George R. Hill
Born: 10 April 1884
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1934
Called as First Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1943
Called as General Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1949
Released: 1966
Died: 13 August 1971
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1934
Called as First Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1943
Called as General Superintendent in the Sunday School: 1949
Released: 1966
Died: 13 August 1971
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Instructor, April 1937, Second Assistant General Superintendent George Richard Hill
Instructor, February 1943, Boy Scouts Honor Superintendent Hill
Instructor, April 1943, Our New Superintendent - George R. Hill
Instructor, July 1949, George Richard Hill
Instructor, November 1949, George Richard Hill
Instructor, February 1967, New General Superintendency - George R. Hill
Instructor, October 1970, Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men - George R. Hill
Instructor, April 1937, Second Assistant General Superintendent George Richard Hill
Instructor, February 1943, Boy Scouts Honor Superintendent Hill
Instructor, April 1943, Our New Superintendent - George R. Hill
Instructor, July 1949, George Richard Hill
Instructor, November 1949, George Richard Hill
Instructor, February 1967, New General Superintendency - George R. Hill
Instructor, October 1970, Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men - George R. Hill
Jenson, Andrew. "Hill, George R." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 213, 240.
HILL, Geo. R., second assistant in the general superintendency of the L. D. S. Sunday schools, was born April 10, 1884, at Ogden, Utah, a son of George Richard Hill and Elizabeth Nancy Burch. His grandparents on both sides were pioneers of Utah and settled in Ogden in 1848. In 1889 Bro. Geo. R. Hill located on a farm at Springville, Utah, where his son, Geo. R., jun., attended the public schools until his graduation in 1900. He graduated from the high school of the Brigham Young University at Provo in 1904, received the degree of B. S. from that university in 1907, obtained the degree of B. S. A. from the Utah Agricultural College in 1908 and that of Ph. D. at Cornell University in 1912. Bro. Hill was baptized when about eight years old and after serving in offices of the Aaronic Priesthood was ordained an Elder, and later a Seventy to become a member of the 220th Quorum of Seventy. He served as an officer and teacher in the Y. M. M. I. A. and as a member of the general board of that organization from 1926 to 1935. In Sunday school work he acted as chorister and also as a teacher in the Springville 3rd and Logan 5th wards, as Sunday school superintendent in the Logan 5th ward, as member of the Sunday school boards of the Salt Lake and Cache stakes, as member of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union from 1925, devoting much time to the preparation of lesson outlines, and in 1934 was set apart as a member of the general superintendency of the L. D. S. Sunday schools. As an agriculturalist, Bro. Hill's activities have been of great value to his native state. As a youth he engaged in farming, was instructor of agriculture and science in the L. D. S. High School in 1907-1908, instructor in plant physiology in Cornell University in 1910-1912, was research assistant in the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1912- 1913, professor of botany and plant pathology at the U. S. A. C. at Logan, Utah, in 1913-1915, and dean of agriculture at the U. S. A. C. in 1915-1925. Since 1925 he has been director of the department of agricultural research at the American Smelting and Refining Company with headquarters at Salt Lake City. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Botanical Society of America, of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, of the Utah Academy of Science and of the Gamma Alpha and Sigma Xi. On April 10, 1914, Dr. Hill married Elizabeth Odette McKay, daughter of David McKay and Jeanette Evans of Huntsville, Utah. This marriage was blessed with three children, namely, Elizabeth, George Richard III, and Jeanette Evans McKay Hill. Bro. Hill has taken a keen interest in scouting, being actively engaged in these activities for the past twenty-one years and has served as scoutmaster of the Logan Troop Five, member of Cache Valley Council, chairman of the Oquirrh District, member of the Salt Lake Area Council and vice president of the Salt Lake Council. His philosophy of life is expressed as follows: "The man worth while is the man who can smile, though everything goes dead wrong," "I know that my Redeemer lives," and "There is beauty all around when there's love at home."
HILL, George R., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1926 to 1935. (See Sunday School Group.)
