George Q. Morris
Born: 20 February 1874
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1935
Called as Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1937
Released from Superintendency of the YMMIA: 1948
Called as Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve: 6 October 1951
Called to the Quorum of the Twelve: 8 April 1954
Died: 23 April 1962
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1935
Called as Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1937
Released from Superintendency of the YMMIA: 1948
Called as Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve: 6 October 1951
Called to the Quorum of the Twelve: 8 April 1954
Died: 23 April 1962
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 2
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Improvement Era, May 1937, George Quayle Morris
Improvement Era, May 1937, George Q. Morris
Instructor, June 1937, George Q. Morris
Improvement Era, October 1948, Service to Youth through the Y.M.M.I.A. - The Retiring Superintendency
Improvement Era, May 1954, George Q. Morris of the Council of the Twelve
Relief Society Magazine, June 1954, Elder George Q. Morris Fills Vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve
Improvement Era, June 1962, George Q. Morris, 1874-1962
Relief Society Magazine, June 1962, In Memoriam--Elder George Q. Morris
My own research and opinion
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Improvement Era, May 1937, George Quayle Morris
Improvement Era, May 1937, George Q. Morris
Instructor, June 1937, George Q. Morris
Improvement Era, October 1948, Service to Youth through the Y.M.M.I.A. - The Retiring Superintendency
Improvement Era, May 1954, George Q. Morris of the Council of the Twelve
Relief Society Magazine, June 1954, Elder George Q. Morris Fills Vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve
Improvement Era, June 1962, George Q. Morris, 1874-1962
Relief Society Magazine, June 1962, In Memoriam--Elder George Q. Morris
My own research and opinion
Jenson, Andrew. "Morris, George Quayle." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 2. pg. 367-368.
MORRIS, George Quayle, sixth Bishop of the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, Utah, was born Feb. 20, 1874, in Salt Lake City, the son of Elias Morris and Mary Lois Walker. He was baptized Feb. 28, 1882, by John Cottam; ordained a Deacon Feb. S, 1889, by Willard C. Burton; ordained a Teacher Feb. 27, 1892, by Thos. D. Lewis; ordained a Priest June 18, 1894, by Elias Morris; ordained an Elder April 13, 1896, by Andrew S. Gray; ordained a Seventy Sept. 13, 1899, by Geo. Teasdale; set apart as a president in the second quorum of Seventy Aug. 19, 1904; ordained a High Priest March 8, 1908, by Rudger Clawson and ordained a Bishop June 21, 1914, by Chas. W. Penrose and set apart to preside over the Fourteenth Ward. In 1899-1902 he filled a mission to Great Britain, laboring first in the Welsh conference and afterwards presided over the London conference. At home he has acted as president of a Deacons and later of a Teachers quorum in the Fifteenth Ward, secretary and president of the Fifteenth Ward Y. M. M. I. A., secretary of Fifteenth Ward Sunday school, home missionary. Stake president of Y. M. M. I. A., first counselor to Bishop Elias S. Woodruff from March 8, 1908, to June, 1913, and as a member and secretary of the Central Betterment Committee, operating in Salt Lake City in 1908-1909. In 1905 (June 30th) Bro. Morris married Emma Ramsey, who has borne her husband three children, namely, Marion Ramsey, Marjory Ramsey and Helen Ramsey.
MORRIS, George Quayle, sixth Bishop of the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, Utah, was born Feb. 20, 1874, in Salt Lake City, the son of Elias Morris and Mary Lois Walker. He was baptized Feb. 28, 1882, by John Cottam; ordained a Deacon Feb. S, 1889, by Willard C. Burton; ordained a Teacher Feb. 27, 1892, by Thos. D. Lewis; ordained a Priest June 18, 1894, by Elias Morris; ordained an Elder April 13, 1896, by Andrew S. Gray; ordained a Seventy Sept. 13, 1899, by Geo. Teasdale; set apart as a president in the second quorum of Seventy Aug. 19, 1904; ordained a High Priest March 8, 1908, by Rudger Clawson and ordained a Bishop June 21, 1914, by Chas. W. Penrose and set apart to preside over the Fourteenth Ward. In 1899-1902 he filled a mission to Great Britain, laboring first in the Welsh conference and afterwards presided over the London conference. At home he has acted as president of a Deacons and later of a Teachers quorum in the Fifteenth Ward, secretary and president of the Fifteenth Ward Y. M. M. I. A., secretary of Fifteenth Ward Sunday school, home missionary. Stake president of Y. M. M. I. A., first counselor to Bishop Elias S. Woodruff from March 8, 1908, to June, 1913, and as a member and secretary of the Central Betterment Committee, operating in Salt Lake City in 1908-1909. In 1905 (June 30th) Bro. Morris married Emma Ramsey, who has borne her husband three children, namely, Marion Ramsey, Marjory Ramsey and Helen Ramsey.
Jenson, Andrew. "Morris, George Quayle." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 244-245.
MORRIS, George Q., first assistant general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. since 1935, was born Feb. 20, 1874, in Salt Lake City, a son of Elias Morris and Mary Lois Walker. He was baptized Feb. 28, 1882, by John Cottam, officiated in offices of the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained an Elder April 13, 1896 by Andrew S. Gray. He was ordained a Seventy Sept. 13, 1899, by Geo. Teasdale and filled a mission to Great Britain in 1899-1902, during which he presided over the London Conference after laboring one year in Wales. On Mar. 1914, was ordained a Bishop and set apart to preside over the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, which position he held until 1924, having previously acted as first counselor in the bishopric six years. Elder Morris acted as stake superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. in the Salt Lake Stake from 1904 to 1908, and again from June 1913 to June 1914. He was the first superintendent of the Salt Lake Stake division of the Stake into four stakes in 1904. He moved into the Ensign Stake and from 1928 to 1935 served as a counselor in the presidency of the Ensign Stake. He has been a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. since 1924 and on Jan. 26, 1935, when the superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A. was reorganized, was appointed first assistant to Pres. A. E. Bowen. Bro. Morris is president and manager of the Elias Morris and Sons Company, established by his father, with which firm he has been associated from his youth. He is also active in civic enterprises, being an officer in the Community Chest and a director of the Traveler's Aid Society. On June 29, 1905, Elder Morris married Emma Ramsey, (daughter of Geo. W. Ramsey and Amanda Ross) a talented musician. Three daughters have been born to them, namely, Marian, Margery and Helen. (See also Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 367.)
MORRIS, George Q., first assistant general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. since 1935, was born Feb. 20, 1874, in Salt Lake City, a son of Elias Morris and Mary Lois Walker. He was baptized Feb. 28, 1882, by John Cottam, officiated in offices of the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained an Elder April 13, 1896 by Andrew S. Gray. He was ordained a Seventy Sept. 13, 1899, by Geo. Teasdale and filled a mission to Great Britain in 1899-1902, during which he presided over the London Conference after laboring one year in Wales. On Mar. 1914, was ordained a Bishop and set apart to preside over the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, which position he held until 1924, having previously acted as first counselor in the bishopric six years. Elder Morris acted as stake superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. in the Salt Lake Stake from 1904 to 1908, and again from June 1913 to June 1914. He was the first superintendent of the Salt Lake Stake division of the Stake into four stakes in 1904. He moved into the Ensign Stake and from 1928 to 1935 served as a counselor in the presidency of the Ensign Stake. He has been a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. since 1924 and on Jan. 26, 1935, when the superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A. was reorganized, was appointed first assistant to Pres. A. E. Bowen. Bro. Morris is president and manager of the Elias Morris and Sons Company, established by his father, with which firm he has been associated from his youth. He is also active in civic enterprises, being an officer in the Community Chest and a director of the Traveler's Aid Society. On June 29, 1905, Elder Morris married Emma Ramsey, (daughter of Geo. W. Ramsey and Amanda Ross) a talented musician. Three daughters have been born to them, namely, Marian, Margery and Helen. (See also Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 367.)
Stevens, Stringham A. "George Quayle Morris, The New Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association." Improvement Era. May 1937. pg. 282-283.
