip that the Swiss Temple was dedicated.
President McKay is accompanied on his trips by his charming wife, Emma. Amid all the rush of a schedule that is always full, work that is never finished, the love, devotion, and consideration shown by this couple for each other set a pattern for all to follow. Here they are shown enjoying a ride in a vehicle of yesteryear.
An important part of all of President McKay's missionary trips is the conferring with government officials. Below he is shown with the Right Honorable Walter Nash, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
The love of the President for children is revealed in this joyful photograph. Anyone who has felt the warmth and the strength of President McKay's handshake could never forget it.
On rare occasions, when he can find an hour away from the pressure of never-ending duties, President McKay returns to the McKay family farm at Huntsville, where he was born and where he spent a most happy childhood. Close to the soil and close to nature he is happy.
On the farm as a lad President McKay learned to love fine animals. At 85 that love still persists and on all-too-infrequent visits to the farm he still receives great joy from saddling one of his horses and riding down a leaf-covered lane.
President McKay is never happier than when he is with his family. For his grandchildren it is a rare treat for him to play or sing with them, to tell them stories, or to take them for a ride in the old bobsleigh. When he returns from trips they are often at the airport to meet him. His love and kindness binds them together.
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Morrell, Jeanette McKay. "Tribute to David O. McKay--A Great Missionary." Relief Society Magazine. September 1958. pg. 573-574.
Tribute to President David O. McKay, A Great Missionary
On His Eighty-Fifth Birthday, September 8, 1958
Jeanette McKay Morrell
PRESIDENT David O. McKay is one of the most effective missionaries the Church has ever had. His knowledge of the gospel, his sincerity, his courage to stand for his beliefs, his sympathetic understanding of people and their problems, his keen sense of humor, his charming personality, his exemplary life, his noble appearance, and his humility appeal alike to the great ones of the earth and to the lowly ones.
During his first mission to Great Britain in 1897, he had an experience that was to affect his whole life. At an especially spiritual missionary conference in Scotland, Elder James McMurrin of the European presidency said in part, ''Brother David, Satan has desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you, and if you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church." David O. McKay wrote in his diary: ''I resolved then and there to keep the faith and to be of service to my fellow men." His devotion to his Church and to his country since that time is proof of how well he has kept that resolution.
His contact with young people, as principal of Weber Academy, and as he directed the work of Sunday Schools in Weber County and, later, in the entire Church, was an inspiration to which thousands have attested throughout their lives.
His world-wide tour of the missions of the Church, 1920-21, in which he and his companion, Elder Hugh J. Cannon, brought unspeakable joy to many who had never before met an apostle, was an outstanding missionary experience. In Samoa, a monument was erected in commemoration of this visit. In China, that land was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel, and in many of the countries visited there were miraculous happenings due to the rich outpouring of the heavenly spirit which accompanied their labors.
During his presidency of the European Mission (1922-23) he succeeded, by direct contact with editors of the leading newspapers, in stopping the spurious articles that had been impeding missionary work, and in having them replaced by fair treatment of the work of the Church in England as well as in other countries of Europe. The direct effect of this accomplishment was a great increase in membership during the following two years. President and Sister McKay traveled more than 2,000 miles in the European Missions and conducted 525 meetings.
The temples dedicated here and abroad have afforded wonderful opportunities for missionary work, especially among local and national government officials. As an illustration, at the dedication of the temple and college in New Zealand, in addition to the hundreds of interested people who were in attendance, there were present the Prime Minister, Mr. Nash; member of Parliament, Dame Hilda Ross; Superintendent of Education, Mr. L. L. F. Ensor, and other officials. They spoke at the college exercises, and before the end of their visit with President McKay and others of his party, became real friends, as the New Zealand papers and Associated Press reports and photographs attested.
At the dedication of the chapel at Suva there were present the Governor and Lady Garvey, the Mayor and Mrs. A. D. Leys, the Colonial Secretary, Mr. P. D. MacDonald, and others with, the same resulting friendly relations established. Everywhere, there were prejudices allayed and expressions of good will toward the Church and our Country. These experiences can be multiplied by every visit of President McKay here and abroad, during the past sixty-one active, busy years of his devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Another phase of his effective missionary work is accomplished in his office in Salt Lake City. When at home, he arrives at the Church office building never later than seven a.m. in order to perform his regular strenuous daily duties, so there will be time during the day for meetings, conferences with groups and individuals, and almost daily calls from out-of- State visitors.
Of the latter, whether they are political leaders, heads of national unions, foreign representatives, officials of other churches, governors of states, newspaper groups from Russia or other countries, or whoever the guests may be, they are received with the same unhurried courtesy extended always by this wonderful President. Invariably, they leave with a kindly feeling toward the Church and a greater respect for its leadership. As a representative of this Country to other lands, his influence has been felt and appreciated by telegrams, calls, and written communications as expressed in the following extracts:
In a letter from Honorable John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State, ''I am sure you and Mrs. McKay did a notable service in your travels as unofficial ambassadors of good will." A letter from Honorable Arthur V. Watkins, Senator from Utah, contains this paragraph: "I have been following your tour in the press, and I am sure that you have done a great deal of good in the various countries which you have visited. I am sure that the relations of the United States have been greatly enhanced by your visit. I know of no better example of an outstanding American Christian citizen than you.''
May this eighty-fifth birthday be only a milestone in many more years of glorious missionary accomplishment.
Tribute to President David O. McKay, A Great Missionary
On His Eighty-Fifth Birthday, September 8, 1958
Jeanette McKay Morrell
PRESIDENT David O. McKay is one of the most effective missionaries the Church has ever had. His knowledge of the gospel, his sincerity, his courage to stand for his beliefs, his sympathetic understanding of people and their problems, his keen sense of humor, his charming personality, his exemplary life, his noble appearance, and his humility appeal alike to the great ones of the earth and to the lowly ones.
During his first mission to Great Britain in 1897, he had an experience that was to affect his whole life. At an especially spiritual missionary conference in Scotland, Elder James McMurrin of the European presidency said in part, ''Brother David, Satan has desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you, and if you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church." David O. McKay wrote in his diary: ''I resolved then and there to keep the faith and to be of service to my fellow men." His devotion to his Church and to his country since that time is proof of how well he has kept that resolution.
His contact with young people, as principal of Weber Academy, and as he directed the work of Sunday Schools in Weber County and, later, in the entire Church, was an inspiration to which thousands have attested throughout their lives.
His world-wide tour of the missions of the Church, 1920-21, in which he and his companion, Elder Hugh J. Cannon, brought unspeakable joy to many who had never before met an apostle, was an outstanding missionary experience. In Samoa, a monument was erected in commemoration of this visit. In China, that land was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel, and in many of the countries visited there were miraculous happenings due to the rich outpouring of the heavenly spirit which accompanied their labors.
During his presidency of the European Mission (1922-23) he succeeded, by direct contact with editors of the leading newspapers, in stopping the spurious articles that had been impeding missionary work, and in having them replaced by fair treatment of the work of the Church in England as well as in other countries of Europe. The direct effect of this accomplishment was a great increase in membership during the following two years. President and Sister McKay traveled more than 2,000 miles in the European Missions and conducted 525 meetings.
The temples dedicated here and abroad have afforded wonderful opportunities for missionary work, especially among local and national government officials. As an illustration, at the dedication of the temple and college in New Zealand, in addition to the hundreds of interested people who were in attendance, there were present the Prime Minister, Mr. Nash; member of Parliament, Dame Hilda Ross; Superintendent of Education, Mr. L. L. F. Ensor, and other officials. They spoke at the college exercises, and before the end of their visit with President McKay and others of his party, became real friends, as the New Zealand papers and Associated Press reports and photographs attested.
At the dedication of the chapel at Suva there were present the Governor and Lady Garvey, the Mayor and Mrs. A. D. Leys, the Colonial Secretary, Mr. P. D. MacDonald, and others with, the same resulting friendly relations established. Everywhere, there were prejudices allayed and expressions of good will toward the Church and our Country. These experiences can be multiplied by every visit of President McKay here and abroad, during the past sixty-one active, busy years of his devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Another phase of his effective missionary work is accomplished in his office in Salt Lake City. When at home, he arrives at the Church office building never later than seven a.m. in order to perform his regular strenuous daily duties, so there will be time during the day for meetings, conferences with groups and individuals, and almost daily calls from out-of- State visitors.
Of the latter, whether they are political leaders, heads of national unions, foreign representatives, officials of other churches, governors of states, newspaper groups from Russia or other countries, or whoever the guests may be, they are received with the same unhurried courtesy extended always by this wonderful President. Invariably, they leave with a kindly feeling toward the Church and a greater respect for its leadership. As a representative of this Country to other lands, his influence has been felt and appreciated by telegrams, calls, and written communications as expressed in the following extracts:
In a letter from Honorable John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State, ''I am sure you and Mrs. McKay did a notable service in your travels as unofficial ambassadors of good will." A letter from Honorable Arthur V. Watkins, Senator from Utah, contains this paragraph: "I have been following your tour in the press, and I am sure that you have done a great deal of good in the various countries which you have visited. I am sure that the relations of the United States have been greatly enhanced by your visit. I know of no better example of an outstanding American Christian citizen than you.''
May this eighty-fifth birthday be only a milestone in many more years of glorious missionary accomplishment.
Reiser, A. Hamer. "President David O. McKay, a Tribute." Improvement Era. September 1960. pg. 622-625, 666-668.
President David O. McKay observes his eighty-seventh birthday on September the eighth. PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY A TRIBUTE BY A. HAMER REISER Since 1906, at the age of thirty-two, when David O. McKay was called to be a "special witness" of the Lord Jesus Christ, his opportunities to exemplify "the perfect gentleman" have been world wide. In the fifty-four years of his dedicated career untold thousands have felt the influence of his example and precepts. This influence is observed from the manifestations of his personality, his words, and his quiet, forceful manner. I observe a similar quality in his children, who are in behavior "in his image" and in the image of their remarkable mother. They have the same quality of quiet dignity and bearing. Impressive to me are the easy, natural ways in which the influence of his personality comes into the consciousness of people. I have observed this in his attitude toward children and his communication with them. At the ground-breaking ceremony at Newchapel in England in the summer of 1953 a little girl asked for his autograph. She did not follow him to the table where he could write it for her. She disappeared into the crowd. He was uneasy for several hours, fearing that he had disappointed a little child. The outcome was happy when she came with her father and mother to the home of the mission president in London. Her father. Colonel Tueller, had made arrangements for President and Sister McKay to attend the Queen's garden party at Buckingham Palace and came to give the President the information. When Rozanne was introduced again to the President, she said, "I have already met President McKay at Newchapel. I asked him for his autograph." "And did you get it?" the President asked. "No," said Rozanne, "Father thought I should not trouble you." "Did I ask you if you thought I could write?" "Yes," she said, "and I said I thought you could." "Then may I give it to you now?" asked the President. "Yes, if you please," replied Rozanne. And she was a happy little girl and he a much relieved President. He had kept faith with a little child. "Keeping faith" is one of his cardinal principles. Another trait is his innate thoughtfulness for other people. This is manifested in innumerable ways. I observed one when he thought he had lost his beautiful ruby ring, Sister McKay's gift to him. We were en route by air from Lisbon, Portugal, to South Africa. He missed it as we were leaving Lisbon. A gracious airlines hostess at the airport offered to have a careful search made at the Lisbon hotel and airport and to send word after us of her findings. One morning in Johannesburg as the President came down into the lobby of the hotel, he was smiling brightly. He told me he had found his ring and immediately asked me to send a message to the Lisbon hostess to spare her further concern on his account. In numerous other ways this noble trait of character has expressed itself. I recall instances as we traveled from London north into Scotland when he visited in 1953 at the birthplace of his father in Janetstown, near Thurso. And again in 1958 when he arranged to have his sister, Jeanette (Mrs. Morrell), go to the birthplace of their mother, Jeanette Evans, at Plas Helygen, Clwydd de fagwar, Cefn Coed, near Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. In fact, this quality of character is as constant and natural with him as breathing. His goodwill also has a universal quality and scope. Doubtless this has been nourished by the great scope and extent of his contacts and travels. Since his call to the apostleship he has traveled into the far corners of the Church and throughout the organized stakes. His duties as general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union board brought him into close association with adults, youth, and children, in Sunday Schools, conventions, and conferences. On the world tour of 1920-21 upon which Elder Hugh J. Cannon accompanied him, he met thousands of Latter-day Saints in the distant and near missions of the Church. His memory of so many of them and of the places to which he and Brother Cannon traveled is clear and keen after all these years. As President of the Church he has met the people of the Church throughout the world in their own home lands, in the United States, in Europe, South Africa, South America, and in the islands of the Pacific. These tens of thousands sustain him as prophet, seer, and revelator and cling to his example and his words as inspired. He is honored for his nobility of character. He is admired for his personal bearing and address. His cleanliness of person, speech, and thought charm all who meet him. People leave his presence feeling as though they have been "in church." The readiness of his sense of humor pleases all who have opportunity to enjoy it. He is unusually perceptive and alert. His interests are of great scope and variety. His fondness for animals and for living things of creation are as natural and spontaneous as his devotion to people. I recall his disappointment when the close schedule did not permit his going to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. I thought I could partially assuage the disappointment by presenting him with a copy of an attractive book Animals of Africa, which I purchased in a Johannesburg bookshop. Later we were taken to the "end of the world" to see the Cape of Good Hope and to travel through the game reserve at the cape. I shall long remember his interest in getting out of the automobile and having us accompany him into the bush to see if we could flush out some baboons. Though we did not succeed, his interest was rewarded when we came upon a "family" bossed by a rugged, old grandfather baboon, who had seated himself on the "bonnet" (hood) of a visitor's Buick while the mothers, "kids," and the troublesome fathers of the "family" sported around us on the road and swarmed over the car. They looked into the windows of the car at us seemingly with the same curiosity as we looked at them. He and Sister McKay are the best of travelers. They travel relaxed, thoughtful of others, beaming with goodwill and ready for any eventuality. This is born of wide experience and also of a life time of personal discipline and self-control. I recall when we were leaving Johannesburg to return to Dakar, West Africa. It was my duty to take care of the travel documents, passports, health certificates, tickets, and reservations. I had misplaced some of these and was hurriedly, impatiently, and excitedly fumbling in search of them while the plane waited. The President watched me and chuckling said: "You are excited, aren't you?" I admitted that I was, but he was not. His composure gave me reassurance and enabled me to capture some of his poise and to simmer down. His contacts have brought into his life many eminent people. He has met royalty and eminent persons. Whatever their heritage or pedigree I think all have accepted him as a peer. I recall many years ago when I was host for a few hours of a distinguished New England visitor, a Harvard professor, a member of an eminent New England family. He was an austre, dignified, gentleman. I had the honor of introducing him to President George Albert Smith, whose son was then and is still, also, a Harvard professor; to Elder John A. Widtsoe, a Harvard graduate. As we left the Church office building, we met President McKay on the sidewalk in front of the building. I introduced them, and they talked briefly. As we parted and President McKay walked up the steps of the building, Dr. Cross turned and watched him. Emphatically but quietly, as though he were talking to himself, he said, "My—what a personality!" I have seen President McKay in the presence of men of great ability and accomplishment, famous men, public figures, men of wealth, learning, political power, and wide financial interests and influence. I have seen him also in the presence of obscure, lowly, humble people. Always there is the same warm, uniform, manifestation of genuine interest and goodwill. Through the many years he has had association with many remarkable people, several of them men of eminence and of notable careers in public and professional life, in business and in educational circles. His attitude toward them is marked by the kind of respect and appreciation which win loyalty. From them respect and loyalty are reciprocated. I have seen him befriend people who thought themselves friendless. His loyalty is steadfast. For all people, prominent and obscure, of good fortune and without it, he has unvarying regard. Whoever meets him departs with a consciousness of benign influence. This comes from the nature of his spirit, and from the quality of his spirituality. He has "partaken of the divine nature." His personal disposition is most generous and self-effacing. If he could, he would reach out and rescue everyone in need. He recognizes his limitations of time, strength, and opportunity, especially as these are further very greatly affected by the great scope of the duties of his office and the demands made upon his time and attention by the needs of the Church. To help him avoid the rebuke which was administered to Moses in Exodus 18:13-26, his desire to help people needing help and counsel he shares with a great organization of like-minded and like spirited men, composed of the General Authorities of the Church, and the presiding officers in wards, stakes and missions. He is the best exponent of his own principles. While others can express their appreciation of his exemplary character, it is well to read and to hear him to gain an understanding of his love for the Lord Jesus Christ and his enthusiasm for the righteous life. |
President David O. McKay at the gate of the family home in Huntsville, Utah, where the youngest to the oldest members of the family gather for festivities on special occasions.
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Hill, George R. "President David O. McKay... Father of the Modern Sunday School." Instructor. September 1960. pg. 314-315.
President David O. McKay... Father of the Modern Sunday School by General Superintendent George R. Hill OF the many contributions of our beloved President David O. McKay, none are of greater significance or more far reaching than those relating to unity in Sunday School work and the techniques of organization and presentation of Sunday School lessons. Indeed, he has often been Superintendent Hill called the "father of the modern Sunday School." Immediately after his return from a mission to Scotland in 1899, he was made a member of Weber Stake Sunday School board. Soon thereafter he was sustained as second assistant superintendent and was given the responsibility of classwork. He first called for weekly meetings of the stake board members. He drilled the members in outlining lessons and in selecting an aim (now called objective) for each lesson. He drilled them in organizing and illustrating the aim. He stressed lesson presentation and application of the aim in each child's life. This was followed by a monthly union meeting to which all the ward Sunday School teachers and officers were asked to come, having previously read the lessons to be considered in each department that day. There under the tutelage of his trained stake board members, the ward teachers were given training in the selection of an aim in the organizing and presenting of each lesson so as to make vivid application of the aim to each class member. The stake board also made weekly visits to ward Sunday Schools. Teachers in the wards were asked to meet weekly to prepare their Sunday School lessons. As a result of these union meetings, teachers went home with a "bundle of notes" on each of four lessons for the month ahead. These union meetings became very popular with 90 per cent to 100 per cent attendance at each. President Joseph F. Smith, then the General Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, asked Superintendent McKay to write an article for publication. Accordingly "The Lesson Aim: How to Select It; How to Develop It; How to Apply It" was published in the Juvenile Instructor of April 15, 1905, Vol. 40; page 242. This electric article by President McKay is as applicable today as when it was written; and, accordingly, it was republished in The Instructor for October, 1956, Vol. 91 ; page 298. President McKay's plan, which was an innovation in 1900, has revolutionized Sunday School teaching. Many who had been teachers for years expressed their inability to outline lessons and adopt the new methods. The great majority of these became the most ardent supporters of the plan when they were converted to the living lessons as compared with the unorganized material of previous presentations. Such dedicated teachers soon felt that unless every pupil left the class with a burning desire to do something as a direct result of Sunday's lesson, they had failed in their presentation of the subject. The admonition ". . . be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, . . ." (James 1:22.) is certainly a measure of effective Sunday School teaching. On April 8, 1906, President McKay, then 33 years of age, was called to the Council of Twelve Apostles and was added almost immediately to the General Sunday School Board. On Oct. 6, 1906, he was sustained as second assistant superintendent. April 14, 1909, he was made first assistant superintendent, and on Nov. 22, 1918, general superintendent, with Stephen L Richards and George D. Pyper as assistant superintendents. On Thursday, April 4, 1907, a Church-wide convention of Stake Sunday School Superintendents and Boards was held at the Latter-day Saints University buildings. Twenty-nine members of the general board were present and 219 delegates from 42 of the 55 stakes of the Church responded to the roll call. The delegates were all provided with notebooks and pencils and asked to list each item discussed. The meeting began at 9:30 a.m. The results of this momentous meeting are published in the May 1, 1907, Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 2; pages 265-269. An analysis of the departmental findings were given by Superintendent McKay at the Annual Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, Sunday evening, April 7, 1907, and are published in the May 1, 1907, Juvenile Instructor, pages 269- 275. Superintendent David O. McKay presided over and conducted this outstanding convention. Superintendent McKay said: The object of this convention is to bring about some UNITY IN OUR WORK ... I repeat that we have met for the purpose of getting closer together, that the General Board may be in closer touch with the stake boards, and that the stake boards may get in closer touch with the local boards. We need unity in the Sunday School work; we need unity of effort in class work particularly. We need unity of effort in the opening exercises. We need unity of effort in everything that pertains to the development of the child's soul. That, in general, is the object of our meeting here today . . . You are requested to take notes freely and keep them, that you may present notes of every point that is suggested to your fellow workers who are not permitted to be present here this morning . . . We would like to exchange ideas. We want your suggestions . . . We would like every point to be discussed, . . . so that you may go out from this convention, knowing what the decision of your department upon each particular subject is . . . The Sunday School workers separated by orderly marching to the various departments where the subjects announced in the program were considered. At the 2 p.m. session, Elder McKay said: Special effort will be devoted this afternoon to class work . . . taken up under three heads; first, the SELECTION OF THE AIM; second, the development of the aim; and third, illustration and application. Then followed a discussion of the techniques by which each step might be accomplished. After this there was a separation to departments where those principles were discussed as applied to each department. As a result of this electrifying convention, unified standards in the opening exercises and in classwork were adopted and put into operation throughout the Church. A new era in lesson preparation and presentation had been born. A system of follow- up by stake board members at monthly union meetings had been inaugurated. While he was general superintendent, the Parents' Class, organized in 1904 in Weber Stake, was made general throughout the Church. From the Kindergarten to the Parents' Class, a graded progressive course of study was inaugurated. Teacher training. Church-wide was established. The name Juvenile Instructor was changed to The Instructor to more nearly fulfill its destiny as the teacher training organ of the Church. In the Centennial issue of The Instructor, Vol. 84-; December, 1949; pages 620-623, our beloved President McKay gives his concept of the future of the Sunday School: First: The Sunday School looks forward to the time when every girl and boy, every man and woman, will be enrolled as a member . . . Second: The Sunday School looks forward to the time when in every class in Sunday School, the principles of punctuality, courtesy, self-control, respect for authority, studiousness, responsiveness and particularly reverence and worship, will so impregnate the atmosphere that even the dullard by absorption will be benefited. This is not dreaming; I am not being visionary. The Sunday Schools of the future may realize just that ideal atmosphere. Third: The Sunday School looks forward to the time when every teacher will possess the qualities mentioned by these Sunday School children tonight . . . that every teacher will have within his or her mind a sincere and prayerful desire to awaken within at least one heart every Sunday . . . the desire to achieve mastery over weak and selfish indulgences; ... a hope in the boys to become noble characters ; in the girls, to become modest, beautiful women . . . to awaken a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which brings happiness in this life and salvation throughout eternity. Fourth: The great Sunday School of the future will have a teacher training class in which not only the active teachers, but also prospective teachers may receive practical instructions in the preparation and presentation of lessons . . . Fifth: The Sunday School . . . looks forward . . . to the time when . . . every teacher will pray sincerely and earnestly for God's guidance on the day she meets the children placed under her care . . . Finally: The Sunday School Union looks forward tonight; . . . when nobility of character will be recognized as being greater than intellect, when faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and loyalty to the standards and principles of His Restored Gospel will be motivating ideals in the life of every child and youth of the Church . . . On President McKay's Birthday On September 8, President David O. McKay will celebrate his 87th birthday. He was born in Huntsville, Utah, Sept. 8, 1873, a son of David and Jennette Evans McKay. The entire Church joins the Sunday School and The Instructor in wishing a happy birthday and God's blessings for a great teacher, a great man, and a great and beloved prophet. |
Superintendent Hill
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Nibley, Preston. "When David McKay Went on a Mission." Improvement Era. April 1961. pg. 218-222, 278.
When David McKay went on a mission BY PRESTON NIBLEY ASSISTANT CHURCH HISTORIAN At the annual conference of the Church, held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on April 6, 1881, a list of names of men who were called on missions was read to the congregation. On this list was the name of David McKay of Huntsville, Utah, the father of President David O. McKay—called to Great Britain. The missionary record shows that he was set apart for the mission on the following day, April 7. At the time David McKay was called on this mission, he was nearing his 37th birthday. He was of Scottish descent, having been born near Thurso, Scotland, May 3, 1844. His parents became members of the Church in 1850, and in the summer of 1856 they emigrated to America; in 1859 they made their way to Utah and settled in Ogden. A few years later, David and his brother Isaac took up land in a little valley east of Ogden, where a settlement called Huntsville was forming. There in 1867 David brought his young wife Jennette Evans and established a home. At the time he was called on a mission, four children had been born to them, two girls and two boys. The lives of the little girls were taken during an epidemic of diphtheria which swept through the valley in 1877-1878. Thus when David McKay departed for his mission, two little boys, David Oman, seven, and Thomas Evans, five, watched him leave the farm home with mingled feelings of awe and concern. The little boy, David Oman, was to live to carry the McKay name around the world. David McKay boarded a train at Ogden on April 19, 1881, and joined a group of missionaries, all bound for Liverpool, England. The record states that they arrived in Liverpool on May 13 "at nine p.m. on the steamship Wyoming." Fourteen other elders that made the journey with David McKay were William Butler, Abraham Halliday, Rodney Hillam, Benjamin E. Rich, Joseph Wadley, Alfred Alder, John Stoddard, Robert McFarland, Alexander Perry, David M. Evans, Charles H. Greenwell, Franklin B. Woolley, Joseph Greaves, and David J. Evans. When the assignments were made to the various fields of labor by President Albert Carrington of the European Mission, David McKay, John Stoddard, Robert McFarland, and Alexander Perry were appointed to labor in the Glasgow conference in Scotland. The next available information we have concerning Elder David McKay is a revealing letter he wrote to President Carrington, on November 15, 1881, and which is found in the Millennial Star, Vol. 43, page 747. Here it is in full: "Aberdeen, Nov. 15, 1881 "President Albert Carrington, "Dear Brother: "Knowing the interest you feel in the labors of the Elders in their several fields, I embrace the present opportunity of giving you a short account of my labors in the north of Scotland. "The 10th of June found me in Thurso. Having some tracts with me I commenced distributing them among my friends, talking to all who would listen to my humble way of explaining the first principles of the gospel. I held four open-air meetings. When Elder John Stoddard came to assist me, we tried in all the principal towns and villages to obtain a house; we offered to hire, but all to no purpose. It was 'Hobson's choice,' preach out-of-doors or not preach in public. We had as good meetings as we could expect, until bad weather interfered. "Brother Stoddard returned to Edinburgh, and shortly after I received word from Brother Irvine to come to Aberdeen. "In visiting, I found some still quite anxious to inquire further in regard to the gospel. All the pamphlets and books ordered by me from the office have been distributed among them. I hope in the near future a branch may be organized in the far north, that there may be some place to rally to. The few who have been numbered with us are scattered, as it were, without a shepherd. Elder Monroe, of twenty-five years standing, has done what he could to make a home for the Elders who have visited there from time to time. He is a good, quiet man and can bear a faithful testimony in private but has not as yet taken any part in public meetings. He has to labor very hard to support his family. "I was introduced to the Saints here in Aberdeen by Elder A. N. Macfarlane, who has endeared himself to the hearts of the Saints, and their faith and prayers have gone with him to Dundee, his present field of labor. "I am thankful for the change which has been made as regards my labors, to meet with the Saints in their meetings, which are held twice on each Sabbath, in a public hall; prayer meeting once a week at Brother Robertson's, president of the branch, and Bible class, once a week, at the same place. The four and a half months without meetings, makes me appreciate the society of the Saints. "My health is good and I seek the spirit of my ministry. I have been blessed since leaving home beyond my expectations. I trust the Lord will continue his mercies towards me, and that you as Our head, may, through our obedience to your counsel and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, be able to rejoice in seeing and hearing of the spread of the Gospel in these parts. And that the Lord will bless all who are so engaged, is the desire of, "Your brother in the Gospel, David McKay." This letter makes known that David McKay went to Thurso, the place of his birth, shortly after he arrived in Scotland, and that he remained there "four and a half months," before going to Aberdeen. Part of the time he was alone, and part of the time Elder John Stoddard labored with him. In this connection President David O. McKay once related an interesting story of an experience of his father, while he labored alone at Thurso. It is from a sermon delivered by President McKay in 1919. "I know that the Lord communicates with his servants. I have not doubted this fact since I was a boy and heard the testimony of my father regarding the revelation that came to him of the divinity of the Prophet Joseph Smith. "My father accepted a call to a mission about 1881. When he began preaching in his native land and bore testimony of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, he noticed that the people turned away from him. They were bitter in their hearts against anything Mormon, and the name of Joseph Smith seemed to arouse antagonism in their hearts. "One day he concluded that the best way to get these people interested would be to preach just the simple principles, the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, the first principles of the gospel, and not bear testimony of the restoration of the gospel. It first came simply as a passing thought, but yet it influenced his future work. In a month or so he became oppressed with a gloomy, downcast feeling, and he could not enter into the spirit of his work. "He did not know what really was the matter, but his mind became obstructed; his spirit became clogged; he was oppressed and hampered; and that feeling of depression continued until it weighed him down with such heaviness that he went to the Lord and said: 'Unless I can get this feeling removed I will have to go home. I cannot continue my work with this feeling.' "It continued for some time after that, when, one morning, before daylight, following a sleepless night, he decided to retire to a cave near the ocean, where he knew he would be shut off from the world entirely, and there pour out his soul to God and ask why he was oppressed with this feeling; what he had done and what he could do to throw it off and continue his work. "He started out in the dark towards the cave, and he became so eager to get to it that he started to run and was hailed by an officer who wanted to know what was the matter, as he was leaving town. He gave some non-committal reply and was permitted to go on. Something just seemed to drive him; he had to get relief! "He entered that cave and said: 'Oh, Father, what can I do to have this feeling removed? I must have it lifted or I cannot continue in this work'; and he heard a voice as distinct as I am now uttering say: 'Testify that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.' "Remembering then what he tacitly had decided, six weeks or more before, and becoming overwhelmed with the thought, the whole thing came to him in a realization that he was there for a special mission, and that he had not given that special mission the attention that it deserved. Then he cried in his heart, 'Lord, it is enough,' and went out from the cave. "You who know him know the mission he performed. As a boy I sat and heard that testimony from one whom I treasured and honored as you know I treasured no other man in the world, and that assurance was instilled in my youthful soul."[1] Further information pertaining to David McKay is in the Journal History of the Church under date of May 20, 1882. It is a clipping from the Ogden Daily Herald of the previous day and is as follows "Today we have a letter from Elder David McKay, who writes from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Hon. Lorin Farr, through whose kindness we are permitted to glean a few lines from the message. Elder McKay expresses himself as deeply grieved at the corruption and depravity he finds himself surrounded with wherever his labors call him. He has been much shocked whenever his labors at witnessing the evil effects of following the desires of the flesh. He remembers that when he heard the elders bear testimony to the great wickedness of Babylon, he was sometimes inclined to think that they were a little prejudiced and were painting the picture too black; but since he has moved in person among the foreign scenes, he has had ample conviction and demonstration that all the pictures drawn of the perversity and immorality of Babylon were, if anything, too mild, and he has seen the abyss which divides the children of light, who serve God, from the children of the world who serve Mammon. "This has led him to reflect that there are efforts being made to introduce the same influences of the evil one, among the Saints, to cause them to sympathize with the wicked abroad, and hence arises the necessity of something to bind and keep the Lord's people together. ... In conclusion Elder McKay is well and hearty, and enjoys the spirit of his calling in a proper manner." Following the above, there is an account in the Millennial Star (Vol. 44, p. 492) of a meeting of the elders of the Glasgow district, held on July 16, 1882, "in the upper hall at 8 Watson Street, off Gallowgate." Those present were "Apostle Albert Carrington, (president of the European Mission), A. N. Macfarlane, president of the Glasgow Conference; John Stoddard, president of the Newcastle Conference; John R. Baxter, David McKay, Robert McFarland, John A. Boyle, Joseph W. McMurrin, David Burnet, John Crawford, John Penman, and James Meikle." At the opening meeting Elder McKay was the third speaker. "He said the Aberdeen District was about the same as the Dundee District, both as to numbers and proportion of those who are striving to live their religion. The gospel differs as much from the creeds of the present day, as it did in the days of our Savior, from the creeds then most popular. He expected to find the Scottish people willing to receive the gospel, as they had such great reverence for the Bible, but his expectations were not realized. He found them full of tradition. What was good for their fathers and grandfathers, they claimed, was good enough for them, and if they went to heaven, no doubt their children would go there too. "After an absence of twenty-five years he had returned to his native land, and found some who were in the Church when he left, still hanging on, but so far back that they did not even know who was the President of the Church. This was the natural result of not living their religion, for as soon as a Latter-day Saint ceases to live his religion, that moment he desires to estrange himself from the Church and hide himself. Those Saints of whom he had just spoken were in a very scattered condition and difficult to get at, and had gone back so far that he would rather undertake to teach one who knew nothing of the gospel principles; for when darkness once comes upon a Latter-day Saint, how great is that darkness! "He felt thankful to God for the privilege he had of contrasting the people of Utah with the people of these lands, and rejoiced in what he had seen, and what he knew. He exhorted the Saints to think more of the purposes of Jehovah in sending us here, also our origin, destiny, and relations to God. He advised them to hold on to the iron rod, for woe would be the portion of those who rejected the gospel when it was delivered by an authorized servant of the Most High." (Millennial Star 44:492.) In September 1882, Elder McKay was appointed president of the Glasgow district. He succeeded A. N. Macfarlane, who had been released. The next conference in Glasgow was held on December 31, 1882. By this time Albert Carrington had been released to return home, and John Henry Smith had been sent to take his place. Those present at the Glasgow conference in December were: "Apostle John Henry Smith, president of the European Mission; Benjamin E. Rich, president of the Manchester Conference; David McKay, president of the Glasgow conference; David Burnet, David W. Tullis, John Penman, Joseph W. McMurrin, John Crawford, John McQuarrie, James Meikle, and Robert Hunter; about 200 Saints attended the meetings." At the opening meeting, "President McKay, after a few preliminary remarks, expressive of the pleasure he felt in meeting the brethren and sisters in conference capacity, said we would now hear the reports of the elders who were present to represent the various districts of the Scottish Mission." At the concluding session, "President McKay testified to the integrity of the elders, and was proud to make this known, and to have such men to labor with him. He commended the Saints for their response to the early call to meeting this morning, and exhorted all to give heed to the counsels they had received from the brethren today, and to desist from evil." (Ibid., 45-64.) Under date of February 12, 1883, David McKay wrote a letter to President John Henry Smith, part of which was reproduced in the Millennial Star: "The spirit of gathering appears to be increasing among the Saints, causing them to draw near to their Heavenly Father and to each other. This manifest increase of faith and good works among the Saints is being felt for good, throughout the circle that the worthy Saints move in, among the honest in heart. Baptisms are becoming more frequent. The number of our traveling elders has been reduced somewhat, but no doubt President Smith will remember Scotland when wisdom dictates to send us more help. We need elders of strong faith, or with some money in their possession. Both is best, providing they have wisdom to exercise both at the same time; but our experience has conveyed the idea to our mind, that, with cash in the pocket, faith in a measure is allowed to take a rest." (Ibid., 45, p. 173.) On March 12, 1883, the Millennial Star announced that David McKay had been released from the presidency of the Glasgow conference to sail for home on April 11. Also that Joseph W. McMurrin had been selected to take his place. On April 30, 1883, the Ogden Herald announced that David McKay had returned from his mission to Scotland. In the issue of the Millennial Star, dated June 25, 1883, a letter from David McKay was printed. It was dated Huntsville, Utah, May 29, 1883, and is as follows: "We have been trying to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather in fixing garden and farm fences, etc., and some of the results of manual labor have been seen and felt in blistered hands and aching bones. The waste places of Zion must be built up, and we earnestly desire to do our humble part at home, whether it is in preaching the gospel to the nations or laboring to beautify Zion. "I need not try to describe my feelings to you in being privileged to meet with loved ones at homesweet, sweet home. Our journey overland was all we could have desired, arriving in Ogden without accident or death to mar the peace of the company. We have had great reason to say, surely the Lord is good and kind in all his ways to those who are trying to keep his commandments. "The Latter-day Saints have no fear of the threats of men or nations, as is evident from the improvements that have been made in the past two years alone in Ogden, Salt Lake, and our own little town of one thousand inhabitants, located twelve miles east of Ogden, in one of the chambers of the mountains. Many public and private buildings have been erected; and what pleasure it gives us to contrast the quality and style of our buildings today, with those of a few years ago, when, in poverty, we were thankful for a dug-out, trying to produce from the elements those things to sustain life, in a climate where there was frost every month of the year, until President Brigham Young and a few of the brethren visited the valley, blessed the elements, and commanded the earth to bring forth in its strength. And has it done so? Yes. The prophet of the true and living God knew what he was saying and doing, and our eyes have seen the literal fulfillment of his prophecy, and this is only one of the many that have come under our personal observation. As a result of that prophecy and blessing, the Saints have been greatly prospered, spiritually and temporally, and, led by the precept and example of our worthy bishop, F. A. Hammond, have erected a model chapel at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars, all free-will offerings from the people. "The house is ready for dedication, which is to take place next month, when President Taylor and others of the Church Authorities are expected. The Relief and Young Ladies Societies are to prepare a public feast for all the people, where old and young, visitors and strangers, will be made welcome to partake, without money or price, and all this liberality displayed among a people who, our would-be friends declare, are in bondage and sin. Surely they must be serving the same master and under the same influence that those self-taught and appointed high priests and scribes were, who thought that Jesus cast out devils by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils. We who know these things can well afford to cultivate the spirit of him whom we are trying to follow and say, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' "Our intercourse with our brethren and sisters in their various organizations, including Sunday School and Primary Association, since our arrival, proves to us that the efforts of our worthy brethren and sisters who have been called and set apart to preside over and teach the young and rising generation the principles of the Gospel are resulting in good. It causes our very souls to rejoice in witnessing the growth and development of our young men and maidens. If, in the wisdom of an all-wise Providence, the nations should be favored with the elders from Utah, and those young men should be called who know no fear only to fear God and keep his commandments, I know from the spirit manifest in them, that their testimonies in favor of the truth will cut like a keen two-edged sword. And it does not require much stretch of imagination to understand that the day is not far distant when the law shall go forth from Zion. Who but those educated in the laws of the Lord should be selected to administer them?" (Ibid., 45:411.) [1] The Improvement Era, Vol. 24, p. 405. |
David McKay and Jennette Evans McKay and their four eldest children. The two daughters Margaret and Elena, at right and left, died in a diphtheria epidemic of 1877-1878. David O. is standing by his father; Thomas E. is on his mother's lap.
