Heber J. Grant
Born: 22 November 1856
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 16 October 1882
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1898
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1901
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 18 November 1916
Released from Superintendency of the YMMIA: 1918
Sustained as President of the Church: 23 November 1918
Died: 14 May 1945
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 16 October 1882
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1898
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1901
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 18 November 1916
Released from Superintendency of the YMMIA: 1918
Sustained as President of the Church: 23 November 1918
Died: 14 May 1945
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 1 July 1900, Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles: Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, July 1901, Farewell Address of Apostle Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, February 1902, Messages From Japan--Have a Purpose in Life
Improvement Era, January 1917, Heber J. Grant
Juvenile Instructor, January 1917, Heber J. Grant: An Appreciation
Young Woman's Journal, January 1917, President Heber J. Grant
Young Woman's Journal, January 1917, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, January 1919, Reorganization of the First Presidency--Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, President Heber J. Grant and His Counselors
Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, Heber Jeddy Grant
Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, President Grant and His Family
Improvement Era, July 1919, President Heber J. Grant's Pledge of Service and Action
Young Woman's Journal, November 1923, President Grant's Birthday
Improvement Era, November 1926, President Heber J. Grant's Seventieth Anniversary
Young Woman's Journal, December 1926, A Tribute to President Grant (On His 70th Birthday)
Relief Society Magazine, January 1927, To President Heber J. Grant on His Seventieth Birthday
Improvement Era, November 1929, President Heber J. Grant--Birthday Greetings
Improvement Era, October 1931, Greatness in Men--President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, November 1933, President Heber J. Grant Fifteen Years of Successful Presidency
Instructor, November 1933, President Heber J. Grant's Testimony
Instructor, February 1935, Interesting Reminiscences by Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, November 1935, Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant from His Counselors
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant, the Man
Improvement Era, November 1936, Heber J. Grant--the Apostle and President of the Church
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--The Patron of Drama, Literature, Arts and Music
Improvement Era, November 1936, To the Man Who Clings to Ideals
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--Lover of Youth
Improvement Era, November 1936, A Father Who is Loved and Honored
Improvement Era, November 1936, Eighty Years of Achievement
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--the Businessman, Business Ventures and Church Financing
Improvement Era, November 1936, Memories of Far-Off Japan, President Grant's First Foreign Mission 1901-1903
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--Defender of the Word of Wisdom, Champion of Prohibition
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant as "Jim the Penman"
Improvement Era, November 1936, Letter Written by President Heber J. Grant to His Daughter
Improvement Era, November 1936, Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, November 1936, Father's Fifty Years in the Thirteenth Ward
Improvement Era, November 1936, To President Heber J. Grant by the Council of the Twelve
Instructor, November 1936, President Heber J. Grant: An Appreciation
Relief Society Magazine, November 1936, Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1936, President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, May 1937, To President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, January 1938, To President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1940, Tribute to President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, December 1940, Heber J. Grant and the Presidency of the Church
Improvement Era, November 1941, Tribute to President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1941, Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, December 1941, Beloved President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1942, President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1942, President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, December 1942, Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, May 1943, President and Mrs. Heber J. Grant Observe Wedding Anniversary
Relief Society Magazine, November 1943, President Heber J. Grant Reaches Another Milestone
Relief Society Magazine, November 1944, Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, June 1945, Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, June 1945, In Memoriam: President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds from Big Lives
Instructor, November 1956, Heber J. Grant's Centennial, He Loved a Challenge
Instructor, September 1959, Brigham Young and Heber J. Grant... They Met in the President's Sleigh
Instructor, February 1960, He Lived to Help Others
Instructor, November 1961, President Heber J. Grant... His Calamities Became His Opportunities
Instructor, February 1968, He Made Wealth a Blessings - Heber J. Grant
Instructor, March 1970, A Child Goes Forth
Ensign, January 2004, Heber J. Grant: A Prophet for Hard Times
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 1 July 1900, Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles: Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, July 1901, Farewell Address of Apostle Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, February 1902, Messages From Japan--Have a Purpose in Life
Improvement Era, January 1917, Heber J. Grant
Juvenile Instructor, January 1917, Heber J. Grant: An Appreciation
Young Woman's Journal, January 1917, President Heber J. Grant
Young Woman's Journal, January 1917, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, January 1919, Reorganization of the First Presidency--Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, President Heber J. Grant and His Counselors
Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, Heber Jeddy Grant
Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, President Grant and His Family
Improvement Era, July 1919, President Heber J. Grant's Pledge of Service and Action
Young Woman's Journal, November 1923, President Grant's Birthday
Improvement Era, November 1926, President Heber J. Grant's Seventieth Anniversary
Young Woman's Journal, December 1926, A Tribute to President Grant (On His 70th Birthday)
Relief Society Magazine, January 1927, To President Heber J. Grant on His Seventieth Birthday
Improvement Era, November 1929, President Heber J. Grant--Birthday Greetings
Improvement Era, October 1931, Greatness in Men--President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, November 1933, President Heber J. Grant Fifteen Years of Successful Presidency
Instructor, November 1933, President Heber J. Grant's Testimony
Instructor, February 1935, Interesting Reminiscences by Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, November 1935, Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant from His Counselors
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant, the Man
Improvement Era, November 1936, Heber J. Grant--the Apostle and President of the Church
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--The Patron of Drama, Literature, Arts and Music
Improvement Era, November 1936, To the Man Who Clings to Ideals
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--Lover of Youth
Improvement Era, November 1936, A Father Who is Loved and Honored
Improvement Era, November 1936, Eighty Years of Achievement
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--the Businessman, Business Ventures and Church Financing
Improvement Era, November 1936, Memories of Far-Off Japan, President Grant's First Foreign Mission 1901-1903
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant--Defender of the Word of Wisdom, Champion of Prohibition
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Grant as "Jim the Penman"
Improvement Era, November 1936, Letter Written by President Heber J. Grant to His Daughter
Improvement Era, November 1936, Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, November 1936, Father's Fifty Years in the Thirteenth Ward
Improvement Era, November 1936, To President Heber J. Grant by the Council of the Twelve
Instructor, November 1936, President Heber J. Grant: An Appreciation
Relief Society Magazine, November 1936, Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1936, President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, May 1937, To President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, January 1938, To President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1940, Tribute to President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, December 1940, Heber J. Grant and the Presidency of the Church
Improvement Era, November 1941, Tribute to President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1941, Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, December 1941, Beloved President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1942, President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, November 1942, President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, December 1942, Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, May 1943, President and Mrs. Heber J. Grant Observe Wedding Anniversary
Relief Society Magazine, November 1943, President Heber J. Grant Reaches Another Milestone
Relief Society Magazine, November 1944, Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Improvement Era, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, June 1945, Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, June 1945, In Memoriam: President Heber J. Grant
Relief Society Magazine, June 1945, President Heber J. Grant
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds from Big Lives
Instructor, November 1956, Heber J. Grant's Centennial, He Loved a Challenge
Instructor, September 1959, Brigham Young and Heber J. Grant... They Met in the President's Sleigh
Instructor, February 1960, He Lived to Help Others
Instructor, November 1961, President Heber J. Grant... His Calamities Became His Opportunities
Instructor, February 1968, He Made Wealth a Blessings - Heber J. Grant
Instructor, March 1970, A Child Goes Forth
Ensign, January 2004, Heber J. Grant: A Prophet for Hard Times
Jenson, Andrew. "Grant, Heber Jeddy." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 147-151.