GEORGE QUAYLE MORRIS THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YOUNG MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION By STRINGAM A. STEVENS Of the Y. M, M, I. A, General Board TO A POSITION OF GREAT RESPONSIBILITY COMES THIS EMINENTLY WELL-QUALIFIED MAN, WHOSE LIFE HAS BEEN ONE OF INTEGRITY, CONSISTENT SERVICE AND DEVOTION. THE APPOINTMENT of George Quayle Morris as General Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association to fill the vacancy occasioned by the selection of Albert E. Bowen to become a member of the Council of the Twelve, meets with the hearty approval of a host of friends and admirers throughout the Church. Since January, 1935, he has served as first counselor to Superintendent Bowen, a position which he has filled with dignity and outstanding ability. The new General Superintendent brings to this important office a rich background of experience and a rare combination of those superior traits of character and personality which preeminently qualify him for this high calling. To those who know him best, he is the personification of loyalty, dependability, culture, strength, gentleness, industry, fairness, and deep spirituality. All of his busy life he has been full of faith, patient, diligent, and reliable. He is in every sense and in any company, a true gentleman, with all that the name implies. Born February 20. 1874, in Salt Lake City, George Q. Morris is the son of Elias Morris, who emigrated from north Wales as a convert to Mormonism in 1 852 and became one of Utah's foremost pioneer builders, contractors, and leading Churchmen. His mother was Mary L. Walker Morris, an English girl of quiet refinement, from whom he inherited his gentle nature, his deep love for the artistic and the beautiful, and his fine instincts for refinement and culture. Reared in a family where the sterling virtues of thrift, industry, and faith in God were impressed upon his youthful soul, he early learned the saving value of honest toil. As a boy he became an expert in polishing marble by hand labor in his father's shop and, like the stonecutter who said that he was building a cathedral, young George Morris enjoyed his work, for he too was building a noble edifice—a strong human soul. To him honest work was never drudgery, but always an opportunity. It is said by members of his family that "he never caused his mother a moment's anxiety, that he was always obedient and seemed possessed of never-failing goodness." And yet he was a "boy's boy," fun-loving, playful, full of physical vigor and activity. After completing the grade schools, he first attended the Brigham Young University at Provo and later the University of Utah from which he was graduated in 1899. While in attendance at the state university, he worked at polishing marble in order to pay for his schooling. During that period he was also actively associated with the Mutual Improvement Association in his ward. He next filled a three-year mission in England and for a year was president of the London District, serving under the late Francis M, Lyman, of the Council of Twelve. While on his mission in England, Elder Morris formed a close friendship with that estimable gentleman and stalwart Church convert. Colonel R. M. Bryce Thomas, who is now ninety-two years of age and who wrote the much-used and often-quoted missionary pamphlet My Reasons for Leaving the Church of England and Joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Among his missionary companions were Utah's present Governor Henry H. Blood, and Justice William H. Folland of the Utah State Supreme Court. Shortly before his departure for England, George Q. Morris' father died and upon returning to Utah in 1902, he became associated with his brother, Nephi L, Morris, in the conduct of his father's business. He is now President and General Manager of that pioneer institution, Elias Morris & Sons. He is also President of the Prudential Federal Savings & Loan Association, is a member of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Travelers' Aid Society, and a member of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association executive committee. In 1904, Elder Morris was made superintendent of the Salt Lake Stake Mutual Improvement Association, a position which he held until 1908, when he was released to become a counselor in the bishopric of the Fourteenth Ward of Salt Lake Stake. In 1913 he was again made stake M. I. A. superintendent and soon after that became bishop of the Fourteenth Ward, serving in that position until 1924, when he was made a member of the Y. M. M. I. A. General Board. In 1928 he was made counselor to President Winslow F. Smith in the Ensign Stake presidency, from which position he was released to become First Assistant General Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association in January, 1935. In 1905 he married Emma Ramsey, one of Utah's talented musicians. Superintendent and Mrs. Morris have three charming and gifted daughters. Miss Marian Morris, French instructor at the University of Utah; and Miss Margery and Miss Helen Morris. In 1932, while attending the dedication of the monument at Independence Rock, that great landmark on the pioneer trail in eastern Wyoming, which is called the "register of the Desert," Elder Morris climbed to the top of that huge granite, dome-shaped hill and found there, carved deep in the imperishable stone, the words: "Elias Morris, 1852". The rugged strength of character of his pioneer father, there symbolized so graphically on that mountain side, points to the outstanding characteristics of Superintendent Morris. He is a quiet, modest, reserved man, self-possessed, patient, eloquent in a subdued manner, and never loquacious. Deep within his great soul is a well-balanced strength and an iron will and tenacity which gets things done. He has a cheerful, friendly disposition and a keen sense of humor inherited from his Welsh ancestors. His associates know that he is full of purpose, faithful to his highest ideals, deeply orthodox and "without flaw" in his religious convictions; his personal conduct is always exemplary and he never disappoints. He is studious and systematic; he never shifts ground or changes his position for the sake of convenience; he deals with facts and principles, and analyzes and evaluates all things in the light of eternal verities. Nor is he ever known to gossip or deal lightly with the character of his fellow men. Perhaps one of the most outstanding achievements of George Q. Morris has been his service to The Improvement Era. Much earlier in his long career of service to the Church when he was affiliated in official capacity with the Salt Lake Stake Y. M. M. I. A. organization he brought about an unusual record for that stake in placing the Era in the homes of its people. But his greatest contribution came, when, as chairman of the Era committee of the Y. M. M. I. A. General Board prior to 1929, he visualized a greater magazine which would truly represent the Church and combat the evils of "crooked thinking" so prevalent in the current literature of the times. Due largely to his efforts, a new committee was organized, the cooperation of the officers of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association was secured, and, after months of exhaustive research, recommendations were made which led to combining the Era and The Young Woman's Journal to make the present Era with its enlarged size and scope. As chairman of the executive committee of The Improvement Era since 1929, and as its General Manager since 1935, Superintendent Morris has seen the fulfillment of his dream in the present successful and widely read representative Church magazine. The Mutual Improvement Association throughout the Church is to be congratulated upon having as its General Superintendent a man so well trained and so well qualified to lead this great work. This position of trust has come to a man to whom trust is sacred. |
GEORGE Q. MORRIS
THE RETIRING GENERAL SUPERINTENDENCY OF THE Y. M. M. I. A. LEFT TO RIGHT: GEORGE Q. MORRIS, FORMER FIRST ASSISTANT; ALBERT E. BOWEN, FORMER SUPERINTENDENT; FRANKLIN L. WEST, FORMER SECOND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT.
ALBERT E. BOWEN AND GEORGE Q. MORRIS PICTURED CONGRATULATING EACH OTHER ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS TO HIGHER OFFICES.
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J. A. W. "George Q. Morris." Improvement Era. May 1937. pg. 304.
George Q. Morris
GEORGE Q. Morris is a worthy successor of the great men who have served as General Superintendents of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. He is intelligent, clear headed, safe in judgment, always dependable, experienced in temporal and spiritual affairs, and devotedly loyal to the cause of the Lord. He is well fitted for the new duties placed upon him.
Through long service in the M. I. A. cause, he has become thoroughly familiar with the objectives, methods, and opportunities of the Associations. Under his hands the work will go on without interruption.
He believes in youth and is sympathetic with the hopes and visions as well as the problems of youth. In him the young men of the Church have an understanding interpreter.
His parents helped conquer the West for the good of man. He knows the great traditions of the Latter-day Saints and upholds and exemplifies them in his life. The ideals of the past under his guidance will be used to help the upward-striving youth of this day—a new pioneer day.
Though he looks back with grateful reverence upon the noble history of the Latter-day Saints, he lives with joy in the changing present and welcomes the advancing future. Progress will mark his administration of M. I. A. affairs.
He has a steady hand. As captain of the Y. M. M. I. A. ship, the course will be kept despite storms of emotion or waves of passing popular excitement. Under him there will be no deviation of the M. I. A. from the Gospel chart.
Best of all, he has full and unyielding faith in God, in His divine plan, and in the divinity of the work restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. That faith will enliven every Y. M. M. I. A. effort; will give courage to plan and to labor; and will give unyielding assurance of the triumph of right.
The young men of Zion welcome their new leader and stand ready to follow him.—J. A. W.
George Q. Morris
GEORGE Q. Morris is a worthy successor of the great men who have served as General Superintendents of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. He is intelligent, clear headed, safe in judgment, always dependable, experienced in temporal and spiritual affairs, and devotedly loyal to the cause of the Lord. He is well fitted for the new duties placed upon him.
Through long service in the M. I. A. cause, he has become thoroughly familiar with the objectives, methods, and opportunities of the Associations. Under his hands the work will go on without interruption.
He believes in youth and is sympathetic with the hopes and visions as well as the problems of youth. In him the young men of the Church have an understanding interpreter.
His parents helped conquer the West for the good of man. He knows the great traditions of the Latter-day Saints and upholds and exemplifies them in his life. The ideals of the past under his guidance will be used to help the upward-striving youth of this day—a new pioneer day.
Though he looks back with grateful reverence upon the noble history of the Latter-day Saints, he lives with joy in the changing present and welcomes the advancing future. Progress will mark his administration of M. I. A. affairs.
He has a steady hand. As captain of the Y. M. M. I. A. ship, the course will be kept despite storms of emotion or waves of passing popular excitement. Under him there will be no deviation of the M. I. A. from the Gospel chart.
Best of all, he has full and unyielding faith in God, in His divine plan, and in the divinity of the work restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. That faith will enliven every Y. M. M. I. A. effort; will give courage to plan and to labor; and will give unyielding assurance of the triumph of right.
The young men of Zion welcome their new leader and stand ready to follow him.—J. A. W.
"Superintendent George Q. Morris." Instructor. June 1937. pg. 240.
SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE Q. MORRIS The Deseret Sunday School Union Board congratulates Elder George Q. Morris upon his promotion to the important position of General Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. Thirteen years on the M. I. A. General Board have fully prepared him for this office. In addition to this he has had experience as a foreign missionary, a stake superintendent, a bishop, an assistant to the General Superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. and a counselor in the Ensign Stake Presidency. Surely these steps have led him to a well deserved honor. May he find lasting satisfaction in this new position. |
Josephson, Marba C. "Service to Youth through the Y.M.M.I.A. - The Retiring Superintendency." Improvement Era. October 1948. pg. 623, 663-666.
