George F. Richards
Born: 23 February 1861
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 9 April 1906
Called as Acting Presiding Patriarch: 8 October 1937
Released as Acting Presiding Patriarch: 3 October 1942
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 21 May 1945
Died: 8 August 1950
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 9 April 1906
Called as Acting Presiding Patriarch: 8 October 1937
Released as Acting Presiding Patriarch: 3 October 1942
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 21 May 1945
Died: 8 August 1950
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 May 1906, Apostle George Franklin Richards
Improvement Era, August 1916, Portrait of George F. Richards
Improvement Era, December 1917, A Word from President George F. Richards
Improvement Era, April 1932, Greatness in Men--George F. Richards
Instructor, January 1935, Elder George F. Richards
Instructor, February 1943, Boyhood Experiences - George F. Richards
Improvement Era, July 1945, The President of the Quorum of the Twelve--George Franklin Richards
Improvement Era, July 1945, George F. Richards, President of the Quorum of the Twelve
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, President George F. Richards
Improvement Era, February 1950, President George F. Richards and His Scouting Family
Improvement Era, September 1950, George F. Richards
Relief Society Magazine, October 1950, President George F. Richards
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 May 1906, Apostle George Franklin Richards
Improvement Era, August 1916, Portrait of George F. Richards
Improvement Era, December 1917, A Word from President George F. Richards
Improvement Era, April 1932, Greatness in Men--George F. Richards
Instructor, January 1935, Elder George F. Richards
Instructor, February 1943, Boyhood Experiences - George F. Richards
Improvement Era, July 1945, The President of the Quorum of the Twelve--George Franklin Richards
Improvement Era, July 1945, George F. Richards, President of the Quorum of the Twelve
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, President George F. Richards
Improvement Era, February 1950, President George F. Richards and His Scouting Family
Improvement Era, September 1950, George F. Richards
Relief Society Magazine, October 1950, President George F. Richards
Jenson, Andrew. "Richards, George Franklin." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 544-545.
RICHARDS, George Franklin, .second counselor to Hugh S. Gowans in the presidency of the Tooele Stake of Zion, was born Feb. 23, 1861, in Farmington, Davis county, Utah, son of , Franklin D. Richards and Nanny Longstroth. He was baptized Oct. 2, 1873, by Oliver L. Robinson and confirmed the same day by Abraham Rose. He graduated from the University of Deseret in English language and literature, in June, 1881; took up a course in mathematics the following year in the same institution, and after carrying the same for six months, he gave up school for a position with the Utah Central (now the O. S. L. railway) as clerk in the lumber, carpenter and car building department, which occupation he held until October, 1882. As an inducement to stay longer he was offered promotion and increased wages, but duty called him elsewhere. While but a boy of fifteen years he was called to labor as a Ward teacher and at that age received his endowments in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, June 5, 1876, and was ordained an Elder at the same time by Franklin D. Richards. He was frequently called upon to act as arbitrator and reconciliator in the settlement of difficulties existing between his neighbors. March 9, 1882, he married Miss Alice A. Robinson, daughter of Oliver L. Robinson and Lucy Miller, of Farmington, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. While residing at Farmington he acted as clerk of the Elders' quorum, Ward teacher. Stake home missionary, president of Y. M. M. I. A., etc., and he was ordained a Seventy Feb. 3, 1884, by Seymour B. Young. In 1885 he purchased a farm in Plymouth (now Fielding), Box Elder county, where he resided until Jan. 31, 1888, when he moved to Tooele, Tooele county, where he has since resided, and where he has filled many important positions. He has acted as secretary and later as chairman of the school district board of trustees, chairman of the board of trustees for the Tooele Irrigation Company; director and treasurer (for 11 years) of the Tooele City Water Company, and was Tooele county's representative in the State legislature of 1899-1900. Ecclesiastically he has held the position of Sunday school teacher, Ward teacher, home missionary, etc. He was ordained a High Priest Jan. 29, 1890, by Francis M. Lyman and set apart as second counselor to Pres. Hugh S. Gowans in the presidency of the Tooele Stake; was ordained a Patriarch under the hands of Elder Francis M. Lyman, July 23, 1893. He has administered patriarchal blessings to nearly three hundred people, performed many ordinations, blessings of children and administrations to the sick. Elder Richards, though but forty years of age, is the father of eleven children, nine of whom are still living.
RICHARDS, George Franklin, .second counselor to Hugh S. Gowans in the presidency of the Tooele Stake of Zion, was born Feb. 23, 1861, in Farmington, Davis county, Utah, son of , Franklin D. Richards and Nanny Longstroth. He was baptized Oct. 2, 1873, by Oliver L. Robinson and confirmed the same day by Abraham Rose. He graduated from the University of Deseret in English language and literature, in June, 1881; took up a course in mathematics the following year in the same institution, and after carrying the same for six months, he gave up school for a position with the Utah Central (now the O. S. L. railway) as clerk in the lumber, carpenter and car building department, which occupation he held until October, 1882. As an inducement to stay longer he was offered promotion and increased wages, but duty called him elsewhere. While but a boy of fifteen years he was called to labor as a Ward teacher and at that age received his endowments in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, June 5, 1876, and was ordained an Elder at the same time by Franklin D. Richards. He was frequently called upon to act as arbitrator and reconciliator in the settlement of difficulties existing between his neighbors. March 9, 1882, he married Miss Alice A. Robinson, daughter of Oliver L. Robinson and Lucy Miller, of Farmington, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. While residing at Farmington he acted as clerk of the Elders' quorum, Ward teacher. Stake home missionary, president of Y. M. M. I. A., etc., and he was ordained a Seventy Feb. 3, 1884, by Seymour B. Young. In 1885 he purchased a farm in Plymouth (now Fielding), Box Elder county, where he resided until Jan. 31, 1888, when he moved to Tooele, Tooele county, where he has since resided, and where he has filled many important positions. He has acted as secretary and later as chairman of the school district board of trustees, chairman of the board of trustees for the Tooele Irrigation Company; director and treasurer (for 11 years) of the Tooele City Water Company, and was Tooele county's representative in the State legislature of 1899-1900. Ecclesiastically he has held the position of Sunday school teacher, Ward teacher, home missionary, etc. He was ordained a High Priest Jan. 29, 1890, by Francis M. Lyman and set apart as second counselor to Pres. Hugh S. Gowans in the presidency of the Tooele Stake; was ordained a Patriarch under the hands of Elder Francis M. Lyman, July 23, 1893. He has administered patriarchal blessings to nearly three hundred people, performed many ordinations, blessings of children and administrations to the sick. Elder Richards, though but forty years of age, is the father of eleven children, nine of whom are still living.
Jenson, Andrew. "Richards, George Franklin." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 772-773.