The McKay family home at Huntsville, Utah, in part of which the family were living in 1881 when the mission call came. Elder McKay learned after his return from the mission that his wife had added to the house. More has been added since. The home, now President McKay's, is the scene of frequent gatherings of the entire family clan.
Birthplace of David McKay at Janetstown (near Thurso), Scotland, which President McKay visited in 1953. This home was built by William McKay, President McKay's lowing the desires grandfather.
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"President David O. McKay's Eighty-eighth Birthday." Improvement Era. September 1961. pg. 627, 676.
PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY'S EIGHTY-EIGHTH BIRTHDAY
The 88th birthday anniversary of the President of the Church is an event of exceeding significance—one that all the members of the Church and many others also, would wish gratefully to note and acknowledge world-wide.
The Improvement Era had planned to mark this September 8 anniversary with a feature article on our loved and revered President and Prophet, President McKay, however, with his unfailing gracious consideration of others, suggested that the ninetieth birthday anniversary of his long-esteemed associate and counselor in the First Presidency, President J, Reuben Clark, Jr., occupy the place of first importance in this issue of the Era.
In acceding to the Presidents suggestion, we wish, however, to offer here a brief and heartfelt witness of our love and loyalty for him whom our Lord has called to be his prophet in these times when great and significant events are rushing forward.
The events of President McKays long and notable lifetime have moved toward preparing him for this position, and we doubt not that he was known and designated in the heavens for our Father s particular purposes.
As we have been privileged to see arid associate with the President, to feel his spirit, to know his love, to watch his life, his every act and utterance, we have seen no discrepancy between what he does and what we know him to be.
His life is lived in far-seeing, sure-moving service. His graciousness and consideration for others is unfailing. While there is a special love in his heart for family and friends, there is also a great, compassionate consideration for all our Fathers children. We have seen him stand for hours to shake the hands and offer kindly encouragement to the lives of long, long lines of young and old who have sought the privilege of speaking to the President.
"There are men whose very presence warms the heart. President McKay is one of them. I spoke from the heart, when, in the middle of a commencement address I was giving at Brigham Young University, I turned to him on the platform and said, 'David McKay, almost thou persuadest me to be a Mormon!' " These sincere and gracious words, recorded by the late Cecil B. DeMille in his Autobiography, are indicative of the warm feeling those in and out of the Church have for our revered prophet.
Whether he is speaking in a meeting, conducting a conference session in the Tabernacle, leading the twenty-fourth of July parade, or walking down the street, young and old alike are drawn to him and deeply impressed by his presence— his distinguished face, the silver-gray hair, his manly bearing, his radiant spirit, his warm smile, his friendly yet piercing eyes. We agree with the many whom we have heard say, "This man looks like a prophet."
In his eighty-eighth year he is alert, forward-looking, progressive, and courageous, as the great forward movement of the Church has demonstrated. His tall, handsome bearing and rugged physical stamina have come to him from stalwart forebears and from a hardworking, clean-living life, and have helped him to carry the ever greater load of responsibility and decision and the long and lengthening hours of daily attention to duty. An early riser from lifelong habit, beginning on the farm in his youth, he seldom sleeps past five a.m. and is often at the office before six. Early appointments, meetings, and attention to the endless pile of papers and problems are daily routine with him.
Many men under pressure give evidence of pressure and impatience. But President McKay has developed the quality of giving full attention to every person with whom he has an appointment or who approaches him with a problem. And even relatively unimportant matters are not brusquely or inattentively dealt with.
His devotion to his beloved companion of more than sixty years, the choice mother of their seven children, is an inspiration to see, as his sincere and courtly graciousness and courtesy and consideration for her are in evidence on all occasions. And this example is felt throughout his family, as children, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters show respect and affection for one another and for the President in his relationship to them, as well as in his official calling.
Increasingly in him one sees a far-seeing insight, with the ability to match great dreams and great plans with business acumen and common-sense practicality. There is nothing of smallness in his mind or soul or plans or purposes. With his eyes on the limitless opportunities of eternity, he moves with astuteness and courage in the practical affairs of time.
President McKay is universally loved because he loves universally. He is great because he devotes his time to great deeds and great thoughts. He understands the mistakes of men and sees also their better side, and by what he is and what he does, earns their love and loyalty. Indeed, he seems to be a symbol of these words from the 121st Section of the Doctrine and Covenants: ". . . by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile-' (D&C 121:41-42.)
This also, typically, he cites: "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (I John 3-14), and his associates reciprocate from the depth of their souls, and would follow him, as it is his right to lead, even as they would follow him whose servant and prophet he is.
All of us are a little sad to realize that he is one year older, but we give earnest, grateful thanks to our Heavenly Father because he has prolonged the life of our leader.
It is our conviction that the Church, for this forward moving time, could not have had greater, more sincere, courageous, understanding leadership than that of this choice prophet whom God has given us. And to our Prophet and President, we wish health and happiness, divine assurance and satisfaction, and the great sustaining strength that comes from our Father—and the blessed sweetness of association with his loved ones, always and forever.
As his eighty-eighth birthday approaches we join with Saints throughout the world to honor him, pay tribute to him, declare our love for him, pledge our loyalty to him, and dedicate our lives anew to service in the Church which he has been called by God to lead.
PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY'S EIGHTY-EIGHTH BIRTHDAY
The 88th birthday anniversary of the President of the Church is an event of exceeding significance—one that all the members of the Church and many others also, would wish gratefully to note and acknowledge world-wide.
The Improvement Era had planned to mark this September 8 anniversary with a feature article on our loved and revered President and Prophet, President McKay, however, with his unfailing gracious consideration of others, suggested that the ninetieth birthday anniversary of his long-esteemed associate and counselor in the First Presidency, President J, Reuben Clark, Jr., occupy the place of first importance in this issue of the Era.
In acceding to the Presidents suggestion, we wish, however, to offer here a brief and heartfelt witness of our love and loyalty for him whom our Lord has called to be his prophet in these times when great and significant events are rushing forward.
The events of President McKays long and notable lifetime have moved toward preparing him for this position, and we doubt not that he was known and designated in the heavens for our Father s particular purposes.
As we have been privileged to see arid associate with the President, to feel his spirit, to know his love, to watch his life, his every act and utterance, we have seen no discrepancy between what he does and what we know him to be.
His life is lived in far-seeing, sure-moving service. His graciousness and consideration for others is unfailing. While there is a special love in his heart for family and friends, there is also a great, compassionate consideration for all our Fathers children. We have seen him stand for hours to shake the hands and offer kindly encouragement to the lives of long, long lines of young and old who have sought the privilege of speaking to the President.
"There are men whose very presence warms the heart. President McKay is one of them. I spoke from the heart, when, in the middle of a commencement address I was giving at Brigham Young University, I turned to him on the platform and said, 'David McKay, almost thou persuadest me to be a Mormon!' " These sincere and gracious words, recorded by the late Cecil B. DeMille in his Autobiography, are indicative of the warm feeling those in and out of the Church have for our revered prophet.
Whether he is speaking in a meeting, conducting a conference session in the Tabernacle, leading the twenty-fourth of July parade, or walking down the street, young and old alike are drawn to him and deeply impressed by his presence— his distinguished face, the silver-gray hair, his manly bearing, his radiant spirit, his warm smile, his friendly yet piercing eyes. We agree with the many whom we have heard say, "This man looks like a prophet."
In his eighty-eighth year he is alert, forward-looking, progressive, and courageous, as the great forward movement of the Church has demonstrated. His tall, handsome bearing and rugged physical stamina have come to him from stalwart forebears and from a hardworking, clean-living life, and have helped him to carry the ever greater load of responsibility and decision and the long and lengthening hours of daily attention to duty. An early riser from lifelong habit, beginning on the farm in his youth, he seldom sleeps past five a.m. and is often at the office before six. Early appointments, meetings, and attention to the endless pile of papers and problems are daily routine with him.
Many men under pressure give evidence of pressure and impatience. But President McKay has developed the quality of giving full attention to every person with whom he has an appointment or who approaches him with a problem. And even relatively unimportant matters are not brusquely or inattentively dealt with.
His devotion to his beloved companion of more than sixty years, the choice mother of their seven children, is an inspiration to see, as his sincere and courtly graciousness and courtesy and consideration for her are in evidence on all occasions. And this example is felt throughout his family, as children, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters show respect and affection for one another and for the President in his relationship to them, as well as in his official calling.
Increasingly in him one sees a far-seeing insight, with the ability to match great dreams and great plans with business acumen and common-sense practicality. There is nothing of smallness in his mind or soul or plans or purposes. With his eyes on the limitless opportunities of eternity, he moves with astuteness and courage in the practical affairs of time.
President McKay is universally loved because he loves universally. He is great because he devotes his time to great deeds and great thoughts. He understands the mistakes of men and sees also their better side, and by what he is and what he does, earns their love and loyalty. Indeed, he seems to be a symbol of these words from the 121st Section of the Doctrine and Covenants: ". . . by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile-' (D&C 121:41-42.)
This also, typically, he cites: "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (I John 3-14), and his associates reciprocate from the depth of their souls, and would follow him, as it is his right to lead, even as they would follow him whose servant and prophet he is.
All of us are a little sad to realize that he is one year older, but we give earnest, grateful thanks to our Heavenly Father because he has prolonged the life of our leader.
It is our conviction that the Church, for this forward moving time, could not have had greater, more sincere, courageous, understanding leadership than that of this choice prophet whom God has given us. And to our Prophet and President, we wish health and happiness, divine assurance and satisfaction, and the great sustaining strength that comes from our Father—and the blessed sweetness of association with his loved ones, always and forever.
As his eighty-eighth birthday approaches we join with Saints throughout the world to honor him, pay tribute to him, declare our love for him, pledge our loyalty to him, and dedicate our lives anew to service in the Church which he has been called by God to lead.
Crawford, Vesta P. "President and Prophet--Birthday Congratulations to David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. September 1961. pg. 572-573.
President and Prophet (To President David O. McKay on His Eighty-Eighth Birthday) September 8, 1961 "... to proclaim the everlasting gospel, by the Spirit of the living God, from people to people, and from land to land . . . whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth" (D &C 68:1-2). I saw him walk toward the temple on a morning Green with summer, the gray spires rifted On the blue air, and the valley, circled by mountains. Lovely as a promised garden in the wilderness. And I thought of our rejoicing that this prophet Lives among us, and that multitudes have heard His voice lifted in truth and testament. Proclaiming the restoration and the ancient word. How far he has traveled in journeys abroad, Bringing to remembrance the faithful among men -- In distant latitudes and islands of the sea. Testifying of the record brought to earth again. His words shall be treasured up in years to come, And in this hour we speak our gratitude and praise Of him anointed as the mouthpiece for our Lord -- Giving the long and fruitful seasons of his days And counseling the youthful ones who yet shall go In later times unto the lands that still await The fulness of the everlasting gospel -- The trumpet sound of those who make the pathway straight. —Vesta P. Crawford |
Courtesy Z. C. M. I. Photo Reflex Studio
PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY |
Brown, Hugh B. "President David O. McKay, Eighty-Nine on September Eighth." Improvement Era. September 1962. pg. 638-641, 665-666.
PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY EIGHTY-NINE ON SEPTEMBER EIGHTH BY HUGH B. BROWN OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY This month we pay tribute to President David O. McKay, distinguished citizen, beloved husband and father, prophet, seer, and revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who will celebrate his eighty-ninth birthday September 8. This writer disclaims what is implied in the editor's request, viz, that he is entitled to the honor of writing this article. However, as almost two million Latter-day Saints and thousands of others in many nations are hoping that someone will undertake to express for them a word of appreciation to our great leader who is so universally loved and honored, an attempt will be made. If one should try to write the complete biography of such a man, though the writer be a contemporary and close friend, and even if he were a Plutarch or a Boswell, he would need several volumes to compass the sphere or sound the depths of such a life. In a few brief notes, then, one can only hope to remind the reader that living among us is a man who is tall physically, towering mentally, and Christlike spiritually. The study of the life of a great man, whether it be a historical review or a contemporary appraisal, emphasizes the truth of Longfellow's oft' quoted lines that "Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us footprints in the sands of time." Perhaps such reminders are a justification for biographical sketches. Certainly acquaintance with great lives through biographies has a wholesome influence on youth, guiding them in the conflicting currents of early life, stimulating ambition to emulate what they admire, and providing them with a formula for rich and radiant living. When one stands before a masterpiece, whether it be a painting, a piece of sculpture, classical literature—or a life—he becomes aware of the difficulty of attempting to evaluate or delineate. There it stands and mere words, be they ever so eloquent and descriptive, can neither add nor detract a jot or tittle. One can only call attention to background, harmony, salient features, compelling distinctions, and general excellence. The enduring quality of many notable men of the past was unrecognized until the envy, jealousy, and prejudice of contemporaries had been wiped from their spectacles. The lives of some great men have been brought into true focus only when seen through the unerring lens of time. But occasionally the stature and worth of a man is recognized and appreciated during his lifetime. This is notably true of the subject of our sketch and results largely from the fact that throughout his lifetime he has been a dedicated man, one who has lost himself in service and found himself leading the common people, one who has never lost the common touch. President McKay knows firsthand the problems of the farmer and the laboring man. He was born a farm boy, and his parents' farm has since become his own—his home to which he frequently returns to be close to the soil, and there get a grass roots perspective and a hill-top view of the problems of the day and time. He has always loved horses and even in his eighty-ninth year he proudly rides his favorite Sonny Boy after personally grooming him. As a young man he aspired to become a teacher; he has always comprehended the vast dimensions of educational possibilities and implications for the future. Now, for more than fifty-six full years as a General Authority of the Church he has taught the divine, eternal, and saving truths of the gospel to hundreds of thousands who have been privileged to listen to modern-day parables from a great spiritual leader. Truly he is one of the great teachers of our time. Listen to one of his stories: "I passed through two farms up near the mountain canal on the way to my old home town. I saw that one farm had yielded an exceptionally good crop of oats. Notwithstanding the drought, the cold in the spring, and other disadvantages, the farmer had threshed an excellent yield. Just over the fence was another oat field, but a failure comparatively speaking. I said to the man: "Why, what is the matter? You must have planted poor seed.' "'No, it is the same seed that my neighbor has.' “'Then it was planted too late, and you did not have enough moisture in the ground to bring it up.' "'It was planted the same afternoon that he sowed his.' "Upon further inquiry I learned that the first man had plowed his field in the fall; and then he had disked it carefully in the spring, making a mulch on the surface, and by such tilling had conserved the moisture of the winter. His neighbor, on the other hand, had plowed his late in the spring, had left the furrows unharrowed; the moisture had evaporated. Following the sowing of the seed came from four to six weeks of drought, and there was not sufficient moisture to germinate the seed. The first man had made preparation, the proper kind of preparation, and nature yielded the increase. The second man labored hard, but his preparation was poor; indeed, he had made inadequate preparation." The vigor and fertility of his mind are attested by his published volumes and the current editorials appearing each month in the Era and Instructor, as well as his innumerable sermons, dedicatory prayers at temples, stake centers, ward chapels, schools, institutes of religion, monuments, etc. With four sons and two daughters (and also one infant son deceased), his family life has been ideal, and his tender solicitude for his lovely and devoted wife is inspiring to observe. He is a gifted but reticent poet. He writes most of his poetic verses to "Rae," his sweetheart of over sixty-one years. In private and in public life he is always a gentleman; courteous, tender, kindly, and considerate. His Christlike love for children and youth is legendary. In choosing champions in any field, judges invariably investigate antecedents, stock, heredity, blood, as well as performance. We who have witnessed the sturdy growth, the ripening fruit, and the almost indestructible virility of body and mind of the man whom we honor today, call attention to his heredity, his native gifts, his environment, and outstanding accomplishments. In April 1906, when David O. McKay was called to become a member of the Council of the Twelve, some of us were on missions in England. The Millennial Star, the voice of the Church in that land, reprinted an article from one of the church magazines in Salt Lake City. It contained this interesting paragraph: "Their home was a home where the priesthood of God was always respected; a home where the performance of every religious duty was a part of life; a home where respect and honor for parents and for each other was impressed daily by words and acts; their home was a home in which the most sacred obligation was the daily devotion to God." That, of course, was referring to the home of Bishop and Sister David McKay, the new apostle's parents, but it is also an accurate description of the home of President and Sister David O. McKay. The President's childhood came to an end when his father left for a mission in Scotland and said to David, "Take care of Mama." From that time on he has had an uncommon sense of responsibility and it has been constantly with him. They who, at various times have accompanied him to his "Bonnie" Scotland, the ancestral home of the "McKais," have noted his enduring love for that rugged land; and in traveling with him have often heard him quote from Cotter's Saturday Night, Tam-O-Shanter, and other writings from his favorite authors, including Carlisle, Scott, and Burns. One sees on his office desk, along with the standard works of the Church, several volumes bound in tartan. Choice quotations from these writers intersperse voluminous scriptural citations used by President McKay to illustrate and emphasize his masterful addresses; for example, from Carlisle: "Of all acts, is not for man repentance the most divine? The deadliest sin, I say, were that same supercilious consciousness of no sin; that is death; the heart so conscious is divorced from sincerity, humility, and, in fact, is dead." Of Burns the President said, "His greatest power lay in the breadth and depth of his sympathetic soul." He often quotes, with the Scottish burr, such verses as the following; which, he says, expresses the poet's appreciation for the message of "Peace on earth, good will toward men." "Then let us pray that come it may, As come it will for a' that. That sense an' worth, o'er a' the earth Shall bear the gree an' a' that. "For a' that and a' that, It's coming yet for a' that, That man to man, the world o'er, Shall brithers be for a' that. One of his favorite quotations from Scott is: "Years rush by as like the wind, We see not whence the eddy comes, Nor witherward it is tending, And we seem, ourselves, to witness their flight Without a sense that we are changed, Yet time is beguiling man of his strength As the winds rob the trees of their foliage." And then we hear him add a line which his own life demonstrates, "Though time dims our youthfulness and affects the physical body, it cannot touch the spirit." The President has a scintillating sense of humor and likes especially to hear and tell stories of Scottish thrift and economy. He agrees with Sir James Barrie that "the Scots are canny because they live among the Scotch." Two years ago a few were privileged to stand with him at the cottage in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, where his mother, Jennette Evelyn Evans, was born. We noted how he was moved by memories of her as he dedicated a plaque on the wall of the old home. Here we beheld the fruit of two great family trees. The Scotch-Welsh roots, when transplanted, produced an illustrious American. The eleven years that David O. McKay has served as President of the Church have been a period of unprecedented growth. On December 31, 1950, there were 180 stakes, composed of 1,541 wards and independent branches. As this is being written, the number of stakes is 335, with 3,288 wards and independent branches. Church membership has increased by more than 700,000. The number of missions and missionaries has almost doubled and annual convert baptisms multiplied by six. In addition to the great missionary activity of the Church during the administration of President McKay, the complete church organization and gospel program has been made available to thousands of church members in their native lands, where stakes have been organized and officered by local members. Also temples have been built and dedicated in Switzerland, California, New Zealand, and England. He recently presided at ground-breaking services and dedicated the imposing site for a new temple in Oakland, California. As one of the greatest missionaries of all time he has encircled the globe and traveled by land, sea, and air approximately 1,000,000 miles. He has walked the cobbled streets of Scotland, traveled by horse and buggy, later by auto, and flown on jet airplanes to the far corners of the earth. Always he has left a blessing wherever he has gone, and his visits are never forgotten by the multitudes who welcome him. We have seen his deep concern for the plight of a sorely tried, lonely and all-but-forgotten young person; his yearning solicitude and Christlike compassion for one who has erred; we have seen him prayerfully consider and wisely solve problems that would affect the entire membership of the Church; each decision has been inspired and forward-looking as he has charted a course along lines dictated by the Holy Spirit for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. He is equally at home before the millions, seen and unseen at general conference, greeting a small child, or occasionally playing the organ for the hymn at the beginning of the weekly meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve. His life is always one of service at the moment, and he serves humbly but magnificently. One of the duties that fall upon the President is receiving and entertaining "very important persons" from many nations. We often hear such visitors comment on his warm and inspiring personality and his gracious hospitality. Many have been heard to say after an interview, "Why, he looks and speaks like a prophet." A recent guest of the President, a noted newspaper columnist, wrote: "President McKay is a man of 88 years, with a strong, friendly face, a contagious smile, an amazing memory, and a deep understanding of his fellow men. ... I have met many of the religious leaders of the world, but none with more contagious humor, practical good sense, and homespun philosophy." May God bless, continue to inspire, and spare to us for many years to come our beloved President, which prayer is intended to include his gracious, loyal, and universally beloved wife, Emma Rae Riggs McKay. To President David O. Mc- Kay, as he enters his ninetieth year, all the members of the Church extend greetings, love, and blessings as we continue to pray and sing, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet." |
President David O. McKay stands with Elder Harold B. Lee and others at a general conference of the Church.
He and "Sonny Boy," the President's favorite mount enjoy a few minutes' relaxation together.
A horse, a harness, and winter on the farm—and the President has a sleigh ride with a group of children.
Whenever and wherever President McKay goes, there are admirers and well-wishers.
Youth greets the President: the tiny hand of the son of Lee Cane, Ogden, Utah, has the privilege that many desire.
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Monson, Leland H. "David O. McKay Was a Deacon, Too." Instructor. September 1962. pg. 298-299.
David O. McKay was a deacon, too[1] by Leland H. Monson Editor's Note: This article is published in honor of the eighty-ninth birthday, September 8, of our beloved President David O. McKay. The members of the Deseret Sunday School Union join with all members of the Church in extending warmest birthday greetings to our great prophet. Responsive to a call of the Church leaders, President Laurence S. Burton of the Ogden Stake urged his stake secretary, Johnty F. Young, to institute a search for old ward records. Brother Young went to Huntsville, Utah, and asked the brethren and sisters to look for records. Obedient to this call, T. Leonard Grow found the minutes of the Second Quorum of Deacons. To this quorum President David O. McKay belonged as a boy. The minutes for Dec. 6, 1888, show that David O. McKay was second counselor to President Isaac McKay. The newly installed president said that "it was very unexpected for him to be called to be president." David O. McKay told the group that he "felt his inability to fill his position when he could see others that were more capable to occupy it than himself," but "he felt to press on with the help of the Lord."[2] On this day six boys were assigned subjects on which they were to speak at the next meeting. The minutes for Dec. 13, 1888, carry a report on five of these talks. "David O. McKay," writes the secretary, "gave a lecture from the Bible and prayed the blessings of the Lord upon us." The minutes further indicate that the program for the next meeting was read. At the quorum meeting held on Dec. 20, 1888, David O. McKay gave the benediction. On Jan. 10, 1889, David O. McKay called the meeting of the Second Quorum of Deacons to order. During the course of this meeting, D. O. McKay said that "he would respond to the call [evidently a call to speak], although he was not very well prepared." He spoke on the life of Joseph Smith. On Jan. 17, 1889, "D. O. McKay said that he was well pleased in meeting with us and would respond to every call that was made of him." At the quorum meeting held Jan. 26, 1889, "David O. McKay gave a sketch of his life." Unfortunately, no details were recorded. The quorum meeting for Feb. 2, 1889, was called to order by David O. McKay. The secretary reported that on that occasion, "David O. McKay felt well in seeing so many here, and he said he could see we were improving." On Nov. 24, 1890, the minutes read as follows: "D. O. McKay gave a lecture from the Book of Mormon; he spoke of the rebellious sons of Alma and King Mosiah and of the angel visiting them. He also spoke of the sons of Mosiah preaching the Gospel to the Lamanites and of Alma preaching to King Lamoni." The minutes for Dec. 15, 1890, state that "David O. McKay made a few remarks; he also gave us many good instructions." On Dec. 15, 1890, D. O. McKay signed the minutes as secretary. Louis W. Felt, as secretary on Mar. 4, 1891, recorded that "David O. McKay made a few remarks. He said if we come to these meetings with the intro [intention] of learning something, we will be benefited; but if we did not come here to learn, we would not be benefited." David O. McKay's brother, Thomas E. McKay, was president of the quorum at this time. Thomas E. McKay, acting secretary and president of the quorum, noted in the minutes for Oct. 21, 1891, that "David O. McKay said that he never had better times than in the Deacons quorums. He said we should think of what was being spoken and try to keep track of the different subjects, and he gave us many good instructions." Besides giving a talk, David O. McKay pronounced the benediction. These minutes, covering a period of nearly three years, indicate that Deacon David O. McKay was an active member of his quorum, that as a deacon he honored his priesthood. His short talks given before the members indicate that he studied the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the life of Joseph Smith. They also reveal that he tried to encourage the quorum members to do better. Implicit in these minutes are some of the sterling qualities of character which have made President David O. McKay the great religious leader that he is—humility, a sincere desire to honor his priesthood, an eagerness to learn, a desire to teach, and a thoughtfulness of others. [1] (In honor of President McKay's eighty-ninth birthday; for Course 4, lesson of September 16, "The Power of Priesthood"; and for Course 26, lesson of September 30, "Priesthood—Divine Appointments.") [2] The quotations are as they appear in the original minutes, with slight correction in punctuation, spelling, capitalization and sentence structure where needed. |
Pages from a deacons quorum minute book of years ago provide further evidence of the sterling qualities of character which have made President McKay a great man.
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"David O. McKay: Highlights of His Life and Works." Improvement Era. September 1963. pg. 736-745.
DAVID O. McKAY . HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS LIFE AND WORKS Etched in dramatic vigor against the ninety years of President David O. McKays life are presented in pictorial sequence some of the events in a life that has emulated the Savior of whom it was said, as it can be said of President McKay, "he went about doing good." For almost twenty-nine years, since the October conference of 1934, President McKay has been a member of the First Presidency. Originally called to serve as Second Counselor to President Heber J. Grant, he held that position with President George Albert Smith. Also seen on this page of photographs of the First Presidency, are three of the First Presidencies since President McKay was sustained as President of the Church. Briefly, in the summer of 1961, the First Presidency had Presidents Clark, Moyle, and Brown as counselors. (Not pictured.) During a quiet moment at April 1963 conference time Mrs. Jennie Boyd, a Navajo member from Page, Arizona, brings an Indian blanket to the President.
Above, in February 1962, Archbishop Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America exchanges friendship with President McKay.
Above, a trusted team, an old sleigh, a driver that knows all the good country roads around Huntsville, add up to a winter outing for appreciative passengers.
Here President and Sister McKay chat for a moment with the late Cecil B. De Mille and Charlton Heston, as Moses, during the filming of The Ten Commandments in Hollywood.
Above, only the words are different the world over—the meaning is the same. In the sunny lands to the south "El hermano Presidente McKay y la hermana McKay" enjoy the affection of Guatemalan members.
David O. McKay sits on father's knee for this early photo while mother holds Thomas E., later an Assistant to the Council of
the Twelve. The two sisters, Margaret {right) and Elena (left), died in a diphtheria epidemic. At seventeen, David O. McKay nears manhood with determination.
As a missionary serving in Scotland during 1897-99, he knew days that brought disappointments and times that brought joys for his labors.
On April 9, 1906, at thirty-two years of age, David 0. McKay was ordained an apostle by President Joseph F. Smith, following the general conference.
The small, stucco home in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, in which President McKay's mother, Jennette Evelyn Evans, was born August 28, 1850. The plaque was unveiled by President McKay March 2, 1961.
Right, ever the friends of children, President and Sister McKay visit the Primary Children's Hospital. For many years the McKay city residence was an apartment building on North Temple, next door to the former Primary Children's Hospital.
Above, with a fine appreciation for music and the things associated with the hymns of the Church, President McKay pauses to play "Come, Come, Ye Saints," on the organ that William Clayton, who wrote the pioneer hymn, brought across the plains.
Presidents of the United States are among those who have called upon President McKay at his offices. Here is President Harry S. Truman and his parties.
Presidents of the United States are among those who have called upon President McKay at his offices. Here is President John F. Kennedy and his parties.
President David O. McKay indicates final details of agendum of general conference to his secretary, Clare Middlemiss.
In any retelling of the accomplishments of the administration of President McKay, the building and dedicating of chapels and other church buildings has a part. Here he dedicated a chapel in the Salt Lake City area in 1958.
At work in the Church offices, President George Albert Smith and his Counselors, President Clark and President McKay arrange details for an April conference of the Church.
Last April he and President Henry D. Moyle chatted together in the board room of the Church Administration Building.
Following the passing of President Richards in May 1959, President McKay selected President Henry D. Moyle as a member of the First Presidency. Here Presidents Clark, McKay, and Moyle reflect a pensive mood.
A moment before a general conference session convenes in the Tabernacle gives President McKay time to discuss a last-minute detail with his Second Counselor, President Hugh B. Brown.
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At left, President and Sister McKay arrive at the Pioneer Memorial Theater on the University of Utah campus for an evening of pleasure. This was the night, in October 1962, when he gave the building's dedicatory prayer.
"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children. . . . Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: . . ." (Psalm 127:4-5) the Psalmist sang. Here the McKay family paused for a Christmas Eve picture, 1958.
A holiday at home finds him at the piano to play for the family a favorite hymn or song.