Service to Youth through the Y.M.M.I.A. The Retiring Superintendency By Marba C. Josephson Associate Editor SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE Q. Morris, newly appointed president of the Eastern States Mission, moves from one position of responsibility to another through his release as general superintendent of the Y.M.M.I.A. to appointment as president of the mission. Throughout his life, Brother Morris has given unstintedly of his time and talents to the Church, and his training and his personal characteristics have made him one of its beloved men. By heritage he enjoys the qualities of the Welsh and the English, for his father was Welsh; and his mother, English. He has a delightfully quiet sense of humor that he inherited from the Welsh, and this strikes home when situations need to be lightened by a deft touch. His gallantry and courtesy are innate and have made it a delightful experience for those who have been privileged to accompany him on conventions and other assignments of the M.I.A. His consideration and interest have been of great import, and he has made what might otherwise be strenuous trips enjoyable excursions. The work of the Mutual has been foremost, of course, but Elder Morris knows the country because of his association with the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association of which he has been an executive member for many years. With this knowledge he has shown the interesting spots to the group as they have journeyed to and from assignments. Blessed with an innate dignity. Elder Morris has brought respect to the organization which he heads. Restraint is his keynote. He is always the gentleman, always the nobleman. Work with the hands has ever been respected by Elder Morris, both by inheritance and inclination. This respect for honest labor is inherited from both his parents. His mother, Mary L. Walker Morris, evidenced it throughout her life. One particular occasion persists in memory. She was on one occasion visiting the colonies in Mexico where a daughter lived. Rather than be idle, even though she was supposedly enjoying a vacation, she directed a class for sewing among the young girls, and in order to foster culture, she organized the same group into a singing class. Brother Morris' father, Elias Morris, was a mason and general contractor and in pioneer days established a business which Elder Morris has carried on in the name of Elias Morris & Sons Company. This respect for honest work has carried over into the association which Brother Morris has headed for the past eleven years. He has expressed appreciation for the work done by those who have worked under him—both for the Young Men's and the Young Women's boards. His activities have been of such nature as to equip him for his new appointment. From 1904, when he was called to be superintendent of the Salt Lake Stake Y.M.M.I.A. until the present he has been active in the organization of the Church. Prior to that time he served on a three-year mission to England, where he officiated as president of the London district for over a year. His activities have included such offices as a member of the bishopric, a bishop, a member of the stake presidency, stake board member, general board member, first assistant to the general superintendent of the Y.M. M.I. A., as well as general superintendent. He was called to the position of first assistant in January 1935 and became general superintendent in April 1937 when Elder Albert E. Bowen was called into the Council of the Twelve. In every position that Brother Morris has filled, he has earned the wholehearted cooperation of his co-workers. George Q. Morris was married in 1905 to Emma Ramsey, a most talented musician. They have three daughters, Marian, Helen, and Margery, all of them gifted and lovely. Only one thought has been uppermost in Superintendent Morris mind and that has been to advance the cause of God and be of service to his children upon the earth. The question has never entered his mind as to whether the work would be hard to accomplish, or require endless time and energy. There has been only one question he has ever asked, and that is, "Is it the right thing to do?" If the answer was in the affirmative, the work was done. The amazing factor in all of Elder Morris' Church assignments is that he has been willing to sacrifice so much time from his own work in order to perform his assignments in the Church. He has held positions of trust and responsibility in the community in addition to his professional work. He is president and general manager of Elias Morris and Sons, chairman of the board of directors of Prudential Federal Savings and Loan Association, director of the Travelers' Aid Society, vice president of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, in addition to other positions such as in the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. Brother Morris' experience in business has been invaluable in his management of the Mutual and of The Improvement Era. His keen business sense has been the means of keeping the organization and the magazine on the safe side of the ledger. Everyone who has worked with Brother Morris wishes him success and happiness in his new assignment. His friends and associates know that as he has built surely in his previous appointments, so he will build in this new one. As he has helped build lasting monuments in stone, so he is building lasting monuments in the lives of the people with whom he has worked and will work. They will miss his quiet drollery and his incisive judgment, but they will know that his service still continues—for our Eternal Father and his children. Assistants to Elder Morris The way of service in the Church is to act where called until released, and continue to serve in other positions to which one may be called. Brother Giles and Brother Hatch have evidenced this way throughout their lives. They have served in position after position in the Church, and they will continue to serve wherever they may be ap- pointed. Their years of service in the capacity of the superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association commenced in January 1946. During this time and all of the years before in other Church positions, they have been valiant in the cause of youth. Elder John D. Giles, first assistant superintendent under Brother George Q. Morris, has been a member of the Y. M. M. I. A. general board since 1929. For ten years of that time he served as field representative for Scouts, Explorers, and M Men. For fifteen years before he was appointed to the general board, he served as superintendent of the Y.M.M.LA. in Ensign Stake. Moreover, he has been associated with the Scout work for all but the first three years of its adoption in the United States. He began his work with the Scouts in 1913. In 1936, Brother Giles received the Silver Beaver award "for outstanding service to boyhood." In 1944, he received the thirty-year veteran award. He also was influential in making the M Men an important department in the M.I.A. Service to young men has long been uppermost in Brother Giles' mind, especially since he served both the Mutual and the Aaronic Priesthood, the latter under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. In October 1941, he was called to a mission in the Bureau of Information at Hill Cumorah, Palmyra, New York, and he labored there for three years. A member of the American Pioneer Trails Association, he has been exceedingly busy as executive secretary for many years. He has also been executive secretary for the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, satisfying an urgent desire to honor those who made our growth a reality. The crowning work of this position is undoubtedly the monument that now overlooks the valley at the point where the pioneers first saw the land they were to call home. Elder Giles was married to Una Pratt, June 20, 1906. They have been blessed with four children. Parley Giles, Dorothy Giles Topham, Lucille Giles Gardner, and one son who died in his youth. Elder Lorenzo H. Hatch, second assistant superintendent to Elder George Q. Morris and principal of Granite High School in Salt Lake City, has had an active life in Church leadership. He began in the Y. M. M. I. A. with a position as teacher in Franklin Ward, Oneida Stake, Idaho. In this same ward he later became a member of the Sunday School superintendency. A veteran of World War I, he has been concerned with civic questions and has affiliated himself with various civic organizations. In his Church work he served as president of Granite Stake for ten years, being released from that position at the time he became a member of the general superintendency of the Y.M.M.I.A. It is interesting to note that the newly appointed general superintendent, Elbert R. Curtis, served as stake clerk to President Hatch and later became one of his counselors in the stake presidency. Under Brother Hatch's leadership of Granite Stake, it was one of the first stakes to have every quorum qualify for the Aaronic Priesthood Standard Quorum Award. In other ways, too, this stake, under the capable leadership of Elder Hatch, had advocated other programs which have proved effective in youth leadership and have become part of the general youth program for youth leadership. Brother Hatch was married to Ina Porter, June 20, 1917. They have four children: three sons, Wayne L., Hyrum P., and Robert L., and one daughter, Catherine. Those who have worked with these three men know without a shadow of a doubt of their fervent testimony and their earnest desire to act in any capacity to which they may be called under the direction of the priesthood. The blessings and thanks of the membership of the Church as a whole go with Superintendents Morris, Giles, and Hatch in whatever positions they may hold in the Church. The Y.M.M.I.A. General Board With the release of the general superintendency the entire board is released. These board members have served faithfully and well. The gratitude of the Church goes with them into whatever work in the Church to which they may be called. Those released are: Aldon J. Anderson, Richard M. Ball, M. Elmer Christensen, Merrill D. Clayson, J. Spencer Cornwall, Roy M. Darley, Richard L. Evans, Floyed G. Eyre, Dr. Philo T. Farnsworth, Doyle L. Green, Dr. Wayne B. Hales, D. E. Hammond, Dr. George H. Hansen, Dr. Franklin S. Harris, Charles J. Hart, Creed Haymond, Werner Kiepe, Oscar A. Kirkham, Rock M. Kirkham, Axel A. Madsen, Frank W. McGhie, W. LeGrand Maxwell, Mark H. Nichols, Dr. T. Earl Pardoe, Alma H. Pettigrew, Reed H. Richards, W. O. Robinson, Stanley Russon, Verl Scott, Stringam A. Stevens, Dr. L. A. Stevenson, Dr. George Stewart, Clark N. Stohl, Homer C. Warner, T. Frank Williams, Elwood G. Winters. |
GEORGE Q. MORRIS
Newly Appointed President, Eastern States Mission JOHN D. GILES
First Assistant LORENZO H. HATCH
Second Assistant A Message From President Morris
"The opportunity for service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not lie in one organization or one auxiliary alone, but lies in membership in the Church. From membership we may be called to positions of leadership—and whenever that call comes, we grow if we accept it. My experience in the Mutual has been a happy one, largely because of the unusual people with whom I have been privileged to work. It has been a real pleasure to watch the growth of the Mutual program. There are accomplishments yet to be realized, and I am certain that under the direction of the Lord and under the leadership of Superintendent Curtis the organization will continue to progress and achieve. I am likewise happy to go into the mission field, where I hope to further the work of the Lord upon the earth." —George Q. Morris |
"George Q. Morris of the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. May 1954. pg. 294, 364.
George Q. Morris OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE Elder George Quayle Morris was sustained as a member of the Council of the Twelve at the morning session of general conference, April 6, 1954. He was ordained an Apostle in the Salt Lake Temple two days later, April 8, by President David O. McKay. He was formerly an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, having been called to that position in October 1951. Elder George Q. Morris begins this new career of service after a lifelong preparation period of activity in important callings in the Church. Constantly since 1904 he has held office in some capacity. He had filled a mission to England from 1899 to 1902, where he labored in the Welsh Conference (District) and later presided over the London Conference (District). It was in that year of 1904 that he was called as stake superintendent of the Salt Lake Stake Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, succeeding Elder George Albert Smith who had recently been sustained a member of the Council of the Twelve. Elder Morris served until 1908, when he was released to become a counselor in the bishopric of the Fourteenth Ward. When he was released in 1913, he served another year as stake superintendent of YMMIA, but in 1914 was sustained as bishop of the Fourteenth Ward, where he served until 1924. He was then called to the general board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. It was here, on the general board, that he served as committee chairman for The Improvement Era, the magazine that he had learned to appreciate much earlier when he was stake superintendent. He was one to visualize, as a general board member, a greater Improvement Era— one which would serve the entire Church—and, it has been said, that he with Elders Stringam A. Stevens and John D. Giles, as they worked with Clarissa A. Beesley, Rachel Grant Taylor, Elsie Talmage Brandley, and Vida Fox Clawson of the YWMIA general board, and laid the groundwork to bring about the combining of The Improvement Era and The Young Woman's Journal in November 1929. Meanwhile, in 1928 Elder Morris was sustained as a counselor in the presidency of the Ensign Stake. In January 1935 he was called as first assistant general superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association under Elder Albert E. Bowen. When the latter was sustained a member of the Council of the Twelve in April 1937, Elder Morris succeeded Elder Bowen as general superintendent of the YMMIA. His life of devotion is well-known to all who have worked in Mutual. He was released in 1948 to become president of the Eastern States Mission, where he was serving when he was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve in October 1951. A friend of youth always, he once served as a member of the Explorer committee, National Council, Boy Scouts of America; as vice chairman, Region 12, Boy Scouts of America, and he holds the Silver Antelope, high Scout leader award, for his service to the boys of that organization. Long active in civic affairs, he served as executive chairman of the "This Is the Place" Monument Commission and had in charge the erection of that monument in the mouth of Emigration Canyon. His civic life also includes executive vice-presidency of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association and service on the Community Chest board as well as on the Travelers' Aid board, where he served as president for many years. He has been active in the Sons of Utah Pioneers. He was born in Salt Lake City, the son of Elias and Mary Lois Walker Morris. He married Emma Ramsay on June 29, 1905. To them were born three daughters, Mrs. Margery Woods, Marion Morris, and Mrs. Helen Stewart. When Elder Morris was released as general superintendent of the YMMIA in 1948, The Improvement Era said of him: "By heritage he enjoys the qualities of the Welsh and the English, for his father was Welsh; and his mother, English. He has a delightfully quiet sense of humor that he inherited from the Welsh, and this strikes home when situations need to be lightened by a deft touch. His gallantry and courtesy are innate and have made it a delightful experience for those who have been privileged to accompany him on conventions and other assignments of the MIA. His consideration and interest have been of great import, and he has made what might otherwise be strenuous trips enjoyable excursions. . . . "Blessed with an innate dignity, Elder Morris has brought respect to the organization which he heads. Restraint is his keynote. He is always the gentleman, always the nobleman. For years as managing editor of The Improvement Era Elder Richard L. Evans worked almost daily with Brother Morris who was then general manager of the Era. Recently Elder Evans sent a birthday greeting to Elder Morris, which said in part: "... I learned to love you for your courage, your encouragement, and your devotion to one great cause—the cause of truth. You left your business without counting the cost, and set aside your own convenience and came to sit down with us whenever we needed you. I never knew you to place any question before this one: 'What is the right thing to do?' " And now, as the membership of the Church welcomes Elder Morris as a member of the Council of the Twelve, perhaps we can join Elder Evans in the continuation of his personal tribute: "May you have peace and long extended useful years in health and in happiness, and every blessing, this day—and always." |
George Q. Morris
Emma Ramsay Morris
Brother Morris with his daughter Margery M. Woods.