RICHARDS, George Franklin, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. (Continued from Vol. I, page 544). By invitation from President Joseph F. Smith, Elder Geo. F. Richards, with wife and youngest child. accompanied the President and his party (about thirty people all told) on their pilgrimage to Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and was present on the 100th anniversary of the Prophet's birth (Dec. 23, 1905), when the beautiful granite monument, erected to the memory and honor of the Prophet, was unveiled and dedicated. Returning from this memorable trip the party visited Boston, Palmyra, Manchester, Cleveland, Kirtland, Chicago and Omaha. They also visited several points of historical interest to the Latter-day Saints, such as the home of the Prophet Joseph's parents in Manchester, the Sacred Grove, the Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, etc. The party left Salt Lake City Dec. 18, 1905, and returned Jan. 1, 1906. While residing in Tooele, Utah, Brother Richards engaged with his sons in the implement and lumber business, as well as farming. Being called to be a member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brother Richards was sustained in that position at the general conference of the Church held in Salt Lake City, April 8, 1906, and the next day (April 9th) he was ordained an Apostle by Pres. Joseph F. Smith, to fill the vacancy in the quorum of the Twelve occasioned by the death of Elder Marriner W. Merrill. Soon after his ordination to the apostleship, Bro. Richards was chosen as a member of the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A. and a member of the General Board of the Religion Classes. For several yep^-s he also acted as an advisory member of the General Board of Primary Associations. The duties of his calling necessitated his traveling extensively in the Stakes of Zion, from Canada on the north to Old Mexico on the south, and also in the missionary fields in the United States. Thus, in company with Pres. Joseph E. Robinson, he attended the conferences of the California Mission in the fall of 1906, in the spring of 1907, in the fall of 1909 and in the spring of 1915. During the latter part of 1906 and the fore part of 1907 he accompanied Pres. Nephi Pratt through the Northwestern States Mission, attending all of the conferences, and again in June, 1910, he attended the conferences held in the States of Oregon and Washington. In the spring of 1912, in company with President Samuel O. Bennion, he visited all the conferences of the Central States Mission. Having received a call from the First Presidency to preside over the European Mission, he was blessed and set apart for that position Aug. 5, 1916, by President Joseph F. Smith, and the following day, accompanied by his son George, the latter's wife and two smaller children, he left home for England. At that time England, including Canada, had been at war with Germany for two years and sea travel was consequently very dangerous, especially for British and Canadian steamships, but the Church, being under contract to patronize the Canadian Steamship Company's lines, Bro. Richards and those who were with him, sailed from Montreal for Liverpool on the C. S. Co.'s steamer "Corsican," and though the ship was sought after by the German submarines, no harm came to it on the voyage, as it reached Liverpool in safety Aug. 25, 1916. Upon the departure of Pres. Hyrum M. Smith for his home in Utah Sept. 1, 1916, Bro. Richards succeeded him as president of the European Mission. In February, 1919, his son George and family returned home. In March. 1919, President Richards, accompanied by his wife, visited the Netherlands, where they attended meetings in eight of the principal cities of that country. A persistent, but unsuccessful effort was made to obtain permission to visit Switzerland, the Swiss officials refusing to permit it. In June, 1919, Elder Geo. Albert Smith, who had been appointed to succeed Elder Richards as president of the European Mission, arrived in Liverpool with his family and took charge of the mission July 1st. President Richards, having been released to return home, left Liverpool a few days later, crossed the Atlantic in the ship "Melita" and arrived in Salt Lake City July 25, 1919, having been absent nearly three years.
RICHARDS, George Franklin, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. (Continued from Vol. I, page 544). By invitation from President Joseph F. Smith, Elder Geo. F. Richards, with wife and youngest child. accompanied the President and his party (about thirty people all told) on their pilgrimage to Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and was present on the 100th anniversary of the Prophet's birth (Dec. 23, 1905), when the beautiful granite monument, erected to the memory and honor of the Prophet, was unveiled and dedicated. Returning from this memorable trip the party visited Boston, Palmyra, Manchester, Cleveland, Kirtland, Chicago and Omaha. They also visited several points of historical interest to the Latter-day Saints, such as the home of the Prophet Joseph's parents in Manchester, the Sacred Grove, the Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, etc. The party left Salt Lake City Dec. 18, 1905, and returned Jan. 1, 1906. While residing in Tooele, Utah, Brother Richards engaged with his sons in the implement and lumber business, as well as farming. Being called to be a member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brother Richards was sustained in that position at the general conference of the Church held in Salt Lake City, April 8, 1906, and the next day (April 9th) he was ordained an Apostle by Pres. Joseph F. Smith, to fill the vacancy in the quorum of the Twelve occasioned by the death of Elder Marriner W. Merrill. Soon after his ordination to the apostleship, Bro. Richards was chosen as a member of the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A. and a member of the General Board of the Religion Classes. For several yep^-s he also acted as an advisory member of the General Board of Primary Associations. The duties of his calling necessitated his traveling extensively in the Stakes of Zion, from Canada on the north to Old Mexico on the south, and also in the missionary fields in the United States. Thus, in company with Pres. Joseph E. Robinson, he attended the conferences of the California Mission in the fall of 1906, in the spring of 1907, in the fall of 1909 and in the spring of 1915. During the latter part of 1906 and the fore part of 1907 he accompanied Pres. Nephi Pratt through the Northwestern States Mission, attending all of the conferences, and again in June, 1910, he attended the conferences held in the States of Oregon and Washington. In the spring of 1912, in company with President Samuel O. Bennion, he visited all the conferences of the Central States Mission. Having received a call from the First Presidency to preside over the European Mission, he was blessed and set apart for that position Aug. 5, 1916, by President Joseph F. Smith, and the following day, accompanied by his son George, the latter's wife and two smaller children, he left home for England. At that time England, including Canada, had been at war with Germany for two years and sea travel was consequently very dangerous, especially for British and Canadian steamships, but the Church, being under contract to patronize the Canadian Steamship Company's lines, Bro. Richards and those who were with him, sailed from Montreal for Liverpool on the C. S. Co.'s steamer "Corsican," and though the ship was sought after by the German submarines, no harm came to it on the voyage, as it reached Liverpool in safety Aug. 25, 1916. Upon the departure of Pres. Hyrum M. Smith for his home in Utah Sept. 1, 1916, Bro. Richards succeeded him as president of the European Mission. In February, 1919, his son George and family returned home. In March. 1919, President Richards, accompanied by his wife, visited the Netherlands, where they attended meetings in eight of the principal cities of that country. A persistent, but unsuccessful effort was made to obtain permission to visit Switzerland, the Swiss officials refusing to permit it. In June, 1919, Elder Geo. Albert Smith, who had been appointed to succeed Elder Richards as president of the European Mission, arrived in Liverpool with his family and took charge of the mission July 1st. President Richards, having been released to return home, left Liverpool a few days later, crossed the Atlantic in the ship "Melita" and arrived in Salt Lake City July 25, 1919, having been absent nearly three years.
Jenson, Andrew. "Richards, George Franklin." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 245-246, 318.
RICHARDS, Geo. F., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1913 to 1922, was born Feb. 23, 1861, in Farmington, Davis Co., Utah, a son of Franklin D. Richards and Nanny Longstroth. He was baptized Oct. 12, 1873, ordained an Elder by his father when only fifteen years old, and received his endowments in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. In 1888 he moved to Tooele, where he became a member of the presidency of the Tooele Stake and was ordained a Patriarch by Apostle Francis M. Lyman July 23, 1893, although only 31 years of age. Elder Richards was ordained an Apostle April 9, 1906, by Pres. Joseph F. Smith. He presided over the European Mission from 1916 to 1919, and since 1921 he has been president of the Salt Lake Temple. On March 9, 1882, in the Endowment House, he married Alice A. Robinson, daughter of Oliver L. Robinson and Lucy Miller, of Farmington, who has borne him fifteen children. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 544, and Vol. 3, p. 772.)
RICHARDS, George F., president of the British Mission from 1916 to 1919. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 544, and Vol. 3, p. 772.) Elder Richards has for many years been president of the Salt Lake Temple.
RICHARDS, Geo. F., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1913 to 1922, was born Feb. 23, 1861, in Farmington, Davis Co., Utah, a son of Franklin D. Richards and Nanny Longstroth. He was baptized Oct. 12, 1873, ordained an Elder by his father when only fifteen years old, and received his endowments in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. In 1888 he moved to Tooele, where he became a member of the presidency of the Tooele Stake and was ordained a Patriarch by Apostle Francis M. Lyman July 23, 1893, although only 31 years of age. Elder Richards was ordained an Apostle April 9, 1906, by Pres. Joseph F. Smith. He presided over the European Mission from 1916 to 1919, and since 1921 he has been president of the Salt Lake Temple. On March 9, 1882, in the Endowment House, he married Alice A. Robinson, daughter of Oliver L. Robinson and Lucy Miller, of Farmington, who has borne him fifteen children. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 544, and Vol. 3, p. 772.)
RICHARDS, George F., president of the British Mission from 1916 to 1919. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 544, and Vol. 3, p. 772.) Elder Richards has for many years been president of the Salt Lake Temple.