GRANT, Heber Jeddy, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1882, is the son of Jedediah M. Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins, and was born Nov. 22, 1856, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father was a most zealous Elder in the Church, and his mother, who is still living in Salt Lake City, is one of Zion's brightest and noblest heroines. Heber J. is the first of Utah's sons to be honored with the sacred office and calling of an Apostle. He is his mother's only son, but has several brothers and sisters who bear his father's name. There are Jedediah Morgan, Joseph Hyrum, George Smith, Joshua F., and Brigham Frederick; Caroline (who died when sixteen), Margaret (who died and was buried on the plains), Susan Vilate Muir (who died several years ago, leaving ten children), and Henrietta Marshall. Heber J. Grant was baptized June 22, 1864, being then nearly eight years of age. He obtained his business training, as well as his education, by self-effort and sheer force of determination, which quality is the peculiar and leading index to his character and career. When a child, he attended a school taught by the mother of Matthias F. Cowley; an other school in which he gathered his early instruction was that taught by the father and mother of Hon. A. F. Doremus. As a young man, he subsequently attended school in Pres. Young's school house. Eighteenth Ward, and in the Thirteenth Ward, also at the Deseret (now Utah) University; and he was also a pupil of Mary E. and Ida lone Cook. He was never much of a student, owing to his suffering from severe headaches caused by stigmatism of the eyes, but of which cause he knew nothing until he grew to manhood. When he set his mind to any task, however, there were few indeed who could excel him. One of his main qualities is tenacity. He took little interest in studies unless some incident occurred to arouse his determination, and in such case he first resolved, dreaming out his course, then set to work, and never quit until he came out acltnowledged victor. Then generally he lost interest again. The goal was reached, and unless there was fresh incitement, his enthusiasm lagged. That characteristic has grown with him to manhood. He is a better promoter than plodder, a better fighter up the mountain side, than warrior on the level summit. To get the best results from such characters is to postpone achievement, delay the final purpose, cover the path with enlarged obstacles, and add fresh heights to the summit. Many Incidents might be related to illustrate this trait in his character, which are inspirational to others who lack energy to try. He was a miserable penman, and his schoolmates made him a laughing-stock, and guyed him over it, until he resolved to excel them all, and vowed he would set copies for the best of them. Then he began to write, and, heachache or not, he never quit practice until. his vow was fulfilled to the letter; and he is to this day one of the best penmen in the State. He became professor of penmanship in the Deseret University, and won a diploma, for the finest penmanship from the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society. He could not play ball, but he went home and nearly pounded in the gable of his neighbor's barn, practicing throwing and catching until he conquered. He finally played in the "nine" that won the championship of the Territory—"The Red Stockings." Then seeing no profit further, he quit the business. It was the same with marbles and other games. When he was a mere youth, his mother, who was
very poor, needed greatly to have her house repaired, and Bishop Edwin D. Woolley and some friends in the Thirteenth Ward, recognizing the necessity of it, asked to do the work for her. He begged his mother not to allow them to do it, and at the same time promised her that when he became a man he would build her a new home. The Bishop heard of this, and remarked that if Sister Grant waited for her boy to build her house, she would never have one. Owing to Heber's ball and marble practices, which the Bishop had observed, he had christened him the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward, a regular good-for-nothing. But the Bishop changed his mind later, and became one of Heber's warmest and dearest friends and one of his greatest admirers. The young man never forgot his promise, and one of the reasons, doubtless, was the incentive created by the Bishop's doubting remarks. He determined to show the Bishop! When twenty-one years of age he built hit. mother a nice home, and invited Bishop Woolley and others to its dedication The Bishop was reminded of his utterance of years ago, and was asked to dedicate the house, but this, however, was done by Pres. Daniel H. Wells. Apostle Grant is pre-eminently a business man, and would doubtless have devoted his days to financial affairs exclusively, if the call to the Apostleship had not changed the trend of his life from its natural course, and awakened in him that less prominent but nevertheless strongly rooted religious feeling that possesses his soul. He entered the business world as a messenger boy in an insurance office. From thence he arose step by step by determined effort and close attention to duty. His efforts to learn banking led to his securing the position of assistant cashier in Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Co., during the absence on a mission of Cdshier B. H. Schettler. This position led him to desire the presidency of a bank, which desire was gratified by his becoming the president of the State Bank of Utah, at its organization in 1890, which position he resigned to fill a mission to Japan whither he was called to open the gospel door, leaving Salt Lake City July 24, 1901. He has held other responsible business positions, having been vice-president of the Salt Lake Herald Co., a director of the Provo Woolen Mills Co. and the Deseret National Bank, also a director of the Oregon Lumber Co., and at present he is president of the Home Fire Insurance Co of Utah, the Salt Lake Theatre Co., the Co-op Wagon & Machine Co., and of the insurance firm of H. J. Grant & Co. He was elected a director in Z. C. M. I. in 1887, ani subsequently became chairman of the executive committee of that institution. His business maxims are: Promptness in keeping appointments and in fulfilling promises. He always aimed to give value received to those who employed him, and since he became an employer, he has always sought to treat his employes with respect and consideration. There is an inspiring illustration in his career which shows that a desire, a dream, in a young person, followed by persistent effort, is sure of fruition and fulfillment. His father died when he was nine days old, and the family was left in poor financial circumstances. In fact. Apostle Grant as a boy, was reared in poverty. He was passionately fond of the theatre, and not being able to pay the admission price of twenty-five cents to the third gallery, he secured admission by carrying water into that height. He was soon promoted because of his faithfulness—a leading trait in all his work—to the second gallery, which gave him great delight and encouragement. The boy dreamer of progress became the principal stockholder in the Salt Lake Theatre, and had the privilege of occupying a box with six chairs, free of charge. One may easily imagine with what satisfaction he gazed up into the third gallery, recalling the episodes of his youth. Apostle Grant has filled a number of important financial missions for the Church and for the institutions with which he is connected. In the panic of 1890-91, he visited leading eastern and western cities, and obtained several hundred thousand dollars to aid institutions in Utah that were in financial distress. During the succeeding dark days of 1893, he crossed the continent on such missions four times, and succeed marvelously, and by the aid of God as he declares, in securing something over half a million dollars for the Church, and business institutions with which he is connected. He was sent with the promise of Pres. Woodruff that he should succeed; he had implicit faith in the Prophet of God, and that his words would be veried, which they were. When the first Y. M. M. I. A. was organized in the Thirteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, June 10, 1875, Heber J. Grant was chosen as one of the counselors to the president of the association. He held the offices of Elder and Seventy prior to his ordination to a High Priest, in October, 1880, when he became president of the Tooele Stake of Zion, being ordained by Pres. John Taylor. He was ordained an Apostle under the hands of the First Presidency and the Apostles, Oct. 16, 1882, Pres. George Q. Cannon being spokesman. His ecclesiastical missions prior to his mission to Japan were in various Stakes of Zlon, in different States and Territories of the Union, and in Mexico. With Apostle Brigham Young and others, he went to Sonora, Mexico, before any of the Saints were located in that country. Their special work was to open up the gospel to the Yaqui Indians, In 1883-84 he, with Apostle Young, visited the Indians of the Navajo nation, and the Moquis, Zuni, and Pappago Indians. While away, they called a number of brethren and set them apart to labor among these Indians. Apostle Grant's efforts, both in the business and the religious world, have been largely inspired by his strong love for his mother, whose love for him. he declares, is beyond his ability to tell. In his youth, his principal inspiration for effort came from her. He has strengthened his testimony in the gospel of Christ by exerting himself diligently to faithfully perform the duties imposed upon him. The reading of Smiles' works on "Character," "Self-Help" and "Thrift," in his boyhood, has aided greatly in assisting him to exert his best efforts to succeed. He declares, too, that the articles in the old Wilson and National school readers have had great influence in the formation of his character. He was greatly impressed with the articles, "Never Despair," "Daniel Webster at School," "Behind Time," and the articles on "Early Bible History," and he was profoundly moved with the life of Nephi, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, which he read when a lad of thirteen or fourteen years of age. He admired Nephi's faith, devotion and uncomplaining spirit; and his statements when requested to return to Jerusalem to get the plates, have been guiding stars in his life. (1 Nephi, chapters 3 and 4.) It can not be said, however, that he has been a great reader, but what he has read has been matter that is worth remembering. He has always sought for the gem in his reading, and then tried to put the good therein into the practice of his life. He is fond of poetry and music. Pope's "Essay on Man," and "Essay on Criticism," have pleased him greatly; but the books which he enjoys most are such as inspire
the young to success—such as the works of Samuel Smiles. He is passionately fond of music, and while nature does not seem to have specially intended him for a singer, his determination to learn to sing the songs of Zion is worthy of emulation, and his success in this line is an illustration of the truth that he who tries will conquer. Apostle Grant is a thorough believer in work, and he has little use for boys and girls, men or women, who shirk labor. He has had no opportunity to learn a trade, and he has no profession. His leading aim in life is to discharge acceptably the duties which devolve upon him as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he enjoys that work best which brings him as a minister among the youth of Zion. He is active, energetic, determined; and the obstacle must be great indeed which shall deter him from achieving success in any line that he may set his heart upon. One of his leading traits of character, in fact, is his desire and determination to succeed when he sets out to win. He takes genuine pleasure in laboring to accomplish results, and this is one of the main reasons why he has succeeded. He was promised in youth in a patriarchal blessing that he would be asked to fill a mission to preach the gospel. He expected that, like Erastus Snow, Joseph F. Smith and others who were ministers at the age of fifteen and sixteen years, he would be thus called at an early age. But years passed, and he was not selected. "Some of my associates," he said to the writer, "were called, and returned home, still I was left, and a spirit constantly followed me whispering that I knew the Patriarch had lied to me, and therefore I ought to renounce my allegiance to the work of God. I finally said to myself, I know the gospel is true, I have had so many testimonies that I can not doubt it; and no matter how many Patriarchs have made statements that are not true. I do not purpose making shipwreck of my faith, and lose eternal salvation because of a mistake on the part of a Patriarch." It was not long after he had so determined that he was called, just before he was twenty-four years of age. to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion. the youngest Stake