Mrs. Helen M. Stewart with her young daughter Linda and (right) Marion Morris.
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Sonne, Alma. "Elder George Q. Morris Fills Vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve." Relief Society Magazine. June 1954. pg. 352-353.
Elder George Q. Morris Fills Vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve Elder Alma Sonne Assistant to the Council of the Twelve FEW men have come to their responsibilities better fitted and qualified for the high calling of an apostle than does Elder George O. Morris. Elder Morris is a product of the Church. He was born February 20, 1874, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His entire life has been one of unselfish service. His well-founded convictions, his long experience in Church work, his devotion to the truth, his knowledge of the restored gospel, his genial personality, and his friendly and benign spirit furnish a strong background for his ministry as a special witness of Jesus Christ. Elder Morris has covered a wide field as a Church leader. His religious work began as a young man when he accepted a call to the British Mission, where, for three years, he laid the foundation for the numerous activities to which he has given notable service. He gave his heart to the program of the Church in accepting one responsibility after another as the calls came. Worldly ambitions and material benefits were not permitted to stand in the wav of the accomplishments for which he is now recognized. The Y M M I A gave him his opportunity to inspire and guide the younger generation, first as stake superintendent and later as general superintendent of this great organization. Under his leadership the youth’s program grew and developed until it attained world-wide recognition. He proved to be an executive of unusual power and ability. As a member of a bishopric, and later as a bishop, he demonstrated his practical leadership and won the love and confidence of the people over whom he presided. He is a member of the National Council of Boy Scouts of America and an honorary life member of the American Trails Association, New York City. During his presidency of the Eastern States Mission from September 21, 1948, to October 6, 1952, he was sustained as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles being set apart on October 24, 1951, in New York City, by President David O. McKay. In this calling he visited the stakes and the missions, contributing to the work, encouraging and blessing the workers, making timely suggestions, and meeting difficult situations in a calm, deliberate, and effective manner. Wise in counsel and sound in judgment, he is always a leader and a thinker in the councils of his brethren. Elder Morris is the president and general manager of Elias Morris and Sons, a pioneer institution established by his father. He has been prominently associated with this monument and tile firm for many years, demonstrating his leadership in the world of business. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Prudential Savings and Loan Association. In civic affairs he has been similarly active and prominent, devoting his time and energy to community betterment. Organizations like the Community Chest, Travelers' Aid Society, Sons of the Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, and the Utah Trails Association have had the benefit of his vision and experience. Positions of trust and responsibility in the various avenues of service to his fellow men have broadened his views and increased his capabilities in the great cause to which he has been so faithful and devoted. In 1905 Elder Morris was married to Emma Ramsey, talented and well-known musician and singer. She is the daughter of Major George W. and Amanda Ross Ramsey and was born in Bridgeport, Illinois, and came with her parents to Payson, Utah. Much credit for her phenomenal rise in the musical world must go to her father, a gifted singer, violinist, and flute player. He was the leader of his regimental band during the Civil War. His daughter received her first music lessons from him. She was a popular student at the Brigham Young University where she won contests in theme writing, public speaking, and singing. Sister Morris attained prominence as the winner of the vocal prize at the National Eistoddfod held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The adjudicator was the famous Dr. Parry who came from Wales for the occasion. This was probably the beginning of her musical career. Successful in her studies in Berlin, Germany, under renowned teachers like Madame Klara Klatte and Blanche Corelli, she went to Paris, France, where she studied for several years with Josef Archinband. Her achievements brought her to the front in the musical circles of Europe and America. President Theodore Roosevelt named her ''Utah's Nightingale." Elder and Sister Morris are the parents of three daughters: Miss Marion Morris, Mrs. Edward A. Woods, Jr., of New York, and Mrs. R. T. Stewart of Los Angeles. The family has always lived close to the Church, giving freely of time and talent for the promotion of God's work at home and abroad. |
George Q. Morris
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Christensen, M. Elmer. "George Q. Morris, 1874-1962." Improvement Era. June 1962. pg. 392-393, 470-474.
GEORGE Q. MORRIS 1874- 1962 BY M. ELMER CHRISTENSEN STAKE PRESIDENT, WINDER STAKE FORMER MEMBER YMMIA GENERAL BOARD The Church mourns his passing Elder George Q. Morris learned the price in toil required to polish a stone. This was his trade as well as that of his father. When his life came to a close on April 24, 1962, at the end of eighty-eight years, his friends and admirers suddenly recognized the sheen and polish this man had imposed by toil of heart and mind upon his rock-firm character. The price of that polish came high, and time with faith has given it an eternal lustre. Like Paul of old, it can honestly be said of Elder Morris that he fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Every day of his life he strove patiently and determinedly for improvement in his own life and that of his first love—the youth of the Church. Elder Morris won the respect and admiration of every person he met, and his name is regarded reverently in homes throughout modern Israel. He was a man of many virtues, best enumerated by President David O. McKay following his passing, as follows: "Every page in his book of life proves Brother Morris to be kind, considerate, obliging; of even temperament, yet always steadfast to the truth, and to what he believed was right; loyal to his friends, to his country, and to his God. Reverent towards all things sacred—permeated and inspired with the ideals of the Christ spirit, he was 'too magnanimous for vengeance, and too unselfish to seek his own ends.' Were I to name his outstanding virtue, I should say it was sincerity—the golden link that binds true hearts in friendship. Sincerity was one of the outstanding qualities that made George Q. Morris a friend." Continuing his tribute, President McKay said: "Our departed brother was one of those great, unselfish souls who forget themselves for others, and win immortality. He was a man of high principles; clean in thought and in act. He was upright, straightforward, ever ready to defend the right, and equally prompt to denounce the wrong. During his long career, he was dependable in business, consistent in religion as in all his acts. He was rich in inheritance, superior in achievement, indefatigable in service, true and devoted as a husband and father; faithful to every duty and appointment assigned to him; a true Latter-day Saint." His courteous manners and kindly spirit won the hearts of all who knew him and revealed the dignity and serenity of his inner self. He possessed a subtle sense of humor which brightened many a festive occasion with an air of wholesomeness. Elder Morris will be remembered for a variety of accomplishments. The missionary companion will recall the earnestness of his testimony, the persuasiveness and logic of his message. Few men could doubt the sincerity of his words or the firmness of his convictions. The sportsman will remember his moral support and encouragement. He was a familiar figure at athletic events and enjoyed the vigor arid skill of clean contest. In his honor, a recreation and multiple- unit ball park was named, constructed in Salt Lake City, largely through his motivation and effort. As a presiding officer, Elder Morris will be remembered for the preciseness and dispatch of his leadership, for he was a tireless worker and inspired his associates to excellence in performance of their assignments. Scouting felt the touch of his wisdom and enthusiasm. Boys and men in a myriad of settings in camps, meetings, and outings partook of his wisdom and were blessed by his counsel. Elder Morris maintained active interest in the Boy Scouts of America at several levels of leadership, being a national committeeman representing the Salt Lake Council, vice-president of Region 12, and a member of the National Council. He was awarded the Silver Antelope for service to boys by Region 12. A courageous folk of days gone by that he loved most dearly came alive as he persevered in reviving the sacrifice and struggle of Saints and pioneers building a heritage for an illustrious future Zion. He was familiar with their trails and landmarks over a wide area of the West. From the forgotten characters of the script of Deseret on a tombstone of his kin in a Cedar City cemetery to the lookout point atop Big Mountain, he took pride in helping travelers appreciate their significance. For several years, he served as chairman of the "This Is the Place" Monument commission and with others had charge of the erection of the monument bearing that name at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, overlooking the Great Salt Lake Valley. A Deseret News-Salt Lake Telegram editorial of April 24, 1962 includes this relevant comment: "This man who so cherished the lessons and strength of the past, looked, also, to the present and the future. He spent most of his life working with the guardians of tomorrow—the youth of the land and particularly the Church." He was a capable businessman who commanded the respect of the competitive community he served. For many years, he carried on the business of his father, Elias Morris & Sons Company. In addition, he was vice-president of Prudential Federal Savings and Loan Association and a member of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce. Many weary and disheartened travelers were helped on their way because of his sense of kindness and service. For several years, he was an officer, including president, of the Travelers Aid Society. Elder Morris was a welcome guest in homes throughout the land. He knew people well and was keenly aware of their problems, desires, and needs. This background and experience unquestionably motivated his constant, urgent appeals for greater service to the individual boy and girl. Since he loved and knew the youth of the Church so well, it was quite natural that his lot should be prominently cast with them. Many choice years of his life were given to the cause of youth and the Mutual Improvement Association. In a sense, Elder Morris exemplified the end product of that great movement, for he caught the spirit of its founding purpose as a member in his early life and at the age of thirty became a stake superintendent. As its Church-wide leader for eleven years, he had occasion to meet the youth and their leaders in practically every stake throughout the Church. General board members who served with him will recall his apparent inexhaustible energy. He could travel for several hours, preside at a series of exacting meetings in which he took a major part, visit informally with friends and members, and return to his home in the early morning hours. This demanding routine continued almost weekly, with the intervening days spent in intensive planning sessions and in meeting obligations in a variety of community and business projects. Under the leadership of Elder Morris, the Mutual Improvement Association greatly expanded and intensified its activities. The Boy Scout program was more closely integrated into the Mutual Improvement Association, and the work of allied youth organizations of the Church were more intimately coordinated. The cultural, social, and athletic programs were expanded and adapted to the changing needs and benefit of the youth of the Church. Under his guidance, great massive choruses and other cultural festivals were developed in which thousands of young people participated. The attainments in these areas of activity reached new levels of quality and mass production. The performances were masterpieces of art and skill and reflected a new glory for Zion which lent pride and enthusiasm to the entire Church. They also demonstrated the inherent strength in wholesome, worthwhile activity. The preparations for such events were almost overwhelming, but Superintendent Morris felt they were all justified if only one soul could be saved thereby. The Explorer program for older boys of the Church matured under his leadership and became the pattern for a national organization plan which, in similar form, is still functioning. He was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for his contribution in this field of youth leadership by appointment as chairman of the Explorer committee of the National Council. The crowning honor and contribution to the work of the Lord came to this good man at the age of eighty when he was called to the Council of the Twelve Apostles. With the mellowness of years and judgment, seasoned by rich experience, he took to the quorum a dignity and stability which associates soon learned to treasure and which was appreciated by members of the Church everywhere. His philosophy regarding leadership was expressed in his