"Apostle George Franklin Richards." Juvenile Instructor. 15 May 1906. pg. 289-290.
APOSTLE GEORGE FRANKLIN RICHARDS. AT the recent general conference of the Church three new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were unanimously sustained. They were Elders George F. Richards, first counselor to President Hugh S. Gowans of the Tooele Stake of Zion; Bishop Orson F. Whitney, of the 18th Ward, Salt Lake City; and Elder David 0. McKay, Principal of the Weber Stake Academy, in Ogden. These brethren were ordained Apostles by President Joseph F. Smith, assisted by his counselors and the brethren of the Apostles on the day following their acceptance by the Church in general conference assembled. George Franklin Richards, was born February, 23d, 1861, in Farmington, Davis County, Utah. He is the son of Apostle Franklin D. Richards and his wife, Sister Nanny Longstroth Richards. Bro. Geo. F. Richards was baptized Oct. 12th, 1873, by Elder Oliver L, Robinson and confirmed the same day by Elder Abraham Rose. He graduated from the University of Deseret in English language and literature, in June, 1881; took up a course in mathematics the following year in the same institution, and after carrying the same for six months, he gave up school for a position with the Utah Central (now the Oregon Short Line) railway as clerk in the lumber, carpenter and car building department, which occupation he held until October, 1882. As an inducement to stay longer he was offered promotion and increased wages, but duty called him elsewhere. While but a boy of fifteen years he labored as a Ward teacher and at that age received his endowments in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, June 5th, 1876. and was ordained an Elder at the same time by his father. He was frequently called to act as arbitrator in the settlement of difficulties existing between his neighbors. March 9th, 1882, he married Miss Alice A. Robinson, of Farmington, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. While residing at Farmington he acted as clerk of the Elders' quorum, Ward teacher, Stake home missionary, president of the Y. M. M. I. A., etc. He was ordained a Seventy, Feb. 3d, 1884, by President Seymour B. Young. In 1885 he purchased a farm in Plymouth, Box Elder County, where he resided until Jan. 31st. 188S, when he moved to Tooele, Tooele County, where he has since resided, and where he has filled many important positions. He has acted as secretary and later as chairman of the school district board of trustees, chairman of the board of trustees for the Tooele Irrigation Company; director and treasurer (for 11 years) of the Tooele City Water Company; Treasurer of Tooele Co., one term of two years, and was Tooele County's representative in the State Legislature of 1899-1900. Ecclesiastically he has held the position of Sunday School teacher, Ward teacher, home missionary, etc. He was ordained a High Priest January, 29th, 1890, by President Francis M. Lyman and set apart as second counselor to President Hugh S. Gowans of the Tooele Stake; and later set apart as first counselor; was ordained a Patriarch under the hands of President Francis M. Lyman, July, 23d, 1893. He has administered patriarchal blessings to more than 350 people, performed many ordinations, blessings of children and other ordinances connected with bis priesthood. Elder Richards, though but forty five years of age, is the father of thirteen children, eleven of whom are still living. |
Apostle George F. Richards
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"Portrait of George F. Richards." Improvement Era. August 1916. pg. 933.
Recently called to preside over the European mission, to succeed President Hyrum M. Smith, who is to be released. Born February 23, 1861, at Farmington, Utah; baptized and confirmed October 12, 1873; ordained an Elder, June 5, 1876; a Seventy February 3 1884- a High Priest, June 29, 1890; a patriarch, July 23, 1893; and ordained an apostle April 9, 1906, by President Joseph F. Smith Elder Richards is a son of the late Apostle Franklin D. Richards and Nannie Longstroth. He graduated from the class in language and literature of the University of Deseret, June, 1881; and was later employed at the Utah Central railway as a clerk in the lumber, carpenter and car building department. In 1885, he purchased a farm in Plymouth, now Fielding, Box Elder county, where he resided until January 31, 1888, when he removed to Tooele county where he acted as second counselor to Hugh S. Gowans in the. presidency of the Tooele stake of Zion, being appointed to that position January 29, 189U. lie filled many important, civil, business and ecclesiastical Positions, including representative in the state legislature of 1899-1900. Elder Richards married Alice A. Robinson, March 9, 1882 and has a family of fifteen children, two of whom are dead. He has thirteen grand children living, and two dead. Elder Richards and wife take great pride and joy in their family, both in their numbers and in their devotion to the work of the Lord. Three of his sons and three of his daughters have been married in the temple of the Lord. |
ELDER GEORGE F. RICHARDS, OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE
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"A Word from President George F. Richards." Improvement Era. December 1917. pg. 171-172.
A Word from President George F. Richards
Readers of the Era will be delighted to peruse the following message from President George F. Richards, of the European Mission, 295 Edge Lane, Liverpool. It is dated October 24 and addressed to Elder Junius F. Wells, in answer to a letter which he sent recently to President Richards:
"A few lines from you, my dear brother, direct my thoughts homeward, and I am reminded that a commotion is going on in my native land of America, reaching even to the homes of the Saints in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. This cruel war into which our Nation is being initiated at such a break-neck speed, must be prosecuted to a successful termination for the protection of our own liberties and freedom and that of other countries not sufficiently strong to protect themselves. If there ever was a righteous war, I think this is one; and the righteousness of the cause is on the side of the Allies. Many of our M. I. A. boys are being called upon to unsheath the sword in the maintenance of their Country's rights and in defense of the principles of liberty and peace throughout the world. I am glad to know that some of them have as their leader Col. Richard W. Young, and as chaplain and spiritual adviser, our dear brother, Brigham H. Roberts, which will be a safeguard to many against certain evils incident to army life, almost more to be dreaded than the war itself.
"We are prosecuting our missionary work with a fair degree of success considering the limited number of missionaries employed. I hope to take part in the reconstruction which will follow the ending of the war. It is my belief that the purposes of the Lord concerning mankind and their future welfare, will be subserved through the present terrible strife and commotion, which is in the world. All eyes are directed towards the time and condition of peace which will be satisfactory and lasting; and the best minds of many nations will offer their contributions to that end. The Lord working with them, what may not be accomplished? With best wishes for your welfare and success, I am, sincerely your brother,
George F. Richards.
A Word from President George F. Richards
Readers of the Era will be delighted to peruse the following message from President George F. Richards, of the European Mission, 295 Edge Lane, Liverpool. It is dated October 24 and addressed to Elder Junius F. Wells, in answer to a letter which he sent recently to President Richards:
"A few lines from you, my dear brother, direct my thoughts homeward, and I am reminded that a commotion is going on in my native land of America, reaching even to the homes of the Saints in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. This cruel war into which our Nation is being initiated at such a break-neck speed, must be prosecuted to a successful termination for the protection of our own liberties and freedom and that of other countries not sufficiently strong to protect themselves. If there ever was a righteous war, I think this is one; and the righteousness of the cause is on the side of the Allies. Many of our M. I. A. boys are being called upon to unsheath the sword in the maintenance of their Country's rights and in defense of the principles of liberty and peace throughout the world. I am glad to know that some of them have as their leader Col. Richard W. Young, and as chaplain and spiritual adviser, our dear brother, Brigham H. Roberts, which will be a safeguard to many against certain evils incident to army life, almost more to be dreaded than the war itself.
"We are prosecuting our missionary work with a fair degree of success considering the limited number of missionaries employed. I hope to take part in the reconstruction which will follow the ending of the war. It is my belief that the purposes of the Lord concerning mankind and their future welfare, will be subserved through the present terrible strife and commotion, which is in the world. All eyes are directed towards the time and condition of peace which will be satisfactory and lasting; and the best minds of many nations will offer their contributions to that end. The Lord working with them, what may not be accomplished? With best wishes for your welfare and success, I am, sincerely your brother,
George F. Richards.
Hinckley, Bryant S. "Greatness in Men--George F. Richards." Improvement Era. April 1932. pg. 327-329, 342.