Top, with his white hair ruffled by trade winds, President McKay receives an Hawaiian lei from Mrs. Henry Aki, one of the oldest church members in Hawaii, during a brief stopover on his way to New Zealand.
World-traveled, bearer of hope to far-flung members of the Church, President McKay stands at Papeete, Tahiti, with the spire of the beautiful church edifice in the background.
Right, President McKay frequently returns to his farm amid the hills of Huntsville, Utah, and on the spacious acres that were his father's before him, he finds surcease as he labors with his hands and finds companionship with a favorite mount.
With Elder Hugh J. Cannon, David O. McKay made his first great world tour of LDS missions in 1920-21.
In February 1936 President McKay, a year and a half after he became a member of the First Presidency, and Sister McKay are pictured together.
Below, an important part of all of his missionary trips is conferring with government officials. Here, during a trip to New Zealand, he chats with the Right Honorable Walter Nash, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Below right, at the conclusion of a visit, Eric Johnston, motion picture association executive, said: "Rarely have I had the privilege of meeting as courageous, intelligent, and dedicated man. No wonder the people look to you for leadership and that you have won the hearts of all."
Presidents of the United States are among those who have called upon President McKay at his offices. Here is President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his parties.
Photographic study of President McKay conducting one of many meetings.
Right, at Huntsville, Utah, on the old family farm, President McKay enjoys two homes—the home which was built by his parents and
which has been the President's home for many years—and a new, smaller, modern home, across the broad road and a few steps farther on. Merther Tydfil Chapel soon to be dedicated by President David O. McKay who will at the same time dedicate a gift organ in the town of his mother's birth. This organ was presented to him in recognition of a lifetime of service by leading citizens of Utah.
President Heber J. Grant stands with his two counselors, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and President McKay at the rear entrance of the Church Administration Building.
As he was sustained President of the Church in April 1951, President McKay selected for his Counselors President Stephen L Richards, a long-time member of the Council of the Twelve, and President Clark.
For almost two years now, since President Clark passed away, this has been The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President McKay and his Counselors, President Moyle and President Hugh B. Brown.
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Hinckley, Bryant S. "Tributes to David O. McKay." Improvement Era. September 1963. pg. 746-749, 760-786.
TRIBUTES TO PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY EXCERPTS FROM GREATNESS IN MEN BY BRYANT S. HINCKLEY (Taken from The Improvement Era, May 1932 — a favorite character sketch of President McKay's.) “Great men are the noblest possessions of any nation." David O. McKay is a leader. He has an indefinable, fascinating personal charm which awakens friendship and secures at once a cheerful and gratuitous following. Tolerant, genial, and sincere, he maintains, without offense, the high standards of his own life and wins the confidence of others. He has, in happy combination, the fundamental characteristics which underlie successful leadership. The world owes its progress in civilization and character building more to leadership than to any other single factor, and when this is applied to young people it becomes at once far-reaching and significant. He is pre-eminently a leader of young people. The quality of leadership which is symbolized by the lash never reaches the sources from which springs the highest and finest allegiance. It never commands the generous response which is awakened by an appeal to the higher and finer emotions of the soul. David O. McKay is a technician in making this higher and finer appeal. His splendid courage, his strong and flexible intellect, his idealism, his kind but chivalrous attitude toward the humblest, combine to give him that magic power which calls forth the best there is in one. It is stimulating to meet him— you go from his presence feeling a little finer, a little better than you were. . . . Now what is the source of his influence, the secret of his superior leadership? Put this question to his most intimate friends and they will answer—his love for mankind, his human-ness. He has a luminous and impressionable mind, a will of the strongest fibre, a great and tender heart. He is a clear and graceful writer, an appealing and convincing speaker, a delightful companion, a chivalrous leader, a lovable man who holds forever your confidence. You trust him—you believe in him. His loyalty is superb. He never forsakes a friend and is big enough to love the sinner while he hates the sin. This gives him a lifting power that comes only to noble souls. He has a really great heart, a deep and abiding sympathy, a passionate love for the souls of men—all qualities which the world stands so much in need of. Another secret of his success is his sweet and unimpeachable character. He lives above the fog and turmoil of daily circumstances. David O. McKay never did a mean or little thing; he is guilty of no injustice to his fellows; he is free from the indictments of selfishness and trickery. All his days he has lived upon a high moral plateau and has risen to spiritual altitudes which few people reach, inspiring all the while those about him to climb to the same heights. David O. McKay has done many good things and said many beautiful things, but somehow he is finer than anything he has ever said or done. Back of all his splendid deeds, rising above all his achievements, is the charm of his winsome personality. Dignified and handsome in appearance, congenial and gracious in manner, kind, sincere, genuine, and peace loving; but when necessity requires, courageous in action, fearless in defense of right, brave in the hour of battle, gentle and sympathetic in times of trouble, strong for truth, justice, purity, and righteousness, he is always and everywhere a gentleman. BY PRESIDENT HENRY D. MOYLE President David O. McKay was sustained as our prophet, seer, and revelator twelve years ago. No mortal man could have more religiously labored to advance the individual interests of every member of the Church than has he. In the past twelve years, under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church, we have built 56 percent of the 3,500 meetinghouses we now have in the world, 1,941 in number—more than were built in the preceding 120 years of church history. This was made possible by the organization of the church building missionary work program initiated in 1955 by President McKay under the inspiration of the Almighty. This program has made it possible to erect buildings in every mission of the Church, regardless of the financial condition of the people. Already 3,127 young men have been called into service by the church building missionary program. These men learn a trade and are daily instructed spiritually by systematically studying the gospel. Thousands of local Saints have contributed liberally by giving sustenance and support to the church building missionaries and in actual personal participation in the construction of their own meetinghouses. Over 550 church building missionaries have been called from the United States and Canada to supervise overseas construction. In addition to the 1,941 meetinghouses erected, since 1951 the church building program has been responsible for the completion of 76 full-time seminaries, which is 48 percent of the 159 full-time seminaries in the Church. Of the 39 full-time institute buildings, 21 have been built since 1951, or 56 percent. In the Church we have 96 part-time institutes with an enrolment of 15,200. Fifty-six percent of these have been built since 1951. Of our 1,300 part-time seminaries, 1,000, organized since 1951 or 77 percent. Our total school enrolments was 111,145 in 1962. This compares with only 41,779 in 1950, an increase of 160 percent. Our building program is endeavoring to keep pace with the growth and development of the membership of the Church. In April of 1951 there were 175 stakes. There are now approximately 380. This means that 53 percent of all the stakes in the Church have been created in the past twelve years. No one can appraise the impact of our building program on the results of missionary work accomplished since the participation of members in the church building missionary program. In 1951 we had 43 missions. Today we have 73. In other words, 43 percent of all the missions in the Church have been created in the past 12 years. At the end of the year 1950 there were 1,111,000 members, and today we are two million strong. Forty-three percent of the present membership of the Church have known no other President than David O. McKay. Our unified school system has likewise grown. In 1951 Brigham Young University had an enrolment of just over 5,000, and in 1962 it had 12,500 students. Fifty-nine percent of the present enrolment represents the growth in twelve years. In 1951 this university had fifteen academic buildings and three student resident halls. It now has fourteen new academic buildings, and three major housing projects for students, totaling 59 buildings or a total of 29 major academic buildings and 62 housing units. Three additional major building projects are under way. Ricks College and the schools in Mexico have likewise grown, as have the schools in the Pacific. We have built new hospitals and remodeled or made major additions to others. Since 1951 we have built four new temples and nearly finished the fifth in Oakland, California. Forty percent of all our temples have been constructed since President McKay was sustained. It is interesting to know that since the organization of the present building committee in 1955, there have been 1,941 buildings constructed—56 percent of the total existing buildings in the Church. There has been a development of spiritual strength in all who have participated in the building program of the Church. I know of no one associated in the work who has not dedicated his time and his talents to the upbuilding of the kingdom of God on the earth. It has in the past nine years developed leaders in missions, stakes, and wards. For example, seventeen young men serving in Japan on two buildings have been in the Church an average of three years. None of these boys' parents are members. In Australia, the 75 young men serving as labor missionaries have been in the Church an average of about 15 months. Many today hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. Some have been members of the Church only from three to five months. The inspiration of President McKay is, of course, expedient for these times. It has brought about an economy without which many of our completed buildings would not have been started. Above all, it has made possible a rather uniform participation by the local membership of wards and branches in their building program. One branch, for example, had a membership of 247 when its building was started. Twelve months later, when the building was finished, it had a membership of 491. Another branch had a membership when its building was started of 190, and when the building was finished, it had a membership of 354. In 1951 when President McKay became President of the Church, the total assets of the welfare program held by the Church was $15,223,000, accumulated in fifteen years, and in the twelve years which have followed the amount has been increased to $42,880,- 000, an increase of 182 percent. Our budget was produced in 1951 by twenty regions and twenty-four stakes outside of regions, showing a growth of 110 percent. So far as genealogical work, temple work, missionary work, radio and television, and the work of all the auxiliary organizations and priesthood quorum, comparable increases are to be found, and are well-known to the body of the Church. Near the close of a recent committee on expenditures meeting in which there had been a report of the vast building program of the church-projected and membership growth anticipated, the question was asked: How in the world can we continue to finance this kind of building program, even if it is needed to house the membership and to cope with the growth? President McKay thought for a minute and then gave this prophetic utterance: "We have been praying for this day in the Church for a hundred years. Now that day has come, we must be prepared to take care of the membership of the Church. If we are faithful and obedient to the commandments of God, God will provide." It is my humble testimony to you that through President McKay, the Lord has set the pace. We must not look back. I testify to you that the work now going forward under the direction of our beloved prophet is in accordance with the wishes of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. BY PRESIDENT JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH In the month of April 1910, I was sustained as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles at the general conference of the Church. For several years President David O. McKay and I sat side by side in that council. It was our privilege frequently to travel together to stake conferences, for in that day the brethren traveled two and two. We had then in the neighborhood of sixty stakes of Zion. Our travel to the far-distant conferences, such as in the Uintahs and in Arizona had to be largely by team when our destiny could not be reached by the train. There were very few automobiles in that day on the streets of Salt Lake City, and very few, if any, paved roads. A trip to Canada was by train and usually meant that we remained two or three weeks. The same condition prevailed in Arizona, the Uintah country, and other places. Then as time advanced, President McKay was taken into the First Presidency to be a Counselor to President Heber J. Grant, and the close association that we had enjoyed came to an end. I never had any doubt in my mind that his call was not by divine appointment, and I rejoiced that it came to him. Then as time continued and the older brethren began to disappear through the call of death, President McKay became the President of the Church, holding all the keys and authority that had been handed down from the Prophet Joseph Smith. During all of these years, it has been my privilege and duty to sustain President McKay in these several calls, and when the mantle of divine authority fell upon him, I rejoiced, for I knew that it was a call from the divine source. At this period in his life when he has reached his ninetieth year, I wish to assure him that I give unto him my undivided and loyal support, knowing that he has been divinely called to stand at the head as the representative of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this great work of the restoration of all things. BY SPENCER W. KIMBALL On October 6, 1955 in a letter to President McKay, Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Council of the Twelve, wrote: "If I could live to merit the smiles of my Lord in the faraway future so that he might shake my hand or embrace me, then and only then would I be lifted into greater ecstasy than I was on Saturday afternoon when I felt your strong arms around me and heard a word of approval." BY ELDER DELBERT L. STAPLEY I stand awe-stricken and amazed whenever in the presence of President David O. McKay. His keen, piercing eyes, his discerning alertness, his tremendous reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, also the sound judgment he has gained over the years, make it possible for him, with the aid of the Spirit, which he so fully enjoys, to draw from this reservoir with ease and dignity to enlighten or to challenge both church members and nonmembers alike and place him in command of every situation. His spiritual insight, pleasing personality, the lovable twinkle in his eyes, the Christlike qualities of his character, and his presence of mind give one the feeling of not only being in the presence of greatness— as men measure this quality in their fellow men—but in the presence of the divine. I am thrilled through and through when coming to a decision on an important matter to hear him in substance say to his Counselors and the Twelve: "Brethren, I feel this action has the approval of the Lord." Or, "This action is pleasing to the Lord, and I feel good about it." One's own feeling of the Tightness of his statements is confirmed by the impressions of the Holy Ghost. I have seen President McKay under many trying and difficult situations; but he is always the master. President McKay looks like a prophet; he acts like a prophet; and his humility, faith, devotion, and spiritual teaching and leadership stamp him a true prophet of God. This is my witness and testimony. It was a privilege for Sister Stapley and me, with Elder and Sister Marion G. Romney and others, to accompany President and Sister David O. McKay to New Zealand for the dedication of the New Zealand Temple and the Church College of New Zealand, as well as to attend to other duties there. It was a glorious experience for us which we will treasure always. I shall share with you one experience, choice and impressive to me, yet simple in its enactment, but abounding in spiritual significance. In the dedication service appointed for the Samoan Saints, President McKay asked Brother Lafe Poilupi, a Samoan brother, if he could translate the dedicatory prayer to be given by President McKay from English into the Samoan tongue. Brother Poilupi answered President McKay simply and humbly by saying: "I can do it if you will bless me." President McKay answered, "I do bless you." Although Brother Poilupi had not heard the prayer previously, nor seen a copy of it, he interpreted the prayer perfectly, according to those well-acquainted with both the English and Samoan tongues. He did not hesitate nor did he need to correct himself. The simple blessing given him by President McKay was fully realized. BY ELDER MARION G. ROMNEY I have loved President McKay for a long, long time. He doesn't remember when I first fell in love with him. I guess he doesn't remember when you did, either. It was down in Los Angeles in the winter of 1912 and 1913. We were known then as Mormon refugees. We had lost our home in Mexico—invited out down there. Brother McKay came to Los Angeles; he came to Sunday School, and he took a glass of water. He had a pen in his hand. He showed us how clear and beautiful the water was, and then he dropped a drop of ink in the water, and it was clouded all through, and he said to us little fellows, "That is what sin does to a life," and I have ever since then, President McKay, been trying to keep that sin out of my life. I met President McKay in Australia. I was president of the conference. They used to call districts "conferences." When he went up to visit the Genolean Caves, he took Elder Bischoff. When he came back, he taught us a lesson, telling us that those great stalagmites and stalactites in the caves were made by infinitesimally small deposits from drops of water. Then he told us that was how a life was built. Every thought we thought, every word we spoke, every deed we did, registered on our character. I never have forgotten that. BY RICHARD L. EVANS One morning in President McKay's office some of us were assembled by appointment to discuss a somewhat serious personnel problem, the easiest solution to which (but not necessarily the most just) seemed to be to relieve one particular person of duties that he had long and faithfully ( but somewhat troublesomely ) performed. The President paused and earnestly looked at us as he said: "Human hearts are very tender, and human lives are very precious. Let's solve this problem without hurting a very tender heart.” This reminded us of a sentence that Oscar Kirkham kept on his desk and occasionally quoted when considering actions that would affect people personally: "What will it do to the man?" President McKay is always deeply, compassionately mindful of the hearts and feelings of people—of people personally and not just theoretically or statistically. He is mindful of their future and of the future of their families. Among his most heartwarming and convincing characteristics are courtesy and kindly consideration. Those who have audience with him even on relatively unimportant matters— relatively unimportant to him if not to them—are aware that he gives them his complete and courteous attention as if there were nothing else more important than that particular persons particular problem at that particular time. Such are some cherished and unforgettable impressions of a deeply beloved person—President David O. McKay—who has blessed my life with the tenderness of a loving father and with the wisdom and judicious consideration of a very wise and just judge, in matters small and great, and always with patience and encouragement and a sympathetic understanding that looks to the faith and upbuilding of the individual with unfailing kindness and consideration. BY GORDON B. HINCKLEY[1] A short time ago while doing some research in missionary records of the Church, I came across the appraisal made by Elder David O. McKay's mission president when he completed his first mission in the British Isles. That appraisal reads as follows: "As a speaker: Good. "As a writer: Good. "As a presiding officer: Very good. "Has he a good knowledge of the gospel? Yes. "Has he been energetic? Very. "Is he discreet and does he carry a good influence? Yes, sir! "Remarks: None better in the mission." That was written in 1899. As I read that, I thought of another David, the son of Jesse, who was ordained to become the leader of Israel. And I thought of the solid consistency of President McKay's life, from the time he first labored in the British Isles as a young man, through the sixty years that passed prior to his return to dedicate the house of the Lord in the same land. The affection in which he is held, his unfailing kindness and consideration, his ease in meeting every situation, the fruits of his ministry, all attest his prophetic calling. On his arrival at the New Zealand Temple he was given a great welcoming festival. As he walked through the crowd, elderly men and women, who first had met him in the islands in 1921, wept at the return of their apostle-prophet. In London we watched him face with ease a battery of newspaper and television men and bear testimony to them. In both temples we heard him give counsel that was inspiring and offer prayers of dedication that were solemn and beautiful and moving. In eleven languages today the worthy of the Church are enjoying the blessings of the temple because of the inspiration that has come through him. I recall a little widow in New Zealand, the mother of seventeen children. Her husband was gone. A number of her children were gone. As she knelt about the altar with the beautiful children who were left to her and received the assurance that all that she had lost would also be hers, she wept. And all who were with her on that sacred occasion in that dedicated room, wept also. As I have witnessed these and many more inspiring situations during the past six months in these widely scattered lands, I have felt to sing with that convert from the steel mills of Sheffield: "We thank thee, O God, for a prophet, to guide us in these latter days." BY ELRAY L. CHRISTIANSEN Acts of kindness, courtesy, and consideration habitually practised by President David O. McKay on behalf of others A set a pattern for all of us to follow. His courteous solicitation for the well-being of Sister McKay has been observed by all of us. One day as he and I walked toward the temple, we noticed a woman on our right. She was going toward the gateway which we were also approaching. It appeared to me we would arrive at the gate well ahead of her and could have gone through without seeming to be discourteous. But not so with President McKay! He stopped (and so did I!) a considerable distance from the gateway. Only after she had gone through did he proceed. While the incident was small and ordinary, it again demonstrated his respect and courtesy for womanhood. I was greatly impressed by this act of courtesy. Like their parents, the sons and daughters and also the grandchildren show these same qualities. Over the years I have observed in their visits to the temple that they have never sought attention beyond that given to other patrons. Their unassuming and reverent conduct is a tribute to their parents and grandparents— President and Sister David O. McKay. BY JOHN LONGDEN Following President George Albert Smith's passing, when we knew the cloak of authority had fallen upon President David O. McKay, one of our young daughters said almost immediately, "Daddy, I feel impressed that we should pray for President McKay because he has such a big job." We were deeply touched and impressed with the prayer that was uttered by this young girl that night. President McKay had been a great force for good in our lives and also in the lives of Sister Longdens parents. It seems so right to us to know that now he had become the living mouthpiece of the Lord in the earth today, but we were doubly pleased that our daughter realized the importance and gravity of the calling of a prophet of God. Soon this young lady grew into lovely womanhood and was married to a fine young man for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple by President David O. McKay. Years rolled by, and she was now the mother of two little sons and carrying her third baby. She and her husband were living in an eastern city while he completed further studies. Soon after arriving in this city, our daughter was stricken with polio, as were 3,000 others in this same community that year. We knew that she was paralyzed but so were many many others, and we could not pray that our beloved girl would be especially blessed for when one sees over sixty iron lungs and many rooms filled with polio patients, one comes to the realization there are countless others who need special blessings, too. We did pray that our daughter and her husband, and we, her parents, would have the fortitude to take whatever our Father in his wisdom granted us. My story is very personal and beautifully sacred to all in our family, but as our beloved prophet approaches his ninetieth birthday, I wish to share our experience with others. I am sure this great man has gone through life "publishing peace" and exercising the powers of the priesthood which he holds without beginning to know the number of lives he has blessed. Our experience: One morning as I was leaving the church offices to keep an appointment, President McKay was entering the building. Immediately he asked me, "How is your daughter getting along?" Regardless of his arduous tasks and weighty problems, he was solicitous to ask this question. I told him I had just received a letter from Sister Longden, telling me that the doctor in the hospital had said he wished he could promise us she would walk again, but he couldn't. Sister Longden further indicated that her spirits were high. That was all there was to say about her condition. This kind, gentle, loving man took both my hands in his and looking me straight in the eye as only he can look and said quietly, "She will walk. She will walk." Just a simple statement, but uttered by a prophet of God, it became a solemn promise! Today she walks, is well and strong, the mother of four lovely children. We do not know why we were so blessed. We only know we have seen the influence and power of the priesthood many times, but we treasure this one special blessing pronounced by a prophet of God as a very sacred gift. BY ELDER ALVIN R. DYER I shall always feel, as expressed in the words of Dr. Hanns Wacher a noted international architect from Munich, Germany, in the beautiful state of Bavaria, that our beloved President is truly a prophet of God. Dr. Hanns Wacher responded to the message of the restoration and became a member of the Church. A few months ago he came to America, and it was my privilege to go with him to a special interview with President McKay. Brother Wacher speaks English well and is a capable translator, having already completed some fine translation work for the Church from the English to German. In the interview he never took his eyes off President McKay. At the end of the visit, Brother Wacher left the room of the President first, and as I passed the President to leave the room, he said of Brother Wacher, as he warmly clasped my hand, "He is truly a good man." I walked with Hanns Wacher into the reception room where he stopped and looking into my face with moist eyes declared: "I will go back to my beloved Bavaria and will testify to my relatives, my friends, and neighbors that I have looked into the face of a Prophet of God, for truly he is a prophet of God." BY PRESIDENT MARION D. HANKS Some years ago, Elder Richard L. Evans and I were privileged to participate in a meeting of President McKay with Mr. Walter Reuther, a widely known and very powerful labor leader in the United States. Mr. Reuther was accompanied by his wife and two daughters. The meeting in the office of the First Presidency was pleasant and informal. There was some discussion of communism and its impact in labor relations and of other matters of contemporary interest. President McKay related to the Reuthers his experience as a boy in the fields at Huntsville when his father had instructed him and his brother Thomas to take the large tenth for tithing from the best fruits of the field, rather than doing what the teenage boys had thought fair—that is, to give the Lord the tenth load from whatever section of the field they were reaping. There were other similar references to important principles of truth as the President had learned them in his life. There was no posturing or posing or declaiming or any effort at all on the President's part to appear to be filling a role. As always he was warm and friendly and natural in his conversation and companionship. After we had left President McKay, Mr. Reuther walked with me a few steps while his family was bidding farewell to Brother Evans. Mr. Reuther had a tear in his eye as he said to me that he had enjoyed the association of many men of great prominence in America and other parts of the world, but said he, "I never met a man like that." A few minutes later, Mr. Reuther said, "I do not think our generation will ever produce a man like that." At a luncheon held by university officials a little time later when Mr. Reuther spoke to a large group of college people and townsfolk, he repeated these remarks verbatim. He said again, "I never met a man like that. I do not think our generation will produce a man like that." BY BISHOP ROBERT L. SIMPSON While visiting New Zealand in April 1958 for the purpose ff of attending the dedicatory services of the New Zealand Temple, I had a spiritual experience that has had special meaning to me. All of my life I had been raising my right arm to the square in sustaining the presidencies of the Church as prophets, seers, and revelators. The term "prophet" had definite meaning as did the term "revelator" but the term "seer" was fust a little illusive in my mind, as I had not taken the time to anchor its true significance firmly to my understanding. It was the third day of dedication. All of the meetings had been extremely spiritual, and all who had participated in this special tour were so grateful to be a part of this historic occasion. On the third day of dedication, I was walking by myself down the hallway of this lovely temple when a friend intercepted me as I walked past one of the sealing rooms. He invited me to step inside, and I was completely overwhelmed to notice that the only other people in the room were President and Sister McKay. My friend said: President McKay, this is one of our returned New Zealand missionaries, Brother Simpson." The President extended his firm right hand, and placing his left hand on my shoulder looked into my eyes and, more than that, into every fiber of my being. My feeling at the time was one of complete peace, my entire being seemed accelerated. After a few seconds, he gave my hand a friendly pump, my shoulder a squeeze, and said, "Brother Simpson, I am pleased to know you." Not, "I am pleased to meet you," but, "I am pleased to know you." Every detail of this very special meeting in this very special place registered indelibly on my mind, although it was quite by chance and completely unarranged. During the ensuing days and weeks, the memory of this introduction kept reoccurring. It was vivid, clear, and comforting, to say the least. Approximately three months later while sitting in my office in Los Angeles, my telephone rang, and after a brief confirmation by the long distance operator, the voice on the other end of the line said, "This is David O. McKay speaking." There could be no mistake as to this kindly voice. I was asked if I were prepared to return with my family to my former mission field, New Zealand, to preside over the people I loved so much. President McKay went on to remind me that we had had a personal interview in the New Zealand Temple at the time of the dedication (as though 1 needed reminding—this choice opportunity I could never forget). He said that based on our interview, he had felt impressed to issue this call. Following the brief conversation and after regaining my composure, I thought to myself how unlike the business world. Had I been considered by my company to take charge of an overseas operation, surely there would have been many questionnaires to be filled out and hours of personal interviewing by department heads and personnel people. In the work of the Lord, a modern- day prophet can look into the eyes of a fellow church member and search his very soul without as much as a question being asked, but even though there were no verbal questions on this occasion in April of 1958, there must have been many answers, perceptive only to the heart and mind of one ordained a prophet, seer, and revelator. During the October 1962 general conference, two of the young presidents of the seventy had just concluded giving outstanding conference addresses, after which President Hugh B. Brown nudged President McKay and said: "President, isn't it wonderful to feel the spirit of these young men and to recognize their capabilities? Certainly the Church will be in good hands after you and I are gone." President McKay turned to President Brown quickly with the comment: "Where are you going? I am not going any place'' It demonstrates his vitality for doing the job at hand with no thought for tomorrow. BY PRESIDENT BENJAMIN L. BOWRING PRESIDENT, LOS ANGELES TEMPLE President and Sister McKay arrived by plane in Dallas, Texas, April 25, 1953, to dedicate the new Dallas chapel. A small group of church members was at the airport to meet them. Arriving on the same plane were other dignitaries, and the waiting rooms were crowded. As we were gathered with a large group watching the passengers disembark, President McKay stood in the doorway of the plane giving his usual wave of greeting. A silence came over the crowd as they observed his handsome countenance. Comments were passed among them: "Look at that handsome gentleman! "I wonder who he is." "My, what an unusual man." One of them a total stranger deeply impressed just in seeing our beloved President, spoke to be heard by most of those around him: "If ever a man looked like a prophet, that man must be one!" It was my privilege to inform him that truly he had recognized a prophet of the Lord. BY PRESIDENT WILLIAM L. KILLPACK PRESIDENT, IDAHO FALLS TEMPLE It was in August of 1931 that Apostle David O. McKay came to the Teton Stake to represent the General Authorities at our stake conference. I was serving as bishop of Driggs Ward at the time. It was my privilege, together with other men of the ward, to arrange a fishing trip after the conference. President McKay had his two teenage sons with him, Edward R. and Robert R. My son Billie, who had just recently been ordained a deacon, was also with this group. After a brisk morning ride we arrived on the upper portion of the Gros-Ventre River. After breakfast was served, we went to Crystal Creek that flows down through a beautiful open valley. The fishing party had chosen the hole where President McKay was to start fishing. As President McKay's hook hit the water, he immediately caught a beautiful three-pound native trout. The catch of this fish gave him a real thrill. We visited and fished at this hole for a half hour or so and caught more fish. This hole was designated as the "McKay Hole" and is known as such today. After thirty years this first fishing incident remains in the memory of President McKay and he very often inquires about the "McKay Hole." The following year our son Billie was accidentally killed. When President McKay heard of his tragic death, he expressed his desire to attend the funeral service. When he arrived, he came directly to our home. After visiting with us for some time, he gave my wife and me a marvelous blessing. Someone had told him that we had several years previously lost another son and this left us without any boys. In this blessing he promised us that we would be father and mother to many young people. This seemed to puzzle us in a measure because we couldn't understand, but later when he called us to assume the responsibility of directing the North Central States Mission we could see the fulfilment of this blessing. The blessing also stated that we would have comfort and consolation and that we should not grieve about this boy and our former son, that some time the Lord would compensate for the sorrow that had come into our lives. As the funeral cortege left our home, which was a block and a half from the stake tabernacle where the services were to be conducted, President McKay and President Choules led the procession with the high priests' quorum of the stake following. I shall never forget that beautiful sight of men of the priesthood with their heads bared and an apostle of the Lord leading them to the meetinghouse. The things that were said in the service by President McKay and others have been very helpful to us to understand the purpose of death and the reason why this boy was taken from us. I refer to the words of the Savior found in Matthew, "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist": (Matt. 11:11.) I would like to paraphrase this particular scripture to read, "Of all the prophets and great men that it has been my privilege to know and associate with, there is none greater born of women than the present Prophet of the Church- President David O. McKay." BY CLARE MIDDLEMISS SECRETARY TO PRESIDENT MCKAY At a meeting during the formal opening of the Columbia River Basin Sugar Factory in October 1953, a prominent businessman (not a member of the Church) was asked by one of our stake presidents in the Northwest how he had enjoyed the meeting, and he answered: "Well, it was pretty dry until that white-haired gentleman got up and began to speak, and then I was very interested. I listened intently and kept saying to myself, 'Why, that man is a prophet; I am actually listening to a prophet!'' The stake president spoke up and said: "He is in very deed a prophet; he is the prophet, seer, and revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The business leader was greatly surprised because he did not even know that there was such a man as a prophet living in this day and age. On April 13, 1955, a leading official of the General Motors Corporation made a courtesy call on President McKay. As he left the building, he turned to the gentleman who accompanied him to the office and said, "There is the most Godlike man I have ever met. If you wanted to make a man in the image of God, there is the pattern." It is a humbling experience indeed to have the privilege to serve as secretary to President David O. McKay, a man in whom even nonmembers of the Church recognize greatness, humility, and Godlike traits of character. How much more should we who come under his influence and know of his divine calling recognize his great example and try to follow his teachings which he so truly lives himself. It would be wonderful if we could feel as does one of the leading medical men of this country who wrote to President McKay after having heard him deliver the commencement address at the Temple University in Philadelphia and asked him for an autographed photograph. President McKay responded to his request, and this notable doctor wrote back to thank President McKay, saying: "Permit me to express my sincere thanks for your photograph which fills a most prominent place in my 'Hall of Fame.' I shall ever appreciate your kindness, and as I look daily into the face of a great man of God, whose integrity and genuineness is unquestioned, perhaps I may receive additional strength to serve better humanity and the Great Physician above." If a nonmember of the Church can feel that way about our President, how much more should you and I respond to the loving service he is rendering to each of us here on earth. I know that I have had the great privilege of serving a man of God, a great and inspired leader; a man who believes in the sacredness and dignity of the individual, and whose most fervent desire is that we should gain eternal happiness through service to our fellow, men, to the Church, and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Often people ask me what impresses me most about President McKay. It is almost impossible to find words to portray the depth and breadth of his lofty character. There is a spirituality radiating from him that is ofttimes felt by even the stranger who visits him. He keeps himself spiritually tuned to heavenly things. His benevolent kindliness and warm sympathy towards those who are suffering or who are bereaved, his sincerity and friendliness, his keen interest in people, and love for children are dominant characteristics. I remember the first day I walked into his office to begin my duties, frightened at the prospects of working for a member of the First Presidency. He gave me encouragement and the confidence that I could do the job which was before me. He has been considerate and never demanding. There have always been a "thank you" and expressions of appreciation for work accomplished. I have been a witness to the despair that has been on the countenances of many men and women who have entered his office and have seen the transformation as they left— a look of hope, of renewed determination to surmount their difficulties, and to live better and nobler lives. His tender-heartedness for those who are ill or in trouble is beyond expression. Space will not permit me to enumerate the unnumbered acts of kindnesses performed by this noble soul during fifty-seven years as a General Authority. I have marveled at President McKay's never-ending services. His kindness to little children who through the years have called at the office has moved us to tears. Just as much attention is given to the child, if not more so, than to the mother or father. He leans down, takes the child's hand, asks him his name, how old he is, and if he is approaching eight years of age, he says: "And what is going to happen to you when you are eight years of age?" Nearly always the child's face brightens up as he says, "I am going to be baptized!" Now in his ninetieth year, as the responsibilities are even greater than ever before, and as his duties have multiplied, this is a choice moment all cannot have, and it grieves President Mc- Kay that it cannot be so. I honor