message to the Mutual Improvement Association upon release as General Superintendent, as follows: "The opportunity for service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not lie in one organization or auxiliary alone, but lies in the membership of the Church. From membership, we may be called to positions of leadership—and whenever that call comes, we grow if we accept it." It must have been a source of satisfaction for Elder Morris (even though he could not be present) to enjoy the 132nd annual conference proceedings and realize that every ward and stake outside the United States was represented by their leaders. He was permitted to live to see this dramatic beginning of a new era of world-wide organization and influence of the Church. This is especially impressive when compared to the humble status of the Church on February 20, 1874, when he was born. A brief visit with his daughter, Marian, readily reveals the vibrancy and industry of his youth. "He always loved the Church and never neglected his meetings or church responsibilities as a boy," she remarked. His first employment at age twelve was at the Home Bakery where he commenced work each morning at 3 am. He later worked at a brickyard, where his work area was changed because of the rough, coarse type of men with whom he was first assigned to associate. His work at the "Marble Yard" was hard and monotonous, and often necessitated standing in slush and snow polishing stone with frostbitten hands. He tried to offset these disagreeable conditions by reciting to himself Milton's Paradise Lost. A story of his mother's life is replete with incidents of reciprocal devotion, indicating a rare type of affectionate and expressive relationship. Marian describes him, during her childhood, as a "magnificent horseman, always controlling his mount with gentle firmness, an excellent marksman, an ardent hiker, generally of unfrequented trails, and a marvelous swimmer and diver." During the summer of 1897 he and a boyhood companion swam seven miles from Garfield to Saltair in Great Salt Lake. As a young man, he worked his way through school at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah as a craftsman in his father's tile and monument business. Upon completion of his schooling at the University of Utah in 1899, he was called to serve a mission in Great Britain. He labored in the Welsh conference and later presided over the London conference. Upon his return home in 1902, he was called to serve on the Salt Lake Stake Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association board, and in 1904 succeeded Elder George Albert Smith as stake superintendent. Elder Morris served until 1908 when he became a counselor in the bishopric of the Fourteenth Ward. He was released in 1913 and recalled to be stake superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association for one year only, when he was sustained as bishop of the Fourteenth Ward. In 1924 he was called to the general board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association where he served as chairman of the committee for the Improvement Era and The Young Woman's Journal. Under his chairmanship, these two magazines were combined in November 1929, creating a publication intended to serve the entire Church. While still a member of the general board, Elder Morris was sustained as a counselor in the Ensign Stake presidency, holding both positions concurrently for seven years. In 1935 he became first assistant general superintendent to Elder Albert E. Bowen and two years later was called to be general superintendent, which office he held until 1948 when he was called to preside over the Eastern States Mission. In October 1951, he was sustained as Assistant to the Council of the Twelve and on April 6, 1954, he was called to be a member of the Council of the Twelve. He was born in Salt Lake City, the son of Elias Morris and Mary L. Walker Morris. In 1905, in the Salt Lake Temple, he married Emma Ramsey, one of Utah's talented musicians. Elder and Sister Morris have three daughters, Marian, Margery M. Woods, and Helen M. Stewart, and one granddaughter, Linda Tyler Stewart. The conference messages he left for us and for those who follow, include masterful treatments of basic principles of the gospel and reflect the orderliness and depth of his thinking. They included such timely themes as: Eternal Marriage, The Reason for Sin, The Atonement, Fast Offerings, Origin of Man, and The Divinity of Jesus. Sensing the great mission of the youth of the Church, Elder Morris left this stirring appeal as recorded in the Deseret News-Salt Lake Telegram, February 14, 1959: "You are set apart from any other young people of the world. All of the attainment that others may achieve, you, too, may reach. But there is a 'plus element' in our lives, and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our young people have got to be spiritual leaders. They're not like other people. They have a special calling, and they ought to take great pride in that." Particularly appropriate is this thought which was included in his conference address of October 1956, pertaining to the origin of man: "Let us realize who we are, what we are, and how we should live. Think how fantastic that a man, who is a son of God, should deny God and insist he came from a low form of life. How preposterous that is! The Lord Jesus Christ, who created man and earth, has, from the creation, declared that we all originated in heaven. His teachings are that we were perfectly organized beings with spiritual bodies similar in form to our mortal bodies, but of finer material, that we are the sons and daughters of God." His conference address of October 2, 1955 included the following pre- diction of the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places; the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth, boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purpose of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say, the work is done." (DHC 4:540.) This represented his innermost feelings concerning the destiny of the Church. Significantly Elder Morris alluded in several of his conference addresses to the prophecy of Daniel. (Dan. 2:44.) This unquestionably bore heavily upon his mind during the closing years of his life. The following statement, made at the October 1959 conference, bears this out: "This is the kingdom of God. Daniel saw this day, and we should realize, and I hope our children realize, that we are taking part in events which prophets saw and described centuries ago that the Lord knew would take place; and in my judgment all that is going on in the world today—is being utilized for the consummation of his holy purposes as he has always done." His final conference message to the Church, given in April 1960, left, in prophetic terms, this same message for people everywhere to ponder. In part it said: "God has declared that his kingdom is to consume all nations of the world. The issues are now clearly drawn, and the time will come when Satan, again, by the power of the Only Begotten, shall be cast down, and Jesus Christ will reign supreme, and all those who believe and accept the fulness of the gospel and devote themselves with all their hearts to the building up of his kingdom will be saved and honored with him." Elder Morris was liberal in his references to the scriptures, and his familiarity with them was readily apparent whenever he spoke. He also frequently referred to pertinent quotations from contemporary literature. Having forsaken self for his fellow men, he has gained the plaudits of man, a humble share of the world's goods, and the greatest of all gifts eternal life. Elder Richard L. Evans expressed most eloquently the feelings of all Latter-day Saints when he said: "Some things are so constant, their passing is all the more missed, like a lovely melody no longer sung— Brother Morris will be missed." The hand that doffed this gentleman's hat may have been stilled, his steps have, come to a halt. The charm of his smile may be set in repose; but the stone which he carved and polished with care—in the service he gave—will stand through eternity for the blessing of all who honor the truth. |
"In Memoriam--Elder George Q. Morris." Relief Society Magazine. June 1962. pg. 408-409.
In Memoriam--Elder George Q. Morris February 20, 1874-April 25, 1962 ELDER George Q. Morris, a member of the Council of the Twelve, passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 23, 1962, in his eighty-ninth year of age. He had been an apostle since 1954, and a devoted leader in the Church since his early manhood. His earnest faith, his knowledge of the principles of the gospel, his natural eloquence, and his simplicity of spirit endeared him to thousands throughout the Church and in the communities where he has lived. Endowed with a firm desire for learning, for spiritual development, and for service to his fellow men, Elder Morris came to the Council of the Twelve well fitted for his ministry as a special witness of Jesus Christ. Following his graduation from the University of Utah in 1899, Elder Morris spent three years as a missionary in the British Mission, serving in the Welsh Conference, the homeland of some of his ancestors. Later, he became presiding elder of the London Conference. In 1904, Elder Morris began his long career and association with the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, as superintendent in the Salt Lake Stake. Later, he became a bishop in the Fourteenth Ward. In 1924 he was appointed a member of the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and was committee chairman for the Improvement Era. In 1928, he was called to be a counselor in the Ensign Stake presidency, and, until 1935, he served in both capacities, in his stake assignment and his calling in the MIA. In 1935, Elder Morris was named a counselor in the General Superintendency of the MIA. He served under the late Elder Albert E. Bowen for two years, and when Elder Bowen was called to the Council of the Twelve, Elder Morris succeeded him as General Superintendent of the MIA, in 1937. He held this position with honor and distinction, devoting his great energy and his remarkable gifts of leadership to the advancement of the youth of the Church. In 1948, Elder Morris was appointed President of the Eastern States Mission. Three years later, at the October Semi-Annual Conference of the Church, Elder Morris was called to be an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. Elder Morris, always interested in the historical heritage of the Latter- day Saints, served as executive chairman of the ''This Is the Place" monument commission. It was under his charge that the great monument was erected at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, commemorating the arrival of the pioneers in Salt Lake Valley. Elder Morris was also active in association with President George Albert Smith and others in marking and preserving Utah's trails and landmarks, being executive vice-president of the Utah Pioneer Trails Association. He was also a distinguished member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers Association, lending his appreciative enthusiasm and his wise direction to the many projects and lasting accomplishments of this organization. In 1946 and 1947, Elder Morris was associated with President David O. McKay in preparing for the centennial observance of the arrival of the first pioneers in the promised valley. Throughout his long and useful life. Elder Morris exemplified in all his devoted Church service, a great knowledge and a consistent awareness of the gospel as the continuing pattern of eternal life. Elder Morris married Emma Ramsey in the Salt Lake Temple in 1905. They observed their golden wedding anniversary in 1955. Sister Morris and three daughters and one granddaughter survive Elder Morris. The daughters are Mrs. Edward A. (Margery) Woods, Miss Marion Morris, and Mrs. Roy T. (Helen) Stewart. The members of Relief Society in all the stakes and missions of the Church extend their love and sympathy to the family of Elder Morris, and join with the membership of the Church in gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the dedicated and exemplary life of Elder Morris, and for the example of his wisdom, his kindness and devotion, his spiritual guidance, and his lofty ideals. |
Elder George Q. Morris
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George Q. Morris
“And they were not able to resist the wisdom
and the spirit by which he spake." –Acts 6:10
and the spirit by which he spake." –Acts 6:10
Ordained: 8 April 1954 at age 80 by David O. McKay
Biography
George Quayle Morris was born 20 February 1874 in Salt Lake City to Elias Morris and Mary Lois Walker. He was named after a counselor in the First Presidency at the time of his birth, George Quayle Cannon, although not directly related. About his character as a child, his family related, "He never caused his mother a moment's anxiety … he was always obedient and seemed possessed of never-failing goodness." (Stevens 1937, 282)
George thought a lot of his mother. He told this about her years after her passing:
She came as a girl fifteen years of age, a true believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ, to St. Louis, where her mother died, and she came on to Zion. At nineteen she had lost her husband and her first child, thousands of miles away from her home in England, in a wild, unbroken country. She entered into conditions that tested her soul, and would test the soul of any man or any woman, but she was valiant, uncomplaining, cheerful, and true under all conditions, and I thank God for her, and I know she is happy today. (Morris 1954, 116-117)
He worked most of his life in his father's company, the Elias Morris and Sons Company, a tile and monument business. It was here where George learned the value of hard work, spending many tedious hours polishing stone.