Greatness in Men George Franklin Richards By Bryant S. Hinckley President of Liberty Stake David, the sweet singer of Israel, wrote a note appropriate for use here: "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; That walketh in his ways .... Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house; Thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." GEORGE FRANKLIN RICHARDS' life has no failures, no dark shadows, no trace of faltering in the face of difficulties, no equivocating when there was a choice to be ;made between right and expediency, no yielding to insidious influences, however tempting, no deviating from the path of rectitude, no deserting of ideals. His life is marked by a constant, safe and steady marching forward. He has always stood on the side of right and justice, radiating hope, inspiring confidence, building up faith and shedding abroad the genial rays of love. Such a life is indeed a victorious one though it be neither spectacular nor highly colorful. George F. Richards is a son of the soil, , born in Farmington, Davis County, Utah, February 23, 1861. His father, Franklin Dewey Richards, president of the quorum of twelve apostles and church historian, was a man of learning and initiative. His mother, a woman of refinement and superior intelligence, came with her parents from England to Nauvoo when she was eleven years of age. Their son inherits his mellowness and sweetness of disposition from both sides. HE attended the schools of his native town and in 1881 was graduated from the University of Deseret (University of Utah) having passed successfully the course prescribed in English Language and Literature. Soon after his graduation he was employed as a clerk in the office of the Utah Central Railroad. He subsequently left the Railroad Company, against their desires, to engage in farming, which occupation he followed principally until he was called to the apostleship. In addition to farming and stock raising he engaged in the lumber and hardware business in Tooele. He was successful in all he undertook. From his boyhood he was active in the Church, as this brief record indicates. He was set apart and has served consecutively as elder, seventy, high priest and patriarch. For sixteen years he was counselor in the presidency of the Tooele Stake of Zion. IN April, 1906, he became a member of the council of twelve apostles. From 1916 to 1919 he presided over the European Mission. This was during the most turbulent days of the great World War. Conscriptions were so drastic that men were not available, consequently women did largely the work of the Church. At one time nearly three hundred women were doing such work. For eleven years he has been president of the Salt Lake Temple. Thus all his life the welfare of the Church has been his major concern. George F. Richards has been prominent in civil affairs, serving as county treasurer of Tooele County, chairman of the school board and a member of the state legislature. He is a man of lofty ideals but wise and prudent, always employing safe and practical methods to achieve his ends. Early in life he learned the meaning of hard work and felt the weight of responsibility. At an age when most boys are in high school he was doing a man's work. Referring to this he said: "Early in the spring of 1876 my older brother went on a mission to England and left me a yoke of oxen, a canyon cart, and chains. With these, although I was but fifteen years of age, in his absence I hauled wood from Farmington Canyon and traded it to the grist mill for grist stuff, to the molasses mill for molasses, and in this way provided for the family. With cord wood I paid a mason for laying up a stone wall four and one-half feet high on the south side of our lot. This was laid up with lime mortar. I hauled the lime, the rock and the sand with that yoke of oxen. We put an addition of two rooms on our house, the walls of which were built of adobe. I hauled all the material, tended the mason and assisted with the work. "The family used wood exclusively for fuel. I hauled the wood from the canyon and cut it into stove lengths for burning. "I engaged in all the ordinary sports of my day, playing marbles and baseball. Many a day I started for the canyon an hour or more before the stars quit shining in order to get my load of wood and be home for a four o'clock ball game." He was married to Alice Almira Robinson March 9, 1882. For fifty years they have walked hand in hand through sunshine and shadow and have faced the perplexities and vicissitudes of life without fear and with a settled and a conquering faith. They have made a home and reared a family that challenges the admiration of all who know them and of all who understand the fundamentals of life. Alice Almira Robinson is a brave and beautiful woman with a sweet and radiant spirit, the mother of fifteen children, ten daughters and five sons. Thirteen of these children are living. All of the boys have been on missions and the girls have all been married in the temple. This song of the poet finds glorious fulfillment in her life: "The bravest battle that ever was fought, Shall I tell you where and when? On the maps of the world you will find it not, 'Twas fought by the mothers of men. * * * * "Oh, ye with banners and battle-shot, And soldiers to shout and praise; I tell you the kingliest victories fought Were fought in those silent ways." THESE parents believe in the fireside, in the laughter of little children, in the gospel that builds happy, peaceful homes where the purest longings of the heart are best satisfied. They have carried this doctrine to a beautiful fruition. "Home, sweet home" finds response in every heart that has been touched with the comforting influence of a real home. That is the kind they have made. One never becomes acquainted with a family like this without being impressed with its fundamental value. To maintain the integrity of the home is the primary concern of the church and of the state. No people can rise higher than the level of its family life. What this country is going to amount to in the end depends upon what happens to its homes. If the family decays there is no magic by which you can save the church. Home-building is a fine art, the work of master craftsmen. The parents who create at the fireside the atmosphere in which strong men and noble women grow have created something finer than ever found expression in marble or bronze. The sublime creations of the artists which glorify the ages and immortalize the race are not comparable to the moulding of the eternal soul of man. To create a home where the souls of children are touched with the expanding power of a radiant faith; where there filters into their hearts the assurances that really great things can be accomplished if one goes steadfastly forward; where they hear in daily prayer and conversation: "Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed," is a supreme achievement. GEORGE F. RICHARDS and his wife have come as near doing this as any two people we know. Their sons are honorable men, men of faith, devotion and shining integrity—their daughters are noble women, kind, lovable, intelligent and true as steel. This is a blue ribbon family. These parents have made a real contribution to this Republic. Let us remember that boys and girls do not grow to the estate of noble manhood and womanhood just by chance. These parents have led the way and set the example— their leadership is not of the driving kind. Honesty, industry, affection and faith are enshrined in this home. These are the virtues that underlie all sound living, that purify, elevate and enrich this mortal life and make the world secure and happy. Following the death of the late beloved Anthon H. Lund, George F. Richards was made president of the Salt Lake Temple- It was a wise and happy choice. The tranquility of his mind and the serenity of his spirit are in harmony with the sanctity of the place over which he presides. He was set apart to this office by President Heber J. Grant on March 14, 1921, and immediately assumed the responsibilities of the office. For eleven years he has administered the affairs of that institution with gratifying results. During his presidency the work has gone steadily forward; the capacity of the temple has been enlarged, and the number of workers greatly increased until today the ordinances performed are many times greater than they were ten years ago. President Richards has gathered about him a corps of the most devoted and efficient workers and has, with his usual care and intelligence, organized the administrative side of the work and carries it out with quiet but business-like efficiency. All of this has contributed in a marked degree to the increasing interest and popularity of the sacred but significant service to which this institution is dedicated. Vicarious work for the dead is a distinct feature of the religion of the Latter-day Saints—no other church or people understand it. To one familiar with its far-reaching effects it is one of the most magnanimous and soul-satisfying doctrines ever preached or practiced by the followers of any prophet or philosopher in the modern world. The plan of salvation as comprehended by "Mormonism" is not limited by the grave; ,it reaches back to the ages that have gone, and forward into the eternities to come. UNDER the authorization of the Church, ordinances are performed in Holy Temples by the living for the dead. The Church maintains that on the farther side of the veil these ordinances are made applicable to the dead as they, by faith and repentance, become prepared to receive them. In other words: these ordinances, when properly performed, ^are made available and effective to those in the spirit world and they may accept or reject this work as they elect. It is purely a matter of choice. "Mormonism" accepts the glorious doctrine of the immortality of the soul and