HILL, Geo. R., second assistant in the general superintendency of the L. D. S. Sunday schools, was born April 10, 1884, at Ogden, Utah, a son of George Richard Hill and Elizabeth Nancy Burch. His grandparents on both sides were pioneers of Utah and settled in Ogden in 1848. In 1889 Bro. Geo. R. Hill located on a farm at Springville, Utah, where his son, Geo. R., jun., attended the public schools until his graduation in 1900. He graduated from the high school of the Brigham Young University at Provo in 1904, received the degree of B. S. from that university in 1907, obtained the degree of B. S. A. from the Utah Agricultural College in 1908 and that of Ph. D. at Cornell University in 1912. Bro. Hill was baptized when about eight years old and after serving in offices of the Aaronic Priesthood was ordained an Elder, and later a Seventy to become a member of the 220th Quorum of Seventy. He served as an officer and teacher in the Y. M. M. I. A. and as a member of the general board of that organization from 1926 to 1935. In Sunday school work he acted as chorister and also as a teacher in the Springville 3rd and Logan 5th wards, as Sunday school superintendent in the Logan 5th ward, as member of the Sunday school boards of the Salt Lake and Cache stakes, as member of the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union from 1925, devoting much time to the preparation of lesson outlines, and in 1934 was set apart as a member of the general superintendency of the L. D. S. Sunday schools. As an agriculturalist, Bro. Hill's activities have been of great value to his native state. As a youth he engaged in farming, was instructor of agriculture and science in the L. D. S. High School in 1907-1908, instructor in plant physiology in Cornell University in 1910-1912, was research assistant in the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1912- 1913, professor of botany and plant pathology at the U. S. A. C. at Logan, Utah, in 1913-1915, and dean of agriculture at the U. S. A. C. in 1915-1925. Since 1925 he has been director of the department of agricultural research at the American Smelting and Refining Company with headquarters at Salt Lake City. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Botanical Society of America, of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, of the Utah Academy of Science and of the Gamma Alpha and Sigma Xi. On April 10, 1914, Dr. Hill married Elizabeth Odette McKay, daughter of David McKay and Jeanette Evans of Huntsville, Utah. This marriage was blessed with three children, namely, Elizabeth, George Richard III, and Jeanette Evans McKay Hill. Bro. Hill has taken a keen interest in scouting, being actively engaged in these activities for the past twenty-one years and has served as scoutmaster of the Logan Troop Five, member of Cache Valley Council, chairman of the Oquirrh District, member of the Salt Lake Area Council and vice president of the Salt Lake Council. His philosophy of life is expressed as follows: "The man worth while is the man who can smile, though everything goes dead wrong," "I know that my Redeemer lives," and "There is beauty all around when there's love at home."
HILL, George R., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1926 to 1935. (See Sunday School Group.)
Reiser A. Hamer. "Second Assistant General Superintendent George Richard Hill." Instructor. April 1937. pg. 147-148.
SECOND ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE RICHARD HILL
By A. Harriet Reiser
The "Who's Who" of Latter-day Saints Sunday Schools would give you the following facts about George R. Hill, Second Assistant Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board whose picture appears upon the front cover of this issue of The Instructor.
Born April 10, 1884, in Ogden, Utah, the son of George Richard Hill and Elizabeth Nancy Burch. His grandparents, the paternal pioneers of 1847 and the maternal of 1848, settled in Ogden. He moved with his parents to a farm in Springville in 1889, attended school in Springville, graduating in 1900. Graduation from the B. Y. U. High School in 1904, the University in 1907 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, one year later from the Utah Agricultural College with a degree of B. S. in agriculture and in 1912 from Cornell University with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, accounts for his academic progress.
His career in Church work is revealed in these facts: Baptized at the age of 8 years, ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood at 12, serving as Deacon, Teacher and Priest, and then to the Melchizedek Priesthood as a Seventy, now a member of the 220th quorum of Seventy; officer and teacher of the Y. M. M. I. A., later becoming a member of the General Board from 1926 to 1935; Sunday School chorister and teacher in Springville Third Ward and Logan Fifth Ward; superintendent of Logan Fifth Ward Sunday School and Stake Sunday School Boards in Salt Lake and Cache Stakes; member of the General Board 1925; set apart as a member of the General Superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union in October, 1934.
From boyhood his occupational interests have been centered in agriculture. In 1907 and 1908 he was instructor in agriculture in the Latter-day Saints High School. 1910 to 1912 he served as instructor in plant physiology in Cornell University. In 1912 and 1913 he was research assistant in the Missouri Botanical Gardens; professor of botany and plant pathology at the Utah Agricultural College at Logan 1913 to 1925; Dean of the College of Agriculture, 1915 to 1925. Since 1925 he has been director of the department of agricultural research of the American Smelting and Refining Company. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Botanical Society of America, of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, of the Utah Academy of Science, and of Sigma XI.
On April 10, 1914, he married Elizabeth Odette McKay, daughter of David and Jennette Evans McKay of Huntsville, Utah. Children: Elizabeth, George Richard III and David McKay Hill.
To this impressive array of facts, revealing the very active, broad and intensive career and interests of Dr. Hill, must be added a word about his avocation. To be adequately inclusive that should be described as interest in the improvement of everything that grows with emphasis upon plants and with extra special emphasis upon boys and girls. The facts about his Sunday School service reveal his interest in boys and girls and an intimate knowledge of his love for his own children would reveal the exalted form which that emotion takes in his life. The following facts about his career in Scout work more particularly reveal his interest in boys. He has been active in Scouting for more than 21 years. First as Scout Master of troop 5 at Logan, Utah, and later as a member of the Cache Valley Council, also chairman of the Oquirrh District, Member of Salt Lake area Council, and Vice President of the Salt Lake Council.
As the foregoing facts abundantly suggest here is a personality saturated with youthful exuberance and vital power. To be in his presence and to feel the influence of his spirit is to experience something remarkably akin to the growth-stirring power of nature which is so aptly expressed in Lowell's introductory lines to the Vision of Sir Launfal. His joyous zest for living and his eagerness for action affect those around him in a way which resembles the effect upon nature of the life stirring warmth of the sun in springtime.