As far as schooling goes, George attended Brigham Young University at Provo and later the University of Utah, graduating in 1899. He worked polishing marble to pay for his schooling and actively participated in the Mutual Improvement Association of his ward.
Following his graduation, George was called to serve a three-year mission to Great Britain in 1899, serving under Mission President and Apostle Francis M. Lyman. He first served in Wales and later was called to preside over the London conference.
Shortly before leaving on his mission, George's father died. Upon his return from England, he and his brother, Nephi L. Morris, decided to head their father's old business, making it a success once more.
George held many different callings in his life. He was set apart as a president of the second quorum of the Seventy 19 August 1904. Around this time, the Salt Lake Stake was divided into four stakes, and George served as superintendent of the division. He was also called as the stake Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) superintendent.
He married Emma Ramsey on 29 June 1905, one of Utah's most talented musicians of her day. Called by Theodore Roosevelt "Utah's Nightingale", she had studied voice in Berlin and Paris. The two of them were blessed with three daughters.
In 1908, George was released from his stake calling to serve as a counselor in the bishopric. Following his release from the bishopric, he was called to serve as stake YMMIA superintendent for the second time from 1913 to 1914.
On 21 June 1914, George was called to serve as bishop of the Salt Lake 14th Ward, a position he would serve in for ten years.
Following his release as bishop, he was called to the general board of the YMMIA where he served as chairman for The Improvement Era, which was a YMMIA magazine at the time. He was one of the original committee who had the idea to combine The Improvement Era with The Young Woman's Journal in November 1929 to make it generally for the Mutual Improvement Association, which eventually led to the magazine becoming for a general Church audience.
In 1928 he was called as counselor in the stake presidency of the Ensign Stake, a position he served in until 1935.
In January of 1935, George became first assistant in the general YMMIA superintendency under Albert E. Bowen. At Elder Bowen's call to the Council of the Twelve, George Q. Morris became superintendent.
Outside of his callings in the YMMIA, George was very interested in the welfare of the young men. He was very active in the Boy Scouts program. He served as a member of the Explorer committee, National Council, as vice chairman, Region 12, and he holds the Silver Antelope for his service to the boys in the Boy Scouts of America.
He was also active in civic affairs, particularly monuments, serving as executive chairman of the "This Is the Place" Monument Commission, executive vice-presidency of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, president of the Travelers' Aid board as well as service on the Community Chest board and activity in the Sons of Utah Pioneers. He also worked as President of the Prudential Federal Savings & Loan Association.
In 1948, Elder Morris was released as general superintendent to the YMMIA to become president of the Eastern States Mission. He was still serving in this capacity in October 1951 when he was called as Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.
At the time of his call as Assistant to the Twelve, Elder Morris said, with his usual good humor:
Having now been released from missionary work, as has been explained, I wish to express my gratitude to my Father in heaven and to my brethren for the privilege I have had of laboring in the missionary field. I know of no work that gives greater joy and satisfaction.
The work has been progressing in the Eastern States Mission because of the faithfulness of the missionaries and the Saints who are there; to whom I pay tribute. More branches are being established; chapels are being erected; the Saints are increasing in their faith and in their understanding of the gospel, and in their devotion to it; and they are enjoying the fruits of the gospel—joy and happiness and peace. Their hearts are turned toward us here in this center in the west. …
Now I am called to a new position. You know how humble I feel and how small I feel. We have a wonderful age retirement plan in this Church. I have never believed in arbitrary age retirement. We grow younger in this Church as we work in it, and the age retirement plan goes in reverse. The older we get and the longer we labor in the Church the more there is that we can do. There is no need for any person in this Church to have an empty mind, an empty hand, or an empty heart. God has provided that our lives may be full and rich as long as we live, and as we live the gospel, then our lives become glorious, and we enter into a fulness of life. (Morris 1952, 30-31)
In April 1954, Elder Morris was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at age 80, the oldest person to ever be called to this office.
Despite serving as Assistant to the Twelve for two and a half years previous to this call, Elder Morris still felt overwhelmed by his calling to the apostleship.
I am glad to place on the altar whatever I am and whatever I possess.
I know that this is the work of God, that he lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, and that he lives, that he is very close to us, and that he directs our beloved President and Prophet, David O. McKay, and his associates, and that these are men of God. And I am very grateful to them for the kindness and consideration and patience they have shown toward me. I love them and I try to emulate their example. I am privileged beyond my power to express my gratitude for the opportunity of continuing my labors with them. …
I pay tribute to my dear wife, who through years of sickness has been forced to be absent from me at sea level and under a doctor's care. She has been lonesome but she has always stood by me through all these years when I put my Church work first, before my business and before my home. She has sustained me in it. And as I left her ten days ago in New York, sick in bed, she would not have it any other way, and she stands by this principle.
My mother taught me to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. I want to bear witness to you, my dear brethren and sisters, that that principle is true, that in this the Church of Jesus Christ, the Church of the living God, there is no other principle that we should follow, no other principle, except to seek first the kingdom of God and keep his commandments, and all else will be added. And I thank the Lord for the abundant and unexpected and continuing and unfailing blessings, temporal and spiritual, that he has given to me, beyond all my hopes and all my deserts [sic], and I acknowledge his hand in these things. And I am glad to lay them on the altar for his service and for this work. (Morris 1954, 117)
Elder George Q. Morris died 23 April 1962 at age 88 of circumstances incident to age.
Quotes
His talks in general conference are filled with wisdom and humor. He rarely told personal stories, but when he did, they were always relevant to the topic discussed. He usually taught pure doctrine, backing his statements up with scripture. His talks were usually relatively short, and yet filled with doctrinal wisdom.
He had a strong testimony and he enjoyed bearing it. This testimony was given at the time of his call as Assistant to the Twelve:
I thank the Lord for the gospel of Jesus Christ. With joy and gratitude I go into this new work, and meager as my services and ability may be, they will be given with all my heart I love this cause. I have admiration and love for my brethren under whom I have been laboring, and with whom I have long been associated, more or less. I have loved them and appreciated them for the examples they have set me, for the teachings they have given me, for the kindness they have manifested towards me. (Morris 1952, 31-32)
This testimony was given at his final conference address:
I declare to you, my dear brethren and sisters, that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world, the Son of the Living God. We cannot partly accept him—as a philosopher, as merely the most perfect man who ever lived. When we do that we reject him. We reject his sovereignty and his divinity. He is the God of Israel, and the God of the whole world. He is Jehovah of the ancient scriptures, and God, the Savior of the new scriptures. Into his hands God has placed all things, and given him power over the nations—all flesh, and he is exercising that power. (Morris 1960, 101-102)
Elder Morris saw things very clearly.
The older I grow, the more I am convinced that the chief thing that we do need, and the highest achievement in the world to which we can attain, is to be guided by the Spirit of God. We can do that by keeping his commandments and in no other way that I know of. (Morris 1953, 111)
Having worked so long and so intensely with the young men, Elder Morris was very concerned that the youth keep their faith through their studies. He constantly encouraged the youth to maintain their principles.
At a meeting I recently attended where reference was made to a revelation concerning the origin and nature of man and the creation of the world, a young man came to me—a fine young faithful Latter-day Saint—and said he was so discouraged and depressed by the teachings he was receiving in college that he worried about it, and about how he could pass his examinations because he could not accept these teachings. Of course I could only tell him that he would have to hold to the truth no matter what the situation was. That is an obligation that we do have as a people. Who else has the revelations of God? What other church in the world is based upon these revelations? Having them, we must be true to them. (Morris 1956, 45)
He felt so strongly, in fact, about maintaining standards in a college setting, that he actually discouraged the weak in faith from attending institutes of higher learning.
If there is anyone who wants to go to college and hasn't the spiritual capacity to take on a college education without losing his faith, he had better stay on the farm and do his duty in the Church, and serve his fellow men and serve God, and grow in knowledge and intelligence and power there, because all the things he might get in colleges do not lead to intelligence. If a thing is true, it does. If it isn't true, it does not. (Morris 1952, 70)
Elder Morris saw plainly that a lack of money to pay tithing was actually a lack of faith.
I think when people say they haven't money enough to pay tithing, they should say they haven't faith enough to pay tithing. It is my conviction that we pay tithing with faith and not with money, because when a man has so much money that he has a large tithing, he can't pay tithing. He has too much money and too little faith to pay tithing, and just feels he can't afford it. I know a man who must have earned twenty-five thousand dollars or fifty thousand dollars a year, and he sent in a little pittance of three hundred dollars so that he would be on the tithing list. That wasn't tithing. I won't say what it was. I knew another man who was in financial distress, losing his home, harassed, but his tithing always came through. He didn't have money to spare for tithing in one sense. He didn't have money enough to pay his debts, his pressing obligations, but he had faith, and by faith he paid his tithing and remained straight with the Lord. I urge with all my heart that all the members of this Church who should pay tithing, pay an honest tithing—and don't scrape the measure off too level. Put a little offering of gratitude there, to heap it up just a little. The Lord heaps things up until they are running over with the blessings we receive from him. Let's be true and faithful. It is an interesting thing in this matter of tithing, which the Lord has set it up as his means of carrying on his work. It is through his blessings that all our money comes to us, and our means. It is a gift from him. The singular thing is that he has arranged that he must give $10,000 to get $1,000 back for his work. That may seem a very odd way of doing it, but that is his generous method; and the only way the Lord can get $1,000 contributed to the carrying on of his work under the tithing system is to give $10,000. I will leave it for you to figure out to whom he is going to give $10,000, whether it will be to those who keep it all, or whether it will be to those who turn back the $1,000 that he requires for his work. If we will pay our honest tithing to God, he will bless us and prosper us and increase our faith, and I believe the Lord has a lot of things to do that he can only do through people who have faith to pay their honest tithing. (Morris 1953, 111-112)
The following is an example of his sense of humor in explaining principles of the gospel.
I was told the other day (I did not learn any more of the details) that a bishop invited some of the members of his ward to a banquet, and as one man had his plate presented to him there was on it a small piece of meat and a small piece of carrot. I do not know what the man's impressions were or what questions arose in his mind, but it was explained to him that that represented the fast offering that he had been giving to the needy. [Laughter.] Now that was surely a very realistic way of pointing out his relation to the fast offering and his obligations. And it reminded me of a sobering statement that the Prophet Joseph Smith made at the funeral of James Adams in 1843, and refers back to the powerful statement and announcement made by President McKay, that it is by doing the will of God that we will attain salvation and accomplish his purpose, and in no other way. (Morris 1957, 100-101)
In reviewing the statistical prognoses of the future, Elder Morris saw the fulfillment of prophecy. Incidentally, it may be noted that this prognosis did prove correct.