affirms that when we leave this sphere we go to a higher and a better world. Death may separate the husband and wife, parents and children; the resurrection, in its highest condition, re-unites them and restores all that was lost in the grave. The restoration and continuance of family ties beyond this mortal existence can only be brought about through ordinances performed in the temple by one divinely commissioned. By official appointment from the President of the Church Sister Richards directs the work of the women of the temple. She is, by nature and experience, eminently suited to this work. She fits admirably into the situation and thus shares the joy and honor which have come to her worthy husband in directing the work of the greatest temple built in this dispensation. GEORGE F. RICHARDS is a deeply religious, self-disciplined man, observing in detail and with fidelity, what he regards as his religious obligations; but he is very far from ,being a grim and dour Puritan who cannot smile. On the contrary, he is a pleasant and happy man who has a sane and discriminating mind and knows that every religious conviction must be tested by its effect upon one's .conduct. One's moral duties and responsibilities toward his neighbors, his vocation and his family he regards as inseparable from his religion. It is true he sets up lofty requirements for Church membership but he t is loyal in his observance of these requirements. He uses persuasively and wisely the influence of his great office and the power of his personality to get others to do the same. Both the motives and the means he employs to accomplish his purpose are the most unselfish. In all his discourses is reflected a clear and (deep understanding of the great fundamentals of the Gospel and a profound love for humanity. His loyalty to the truth and his devotion to the right, as he understands it, are unsurpassed. All his life he has sought the establishment and maintenance of the principles taught by the Master, believing sincerely that obedience to these principles is the way to enduring happiness and permanent peace. This is the motive and inspiration behind his endeavors. IT is gratifying to know that during his busy and serious life he has never permitted the spirit of play to die in his heart. You may, on an early summer morning, see on the Municipal Golf Course a gallant, kindly looking, genial man, rather compactly built and neatly attired in golf togs, now seventy-one years of age; his wife, sixty-eight, the mother of fifteen children, trimly and appropriately dressed, both dignified but in a care-free spirit, playing golf with some of their children. Brother and Sister Richards have just celebrated their golden wedding— these are indeed their golden days. He is as considerate and chivalrous toward his bride of fifty years ago as the day when ;first he won her hand. The romance of their early love is sweetened and sanctified by fifty years. There is something deeply satisfying and appealingly beautiful about lives of this kind. Isn't it a delightful thing to see people who have uncomplainingly done their share of the world's work and carried courageously .their full weight of life's responsibilities grow gracefully old together, and to walk hand in hand toward the setting sun, and as they journey hear the laughter of grand-children and to feel with Browning that "The best is yet to be?" Youth is not altogether a time of life—it is a state of mind. People grow old by deserting their ideals. "We are as young as our faith, as old as our despairs." The crowning work of George F. Richards' life and that of his noble wife; is the work which they are now doing in the temple. This is a glorious climax to their splendid careers. George F. Richards has a sweet, strong, delightfully poised and inwardly triumphant personality, typical of the best there is in "Mormonism". |
Franklin Dewey Richards and Nancy Longstroth Richards, parents of George Franklin Richards.
George F. Richards and his wife find many pleasant hours on the golf links.
George F. Richards and his five sons
Alice R. Richards surrounded by her eight daughters
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"Elder George F. Richards." Instructor. January 1935. pg. 2-3.
ELDER GEORGE F. RICHARDS Our cover picture this month is that of Elder George F, Richards, of the Council of the Twelve, whose warm words of appreciation for the Sunday School and The. Instructor are printed on our title page. Elder Richards has had an unusually active life. In business and civic affairs he has been entrusted with large interests which he faithfully and successfully served. In the Church he has come up through all the grades of the Priesthood and has filled many positions— in General Boards, Stake Presidency, Apostle, President of the European Mission, and at present, president of the Salt Lake Temple. In his younger years Brother Richards was a faithful and efficient Sunday School teacher, and as the father of a large and devoted family knows the community value of Sunday School work. We are honored in numbering him among the sincere friends of the great Sunday School cause. |
"Boyhood Experiences - George F. Richards." Instructor. February 1943. pg. 73.
By GEORGE F. RICHARDS
(To go with Lesson for October 3)
I was born in Farmington, Davis County, Utah, February 23, 1861, a son of Franklin D. Richards and Nannie Longstroth Richards. I lived in Farmington until I grew up to manhood.
At fifteen years of age my elder brother went upon a mission to England. He left me a yoke of oxen, a canyon cart, chains and an ax with which to haul wood from Farmington Canyon. This I did and not only furnished the fuel for the family but exchanged wood for molasses at the molasses mill and for flour at the grist mill. I also paid with cord wood a mason for building a stone wall four and a half feet high and eight or ten rods in length.
This same spring I was invited to go to the Endowment House in Salt Lake City and receive my endowments. I was ordained an Elder and received my endowments June 5, 1876.
Some time after this, my mother being very sick and groaning with pain, some of the leading brethren were called in and administered to her. She did not seem to be relieved of her suffering through their administration. When they had gone my mother called me to her bedside and requested me to administer to her. You can imagine how I felt, young as I was, and never having undertaken to ad- minister alone in that sacred ordinance. I went into another room and after shedding some tears and offering up a fervent prayer I returned to her room and performed the ordinance of administration as best I knew how. Although my prayer was brief the Lord heard my prayer and gave her immediate relief and peaceful sleep. You may imagine the gratitude I felt that the Lord would hear and answer the prayer of one so young and inexperienced in such a remarkable way.
I have always regarded this circumstance in my life as having been given of the Lord to show me that He honors the Priesthood when it is worthily held just as well in a young man or boy as in a man of mature years.
This was my first experience in the ministry of the Lord in the exercise of the Holy Priest hood. The Lord has been good to me since and has added to this blessing many, many similar ones, so that I do know that the Lord lives and that His Priesthood and authority is upon the earth and that the Lord honors it in those who honor Him, faithfully keeping His commandments.
By GEORGE F. RICHARDS
(To go with Lesson for October 3)
I was born in Farmington, Davis County, Utah, February 23, 1861, a son of Franklin D. Richards and Nannie Longstroth Richards. I lived in Farmington until I grew up to manhood.
At fifteen years of age my elder brother went upon a mission to England. He left me a yoke of oxen, a canyon cart, chains and an ax with which to haul wood from Farmington Canyon. This I did and not only furnished the fuel for the family but exchanged wood for molasses at the molasses mill and for flour at the grist mill. I also paid with cord wood a mason for building a stone wall four and a half feet high and eight or ten rods in length.
This same spring I was invited to go to the Endowment House in Salt Lake City and receive my endowments. I was ordained an Elder and received my endowments June 5, 1876.
Some time after this, my mother being very sick and groaning with pain, some of the leading brethren were called in and administered to her. She did not seem to be relieved of her suffering through their administration. When they had gone my mother called me to her bedside and requested me to administer to her. You can imagine how I felt, young as I was, and never having undertaken to ad- minister alone in that sacred ordinance. I went into another room and after shedding some tears and offering up a fervent prayer I returned to her room and performed the ordinance of administration as best I knew how. Although my prayer was brief the Lord heard my prayer and gave her immediate relief and peaceful sleep. You may imagine the gratitude I felt that the Lord would hear and answer the prayer of one so young and inexperienced in such a remarkable way.
I have always regarded this circumstance in my life as having been given of the Lord to show me that He honors the Priesthood when it is worthily held just as well in a young man or boy as in a man of mature years.
This was my first experience in the ministry of the Lord in the exercise of the Holy Priest hood. The Lord has been good to me since and has added to this blessing many, many similar ones, so that I do know that the Lord lives and that His Priesthood and authority is upon the earth and that the Lord honors it in those who honor Him, faithfully keeping His commandments.
Hinckley, Bryant S. "The President of the Quorum of the Twelve--George Franklin Richards." Improvement Era. July 1945. pg. 391, 410, 424.