In his presence and under the influence of his dynamic spirit
"Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how;
Everything is happy now,
Everything is upward striving;
'Tis as easy now for the heart to be true
As for grass to be green or skies to be blue."
SECOND ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE RICHARD HILL
By A. Harriet Reiser
The "Who's Who" of Latter-day Saints Sunday Schools would give you the following facts about George R. Hill, Second Assistant Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board whose picture appears upon the front cover of this issue of The Instructor.
Born April 10, 1884, in Ogden, Utah, the son of George Richard Hill and Elizabeth Nancy Burch. His grandparents, the paternal pioneers of 1847 and the maternal of 1848, settled in Ogden. He moved with his parents to a farm in Springville in 1889, attended school in Springville, graduating in 1900. Graduation from the B. Y. U. High School in 1904, the University in 1907 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, one year later from the Utah Agricultural College with a degree of B. S. in agriculture and in 1912 from Cornell University with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, accounts for his academic progress.
His career in Church work is revealed in these facts: Baptized at the age of 8 years, ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood at 12, serving as Deacon, Teacher and Priest, and then to the Melchizedek Priesthood as a Seventy, now a member of the 220th quorum of Seventy; officer and teacher of the Y. M. M. I. A., later becoming a member of the General Board from 1926 to 1935; Sunday School chorister and teacher in Springville Third Ward and Logan Fifth Ward; superintendent of Logan Fifth Ward Sunday School and Stake Sunday School Boards in Salt Lake and Cache Stakes; member of the General Board 1925; set apart as a member of the General Superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union in October, 1934.
From boyhood his occupational interests have been centered in agriculture. In 1907 and 1908 he was instructor in agriculture in the Latter-day Saints High School. 1910 to 1912 he served as instructor in plant physiology in Cornell University. In 1912 and 1913 he was research assistant in the Missouri Botanical Gardens; professor of botany and plant pathology at the Utah Agricultural College at Logan 1913 to 1925; Dean of the College of Agriculture, 1915 to 1925. Since 1925 he has been director of the department of agricultural research of the American Smelting and Refining Company. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Botanical Society of America, of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, of the Utah Academy of Science, and of Sigma XI.
On April 10, 1914, he married Elizabeth Odette McKay, daughter of David and Jennette Evans McKay of Huntsville, Utah. Children: Elizabeth, George Richard III and David McKay Hill.
To this impressive array of facts, revealing the very active, broad and intensive career and interests of Dr. Hill, must be added a word about his avocation. To be adequately inclusive that should be described as interest in the improvement of everything that grows with emphasis upon plants and with extra special emphasis upon boys and girls. The facts about his Sunday School service reveal his interest in boys and girls and an intimate knowledge of his love for his own children would reveal the exalted form which that emotion takes in his life. The following facts about his career in Scout work more particularly reveal his interest in boys. He has been active in Scouting for more than 21 years. First as Scout Master of troop 5 at Logan, Utah, and later as a member of the Cache Valley Council, also chairman of the Oquirrh District, Member of Salt Lake area Council, and Vice President of the Salt Lake Council.
As the foregoing facts abundantly suggest here is a personality saturated with youthful exuberance and vital power. To be in his presence and to feel the influence of his spirit is to experience something remarkably akin to the growth-stirring power of nature which is so aptly expressed in Lowell's introductory lines to the Vision of Sir Launfal. His joyous zest for living and his eagerness for action affect those around him in a way which resembles the effect upon nature of the life stirring warmth of the sun in springtime.
In his presence and under the influence of his dynamic spirit
"Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how;
Everything is happy now,
Everything is upward striving;
'Tis as easy now for the heart to be true
As for grass to be green or skies to be blue."
"Boy Scouts Honor Superintendent Hill." Instructor. February 1943. pg. 70.
BOY SCOUTS HONOR SUPERINTENDENT HILL
New honor has come to the Sunday School General Board, with the election of Superintendent George R. Hill as president of the Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was named to this important office at the twenty-third annual meeting of the council in Salt Lake City's South High School auditorium Friday, January 8, 1943. Elder Hill, who is Second Assistant General Superintendent for the Sunday Schools of the Church, is one reason why Thomas J. Keane of New York City, then Director of Senior Scouting in America, said, in 1936: "Worldwide Boy Scout activities attain their highest excellence in Utah...”
Cache Valley, Utah Council, which Elder Hill helped organize nearly 25 years ago, for years has led the nation in per capita memberships of boys of Scout age. Salt Lake Council is among the first ten, with approximately 6400 Boy Scouts, about 40 percent of the youths of Scout age. It is first in the nation among large urban councils. Dr. Hill, now director of the department of agricultural research for the American Smelting and Refining Company, with headquarters at Salt Lake City, launched out into the Boy Scout movement as Scoutmaster of Troop 5 in Logan, Utah (Fifth Ward) nearly thirty years ago. During each of his ten years as leader of this troop he shepherded his boys on an outing of several days duration. Riding in hayracks, trucks. busses or automobiles, they visited such places as Yellowstone Park, industrial plants in the Salt Lake City area, and fishing haunts in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, While dean of agriculture at Utah State Agriculture College, Dr. Hill in 1918 organized a school for scoutmasters, which attracted from 100 to 200 boy leaders annually from various parts of western America during its seven years of operation. He served as a member of the Cache Valley Council, chairman of the Oquirrh (Utah) District, and vice-president of the Salt Lake Council.