The statistics given this morning were interesting. We now number over a million and a half people. Some experts have estimated the future growth of the Church, and they estimate upon recognized principles of such estimations, that in the year 2000, forty-one years from now, the population of the Church will be (I must refer to the figures because I could hardly believe them) six million people, and I see no reason why we should not expect that to be so.
So we see with regard to our mission to the world and with regard to our relation to the world, not a fading out gospel dispensation, but a gospel dispensation that is to build and build until the Lord Jesus Christ shall come. He shall not come to an apostate group of Israel, but he shall come to the millions and millions of Israel who shall be gathered into his Church and kingdom. This Church and kingdom has already been established in the earth, and this is that kingdom. And testimonies of God's servants have been borne to that fact for one hundred and twenty-nine years and will continue to be borne to that fact to the end. (Morris 1959, 101)
Dr. Arthur A. Schuck, renowned national executive of the Boy Scouts of America said of him: "Anyone who comes in touch with Elder Morris feels close to God because of the nearness of God to George Q. Morris." (All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill) 1954, 133)
Clyde R. Stark, a friend of his, told this story about his patience and good humor: One day Elder Morris had to make an unexpected trip to Logan, Utah. He left with plenty of time, driving an unfamiliar vehicle, which he was assured should make the trip with no problems. Miles before reaching his destination, his engine stopped running. He flagged a passing car and was towed to the nearest service station. The mechanic tried many different things to get the car running again, but nothing seemed to help at all and the engine simply would not start. Becoming concerned about the time it was taking, Elder Morris suggested that perhaps there was no fuel. Indeed, the tank was dry. It turned out the gasoline gauge was defective. Elder Morris simply asked that the car's tank be filled and paid the embarrassed mechanic for his trouble with a smile. (All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill) 1954, 132-133)
Elder Richard L. Evans, then editor of the Improvement Era, said this of him:
To me, Elder George Q. Morris is a symbol of quiet consistency. One of my most fixed impressions of him is his frequent and purposeful walking between his business—Elias Morris & Sons Co., east of Second East on South Temple Street in Salt Lake City-and the Mutual Improvement Association or Improvement Era offices.
We often wondered how a man with an active and complex business could always come when we called. I cannot recall the time when he excused himself to care for his own affairs. It seems that long ago he decided what was most important—and all else he has considered as secondary. He has walked in his own unhurried way, no matter who walked with him. (All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill) 1954, 132)
About his character, The Improvement Era reported this:
He is a quiet, modest, reserved man, self-possessed, patient, eloquent in a subdued manner, and never loquacious. Deep within his great soul is a well-balanced strength and an iron will and tenacity which gets things done. He has a cheerful, friendly disposition and a keen sense of humor inherited from his Welsh ancestors. His associates know that he is full of purpose, faithful to his highest ideals, deeply orthodox and "without flaw" in his religious convictions; his personal conduct is always exemplary and he never disappoints. He is studious and systematic; he never shifts ground or changes his position for the sake of convenience; he deals with facts and principles, and analyzes and evaluates all things in the light of eternal verities. Nor is he ever known to gossip or deal lightly with the character of his fellow men. (Stevens 1937, 283)
Conclusion
What kind of man was George Q. Morris? He was a modest, unassuming man. He never sought the spotlight. He was often described as unhurried and calm. He loved the youth, especially the young men, and spent years and years in service to them. He had a vision of their potential as being higher than they thought of themselves.
His service in the Church was practically without pause and not without sacrifice as well, when one recalls the necessary separation from his wife and his place of business. Yet he gave his service without complaint and served with valor, regardless of his position.
Christensen, M. Elmer. 1962. "George Q. Morris." The Improvement Era, June: 392-393, 470, 472-474.
Jenson, Andrew. 1914. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1936. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson Memorial Association.
Morris, George Q. 1952. One Hundred Twenty-second Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 30-32.
—. 1952. One Hundred Twenty-third Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 69-71.
—. 1953. One Hundred Twenty-third Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 110-113.
—. 1954. One Hundred Twenty-fourth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 116-117.
—. 1956. One Hundred Twenty-seventh Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 45-48.
—. 1957. One Hundred Twenty-seventh Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 100-102.
—. 1959. One Hundred Twenty-ninth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 101-103.
—. 1960. One Hundred Thirtieth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 100-102.
Sonne, Alma. 1954. "Elder George Q. Morris Fills Vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve." The Relief Society Magazine, June: 352-353.
Stevens, Stringam A. 1937. "George Quayle Morris." The Improvement Era, May: 282-283.
The Improvement Era. 1954. "George Q. Morris of the Council of the Twelve." May: 294, 364.
The Instructor. 1954. "All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill)." May: 132-133, 136.
The Relief Society Magazine. 1962. "In Memoriam-Elder George Q. Morris." December: 408-409.
Biography
George Quayle Morris was born 20 February 1874 in Salt Lake City to Elias Morris and Mary Lois Walker. He was named after a counselor in the First Presidency at the time of his birth, George Quayle Cannon, although not directly related. About his character as a child, his family related, "He never caused his mother a moment's anxiety … he was always obedient and seemed possessed of never-failing goodness." (Stevens 1937, 282)
George thought a lot of his mother. He told this about her years after her passing:
She came as a girl fifteen years of age, a true believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ, to St. Louis, where her mother died, and she came on to Zion. At nineteen she had lost her husband and her first child, thousands of miles away from her home in England, in a wild, unbroken country. She entered into conditions that tested her soul, and would test the soul of any man or any woman, but she was valiant, uncomplaining, cheerful, and true under all conditions, and I thank God for her, and I know she is happy today. (Morris 1954, 116-117)
He worked most of his life in his father's company, the Elias Morris and Sons Company, a tile and monument business. It was here where George learned the value of hard work, spending many tedious hours polishing stone.
As far as schooling goes, George attended Brigham Young University at Provo and later the University of Utah, graduating in 1899. He worked polishing marble to pay for his schooling and actively participated in the Mutual Improvement Association of his ward.
Following his graduation, George was called to serve a three-year mission to Great Britain in 1899, serving under Mission President and Apostle Francis M. Lyman. He first served in Wales and later was called to preside over the London conference.
Shortly before leaving on his mission, George's father died. Upon his return from England, he and his brother, Nephi L. Morris, decided to head their father's old business, making it a success once more.
George held many different callings in his life. He was set apart as a president of the second quorum of the Seventy 19 August 1904. Around this time, the Salt Lake Stake was divided into four stakes, and George served as superintendent of the division. He was also called as the stake Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) superintendent.
He married Emma Ramsey on 29 June 1905, one of Utah's most talented musicians of her day. Called by Theodore Roosevelt "Utah's Nightingale", she had studied voice in Berlin and Paris. The two of them were blessed with three daughters.
In 1908, George was released from his stake calling to serve as a counselor in the bishopric. Following his release from the bishopric, he was called to serve as stake YMMIA superintendent for the second time from 1913 to 1914.
On 21 June 1914, George was called to serve as bishop of the Salt Lake 14th Ward, a position he would serve in for ten years.
Following his release as bishop, he was called to the general board of the YMMIA where he served as chairman for The Improvement Era, which was a YMMIA magazine at the time. He was one of the original committee who had the idea to combine The Improvement Era with The Young Woman's Journal in November 1929 to make it generally for the Mutual Improvement Association, which eventually led to the magazine becoming for a general Church audience.
In 1928 he was called as counselor in the stake presidency of the Ensign Stake, a position he served in until 1935.
In January of 1935, George became first assistant in the general YMMIA superintendency under Albert E. Bowen. At Elder Bowen's call to the Council of the Twelve, George Q. Morris became superintendent.
Outside of his callings in the YMMIA, George was very interested in the welfare of the young men. He was very active in the Boy Scouts program. He served as a member of the Explorer committee, National Council, as vice chairman, Region 12, and he holds the Silver Antelope for his service to the boys in the Boy Scouts of America.
He was also active in civic affairs, particularly monuments, serving as executive chairman of the "This Is the Place" Monument Commission, executive vice-presidency of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, president of the Travelers' Aid board as well as service on the Community Chest board and activity in the Sons of Utah Pioneers. He also worked as President of the Prudential Federal Savings & Loan Association.
In 1948, Elder Morris was released as general superintendent to the YMMIA to become president of the Eastern States Mission. He was still serving in this capacity in October 1951 when he was called as Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.
At the time of his call as Assistant to the Twelve, Elder Morris said, with his usual good humor:
Having now been released from missionary work, as has been explained, I wish to express my gratitude to my Father in heaven and to my brethren for the privilege I have had of laboring in the missionary field. I know of no work that gives greater joy and satisfaction.
The work has been progressing in the Eastern States Mission because of the faithfulness of the missionaries and the Saints who are there; to whom I pay tribute. More branches are being established; chapels are being erected; the Saints are increasing in their faith and in their understanding of the gospel, and in their devotion to it; and they are enjoying the fruits of the gospel—joy and happiness and peace. Their hearts are turned toward us here in this center in the west. …
Now I am called to a new position. You know how humble I feel and how small I feel. We have a wonderful age retirement plan in this Church. I have never believed in arbitrary age retirement. We grow younger in this Church as we work in it, and the age retirement plan goes in reverse. The older we get and the longer we labor in the Church the more there is that we can do. There is no need for any person in this Church to have an empty mind, an empty hand, or an empty heart. God has provided that our lives may be full and rich as long as we live, and as we live the gospel, then our lives become glorious, and we enter into a fulness of life. (Morris 1952, 30-31)
In April 1954, Elder Morris was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at age 80, the oldest person to ever be called to this office.
Despite serving as Assistant to the Twelve for two and a half years previous to this call, Elder Morris still felt overwhelmed by his calling to the apostleship.
I am glad to place on the altar whatever I am and whatever I possess.
I know that this is the work of God, that he lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, and that he lives, that he is very close to us, and that he directs our beloved President and Prophet, David O. McKay, and his associates, and that these are men of God. And I am very grateful to them for the kindness and consideration and patience they have shown toward me. I love them and I try to emulate their example. I am privileged beyond my power to express my gratitude for the opportunity of continuing my labors with them. …
I pay tribute to my dear wife, who through years of sickness has been forced to be absent from me at sea level and under a doctor's care. She has been lonesome but she has always stood by me through all these years when I put my Church work first, before my business and before my home. She has sustained me in it. And as I left her ten days ago in New York, sick in bed, she would not have it any other way, and she stands by this principle.