president in all the Church. In this call to preside over a Stake of Zion came the fulfillment in very deed of the words of the Patriarch, upon which the young president had so far placed a wrong interpretation. As the truth dawned upon him, he felt that he had conquered doubt by faith in God and in His work. Other promises, made by the servants of the Lord to him, have been fulfilled, in which he sees added testimony of the interest of the Divine in the affairs of this Church. Thus, when he was blessed by Patriarch John Rowberry, while still acting as president of the Toeele Stake, he was promised that he would be chosen to be one of the leaders of Israel. In his youth. Sister Eliza R. Snow, in the gift of tongues, promised him that he should be one of the leading men in the Church, the interpretation being given by Zina D. Young at the home of the late William C. Staines. His call to the Apostleship is in fulfillment of these inspired sayings, and it has all strengthened his faith. Brother Grant's experience is full of testimonies that God lives and that He answers prayers. When his wife, Lucy Stringham, to whom he was married in St. George, Nov. 1, 1877. died, some years ago, he received a manifestation from the Lord in direct answer to his prayer. His wife was one of the noble daughters of God, a woman of excellent character, sweet disposition, and a judgment in business affairs which was no small factor in Heber's early financial success. While she was dying, her daughter Lucy, then a little over twelve years of age. insisted that the father should administer to the mother and heal her—such was the child's faith. "I sent my children out of the room," he told me, "and pleaded with the Lord to give some special manifestation that in the death of my wife
His will would be done. I told Him that I acknowledged His hand in life or in death, in prosperity or in adversity, but that I lacked strength to see my wife die and have it affect the faith of my children in the ordinances of the gospel." Shortly thereafter, his wife died, and when he then called the children into the room, his daughter Lucy, putting her arms around the necks of her younger sisters, and also her little brother, told them not to cry, because the voice of the Lord had told her: "In the death of your mamma, the will of the Lord will be done." As the child knew nothing of the father's prayer, it is evident the answer came from God to her in answer thereto, a fact which Brother Grant considers a special manifestation of the Lord's goodness to him, and which he declares he will ever remember with gratitude and thanksgiving. Another incident will suffice. His only son, Heber Stringham, upon whom he had built great hopes, died some time after the death of his mother. Brother Grant is naturally an affectionate man, easily moved to tears, and quite emotional, and yet his son under these conditions, passed away without the father shedding a tear. "There was in my home a very calm, sweet, heavenly influence. Without the supporting influence of the Holy Spirit," he declares, "it would be impossible for me to undergo, almost joyfully, a scene of this kind. I felt almost a heavenly joy, notwithstanding the sorrow which had come into my life." He explained that a dream was the cause of it. "Just a few hours before my son's death, I dreamed his mother came for him, and after a discussion with my mother, I dreamed I had allowed her to take my son, as I felt impressed in my dream that he would be a cripple all his life, should he live, since his trouble was hip disease." In his own life, too, he and his have been assured with faith in the promises of God. Thus, some years ago, when he was operated on for appendicitis, his wife Lucy, who as stated, is dead, visited his home and promised his wife Augusta Winters, to whom he was married May 6, 1884, that he should recover. He felt so impressed himself, and believed that he should live through the ordeal. When, therefore, after the operation the doctors said that blood poison had set in, and he could not live, neither his wife nor himself felt any alarm, but both had a perfect assurance that he should recover and their faith was not in vain. In political life. Apostle Grant has had some experience, having served one term in the council of the Territorial legislature, and several terms in the city council of Salt Lake City as councilman. Apostle Grant is tall and erect in flgure, with prominent features which indicate energy and push. His desire to aid others has given him a disposition to feel for his fellows, and there is not a man in Zion with a more loving, helping heart than has Heber J. Grant. He possesses a determination to overcome obstacles and defects that stand in his way to the perfection of his character. When he discovers a fault in himself, he endeavors by persistent and continued effort, such as only few are capable of, to overcome. And thus his life is growing better as the years increase, and will continue until his ideal of perfection, which enlarges with his deeper knowledge, shall be reached. He has gained the love, respect and confidence of his friends and business associates; and the authorities of the Church impose in him the fullest trust. He is an active worker in the cause of God, and has learned to feel the keenest delight in his labors among the Saints. He loves the youth of Israel, and in his sermons frequently addresses his earnest remarks to them. Associated with the Twelve, and with the general boards of the Sunday Scools and the Improvement Associations, he is constantly among the people, and his counsel and practical advice, in temporal as well as spiritual affairs, are eagerly sought.—Edward H. Anderson. (See also "Juvenile Instructor," Vol. 35, p. 393.)