President McKay for his devotion to the great responsibilities that have been his throughout the years. Long before many of us have awakened, he has been at the office and has accomplished a day's work before most of us have arrived. Then when our day starts, his hours are filled with meetings and consultations where important decisions pertaining to the general jurisdiction of the Church have been made, taxing his nervous energy to the limit. Then in the evening, when most of us are enjoying leisure hours, for many years he has been visiting hospitals, administering to the sick, speaking at meetings, having consultations with people, or preparing sermons for the countless speaking appointments scheduled for months ahead. In gathering together and preserving in scrapbooks and diaries a vast store of clippings, speeches, editorials, special letters, and notes, concerning the activities of President McKay, I have been profoundly impressed with the magnitude of the work accomplished and the service rendered by him. His records show that since 1936, he has personally interviewed more than fifteen hundred distinguished men and "women from all over the world. This is in addition to the thousands of church officers and laymen whom he has met. His travels throughout the world in company with Sister McKay to visit stakes, wards, missions, and branches of the Church, and his great missionary service are well-known. One thousand four hundred and forty-three major addresses have been delivered by him since his appointment to the First Presidency of the Church. He has attended and spoken at hundreds of funeral services. Numerous church edifices, temples, seminary buildings, and civic structures have been dedicated by him, During this period, one thousand or more young couples have had the honor of being united in marriage by him in the house of the Lord. This does not include the thousands of unrecorded little acts of kindness performed by him, nor the untold services performed during the early period of his career when he traveled thousands of miles by land and sea at a time when the comforts of travel that now exist were unknown. Throughout all this unselfish service, individual members of the Church have not been neglected— thousands have been the recipients of his counsel, advice, and administration. His understanding of the human heart and his incomparable tenderness have drawn people close to him, and his deep interest and concern in their welfare have won for him the loyalty, love, and respect of many thousands of members of the Church. President McKay has a delightful sense of humor and enjoys to hear or tell stories of Scottish origin. Often, when he is conversing with groups of prominent business or professional men who have called to pay their respects, one may hear a burst of hearty laughter coming from the room. President McKay no doubt has told them one of his enjoyable jokes, probably in Scottish dialect. It is natural for President McKay to look on the bright side of life, and many times he has cheered the day for the secretaries by his amusing stories. He puts himself in tune with life and accepts whatever comes with good grace. I cannot remember ever hearing a complaint from him. If he is ill or feeling out of sorts, no one knows about it; if he is pressed from every side with telephone calls, consultations, long meetings, irritating problems, and interruptions when trying to do some writing or special work, there is a calmness about him that no one would ever suspect that his nerves might be on edge or that he is pressed for time. He enjoys life—he loves the sunshine, the rains, the snowstorms, the hot weather—all are enjoyable in their seasons to him. It is an inspiration to see this great man go about his daily work with its weighty responsibilities and problems, little and great, with such dignity, kindness, and gentlemanliness. I have never heard a sharp, cross word pass his lips. I have never heard him say or do the unkind thing. One day I asked him how he managed to keep such control of himself, and he answered: "I learned many years ago that you do not have to answer for what you do not say. What is the use of saying the unkind thing; you do not gain a thing by it. I learned, when I was tempted to say the unkind, thoughtless thing, to put my tongue way back in my mouth and clamp my teeth down on it; and each time I did that, it was easier the next time not to say the unkind, hurtful thing." Now President McKay has perfect control of himself. President McKay often quotes and truly lives the admonition given by the Lord in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; "By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy and without guile-- "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy"; (D&C 121:39, 41-43.) Many times as he has asked me to copy this quotation for him, he has remarked: "No philosopher nor psychiatrist could give better advice than that. This scripture alone shows that the Prophet Joseph was divinely inspired." Just recently as he was giving me notes for his diary, President McKay mentioned that he had taken a delightful walk in the invigorating air of his beloved Huntsville, and how he had enjoyed the songs of the various birds. He still loves to call "Sonny Boy" from the fields, and occasionally will take a ride on him. His love of life, his love for family, associates, and friends are inspiring. He quietly affects the love of those around him without his even being aware of it, expecting no commendation. His shining quality of goodness radiates from him, and persons who come under his influence feel where there was darkness, there is light; where there was cowardice, there is courage; where there was listlessness, there is love of life. He carries with him the graciousness, kindness, and generosity of his life. His liking for people, his instinctive ability to understand the other person's viewpoint, his belief in the sacredness and importance of each individual make him a little short of a genius at personal relationships. His charm is legendary. When he enters a room or takes his place at the pulpit, wherever it may be, a ripple of emotion seizes those present; they catch his glow, his love of life and of humanity. He is beloved and revered by true members of the Church everywhere. His humility is altogether genuine. He is a true prophet of God. BY FLORENCE S. JACOBSON GENERAL PRESIDENT YWMIA One of the choicest experiences of my life returns as a happy memory, time after time, and brings to my mind the human and humorous side of a great man of our day, a prophet of God. My husband was called to preside over the Eastern States Mission, and six short weeks after arriving in the mission field, we found ourselves at the Hill Cumorah, lending our time and energy in preparing for the annual historical Book of Mormon pageant. Over our radio loudspeakers came the warnings of imminent storms of hurricane proportion. With dismay we looked at each other hut realized that it had never rained on a Hill Cumorah pageant. And so, exercising our faith, we went ahead with all preparations, trusting that the hurricane which was promised would pass us by. The first day of the pageant presentation arrived, and with it the rains. As was customary, all of the pageant participants, directors, and mission executives planned to meet in the Sacred Grove for an all-day testimony meeting session. Raincoats and rain caps were donned, and pageant personnel were gathered for the traditional meetings. At that time in Palmyra there was nowhere to gather together under a roof the 300 pageant participants who were present in the Sacred Grove that day. As the meeting concluded at 4:00 pm in the afternoon and faith had been expressed that the rains would stop and the pageant would go on as usual, we found the participants returning to their quarters to dry out, press their clothes, and prepare for the evening's presentation. However, as the minutes ticked away, the fury of the storm increased, and it soon became apparent that the parking area for the many cars expected was completely inundated with water. With heavy hearts we announced over the radio that the pageant presentation for the evening, because of hurricane "Cynthia," would be postponed. "Cynthia" also left her mark on the mission home in New York City. Upon returning from the pageant, we found a great deal of water damage on the walls of the front hall. "Cynthia" had struck with such force that the stone-work had become saturated with moisture and a spreading stain had damaged the interior of the building. Our first day after arriving home from the pageant found us unpacking our wet, soggy clothing and attempting to get the children's clothes in order so that my husband and I could go on a tour of the mission two days later with one of the General Authorities. A knock came at the door. The door was opened, and there stood President David O. McKay and Sister Emma Ray McKay. With smiles on their faces they said, "We just thought we'd drop in and see how you weathered the storm. We've been up to the Metropolitan Museum to see some pictures and are leaving the city tomorrow to go to Europe." They noticed the water-damaged walls of the front hall, and in answer to their inquiry, were told it was the result of hurricane "Cynthia." They walked the length of the beautiful hall down to the main office, President McKay solicitously escorting Sister McKay. As they were seated on the couch, President McKay turned to my husband and said, "Well, how did the pageant go?" There was an evident twinkle in his eye as he already knew that for the first time since the Hill Cumorah pageant had been held, the presentation had been postponed—because of the hurricane. We talked of the fury of the storm the first night and the two beautiful nights of pageant presentation which followed. President McKay then stated, smiling broadly, "It takes a lot of faith to overcome a hurricane." As the conversation progressed and the procedures of the day of pageant postponement were explained, such as how the pageant participants sitting in the rain in the Sacred Grove bore their testimonies and expressed their faith and love of the Church, Sister McKay, just a little indignantly turned to President McKay and said, "Don't we have a building in Palmyra where they can meet when it rains?" And he said, "Yes, Mother, we do, but it is not big enough to hold 300 people." Sister McKay answered, "Why, I think it is awful that we don't have a larger accommodation in Palmyra. I think we should have one immediately so that these people wont have to sit out in the rain when they have a testimony meeting!" President McKay smiled at her very lovingly and then turned to us and said, with a twinkle in his eye, "Now you can see why they name hurricanes after women." We all laughed, enjoying greatly the connotation which wasn't really evident in Sister McKay's mild expression of reproof for lack of facilities to accommodate the pageant participants. As they left the mission home after a short visit, my husband and I turned and looked at each other. We felt an aura of love and light as they left us and were buoyed up by their humor and humanness. BY PRESTON NIBLEY ASSISTANT CHURCH HISTORIAN I have never known a man who has expressed greater love and devotion for his departed parents than President David O. McKay has. Once in conversation with him about the noted characters he had met during his long and eventful career, I asked him, "President McKay, who is the greatest man you have ever met?" He replied without hesitation, "My father." He was equally devoted to the memory of a loving mother. Once in speaking publicly of her, he expressed himself in this manner. "I cannot think of a womanly virtue that my mother did not possess. Undoubtedly, many a youth, in affectionate appreciation of his mother's love and unselfish devotion, can pay his mother the same tribute; but I say this in the maturity of man- hood when calm judgment should weigh facts dispassionately. To her children, and all others who knew her well, she was beautiful and dignified. Though high-spirited she was even-tempered and self-possessed. Her dark-brown eyes immediately expressed any rising emotion which, however, she always held under perfect control. "In the management of her household she was frugal yet surprisingly generous, as was father also, in providing for the welfare and education of his children. To make home the most pleasant place in the world for her husband and children was her constant aim, which she achieved naturally and supremely. Though unselfishly devoted to her family, she tactfully taught each one to reciprocate in little acts of service. "Her soul, to quote the words of the poet was 'As pure as lines of green that streak the first white of the snowdrop's inner leaves In tenderness, watchful care, loving patience, loyalty to home and to right, she seemed to me in boyhood, and she seems to me now after these years, to have been supreme. "Mother left us when she was still young, only fifty-four. During the intervening twenty-seven years I have often wished that I had told her in my young manhood that my love for her and the realization of her love and of her confidence gave me power more than once during fiery youth to keep my name untarnished and my soul from clay. "From my beautiful, ever devoted and watchful mother, from my loyal sisters in our early home associations, and from my beloved wife during the maturer years that followed, I have received my high ideals of womanhood. No man has had inspiration from nobler, more loving women. To them I owe a debt of eternal gratitude." (The Improvement Era, May 1932.) BY JOSEPH ANDERSON SECRETARY TO THE FIRST PRESIDENCY There are outstanding characteristics in the President that have impressed me over the years. I do not recall having seen him depressed, even when suffering from illness. He has a great spirit of optimism. The President loves life, and he has on occasion entered the First Presidency's meeting on a beautiful day with the remark, "I love life." One of his comments that has impressed me also is, "I never think of death: I am too busy thinking of life." Another characteristic that impressed me is that President McKay always has complete control of himself. He beautifully typifies the majesty of calmness. BY FRANKLIN J. MURDOCK TRAVEL AGENT In 1955 President McKay asked me to accompany him and Sister McKay on their visit to the South Pacific missions, six at the time. We went by train from Salt Lake City to San Francisco and then flew by Pan American Clipper from San Francisco to Honolulu. There was a re-fueling stop there, and we left in the evening. I shall never forget, as we boarded the plane at Honolulu, hearing the members of the Church who had gathered to say good-bye to President and Sister McKay sing, "God Be with You till We Meet Again." The next morning about five o'clock the plane re-fueled at Canton Island, a distance of 1,800 miles south of Honolulu. The President was up bright and early, writing in his diary. As I came to his seat, he said, "Brother Murdock, you see those black flags out there. Word has come that there is a hurricane in our pathway toward the south." We were, of course, both concerned, but we noticed that the plane took off at about the scheduled time, and landed safely another 1,200 miles in Suva in the Fiji Isles that evening. We went to the Grand Pacific Hotel. The man at the cable office was quite concerned as he took the President's cable and asked, "When did you arrive?" We answered, "Just this evening." "Oh, you are the people who came through the hurricane," he exclaimed. "What do you mean?" He took us around the counter and showed us a large map of the South Pacific. "You were up here at Canton Island coming south to the Fiji Islands. About that time we had a very severe hurricane moving northward. It was so severe that most of the military planes of the New Zealand Air Force flew south to avoid destruction. Winds were up to and more than 90 miles an hour. The weather bureau followed the hurricane as it went north, and it would have just gone in your pathway, but all of a sudden—and they haven't been able to explain it—the hurricane veered out about 200 miles to the left, which would be to the west, and stayed in that area for about two hours. That allowed you to come through without any difficulty. And then the hurricane moved right back about 200 miles into its original pathway and went northwest and spent itself in the northwest Pacific." As we walked back to the hotel that night, President McKay said, "Brother Murdock, that was the hand of the Lord that reached out and made it safe for us to come through to Suva and avoid that hurricane which was directly in our pathway. We can be grateful that we are safe in the Grand Pacific Hotel this evening." On May 5, 1961, Mr. John Cook, a newspaper feature writer, was granted an interview with President McKay. Towards the close of the interview he said that he hoped the President wouldn't mind if he asked a question, and said that the President wouldn't need to answer the question if he felt that he shouldn't, but for his own information, not for publication, he would like to know if President McKay had ever seen the Savior. President McKay answered that he had not, but that he had heard his voice, many times, and that he had felt his presence and his influence. He then told about Peter (saying that he was his favorite among the apostles, even more so than Paul with all his education and learning—that Peter was a rough, simple man, but sincere) and he told how Peter had spoken of being partakers of the divine spirit, of a divine nature, and explained what he felt that to mean. Then he told how some evidences were stronger even than that of sight, and recalled the occasion when the Savior appeared to his disciples and told Thomas who had doubted, "Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands: and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless but believing." And then President McKay said that he liked to believe Thomas did not actually look up, but knelt at the Savior's feet and said unto him, "My Lord and my God." And then President McKay repeated the words of the Master, "Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." President McKay then smiled and said, "That is quite a testimony I have given you. I do not know when I have given this before." Mr. Cook was visibly moved, and after leaving the office said it had been the greatest experience of his life, that President McKay was like no other man he had ever seen or heard. He was so greatly moved that tears were in his eyes as he left President McKay. This account was written by Ted Cannon, January 7, 1961. In his autobiography, Cecil B. DeMille, the great motion picture producer wrote, "There are men whose very presence warms the heart. President McKay is one of them. I spoke from the heart, when in the middle of a commencement address I was giving at Brigham Young University, I turned to him on the platform and said, 'David McKay, almost thou persuadest me to be a Mormon!' " Mr. DeMille on one occasion told a reporter for the California Intermountain News that President Mc- Kay is "one of the great souls that I have been privileged to meet in this world; he has understanding; he has the true spirit of Christ; he is a great pioneer of God." BY ARCH L. MADSEN PRESIDENT KSL RADIO AND TELEVISION Recently in New York an experience occurred which a friend of mine at United Press passed along. When President McKay came home from Europe, arrangements had been made for his picture to be taken. The regular photographer assigned was unable to go to Idlewild, and so, in desperation, the United Press picked the man as-signed as their crime photographer—a man accustomed to the very toughest type of work in New York. He went to the airport and came back in due time, went into the darkroom, and stayed there almost two hours. When he came out, he had a tremendous sheaf of pictures in his hand. He was supposed to take two. His boss immediately chided him and said, "What in the world are you wasting time and all those photographic supplies for?" He received a very curt and sharp answer, the crime photographer would gladly pay for the extra materials he had used; they could dock him for the hours he had spent on this work because these extra pictures were his own personal property. It was obvious at the time he was very touchy on the subject. Several hours later the vice president called him in to learn what had happened. This in essence is the story the crime photographer gave him. "You see, when I was a little boy, my mother used to read to me out of the Old Testament a great deal. I loved the stories about God's prophets, and I have wondered all my life what a prophet of God must really look like. Today I found one." [1] From a conference address by Gordon B. Hinckley, given at October 1958 General Conference. |
"Dates and Events in the Life of David O. McKay." Improvement Era. September 1963. pg. 750-751.
SIGNIFICANT DATES AND EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
September 8, 1873 - Born at Huntsville, Utah, the son of David and Jennette Evans McKay.
September 8, 1881 - Baptized by Peter Geertsen at Huntsville.
June 9, 1897 - Graduated from University of Utah; president and valedictorian of his class.
August 1, 1897 - Ordained a seventy and set apart as a missionary to Great Britain by President Seymour B. Young of the First Council of the Seventy.
September 10, 1899 - Returned home from his mission, having labored in Scotland; from March 1898 as president of the Glasgow Conference (District).
September 1899 - Began as faculty member at Weber State College (formerly Weber Stake Academy) Ogden, Utah.
1899-1906 - Second Assistant Superintendent, Weber (Utah) Stake Sunday School.
January 2, 1901 - Married Emma Ray Riggs in the Salt Lake Temple; ceremony performed by Elder John Henry Smith of the Council of the Twelve; this was the first marriage of the Twentieth Century performed in the Salt Lake Temple.
April 17, 1902 - Became principal of Weber Academy.
April 9, 1906 - Ordained an Apostle by President Joseph F. Smith.
1906- Member of Church Board of Education.
October 6, 1906 - Sustained as Second Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
April 4, 1909 - Sustained as First Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1914 - President of Ogden Betterment League.
September 19, 1915 - Laid the cornerstone of the Alberta Temple at Cardston.
February 1918 - His book, Ancient Apostles, came from the press.
Nov. 27, 1918-Oct. 1934 - General Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
May 9, 1919-1921 - Served as Church Commissioner of Education.
Dec. 1, 1920-Dec. 24, 1921 - Made a world tour of LDS missions, visiting the fields outside the United States except South Africa, traveling 62,500 miles.
January 9, 1921 - Dedicated the land of China for the preaching of the restored gospel.
April 23, 1921 - Received the gift of the Maori tongue while addressing Saints at Puketapu, Huntly, Waikato, New Zealand.
May 31, 1921 - Monument erected at Apia, Samoa, in commemoration of his visit.
July 1921-October 1922 - Member of the board of regents, University of Utah.
June 2, 1922 - Received Master of Arts (honorary), Brigham Young University.
November 3, 1922 - Called as president of the European Mission, succeeding Elder Orson F. Whitney.
January 1924 - Attended first conference held in the name of the Armenian Mission, Aleppo, Syria.
December 1924 - Released as president of the European Mission.
May 28, 1931 - Elected president of the Weber State College Alumni Association.
February 18, 1932 - Elected chairman for Utah Council for Child Health and Protection at its organization, following the White House Conference on Child Welfare.
October 6, 1934 - Sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President Heber J. Grant).
October 11, 1934 - Set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
October 31, 1934 - Released as general superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1938-1947 - Chairman of Utah State Centennial Commission.
October 26, 1940 - Laid the cornerstone of the Idaho Falls Temple.
1940-41 - Member, board of trustees, Utah State University (formerly Utah State Agricultural College).
1942 - Chairman, Utah State Advisory Committee of the American Red Cross.
1942 - Chairman, Utah Council of Child Health and Protection.
May 21, 1945 - Sustained and set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President George Albert Smith).
June 2, 1950 - Received a Doctor of Laws (honorary), Utah State University,
September 30, 1950 - Sustained as President of the Council of the Twelve.
October 5, 1950 - Set apart as President of the Council of the Twelve.
April 8, 1951 - Sustained as President of the Church by members of the Council of the Twelve and the Patriarch, meeting in the Salt Lake Temple.
April 9, 1951 - Sustained as President of the Church by the priesthood and members meeting in Solemn Assembly, in the Tabernacle.
April 12, 1951 - Set apart as President of the Church by the Council of the Twelve, with President Joseph Fielding Smith of that body acting as mouth.
April 16, 1951 - Became senior editor of The Improvement Era.
April 1951 - Became president of board of trustees, Brigham Young University.
June 4, 1951 - Received a Doctor of Humanities (honorary), Brigham Young University.
June 9, 1951 - Received a Doctor of Letters (honorary), University of Utah.
June 14, 1951 - Received a Doctor of Letters (honorary), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
October 14, 1951 - Honorary Chairman of Boy Scouts Relationship Committee for the Church.
September 22, 1951 - Broke ground for Los Angeles Temple.
December 31, 1951 - Became an honorary executive board member, Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America.
May 27-July 27, 1952 - Toured the nine LDS missions of Europe.
June 13, 1953 - Given Honorary Master M Man award.
July 17, 1953 - Given Silver Buffalo by Committee on Awards for Distinguished Service of the National Council, BSA, at Los Angeles.
August 5, 1953 - Broke ground for the Swiss Temple.
January 3-February 14, 1954 - Toured South Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico.
September 10, 1954 - Given honorary membership, International College of Surgeons at Chicago.
January 2, 1955 - Departed for Tonga, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.
January 1955 - Selected site for New Zealand Temple.
November 29, 1954 - Given the Cross of the Commander of the Royal Order of the Phoenix (a Greek award).
December 14, 1954 - Dedicated "David O. McKay Building," BYU campus.
August 19, 1955 - Greeted the members of the Tabernacle Choir as they arrived in the British Isles.
August 27, 1955 - Broke ground for London Temple.
September 11, 1955 - Dedicated Swiss Temple.
November 20, 1955 - Given the Golden Medal of the Greek Archdiocese of North and South America (a Greek Church award).
January 26, 1956 - Given Silver Beaver by Great Salt Lake Council, BSA.
March 11, 1956 - Dedicated Los Angeles Temple.
May 5, 1956 - Given honorary membership, The Blue Key National Honor Fraternity.
July 29, 1957 - Given honorary membership, National Council, BSA.
April 11-May 10, 1958 - Toured South Seas missions.
April 20, 1958 - Dedicated New Zealand Temple.
April 24, 1958 - Dedicated the Church College of New Zealand.
April 27, 1958 - Said that "transportation has brought the far places of the world close to us" and that overseas stakes would be organized. (Auckland Stake, New Zealand, organized as a result, May 18, 1958.)
June 12, 1959 - Given all-Church YMMIA trophy.
September 7, 1958 - Dedicated London Temple.
December 17, 1958 - Dedicated the Church College of Hawaii.
February 26, 1961 - Dedicated Hyde Park chapel, London; organized London Stake.
June 11, 1961 - Announced that members of the First Council of the Seventy would be high priests.
June 26-July 3, 1961 - Presided at first mission presidents' seminar, Salt Lake City.
May 26, 1962 - Broke ground for Oakland Temple.
August 26, 1962 - Organized Glasgow (Scotland) Stake.
December 10, 1962 - Honored by business and civic leaders of Salt Lake City.
May 20, 1963 - Dedicated parts of the remodeled Salt Lake Temple.
August 25, 1963 - Dedication of Merthyr Tydfil Chapel.
September 8, 1963 - Arrived at the age of four score and ten, greatly loved by his associates and people everywhere.
SIGNIFICANT DATES AND EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT DAVID O. McKAY
September 8, 1873 - Born at Huntsville, Utah, the son of David and Jennette Evans McKay.
September 8, 1881 - Baptized by Peter Geertsen at Huntsville.
June 9, 1897 - Graduated from University of Utah; president and valedictorian of his class.
August 1, 1897 - Ordained a seventy and set apart as a missionary to Great Britain by President Seymour B. Young of the First Council of the Seventy.
September 10, 1899 - Returned home from his mission, having labored in Scotland; from March 1898 as president of the Glasgow Conference (District).
September 1899 - Began as faculty member at Weber State College (formerly Weber Stake Academy) Ogden, Utah.
1899-1906 - Second Assistant Superintendent, Weber (Utah) Stake Sunday School.
January 2, 1901 - Married Emma Ray Riggs in the Salt Lake Temple; ceremony performed by Elder John Henry Smith of the Council of the Twelve; this was the first marriage of the Twentieth Century performed in the Salt Lake Temple.
April 17, 1902 - Became principal of Weber Academy.
April 9, 1906 - Ordained an Apostle by President Joseph F. Smith.
1906- Member of Church Board of Education.
October 6, 1906 - Sustained as Second Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
April 4, 1909 - Sustained as First Assistant Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1914 - President of Ogden Betterment League.
September 19, 1915 - Laid the cornerstone of the Alberta Temple at Cardston.
February 1918 - His book, Ancient Apostles, came from the press.
Nov. 27, 1918-Oct. 1934 - General Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
May 9, 1919-1921 - Served as Church Commissioner of Education.
Dec. 1, 1920-Dec. 24, 1921 - Made a world tour of LDS missions, visiting the fields outside the United States except South Africa, traveling 62,500 miles.
January 9, 1921 - Dedicated the land of China for the preaching of the restored gospel.
April 23, 1921 - Received the gift of the Maori tongue while addressing Saints at Puketapu, Huntly, Waikato, New Zealand.
May 31, 1921 - Monument erected at Apia, Samoa, in commemoration of his visit.
July 1921-October 1922 - Member of the board of regents, University of Utah.
June 2, 1922 - Received Master of Arts (honorary), Brigham Young University.
November 3, 1922 - Called as president of the European Mission, succeeding Elder Orson F. Whitney.
January 1924 - Attended first conference held in the name of the Armenian Mission, Aleppo, Syria.
December 1924 - Released as president of the European Mission.
May 28, 1931 - Elected president of the Weber State College Alumni Association.
February 18, 1932 - Elected chairman for Utah Council for Child Health and Protection at its organization, following the White House Conference on Child Welfare.
October 6, 1934 - Sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President Heber J. Grant).
October 11, 1934 - Set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
October 31, 1934 - Released as general superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union.
1938-1947 - Chairman of Utah State Centennial Commission.
October 26, 1940 - Laid the cornerstone of the Idaho Falls Temple.
1940-41 - Member, board of trustees, Utah State University (formerly Utah State Agricultural College).
1942 - Chairman, Utah State Advisory Committee of the American Red Cross.
1942 - Chairman, Utah Council of Child Health and Protection.
May 21, 1945 - Sustained and set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency (to President George Albert Smith).
June 2, 1950 - Received a Doctor of Laws (honorary), Utah State University,
September 30, 1950 - Sustained as President of the Council of the Twelve.
October 5, 1950 - Set apart as President of the Council of the Twelve.
April 8, 1951 - Sustained as President of the Church by members of the Council of the Twelve and the Patriarch, meeting in the Salt Lake Temple.
April 9, 1951 - Sustained as President of the Church by the priesthood and members meeting in Solemn Assembly, in the Tabernacle.
April 12, 1951 - Set apart as President of the Church by the Council of the Twelve, with President Joseph Fielding Smith of that body acting as mouth.
April 16, 1951 - Became senior editor of The Improvement Era.
April 1951 - Became president of board of trustees, Brigham Young University.
June 4, 1951 - Received a Doctor of Humanities (honorary), Brigham Young University.
June 9, 1951 - Received a Doctor of Letters (honorary), University of Utah.
June 14, 1951 - Received a Doctor of Letters (honorary), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
October 14, 1951 - Honorary Chairman of Boy Scouts Relationship Committee for the Church.
September 22, 1951 - Broke ground for Los Angeles Temple.
December 31, 1951 - Became an honorary executive board member, Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America.
May 27-July 27, 1952 - Toured the nine LDS missions of Europe.
June 13, 1953 - Given Honorary Master M Man award.
July 17, 1953 - Given Silver Buffalo by Committee on Awards for Distinguished Service of the National Council, BSA, at Los Angeles.
August 5, 1953 - Broke ground for the Swiss Temple.
January 3-February 14, 1954 - Toured South Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico.
September 10, 1954 - Given honorary membership, International College of Surgeons at Chicago.
January 2, 1955 - Departed for Tonga, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.
January 1955 - Selected site for New Zealand Temple.
November 29, 1954 - Given the Cross of the Commander of the Royal Order of the Phoenix (a Greek award).
December 14, 1954 - Dedicated "David O. McKay Building," BYU campus.
August 19, 1955 - Greeted the members of the Tabernacle Choir as they arrived in the British Isles.
August 27, 1955 - Broke ground for London Temple.
September 11, 1955 - Dedicated Swiss Temple.
November 20, 1955 - Given the Golden Medal of the Greek Archdiocese of North and South America (a Greek Church award).
January 26, 1956 - Given Silver Beaver by Great Salt Lake Council, BSA.
March 11, 1956 - Dedicated Los Angeles Temple.
May 5, 1956 - Given honorary membership, The Blue Key National Honor Fraternity.
July 29, 1957 - Given honorary membership, National Council, BSA.
April 11-May 10, 1958 - Toured South Seas missions.
April 20, 1958 - Dedicated New Zealand Temple.
April 24, 1958 - Dedicated the Church College of New Zealand.
April 27, 1958 - Said that "transportation has brought the far places of the world close to us" and that overseas stakes would be organized. (Auckland Stake, New Zealand, organized as a result, May 18, 1958.)
June 12, 1959 - Given all-Church YMMIA trophy.
September 7, 1958 - Dedicated London Temple.
December 17, 1958 - Dedicated the Church College of Hawaii.
February 26, 1961 - Dedicated Hyde Park chapel, London; organized London Stake.
June 11, 1961 - Announced that members of the First Council of the Seventy would be high priests.
June 26-July 3, 1961 - Presided at first mission presidents' seminar, Salt Lake City.
May 26, 1962 - Broke ground for Oakland Temple.
August 26, 1962 - Organized Glasgow (Scotland) Stake.
December 10, 1962 - Honored by business and civic leaders of Salt Lake City.
May 20, 1963 - Dedicated parts of the remodeled Salt Lake Temple.
August 25, 1963 - Dedication of Merthyr Tydfil Chapel.
September 8, 1963 - Arrived at the age of four score and ten, greatly loved by his associates and people everywhere.
"Congratulations President David O. McKay... Four Score Years and Ten!" Instructor. October 1963. pg. center.
Congratulations... President David O. McKay FOUR SCORE YEARS AND TEN! On this joyous occasion of your ninetieth birthday anniversary we join as Sunday School workers to thank you for your valiant leadership, your dedicated service, and your warm friendship. We honor you as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We respect you as a leader of men in all walks of life. We love you for your friendship to all mankind. In the spirit of rededicating our lives to the ideals you personify, we salute you and hearken to your ringing challenge. We resolve to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and follow your example as champion of the Sunday Schools and builder of the Faith. "To live an upright life, to conform to high ethical standards, to keep the commandments of the Lord — these constitute the responsibility and duty of every Sunday School teacher. "Leading youth to know God, to have faith in His laws, to have confidence in His fatherhood, to find solace and peace in His love — this is the greatest privilege, the most sublime opportunity offered the true educator. "A great honor and the greatest responsibility that can come to you, my fellow teachers, is to have a trusting boy or girl say, 'You are my ideal.' "What habits will pupils learn of you? The answer to that question depends, first, on your ability to win confidence; second, on what you really are; and third, on what and how you teach."[1] "What does it mean to keep the faith? It means, first, that we accept Jesus Christ not merely as a Great Teacher, a Powerful Leader, but as the Saviour, the Redeemer of the world. "We walk by faith in this world. We are as the little boy who holds his father's hand in the midst of a great city: the boy is confused by the din and bustle of the crowd, and realizes that if he breaks away he will be lost and may not be able to get back to his father. While he holds that father's hand, however, he is safe. He has an assurance that his father will lead him back home. So it is with the young man who keeps his faith in the latter-day work ... he has his hand in that of his Redeemer. . . . "My faith gives to me an assurance that God is indeed my Father, and that therefore I must have inherited his immortality. ... I rejoice in the revealed word that man was . . . in the beginning with God.' (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29.) "My faith . . . teaches me that only through individual effort and divine guidance may true success and happiness be obtained."[2] [1] October Sunday School Conference Address, The Instructor , June, 1948, pp. 266-68, 303. [2] Treasures of Life, compiled by Clare Middlemiss from editorials published in The Instructor, Deseret Book Company, 1962, pp. 314, 315, 233. (For Course 1, Lessons of December 1 and 8, "My Birthday Is A Special Day," and "Mother and Daddy Have Birthdays"; for Course 7, Lesson of December 15, "David O. McKay, The Ninth President"; and of interest to all Church members.) |
"President David O. McKay." Improvement Era. September 1964. pg. cover, 719-729.
President David O. McKay As the ninety- first year closes on the life of President David O. McKay, who was born September 8, 1873, friends and members of the Church throughout the world who proclaim him a prophet raise their voices in thanksgiving and praise for his long and dedicated life. And even as the stage is being set for his ninety-second year, the prayers of multitudes of faithful Saints extend heavenward that he may have health, vigor, wisdom, and inspiration to meet the demands that are daily thrust upon the prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church. The life of this, God's chosen and anointed servant, stretches back over the years into the life stream of every President of the Church save one—the Prophet Joseph Smith. The pioneers had reached their mountain valley haven a short twenty-six years before he was born. The Church was but forty-three years old. When David O. McKay was born, Brigham Young was President of the Church. When he was baptized, President John Taylor was at the helm. He answered the call of President Wilford Woodruff to serve as a missionary. He took his lovely bride Emma Ray Riggs to the Salt Lake Temple to be married for time and eternity when President Lorenzo Snow held the sealing powers. He was called to be a member of the Council of the Twelve by President Joseph F. Smith. He rendered devoted, unstinted, and untiring service to President Heber J. Grant and again to President George Albert Smith as a Counselor in the First Presidency. His own administration, beginning in April 1951, has been in many ways unparalleled in the history of the Church. We invite you to follow President McKay's story, and the story of the Church, through the picture pages that follow. |
"President McKay Becomes Oldest Church President." Improvement Era. March 1965. pg. 187.
President McKay becomes oldest Church President
President David O. McKay, a most remarkable leader among the remarkable leaders who have served and now serve as General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will in this month of March become the oldest man to hold the Presidency of the Church in this dispensation. On March 13, 1965, President McKay will have attained 91 years, 186 days. President Wilford Woodruff lived 91 years, 185 days—from March 1, 1807 to September 2, 1898. President McKay. has served in the leading councils of the Church since being ordained an Apostle April 9, 1906: as a member of the Council of the Twelve from April 1906 to October 1934; as a Counselor in the First Presidency from October 1934 to April 1951; and since April 9, 1951, as President of the Church.
President Heber J. Grant served sixty-two years
The General Authority who has thus far served the longest time was President Heber J. Grant, who was ordained an Apostle October 16, 1882, sustained President of the Church November 23, 1918, and passed away May 14, 1945, after more than sixty-two years as a General Authority.
President Joseph F. Smith in First Presidency over thirty-eight years
President Joseph F. Smith served as a member of the First Presidency the longest. He was ordained an Apostle July 1, 1866 and set apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve October 8, 1867. He was called into the First Presidency October 10, 1880, where he served as a Counselor to Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow. Following President Snow's death in 1901, President Smith was sustained as President of the Church October 17, 1901, where he served until his passing, November 19, 1918. President Smith was thus a member of the First Presidency for over 38 years, but the First Presidency did not function as such for some 19 months following the death of President Taylor and the sustaining of President Woodruff.
Brigham Young President for thirty years
The longest term as President of the Church was served by President Brigham Young, who was sustained as President December 27, 1847, and died August 29, 1877—a service of almost 30 years. In addition, President Young was senior member of the Council of the Twelve at the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith in June 1844, and directed the Church until he was sustained as President of the Church.
President Charles W. Penrose oldest of all General Authorities
The oldest man thus far to serve in these Councils of the Church was President Charles W. Penrose, Apostle and Counselor to Presidents Joseph F. Smith and Heber J. Grant. Lifelong members of the Church, now barely in their fifties can recall this writer of our hymns and tracts and are startled to realize that President Penrose was born in London, England, February 4, 1832, not long after the restored Church was moving forward on the American frontier. President Penrose died May 16, 1925, several months past his 93rd birthday.