Among other Latter-day Saints prominently identified with the Boy Scout movement is Elder George Albert Smith of the Council of the Twelve, who has received the highly- prized ''Silver Buffalo" award as well as the "Silver Beaver" award. He is a member of the executive committee of the national Boy Scout Council. Elder Oscar A. Kirkham of the First Council of Seventy served as chief morale officer at the international Boy Scout jamborees at Birkenhead, England, and at Gedollo, Hungary, and at America's Silver Jubilee celebration. Elder John H. Taylor of the First Council of Seventy was the first L. D. S. Boy Scout Field Commissioner, A National Charter was issued the Church by the National Council of Boy Scouts of America May 21, 1913. There are approximately 20,000 Mormon Boy Scouts today — most of them are Sunday School boys, too!
BOY SCOUTS HONOR SUPERINTENDENT HILL
New honor has come to the Sunday School General Board, with the election of Superintendent George R. Hill as president of the Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was named to this important office at the twenty-third annual meeting of the council in Salt Lake City's South High School auditorium Friday, January 8, 1943. Elder Hill, who is Second Assistant General Superintendent for the Sunday Schools of the Church, is one reason why Thomas J. Keane of New York City, then Director of Senior Scouting in America, said, in 1936: "Worldwide Boy Scout activities attain their highest excellence in Utah...”
Cache Valley, Utah Council, which Elder Hill helped organize nearly 25 years ago, for years has led the nation in per capita memberships of boys of Scout age. Salt Lake Council is among the first ten, with approximately 6400 Boy Scouts, about 40 percent of the youths of Scout age. It is first in the nation among large urban councils. Dr. Hill, now director of the department of agricultural research for the American Smelting and Refining Company, with headquarters at Salt Lake City, launched out into the Boy Scout movement as Scoutmaster of Troop 5 in Logan, Utah (Fifth Ward) nearly thirty years ago. During each of his ten years as leader of this troop he shepherded his boys on an outing of several days duration. Riding in hayracks, trucks. busses or automobiles, they visited such places as Yellowstone Park, industrial plants in the Salt Lake City area, and fishing haunts in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, While dean of agriculture at Utah State Agriculture College, Dr. Hill in 1918 organized a school for scoutmasters, which attracted from 100 to 200 boy leaders annually from various parts of western America during its seven years of operation. He served as a member of the Cache Valley Council, chairman of the Oquirrh (Utah) District, and vice-president of the Salt Lake Council.
Among other Latter-day Saints prominently identified with the Boy Scout movement is Elder George Albert Smith of the Council of the Twelve, who has received the highly- prized ''Silver Buffalo" award as well as the "Silver Beaver" award. He is a member of the executive committee of the national Boy Scout Council. Elder Oscar A. Kirkham of the First Council of Seventy served as chief morale officer at the international Boy Scout jamborees at Birkenhead, England, and at Gedollo, Hungary, and at America's Silver Jubilee celebration. Elder John H. Taylor of the First Council of Seventy was the first L. D. S. Boy Scout Field Commissioner, A National Charter was issued the Church by the National Council of Boy Scouts of America May 21, 1913. There are approximately 20,000 Mormon Boy Scouts today — most of them are Sunday School boys, too!
Ashton, Wendell J. "Our New Superintendent - George R. Hill." Instructor. April 1943. pg. 179.
OUR NEW SUPERINTENDENT
By Wendell J. Ashton
GEORGE R. HILL First Assistant General Superintendent
A member of the General Board for eighteen years and one of the General Superintendency for nine years, Dr. Hill knows Sunday School work thoroughly.
His long, systematic training for school teaching, his experience in the classroom, and his keen interest in boys, have prepared him to study and to understand the problems of youth, both in life and in religion.
After taking his first degree he taught in the Latter-day Saints University, in Salt Lake City. From there he went to the Agricultural College, in Logan, Utah, where he became professor of botany and plant pathology. He received the degree, Ph.D., from Cornell University. And now he is agricultural research chemist for the American Smelting and Refining Company, where he performs what were once miracles. In addition he is president of the Salt Lake Council of Boy Scouts of America.
When the name of George R. Hill was first added to the list of General Board members, in the November issue of The Instructor, only nine of those on the list in February, 1943, remained. Nine years later, on his being chosen to the General Superintendency, his name stood eighteenth on a list of thirty-two.
Meantime, he had grown up in the Sunday School. He passed through all the departments, became ward chorister in both Springville and Logan, and was superintendent of a ward school in the latter town.
Such has been his preparation for the position of First Assistant General Superintendent.
OUR NEW SUPERINTENDENT
By Wendell J. Ashton
GEORGE R. HILL First Assistant General Superintendent
A member of the General Board for eighteen years and one of the General Superintendency for nine years, Dr. Hill knows Sunday School work thoroughly.