The President of the Quorum of the Twelve... George Franklin Richards By Bryant S. Hinckley ON May 21, 1945, George Franklin Richards was set apart as President of the Quorum of the Twelve, succeeding George Albert Smith who became the eighth President of the Church. This marks an important era in the history of the Church. The new Quorum president is a wise and benevolent man with a record of service which testifies of his love for and his devotion to the truth. Brother Richards comes to this high office enjoying the love of the people, the confidence of his associates, and with a training which eminently qualifies him for his duties. At fifteen years of age he was ordained an elder; he was subsequently ordained a seventy, a high priest, and a patriarch. For sixteen years he was counselor in the presidency of Tooele Stake of Zion, and in April 1906, was sustained as an apostle. From 1916 to 1919 he presided over the European Mission. This was during the turbulent days of World War I. For sixteen years he was president of the Salt Lake Temple, and since his release he has served as general supervisor of temple work of the Church. The serenity of his spirit is in perfect harmony with the sanctity of that holy house, and under his quiet but efficient leadership the work grew increasingly popular. From 1937 to 1942 he was acting Patriarch to the Church. The record shows that for thirty-nine years he has served with marked fidelity as an apostle, and comes to the presidency of the quorum, matured in judgment, ripened in experience, mellowed in spirit, tranquil, happy. Before his calling to the apostleship he was prominent in civic affairs, serving as county treasurer of Tooele County, chairman of the school board, and a member of the state legislature. He is judicially minded and was able to give valuable service as a legislator. George F. Richards was born in Farmington, Davis County, February 23, 1 861 , a son of Nanny Longstroth and Franklin Dewey Richards. His father, fifty years an apostle, became president or that quorum and Church historian. He was a man of literary ability and learning, distinguished for his kindness of heart and sweetness of disposition. His mother, who came from England to Nauvoo when she was eleven years of age, was a woman of faith, refinement, and intelligence, likewise known for her placid disposition. Brother Richards inherited the fine qualities of intellect and disposition from his parents. He enjoys the distinction of being one of the earliest graduates of the University of Deseret. He was graduated from that institution in 1881, in his twentieth year, having successfully completed the course prescribed in English language and literature. Early in life he learned the meaning of hard work and felt the weight of responsibilities. When he was fifteen years of age, with a yoke of oxen, a canyon cart, and log chains belonging to his brother who was on a mission, he provided for his mother's family by hauling wood from Farmington Canyon. This work was rough and hard and he did much of it. This toughened his sinews and built a strong athletic body, which at eighty-four years bears few marks of age. At twenty-one he married Alice Almira Robinson, a charming and beautiful girl, and for sixty-three years they have walked hand in hand, cheerfully meeting the vicissitudes and responsibilities of life. This couple has built a home and reared a family that is the admiration of all who know them, and the pride of all who understand the fundamentals of society. Ten daughters and five sons have blessed their union. Their sons are honorable men—a credit to their parents, the Church, and the nation; their daughters, eight living, are fine examples of true womanhood. Boys and girls do not grow to the estate of noble manhood and womanhood by chance. These parents led the way, set the example, created at the fireside the atmosphere in which manhood and womanhood flourish. They are indeed master craftsmen in the fine art of homemaking, which, after all, is the supreme work of the world. George F. Richards stands at the head of a distinguished family, an example to all Israel. A perusal of his discourses shows the effect of his early training in "literature and letters" at the University of Deseret—as brief as the course was. His words are well chosen, orderly in arrangement, compact with meaning. He proceeds logically to expound with clearness the subjects which he treats His discourses upon the first principles of the gospel and the fundamental doctrines of the Church merit the careful study of thoughtful people. This excerpt, taken from a discourse delivered in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, October 7, 1944, is typical: I bear you my testimony in all sincerity. I know that this work is true. I know that God lives, a glorified and exalted personage, having a body of flesh and bones and spirit as tangible as man's, all-powerful in heaven and in earth; the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof. He is the Eternal Father of all men. Jesus Christ is the Firstborn in the spirit and the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh; his is the only name under heaven by which mankind may be saved. No man can be saved in the kingdom of God without believing on the name of Jesus Christ and in the efficacy of his atonement. By the same token I know that Joseph Smith is a mighty prophet of God, raised up in these last days, and through him the Father and the Son have revealed themselves anew to the world of men. Brother Richards is deeply spiritual. His religion is reduced to deeds, it registers in his life. He sets up lofty requirements for the members of the Church and is himself faithful and loyal in his observance of these requirements, and then he endeavors persuasively and kindly to influence others to do the same. He is well preserved—much younger in appearance than his years indicate. Mentally alert and physically active, he is, in all respects, equal to the responsibility of his new calling. For soundness of character, kindness of heart, clearness of comprehension, and steadfastness of purpose George F. Richards stands without a superior in Israel. He belongs to the nobility of God. His record is untarnished, with no deviations from the paths of justice and right. |
PRESIDENT GEORGE F. RICHARDS
PRESIDENT AND SISTER RICHARDS ON PRESIDENT RICHARDS' EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY
Brother and Sister George F. Richards and their posterity. This picture was taken in 1941. Today his posterity numbers thirteen living children, sixty-one grandchildren, and forty-eight greatgrandchildren.
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J. A. W. "George F. Richards, President of the Quorum of the Twelve." Improvement Era. July 1945. pg. 404, 414.
George F. Richards President of the Council of the Twelve
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business; he shall stand before kings." The life-long business of President George F. Richards has been the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. In this he has been single-hearted and diligent. He stands and shall stand before the king who is the Master of all.
The steady course of President Richards' life has won the admiration of all. His successful family life; his firm adherence to gospel truth; his service to the living and the dead; his intelligent, clear exposition of gospel principles—have endeared him to the Church as a whole.
The responsibilities of the presidency of the Council of the Twelve, which fell upon him at the recent reorganization of the First Presidency, are many and often heavy. But, the united love and faith of his brethren, and the people of the Lord, who love him, will buoy him up and make his labors joyous.
May the blessings of the Lord continue to attend him, and fill his days with happiness.
* * *
Thus, the kingdom of God, proceeds, never faltering or hesitating, towards its destiny: to bless all people, and to prepare mankind for the peace and prosperity which the acceptance of the gospel alone can bring.—J. A. W.
George F. Richards President of the Council of the Twelve
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business; he shall stand before kings." The life-long business of President George F. Richards has been the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. In this he has been single-hearted and diligent. He stands and shall stand before the king who is the Master of all.
The steady course of President Richards' life has won the admiration of all. His successful family life; his firm adherence to gospel truth; his service to the living and the dead; his intelligent, clear exposition of gospel principles—have endeared him to the Church as a whole.
The responsibilities of the presidency of the Council of the Twelve, which fell upon him at the recent reorganization of the First Presidency, are many and often heavy. But, the united love and faith of his brethren, and the people of the Lord, who love him, will buoy him up and make his labors joyous.
May the blessings of the Lord continue to attend him, and fill his days with happiness.
* * *
Thus, the kingdom of God, proceeds, never faltering or hesitating, towards its destiny: to bless all people, and to prepare mankind for the peace and prosperity which the acceptance of the gospel alone can bring.—J. A. W.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. "President George F. Richards." Relief Society Magazine. July 1945. pg. 397-398.