President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve has been a member of that quorum longer than any other elder to date
President Smith was ordained an Apostle April 7, 1910 — and has served almost fifty-five years.
We were walking along a street on a quiet Sabbath afternoon in January. The voice of a pre-school-ager came from the play area behind her home: "I only know one song and I only know part of it," and then with conviction she sang, "We thank thee, God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days." There was no doubt in her mind or in her voice that she was singing about President David O. McKay, the prophet for this people and for the world in our day and age. May the Lord sustain and lengthen his days as the Church moves ever forward.
President McKay becomes oldest Church President
President David O. McKay, a most remarkable leader among the remarkable leaders who have served and now serve as General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will in this month of March become the oldest man to hold the Presidency of the Church in this dispensation. On March 13, 1965, President McKay will have attained 91 years, 186 days. President Wilford Woodruff lived 91 years, 185 days—from March 1, 1807 to September 2, 1898. President McKay. has served in the leading councils of the Church since being ordained an Apostle April 9, 1906: as a member of the Council of the Twelve from April 1906 to October 1934; as a Counselor in the First Presidency from October 1934 to April 1951; and since April 9, 1951, as President of the Church.
President Heber J. Grant served sixty-two years
The General Authority who has thus far served the longest time was President Heber J. Grant, who was ordained an Apostle October 16, 1882, sustained President of the Church November 23, 1918, and passed away May 14, 1945, after more than sixty-two years as a General Authority.
President Joseph F. Smith in First Presidency over thirty-eight years
President Joseph F. Smith served as a member of the First Presidency the longest. He was ordained an Apostle July 1, 1866 and set apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve October 8, 1867. He was called into the First Presidency October 10, 1880, where he served as a Counselor to Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow. Following President Snow's death in 1901, President Smith was sustained as President of the Church October 17, 1901, where he served until his passing, November 19, 1918. President Smith was thus a member of the First Presidency for over 38 years, but the First Presidency did not function as such for some 19 months following the death of President Taylor and the sustaining of President Woodruff.
Brigham Young President for thirty years
The longest term as President of the Church was served by President Brigham Young, who was sustained as President December 27, 1847, and died August 29, 1877—a service of almost 30 years. In addition, President Young was senior member of the Council of the Twelve at the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith in June 1844, and directed the Church until he was sustained as President of the Church.
President Charles W. Penrose oldest of all General Authorities
The oldest man thus far to serve in these Councils of the Church was President Charles W. Penrose, Apostle and Counselor to Presidents Joseph F. Smith and Heber J. Grant. Lifelong members of the Church, now barely in their fifties can recall this writer of our hymns and tracts and are startled to realize that President Penrose was born in London, England, February 4, 1832, not long after the restored Church was moving forward on the American frontier. President Penrose died May 16, 1925, several months past his 93rd birthday.
President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve has been a member of that quorum longer than any other elder to date
President Smith was ordained an Apostle April 7, 1910 — and has served almost fifty-five years.
We were walking along a street on a quiet Sabbath afternoon in January. The voice of a pre-school-ager came from the play area behind her home: "I only know one song and I only know part of it," and then with conviction she sang, "We thank thee, God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days." There was no doubt in her mind or in her voice that she was singing about President David O. McKay, the prophet for this people and for the world in our day and age. May the Lord sustain and lengthen his days as the Church moves ever forward.
Peale, Norman Vincent. "David O. McKay--A Man with a Secret." Instructor. April 1965. pg. 138-139.
David O. McKay A MAN WITH A SECRET[1] by Norman Vincent Peale The last time I saw David O. McKay I took away with me one overwhelming impression. I suppose this spiritual leader of two-and-a-half million people might have affected me in many ways. Wise, saintly, humble, witty—these are words often used about the president of the Mormon Church. But I carried away with me above all a warm affection for a man who has a tremendous zest for life. This quality is a great one in any man; but I was particularly moved because, at the time, President McKay was 91 years old. His delight in things bubbled over in his laughter, his optimism, his warm and ready smile, and especially in the prayer with which our visit ended. As I stood up to leave his office in Salt Lake City, he slipped his arm through mine and, in fatherly tones, voiced what I can only call a hymn of thanks—for human friendship, for the saving love of Christ, for the privilege of being His disciples.[2] Later when my wife, Ruth, and I were talking about our visit with the Mormon leader, I said, "You know, I think he is one of the happiest men I've ever met." Ruth was intrigued. "A man of his age and responsibilities must have some kind of secret behind his vitality." His secret! What a wonderful thing it would be if there were such a secret, and all of us could discover and use it to make our lives the joyous walk with God that his has been. I thought over what I knew of the man for a clue to this quality. I remember his secretary, Miss Clare Middlemiss, saying that in the 29 years she had worked at his elbow she had never heard a cross word. And I recalled a heart-stopping moment a few months before when, as President McKay mounted the platform to address a group, he tripped on the stairs. There was a gasp from the people. But he stood up and faced the audience with that irrepressible smile. "It's awful to grow old," he said ruefully, "but I prefer it to the alternative." When I returned to New York, I called several of my Mormon friends and told them I was interested in learning more about their leader. In a matter of days my desk was piled high with copies of President McKay's speeches, books written about him, letters from people who knew him—and a picture of the man was forming before me. David O. McKay was born in Huntsville, Utah, on Sept. 8, 1873, the eldest of ten children of pioneer parents. His life followed the traditional Mormon pattern: hard work, a home built around religious faith, a period of missionary work abroad, then the beginning of a teaching career which led him to the very top position in his Church. It was the little glimpses, though, more than the broad outlines, which revealed the quality of the man. On one occasion President McKay was walking into an auditorium to conduct a service when an eager-faced girl of 8 or 9 pressed through the crowd and asked for his autograph. He started to oblige, but there was an interruption, and when he turned to find her she was gone. Now it might have seemed a small matter, but not to President McKay. Shunting aside questions about his talk, he said to those around him, "I've got to find that little girl." Nor would he turn to matters of business until she was found and he had signed her program. Examples of this kind of caring for other people are especially frequent among his own family. His son, Llewelyn, today a professor at the University of Utah, admits that if any of the six McKay children were on the rebellious side, he was the one. Llewelyn remembers the time as a teen-ager when he came home from the store one day bringing the wrench he had been sent to purchase, plus a wide grin. "The store clerk was so dumb he gave me five dollars extra in change," Llewelyn told his father elatedly. David O. McKay studied his son for a moment. "They won't miss it, Dad," Llewelyn continued more defensively. "That store makes all kinds of money." "You are probably right; the store may not miss the five dollars," his father said. "But if the clerk has to make it up from the salary on which he's supporting a family, he will miss the five dollars, won't he, Son?" The boy nodded reluctantly. "But let us suppose that the clerk is not held responsible," he continued. "Let us suppose that no one knows that you have the five dollars. You know. And you know it does not belong to you." There was a long pause. "It's up to you, Son, to decide what is the right thing to do." Llewelyn returned the five dollars the next day. His father could have made it a cut-and-dried matter of law; but, instead, he chose to respect the young personality before him, to give him principle to go on but not a command, to make the decision his. Indeed, thinking over what I had read and observed of this man, it seemed to me that this consideration for other people shone through everything he did, whether he was dealing with his son or a small girl he had never seen before. I wondered if perhaps that was a clue to the joy he so evidently found in life. Llewelyn wrote that nowhere is the esteem in which his father holds other people more evident than in his treatment of Mrs. McKay. After 64 years of marriage, President McKay still rises when she enters the room, and recently in a pouring rain, he was seen holding the car door open for her, his shock of white hair blowing in the storm. Such concern extends to the very animals of the household. One night while he was away on a trip the family was awakened in the middle of the night by a telegram. Frightened, they tore open the envelope. The message read, "Water Caesar." Caesar was their boar pig; and, in his hotel room hundreds of miles away, President McKay's training as a farm boy kept him from sleeping for fear the animal had been neglected. And then one day, in a speech by the beloved churchman, I found the answer to my question: four lines of a poem by Edwin Markham that President McKay long ago committed to memory as a guide for everyday living. There is a destiny which makes us brothers; None lives to self alone; All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own. All that we send! If what went out from David O. McKay into other lives was concern and respect and love, what wonder that joy and peace and affection come back! It reminded me of an episode which became something of a cause célébre in Salt Lake City two or three years ago. Each year on July 24, the city stages a great parade in memory of the coming of the first Pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley on that day in 1847. This particular year, though, something happened which set tongues wagging: for the first time girls in bathing suits appeared on several floats. A group of "starchier" Church people called on the President to protest. But the saintly gentleman closed the discussion with a comment which sums up perfectly the principle I am referring to. "I didn't see anything in that parade," he said, "which was not beautiful." Is this not what all of us see in the world around us: not what it is, but what we are? Looking for the good, the worthwhile, the beautiful, in others, David O. McKay finds it there. This is what makes life so good for him at 91—and the secret will work at any age. [1] (For Course 5, lessons of April 11 and June 6, "A Special Person" and "The Meek Are Humble in Spirit"; for Course 9, lessons of May 16 and August 1, "A Leader Serves the Lord" and "A Leader Is against Evil"; for Course 15, lesson of July 4, "Alma's Mission of Love"; for Course 17, lesson of May 23, "Nature and Mission of a Prophet"; for Course 25, lesson of July 11, "Parental Obligations"; of general interest; and to support Family Home Evening lessons Nos. 7, 8, 9, 19, and 20.) [2] Reprinted by permission from Guideposts, March, 1965, page 12. Copyright 1965 by Guideposts Magazine, Guideposts Associates, Inc., published at Carmel, New York. |
Art by Alvin Gittins,
President David O. McKay. Dr. Peale
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Peterson, Willis S. "Our Prophet, David O. McKay." Instructor. September 1965. pg. 357.
Our Prophet, David O. McKay[1] by Willis S. Peterson As we approach September 8, the birthday of President David O. McKay, the officers and teachers of the Sunday School throughout the world extend heartfelt admiration and appreciation for this great life and leader. On his 92nd birthday we express our wishes for his continued good health. The following tribute is but an example of the love and admiration felt for this latter-day prophet by one member. These are universal sentiments. Thousands were thrilled that President David O. McKay could be present and preside over the dedication of the Oakland Temple. His presence contributed a spiritual tone and a heavenly atmosphere that otherwise would have been missing. He spoke in all of the six dedicatorial sessions and was on his feet at least twenty minutes in each session. He spoke for an hour at two different intervals. Many said, "We didn't expect him to be at the dedication —let alone speak at the sessions . . . the Lord's will be done." It was, and the Prophet presided. Today President McKay's life attests the validity and truthfulness of the principles taught by the Saviour. He is, to the millions who know him, A LIVING TESTIMONY OF GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST AND HIS TEACHINGS. He was nurtured and reared in an earthly home that helped prepare him for his great mission. Through example and precept, his father, David McKay, and his mother, Jennette Evelyn Evans, taught him great truths to live by. An undaunted faith in the living God was kindled early in his life. This faith and understanding has grown to full maturity in his life. President McKay's brother, Thomas E., said of him, "Whatever 'David 0.' (used affectionately) worked at, or studied, or whatever activity he embraced, he did it with all he had. There was never a half-hearted attempt on his part." In this zeal, "with all his heart, might, mind, and soul," he has sought the Kingdom through living the teachings of Jesus Christ. Those who know him best and who have worked with him longest say President McKay seems to follow Jesus in every thought and act. From the Gospel as taught by the Lamb of God, one might choose any principle and see it exemplified in the life of President David 0. McKay. The conclusion is always the same, namely: The principles taught by Jesus can be applied and lived. The promised blessing of the principle becomes the "doer's" possession. The Principle of FAITH. President McKay's life demonstrates courage, positive attitude, fearlessness, and strength in his everyday conduct. Result: His blessing is an undaunted, vibrant, lifegiving faith in God. This is noticeably a source of great strength and joy to him, and he radiates it. The Principles of LOVE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, and CONSIDERATION. So completely are these virtues practiced by him that those who work close to him, and visiting strangers alike, declare: "He radiates a spirituality that feels to be heavenly and divine." His appearance, words, gestures, and thoughts all radiate Godlike attributes possessed only by one in whose life God is made manifest. Result: His blessing is the possession of peace, goodwill toward men, and joy. The Principle, THE GLORY OF GOD IS INTELLIGENCE. President McKay's life demonstrates industry as a student. He developed keenness of mind, alertness to truth. He knows, understands, and lives the Holy Scriptures—quotes and interprets the writings of the "greats" in both prose and poetry ("truth is truth wherever found"). Result: His blessing is knowledge of God. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned against false prophets. He instructed His listeners: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20.) In our beloved prophet David O. McKay, we have the embodiment of the fruits of the Gospel. Library File Reference: McKay, David Oman. [1] (For Course 7, lesson of December 12, "David O. McKay, the Ninth President"; for Course 9, lesson of November 21, "A Leader Learns about Christ's Teachings"; and of general interest.) |
"A Prophet in the Latter-days--Birthday Congratulations to President David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. September 1965. pg. 644-645.
A PROPHET IN THESE LATTER DAYS – Birthday Congratulations to President David O. McKay Now in this time of autumn, there is rejoicing throughout the Church in many lands, and a feeling of praise and gratitude for the leadership, the direction, and the inspired counsel of President David O. McKay. In the wards and branches, in the stakes and missions, in all the borders and boundaries where the gospel message has been received, the saints, in their hearts, have a deep and abiding faith in President McKay as the prophet, seer, and revelator. For the women of the Church, the birthday of President McKay has special import and significance, for he has repeatedly counseled and advised and directed the sisters toward a full understanding of their privileges, their duties, and mission and blessings as wives and mothers and their responsibilities as members of the divinely established Relief Society. At this time, it is well to remember and to consider again the far-reaching and eternal import of some of the treasured words of President McKay. The responsibility of Relief Society is to aid the Priesthood in establishing the kingdom of God, in relieving the suffering and giving succor to the poor, and in many ways to contribute to the peace and happiness of the world. In no way can these high achievements be better realized than in excelling in the art of home-building ("Home-Building As an Art," The Relief Society Magazine, January 1936, page 10). Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world ("The Highest and Best in Woman's Realm," Ibid, January 1940, page 20). . . . the influence of Relief Society is rapidly becoming world-wide, that influence carries with it great responsibility. I emphasize this increasing power and influence of Relief Society and of womankind in general, having one purpose in mind: That increased attention be given and more intensified effort put forth to maintain and preserve the dignity of motherhood ... to perpetuate the truth that home is the true foundation upon which is built the structure of true, civilized Christian society ("Woman's Influence," Ibid, December 1950, pp. 798-799). Ever keep in mind that you begin to lay the foundation of a happy home in your pre-marital lives. . . . Choose your mate by judgment and inspiration, as well as by physical attraction. . . . Approach marriage with the lofty views it merits. . . . Happiness in the home is enhanced by having children at the fireside. . . . Let the spirit of reverence pervade the home. . . . Let husband and wife never speak in loud tones to each other. Learn the value of self-control. . . . Fasten home ties by continued companionship. Do everything to cement love for all eternity. Make accessible to children, proper literature and music. By example and precept, encourage participation in Church activity. This is fundamental in developing a true character. Church activity should be led, not directed by parents ("Ten Conditions Which Contribute to a Happy Home," Ibid, May 1953, pp. 284-285). The women of the Church acknowledge the goodness of the Lord in giving them the guidance and direction of his inspired prophet President McKay. We are grateful to President McKay for his tender, loving watchcare over the sisters of the Church. |
President David O. McKay
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Boswell, Elizabeth Hill. "Two Presidents and a Flag--Lyndon B. Johnson and David O. McKay." Instructor. December 1965. pg. 488.
TWO PRESIDENTS AND A FLAG A mutual feeling of affection and respect exists between two presidents who influence the lives of all of us: President David O. McKay of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and President Lyndon B. Johnson of the United States of America. When President Johnson was inaugurated in Washington, D.C., last January there were three flags flying over the Capitol building. After the inaugural ceremonies President Johnson directed that one of these three flags be sent to President David O. McKay, whom he calls "friend." In acknowledgment of this gift, President McKay had erected on the lawn south of the old McKay home in Huntsville, where he was born, a flagpole from which could be flown this very special flag. On Sunday morning, the Fourth of July, at 8:30 a.m., President McKay's sisters and their families who were staying at the family home for the holiday were surprised to see President McKay arrive from Salt Lake City. He had come himself to raise on the flagpole for the first time this special flag, showing his respect and love for the country it represents and the friend who had sent it to him. He walked slowly the forty yards from his car to the flagpole, rested a few moments, and then raised the flag to full mast. After visiting a few minutes with the family and giving instructions to bring down the flag at sundown, he returned to his car and was driven back to Salt Lake City. All day as that flag fluttered in the breeze it reminded those who saw it of the wonderful country in which they live, and even more, of the Prophet who so loves that country that he traveled more than a hundred miles in its honor to see that special flag flying in the dawn's early light. —Elizabeth Hill Boswell. Library File Reference: McKay, David O. |
President Lyndon B. Johnson
The flag flying at the Huntsville home.
President David O. McKay
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"Inspirational Stories in the Life of David O. McKay." Improvement Era. September 1966. pg. 768-772, 816.
Inspirational Stories from the Life of President David O. McKay On September 8, 1966, President David O. McKay, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will observe his 93rd birthday. His has been a life of devoted service to the Church, to his family, and to his fellowman. In honoring President McKay on this birthday, the Era is pleased to present some of the faith-promoting and human-interest stories that illustrate the strength of character, wisdom, kindliness, humility, and faith of this beloved and revered Prophet of today. A Holy Man A noted professor from the University of Tehran and an Iranian government minister were visiting in Salt Lake City as guests of Dr. John T. Wahlquist, president of San Jose State College in California. As they walked up South Temple Street, Dr. Wahlquist saw President McKay come through the south gate of Temple Square, heading toward his office in the Church Office Building. Dr. Wahlquist excused himself momentarily and caught up with President McKay. He explained who the visitors were, and the Prophet asked to meet them. He welcomed them to the city and suggested that they might like to hear the Tabernacle Organ recital. He then insisted upon going into the Bureau of Information himself to get details on the recital. While he was gone, the government official asked, "President McKay? Of what is he the president?" "The Mormon Church," he was told. "Salt Lake City is headquarters of the Mormon Church." "Oh," said the visitor. "I can understand now. The moment I saw him I said to myself, 'There goes a holy man.' " A Tithing Lesson David and one of his brothers were helping their father in the hayfield. They had driven out to the field to get the tenth load of hay, going to a part of the meadow from which they had taken the ninth load. "Wire grass" and "slough grass" were found in this area. As they started to load the hay, their father called out, "No, boys, drive over to the higher ground." There they would find timothy and redtop, the finest hay in the field. David called back, "Let's take the hay as it comes." "No, David," his father replied. "That is the tenth load, and the best is none too good for God." An Answered Prayer As a young child, David was often frightened at night. One night he could not sleep, for he imagined he heard noises around the house. His brother Thomas was sleeping soundly beside him; his mother was asleep in a nearby room. Although his fright was increasing, he felt that he could not awaken them. So he decided to pray. The real test of his fright came when he felt he had to get out of bed to kneel in prayer. Scared but determined, he finally made it, and he knelt and prayed to God to protect his family. In answer to his fervent prayer, he later reported, "A voice, speaking clearly to me, said, 'Don't be afraid. Nothing will hurt you.' " "The Lord has a work for thee to do" In July 1887 John Smith, Patriarch to the Church, arrived in Ogden Valley to give blessings to the faithful Saints. He stopped at the home of Bishop David McKay on Tuesday July 17, 1887, and blessings were given to all the children. The first to receive a blessing was David O., 13 years of age. When the Patriarch placed his hands on the boy's head, he uttered words of prophecy: "Brother David Oman McKay, thou art in thy youth and need instruction; therefore I say unto thee, be taught of thy parents the way of life and salvation that at an early day you may be prepared for a responsible position, for the eye of the Lord is upon thee. . . . "The Lord has a work for thee to do, in which thou shalt see much of the world, assist in gathering scattered Israel, and also labor in the ministry. It shall be thy lot to sit in council with thy brethren and preside among the people and exhort the Saints to faithfulness." When he had finished, he looked seriously at the boy and said, "My boy, you have something to do besides playing marbles." Young David later found his mother, who was preparing dinner, and said, "If he thinks I am going to stop playing marbles, he is mistaken. The wise mother then sat down with her son and explained what Brother Smith really meant. A Lesson in Sportsmanship During a Fourth of July baseball game between Huntsville and its arch rival, Eden, one of the Huntsville players was forced to leave the game because of an injury. David O. McKay, who was younger than the other players, was drafted to take his place. It was an exciting moment, because the score was tied. As the play proceeded, the umpire called, "Strike two!" The Eden pitcher, however, claimed that it was the third strike. A large, burly fellow with a quick temper, he picked up a baseball bat and started toward David, waving the bat menacingly and demanding, "Get out of there, kid, or I will crack this on your head!" In a cool tone David replied, "The umpire called only two strikes, so go back to your pitcher's box, and try to get me out. You have one more chance." The pitcher looked at the determination on David's face and decided to continue the game. His next throw was a swift, straight ball. David connected and made a two-base hit. The next batter singled, and David reached home plate safely. Thunderous applause rose from the spectators because the tie was broken. And applause rose also because David had stood up to a bigger man and refused to be bullied when he knew he was right. A Fathers Gift One of David O. McKay's greatest pleasures as a father was to listen to the trio of his three oldest children, who played violin, clarinet, and piano. When the oldest son, David Lawrence, was married, the trio disbanded, and the young man sold his violin to help pay his law-school expenses. At their next gathering the family—and particularly his father—missed the trio's playing. Not long after that, the violin was repurchased—at a higher price—and presented by a loving father to his son. Speaking of Building Funds "You may have a new building if you can raise the money to pay for it, but do not expect one dollar from us." The board members of the Weber Stake Academy recognized the need for a new building, but they themselves had mortgaged their homes for the original building and could promise no help. Principal David O. McKay did not blame them for taking this stand, but their decision did not alter his determination to have more classrooms and a larger auditorium. During his years at Weber Stake Academy, first as instructor and then as principal, David O. McKay gave sympathetic understanding to the problems of every student; he thus gained the confidence and respect of all. And during his tenure of office as principal, the school grew so rapidly that the existing quarters were inadequate. With his usual leadership ability and unwavering enthusiasm for any project he felt was right, Principal McKay called a special meeting of the faculty of the academy. The problem was discussed and a plan adopted to visit every ward in the stake, as well as to solicit personal assistance from community members. Few faculties of its size ever worked more diligently or with greater determination than did Principal McKay and the teachers of Weber Academy. But they succeeded, and the result was the erection of the $60,000 addition. And the board was not asked to contribute one cent. A Chat with a Serviceman A young man who was in the service visited the Church Office Building and asked if he might meet President McKay. The receptionist said that he would check. Instead of phoning President McKay's secretary, he decided to go to her office and explain the situation. There he found President McKay with his coat on, hurriedly giving lastminute instructions to his secretary. When he was given the message, he said, "I'll go out with you and meet the boy." As they met in the lobby, the boy was speechless, so moved was he at meeting the President of the Church. The President then put an arm around the youth and put him at ease by inquiring about his buddies and his parents. The young man replied that he had one associate who was a priest, as was he, but that his parents were not members of the Church. "Never mind," said President McKay. "Tell your parents that you shook hands with me and that I told you to say to them that they have a good son. And give my regards to your buddy." As the boy departed, President McKay, the receptionist, and he were all in tears. The Gift of Tongues Among the gifts of the Spirit attendant upon David O. McKay has been the gift of tongues. Although President McKay is not a linguist, on more than one occasion he has known through divine assistance when his words were not being interpreted accurately. Once he was addressing an audience at Aintab, Syria. Elder J. Wilford Booth was translating his message in the Turkish language. President McKay did not then—and does not now—understand a word of that language, yet as he listened to Elder Booth, he knew his thought had been incorrectly interpreted. He stopped the translator and said, "That was the wrong interpretation, Brother Booth." President McKay then repeated his sentence in English. "How did you know, Elder McKay," asked Brother Booth, "that I gave the opposite meaning?" On another occasion President McKay was addressing an audience at Rotterdam, and Cornelius Zappey was interpreting. President McKay spoke in English, and Elder Zappey repeated in Dutch what he thought the President had said. However, President McKay stopped and called Brother Zappey's attention to what he felt was not the correct interpretation. Before making the correction, Brother Zappey laughingly said to the audience, 'There is no need of my interpreting. Brother McKay understands Dutch. A Visit to a Leper Colony In 1955, while President McKay was at Suva, Fiji Islands, word was received that a patient in the leper colony outside the city wished to see him. She had met him when she was a little girl in Samoa 34 years before. Although other plans had been made for President McKay's visit at Fiji, he remarked, "This lady has as much right as anyone else to speak with me. We shall go to her." A taxi was called, and President and Sister McKay went to the group of cottages at the leper colony. There he was told that the woman was too ill to leave her room. "If it is permitted," he said, "we shall go to her cottage." Just off a corridor in a small ward waited a Samoan woman. As she greeted the visitors, tears streamed down her face. "I knew you would come, if it were at all possible," she said. After receiving a blessing from the Prophet, she gratefully waved farewell. "A miracle has happened" In March 1939 Melvin T. Mickleson of Grace, Idaho, was stricken with a serious affliction in his right eye. His doctor suggested that he go at once to a specialist in Salt Lake City. After a thorough examination, the specialist said that it would probably be necessary for him to remove both of the eyes. But after one week of careful treatment, the doctor said he could possibly save one eye. The day before the operation, Elder David O. McKay, then a member of the First Presidency, came to the patient's door and told him that he had heard of his sickness and wondered if he would not like a blessing. Brother Mickleson said, "No one could deny the feeling of peace which came with him. As he blessed me, the pain became easy and then left me." The next morning Brother Mickleson was examined by the doctor again. After checking one eye, the doctor said, "Some miracle has happened. We won't have to remove that eye. Why, you have received 15 to 20 percent of your eyesight." The next day he told Brother Mickleson that 75 percent of his vision would come back, and on the third day that perhaps all of his vision would be restored. Later the patient reported, "I was so humble and thankful that I could not tell the doctor what had happened. But two or three years later an eye specialist looked at my eyes and said, 'You have a lot of scar tissue on your eyes, but I have never seen more perfect vision. ''By the dawn's early light . . ." When President Lyndon B. Johnson was inaugurated in Washington, D.C., in January, 1965, three flags flew over the Capitol Building. After the ceremony, he sent one of these flags to President David O. McKay. In acknowledging the gift of the flag, President McKay had a flagpole erected on the lawn of the old McKay home in Huntsville. That Fourth of July, members of the family who were staying at the home for the holiday were surprised to see President McKay arrive from Salt Lake City. He had come to raise the flag for the first time on the flagpole. He walked slowly the forty yards from his car to the flagpole, rested briefly, and then raised the flag to full mast. Then, after visiting a few minutes with the family and giving instructions for the flag to be lowered at sundown, he returned to his car and was driven back to Salt Lake City. All day the flag fluttering in the breeze reminded those who saw it of their country and, even more, of the Prophet who so loves that country that he traveled more than a hundred miles in its honor to see that special flag flying in the dawn's early light. The Image of a Prophet Today we frequently hear the word "image" used. Image is a mental representation we have that typifies a certain person, place, or thing. Not too long ago a well-known lady of foreign birth visited Salt Lake City and an interview was arranged with President David O. McKay. It was explained to her before going to his office that to the Latter-day Saints, David O. McKay was accepted as God's chosen prophet on the earth today. The interview was short, but as the visitor was leaving his office, she said, "Your president is exactly what I had always imagined a prophet would be. He appeared as I have always imagined a prophet would appear. He spoke as I have always imagined a prophet would speak. His demeanor, his bearing, all that he was and all that he did and all that he said truly represented the image I have of a prophet." |
Reiser, A. Homer. "Sunday School Pioneer--David O. McKay." Instructor. September 1966. pg. 334-336.
Happy Birthday! President David O. McKay SUNDAY SCHOOL PIONEER[1] by A. Hamer Reiser In honoring President David O. McKay on his 93rd birthday, The Instructor pays tribute to a Sunday School pioneer. He stands with Richard Ballantyne, George Q. Cannon, Karl G. Maeser, George Reynolds, George Goddard, Stephen L Richards, George D. Pyper, and a valiant host of their contemporaries and associates who laid enduring foundations for the development of the Sunday Schools of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But many years prior to his dedicated Sunday School service, David Oman McKay learned the application of a simple yet profound truth which has been basic to the success of all his undertakings. In 1897 David O. McKay was in Scotland as a young missionary. I have heard him tell of the despair and discouragement of missionaries as they knocked at the doors of dwellers in the terraced flats in the unfriendly town of Stirling. Their practice was to go to the top storey and work down to the lower floor, trying to persuade the occupants to accept the Church literature and listen to the message of the Restored Gospel. Ministers from the pulpits warned their people not to listen to the young Mormon missionaries. At the entrance of the terraced apartments, as the missionaries finished tracting, they would see gather the "guid" wives of the Scottish homesteads of the neighborhood. As the young men came to the entrance, one of the old wives would say, "Ye canna have any oor lassies!" Or, perhaps, in the modern vernacular, "Mormons, go home!" Determination to Be True The false innuendoes of this treatment, week after week, wounded the clean spirits of these ardent young men; and they became depressed and discouraged. At such times it was easy to do less than their best as missionaries, and it was during this period of crisis that Elder McKay saw an unusual inscription in stone over the doorway of a two-storied home. So strongly did this inscription impress him, that it changed the course of his mission and became a guideline for his future activities. In President Mc- Kay's own words: "When I approached near enough, this message came to me, not only in stone, but as if it came from One in whose service we were engaged: "WHAT E'ER THOU ART ACT WELL THY PART." At that moment he determined to be true and faithful to his calling. He was an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. That was his part—and that part he must do well. From then on, he lived among the Scottish people as an ambassador of Jesus Christ. In recalling this time President McKay has said: ". . . What memories flood my mind. The disinterest of the people at that time in the message we had for them, the discouragement and homesickness which overwhelmed me that morning . . . and then the plaque which attracted my interest and aroused my desire to know what was written thereon, and then the message that came directly to my soul as I read the writing on the plaque that I was a missionary and that I should act well my part." Later he was transferred from Stirling to Glasgow, where he became clerk of the Scottish Conference. He continued a memorable career as a missionary to the Scottish people whom he loved because they were his father's people. In 1955 I had the honor of driving President and Sister McKay and their party back into his old missionary field of labor at Stirling. We spent the morning in the famous, historic town. Guided by his unfailing memory we found the "digs" (rooms) where he and his companions had lived when they were young missionaries. He remembered that the building where he had seen the inscription was on or near the "Back of the Castle" road. We found the road on a map and drove over it from its beginning, south of the castle, and around the full length of it; but President McKay did not recognize any building as the one having the "crisis" stone over it. We drove to the very end of the "Back of the Castle" road, where it joins the highway out of town. There, as we halted for a "Stop" sign, I glanced up to the right and saw a two-storied, stone building which could have been nearly a hundred years old. Over the doorway were the words: "What e'er thou art act well thy part." His mission to Scotland accomplished, David O. McKay returned to his Huntsville, Utah, home. At the turn of the century he married Emma Rae Riggs, one of the early graduates of the University of Utah. He had been graduated from the Normal course at university but postponed his professional life until he completed his mission. He started his career as a member of the faculty of Weber Academy, where he taught English. His talent for teaching brought him prompt advancement. He became principal of Weber Academy. Esprit de Corps It was while living in Ogden and teaching at Weber that his career in the Sunday School began. He attracted the attention of Thomas B. Evans, Weber Stake Sunday School superintendent. Brother Evans was a conscientious perfectionist who took his calling very seriously, and he impressed his devotion to excellence upon his stake board associates. He chose David O. McKay to be one of his associates in the stake superintendency. Superintendent Evans seemed to know the talents and moral qualities of his young associate, for he gave him opportunity, encouragement, and loyal support to develop his ideas about Sunday School lesson planning and teaching, as well as the conducting of Sunday Schools. These men developed the Weber Stake Sunday School board as a potent model for augmenting the power of good example, of careful planning and enthusiasm for the great art of teaching the Restored Gospel of Christ. They gathered around them a group of men and women of ability and talent, and among them developed an esprit de corps which spread to officers and teachers in the many wards of big Weber Stake which filled Weber County. Their fervor and spirit became an inspiration far and wide. They attracted the attention of the Sunday School general board. President Joseph F. Smith, president of the Church and also General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, called this dynamic superintendency to membership on the general board. Dynamic Ideas and Warm Talents Here Church-wide scope was given to the talent of David O. McKay. He received encouragement and opportunity to share the Weber Stake Sunday School success methods with all the stakes of the Church. Out of this came the clear organization of Sunday School stake boards and a system of sharing, lesson planning, and teaching on a well-organized, regular basis, in union (now preparation) meetings and visits of stake board members to the wards. This vigorous young man of dynamic ideas and warm talents literally inspired his associates. When President Smith withdrew as General Superintendent of the Sunday School, he called his assistant, David O. McKay, to be general superintendent. In this position General Superintendent McKay showed a brilliant aspect of his talent in his ability to select people to work with him and in his capacity to encourage them to release their talents in the great work of the Sunday School. The simple truism "like attracts like" is convincingly illustrated in the people who became members of the Sunday School general board at the call of General Superintendent David 0. McKay. These people were not imitators, they were innovators. Teacher training, parents' classes, stake board organization, cooperative lesson planning for efficient teaching, union meetings, 2 1/2-minute talks, visual aids, and superintendent's executive planning sessions are a few of the facilities and practices pioneered under the guidance of this general superintendency, with the foresight and ambition of associates Stephen L Richards, Howard R. Driggs, Judge Henry H. Rolapp, Adam S. Bennion, Milton Bennion, George D. Pyper, and many other eminent members of the general board. A Monument to His Excellence The present excellent status of Sunday Schools of the Church is a monument to the wisdom, vision, and thoroughness of General Superintendent McKay, just as the status of the Church during his administration as President shows this same wisdom, vision, and thoroughness. What are the components of David O. McKay's talent for motivating and inspiring the confidence of people? Clear to everyone is his physical appearance. Tall, handsome, immaculate, courageous, keenly sensitive, true and respectful of people, he draws people to him irresistibly. In the minds of thousands of people he is a father image to whom every conceivable kind of problem can be addressed. Obedient to his firm respect for the order of the Church, his counsel to members has always been to use the established order, to go to bishops and stake presidents, and to rely upon the Lord. His advocacy of overcoming the animal nature and cultivating the spiritual nature; his encouragement of self-control and of reliance upon the Lord; his advice to reject self-pity; and his oft-repeated encouragement to become "partakers of the divine nature" are familiar themes of his advice to individual members of the Church. These, too, are the burden of his public addresses. David O. McKay is a powerful and exemplary witness of the existence of God the Father and of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. His testimony that the world will have peace when it obediently and reverently honors the Lord Jesus Christ has been declared to the world's millions on innumerable occasions through radio and television broadcasts, and by his written words in letters, magazines, newspapers, and books. His real influence will live long after he has departed mortality. Library File Reference: McKAY, DAVID O. [1] (For Course 2, lessons of October 2 and 30, "We Do Better When We Keep Trying" and "Helping Others Makes Everybody Happy"; for Course 4, lessons of September 4 and 18, "The Missionaries" and "Working Together"; for Course 6, lessons of October 2 and 16, "Jesus, the Son of God, Is Head of This Church" and "A Man Must Be Called of God"; for Course 18, lessons of October 16, 30, and November 27, "Loyalty," "Progress," and "Steadfastness"; for Course 24, lesson of September 11, "Missionary Work and Youth"; for Course 28, lesson of December 11, "Practical Religion—Spirituality"; to support Family Home Evening lessons 34, 40, and 43; and of general interest.) |
General Superintendency of Sunday School, 1918. David O. McKay, superintendent (center); Stephen L Richards, first assistant (left) ; George D. Pyper, second assistant (right).