GRANT, Heber Jeddy, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1882, is the son of Jedediah M. Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins, and was born Nov. 22, 1856, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father was a most zealous Elder in the Church, and his mother, who is still living in Salt Lake City, is one of Zion's brightest and noblest heroines. Heber J. is the first of Utah's sons to be honored with the sacred office and calling of an Apostle. He is his mother's only son, but has several brothers and sisters who bear his father's name. There are Jedediah Morgan, Joseph Hyrum, George Smith, Joshua F., and Brigham Frederick; Caroline (who died when sixteen), Margaret (who died and was buried on the plains), Susan Vilate Muir (who died several years ago, leaving ten children), and Henrietta Marshall. Heber J. Grant was baptized June 22, 1864, being then nearly eight years of age. He obtained his business training, as well as his education, by self-effort and sheer force of determination, which quality is the peculiar and leading index to his character and career. When a child, he attended a school taught by the mother of Matthias F. Cowley; an other school in which he gathered his early instruction was that taught by the father and mother of Hon. A. F. Doremus. As a young man, he subsequently attended school in Pres. Young's school house. Eighteenth Ward, and in the Thirteenth Ward, also at the Deseret (now Utah) University; and he was also a pupil of Mary E. and Ida lone Cook. He was never much of a student, owing to his suffering from severe headaches caused by stigmatism of the eyes, but of which cause he knew nothing until he grew to manhood. When he set his mind to any task, however, there were few indeed who could excel him. One of his main qualities is tenacity. He took little interest in studies unless some incident occurred to arouse his determination, and in such case he first resolved, dreaming out his course, then set to work, and never quit until he came out acltnowledged victor. Then generally he lost interest again. The goal was reached, and unless there was fresh incitement, his enthusiasm lagged. That characteristic has grown with him to manhood. He is a better promoter than plodder, a better fighter up the mountain side, than warrior on the level summit. To get the best results from such characters is to postpone achievement, delay the final purpose, cover the path with enlarged obstacles, and add fresh heights to the summit. Many Incidents might be related to illustrate this trait in his character, which are inspirational to others who lack energy to try. He was a miserable penman, and his schoolmates made him a laughing-stock, and guyed him over it, until he resolved to excel them all, and vowed he would set copies for the best of them. Then he began to write, and, heachache or not, he never quit practice until. his vow was fulfilled to the letter; and he is to this day one of the best penmen in the State. He became professor of penmanship in the Deseret University, and won a diploma, for the finest penmanship from the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society. He could not play ball, but he went home and nearly pounded in the gable of his neighbor's barn, practicing throwing and catching until he conquered. He finally played in the "nine" that won the championship of the Territory—"The Red Stockings." Then seeing no profit further, he quit the business. It was the same with marbles and other games. When he was a mere youth, his mother, who was
very poor, needed greatly to have her house repaired, and Bishop Edwin D. Woolley and some friends in the Thirteenth Ward, recognizing the necessity of it, asked to do the work for her. He begged his mother not to allow them to do it, and at the same time promised her that when he became a man he would build her a new home. The Bishop heard of this, and remarked that if Sister Grant waited for her boy to build her house, she would never have one. Owing to Heber's ball and marble practices, which the Bishop had observed, he had christened him the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward, a regular good-for-nothing. But the Bishop changed his mind later, and became one of Heber's warmest and dearest friends and one of his greatest admirers. The young man never forgot his promise, and one of the reasons, doubtless, was the incentive created by the Bishop's doubting remarks. He determined to show the Bishop! When twenty-one years of age he built hit. mother a nice home, and invited Bishop Woolley and others to its dedication The Bishop was reminded of his utterance of years ago, and was asked to dedicate the house, but this, however, was done by Pres. Daniel H. Wells. Apostle Grant is pre-eminently a business man, and would doubtless have devoted his days to financial affairs exclusively, if the call to the Apostleship had not changed the trend of his life from its natural course, and awakened in him that less prominent but nevertheless strongly rooted religious feeling that possesses his soul. He entered the business world as a messenger boy in an insurance office. From thence he arose step by step by determined effort and close attention to duty. His efforts to learn banking led to his securing the position of assistant cashier in Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Co., during the absence on a mission of Cdshier B. H. Schettler. This position led him to desire the presidency of a bank, which desire was gratified by his becoming the president of the State Bank of Utah, at its organization in 1890, which position he resigned to fill a mission to Japan whither he was called to open the gospel door, leaving Salt Lake City July 24, 1901. He has held other responsible business positions, having been vice-president of the Salt Lake Herald Co., a director of the Provo Woolen Mills Co. and the Deseret National Bank, also a director of the Oregon Lumber Co., and at present he is president of the Home Fire Insurance Co of Utah, the Salt Lake Theatre Co., the Co-op Wagon & Machine Co., and of the insurance firm of H. J. Grant & Co. He was elected a director in Z. C. M. I. in 1887, ani subsequently became chairman of the executive committee of that institution. His business maxims are: Promptness in keeping appointments and in fulfilling promises. He always aimed to give value received to those who employed him, and since he became an employer, he has always sought to treat his employes with respect and consideration. There is an inspiring illustration in his career which shows that a desire, a dream, in a young person, followed by persistent effort, is sure of fruition and fulfillment. His father died when he was nine days old, and the family was left in poor financial circumstances. In fact. Apostle Grant as a boy, was reared in poverty. He was passionately fond of the theatre, and not being able to pay the admission price of twenty-five cents to the third gallery, he secured admission by carrying water into that height. He was soon promoted because of his faithfulness—a leading trait in all his work—to the second gallery, which gave him great delight and encouragement. The boy dreamer of progress became the principal stockholder in the Salt Lake Theatre, and had the privilege of occupying a box with six chairs, free of charge. One may easily imagine with what satisfaction he gazed up into the third gallery, recalling the episodes of his youth. Apostle Grant has filled a number of important financial missions for the Church and for the institutions with which he is connected. In the panic of 1890-91, he visited leading eastern and western cities, and obtained several hundred thousand dollars to aid institutions in Utah that were in financial distress. During the succeeding dark days of 1893, he crossed the continent on such missions four times, and succeed marvelously, and by the aid of God as he declares, in securing something over half a million dollars for the Church, and business institutions with which he is connected. He was sent with the promise of Pres. Woodruff that he should succeed; he had implicit faith in the Prophet of God, and that his words would be veried, which they were. When the first Y. M. M. I. A. was organized in the Thirteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, June 10, 1875, Heber J. Grant was chosen as one of the counselors to the president of the association. He held the offices of Elder and Seventy prior to his ordination to a High Priest, in October, 1880, when he became president of the Tooele Stake of Zion, being ordained by Pres. John Taylor. He was ordained an Apostle under the hands of the First Presidency and the Apostles, Oct. 16, 1882, Pres. George Q. Cannon being spokesman. His ecclesiastical missions prior to his mission to Japan were in various Stakes of Zlon, in different States and Territories of the Union, and in Mexico. With Apostle Brigham Young and others, he went to Sonora, Mexico, before any of the Saints were located in that country. Their special work was to open up the gospel to the Yaqui Indians, In 1883-84 he, with Apostle Young, visited the Indians of the Navajo nation, and the Moquis, Zuni, and Pappago Indians. While away, they called a number of brethren and set them apart to labor among these Indians. Apostle Grant's efforts, both in the business and the religious world, have been largely inspired by his strong love for his