His long, systematic training for school teaching, his experience in the classroom, and his keen interest in boys, have prepared him to study and to understand the problems of youth, both in life and in religion.
After taking his first degree he taught in the Latter-day Saints University, in Salt Lake City. From there he went to the Agricultural College, in Logan, Utah, where he became professor of botany and plant pathology. He received the degree, Ph.D., from Cornell University. And now he is agricultural research chemist for the American Smelting and Refining Company, where he performs what were once miracles. In addition he is president of the Salt Lake Council of Boy Scouts of America.
When the name of George R. Hill was first added to the list of General Board members, in the November issue of The Instructor, only nine of those on the list in February, 1943, remained. Nine years later, on his being chosen to the General Superintendency, his name stood eighteenth on a list of thirty-two.
Meantime, he had grown up in the Sunday School. He passed through all the departments, became ward chorister in both Springville and Logan, and was superintendent of a ward school in the latter town.
Such has been his preparation for the position of First Assistant General Superintendent.
Reiser, Albert Hamer. "George Richard Hill." Instructor. July 1949. pg. 313-315.
George Richard Hill
ALBERT HAMER REISER
“MAN can do anything he can imagine." When I heard George R. Hill, First Assistant General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, say that many years ago, I began to ponder the saying critically. In many ways and many people I have since found the idea sustained.
George Richard Hill, himself, is an excellent example of the idea. To understand why, it will be helpful to know his background, his experience, and his career.
He was born in Ogden, Utah, April 10, 1884; son of George Richard Hill and Elizabeth Nancy Burch. His father's parents were pioneers of 1847 and his mother's of 1848. When he was 5 years old, the family moved to Springville where George thrived on the life of a farm boy. In 1904, he graduated from the B.Y.U. High School, and in 1907, from the college with the degree of bachelor of science. One year later, the Utah State Agricultural College awarded him the bachelor's degree in agriculture. Cornell University, in 1912, conferred upon him the degree of doctor of philosophy.
His career since has centered in agriculture. In 1907 and 1908 he taught in the L.D.S. High School in Salt Lake City. At Cornell, he was instructor in plant physiology. At the great Missouri Botanical gardens in 1912 and 1913, he was research assistant.
At Utah State Agricultural College, from 1913 to 1925, he was professor of botany and plant pathology; and director of the School of Agriculture from 1915 to 1925.
In 1925, the American Smelting and Refining Company made a momentous decision—to take affirmative action to end the claims for damages by farmers and stockmen arising from alleged smelter smoke emitted from its smelters in Salt Lake County.
George R. Hill was persuaded to become director of agricultural research. He accepted and set to work building a research laboratory and recruiting a staff of specialists. For nearly a quarter of a century, the American Smelting and Refining Company has been successful in controlling its vast operations to the degree that litigation over smelter smoke damage has ended and the agricultural research department has made numerous significant contributions of great value.
The story of this far-reaching achievement is worthy of a book in itself.
Dr. Hill is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Botanical Society of America, of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, of the Utah Academy of Science, and of Sigma Xi.
On April 10, 1914, he married Elizabeth Odette McKay, daughter of David McKay and Jeannette Evans, of Huntsville, Utah. Elizabeth Hill, on leave from the faculty of the Brigham Young University; Dr. George R. Hill III, of the faculty of the Chemistry Department of the University of Utah; and David McKay Hill, graduate student at Stanford University, are the three Hill children keeping alive the family tradition.
Just as remarkable as his scientific career is Superintendent Hill's church career. He served faithfully through all the offices of the Aaronic Priesthood and as a member of the 220th Quorum of Seventy. He is now a high priest in Bonneville Stake.
He served as a teacher and an officer of the Y.M.M.I.A. and from 1926 to 1935, was a member of the general board of the Y.M.M.I.A.
He was a chorister and a teacher in the Springville Third Ward Sunday School and, for ten years, chorister of the Fifth Ward in Logan. He served as superintendent of the Fifth Ward Sunday School and on the stake Sunday School boards in Cache and Salt Lake Stakes. In 1925 he was sustained as a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board and was set apart as a member of the General Superintendency in October, 1934. He served as second assistant to Superintendent George D. Pyper and as first assistant to Superintendent Milton Bennion.
Equally brilliant is his career in a special field of his enthusiasm — the Boy Scouts of America. His career in scouting goes back almost to the beginning of the movement in Utah. For ten years, he was a beloved scout master of troop 5 in Logan, a member of the Cache Valley Council, chairman of the Oquirrh District, a member of the Salt Lake Executive Council, its vice-president, and, for 6 years, its faithful and successful president. Through this long service, he has won the admiration of scouts and scouters by the hundreds.
George R. Hill has served as a member of the board of directors, as vice-president, and now as president of the Deseret Book Company. He was vice-president of the Bonneville Knife and Fork Club in 1948 and president in 1949.
In every capacity in which he has ever employed his energies and talents, he has won the respect of his associates as a man of ideas and of action. I know no better way to characterize him than by quoting a paragraph from an account I was honored to write about him for The Instructor in 1937:
"Here is a personality saturated with youthful exuberance and vital power. To be in his presence and to feel the influence of his spirit is to experience something remarkably akin to the growth-stirring power of nature which is so aptly expressed in Lowell's introductory lines to the "Vision of Sir Launfal." His joyous zest for living and his eagerness for action affect those around him in a way which resembles the effect upon nature of the life-stirring warmth of the sun in springtime.