The "David O. McKay" stone, as it is affectionately known now to Latter-day Saints, was reclaimed from a demolished building in Stirling and stands on grounds of Scottish Mission Home, Edinburgh. Origin of inscription is unknown.
President David O. McKay, 1966.
Elder David O. McKay in Scottish mission, 1897.
|
Cox, Roscoe C. et al. "A Trilogy of Reminiscences." Improvement Era. September 1967. pg. 7-10.
A Trilogy of Reminiscences
A Trilogy of Reminiscences
And She Understood
By Roscoe C. Cox
Roscoe C. Cox, retired owner and publisher of the Ephraim (Utah) Enterprise and former Hawaii Mission president, was a missionary in Hawaii when President McKay visited the islands in 1921 and an eyewitness to this impressive experience.
Sister Kaaoaolahilahi Kailikini—translated, her name means "the thin side the Indian"—was perhaps as fine a specimen of true Hawaiian womanhood as I ever met in my nearly six and a half years among those wonderful people.
Tall, stately, heavy—weighing perhaps 250 pounds—she was kind, considerate, gentle, and generous, and had an undying faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When I met her, she was probably about 60 years old and was serving as president of the Relief Society in the Kokoiki Branch, Kehala District, on the island of Hawaii.
She was one of the then quite numerous Hawaiians who had made no effort whatever to learn any language other than her own. She was entirely incapable of making an "r" or an "s" sound, letters not in the Hawaiian vocabulary. "Iesu Kristo" always came out "Ieku Kaliko."
It was on Tuesday, February S, 1921, that we received word that a handsome young apostle, David O. McKay, and his traveling companion, Hugh J. Cannon, were in the islands and, accompanied by our mission president, E. Wesley Smith, would visit Hawaii. All missionaries on that island were instructed to gather at Hilo on February 11.
First there was that five- or six-hour missionary meeting, which no one wanted to see come to an end. Then came a luau and some of the best Hawaiian music to be had in the islands.
A well-attended public meeting was held in the Hilo Branch chapel in the evening. From the stand I saw Sister Kailikini in the audience and took special notice of her. Her face lighted up as President Smith made introductory remarks in Hawaiian, but she seemed puzzled as President Cannon spoke. Then her whole countenance beamed as Elder McKay spoke.
As soon as possible after the meeting I hurried to her and asked her how she had liked the meeting. "Oh, it was wonderful!" she exclaimed.
"Are you sure you are not fibbing a bit?" I asked. "It was all in English, and you could not understand it."
She put her hands on my shoulders and, looking me in the eye, with tears running down her cheeks, replied, "O na huaolelo aole au i maopopo. Aka, of ka Uhane, oia ka'u i maopopo ai." ("The words I did not understand. But the spirit—that I understood.")
Then she told me briefly what Elder McKay had said, how on three occasions during the day clouds had briefly hidden the sunshine. He had said this reminded him of three shadows that had come to the Hawaiians: (1) sOme of the evils brought by the white man, (2) the Hawaiians had lost the land, and (3) they may have lost their land partly because of natural generosity, but also partly because of laziness. She said he urged young people present to acquire land, hold on to it, and reestablish the Hawaiian people as an independent, self-supporting race.
Sister Kailikini probably did not understand a single word the visiting apostle said, but she certainly got his message!
A Trilogy of Reminiscences
By Roscoe C. Cox
Roscoe C. Cox, retired owner and publisher of the Ephraim (Utah) Enterprise and former Hawaii Mission president, was a missionary in Hawaii when President McKay visited the islands in 1921 and an eyewitness to this impressive experience.
Sister Kaaoaolahilahi Kailikini—translated, her name means "the thin side the Indian"—was perhaps as fine a specimen of true Hawaiian womanhood as I ever met in my nearly six and a half years among those wonderful people.
Tall, stately, heavy—weighing perhaps 250 pounds—she was kind, considerate, gentle, and generous, and had an undying faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When I met her, she was probably about 60 years old and was serving as president of the Relief Society in the Kokoiki Branch, Kehala District, on the island of Hawaii.
She was one of the then quite numerous Hawaiians who had made no effort whatever to learn any language other than her own. She was entirely incapable of making an "r" or an "s" sound, letters not in the Hawaiian vocabulary. "Iesu Kristo" always came out "Ieku Kaliko."
It was on Tuesday, February S, 1921, that we received word that a handsome young apostle, David O. McKay, and his traveling companion, Hugh J. Cannon, were in the islands and, accompanied by our mission president, E. Wesley Smith, would visit Hawaii. All missionaries on that island were instructed to gather at Hilo on February 11.
First there was that five- or six-hour missionary meeting, which no one wanted to see come to an end. Then came a luau and some of the best Hawaiian music to be had in the islands.
A well-attended public meeting was held in the Hilo Branch chapel in the evening. From the stand I saw Sister Kailikini in the audience and took special notice of her. Her face lighted up as President Smith made introductory remarks in Hawaiian, but she seemed puzzled as President Cannon spoke. Then her whole countenance beamed as Elder McKay spoke.
As soon as possible after the meeting I hurried to her and asked her how she had liked the meeting. "Oh, it was wonderful!" she exclaimed.
"Are you sure you are not fibbing a bit?" I asked. "It was all in English, and you could not understand it."
She put her hands on my shoulders and, looking me in the eye, with tears running down her cheeks, replied, "O na huaolelo aole au i maopopo. Aka, of ka Uhane, oia ka'u i maopopo ai." ("The words I did not understand. But the spirit—that I understood.")
Then she told me briefly what Elder McKay had said, how on three occasions during the day clouds had briefly hidden the sunshine. He had said this reminded him of three shadows that had come to the Hawaiians: (1) sOme of the evils brought by the white man, (2) the Hawaiians had lost the land, and (3) they may have lost their land partly because of natural generosity, but also partly because of laziness. She said he urged young people present to acquire land, hold on to it, and reestablish the Hawaiian people as an independent, self-supporting race.
Sister Kailikini probably did not understand a single word the visiting apostle said, but she certainly got his message!
A Trilogy of Reminiscences
One Wintry Afternoon
By Luann Duffin Gillette
Luann Duffin Gillette, mother of three young girls, former schoolteacher, and spare-time writer, has heard this true account many times from her grandmother Dalebout.
Young Gerridina waved farewell to her husband, Abraham, and held their six-week-old daughter, all bundled up and peering out of her blankets, toward the window as the train coughed and slowly chugged away. She forced a cheery smile; but as the last car clanked by and disappeared in the distance, she suddenly felt very cold and very alone. Her husband had just embarked on the long journey back to their native land for a two-year mission.
The Church had brought them from The Netherlands—" the land beneath the sea"—to the new Zion in the tops of the Rocky Mountains just two short years ago. Here they had continued their courtship and married in the temple. Now this same Church was sending Abraham back to Holland to preach the new and everlasting gospel to his countrymen.
They hadn't even considered saying "no" when the call came. They both knew he would go. The question was rather one of support for Abraham as well as for his young wife and child. Gerridina, tall and strong, with the sturdy peasant heritage coursing in her blood, supplied the answer. She would remain in Ogden, rent a small room from some friends, and take in washing and ironing. Her and Tina's needs would be slight; she could support them and her husband too. Abraham, who spoke beautiful, fluent English without an accent, did wish that Gerridina had learned more English. But the Lord had called, and they had faith that all would go well.
In 1904 washing was an arduous task. One had to transport water from the pump, heat it, and wash the clothes in a tub on a washboard. The service included pickup and delivery.
One wintry afternoon while making a delivery, Gerridina pushed the baby carriage up a snowy street. The carriage was heaped with freshly ironed and folded clothes, and nestled back in one corner was tiny, slumbering Tina.
As Gerridina struggled up the slick incline with her unwieldy load, two boys, who had found the warmed snow perfect for forming snowballs, decided the Dutch laundry woman and her carriage would make a great target. They began in earnest to pelt her with their snowy missiles; and she, unable to leave her carriage on the snowy hill, was hurrying to get past their arsenal and was simultaneously trying to shield Tina from the flying snow.
At this hazardous moment, a tall, handsome man with wavy black hair strode briskly down the street on his way home from Weber Academy. The boys, so engrossed with being unkind, suddenly felt a firm hand on their shoulders.
As they turned and looked up into the stern yet kindly face above, their slumbering consciences awakened. They were sorry, but it was such a perfect day for snowballs. The man understood. He, too, had been a rambunctious youngster full of energy. But he told them to use their energy to do kind deeds, promising them this would bring them much greater joy.
Suddenly the two boys were at Gerridina's side, arguing over who would push the carriage for her; then, with both boys attached to the handle, the carriage proceeded up the street propelled by a boypowered engine.
Gerridina watched the tall man disappear down the street. As she looked after him, she sought for a familiar comparison and thought of the sturdy Dutch windmill. She thought she knew who he was, but asked one of the lads to confirm. "Oh, that's President McKay, president of Weber Academy."
The next few years were eventful for both. Gerridina's husband returned, and David McKay became an apostle.
He went on to serve the Church. She went on to become mother to nine fine children and to consent to her husband's fulfilling yet another mission to Holland, this time leaving seven little ones at home.
Many winters and experiences have passed since that snowy day in 1904. The tall, straight young man is still tall and straight at 94, though his step has lost its briskness. The frost has spread through the wavy black hair until, for many years now, his snowy halo has been one of his distinguishing features. He is still called President McKay; however, instead of holding the keys to Weber Academy, he holds the keys to the kingdom of God here upon the earth. Two and a half million people revere him as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of God's word.
The once-young mother and wife has felt the stresses of long living. Her strong, straight back is bent, one eye is sightless, and her memory grows cloudy. But among her 85 years of dimming memories, there is one that glows bright above the others. She loves to tell it again and again to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who never tire of hearing it. "Tell us again, Grandma, how President McKay stopped the snowballs."
And in her charming, lovable combination of the Dutch and English tongue, she begins, "Veil, Yimmy, vhen Tina, your moeder, was just a kleine meisje, the Lord called Abraham back to the Nederland. . . ."
A Trilogy of Reminiscences
By Luann Duffin Gillette
Luann Duffin Gillette, mother of three young girls, former schoolteacher, and spare-time writer, has heard this true account many times from her grandmother Dalebout.
Young Gerridina waved farewell to her husband, Abraham, and held their six-week-old daughter, all bundled up and peering out of her blankets, toward the window as the train coughed and slowly chugged away. She forced a cheery smile; but as the last car clanked by and disappeared in the distance, she suddenly felt very cold and very alone. Her husband had just embarked on the long journey back to their native land for a two-year mission.
The Church had brought them from The Netherlands—" the land beneath the sea"—to the new Zion in the tops of the Rocky Mountains just two short years ago. Here they had continued their courtship and married in the temple. Now this same Church was sending Abraham back to Holland to preach the new and everlasting gospel to his countrymen.
They hadn't even considered saying "no" when the call came. They both knew he would go. The question was rather one of support for Abraham as well as for his young wife and child. Gerridina, tall and strong, with the sturdy peasant heritage coursing in her blood, supplied the answer. She would remain in Ogden, rent a small room from some friends, and take in washing and ironing. Her and Tina's needs would be slight; she could support them and her husband too. Abraham, who spoke beautiful, fluent English without an accent, did wish that Gerridina had learned more English. But the Lord had called, and they had faith that all would go well.
In 1904 washing was an arduous task. One had to transport water from the pump, heat it, and wash the clothes in a tub on a washboard. The service included pickup and delivery.
One wintry afternoon while making a delivery, Gerridina pushed the baby carriage up a snowy street. The carriage was heaped with freshly ironed and folded clothes, and nestled back in one corner was tiny, slumbering Tina.
As Gerridina struggled up the slick incline with her unwieldy load, two boys, who had found the warmed snow perfect for forming snowballs, decided the Dutch laundry woman and her carriage would make a great target. They began in earnest to pelt her with their snowy missiles; and she, unable to leave her carriage on the snowy hill, was hurrying to get past their arsenal and was simultaneously trying to shield Tina from the flying snow.
At this hazardous moment, a tall, handsome man with wavy black hair strode briskly down the street on his way home from Weber Academy. The boys, so engrossed with being unkind, suddenly felt a firm hand on their shoulders.
As they turned and looked up into the stern yet kindly face above, their slumbering consciences awakened. They were sorry, but it was such a perfect day for snowballs. The man understood. He, too, had been a rambunctious youngster full of energy. But he told them to use their energy to do kind deeds, promising them this would bring them much greater joy.
Suddenly the two boys were at Gerridina's side, arguing over who would push the carriage for her; then, with both boys attached to the handle, the carriage proceeded up the street propelled by a boypowered engine.
Gerridina watched the tall man disappear down the street. As she looked after him, she sought for a familiar comparison and thought of the sturdy Dutch windmill. She thought she knew who he was, but asked one of the lads to confirm. "Oh, that's President McKay, president of Weber Academy."
The next few years were eventful for both. Gerridina's husband returned, and David McKay became an apostle.
He went on to serve the Church. She went on to become mother to nine fine children and to consent to her husband's fulfilling yet another mission to Holland, this time leaving seven little ones at home.
Many winters and experiences have passed since that snowy day in 1904. The tall, straight young man is still tall and straight at 94, though his step has lost its briskness. The frost has spread through the wavy black hair until, for many years now, his snowy halo has been one of his distinguishing features. He is still called President McKay; however, instead of holding the keys to Weber Academy, he holds the keys to the kingdom of God here upon the earth. Two and a half million people revere him as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of God's word.
The once-young mother and wife has felt the stresses of long living. Her strong, straight back is bent, one eye is sightless, and her memory grows cloudy. But among her 85 years of dimming memories, there is one that glows bright above the others. She loves to tell it again and again to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who never tire of hearing it. "Tell us again, Grandma, how President McKay stopped the snowballs."
And in her charming, lovable combination of the Dutch and English tongue, she begins, "Veil, Yimmy, vhen Tina, your moeder, was just a kleine meisje, the Lord called Abraham back to the Nederland. . . ."
A Trilogy of Reminiscences
Here Is A Man!
By Edith Jacobsen
A Pocatello, Idaho, housewife and spare-time writer, Sister Jacobsen wrote this sketch after viewing on TV President McKay's closing conference address in October 1961.
For many years I have wondered why the General Authorities of our Church were not younger men. Surely such positions are very difficult and fatiguing to persons of advanced years.
Today [about 1961] I heard President David O. McKay speak at the closing session of general conference. He had been in attendance for several days, and as I sat watching younger men, I saw weariness in many faces.
Our beloved Prophet got to his feet with a little difficulty, revealing many hours of strenuous leadership. At first he seemed a little weary, but as he spoke the years seemed to drop from his shoulders as a cloak. His face lit up with inner light, and his eyes shone with the firm conviction of his faith.
Not until then did I realize that my question had been answered. This man spoke with wisdom that comes only with years of living. He does not condemn fellowmen not as righteous as he. His deep knowledge of human frailties surpasses understanding. He is a kind man, and that quality is often absent in other great leaders. He is a wise man, a man who seeks answers to his problems through prayer.
He may not have the physical stamina of younger men, but few possess the character that radiates from his face. Here is a man who has experienced impetuousness of youth, trials of maturity; who has overcome the temptations that come to all men. He accepts the fact that no man is perfect; he lives his faith to the fullest. His great love for his fellowman emanates from him to such a degree that none who listen with an open mind can fail to grasp this knowledge.
This man is not too tall to stoop to take the hand of a sinner; too self-righteous to have understanding and tolerance; too strong to make allowances for human frailties; too weary to give of himself to others.
Here is a man so full of the love of God that it spills over onto his fellowmen. Here stands a great leader, a man surely chosen by God to lead his people in these days, when the world seems to be tottering on the brink of disaster. May God grant him many more years to continue his great work.
By Edith Jacobsen
A Pocatello, Idaho, housewife and spare-time writer, Sister Jacobsen wrote this sketch after viewing on TV President McKay's closing conference address in October 1961.
For many years I have wondered why the General Authorities of our Church were not younger men. Surely such positions are very difficult and fatiguing to persons of advanced years.
Today [about 1961] I heard President David O. McKay speak at the closing session of general conference. He had been in attendance for several days, and as I sat watching younger men, I saw weariness in many faces.
Our beloved Prophet got to his feet with a little difficulty, revealing many hours of strenuous leadership. At first he seemed a little weary, but as he spoke the years seemed to drop from his shoulders as a cloak. His face lit up with inner light, and his eyes shone with the firm conviction of his faith.
Not until then did I realize that my question had been answered. This man spoke with wisdom that comes only with years of living. He does not condemn fellowmen not as righteous as he. His deep knowledge of human frailties surpasses understanding. He is a kind man, and that quality is often absent in other great leaders. He is a wise man, a man who seeks answers to his problems through prayer.
He may not have the physical stamina of younger men, but few possess the character that radiates from his face. Here is a man who has experienced impetuousness of youth, trials of maturity; who has overcome the temptations that come to all men. He accepts the fact that no man is perfect; he lives his faith to the fullest. His great love for his fellowman emanates from him to such a degree that none who listen with an open mind can fail to grasp this knowledge.
This man is not too tall to stoop to take the hand of a sinner; too self-righteous to have understanding and tolerance; too strong to make allowances for human frailties; too weary to give of himself to others.
Here is a man so full of the love of God that it spills over onto his fellowmen. Here stands a great leader, a man surely chosen by God to lead his people in these days, when the world seems to be tottering on the brink of disaster. May God grant him many more years to continue his great work.
Young, S. Dilworth. "Thoughts on September 8, 1967 for David O. McKay." Improvement Era. September 1967. pg. 11.
Thoughts on September 8, 1967 for David O. McKay By S. Dilworth Young Sir: Let us leave off, for a brief moment, The prophetic calling, the Awesome responsibility Of presidency, The terrifying knowledge that One false step or act may set back The Lord's work for generations. For thus the leader weighs his Decisions, His responsibilities. Let us look upon a man Laid bare from his official acts, From his interpreting the Lord's will. What do we see? The will to keep the word Of God; Determination to obey The higher law, Yet give each The right to go His way without imposing Righteousness by force, But yielding not one inch To evil men. "These things stand true," He seems to say; "Honor!" "Integrity!" "Virtue!" "Respect for womankind!" All this, and more, firm knit into his Character, Into himself. Thus he willed to be, And thus he is. |
Wheelwright, Lorin F. "That 94th Candle Burns Like a Beacon... In Honor of President David O. McKay." Instructor. September 1967. pg. 337, 339.
That 94th candle burns like a beacon... in honor of President DAVID O. McKAY[1] "As you approach 94, many people say that you have lived a rich and full life, President McKay. What would you say is a full life?"[2] To this question, our beloved President responded: "Since I was a small boy, I have been associated with the Sunday School, and that is a full life. "When I was a boy, I lived in Huntsville, [Utah]," he said, "and there was an old bell that used to ring every Sunday morning. It said, 'Come to Sunday School.' It hung in the steeple. We could hear it all over the valley." At this point David Lawrence McKay, our general superintendent of the Sunday School, spoke up. "I remember that bell. It used to ring twice — once to get us up and once to get us to Sunday School. ... On second thought, that first bell was just a warning; we were already up at five a.m. to milk the cows." I asked at what hour Sunday School began in those days, and the President responded: "At ten in the morning. We used to sing a song that said, 'Never be late to the Sunday School class . . . promptly at ten in the morning.' " He repeated several times, "promptly at ten in the morning." He seemed to savor the thought and underscore a virtue for which he is known: promptness. And, as those who know him best can testify, his day still begins long before most people awaken. Asked if he remembered any of his early Sunday School teachers, he replied, "I remember Brother Parry in the old, rock school house. He was a school teacher, too. But I remember his class in Sunday School because most of the girls were in there. . . . I don't remember how old I was then, but I guess I was old enough to be interested in the girls." And his face lit up as though all 94 candles were afire. "Brother Parry was our teacher, and it comes to me now, he had one eye out. . . . The children respected him. I remember we met in a large room with classes separated by curtains. We all knelt down in front of Brother Parry." Lawrence broke in to ask why. And the president replied, "So we could hear him—there was so much interference. "Charlie Wright was superintendent. ... I crossed the aisle in the Sunday School to join another class because the girls and boys I wanted were in that class. ... I was a law unto myself." At this point, Lawrence commented with a chuckle, "We had better keep that off the record!" But, here it is, a confession that rings true. And it reveals a problem that still exists. That is why Superintendent David Lawrence McKay recently wrote in The Instructor that advancement should be made so that students might remain with or join groups where they are socially adjusted. It is interesting that the President would recall this incident as being significant to him many years ago and that he would recall by name both the superintendent and the teacher who played roles in this little drama of advancement. The President then recalled that Solvina Parry was also one of his teachers and that she was the daughter of Brother Parry. When asked if she were a good teacher, he thought a moment and said, "I don't know how you measure it, but she was a good teacher." "Those were happy days, weren't they. Brother McKay?" I asked; and when he said, "Yes," a warm glow filled his face. At that moment I took the picture which appears on page 337. Then he told us how Patriarch John Smith came to Huntsville. "He gave me a blessing—and a horse with a broken leg." He said the patriarch told him that if he would take care of the horse he could have him. He tried, but the horse died. "So I guess I will have him in the next world," he commented, with a smile. Then he recalled some of his favorite horses by name and described their color and size. His mind went back to the old bell in the steeple. He said, "I remember an experience John Halls and I had with that bell. The Republicans were holding a rally in Huntsville. John and I climbed up into the gallery and rang the bell every time they applauded. It disturbed them, and two men came up to see who was ringing the bell. When we heard that they were coming, John and I climbed up into the attic. There was no flooring. If we had happened to fall, we would have fallen through the plaster right down on the heads of the audience. The two men who came up to see who was causing the trouble were A. P. Renstrom, a bishop's counselor, and A. L. Tracy, the constable. When they came up we scampered across the rafters to the eaves. They threw a light on us and recognized us, and the constable turned us over to Brother Renstrom. He was our friend, and our reputations were saved." President McKay has held positions in the Sunday School from teacher to general superintendent. When asked which one he enjoyed most he replied, "I enjoyed them all." When asked if he thought the purpose of the Sunday School had changed over the years he said, "No, we should aim right at what we did when I went to Sunday School." When asked what he considered to be the greatest reward of the Sunday School teacher. President McKay said, "I cannot think of one—every effort brings its own reward." Feeling the prophetic power of President McKay, I ventured a question that looked to the future, I asked. "What do you see ahead for the Sunday School?" He paused in deep meditation for what seemed a long time. Then he spoke with great clarity: "Only success is ahead for the Sunday Schools. ... I see no failure, only success!" And I thought, as we left his presence, here is an inspired leader whose faith in every Sunday School worker enables him to foresee, "Success, only success." In that one word, his 94th candle bums like a beacon to guide us onward and upward toward perfection. We all join to say, "Happy birthday to you. President McKay!" —Lorin F. Wheelwright. Library File Reference: McKAY. DAVID O. [1] (For Course 11, lesson of October 29, "A Man of Peace"; for Course 17, lesson of November 12, "A Great Patriarch"; for Course 25, lesson of September 24, "It Shows in Your Face"; for Course 27, lessons of October 29 and January 14, "Mortal Probation" and "Servants of God"; to support family home evening lesson 4; and of general interest.) [2] From an interview, July 26, 1967, at the residence of President David O. McKay at Hotel Utah, Salt Lake City, with General Superintendent David Lawrence McKay present. Photograph by the author. |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. SEPTEMBER 8TH
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Richards, Lynn S. "The Spirit of Our Leader--David O. McKay." Instructor. September 1968. pg. 337.
A 95TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO The Spirit of Our Leader by Assistant General Superintendent Lynn S. Richards In honoring President David O. McKay on his 95th birthday, the Sunday Schools of the Church and The Instructor magazine extend thanks and gratitude for the years of guidance of one of "the choice and master spirits of this age."[1] When David 0. McKay left the Weber Stake superintendency on October 6, 1906, to become second assistant in the general Sunday School superintendency under President Joseph F. Smith (who was also general superintendent of the Sunday School), there were approximately 60,000 members of the Church enrolled in Sunday School. From that time until President McKay was called to be a counselor to President Heber J. Grant and was released as general superintendent, the organization had grown to over 336,000 members. President McKay had a profound influence on the conduct of Sunday Schools for more than half a century. It was largely through his suggestions that courses of study were instituted for each class. He conceived the idea that highly trained stake board members should meet with Sunday School teachers monthly to give help and direction. He stressed the need for lesson application (objectives), contemplating the development in students of a desire to do something as a direct result of Sunday School experience. During my formative years as a child, I remember David 0. McKay as a visitor to our home. The radiance of his personality and winning smile won immediate friendship. On occasion. Father and Mother would have the general superintendency as dinner guests: President Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; David 0. McKay, first assistant; and Stephen L Richards, second assistant to the general superintendent. The mutual esteem and affection that abounded between them was most evident. It was especially noticeable when they met together socially. They acted as though they knew each other's thoughts and desires. They seemed completely in tune with each other. The spirit of concern and respect of David O. McKay for the thoughts and wishes of his associates was certainly responsible for much of their creative cooperation. He won the love and affection of his general board. In 1918, and for 16 years thereafter, he presided over the Sunday Schools of the Church with Stephen L Richards and George D. Pyper as his assistants. This was not only a period of maturing companionship but of expansion and development of the Sunday School organization throughout the world. Now, in his 95th year. President McKay sees enrolled in the Sunday School over two and one-half million members. Of all the men I know in this dispensation, none have influenced the course of the Sunday School organization and cause as has President David O. McKay. [1] From Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." |
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL GENERAL SUPERINTENDENCY, 1918-1934. STEPHEN L. RICHARDS (l) . DAVID O. McKAY, GEORGE D. PYPER.
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Wheelwright, Lorin F. "Home Teachings of President McKay." Instructor. September 1969. pg. 309-315.
HOME TEACHINGS OF PRESIDENT MCKAY[1] from an Interview with David Lawrence McKay by Lorin F. Wheelwright Favor in the sight of God and man are blessings enjoyed by our beloved President, David O. McKay. On the occasion of his ninety-sixth anniversary, September 8, 1969, we share intimate glimpses of his family life which exemplify these blessings. For these insights we are indebted to his eldest son, David Lawrence McKay, our General Superintendent of the Sunday School. Discipline My first question was almost impertinent. I asked, "Did your father ever discipline you as a boy?" He replied: "Father never used physical punishment on me. Rather, he associated the discipline with the lesson to be taught. One day, for example, we were riding to Huntsville in the surrey. I was not very old, and I was either teasing my younger brother Llewelyn or quarreling with him. This continued after a parental injunction to stop. Then Father let me out of the carriage. "I can still remember walking up the hill, seeing the team and surrey going along, getting farther away by the minute. I could probably have reached home after several hours on my own steam, but after I had walked a distance, Father stopped and waited for me. There was no more teasing or quarreling." Obedience This experience recalled President McKay's love for animals, so I asked, "What lessons did your father teach you regarding horses?" "I remember that in the training of animals, Father always insisted that if he gave a command it had to be obeyed. He said, 'Never give a command that you don't expect to be followed. And it is the same with humans. Never tell a child to do something without seeing that it is done.'" Lawrence continued, "I remember that once I told a horse to come to me, and he didn't do it. Father would not stand for that. He said, 'See that the horse obeys you.' He got a rope on that horse, some sugar and a whip. When the horse pulled back, he flicked his front leg with the whip, and when he came up to him he gave him some sugar. That horse was following Father all over the farm before long. He never used the whip to beat the horse; he just used it to make the horse feel a little tingle. "All his horses learned to recognize the sound of his automobile, and when they heard him coming they would whinny and line up at the fence. There was only one animal that resisted Father, an old bull that he had dehorned who must have associated the pain with Father. When that bull heard the sound of his motor, it let out a low bellow and clawed at the earth. . . . Maybe that was one bull that never tasted sugar." Teaching "Were there any other 'teaching moments' that you recall from your childhood?" I asked. Then my six-foot-one friend smiled and said, "I remember another time when I was very, very small. In petulance I kicked a little girl. Later I went over to her house and apologized to her—with Father. "I also remember the time that my brother had to replace some eggs he had found and had turned into the store for candy. They weren't so fresh. These were times when Father corrected us, but they were exceptions to the rule. He always worked on the power of positive suggestion. He assumed that we children would do the right thing. He expected us to obey. "We felt, too, that he always knew what we were doing. We were free to do what we wanted to do, but always had the impression that we would be stopped if we went beyond our limits. "On our first trip to California, we arrived late in the evening at our apartment, not far from the beach. I got out of bed early the next morning before anyone else, and ran down to the beach for my first close view of the ocean at high tide. I stood several minutes alone, watching the waves, and suddenly became aware of my father standing at my side. 'It's beautiful, isn't it?' was his comment. "Since helping rear my own family, I realize how concerned he probably was at my absence. So I appreciate now his joining with me in the thrill of a new experience when he could easily have rebuked me for running off alone without saying where I was going. He was watching me, but as a companion, not a critic. "I was riding with him one day through Ogden Canyon behind a spirited team of trotters. He pointed out that it was necessary to start slowly and let the team work up speed. Then he told me a story of two horsemen to illustrate the lesson—a story which I later recognized as having come from The Winning of Barbara Worth. The story fixed the lesson in my mind. "I was young when he took me with him on a conference tour to southern Utah by train to the end of the railroad, and by horse and buggy past what has since been discovered as Bryce Canyon to Cannonville. We forded a swollen river in a thunderstorm, and got caught between that river and a mountain torrent. I thought the end of the world had come, and started to cry. Father held me on his lap in his arms all night until we were rescued in the morning. It is hard to disobey a man who loves you and puts his arms around you. "A print of Hoffman's painting of the Savior as a youth always hung in the library above the books. That picture must have had an influence on our family. It now hangs in the old Huntsville home." Family Unity "Did you have formal religious instruction in your home?" I inquired. "Naturally, we did. We had family prayer regularly, and, of course, the blessing on the food. Later Father recognized my priesthood and had me participate in administration when a member of the family was ill. "Father was away Sundays, so we children went to sacrament meeting with Mother. "I don't remember any of the children ever being told to go to Sunday School. It was just assumed we would go. "I remember that during the influenza epidemic of 1918 we held our Sunday School classes at home. "I was impressed when Father asked me to have the Sunday School pray for my baby sister, Lou Jean, and her sudden turn at the hour of the prayer toward the complete recovery that came soon after." I asked whether the family were together much in the evenings. "Yes. I recall many happy home evenings filled with stories, games, and music." Then I asked, "What kind of music did you enjoy?" And to my surprise I learned that our superintendent had played frequently in a home ensemble. "We used to have a trio which Father loved to hear—with Mother at the piano, Llewelyn on the clarinet, and me on the violin. We played old favorites from the operas and 'Best Loved Songs' arranged for our trio. Father's favorite was 'Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms.'" Preparation I mentioned how often President McKay quotes choice poems from memory, and asked Lawrence, "How did your father memorize so many gems of literature?" To this he responded by recalling incidents in his father's life: "When Father was a young man in his teens, he used to carry the mail on horseback from Huntsville to a mining camp in the mountains called La Plata. He would spend the long hours memorizing poems. In later years he taught literature at Weber Academy and kept on memorizing his favorite passages. He had a remarkable memory, and he filled it with stanzas worth recalling." This stirred another remembrance: "I recall when my wife Mildred and I were traveling with Father through Europe in 1952, just after his call to be President of the Church. One day he sent me to a book store to find a book on Holland. He was going to see the Queen and he wanted some local information. At another time, as we approached France, he reread Victor Hugo's Les Miserables to recapture the character of the French people through their literature. "Preparation to him has always been second nature. On that trip I marvelled at his thorough study before giving any sermon. He could have used the same talk over and over, but he prepared a new one each time—one appropriate to each congregation and to each occasion." Duty Seeking further illustration of his father's sense of values, I asked, "When a difficult choice presented itself, what priority of response did your father pursue?" In answer, Lawrence told this incident. "Father's high sense of duty was evident the day after he had selected the temple site in London. He asked to go immediately to Switzerland to choose a site there. When I found that we would have to wait a day prior to departure he said, “I love London, but I cannot spare the time.' To most travelers an extra day of sight-seeing in London would be fortuitous, but to Father duty came first, always. "My Mother learned this priority when I was an infant. She tells of the time when I was only ten days old and her nurse had just left the home. She expected Father to remain with her, but the very next evening he announced that he was going to his Sunday School board meeting. When Father left, the closing door apparently awakened me and I began to cry. Mother also began to cry but checked herself. She said, 'My mother told me not to cry before you are hurt, and never to cry over spilt milk. Just don't cry at all—learn your duty and do it.'" Lawrence continued, "Mother learned that when Father's duty called he would do it, and her duty was to carry on at home when he was absent. She always did so to perfection." Love This brought us to a question I had hoped we would discuss. "Your father has set an example to the whole Church regarding your mother. How did he continue courting her through the years?" Lawrence leaned back and spoke thoughtfully. "This is something a small boy does not observe at the time, but now, as I contemplate, I recall Father's many thoughtful acts of courtesy in the home. Whenever we were at the table and Mother began to arise to bring something, he would say, 'Let one of the children get it.' Then he would send one of us on the errand. ... He always greeted her or bid her farewell with a kiss. . . . And he loved to surprise her. I remember one Christmas when I was a high school student in Ogden. He bought a new Chickering upright piano for her and had it delivered while she was away. I came home, and while Mother was busy preparing dinner I slipped into the parlor and turned on the light to look it over. Father quickly came and turned off the light and said, If you do that, your mother will come in to see what we are doing and she will lose the surprise in the morning.' "Well, morning came, and I will always remember my mother's scream of surprise and delight at the sight of that piano. She immediately sat down and began to play. We joined in song with her and brought out our instruments. That was a joyous day. "Over the years, Father gave her many personal gifts, but he always gave her more than just things. He frequently gave her a poem with his gift. And each poem spoke of his love for her. I have recently reviewed some of our old family movies, which show Father reading his love poems to Mother. And the light in her eye glows with the same love. "As I think back on my many years with Father, it is this love which towers above all other virtues. I cherish it and would share it with my friends. He sees people. He listens to people. He remembers people. "One fall many years ago he traveled back and forth from Junction (Utah) to Marysvale, hauling potatoes to market in a Ford truck. On the road he often passed a crew of workmen. A month later, during a conference on Temple Square, a man came to him and said, 'You won't remember me, but—' and Father broke in, 'You were working on the road to Marysvale. I remember you.'" Lawrence paused and thought about his remarkable father—this prophet, seer, and revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then he said, simply, "To do that, he would have to notice people and to love them." The one word "love" seemed to contain the full meaning of life—the tie between son and father, and between his father and all men. It brought to mind those words written by God on the tablets of stone: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Exodus 20:12.) Here we see, through a son's perceptive eyes, p. father who has made "length of days and long life" a joy. Here is a vigorous man who has found "peace . . . favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Here is a prophet in our generation whose life is crowned by a promise fulfilled—for we read in the ancient scripture that these blessings come when "mercy and truth" are bound "about thy neck" and written "upon the table of thine heart. . . ." (Proverbs 3:1-4.) Library File Reference: McKAY, DAVID O. [1] (For Course 7, lessons of November 23 and 30, "Love One Another" and "Our Obligation to the Family"; for Course 11, lesson of November 9, "A Man of Peace"; for Course 15, lesson of November 23, "Lessons in True Leadership"; for Course 17, lesson of November 2, "The Nature and Mission of a Prophet"; for Course 19, lessons of November 2, 16, and 30, "Reverence," "Temperance," and "Integrity"; for Course 27, lesson of November 16, "A Life of Honor"; to support family home evening lessons 4 and 12; and of general interest.) |
Felt, Marie F. "David, a Boy of Promise--David O. McKay." Instructor. September 1969. pg. 329-331.