mother, whose love for him. he declares, is beyond his ability to tell. In his youth, his principal inspiration for effort came from her. He has strengthened his testimony in the gospel of Christ by exerting himself diligently to faithfully perform the duties imposed upon him. The reading of Smiles' works on "Character," "Self-Help" and "Thrift," in his boyhood, has aided greatly in assisting him to exert his best efforts to succeed. He declares, too, that the articles in the old Wilson and National school readers have had great influence in the formation of his character. He was greatly impressed with the articles, "Never Despair," "Daniel Webster at School," "Behind Time," and the articles on "Early Bible History," and he was profoundly moved with the life of Nephi, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, which he read when a lad of thirteen or fourteen years of age. He admired Nephi's faith, devotion and uncomplaining spirit; and his statements when requested to return to Jerusalem to get the plates, have been guiding stars in his life. (1 Nephi, chapters 3 and 4.) It can not be said, however, that he has been a great reader, but what he has read has been matter that is worth remembering. He has always sought for the gem in his reading, and then tried to put the good therein into the practice of his life. He is fond of poetry and music. Pope's "Essay on Man," and "Essay on Criticism," have pleased him greatly; but the books which he enjoys most are such as inspire
the young to success—such as the works of Samuel Smiles. He is passionately fond of music, and while nature does not seem to have specially intended him for a singer, his determination to learn to sing the songs of Zion is worthy of emulation, and his success in this line is an illustration of the truth that he who tries will conquer. Apostle Grant is a thorough believer in work, and he has little use for boys and girls, men or women, who shirk labor. He has had no opportunity to learn a trade, and he has no profession. His leading aim in life is to discharge acceptably the duties which devolve upon him as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he enjoys that work best which brings him as a minister among the youth of Zion. He is active, energetic, determined; and the obstacle must be great indeed which shall deter him from achieving success in any line that he may set his heart upon. One of his leading traits of character, in fact, is his desire and determination to succeed when he sets out to win. He takes genuine pleasure in laboring to accomplish results, and this is one of the main reasons why he has succeeded. He was promised in youth in a patriarchal blessing that he would be asked to fill a mission to preach the gospel. He expected that, like Erastus Snow, Joseph F. Smith and others who were ministers at the age of fifteen and sixteen years, he would be thus called at an early age. But years passed, and he was not selected. "Some of my associates," he said to the writer, "were called, and returned home, still I was left, and a spirit constantly followed me whispering that I knew the Patriarch had lied to me, and therefore I ought to renounce my allegiance to the work of God. I finally said to myself, I know the gospel is true, I have had so many testimonies that I can not doubt it; and no matter how many Patriarchs have made statements that are not true. I do not purpose making shipwreck of my faith, and lose eternal salvation because of a mistake on the part of a Patriarch." It was not long after he had so determined that he was called, just before he was twenty-four years of age. to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion. the youngest Stake
president in all the Church. In this call to preside over a Stake of Zion came the fulfillment in very deed of the words of the Patriarch, upon which the young president had so far placed a wrong interpretation. As the truth dawned upon him, he felt that he had conquered doubt by faith in God and in His work. Other promises, made by the servants of the Lord to him, have been fulfilled, in which he sees added testimony of the interest of the Divine in the affairs of this Church. Thus, when he was blessed by Patriarch John Rowberry, while still acting as president of the Toeele Stake, he was promised that he would be chosen to be one of the leaders of Israel. In his youth. Sister Eliza R. Snow, in the gift of tongues, promised him that he should be one of the leading men in the Church, the interpretation being given by Zina D. Young at the home of the late William C. Staines. His call to the Apostleship is in fulfillment of these inspired sayings, and it has all strengthened his faith. Brother Grant's experience is full of testimonies that God lives and that He answers prayers. When his wife, Lucy Stringham, to whom he was married in St. George, Nov. 1, 1877. died, some years ago, he received a manifestation from the Lord in direct answer to his prayer. His wife was one of the noble daughters of God, a woman of excellent character, sweet disposition, and a judgment in business affairs which was no small factor in Heber's early financial success. While she was dying, her daughter Lucy, then a little over twelve years of age. insisted that the father should administer to the mother and heal her—such was the child's faith. "I sent my children out of the room," he told me, "and pleaded with the Lord to give some special manifestation that in the death of my wife
His will would be done. I told Him that I acknowledged His hand in life or in death, in prosperity or in adversity, but that I lacked strength to see my wife die and have it affect the faith of my children in the ordinances of the gospel." Shortly thereafter, his wife died, and when he then called the children into the room, his daughter Lucy, putting her arms around the necks of her younger sisters, and also her little brother, told them not to cry, because the voice of the Lord had told her: "In the death of your mamma, the will of the Lord will be done." As the child knew nothing of the father's prayer, it is evident the answer came from God to her in answer thereto, a fact which Brother Grant considers a special manifestation of the Lord's goodness to him, and which he declares he will ever remember with gratitude and thanksgiving. Another incident will suffice. His only son, Heber Stringham, upon whom he had built great hopes, died some time after the death of his mother. Brother Grant is naturally an affectionate man, easily moved to tears, and quite emotional, and yet his son under these conditions, passed away without the father shedding a tear. "There was in my home a very calm, sweet, heavenly influence. Without the supporting influence of the Holy Spirit," he declares, "it would be impossible for me to undergo, almost joyfully, a scene of this kind. I felt almost a heavenly joy, notwithstanding the sorrow which had come into my life." He explained that a dream was the cause of it. "Just a few hours before my son's death, I dreamed his mother came for him, and after a discussion with my mother, I dreamed I had allowed her to take my son, as I felt impressed in my dream that he would be a cripple all his life, should he live, since his trouble was hip disease." In his own life, too, he and his have been assured with faith in the promises of God. Thus, some years ago, when he was operated on for appendicitis, his wife Lucy, who as stated, is dead, visited his home and promised his wife Augusta Winters, to whom he was married May 6, 1884, that he should recover. He felt so impressed himself, and believed that he should live through the ordeal. When, therefore, after the operation the doctors said that blood poison had set in, and he could not live, neither his wife nor himself felt any alarm, but both had a perfect assurance that he should recover and their faith was not in vain. In political life. Apostle Grant has had some experience, having served one term in the council of the Territorial legislature, and several terms in the city council of Salt Lake City as councilman. Apostle Grant is tall and erect in flgure, with prominent features which indicate energy and push. His desire to aid others has given him a disposition to feel for his fellows, and there is not a man in Zion with a more loving, helping heart than has Heber J. Grant. He possesses a determination to overcome obstacles and defects that stand in his way to the perfection of his character. When he discovers a fault in himself, he endeavors by persistent and continued effort, such as only few are capable of, to overcome. And thus his life is growing better as the years increase, and will continue until his ideal of perfection, which enlarges with his deeper knowledge, shall be reached. He has gained the love, respect and confidence of his friends and business associates; and the authorities of the Church impose in him the fullest trust. He is an active worker in the cause of God, and has learned to feel the keenest delight in his labors among the Saints. He loves the youth of Israel, and in his sermons frequently addresses his earnest remarks to them. Associated with the Twelve, and with the general boards of the Sunday Scools and the Improvement Associations, he is constantly among the people, and his counsel and practical advice, in temporal as well as spiritual affairs, are eagerly sought.—Edward H. Anderson. (See also "Juvenile Instructor," Vol. 35, p. 393.)