"In his presence and under the influence of his dynamic spirit
'Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how;
Everything is happy now.
Everything is upward striving;
'Tis as easy now for the heart to be true
As for grass to be green or skies to be blue.'"
George Richard Hill
ALBERT HAMER REISER
“MAN can do anything he can imagine." When I heard George R. Hill, First Assistant General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, say that many years ago, I began to ponder the saying critically. In many ways and many people I have since found the idea sustained.
George Richard Hill, himself, is an excellent example of the idea. To understand why, it will be helpful to know his background, his experience, and his career.
He was born in Ogden, Utah, April 10, 1884; son of George Richard Hill and Elizabeth Nancy Burch. His father's parents were pioneers of 1847 and his mother's of 1848. When he was 5 years old, the family moved to Springville where George thrived on the life of a farm boy. In 1904, he graduated from the B.Y.U. High School, and in 1907, from the college with the degree of bachelor of science. One year later, the Utah State Agricultural College awarded him the bachelor's degree in agriculture. Cornell University, in 1912, conferred upon him the degree of doctor of philosophy.
His career since has centered in agriculture. In 1907 and 1908 he taught in the L.D.S. High School in Salt Lake City. At Cornell, he was instructor in plant physiology. At the great Missouri Botanical gardens in 1912 and 1913, he was research assistant.
At Utah State Agricultural College, from 1913 to 1925, he was professor of botany and plant pathology; and director of the School of Agriculture from 1915 to 1925.
In 1925, the American Smelting and Refining Company made a momentous decision—to take affirmative action to end the claims for damages by farmers and stockmen arising from alleged smelter smoke emitted from its smelters in Salt Lake County.
George R. Hill was persuaded to become director of agricultural research. He accepted and set to work building a research laboratory and recruiting a staff of specialists. For nearly a quarter of a century, the American Smelting and Refining Company has been successful in controlling its vast operations to the degree that litigation over smelter smoke damage has ended and the agricultural research department has made numerous significant contributions of great value.
The story of this far-reaching achievement is worthy of a book in itself.
Dr. Hill is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Botanical Society of America, of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, of the Utah Academy of Science, and of Sigma Xi.
On April 10, 1914, he married Elizabeth Odette McKay, daughter of David McKay and Jeannette Evans, of Huntsville, Utah. Elizabeth Hill, on leave from the faculty of the Brigham Young University; Dr. George R. Hill III, of the faculty of the Chemistry Department of the University of Utah; and David McKay Hill, graduate student at Stanford University, are the three Hill children keeping alive the family tradition.
Just as remarkable as his scientific career is Superintendent Hill's church career. He served faithfully through all the offices of the Aaronic Priesthood and as a member of the 220th Quorum of Seventy. He is now a high priest in Bonneville Stake.
He served as a teacher and an officer of the Y.M.M.I.A. and from 1926 to 1935, was a member of the general board of the Y.M.M.I.A.
He was a chorister and a teacher in the Springville Third Ward Sunday School and, for ten years, chorister of the Fifth Ward in Logan. He served as superintendent of the Fifth Ward Sunday School and on the stake Sunday School boards in Cache and Salt Lake Stakes. In 1925 he was sustained as a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board and was set apart as a member of the General Superintendency in October, 1934. He served as second assistant to Superintendent George D. Pyper and as first assistant to Superintendent Milton Bennion.
Equally brilliant is his career in a special field of his enthusiasm — the Boy Scouts of America. His career in scouting goes back almost to the beginning of the movement in Utah. For ten years, he was a beloved scout master of troop 5 in Logan, a member of the Cache Valley Council, chairman of the Oquirrh District, a member of the Salt Lake Executive Council, its vice-president, and, for 6 years, its faithful and successful president. Through this long service, he has won the admiration of scouts and scouters by the hundreds.
George R. Hill has served as a member of the board of directors, as vice-president, and now as president of the Deseret Book Company. He was vice-president of the Bonneville Knife and Fork Club in 1948 and president in 1949.
In every capacity in which he has ever employed his energies and talents, he has won the respect of his associates as a man of ideas and of action. I know no better way to characterize him than by quoting a paragraph from an account I was honored to write about him for The Instructor in 1937:
"Here is a personality saturated with youthful exuberance and vital power. To be in his presence and to feel the influence of his spirit is to experience something remarkably akin to the growth-stirring power of nature which is so aptly expressed in Lowell's introductory lines to the "Vision of Sir Launfal." His joyous zest for living and his eagerness for action affect those around him in a way which resembles the effect upon nature of the life-stirring warmth of the sun in springtime.
"In his presence and under the influence of his dynamic spirit
'Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how;
Everything is happy now.
Everything is upward striving;
'Tis as easy now for the heart to be true
As for grass to be green or skies to be blue.'"
Bennion, Milton. "George Richard Hill." Instructor. November 1949. pg. 540-541.