DAVID, A Boy of Promise[1] A Flannelboard Story by Marie F. Felt In Huntsville, Utah, young David O. McKay lived with his father and mother, his three brothers and four sisters. They were a large and happy family. Once when David was a baby, just learning to walk, his uncle, who was visiting the McKay home, made a teasing remark to David. He meant it to be funny, but David's mother didn't think of it that way. Quickly she picked up the little boy and cuddled him to her cheek. ''Don't talk like that to him," she said. "You do not know, he may be an apostle some day!" And one day he became an apostle, because our Heavenly Father chose him to be one. [End of Scene I.] When David was a little older, his father was called to go on a mission to Scotland. Brother Mc- Kay did not want to leave his family, but he knew the Lord had called him through the Church authorities, and he wanted to take the gospel to others. So he made plans to go. Before he left, Brother McKay talked with his son David. "David," he said, "while I am away on this mission, you will be the man of the house. It will be up to you to see that no harm comes to your mother or to any of the family." David tried to be brave and wonderful like his father, but he was only a very young boy. [End of Scene II.] One night while his father was gone, David had a dream about Indians. It was so real that he became dreadfully frightened. It seemed that those Indians were right in the house. Then, on another night, he heard noises around the house and felt sure there were burglars. He knew his mother would be frightened too if she heard them, and he hoped that she would not. As he lay there wide awake, with his brother Thomas sleeping by his side, he decided to do what his parents had taught him to do —pray. He had always said his prayers kneeling at his bedside, so he felt that now too he must get out of bed and kneel down to pray. Climbing out of bed was a terrible test; it took all his strength and willpower because he was so frightened. But he did it! As he knelt down by the side of the bed, he prayed earnestly and with real faith. Then, just as clearly as one person speaks aloud to another, he heard a voice say to him, "Don't be afraid. Nothing will hurt you." David then climbed back into bed and fell fast asleep. [End of Scene III.] In the days when David was growing up, people on farms often paid their tithing with one tenth of whatever they raised. If they had animals, every tenth animal was given to the bishop for tithing. Sometimes it was every tenth egg or every tenth bushel of fruit or vegetables. One day after his father had returned from his mission, and David had grown a little older, David and his brother Thomas were out in the field loading hay onto their wagon. Every time the wagon was full, they would take it to the barn and unload it there. After they had taken the ninth load, the two boys went back to the part of the meadow where they had been working and started to load more hay. But then they heard their father call out, "No, boys! Drive over to the higher ground. The hay is better there. It has timothy and redtop in it." Not wanting to move, David called back to his father, "Let us take the hay from here." But the father had a better thought. "No, David," he said, "this is the tenth load, and the best is none too good for the Lord." [End of Scene IV.] After David O. McKay became a man, he was chosen by our Heavenly Father to be an apostle. Then, one day several years later, he was chosen to be the President and Prophet of the Lord's Church —The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1952 President McKay was visiting in Berlin, Germany, near the Russian border. While he was there, he heard of a dear sister whose husband and eldest son had died. This sister had no home of her own and not even enough to eat. She was very sick and could not go to Berlin to see the Prophet. However, this good lady did have two other children— a little boy of 12 years and a little girl of 10. The mother wanted very much for them to see President McKay while he was visiting. With great faith she said to the missionaries, "I know if I send my children to shake hands with President McKay, and then take their hands in mine when they come home —if I can only hold their little hands in mine— I know I shall get better." And so some of the good saints bought new clothing for the children. The missionaries furnished money for their trip. The children were thrilled and excited, as they traveled to see the Prophet. Someone told President McKay about these two children, and he anxiously looked for them among the thousands of people who came to the meeting. After the meeting, President McKay shook hands with all 2,600 people who were there. When the two little children came to him, he shook hands with them and for a moment held their hands. Then taking a clean white handkerchief from his pocket, he said, "Will you take this handkerchief to your mother with my blessing?" The children were delighted. They had shaken hands with the Prophet—President David O. McKay —and he had given them his handkerchief with his blessing to take to their mother. So pleased were they that they would not shake hands with anyone else, for they did not want to touch anyone with their hands until after they got back to their mother. [End of Scene V.] When they returned home, their mother was grateful that they had had the privilege and honor of shaking hands with President McKay. The children laid their hands on their mother's; then they gave her President McKay's gift—his handkerchief with his blessing. From that time on she began to get better, for she had been blessed by a servant of God. [End of Scene VI.] How To Present the Flannelboard Story: Key to Flannelboard Figures OT—Old Testament; BM—Book of Mormon; NT—New Testament; CH—Church History; ML—Modern Life; PGP—Pearl of Great Price; DC—Doctrine and Covenants. Characters and Props Needed for This Presentation Are: Jennette McKay (President McKay's mother) with young David in her arms (ML78) . David's uncle (ML79). David McKay, President McKay's father (ML80) . David as a young boy (ML81) . David praying at bedside while his brother Thomas sleeps (ML82). David and Thomas pitching hay (ML83). President David O. McKay (ML84). A brother and sister receiving a handkerchief and blessing from President McKay (ML85). The boy and girl giving their sick mother the handkerchief and blessing (ML86). Order of Episodes: Scene I: Scenery: The living room in the McKay home at Huntsville, Utah. Action: David O. McKay is a young child in his mother's arms. His uncle has made a teasing remark, and his mother has picked him up as she makes her reply. Scene II: Scenery: Same as Scene I. Action: David and his father are talking. The father is going on a mission. He tells David to be the man of the house while he is away. Scene III: Scenery: David's bedroom. Action: As Thomas sleeps, David kneels by the bedside in his nightclothes, praying. Scene IV: Scenery: Outdoor scene in a field of hay. Action: David and Thomas are pitching hay onto their wagon. Their father calls and tells them to go where the better hay is, since this is the tenth load and it belongs to the Lord. Scene V: Scenery: Interior of a meetinghouse in Berlin, Germany. Action: A young girl and boy receive a handkerchief and blessing for their mother from President McKay. Scene VI: Scenery: A bedroom scene. Action: The two children give their sick mother President McKay's handkerchief and blessing. Library File Reference: McKAY, DAVID O. [1] (For Course 3, lesson of November 16, "Thank You for Parents and Other Helpers"; for Course 5, lesson of October 26, "Family Members Work Together in the Home"; for Course 7, lessons of November 9 and 16, "Family Finds Joy in Gospel Understanding" and "Blessings Come to a Family"; for Course 9, lessons of September 21 and November 23, "The Power of Faith" and "A Latter-day Saint Pays Tithing"; for Course 11, lesson of October 19, "The Child of Promise"; for Course 25, lesson of October 5, "Goodly Parents"; to support family home evening lesson 4; and of general interest.) |
In the little meetinghouse in Huntsville where the McKay family went to church there hung a picture of President John Taylor, Under it, in gold letters, were the words shown below:
These words made a great impression upon young David O. McKay. His constant resolve and determination was to serve the Lord fully and completely throughout his life. To his Heavenly Father and his parents he was . . . DAVID, A Boy of Promise.
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Todd, Jay M. "David O. McKay 1873-1970." Improvement Era. February 1970. pg. 8-19.
David O. McKay, 1873-1970 By Jay M. Todd, Assistant Managing Editor, and Albert L. Zobell, Jr. Research Editor Illustrated by Gary Kapp Courtesy BYU Banyon – 1970 What can be said when a Prophet is called back to our Heavenly Father? A Prophet who has gloriously completed— in the words of the immortal hymn— 'all you sent me forth to do"?[1] David O. McKay, ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died peacefully in his ninety-seventh year at his Hotel Utah apartment at 6:00 a.m. on the peaceful Sabbath morning of January 18, 1970. During the hours after midnight, members of his family had arrived to be at his bedside. About midnight, congestion of the heart developed and steadily worsened. Several hours prior to his death, the President lapsed into a coma. He had been in failing health for several months and in a weakening condition for several days with complications of heart and kidney failure. Although for some time he had been confined to a wheelchair and had experienced difficulties in speech, he had met regularly with Church authorities to discuss and review Church operations. Every Latter-day Saint felt a personal loss with the death of David (a biblical name meaning "beloved") Oman (his grandmother's maiden name) McKay. He was born September 8, 1873, in the northern Utah alpine farm community of Huntsville, in a corner bedroom of the family stone house, the first son and third child of David and Jennette Evans McKay, Scottish- Welsh emigrant converts. His father had emigrated from Scotland at the age of 12, and his mother had emigrated from Wales at the age of six. He was born less than four years after the completion of the transcontinental railroad, 26 years after the pioneers had entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake, and 43 years after the Church was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Brigham Young was then President of the Church. As young David grew, the Church grew—and seemingly, every personal milestone in his life can be related in time to great milestones in Church history: he was baptized when President John Taylor presided over the Church, received his mission call under the direction of President Wilford Woodruff, was married in the Salt Lake Temple when President Lorenzo Snow held the sacred priesthood sealing powers, was called to the Council of the Twelve by President Joseph F. Smith, and rendered remarkable service in the First Presidency to President Heber J. Grant and President George Albert Smith before beginning his own administration in 1951, an administration that has been unparalleled in the history of the Church. For 64 years Latter-day Saints saw him as an official apostolic ambassador at the pulpits of their wards and stakes. They saw him in the missions; they saw him at the pulpit of the Tabernacle and heard his voice and saw his image in their homes by way of the miracles of radio and television. They have felt his influence in their lives. Although relatively few had personal conversation with him or shook his hand, he was a personal influence in their lives. The members of the Church will miss him, as will the countless nonmembers, worldwide, who were among his ever-expanding circle of friends. The David O. McKay era—the period during which he served as President of the Church, from April 9, 1951, until January 18, 1970—has indeed been a golden age for the Church. President McKay saw the size of the Church nearly triple—from one million in 1951 to nearly three million at the time of his death, and the number of stakes grew from 184 to an even 500. In spearheading this growth, he traveled approximately one million miles to become the most widely traveled Church President in history—far more than the ancient apostle whom he most admired, the apostle Paul. He visited all the missions in Europe and was the first President ever to visit missions in South Africa, South America, the Pacific isles, New Zealand, and Australia. The number of missions more than doubled, to 88 in number, and the unpaid, full-time missionary force grew from about 2,000 to more than 12,000. He instituted three language training schools for missionaries, at Brigham Young University, Ricks College, and Church College of Hawaii. The entry of the Church into public places, such as world fairs, and the establishment of visitors centers reflect President McKay's great mission of placing the message of the Church in the mainstream of life. His famous statement, "Every member a missionary," and subsequent counsel enlisted members Church-wide in the missionary cause. Never in the history of the Church has there been such a builder as President McKay. Since 1951, over 3,750 Church buildings have been constructed throughout the world. (With those now under construction or in planning stages, the total is 4,411 buildings for his administration.) This number is far greater than the number built in the first 120 years of the Church. Of the buildings constructed under his administration, over 2,000 of them are ward and branch chapels. Under his direction, eight temples were built or announced: Los Angeles Temple, Swiss Temple, London Temple, New Zealand Temple, Oakland Temple, Ogden Temple, Provo Temple, and the Washington Temple. The completion of the latter three will bring to 15 the total number of temples in use by the Church, of which more than half will have been instituted under President McKay's administration. (Associated with the growth in number of temples has been the worldwide stature achieved by the Church's Genealogical Society. Sufficient records are now on microfilm for genealogical use throughout the Church to fill over three million 300-page books.) Other building projects include the $10-million David O. McKay Hospital in Ogden, as well as extensive remodeling in other Church hospitals, many seminary and institute buildings throughout the Church, greatly enlarged college campuses at Brigham Young University and Ricks College, the construction of the Church College of Hawaii, and the building of about 60 elementary and high school complexes throughout the South Seas, Central America, and South America. Construction was recently begun on a 25-story Church Administration Building, scheduled for completion in 1972. President McKay's impressive influence was felt deeply in other significant matters that have greatly altered the makeup of the Church. Under his inspired direction the creation of the far-reaching Church Correlation Program was instituted. Giant strides were taken to weld together in common purpose all the energies and facilities of the Church's administration and programs, particularly as the goals of the Church were expressed through the four priesthood programs— home teaching, missionary, welfare, and genealogy. In addition, the family home evening program— which has received international acclaim for its concept of strengthening the family unit—was developed. Notable changes in Church government were applied by President McKay, including the addition of several counselors in the First Presidency, additional Assistants to the Council of the Twelve, and the calling of Regional Representatives of the Twelve; in addition, members of the First Council of the Seventy have been ordained to the office of high priest. Indeed, in all things the kingdom of God on earth progressed greatly and was blessed greatly by the wise, beloved, and inspired leadership of David Oman McKay as he presided over the Church for nearly 19 years. The world was brought to more appreciation of the Church, and the Church was brought to more appreciation of the goodnesses of mankind found within the world. Parents were brought to more appreciation of and love for their children, and children were brought to more appreciation of and love for their parents. Family ties were knit even more closely, and marital bonds were enriched. Individuals were brought closer to God and God was brought closer to individuals as countless millions adopted gospel principles and heeded President McKay's great and majestic pleas for the building of man's most priceless possessionpersonal character. All of these general Church achievements reflect the selfsame qualities of brilliance, wisdom, love, imagination, and transparent goodness that were within the man. Indeed, these achievements simply mirror the nature of David Oman McKay. In a similar manner they reflect the home environment in which he grew, unconsciously assimilating the remarkable virtues and characteristics found in the home of his father and mother, David and Jennette Evans McKay. Young David began mortality as a farm boy on the mountain valley acres that he himself was to operate and own throughout his life. Although he was to preach in many far-off places, among many tongues and peoples, his listeners always delighted in his sermon lessons of his horses, Dandy and Sonny Boy, and a family bobsled party was at least a once-a-year tradition. Many of his stories that intrigued and charmed listeners reflected his love for the things and people of the soil. Until late in life, he could be found in moments of leisure at the farm, caring for stock, training his horses, cutting hay, plowing land, and doing the duties he learned under the hand of his father. Once when President McKay was conversing with the late Preston Nibley, former assistant Church historian, Brother Nibley remarked on the many noted persons that the President had met during his long life and asked, "President McKay, who is the greatest man you have ever met?" He replied without hesitation, "My father." (Of his mother, President McKay had written: "I cannot think of a womanly virtue that my mother did not possess. . . . She was beautiful and dignified." "To make home the most pleasant place in the world for her husband and children was her constant aim, which she achieved naturally and supremely.") Young David grew to manhood loving the things his father loved, loving nature, liking most of all to be in the saddle, riding among the hills, there to spend hours in contemplation. The McKay family of David's youth knew tragedy early, as the dread diphtheria swept through the community during the winter of 1877-78, claiming 20 children, including young David's two older sisters, Margaret and Elena. When David was seven, his father was called to return to his native Scotland as a Mormon missionary. The father debated whether to accept the call, finally telling his wife that he would ask for a postponement until after the expected baby had joined the family circle. She looked at him, knowing his love for her, and said, "David, you go on that mission. You go now. The Lord wants you now, not a year from now, and he will take care of me." He left in the spring of 1881, ten days before the baby, Annie, was born; she joined 7- year-old David, 5-year-old Thomas, and 3-year-old Jeannette. Such was the spirit and feeling for the Church in that home, a tone that shaped the lives of the children, including the young prophet-to-be. (When the father returned, he found that an addition to the house that he had hoped to build had been built in his absence.) It was not long after the elder David McKay's return from his mission that he was called as bishop of the Huntsville Ward. He later was called as Weber Stake high councilor and as Weber Stake patriarch. Active in civic offices, he served in the last territorial legislature and three terms as senator in the Utah Legislature before his death in 1917. At the completion of his regular public schooling, David O. McKay determined to train and qualify himself for a career in the field of secular education. (Interestingly, he was to make some of his greatest contributions in the field of religious education.) Hence, he attended the University of Utah normal school, located at the time a few blocks west of Temple Square, for three years. His years there left a deep impression upon him, and he similarly impressed his associates—he was graduated as class president and valedictorian of his class and had played guard on the first school football team. His schooling also brought him into contact with his wife-to-be, Emma Ray Riggs, daughter of the Englishwoman with whom he boarded while attending school. After his graduation, the young couple delayed their wedding plans as he accepted a call to serve in the British Mission. So, in the summer of 1897, 23-year-old David O. McKay was ordained a seventy and left for Europe, where he served, as had his father some 15 years previously, in Glasgow, Scotland. As a missionary he presided over the Glasgow conference from March 1898 to September 1899. Some years ago a researcher, pouring through the Church missionary records, found an appraisal of Elder David O. McKay, made by his mission president upon completion of Elder McKay's mission. The appraisal reads: "As a speaker: Good. "As a writer: Good. "As a presiding officer: Very good. "Has he a good knowledge of the gospel? Yes. "Has he been energetic? Very. "Is he discreet and does he carry a good influence? Yes, sir! "Remarks: None better in the mission." This was written in 1899. President McKay's mission experience fortified him throughout his life, particularly his experience of coming across an inscription, "Whate'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part," at a time of discouragement. However, another mission incident was told by the President himself at a general conference. The incident occurred as the elders in Scotland were at a conference presided over by President James L. McMurrin: "I remember as if it were yesterday, the intensity of the inspiration of that occasion. Everybody felt the rich outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. All present were truly of one heart and one mind. Never before had I experienced such an emotion. It was a manifestation for which, as a doubting youth, I had secretly prayed most earnestly on hillside and in meadow. It was an assurance to me that sincere prayer is answered 'sometime, somewhere.'' The Holy Ghost, he testified, was poured out upon the elders until "tears were flowing down their cheeks . . . not in sorrow or grief, but as an expression of the overflowing Spirit. . . . One elder while bearing testimony declared, 'Brethren, there are angels in this room!' "To this, President McMurrin arose, testifying, 'Yes, brethren, there are angels in this room!' Then turning to Elder McKay, he spoke prophetically, 'Let me say to you, Brother David, Satan hath desired you that he might sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you. ... If you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church!' " After President McKay had revealed this testimony, he declared humbly, "With the resolve then and there to keep the faith, there was born a desire to be of service to my fellowmen, and with it a realization, a glimpse at least, of what I owed to the elder who first carried the message of the restored gospel to my grandfather and grandmother who had accepted the message years before in the north of Scotland and in South Wales." (Through the holy calling and inspired utterances of a patriarch at the time he received his patriarchal blessing at age 12, young David was informed that "the eye of the Lord is upon you. ... At an early date you must be prepared for a responsible position. . . . You shall see much of the world, you shall 'assist in gathering scattered Israel.' ... It shall be your lot to sit in council with your brethren. . . . You shall preside among the people.") His mission over, David O. Mc- Kay began teaching at Weber Academy (now Weber State College) at Ogden, 13 miles down the canyon from Huntsville. Almost as soon as he had arrived home, he also went to Salt Lake City to renew his proposal of marriage to Emma Ray Riggs. During his mission, Emma Ray had graduated from the University of Utah, receiving special attainments in music —a training that was to be of warm and happy value to her ward and stake and to her family. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple January 2, 1901. David O. McKay was 27 years old. From that time his thoughts were never far from her and their family. To this inspiring couple were born five sons and two daughters: Royle Riggs McKay (who died in his early youth), David Lawrence McKay, Dr. Llewelyn Riggs Mc- Kay, Lou Jean McKay Blood, Emma Rae McKay Ashton, Dr. Edward Riggs McKay, and Robert Riggs McKay. There are 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Their 69 years of marital companionship stand as one of the longest among modern world figures, and by all odds is likely the most famous. Their loving association, known for its mutual courtesy and kind consideration, not only became a tradition and an ideal among Latter-day Saints, but it was also a symbol of what can be in a world where family separations and marital infidelities are often commonplace. To many it has seemed that God left them together so long for just such a purpose. In paying tribute to his wife, President McKay once wrote to his children: "Aptly it has been said that, 'Often a woman shapes the career of husband, or brother, or son.' A man succeeds and reaps the honors of public applause, when in truth a quiet little woman has made it all possible—has by her tact and encouragement held him to his best, has had faith in him when his own faith has languished, has cheered him with the unfailing assurance 'you can, you must, you will’ "I need not tell you children how fittingly this tribute applies to your mother. All through the years you have seen how perfectly she fills the picture. There is not a line or a touch but is applicable. . . . "I want to acknowledge to you and to her, how greatly her loving devotion, inspiration, and loyal support have contributed to whatever success may be ours. "Willingly and ably she has carried the responsibility of the household. "Uncomplainingly she has economized when our means have been limited. "Always prompt with meals, she has never said an unpleasant word or even shown a frown when I have kept her waiting, sometimes for hours. "If I had to take a train at midnight or later, she would either sit up with me or lie awake to make sure that I should not oversleep. "If duty required me to leave at five o'clock in the morning, she was never satisfied unless she could prepare me a bite of breakfast before I left home. "It has been mother who remembered the birthdays and purchased the Christmas presents. "Since January 2, 1901, the happy day when she became my bride, she has never given me a single worry except when she was ill and that has been, with few exceptions, only with the responsibilities of motherhood. "Thus my mind has been remarkably free to center upon the problems, cares, and requirements incident to my duties and responsibilities. "In sickness, whether it was one of you or I, her untiring attention night and day was devotion personified; her practical skill, invariably effective; and her physical endurance, seemingly unlimited. Many an ache and pain she has endured in uncomplaining silence so as not to give the least worry to the loved one to whom she was giving such tender care. "Never to this day have you heard your mother say a cross or disrespectful word. This can be said truthfully, I think, of but few women in the world. "Under all conditions and circumstances, she has been the perfect lady. Her education has enabled her to be a true helpmate; her congeniality and interest in my work, a pleasing companion; her charm and unselfishness, a lifelong sweetheart; her unbounded patience and intelligent insight to childhood, a most devoted mother; —these and many other virtues, combined with her loyalty and self-sacrificing devotion to her husband, impel me to crown her the sweetest, most helpful, most inspiring sweetheart and wife that ever inspired a man to noble endeavor. "To her we owe our happy family life and whatever success we may have achieved!" President McKay's legacy in the area of love at home will be talked of for generations, a source of inspiration and guidance for countless millions. His great message to this age centered on the sanctity and importance of the home—and few men were blessed with better resources of such long duration as was he. The desire to teach mankind of the potential of a good home life reflected President McKay's great background in education. A year following his marriage, and about two years after he began teaching at Weber Academy, he was appointed superintendent at the academy, a position he held until 1908 and "over which he presided with great credit and distinguished ability," as President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., was to recall many years later. His first post-mission Church assignments were in education also —in the Sunday School. Shortly after his return from the mission field in 1899, he was called as second assistant superintendent of Weber Stake Sunday School, and it was in this organization that his love of teaching, his natural administrative talents, and his progressive, ever-learning nature began to forcefully manifest themselves. In the first days of April 1906, David O. McKay received a call to attend general conference in Salt Lake City. In discussing the matter, he and Emma Ray thought that if anything important were involved— other than asking his opinion about educational matters—it might be a call to serve as Church commissioner of education. But to their surprise, he was called to fill a vacancy in the Council of the Twelve, and thus began his record of 64 years as a General Authority of the Church. He was 32 years old at the time. With this holy calling, David O. McKay's life was forever changed— chartered undeniably upon its divine course. His abilities and interests in education prompted his first appointment: some six months after taking his seat in the Council of the Twelve, he was called as second assistant general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, under President Joseph F. Smith as superintendent. He became first assistant in 1909, and in 1918 he was called as general superintendent. As a teacher and motivator of youth—and as a teacher and motivator of those who work with youth —he was widely admired. Recognizing his superior talents in the field of education, President Heber J. Grant appointed him commissioner of education for the Church, a post he held from 1919 to 1921. In 1921 he was appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Utah, the school from which he was graduated 25 years previously. A year later he was awarded an honorary master of arts degree from Brigham Young University. (He later served on the Board of Trustees at Utah State Agricultural College and on the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University, the only known person to have served on all three boards. Later in life he was to receive honorary doctorates from those three schools, as well as from Temple University in Philadelphia, and he was honored by numerous educational organizations throughout America with honorary memberships.) From this extensive background of talent, training, experience, years of leadership responsibility— as well as a natural interest in and love for education—it is easy to see the source of the great advancements made in Church education since he became President of the Church. Not only did the seminary and institute and Church school systems become worldwide with a vast system of campuses and course work, but in addition, priesthood and auxiliary education within the Church was greatly stimulated, altered, refined, and made more effective under the careful tutelage of President McKay, as he pointedly counseled general Church auxiliary presidencies and superintendents and general board members. His interests took a new turn in 1920 when he received one of the most unusual assignments ever given a member of the Council of the Twelve. He was called by President Heber J. Grant "to make a general survey of the missions, study conditions there, gather data concerning them, and in short, obtain general information in order that there may be someone in the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve thoroughly familiar with actual conditions." And thus began a 13-month, 62,000-mile tour, as he sailed over all oceans except the Arctic Ocean and visited all missions of the Church except South Africa. Accompanying him as his assigned companion was Hugh J. Cannon, president of Liberty Stake. In many locales, particularly in the South Seas, Elder McKay was the first General Authority ever to visit. They first visited Japan, China (which Elder McKay dedicated for the 'preaching of the gospel), and Hawaii. They returned for a short visit with their families and then departed by boat for the South Seas. The experiences of those months in the South Seas—Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand involved some great pentecostal events, including the gift of interpretation of tongues, as well as special outpourings of the Spirit. It was a tour that forever held the Saints of the islands close to the heart of President McKay. Brother Cannon wrote: "For years Saints had prayed for the privilege of seeing with their own eyes an Apostle of the Lord. This plea had been granted. They had seen him, had pressed his hand, not a few had kissed it and bathed it in their tears, had listened to his inspired words and had received additional confirmation of their faith that the Almighty does have divinely chosen men to lead his people." So intense and spiritual was the parting at Sauniatu, Samoa, that the Saints erected a monument at the scene where they said farewell. Yearly, the Saints in the area have gathered on the anniversary of that day, known as McKay Day, to review those events and the prayer given by the apostle. From the Pacific isles, the two men went to Australia, stopping at Java, Singapore, Burma, India, Aden, Egypt, the Holy Land, and then continued up through Europe to England and home to America. Elder McKay's report and appraisal of the work greatly benefitted Church leaders, in addition to suggesting a new area of emphasis for 49-year-old David O. McKay. His view of the Church took on a new worldwide view, an insight that he was to draw upon heavily when he became President. He had learned firsthand of the love, devotion, true equality, talents, and brotherhood of the Saints in different lands and cultures. More than anything else, this tour influenced his already deeply based compassionate nature to guide members of the Church in understanding their real and eternal brotherhood with all mankind. The year's experience also reminded him of the great value of missionary work and set his course; for years later he would turn the whole Church toward an inspired concept—"Every member a missionary." His missionary spirit must have been contagious, for he had been home but a few months when the First Presidency called him to the presidency of the European Mission. So, accompanied by his family, he departed for England, where in the next two years he was able to implement his ideas on proselyting that he had envisioned while traveling around the world and that he would use with such great effectiveness during his presidency years later that they would bring upwards of 100,000 converts yearly into the Church. It was at this time that many of the families of the Church began calling him President McKay—the title by which he had been known in the European Mission presidency. He returned home in 1924 and resumed his work as superintendent of the Sunday School and his regular duties as a member of the Council of the Twelve. During the next decade he continued to carry important assignments in the Council of the Twelve, particularly traveling to conferences and other Church assignments throughout the West in white-top, horse-drawn buggies, trains, and the new and better automobiles of the period. He was maturing in the varied and many responsibilities that befall members of the Council of the Twelve. Then on October 6, 1934, following the death of President Anthony W. Ivins, former first counselor to President Grant, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., was advanced to first counselor and David O. McKay, at 61 years of age, was appointed as second counselor. Thus began his nearly 17 years as a counselor in the First Presidency, in which he was inextricably entwined in the major decisions of the Church, followed by almost 19 years as President of the Church, for a total of nearly 36 years as a member of the First Presidency. (This record is exceeded only by that of President Joseph F. Smith, who was a member of the First Presidency for slightly over 38 years.) One of the first changes that was made after President McKay entered the First Presidency was his own release from the Sunday School and the calling of non- General Authorities as officers and board members of both the Sunday School and the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. Those were difficult days—the mid-1980s. The depression and the specter of the coming world war pressed heavily upon the world. The Church Welfare Program was organized, and President McKay joined other General Authorities in going throughout the Church, explaining and organizing the plan, and spending much time on the problems incident to the period. Even so, busy as he was, he never forgot the young people of the Church. On countless mid-week evenings he would, upon appointment, take Sister McKay to an assembly of M Men and Gleaners or other young Latter-day Saints, where he would speak on the principles of happy courtship and marriage. The early years of the 1940s were years of world war, and with other members of the First Presidency, President McKay was a source of great strength and assurance to members of the Church during those trying times. At the death of President Heber J. Grant in May 1945, he was again called as second counselor, this time to President George Albert Smith. Upon the death of President Smith, President David Oman McKay was sustained by the membership of the Church on April 9, 1951, as the ninth President of the Church. That for which he had been preparing for 77 years had come to pass. (It was 45 years to the day since he had been ordained an apostle.) At a time when most men would already have been retired for some 12 years from their occupations, David O. McKay began to break ground for one of the most awe-inspiring periods ever directed by a President of the Church. Having learned from his 1920-21 world tour that nothing can take the place of firsthand information, President McKay determined to travel widely during those early years of his administration, and by doing so, he became the first President of the Church ever to travel to many of the missions. In 1952 he toured Europe; in 1954, South Africa, South America, and Central America; and in 1955, Hawaii, the islands of the Pacific, and Australia. Thereafter, he returned to Europe and the Pacific isles to break ground and to dedicate temples and colleges that his previous tours had indicated were needed. Truly, President McKay desired to bring the schools (with their saving truths of knowledge) and the temples (with their saving ordinances of salvation) to the membership of the Church; no longer would the Saints of those areas have to save for a lifetime for the privilege of making one journey to a temple or suffer without the benefit of education. Another result of these tours was President McKay's decision to give the Saints full priesthood leadership in their respective areas; hence, he directed that stakes with local leadership be organized throughout the world. Zion's borders were indeed being enlarged, her banner being beautifully unfurled. And wherever he traveled he sought out meetings with top government leaders, expressing the true mission of the Church, correcting misconceptions, leaving a spirit of friendship that was to bless the Church many times over. His leadership and innovative and administrative abilities were everywhere present, even in the vast business responsibilities of the Church. A revised financial structure was established; the President of the Church became chairman of the boards of all Church businesses; and full-time presidents were named to head businesses that had taken so much of the time of previous Church leaders, whose efforts were needed more in spiritual and religious matters. The decade of the sixties was more than anything else a period of development and refinement of the programs and concepts he initiated during the 1950s. Throughout the last decade, President Mc- Kay's labors were directed toward strengthening the programs: building even better priesthood leadership throughout the Church, fortifying the home through better family home evening and home teaching experiences, increasing the Saints' desires to experience love for their brothers through better missionary service for the living and increased temple ordinances for the dead. It was a decade of refinement, a decade that ably used the educational and administrative talents and wisdom of the President. His great and stirring pronouncements at the general conferences of the Church centered upon the home and its divine role in saving souls. His thoughts and expressions became standards not only for Latter-day Saints; people throughout the world also respected his wisdom, inspired utterances, and friendship. Consequently, many honors were bestowed upon him, making him a widely recognized leader among men and bringing respect and goodwill to the Church. Truly David Oman McKay was given to our day through the special love and purposes of the Lord. He served longer as President than six of the other eight Presidents of the Church. Only two—President Heber J. Grant and President Brigham Young—served longer. Well over half of the members of the Church today have known no other President of the Church. He was a Prophet of God who knew that he was on the Lord's errand and that nothing could stay the hand of the Lord in the onrush of his kingdom on earth. We have been blessed to have lived during his administration, to have heard his voice and felt his presence. It has been an honor and privilege to have been guided by such as he toward the Christ-like life. [1] “Oh, my Father," by Eliza R. Snow. |
President McKay surrounded by students following a Brigham Young University address
Hugh J. Cannon and Elder David O. McKay in 1921 on their world tour of Church missions
Elder McKay when he became first assistant superintendent of the Sunday School, 1909
He was always at home in the South Seas
President McKay presided at the dedication of the Hyde Park chapel, London, in 1961
Breaking ground for the London Temple, 1955
At Greenock, Scotland, 1955, President McKay greets members of the arriving Choir
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"Tributes and Messages of Sympathy - David O. McKay." Improvement Era. February 1970. pg. 20-22.