My mother taught me to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. I want to bear witness to you, my dear brethren and sisters, that that principle is true, that in this the Church of Jesus Christ, the Church of the living God, there is no other principle that we should follow, no other principle, except to seek first the kingdom of God and keep his commandments, and all else will be added. And I thank the Lord for the abundant and unexpected and continuing and unfailing blessings, temporal and spiritual, that he has given to me, beyond all my hopes and all my deserts [sic], and I acknowledge his hand in these things. And I am glad to lay them on the altar for his service and for this work. (Morris 1954, 117)
Elder George Q. Morris died 23 April 1962 at age 88 of circumstances incident to age.
Quotes
His talks in general conference are filled with wisdom and humor. He rarely told personal stories, but when he did, they were always relevant to the topic discussed. He usually taught pure doctrine, backing his statements up with scripture. His talks were usually relatively short, and yet filled with doctrinal wisdom.
He had a strong testimony and he enjoyed bearing it. This testimony was given at the time of his call as Assistant to the Twelve:
I thank the Lord for the gospel of Jesus Christ. With joy and gratitude I go into this new work, and meager as my services and ability may be, they will be given with all my heart I love this cause. I have admiration and love for my brethren under whom I have been laboring, and with whom I have long been associated, more or less. I have loved them and appreciated them for the examples they have set me, for the teachings they have given me, for the kindness they have manifested towards me. (Morris 1952, 31-32)
This testimony was given at his final conference address:
I declare to you, my dear brethren and sisters, that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world, the Son of the Living God. We cannot partly accept him—as a philosopher, as merely the most perfect man who ever lived. When we do that we reject him. We reject his sovereignty and his divinity. He is the God of Israel, and the God of the whole world. He is Jehovah of the ancient scriptures, and God, the Savior of the new scriptures. Into his hands God has placed all things, and given him power over the nations—all flesh, and he is exercising that power. (Morris 1960, 101-102)
Elder Morris saw things very clearly.
The older I grow, the more I am convinced that the chief thing that we do need, and the highest achievement in the world to which we can attain, is to be guided by the Spirit of God. We can do that by keeping his commandments and in no other way that I know of. (Morris 1953, 111)
Having worked so long and so intensely with the young men, Elder Morris was very concerned that the youth keep their faith through their studies. He constantly encouraged the youth to maintain their principles.
At a meeting I recently attended where reference was made to a revelation concerning the origin and nature of man and the creation of the world, a young man came to me—a fine young faithful Latter-day Saint—and said he was so discouraged and depressed by the teachings he was receiving in college that he worried about it, and about how he could pass his examinations because he could not accept these teachings. Of course I could only tell him that he would have to hold to the truth no matter what the situation was. That is an obligation that we do have as a people. Who else has the revelations of God? What other church in the world is based upon these revelations? Having them, we must be true to them. (Morris 1956, 45)
He felt so strongly, in fact, about maintaining standards in a college setting, that he actually discouraged the weak in faith from attending institutes of higher learning.
If there is anyone who wants to go to college and hasn't the spiritual capacity to take on a college education without losing his faith, he had better stay on the farm and do his duty in the Church, and serve his fellow men and serve God, and grow in knowledge and intelligence and power there, because all the things he might get in colleges do not lead to intelligence. If a thing is true, it does. If it isn't true, it does not. (Morris 1952, 70)
Elder Morris saw plainly that a lack of money to pay tithing was actually a lack of faith.
I think when people say they haven't money enough to pay tithing, they should say they haven't faith enough to pay tithing. It is my conviction that we pay tithing with faith and not with money, because when a man has so much money that he has a large tithing, he can't pay tithing. He has too much money and too little faith to pay tithing, and just feels he can't afford it. I know a man who must have earned twenty-five thousand dollars or fifty thousand dollars a year, and he sent in a little pittance of three hundred dollars so that he would be on the tithing list. That wasn't tithing. I won't say what it was. I knew another man who was in financial distress, losing his home, harassed, but his tithing always came through. He didn't have money to spare for tithing in one sense. He didn't have money enough to pay his debts, his pressing obligations, but he had faith, and by faith he paid his tithing and remained straight with the Lord. I urge with all my heart that all the members of this Church who should pay tithing, pay an honest tithing—and don't scrape the measure off too level. Put a little offering of gratitude there, to heap it up just a little. The Lord heaps things up until they are running over with the blessings we receive from him. Let's be true and faithful. It is an interesting thing in this matter of tithing, which the Lord has set it up as his means of carrying on his work. It is through his blessings that all our money comes to us, and our means. It is a gift from him. The singular thing is that he has arranged that he must give $10,000 to get $1,000 back for his work. That may seem a very odd way of doing it, but that is his generous method; and the only way the Lord can get $1,000 contributed to the carrying on of his work under the tithing system is to give $10,000. I will leave it for you to figure out to whom he is going to give $10,000, whether it will be to those who keep it all, or whether it will be to those who turn back the $1,000 that he requires for his work. If we will pay our honest tithing to God, he will bless us and prosper us and increase our faith, and I believe the Lord has a lot of things to do that he can only do through people who have faith to pay their honest tithing. (Morris 1953, 111-112)
The following is an example of his sense of humor in explaining principles of the gospel.
I was told the other day (I did not learn any more of the details) that a bishop invited some of the members of his ward to a banquet, and as one man had his plate presented to him there was on it a small piece of meat and a small piece of carrot. I do not know what the man's impressions were or what questions arose in his mind, but it was explained to him that that represented the fast offering that he had been giving to the needy. [Laughter.] Now that was surely a very realistic way of pointing out his relation to the fast offering and his obligations. And it reminded me of a sobering statement that the Prophet Joseph Smith made at the funeral of James Adams in 1843, and refers back to the powerful statement and announcement made by President McKay, that it is by doing the will of God that we will attain salvation and accomplish his purpose, and in no other way. (Morris 1957, 100-101)
In reviewing the statistical prognoses of the future, Elder Morris saw the fulfillment of prophecy. Incidentally, it may be noted that this prognosis did prove correct.
The statistics given this morning were interesting. We now number over a million and a half people. Some experts have estimated the future growth of the Church, and they estimate upon recognized principles of such estimations, that in the year 2000, forty-one years from now, the population of the Church will be (I must refer to the figures because I could hardly believe them) six million people, and I see no reason why we should not expect that to be so.
So we see with regard to our mission to the world and with regard to our relation to the world, not a fading out gospel dispensation, but a gospel dispensation that is to build and build until the Lord Jesus Christ shall come. He shall not come to an apostate group of Israel, but he shall come to the millions and millions of Israel who shall be gathered into his Church and kingdom. This Church and kingdom has already been established in the earth, and this is that kingdom. And testimonies of God's servants have been borne to that fact for one hundred and twenty-nine years and will continue to be borne to that fact to the end. (Morris 1959, 101)
Dr. Arthur A. Schuck, renowned national executive of the Boy Scouts of America said of him: "Anyone who comes in touch with Elder Morris feels close to God because of the nearness of God to George Q. Morris." (All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill) 1954, 133)
Clyde R. Stark, a friend of his, told this story about his patience and good humor: One day Elder Morris had to make an unexpected trip to Logan, Utah. He left with plenty of time, driving an unfamiliar vehicle, which he was assured should make the trip with no problems. Miles before reaching his destination, his engine stopped running. He flagged a passing car and was towed to the nearest service station. The mechanic tried many different things to get the car running again, but nothing seemed to help at all and the engine simply would not start. Becoming concerned about the time it was taking, Elder Morris suggested that perhaps there was no fuel. Indeed, the tank was dry. It turned out the gasoline gauge was defective. Elder Morris simply asked that the car's tank be filled and paid the embarrassed mechanic for his trouble with a smile. (All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill) 1954, 132-133)
Elder Richard L. Evans, then editor of the Improvement Era, said this of him:
To me, Elder George Q. Morris is a symbol of quiet consistency. One of my most fixed impressions of him is his frequent and purposeful walking between his business—Elias Morris & Sons Co., east of Second East on South Temple Street in Salt Lake City-and the Mutual Improvement Association or Improvement Era offices.
We often wondered how a man with an active and complex business could always come when we called. I cannot recall the time when he excused himself to care for his own affairs. It seems that long ago he decided what was most important—and all else he has considered as secondary. He has walked in his own unhurried way, no matter who walked with him. (All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill) 1954, 132)
About his character, The Improvement Era reported this:
He is a quiet, modest, reserved man, self-possessed, patient, eloquent in a subdued manner, and never loquacious. Deep within his great soul is a well-balanced strength and an iron will and tenacity which gets things done. He has a cheerful, friendly disposition and a keen sense of humor inherited from his Welsh ancestors. His associates know that he is full of purpose, faithful to his highest ideals, deeply orthodox and "without flaw" in his religious convictions; his personal conduct is always exemplary and he never disappoints. He is studious and systematic; he never shifts ground or changes his position for the sake of convenience; he deals with facts and principles, and analyzes and evaluates all things in the light of eternal verities. Nor is he ever known to gossip or deal lightly with the character of his fellow men. (Stevens 1937, 283)
Conclusion
What kind of man was George Q. Morris? He was a modest, unassuming man. He never sought the spotlight. He was often described as unhurried and calm. He loved the youth, especially the young men, and spent years and years in service to them. He had a vision of their potential as being higher than they thought of themselves.
His service in the Church was practically without pause and not without sacrifice as well, when one recalls the necessary separation from his wife and his place of business. Yet he gave his service without complaint and served with valor, regardless of his position.
Christensen, M. Elmer. 1962. "George Q. Morris." The Improvement Era, June: 392-393, 470, 472-474.
Jenson, Andrew. 1914. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1936. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson Memorial Association.
Morris, George Q. 1952. One Hundred Twenty-second Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 30-32.
—. 1952. One Hundred Twenty-third Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 69-71.
—. 1953. One Hundred Twenty-third Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 110-113.
—. 1954. One Hundred Twenty-fourth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 116-117.
—. 1956. One Hundred Twenty-seventh Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 45-48.
—. 1957. One Hundred Twenty-seventh Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 100-102.
—. 1959. One Hundred Twenty-ninth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 101-103.
—. 1960. One Hundred Thirtieth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 100-102.
Sonne, Alma. 1954. "Elder George Q. Morris Fills Vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve." The Relief Society Magazine, June: 352-353.
Stevens, Stringam A. 1937. "George Quayle Morris." The Improvement Era, May: 282-283.
The Improvement Era. 1954. "George Q. Morris of the Council of the Twelve." May: 294, 364.
The Instructor. 1954. "All Else Became Secondary (Elders George Q. Morris and Sterling W. Sill)." May: 132-133, 136.
The Relief Society Magazine. 1962. "In Memoriam-Elder George Q. Morris." December: 408-409.