President George F. Richards Elder Joseph Fielding Smith Member of the Council of the Twelve IT can be said of President George F. Richards, the newly appointed President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, what the Lord said of Nathanael, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." There are, without doubt, many others who have given service to the Church and who are now giving service, just as true, just as loyal as President George F. Richards, but there are none, we may confidently say, who surpass him in the principle of loyalty, devotion and faithfulness to the cause of eternal truth. He was born February 23, 1861, in Farmington, Davis County, Utah. His early years were spent, as are the years of the average boy, on a farm, but he was also most active in the offices of the Aaronic Priesthood, and at an early age received the office of Elder and served as clerk of the Elder's quorum, ward teacher, in the presidency of the local M.I.A. and as stake missionary. March 9, 1882, he married Alice A. Robinson, and shortly afterwards moved to a farm in Plymouth, Boxelder County. In 1888 he moved to Tooele where he was ordained, January 29, 1890, to the office of High Priest and set apart as second counselor to President Hugh S. Cowans in the presidency of the Tooele Stake. Three years later, while serving in the stake presidency, he was ordained a Patriarch by Elder Francis M. Lyman, and in addition to the many duties in the stake presidency. he traveled through the scattered settlements of Tooele Stake giving blessings to all who sought them. In 1899, he was elected to the Legislature and represented Tooele County in the session of 1899-1900. He was also prominent in the civic affairs of Tooele County, on the district school board, as trustee and chairman of the Tooele Irrigation Company and the Tooele City Water Company. In December 1905, with his wife and son, Oliver, then a babe in arms, he accompanied President Joseph F. Smith and party to Sharon, Vermont, where the monument was dedicated to the honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith at the site of his birth, by President Joseph F. Smith just one hundred years after the birth of the Prophet. The following year, April 8, 1906, he, with Elders Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay, was called into the Council of the Twelve Apostles and was ordained by President Joseph F. Smith the following day. From that day until the present his life has been one of great activity, visiting the stakes of Zion, assisting in setting them in order, with the many special appointments and duties which his calling required of him. In the year 1916, he was called to preside over the European Missions, succeeding Elder Hyrum M. Smith. As the great war was on, his wife did not accompany him at that time because of the perils upon the water due to the activity of German submarines. He remained in Europe under the difficulties which arose due to the great world struggle, until he was succeeded by Elder George Albert Smith in June 1919. After the death of President Anthon H. Lund, in 1921, he was appointed to preside in the Salt Lake Temple which position he held until 1937, when he was released, because of numerous other responsibilities and because he had been appointed by President Heber J. Grant to act as Patriarch in the interregnum following the death of Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith. In his present calling as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, he follows in the footsteps of his father, Franklin D. Richards, who also served as the president of the Council following the death of President Wilford Woodruff, when Lorenzo Snow was sustained as President of the Church, in September 1898. President Richards enters upon his duties as the President of the Council with the love, the faith and the prayers of all the members of the Church, well prepared by long and faithful service. |
PRESIDENT GEORGE F. RICHARDS
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Green, Forace. "President George F. Richards and His Scouting Family." Improvement Era. February 1950. pg. 118-119, 134.
President George F. Richards and His Scouting Family By Forace Green AS Nanny Richards walked alone up the dark and deserted canyon road, there were mixed emotions in her heart. Her fear for her young son was the greater because of her love for him. He had left that morning with a cart and team of oxen to bring home a load of wood from Farmington Canyon. It was long past time for him to return. Visions of George F. pinned under a fallen tree, run over by the heavy cart, or trampled beneath a maddened ox kept fighting against her knowledge that he was a good woodsman. She knew that although he was only fifteen years of age he had learned how to take care of himself. Many times before he had made the same trip alone. As most other pioneer boys had had to do, he learned early the meaning of independence. But what could be keeping him? Mrs. Richards didn't know it on that dark night, but the boy she was seeking was to become one of the best loved and most respected men in the Church. He would serve in many high places, including the Quorum of the Twelve, president of the Salt Lake Temple, and finally President of the Quorum. He was also to gain another distinction, one she could know nothing of then. He was to become the father of one of the largest and most active scouting families in America. That summer morning in 1876, President George F. Richards had set out early. He had ridden the wagon behind the plodding oxen without incident, cut a large load of wood, loaded it, and started for home. But the road was rough and the load heavy, and the wagon tongue broke. It took a long time to make another one, long enough to keep him until after dark. He was sorry he caused his mother the anxiety and the long walk that night, but all his life he has loved her the more for coming after him. When President Richards was born on February 23, 1861, in Farmington, Utah, the Pioneers had been living in the Salt Lake Valley less than fourteen years. His father, Franklin D., who later also became president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and his mother both had crossed the plains in 1848. They had moved to Farmington at the direction of President Brigham Young and had built a small log cabin. The summer that he had been delayed in the canyon the youth did most of the work in adding two new rooms to this house. "Early that spring my elder brother went on a mission to England," he recalls. "With the oxen, cart, and chains he left, I hauled wood from the canyon and traded it to the gristmill for grist stuff, to the molasses, and in this way helped provide for the family. "With cordwood I paid a mason for laying up a stone wall four and one-half feet high on the south side of our lot. This was laid up with lime mortar. I hauled the lime, the rock, and the sand with the oxen. "We put an addition of two rooms on our house, the walls of which were built of adobe," he continued. "I hauled all the material, tended the mason, and assisted with the work." Along with the other boys of his time, President Richards learned to play as well as work. Many a day he started for the canyon an hour or more "before the stars quit shining" in order to get a load of wood and be home for a four o'clock ball game. He liked to play marbles. Baseball was another favorite sport. President Richards was ordained an elder when he was fifteen and received his endowments at the Endowment House. Shortly after this his mother became very ill. Some of the elders were called in to administer to her. She did not seem to be relieved of her intense suffering. "When they had gone, my mother called me to her bedside and requested that I administer to her," he relates. "You may imagine how I felt, young as I was, and never having undertaken to administer alone in that sacred ordinance. "I went into another room, and, after shedding some tears and offering up a fervent prayer, I returned to her room and performed the ordinance of administration as best I knew how. Although my prayer was brief, the Lord heard my prayer and gave her immediate relief and peaceful sleep. "You may imagine the gratitude I felt," he concluded, "that the Lord would hear and answer the prayers of one so young and inexperienced in such a remarkable way." Although scouting was not to be founded in the United States until forty-nine years after his birth and thirty-seven years after he became of Scout age, it was to play an important part in the life of President Richards and the life of his large family. Most men at forty-nine have lived a good part of their lives. But in 1910, when scouting came to America, he saw in the program, as did other leaders of the Church, a chance to give our youth the type of activity program they needed. There was no question in his mind but that the program was divinely inspired. Lord Baden- Powell, he thought, had put into it most of the elements that a boy. program should have. "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God," the Scout oath started. The law ended with "A Scout is Reverent." As a supplement to the Aaronic Priest- hood program it was ideal. "Any boy who goes through the merit badge program has the equivalent of a junior college education," President Richards said. "It is a valuable part of the program of the Church." In 1882 President Richards married Alice Almira Robinson. By 1910 they had ten daughters and five sons. All of these are still living except two girls. The three eldest boys were too old to join the program as Scouts, but the two youngest registered. Oliver L. had reached the second class rank when his Scoutmaster was drafted in 1917 and the troop became inactive. Ray became one of the best known Scouts in the United States. Bishop LeGrand has never been a Scout but has been active as a Scouter. There are now thirty living grandsons. Everyone of them is or has been a Scout. They have far excelled the average record for advancement. In the Salt Lake Council, which is above the national average, only about twenty-eight percent of Scouts registering reach the first-class rank. Of the thirty in the Richards family, twenty-five, or well over eighty percent, became first-class Scouts or better. Ten became star Scouts, three reached the life rank, and four have so far become Eagles. This is about thirteen percent making the top rank. This is far above the national average of between two percent and three percent. Of the thirty-six great-grandsons, only four are now twelve years of age or over. All four are active in scouting. One is a star, one a first-class, one a second-class, and one a tenderfoot Scout. All are still advancing. Collectively this is a wonderful record. There are thirty-two great-grandsons too young to become Scouts, but the family tradition will assure them all a chance to take part in the program. Individually, the record is just as impressive. Many of the group have been Scouters; one is a field executive in Hawaii. Any boy who reaches the Eagle rank has an individual story. There are five of these in the family. All agree, however, that the record made by Ray, youngest son of President Richards, is the most impressive. Ray Richards was born in Salt Lake City on October 11 of the year scouting was born in America forty years ago this month. He registered as a tenderfoot when he was twelve and advanced rapidly. He wasn't satisfied with the Eagle rank, but went on to conquer the field of merit badges. It takes twenty-one to become an Eagle. By the time Ray was eighteen he had earned seventy-four of the seventy-six merit badges available. Only one other Scout in the United States had that many. He was Wendell Gibbs, of Ray's own Ram Patrol in Troop 39. They lacked only canoeing and seamanship, and these weren't given locally at that time. That same year Ray attended the International Jamboree in England. He won many honors while there and was recognized internationally for his scouting achievements. After the Jamboree he stayed on in Europe to fill an L.D.S. mission in Germany. When he returned home, Ray continued in the program. He moved to Springville where he became a commissioner, and he earned more merit badges as they were added to the program. He now has eighty-nine and is still working in scouting with his son Donald, who is a first-class Scout seeking the Eagle. Although President Richards will be eighty-nine on February 23, 1950, he is still a young man. 'Youth is not altogether a time of life," he says, "it is a state of mind. People grow old by deserting their ideals." "We are as young as our faith, as old as our despairs." It was this spirit of youth and love for the program that has done so much for his family that led him to accept a position this year on the executive board of the Salt Lake Council. "Where scouting is properly used," President Richard states, "it will do much for the boys of our Church. This year, the fortieth anniversary of the program, the Boy Scouts of America has adopted the slogan, 'Strengthen the Arm of Liberty.' "The ideal of freedom in America has been basic in our belief ever since our Church was founded by Joseph Smith through revelation. The Liberty Crusade is another indication that the ideals of scouting follow the ideals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." |
President George F. Richards will be 89 years of age February 23. Shown with him are two members of his scouting family, a son, Ray, center, and Donald, a grandson, left.