Tributes and Messages of Sympathy Following the announcement of the death of President David O. McKay, hundreds of letters, telegrams, and other expressions of love and sympathy began arriving at Church headquarters. Printed herewith are excerpts from some of these messages: Senate Resolution 314: In the Senate of the United States, January 21, 1970, the following Resolution was passed unanimously. RESOLVED THAT the Senate has learned with great sorrow and regret of the death of David O. McKay, late President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. RESOLVED THAT as a token of its respect and admiration for his long and dedicated services as humanitarian, missionary, church leader and President of the Church, the Senate hereby expresses its sincere sympathy and sorrow at his passing to his beloved wife and family and to members and nonmembers around the world who accepted him as a great spiritual leader. Washington State Senate Resolution 1970-Ex. 10, adopted January 19, 1970: WHEREAS, David O. McKay, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, since 1951, and one of that church's most distinguished leaders, died on Sunday, January 18, 1970 in Salt Lake City, Utah; and WHEREAS, President McKay guided the church in its growth from one million members to nearly three million members during the period of his presidency; and WHEREAS, his leadership has been the source of inspiration to all the members of his church, among whom are numbered many citizens of the state of Washington, who by their personal lives and dedication to the lofty ideals of the Mormon church contribute significantly to the moral and spiritual vitality of their communities; and WHEREAS, President McKay's exhortations and encouragement to the formation of vital family relationships among his followers demonstrates his deep concern with this most fundamental of all social relationships. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Senate of the state of Washington mourns the death of this devoted and beloved leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, and joins with the family of President McKay and the members of the church in their bereavement. Be It Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Idaho: WHEREAS, through his life and works, David O. McKay offered an example of Christian principles to all Americans; and WHEREAS, David O. McKay served the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his many years, and for nineteen years provided guidance and counsel as the President of the Church, expanding its membership, carrying word of its teachings to many millions, and supervising continued construction and dedication of buildings to its work; and WHEREAS, all people of the world will mark with sorrow the passing of this great leader and inspirational individual, so too will the people of the state of Idaho join in acknowledging with sadness the death of David O. McKay. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the state of Idaho, the Senate concurring therein, that the members of the Fortieth Idaho Legislature take this opportunity to recognize and memorialize the contribution to the quality of our lives made by President David O. McKay, and urge that all citizens of this state and the United States join in observances to commemorate this contribution. All of Arizona joins in mourning the loss of your great leader, whose fruitful years were of such great service to his church and country. — Governor Jack Williams of Arizona Please accept my most sincere condolences at your own personal loss and the loss to the church of a kindly and Godly leader. May God's love and mercy be with you in your hour of bereavement. — Tuipelehake, Premier, Nukualofa, Tonga I was saddened to learn of your husband's passing and want you to know you and your family have my deepest sympathy. Words are certainly inadequate at a time like this, but I hope you will gain solace from the knowledge that your husband's friends in the FBI share your sorrow.—J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation May I at this solemn moment express to you and through you to the members of your church my deepest feelings of sorrow for the loss of the great man that President McKay has been. My fellow countrymen in particular will never forget what through his relentless efforts he did for Greece in times of dire circumstances. In him we have recognized an outstanding American in the great tradition of the principles for which your country is known throughout the world.—Basil Vitsaxis, Ambassador of Greece, Washington, D.C. Please accept and convey our personal sense of loss and deep grief in the demise of Dr. McKay. His was a towering figure in the field of spirit and a source of inspiration to all those who have known him however fleetingly. My wife and I join you in mourning the passing of a great man. —John Zoinis, Greek Ambassador to Turkey Please accept my deepest condolences at the passing of David McKay. His memory will forever live on as a fearless fighter for justice and for peace between men everywhere. —Lt. Gen. Y Rabin, Ambassador of Israel, Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. McKay: Mrs. Jordan joins me in extending to you and your family our deepest sympathies and condolences over the death of President McKay, one of the most distinguished American religious leaders of our times and your devoted partner in marriage for most of this century. The flood of messages that you will receive from great and humble people throughout the world will prove reassuring to you and will testify to the great esteem with which President McKay was regarded by people of all stations in life, both within and without the church of your faith. His warmth, his dignity of bearing, his reasonable attitude, his simple eloquence, his dedication, all stamped him as a church official of true distinction. The Mormon Church achieved its greatest growth in membership and influence during his administration, which began at the age of 77 when many men have closed the book upon their public affairs. — Len B. Jordan, United States Senator from Idaho As a young man of 17 it was my privilege to first meet Elder McKay when he was an apostle of the Church and I was preparing for a mission to which I had been called in England. Elder McKay at that time was the favorite of all the missionaries in the mission home of the numerous speakers who addressed us during the two-week training period. From 1931 until the present time I have never had occasion to question the inspired leadership of this wonderful man. — Del Clawson, U.S. Congressman from California Alofa Village grieves the loss of its chief. — Sauniatu Village Council, Samoa My Maori people join me in sorrow at the death of President McKay. Please accept and convey to your Church our sincere sympathy. — Te Atairangikaaho, New Zealand Being much grieved to learn of the great loss the Mormon Church suffered by the death of late President David Mc- Kay, I extend to you sincere condolences and sympathy. —Siegfried von Nostilz, German Consul General, San Francisco The principles and philosophies he exemplified are those which not only account for the strength and influence of his church, but which are essential to sound societies and great nations. The inspiration he gave to the membership of the Church as a leader, and to those of us privileged to know him as a man of character and wisdom, is a legacy of unequaled value. — General Lewis B. Hershey, former director of the U.S. Selective Service, Washington, D.C. Be it a spiritual order of the National Board of Directors, in joint session, on January 21st, 1970. That in reverence to our late member, it is so ordered, that the coming project of the Scottish American Society, Inc. Home for our Aged, when built within the area of our Nation's Capital, be herein stated and called The David O. McKay S.A.A. Home forever in his memory. — Stanley Waldorf Mackenzie, founder and national chairman. The Scottish American Society Inc.. Washington. D.C. We express our deepest sympathies on the passing of President David Oman McKay. The world has lost a great religious leader. — Bishop Kenryu T. Suji, Buddhist Churches of America National, San Francisco, California I join you in sorrow and prayer as we thank God for the humble servant and the great leader with whom he blessed your Church. — Archbishop Iakovos, New York, New York I join the multitudes in paying tribute to a great leader who fulfilled God's plans for man on earth. — William D. Cocorinia, member of the Arch-diocesan Council, Greek Orthodox Church, North and South America The University of Utah has suffered a real loss in the passing of President McKay. He has been closely associated with the University ever since he entered as a student in 1894 and played on the varsity football team. I regard him as the University's most distinguished alumnus and we are grateful for his lifelong interest in the welfare of his alma mater. Our beautiful Pioneer Memorial Theatre will always be a monument to his interest and to his patronage of the fine arts. It is entirely fitting that a portrait should hang in the lobby of the theatre. Greater than all of these is what President McKay stood for. There has never been a greater friend to education than David O. McKay. Every child born in Utah since the turn of the century has benefited from this. It is a legacy that can never be measured and will continue into eternity. —James C. Fletcher, president, University of Utah I was saddened to learn of the death of President David O. McKay. The Mormon Church has lost a distinguished and great leader. He was loved and revered by all who knew him. His devoted service has left its mark upon the whole world. On behalf of the University, I offer our deepest sympathy to members of the Church and his immediate family. —William E. Davis, president, Idaho State University I was greatly grieved at the news of the death of President McKay. Christianity has lost a great and true advocate. His example of dedicated stewardship throughout his long life will remain as a beacon to those who come after him. —H. L. Hunt, Dallas, Texas Our hearts were saddened this morning by the news that our dear friend and great leader President David O. McKay had passed on to meet the Heavenly Father. The world and all of us will miss a great man and a great prophet. — Mary and Igor Gorin, New York, N.Y. The members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, my wife and I are deeply saddened by the passing of your great husband. It is an irreparable loss not only to the Mormon Church but to the world. — Eugene Ormandy, director of the Philadelphia Orchestra We mourn with you the passing of President McKay. In him we recognize an outstanding leader of his church whose advice and friendship to Scouting have been appreciated through the years. — Irving Fiest, President, Boy Scouts of America, and Alden G. Barber, Chief Scout Executive The passing of your great leader David O. McKay saddens all of us but reminds the world of his century of inspiring service to humanity and God. To you, the council, and his followers we send our deepest condolences and prayers for those who will continue his noble work. — E. Roland Harriman, American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C. It was with a deep sense of personal loss that I learned of President McKay's death. His was a warm, perceptive and inspiring spirit that enriched the lives of countless thousands throughout the world. It was my great privilege to have known him, to have received his counsel, and to have felt his influence in my life. May I extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy. — Lane W. Adams, executive vice-president, American Cancer Society The officers and directors of United States Steel join me in expressing our profound sorrow over the passing of President David O. McKay and share with you and our many associates in Utah the loss of a true friend and great spiritual leader. His life and work were an inspiration to all. — Edwin H. Gott, chairman of the board, U.S. Steel Corporation Our deepest sympathy is extended to you and your associates, and to the members of his family, on the passing of President McKay. — Richard P. Cooley, president, Wells Fargo Bank Few men of our day can offer such an example of obedience to the principles of Christianity as did President McKay. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew him. We will always cherish his memory and the realization that this man who stood for years as the spiritual leader of a strong, dynamic people has left us a rich heritage. He stands as an example to us all. He was a statesman, educator and spiritual leader, worthy of our admiration and respect. But most of all, his love of God and his devotion to his fellow man have set him out as one of the great leaders of our time. — Henry A. Thouron, president, Hercules Incorporated The passing of President McKay was a deep loss, not only to the members of his Church, but to all of those throughout the nation who had the privilege of admiring him. He was a truly great American and will be sadly missed. — James C. Hagerty, vice-president, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your late leader. I am sure that the memory of his rich and full life will live for many generations in the hearts and minds of those who were touched by his. — A. W. Clausen, president, Bank of America Please accept our deep sympathy. I'm sure there are few men in the world today more loved and respected. Few men have ever had the widespread influence for good or so effectively emulated the teachings of Jesus Christ as did David O. McKay. He was a great man. — Frank E. Barnett, chairman of the board, Union Pacific Railroad Company Sincere sympathy in the loss of your great leader. — National Council of Women of United States, New York, N.Y. My deepest sympathy with you in the loss of a very wonderful president. — Stella Reading, dowager marchioness of Reading, London, England |
People from all walks of life passed by the funeral bier, where President McKay's body lay in state in the Church Office Building
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"Memories of a Prophet--David O. McKay." Improvement Era. February 1970. pg. 24, 72-73.
Memories of a Prophet Legion are the stories, incidents, personal experiences and observations, worthy of report, concerning President David O. McKay. The following are only a handful of many such remembrances that suggest in a small way the nature of the man and his soul. "There are men whose very presence warms the heart. President McKay is one of them. I spoke from the heart when, in the middle of a commencement address I was giving at Brigham Young University, I turned to him on the platform and said, 'David McKay, almost thou persuadest me to be a Mormon.' " — The late Cecil B. DeMille "I recall a heart-stopping moment when as the aged President McKay mounted the platform to address a group, he tripped on the stairs. There was a gasp from the people. But he stood up and faced the audience with that irrepressible smile. 'It's awful to grow old,' he said ruefully, 'but I prefer it to the alternative.' " — Norman Vincent Peale "Some years ago I was privileged to participate in a meeting of President McKay and Walter Reuther, a very powerful labor leader in the United States, who was accompanied by his wife and two daughters. The meeting in the President's office was pleasant and informal with reference to a farm experience of his youth and how it related to principles of truth. There was no posturing or posing or declaiming or any effort at all on the President's part to appear to be filling a role. As always, he was warm and friendly and natural in his conversation and companionship. After we had left President McKay, Mr. Reuther walked with me a few steps. He had a tear in his eye as he said to me that he had enjoyed the association of many men of great prominence in America and other parts of the world, but, said he, 'I never met a man like that.' A few minutes later Mr. Reuther said, 'I do not think our generation will ever produce a man like that.' At a luncheon held a little later, he repeated those remarks verbatim." —Elder Marion D. Hanks, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve "While attending the New Zealand Temple dedicatory services in 1958, I was walking down a hallway in the temple when a friend intercepted me and invited me to step inside a room. I was overwhelmed to notice that the only other people in the room were President and Sister McKay. My friend said, 'President McKay, this is one of our returned New Zealand missionaries, Brother Simpson.' The President extended his firm right hand, and placing his left hand on my shoulder, looked into my eyes and, more than that, into every fiber of my being. After a few seconds, he gave my hand a friendly pump, my shoulder a squeeze, and said, 'Brother Simpson, I am pleased to know you.' Not 'I am pleased to meet you,' but 'pleased to know you.' During the ensuing days and weeks, the memory of this introduction kept recurring. Approximately three months later, while sitting in my office in Los Angeles, my telephone rang and the voice on the other end of the line said, 'This is David O. McKay speaking.' He said that based on our interview, he had felt impressed to issue a call to return with my family to New Zealand to preside over the people I loved so much." —Bishop Robert L. Simpson of the Presiding Bishopric "In Salt Lake City one Thursday afternoon, a Sunday School class had been granted the great favor of an appointment with the President. Unfortunately, he was called to the hospital where his brother, Thomas E., lay critically ill. The children were naturally disappointed. A member of the Council of the Twelve greeted the class and talked with them. "Many busy men would have considered the matter closed, but the next Sunday morning found President McKay driving eight miles to a small chapel south of the city. Entering the building he inquired where this particular class met. Imagine the thrill experienced in that little classroom when the door opened and the President of the Church walked in. After explaining why he was not in his office when they called, he shook hands with the teacher and with each one of the children and left his blessings. " 'I want you children to know,' he said, 'that the President of the Church keeps his appointments if at all possible.' " — Story told by Glen Snarr, Murray, Utah "I remember being in New York when President McKay returned from Europe. Arrangements had been made for pictures to be taken, but the regular photographer was unable to go, so in desperation the United Press picked their crime photographer—a man accustomed to the toughest type of work in New York. He went to the airport, stayed there two hours, and returned later from dark room with a tremendous sheaf of pictures. He was supposed to take only two. His boss immediately chided him, 'What in the world are you wasting time and all those photographic supplies for?' "The photographer replied very curtly, saying he would gladly pay for the extra materials, and they could even dock him for the extra time he took. It was obvious that he was very touchy about it. Several hours later the vice-president called him to his office, wanting to learn what happened. The crime photographer said, 'When I was a little boy, my mother used to read to me out of the Old Testament, and all my life I have wondered what a prophet of God must really look like. Well, today I found one.' " — Arch L. Madsen, president of Bonneville International Corporation "I have loved President McKay for a long, long time—since the winter of 1912-13 when Brother McKay came to Los Angeles to see us who had lost our homes in Mexico due to the revolution. He came to Sunday School, and he took a glass of how clear and beautiful the water was, and then he dropped a drop of ink in the water, and it was clouded all through. He said to us little fellows, 'That is what sin does to a life.' I have ever since then been trying to keep that sin out of my life." —Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve "In the dedicatory service for the Samoan Saints at the New Zealand Temple, President McKay asked Brother Lafe Poilupi if he could translate the dedicatory prayer to be given by President McKay from English into the Samoan language. Brother Poilupi answered humbly by saying, 'I can do it if you will bless me.' President McKay answered, 'I do bless you.' Although Brother Poilupi had not heard the prayer previously nor seen a copy of it, he interpreted the prayer perfectly, according to those well acquainted with both Samoan and English. He never hesitated nor did he ever need to correct himself." — Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve "The phrase 'McKay weather' was not an unusual one in those years when the President was traveling throughout the world as the new President of the Church. Typical of the stories is this incident when President McKay asked me to accompany him to the South Pacific. We were refueling at Canton Island, 1,800 miles south of Honolulu. The President was up bright and early and in his seat when I sat beside him. "He said, 'You see those black flags out there? Word has come that there is a hurricane in our pathway toward the south.' We were concerned, but we took off and landed safely 1,200 miles later in Fiji that evening. General Authorities in their seats at the funeral "When we arrived at the cable office, the man was most concerned and asked, 'When did you arrive?' We answered, 'Just this evening.' 'Oh, you are the people who came through the hurricane !' 'What do you mean?' we asked. "He took us to a large map of the Pacific and said, 'As you were going south a very severe hurricane that had caused the rerouting of all military planes was moving exactly in your pathway, but all of a sudden—and they haven't been able to explain it—the hurricane veered out about 200 miles to the west, stayed there for about two hours, and then moved right back about 200 miles into its original pathway. That time allowed you to come through with no difficulty,' he said. "As we walked to the hotel, President McKay said, 'That was the hand of the Lord that reached out and made it safe for us to come through.' " —Franklin J. Murdoch, Church travel agent |
Scenes at funeral and viewing
Sister Emma Ray McKay, in front of funeral bier, listens to funeral tributes
Mourners wait for a moment's glance at the funeral bier
General Authorities in their seats at the funeral
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"The Poetry of David O. McKay." Improvement Era. February 1970. pg. 78-79.
The Poetry of David O. McKay President David O. McKay as a poet delighted family and friends with his personal poems to them. In answer to a homesick son on a mission, he wrote a lengthy poem of comfort and advice, concluding with: Old Time passes quickly—too quickly, my lad, As into our lives he throws good and bad; 'Twill be but a span ere your wish you'll possess, And Mother and Bobbie you will fondly caress. Be yours then to say, in that moment of bliss, As loved ones you greet with a pure loving kiss; Though waves of temptation around me did roll, They but tempered my manhood; untainted's my soul! His love for babies, sincere and beautiful, has been expressed in a choice gem that begins: Sweet, innocent, heavenly treasure, Spirit offspring of God from above, Gift of an All-Wise Creator, Expression of heavenly love! Thou stirrest my soul with emotion, I feel nearer God and the right; For nothing is half so inspiring, As a baby dressed in white. . . . President McKay called his younger daughter, Emma Rae, his "ray of sunshine," and when she left home for the first time in order to accept a teaching position at McCammon, Idaho, her cheerful laugh was missed very much around the house. Her father wrote the following poem: Emma Rae's Away Lonesome seems the home today, yet four of us are here! The sun is shining brightly, yet there's an absence, sure, of cheer! Mother—tearful—still is smiling, and the boys pretend to play, But home is not the same—now that Emma's gone away! Yesterday, I thought I heard the front door open wide, For a moment, I'd forgotten, and in ecstacy I cried "Back so soon, my sunbeam! We've missed you all the day!" Then the shadow settled o'er me, for Emma's far away. It isn't at the mealtime that we miss your features fair, (To speak the truth full freely, you were seldom there:) Nor is it at the telephone where one must always stay, To answer friends and schoolmates, "Emma Rae's away." It's in the mind, the thought, the feeling, In every heartbeat an appealing For the merry voice that brightened all the day-- Still remains that lonely yearning, for Emma Rae's away. Twenty happy summers! why do years so quickly fly. Why do circumstances challenge our wish to have you nigh? Your cheerful soul and laughter made home a summer day, But now the leaves are turning—Emma Rae's away. Hasten the day, old Hand of Time, when our children no more roam! Bring back each as sweet and pure, as each left the childhood home! Till then, pass, Time, like lightning: as arrows speed the day! E'en then weeks move as oxcarts, while loved ones are away. President McKay's delightful sense of humor is expressed in a poem in his beloved Scotch. The poem, to President Rudger Clawson, is entitled: A Scotch Answer Your letter's before me awaiting reply-- The ane to the "Scotchman sometimes called McKai." I'm sure that you think I've neglekit you sairly An' I'll no say myself that I've treated you fairly. I beg ye'll forgive this unseemly delay-- Ye ken weel that I've traveled for months far away; Then, besides, ye have been in this auld British land, So ye realize truly hoo much wark there's in hand. Ye ask for a rug wi' good pattern an' brown, Wi' a bouncin' good discount for cash paid right down: But do ye no ken hoo the Scots lo'e the penny? A discount! My word! It's gay hard to get any! But I found a true friend wi' rugs good and new, Whom I telt 'twas a present I'm buyin' for you. Said he: "Here's a tartan, the real, real McKai; Since it's you, I'll gi'e discount." Said I, "It's a buy." Sae, noo, beloved brither, accept frae us twa, This Scotch steamer rug. When frosty winds blaw, Just wrap yersel warmly frae feet tae yer thigh, An' gie a kind thought tae yer friends called McKay. —David O. and Emma Ray The affection, love, and devotion of David O. McKay for his sweetheart were expressed to her on birthdays, Christmas, and on other occasions in words, actions, and in writing. Sister McKay expressed her joy in receiving from her sweetheart "heart-petals in rhyme" with which he continued to woo her. To My Sweetheart on Our Golden Anniversary Old Time leaves his mark by wrinkling the brow, And by turning dark tresses to gray; Many changes he makes between Then and the Now As he silently rolls on his way. But some things grow sweeter as years come and go, For in essence they're really divine; That this is a fact I assuredly know, For these virtues transcendent are thine. Your sweetness and love, refinement of soul, Have been enhanced by each passing year; With loved ones around you, yours is the goal That brings heavenly joys very near. What I'm trying to say in this slow, limping verse Is, you're fifty times dearer as Sweetheart today That when you consented "for better or worse" To be my companion for aye! On Mother's Day Our children, God bless them, Are a credit and true— I marvel to think how You mother'd them through Measles and mumps, Scarlet fever and cold-- And the hundreds of rhymes And fairy tales told! Ever patient, untiring, Devotedly true-- Every virtue of mother God has given to you. Oft alone, without husband, Your family to raise, The world of your training Speaks only in praise. |
Enjoying an old-time surrey ride at Brigham Young University's motion picture studio, 1953
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"David O. McKay: Ninth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Instructor. February 1970. pg. 34-35.
DAVID O. MCKAY Ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints September 8, 1873—January 18, 1970 The world was saddened one calm Sunday morning in January, 1970, by the death of President David O. McKay, ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—the prophet, seer, and revelator for nearly three million members. His official calling to be a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles came 64 years ago. Trained as a teacher, missionary, and Sunday School stake and general officer, he later became fourth general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union. His administration as President was characterized by the expansion of the missionary system into most of the earth, the building of temples abroad, the erection of meetinghouses in foreign lands, and the creation of numerous stakes and wards throughout the Church. His uplifting spiritual influence upon the teaching of the gospel to the membership of the Church was of the very essence of his ministry. A friend of presidents, potentates, and ecclesiastics, and a man of compassion, love, and understanding for the poor, the dejected, and the misunderstood, he was universally regarded as a great spiritual leader among men. Buildings have been named in his memory; paintings, mosaics, and sculptured portraits created in his honor; books and articles written of his ministry; degrees and citations awarded him; yet no honor excels the love and affection of the hundreds and thousands who knew him as a humble, warm, dedicated servant of our Heavenly Father's children. An example to all the world is found in his intimate life with his family. Love and respect for each other, dedication to the teachings of the Master, and the same peace he asked for the nations of the earth, were all a part of his home. The Sunday School membership join as one heart, heavy with grief, in an expression of love and reassurance to their general superintendent, David Lawrence McKay, in the passing of his father, and to his mother, sisters, brothers, and other members of his family in the personal loss each has sustained. Their lives and all of ours have been blessed by the influence of this great man who has kept the commandments of our Heavenly Father. —Lynn S. Richards, First Asst. General Superintendent. No individual has had such a marked influence on the Sunday School as has President McKay. He joined the general superintendency as second assistant in 1906. He served as general superintendent from 1918 until 1934. As a member of the First Presidency and as President of the Church he has maintained an abiding interest in the growth and welfare of the Sunday School. With his background in education and his teaching ability he oriented the Sunday School toward effective teaching. Where it had previously been child and youth centered, he recognized the opportunity of tying the whole family into a teaching situation in which members of all ages could worship and learn together. His interest in preserving the integrity of the family has characterized his life and has left its imprint on the curriculum of the Sunday School. He has expanded the foundation on which the Sunday School can build. He has expressed his deep concern that the Sunday School continue to move forward in its course. His example inspires every Latter-day Saint to be part of a Sunday School where not only is the gospel taught to each member of the family, but where a sincere effort is made to help each individual in the family apply in his life the teachings of our Savior. —Royden G. Derrick, Second Asst. General Superintendent. All members of the Sunday School general board, who form the editorial committee of The Instructor, express their sorrow at the passing of President David O. McKay, our beloved leader and editor. President McKay's articles and editorials have graced the pages of The Instructor since he joined the general superintendency in 1906. His writings have been the best-loved contributions to this magazine. His statement in our September issue, 1967, breathed his optimism: "Since I was a small boy, I have been associated with the Sunday School, and that is a full life. . . . Only success is ahead for the Sunday School. I see no failure, only success!" We honor the life of David O. McKay by helping to fulfill that glorious prophecy.—Lorin F. Wheelwright, Associate Editor. |
"In Memoriam--President David O. McKay." Relief Society Magazine. March 1970. pg. 164-167.
In Memoriam PRESIDENT DAVID OMAN MCKAY (September 8, 1873—January 18, 1970) Relief Society members throughout the world mourn the passing of their beloved Prophet and President on the Sabbath morning of January 18, 1970. For nearly nineteen years he has served as President of the Church, and for more than seventeen years prior to being sustained as President, he was a member of The First Presidency. He was named a member of the Council of the Twelve in 1906. Ever demonstrating in word and deed the larger vision, the deeper insight, the greater understanding, the impact of his inspired counsel and firm direction have been dominant factors in the growth and expansion of the Church and also of Relief Society which today numbers 325,042 members in sixty-two countries of the world. The influence of his teachings upon Relief Society women of many nations has given purpose to their lives, strengthened and beautified their homes, improved their family relationships, and increased their testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel as well as their devotion to Church service. Nor has he taught by precept alone. His example has given proof of the truthfulness of his words. " 'A happy home is a heaven on earth' is one of President McKay's favorite comparisons," said his daughter-in- law, Sister Mildred C. McKay. President and Sister McKay have maintained a hospitable, righteous, and happy home, where love for one another, love of family, of friends, and love of God have prevailed. He has clearly denned for women their divine mission on earth: Though woman's life is filled with almost everything which is good and lovely, it is not difficult to choose the two activities that are paramount in her world. . . . Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill. . . . Next to motherhood, woman attains her highest glory in the realm of compassionate service. ("The Highest and Best in Woman's Realm," The Relief Society Magazine, January 1940, pp. 17-22.) In seeking his counsel, the General Presidency found him approachable, affable, courteous, understanding of their needs and problems, but always clear and firm in his directives which reflected the inspired guidance of the Lord, to which he was entitled as God's chosen leader of his Church. President McKay's respect for woman was evident in the lofty position he accorded her in the Church as well as in his everyday relationships with her. In a comparatively recent meeting with him, as President Spafford rose to leave, President McKay with great effort due to his physical condition started to arise. One of the brethren reached out to restrain him, saying it was not necessary for him to stand. Promptly President McKay replied, "I always stand when a lady leaves the room." Today Relief Society has perhaps the most beautiful headquarters building of any woman's organization in the world. It was in September 1945 that President George Albert Smith, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and President David O. McKay authorized the Relief Society Presidency to launch the building program. It was a happy day in October 1952 when President David O. McKay advised the Relief Society Presidency, just prior to the opening of the Relief Society General Conference, that The First Presidency, President David O. McKay, President Stephen L Richards, and President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., had granted Relief Society the choice site on the corner of Main Street and North Temple on which to erect the headquarters building. It was with rejoicing that the Relief Society women assembled on October 1953 in the shadow of the temple for the ground breaking ceremony, with President McKay turning the first shovel of dirt. On that occasion President McKay reminded us: No matter how commodious it may be, no matter how well-furnished the rooms, no matter how great the convenience of the furnishings, the house itself with all equipment is but a means to an end, and that end is the establishment in the hearts of the membership of the Church of a testimony of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. ... It is the means to a glorious end, the salvation of our Father's children. . . . And so this house becomes a means of furthering the work of the great Relief Society, the very heart and purpose of which is to bring happiness and peace into the homes and the hearts of the Latter-day Saints. (The Relief Society Magazine, 1954, p. 805,) It was a sacred and impressive occasion when President McKay on October 3, 1956 offered the dedicatory prayer from the Relief Society Building. We commend to Relief Society women the world over a careful reading of this prayer which appears in the Relief Society Magazine, November 1956, page 788, from which are quoted a few excerpts: More potent for the good and happiness of the Church members than we realize are the Priesthood Quorums for the men, and the Auxiliary organizations for the women. These Thou hast placed in the Church for mutual service. In serving one another, we serve our Lord and Savior, who himself hath said: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." On this memorable occasion, we praise thy name for the organization of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the thousands of loyal, faithful, beautiful women who compose its membership. Their devotion to duty is never-ending; their loyalty to Thee and to Thy Priesthood unquestioned; their administrations to the sick and to the needy, untiring; their sympathetic, gentle services give hope to the dying, comfort and faith to the bereaved. O Father, bless these, thy choice, beloved Handmaidens! The Lord has blessed his handmaidens. He has blessed his Relief Society. He has blessed it through his divinely guided Prophets and Presidents since the day of its founding. The earthly mission of President McKay is finished. His responsibilities now must pass to other hands, but his contribution to the growth and advancement of the Church, the guidance he has given Relief Society, and the honor and respect he has accorded the women of the Church will ever remain a light and a blessing. Our hearts reach out in love and sympathy to Sister McKay whose influence on his life as wife and mother of his children and companion in service to the Church has been a blessing to him. Her devotion to Relief Society has been an enduring one, and her example of righteous Latter-day Saint womanhood has been a guiding light to countless Relief Society sisters. It is our earnest prayer that the comforting influence of the Lord will ever abide with Sister McKay and every member of the McKay family. |
Richards, Lynn S. "Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men." Instructor. October 1970. pg. 379.
Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men by First Asst. General Superintendent Lynn S. Richards David O. McKay The fourth general Sunday School superintendent was David O. McKay, who was appointed by President Heber J. Grant on November 27, 1918. One of his close associates in the Sunday School work was A. Hamer Reiser, who describes President McKay's talents for motivating and inspiring the confidence of people: Obedient to his firm respect for the order of the Church, his counsel to members has always been to use the established order, to go to bishops and stake presidents, and to rely upon the Lord. His advocacy of overcoming the animal nature and cultivating the spiritual nature; his encouragement of self-control and of reliance upon the Lord; his advice to reject self pity; and his oft-repeated encouragement to become "partakers of the divine nature” are familiar themes of his advice to individual members of the Church.[1] President McKay had clearly in mind the purposes and future of the Sunday School. Among others, he lists the following two: "The Sunday School looks forward to the time when in every class in Sunday School, the principles of punctuality, courtesy, self-control, respect for authority, studiousness, responsiveness and particularly reverence and worship, will so impregnate the atmosphere that even the dullard, by absorption, will be benefited. "The Sunday School looks forward to the time when every teacher . . . will have within his or her mind a sincere and prayerful desire to awaken within at least one heart every Sunday . . . the desire to achieve mastery over weak and selfish indulgences ... a hope in the boys to become noble characters; in the girls, to become modest, beautiful women . . . to awaken a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which brings happiness in this life and salvation throughout eternity."[2] [1] "Sunday School Pioneer," by A. Hamer Reiser, The Instructor, September, 1966, page 336. [2] "President David O. McKay . . . Father of the Modern Sunday School," by George R. Hill, The Instructor, September, 1960, page 315. |
DAVID O. McKAY
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