Jenson, Andrew. "Grant, Heber Jeddy." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 746-748.
GRANT, Heber Jeddy, the seventh President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Continued from Vol. 1:147.) Throughout the thirty-seven years of his service as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Heber J. Grant was persistent and untiring in the duties of his special ministry, as his record of travel and visitations among both Stakes and missions demonstrates. Pursuant to action by the First Presidency and the Twelve on Feb. 14, 1901, immediate steps were taken to open a mission in Japan, and Elder Grant was chosen for the work—-a work specifically belonging to the Apostleship. As president of the then prospective but now actual and prosperous Japan Mission he left home July 24, 1901, accompanied by three other Elders, bound for the new field. Notwithstanding the difficulties and obstacles incident to such an undertaking as that of introducing the message of the restored Church of Jesus Christ to a non-Christian nation. President Grant was instrumental in opening the door for the preaching of the gospel in the Orient. He returned to Utah in September, 1903, leaving the mission in good condition, as was apparent at that time and as subsequent growth and development confirm. On Jan. 1, 1904, he succeeded the late Elder Francis M. Lyman as the head of the European Mission, and so remained until Dec. 5, 1906, when he relinquished the office to Elder Charles W. Penrose of the Council of the Twelve, and soon thereafter returned home. A feature of President Grant's administration in the European Mission was his personal and close supervision of the several conferences and branches, in both the British Isles and the continental countries. His long experience in directing the labors of others, in business and Church activities, aided him in keeping missionaries and local workers at their best, and his example of untiring effort was a means of developing efficiency and earnest service in both officers and members. A great sorrow befell him on May 25, 1908, when his beloved wife, Emily Wells Grant, who had accompanied him to Europe, died in Salt Lake City. Following the death of President Francis M. Lyman, Elder Grant, as the senior member of the Council of the Twelve, became the president of that body on Nov. 23, 1916. In January, 1918, he was made chairman of the State committee in charge of the Liberty Loan campaign; and in this, as in other executive activities incident to the World War, he exercised to the full his usual vigor and aggressiveness, and did much to secure for Utah its deserved recognition for loyalty and patriotism, as exhibited by the works that count. Throughout the long years of stress and struggle for prohibition of the liquor traffic. President Grant was a leading and inspiring figure. He was an ardent and efficient worker for the success of the 18th Amendment to the national Constitution, and enjoys the well-earned satisfaction of having seen both state and nation-wide prohibition realized. On Nov. 23, 1918, four days after the death of President Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant became President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by action of the Council of the Apostles. By his choice and nomination, supported by unanimous vote of the Council, Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose were made counselors in the First Presidency, each succeeding himself in the position held under the former administration. Owing to the prevalence of influenza and the consequent ban on large assemblies, the General Conference of the Church, which in usual order would have been held in April, 1919, was deferred until June 1st following, and on that day the First Presidency, constituted as above specified, was sustained by vote of the Church in conference assembled. Among President Grant's natural qualifications for leadership are genius as an organizer and marked capability as a director of men. In the early months of his administration he placed competent presiding officers at the heads of several auxiliary associations, and created a Church Commission on Education, thus lessening the arduous duties of the First Presidency by placing responsibility for detailed operation upon others. Now, in the very prime of his life as gaged by physical, mental and spiritual vigor, he travels much among the Stakes and missions; and no branch or Ward is insignificant in his estimation. Indeed he manifests genuine delight in the opportunity of visiting any small or outlying unit of the Church, which, perhaps, had gone long without the personal ministration of one of the General Authorities. On Nov. 13, 1919, President Grant, accompanied by a small party of other Church officials, left home for the Hawaiian Islands, where, on the 27th day of that month, he officiated in dedicating the newly erected Temple at Laie, and thus Inaugurated on the Isles of the Pacific the administration of sacred ordinances for the salvation of the dead. The return journey of the little company was completed Dec. 17, 1919. In the "Juvenile Instructor" of January, 1919, appears a symposium of tributes to the character and qualifications of President Grant, written by prominent officers in the Church, who from their long and close association with him were able to speak with assurance; and the "Improvement Era" of the same date contains a valuable contribution on the "Reorganization of the First Presidency." President Grant's gentleness of disposition, combined with unshakable firmness for the right; his sympathy, as shown by works, for those afflicted or in distress, together with his readiness for self-sacrifice whatever the personal deprivation; his unquestionable patriotism for his country and loyal support of its government; his devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to the Church which Is the earthly embodiment thereof; the equable union of mercy and justice in his nature; his material support and encouraging patronage of authors, artists, poets, musicians, and others of genius, whose splendid endowments without such aid would possibly languish and die —these and many other attributes of true greatness are attested in published encomiums by men who knew him best. No one, believer or skeptic, who has heard President Grant voice his personal testimony of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ as the foreordained Redeemer and Savior of the race, and of the actuality of divine appointment and guidance in the life work of Joseph Smith as verily a Prophet of the Living God, can ever expel from his mind the effect of that soulful avowal. The assurance of reality in the restoration of the gospel in this dispensation, as was of old predicted, is Ingrained in the heart, mind and soul of Heber J. Grant. Fearlessly he proclaims that solemn truth to the world. He is verily a living witness for God.