George Richard Hill
MILTON BENNION
The story of Dr. Hill's life and career in education and church and civic service is briefly told in the July, 1949, issue of The Instructor. It need not, therefore, be repeated here. There is another phase of his character and service that may not be known to many readers of The Instructor.
Brother Hill has a remarkable combination of personal characteristics, rarely found in one individual. This has made.it possible for him to become outstanding as a student of science and director of scientific research, a director of a school of agriculture, an organizer and director of a staff of research specialists, and also a skilful teacher of classes, ranging from kindergarten to university.
Brother Hill delights in these personal contacts. No child is too young to enlist his interest. Truly he has an understanding heart. Brother Hill is an independent thinker; yet he is in accord with the fundamental doctrines of the restored gospel and is always ready to respond to a call for service in the Church, however much this may mean in sacrifice of his time and financial and professional interests. This is a supreme test of loyalty. He does not seek office. The reverse of this is true.
His interest in the character education of youth led him to give much time and energy to the scouts over a period of many years. He should long ago have been given the honorary degree Doctor of Scouting. More than thirty years ago he served on a state committee that spent much time and effort working out plans for character education of children and youth. This problem has been a center of his interests throughout his life. It has found expression in his many years of service in the Sunday Schools and the M.I.A. His many years of valuable service in all phases of Sunday School work, including fifteen years as a member of the general superintendency, give ample assurance, under his leadership, of the growth in efficiency of the general board and the Deseret Sunday School Union as a whole.
He is appreciative of the high standing and loyalty of his fellow workers and recognizes the fact that people who have ability like to have opportunity to exercise it. This general board members have ample opportunity to do through membership in the various committees, each charged with definite responsibilities. Their work is reported to the superintendency and to the board, where they may explain and defend it, if need be.
These discussions often take the form of a "committee of the whole." Thus, in current educational terms, the board meeting becomes a "workshop" in which all members may participate freely. We have often seen Superintendent George R. Hill conduct such a discussion.
We congratulate Brother Hill, his fellow officers, and all members of the general board on the great opportunity for service that is theirs. May the Lord bless and inspire them, one and all.
George Richard Hill
MILTON BENNION
The story of Dr. Hill's life and career in education and church and civic service is briefly told in the July, 1949, issue of The Instructor. It need not, therefore, be repeated here. There is another phase of his character and service that may not be known to many readers of The Instructor.
Brother Hill has a remarkable combination of personal characteristics, rarely found in one individual. This has made.it possible for him to become outstanding as a student of science and director of scientific research, a director of a school of agriculture, an organizer and director of a staff of research specialists, and also a skilful teacher of classes, ranging from kindergarten to university.
Brother Hill delights in these personal contacts. No child is too young to enlist his interest. Truly he has an understanding heart. Brother Hill is an independent thinker; yet he is in accord with the fundamental doctrines of the restored gospel and is always ready to respond to a call for service in the Church, however much this may mean in sacrifice of his time and financial and professional interests. This is a supreme test of loyalty. He does not seek office. The reverse of this is true.
His interest in the character education of youth led him to give much time and energy to the scouts over a period of many years. He should long ago have been given the honorary degree Doctor of Scouting. More than thirty years ago he served on a state committee that spent much time and effort working out plans for character education of children and youth. This problem has been a center of his interests throughout his life. It has found expression in his many years of service in the Sunday Schools and the M.I.A. His many years of valuable service in all phases of Sunday School work, including fifteen years as a member of the general superintendency, give ample assurance, under his leadership, of the growth in efficiency of the general board and the Deseret Sunday School Union as a whole.
He is appreciative of the high standing and loyalty of his fellow workers and recognizes the fact that people who have ability like to have opportunity to exercise it. This general board members have ample opportunity to do through membership in the various committees, each charged with definite responsibilities. Their work is reported to the superintendency and to the board, where they may explain and defend it, if need be.
These discussions often take the form of a "committee of the whole." Thus, in current educational terms, the board meeting becomes a "workshop" in which all members may participate freely. We have often seen Superintendent George R. Hill conduct such a discussion.
We congratulate Brother Hill, his fellow officers, and all members of the general board on the great opportunity for service that is theirs. May the Lord bless and inspire them, one and all.
Wheelwright, Lorin F. "New General Superintendency - George R. Hill." Instructor. February 1967. pg. 64.
NEW GENERAL SUPERINTENDENCY
Superintendent Hill Released with Love and Appreciation
George R. Hill has sought retirement at the age of 82 and has been granted a release by The First Presidency from the position of general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union. From the far reaches of the Church thousands of Sunday School members and workers have joined in a swelling chorus of appreciation for Dr. Hill. Those who have worked with him have felt the warmth of his friendship and his great concern for constant improvement of Gospel teaching. He has personified the spirit of enlistment—of attracting and holding every member of this Church in Sunday School by reverential worship and inspirational instruction.