ARTHUR A. SCHUCK
Mrs. Richards did not know it, but the boy she was seeking on that dark night was to become one of the best loved and most respected men in the Church.
He was also to gain another distinction; one she could know nothing of then. He was to become the father of one of the largest and most active scouting families in America.
"Youth is not altogether a time of life," President Richards says, "it is a state of mind. People grow old by deserting their
ideals." ARTHUR A. SCHUCK, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, visited President Richards while in Salt Lake City recently and complimented him on having the largest scouting family in America.
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J. A. W. "George F. Richards." Improvement Era. September 1950. pg. 699.
GEORGE F. RICHARDS
ON President Richards' last birthday anniversary, (he was then eighty-nine years old ) a friend remarked, "Next year when you are ninety, we must have a great celebration for you." The answer came promptly, "Well, I should appreciate it; but then I may be in another and happier clime." So it turned out to be. George F. Richards, president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, died on Tuesday, August 8, 1 950.
The hosts of Zion, while they mourn the passing from this earth of their friend and leader, rejoice that he was allowed to be with them so long; and they look with a sense of pride upon the excellence of his life, which proved that man can if he will, live a godlike life.
President Richards life's compass ever pointed to truth. His hours, during his long life, were surrendered to the teaching and practice of truth. His interests were not divided.
His lineage ran back to the beginning of the Church in this day. His forebears, as his kin of this generation, were pillars of the Church. The Church would have been poor without him and his notable ancestry.
The Twelve and the Seventy, over whom he presided, remember well his meticulous and loving care in meeting the needs of his colleagues and the people of his Church. They are grateful for their association with him.
His family is large—almost a multitude. May the Lord bless them and comfort them as they follow the example of their great father, and joy in life will wait upon them.
To his widow the hearts of Zion's multitude go out in loving sympathy. The Lord continue to bless her.
Praise the Lord for President George F. Richards and his life. —J. A. W.
GEORGE F. RICHARDS
ON President Richards' last birthday anniversary, (he was then eighty-nine years old ) a friend remarked, "Next year when you are ninety, we must have a great celebration for you." The answer came promptly, "Well, I should appreciate it; but then I may be in another and happier clime." So it turned out to be. George F. Richards, president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, died on Tuesday, August 8, 1 950.
The hosts of Zion, while they mourn the passing from this earth of their friend and leader, rejoice that he was allowed to be with them so long; and they look with a sense of pride upon the excellence of his life, which proved that man can if he will, live a godlike life.
President Richards life's compass ever pointed to truth. His hours, during his long life, were surrendered to the teaching and practice of truth. His interests were not divided.
His lineage ran back to the beginning of the Church in this day. His forebears, as his kin of this generation, were pillars of the Church. The Church would have been poor without him and his notable ancestry.
The Twelve and the Seventy, over whom he presided, remember well his meticulous and loving care in meeting the needs of his colleagues and the people of his Church. They are grateful for their association with him.
His family is large—almost a multitude. May the Lord bless them and comfort them as they follow the example of their great father, and joy in life will wait upon them.
To his widow the hearts of Zion's multitude go out in loving sympathy. The Lord continue to bless her.
Praise the Lord for President George F. Richards and his life. —J. A. W.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. "President George F. Richards, a Tribute." Relief Society Magazine. October 1950. pg. 661-662.
President George F. Richards A Tribute Elder Joseph Fielding Smith Of the Council of the Twelve FOR forty years I sat in council, attended conferences, and served in various ways with President George F. Richards. He, with Elders Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay, was called into the council of the apostles in April 1906. Four years later, in April 1910, I followed. From that time forward until his death I was closely associated with President Richards. We have traveled together from one end of the stakes of Zion to the other. In the early days, we, the brethren of the general authorities, went two by two in the visits to the stakes of Zion. Where railroads did not take us, and such places were numerous, we usually traveled in what were known as 'whitetops," which were light spring wagons. Distant trips usually meant appointments to two stakes, frequently to three or four. On such trips meetings were held daily between stake conferences in the various settlements, or wards, of the stakes. Such trips were over bumpy roads, sometimes merely trails, through heavy dust in the summer and the biting cold of the winter, frequently through heavy mud or heavy snows. Roads were not kept open in those days as they are today. However, in making these extended journeys by team, at times suffering from the heat or the cold, we had the assurance that our teams would carry us through safely, even if the journeys would be long. Today, with good paved roads and swift automobiles, we are not always so sure of reaching our destination in such safety, for now the brethren face hazards on icy roads, and with the help of the Lord have been preserved miraculously, at times. I repeat, in that early day, we went two by two, today the brethren have to travel singly. In 1910, there were only thirty-eight stakes of Zion and today they number 180, and they are still increasing. IN 1921, President George F. Richards was appointed president of the Salt Lake Temple and I was appointed to be his counselor. From that day until his passing we were closely associated in the work of the temple. I do not remember the time when I first became acquainted with him; it was several years before his call to the apostleship. He and I were privileged to accompany President Joseph F. Smith and his party to the dedication of the birthplace and monument in memory of the Prophet Joseph Smith on the one hundredth anniversary of the Prophet's birth. On this trip President Richards and I became more closely acquainted. I would like to say something which I have not mentioned before. Not long after his call into the apostleship, he, one day, said to me that the time would come when I would also be called into that council. I felt at the time that in this he could not have spoken by inspiration, for at the time I had an older brother, Hyrum M., in that council; moreover. President George Albert Smith, my cousin several generations removed, was in that council, as was his father, John Henry Smith. Naturally, because of this condition, I dismissed the thought as merely a wish and paid no heed to it. I have always honored, respected, and loved President George F. Richards because of his deep devotion to the cause of Zion, his great faith in the restored gospel, his sincere adherence to every principle of the truth that has been revealed. He loved the truth and his steadfast devotion was due to the fact that the Holy Spirit had borne upon his soul the truth of all these things. I feel assured that never was there a doubt in his mind of the great mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, nor did he ever lose his faith and devotion to the Prophet's successors, for the Lord had made known to him that all these things are true. He taught his family by example as well as by precept. It has often been remarked by his brethren that he, with the help of Sister Richards, to whom much of the credit of course is due, trained his children in the truth, and they have walked steadfastly, without exception, in the footsteps of their beloved father. The Lord once said of Abraham: ''Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do ... For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." So, likewise, could the Lord have spoken of President George F. Richards. He commanded his children, and they are keeping the commandments of the Lord. I pray that they may continue to do so to the latest generation. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. has said that a great man has been taken from us. This is verily true. We, his brethren, miss him greatly. We would have kept him with us longer, but he had filled his mission here, and his work now accompanies him into the spirit world, there to be continued until the great day when the Lord shall say: "Ye saints arise and live; ye sinners stay and sleep until I shall call again," for with the righteous he shall come forth from the dead when the Lord shall come. |
PRESIDENT GEORGE F. RICHARDS
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