Since 1934 he has served on the general board as a member, as an assistant superintendent, and (since 1949) as general superintendent. During these years Sunday School attendance has more than doubled. Regular courses have been adopted in Teacher Training, Genealogy, Parent and Child, and Gospel Essentials. When attendance outstripped a rapidly expanding building program, he inaugurated double sessions. He brought to the general board a corps of loyal workers who have been inspired and directed to create texts, films, brochures, institutes, conferences, The Instructor, and a multitude of programs designed to help teachers make the Gospel of Jesus Christ an active force in people's lives. A tribute to Superintendent Hill was published in these pages in May, 1964.
Those of us who have worked intimately with him on The Instructor magazine have felt his urging and guidance to improve the magazine's appearance, sharpen its content, and increase its spirituality. For us he has been a leader whose love of truth and willingness to present it dramatically have brought more use of full color, careful selection of authors, and progressive methods of circulation. We have loved him for keeping its pages free of advertising and for concentrating our energies upon Gospel content. We have felt his firm hand on the helm, his spirit of helpfulness, and his vision to set a true course. We will continue to feel his influence and be guided by his kindly, purposeful discipline. We say, with all other Sunday School workers, "Thank you, Brother Hill, for helping us develop our talents and for giving us an opportunity to use them in the work of the Lord."
NEW GENERAL SUPERINTENDENCY
Superintendent Hill Released with Love and Appreciation
George R. Hill has sought retirement at the age of 82 and has been granted a release by The First Presidency from the position of general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union. From the far reaches of the Church thousands of Sunday School members and workers have joined in a swelling chorus of appreciation for Dr. Hill. Those who have worked with him have felt the warmth of his friendship and his great concern for constant improvement of Gospel teaching. He has personified the spirit of enlistment—of attracting and holding every member of this Church in Sunday School by reverential worship and inspirational instruction.
Since 1934 he has served on the general board as a member, as an assistant superintendent, and (since 1949) as general superintendent. During these years Sunday School attendance has more than doubled. Regular courses have been adopted in Teacher Training, Genealogy, Parent and Child, and Gospel Essentials. When attendance outstripped a rapidly expanding building program, he inaugurated double sessions. He brought to the general board a corps of loyal workers who have been inspired and directed to create texts, films, brochures, institutes, conferences, The Instructor, and a multitude of programs designed to help teachers make the Gospel of Jesus Christ an active force in people's lives. A tribute to Superintendent Hill was published in these pages in May, 1964.
Those of us who have worked intimately with him on The Instructor magazine have felt his urging and guidance to improve the magazine's appearance, sharpen its content, and increase its spirituality. For us he has been a leader whose love of truth and willingness to present it dramatically have brought more use of full color, careful selection of authors, and progressive methods of circulation. We have loved him for keeping its pages free of advertising and for concentrating our energies upon Gospel content. We have felt his firm hand on the helm, his spirit of helpfulness, and his vision to set a true course. We will continue to feel his influence and be guided by his kindly, purposeful discipline. We say, with all other Sunday School workers, "Thank you, Brother Hill, for helping us develop our talents and for giving us an opportunity to use them in the work of the Lord."
Richards, Lynn S. "Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men - George R. Hill." Instructor. October 1970. pg. 380.
Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men
by First Asst. General Superintendent Lynn S. Richards
George R. Hill
Dr. George R, Hill was the seventh general Sunday School superintendent, appointed in 1949. A scientist and professional teacher, he laid great emphasis upon preparation for better teaching. On one occasion he was heard to say, "Man can do anything he can imagine."[1] This attitude of the general superintendent during his administration was a great motivating force, stimulated by his keen imagination. Of him is said, "Here is a personality saturated with youthful exuberance and power. To be in his presence and to feel the influence of his spirit is to experience something remarkably akin to the growth stirring power of nature."[2] Milton Bennion said of Superintendent Hill, "[He] has a remarkable combination of personal characteristics, rarely found in one individual. . . . No child is too young to enlist his interest. Truly he has an understanding heart."[3]
[1] "George Richard Hill," by A. Hamer Reiser, The Instructor, July, 1949, page 313.
[2] "George Richard Hill," The Instructor, July, 1949, page 315.
[3] "George Richard Hill," by Milton Bennion, The Instructor, October, 1949, page 540.
Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men
by First Asst. General Superintendent Lynn S. Richards
George R. Hill
Dr. George R, Hill was the seventh general Sunday School superintendent, appointed in 1949. A scientist and professional teacher, he laid great emphasis upon preparation for better teaching. On one occasion he was heard to say, "Man can do anything he can imagine."[1] This attitude of the general superintendent during his administration was a great motivating force, stimulated by his keen imagination. Of him is said, "Here is a personality saturated with youthful exuberance and power. To be in his presence and to feel the influence of his spirit is to experience something remarkably akin to the growth stirring power of nature."[2] Milton Bennion said of Superintendent Hill, "[He] has a remarkable combination of personal characteristics, rarely found in one individual. . . . No child is too young to enlist his interest. Truly he has an understanding heart."[3]
[1] "George Richard Hill," by A. Hamer Reiser, The Instructor, July, 1949, page 313.
[2] "George Richard Hill," The Instructor, July, 1949, page 315.
[3] "George Richard Hill," by Milton Bennion, The Instructor, October, 1949, page 540.