GRANT, Heber Jeddy, the seventh President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Continued from Vol. 1:147.) Throughout the thirty-seven years of his service as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Heber J. Grant was persistent and untiring in the duties of his special ministry, as his record of travel and visitations among both Stakes and missions demonstrates. Pursuant to action by the First Presidency and the Twelve on Feb. 14, 1901, immediate steps were taken to open a mission in Japan, and Elder Grant was chosen for the work—-a work specifically belonging to the Apostleship. As president of the then prospective but now actual and prosperous Japan Mission he left home July 24, 1901, accompanied by three other Elders, bound for the new field. Notwithstanding the difficulties and obstacles incident to such an undertaking as that of introducing the message of the restored Church of Jesus Christ to a non-Christian nation. President Grant was instrumental in opening the door for the preaching of the gospel in the Orient. He returned to Utah in September, 1903, leaving the mission in good condition, as was apparent at that time and as subsequent growth and development confirm. On Jan. 1, 1904, he succeeded the late Elder Francis M. Lyman as the head of the European Mission, and so remained until Dec. 5, 1906, when he relinquished the office to Elder Charles W. Penrose of the Council of the Twelve, and soon thereafter returned home. A feature of President Grant's administration in the European Mission was his personal and close supervision of the several conferences and branches, in both the British Isles and the continental countries. His long experience in directing the labors of others, in business and Church activities, aided him in keeping missionaries and local workers at their best, and his example of untiring effort was a means of developing efficiency and earnest service in both officers and members. A great sorrow befell him on May 25, 1908, when his beloved wife, Emily Wells Grant, who had accompanied him to Europe, died in Salt Lake City. Following the death of President Francis M. Lyman, Elder Grant, as the senior member of the Council of the Twelve, became the president of that body on Nov. 23, 1916. In January, 1918, he was made chairman of the State committee in charge of the Liberty Loan campaign; and in this, as in other executive activities incident to the World War, he exercised to the full his usual vigor and aggressiveness, and did much to secure for Utah its deserved recognition for loyalty and patriotism, as exhibited by the works that count. Throughout the long years of stress and struggle for prohibition of the liquor traffic. President Grant was a leading and inspiring figure. He was an ardent and efficient worker for the success of the 18th Amendment to the national Constitution, and enjoys the well-earned satisfaction of having seen both state and nation-wide prohibition realized. On Nov. 23, 1918, four days after the death of President Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant became President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by action of the Council of the Apostles. By his choice and nomination, supported by unanimous vote of the Council, Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose were made counselors in the First Presidency, each succeeding himself in the position held under the former administration. Owing to the prevalence of influenza and the consequent ban on large assemblies, the General Conference of the Church, which in usual order would have been held in April, 1919, was deferred until June 1st following, and on that day the First Presidency, constituted as above specified, was sustained by vote of the Church in conference assembled. Among President Grant's natural qualifications for leadership are genius as an organizer and marked capability as a director of men. In the early months of his administration he placed competent presiding officers at the heads of several auxiliary associations, and created a Church Commission on Education, thus lessening the arduous duties of the First Presidency by placing responsibility for detailed operation upon others. Now, in the very prime of his life as gaged by physical, mental and spiritual vigor, he travels much among the Stakes and missions; and no branch or Ward is insignificant in his estimation. Indeed he manifests genuine delight in the opportunity of visiting any small or outlying unit of the Church, which, perhaps, had gone long without the personal ministration of one of the General Authorities. On Nov. 13, 1919, President Grant, accompanied by a small party of other Church officials, left home for the Hawaiian Islands, where, on the 27th day of that month, he officiated in dedicating the newly erected Temple at Laie, and thus Inaugurated on the Isles of the Pacific the administration of sacred ordinances for the salvation of the dead. The return journey of the little company was completed Dec. 17, 1919. In the "Juvenile Instructor" of January, 1919, appears a symposium of tributes to the character and qualifications of President Grant, written by prominent officers in the Church, who from their long and close association with him were able to speak with assurance; and the "Improvement Era" of the same date contains a valuable contribution on the "Reorganization of the First Presidency." President Grant's gentleness of disposition, combined with unshakable firmness for the right; his sympathy, as shown by works, for those afflicted or in distress, together with his readiness for self-sacrifice whatever the personal deprivation; his unquestionable patriotism for his country and loyal support of its government; his devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to the Church which Is the earthly embodiment thereof; the equable union of mercy and justice in his nature; his material support and encouraging patronage of authors, artists, poets, musicians, and others of genius, whose splendid endowments without such aid would possibly languish and die —these and many other attributes of true greatness are attested in published encomiums by men who knew him best. No one, believer or skeptic, who has heard President Grant voice his personal testimony of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ as the foreordained Redeemer and Savior of the race, and of the actuality of divine appointment and guidance in the life work of Joseph Smith as verily a Prophet of the Living God, can ever expel from his mind the effect of that soulful avowal. The assurance of reality in the restoration of the gospel in this dispensation, as was of old predicted, is Ingrained in the heart, mind and soul of Heber J. Grant. Fearlessly he proclaims that solemn truth to the world. He is verily a living witness for God.
Jenson, Andrew. "Grant, Heber J." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 239, 314, 346, 682.
GRANT, Heber J., first general assistant superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A., serving from 1898 to 1918. (See Bio. Ency. Vol. 1, p. 147, and Vol. 3,
p. 746.)
GRANT, Heber J., president of the British Mission from 1904 to 1906. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 147 and Vol. 3, p. 746.)
GRANT, Heber J., president of the Japan Mission from 1901 to 1903. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 147, and Vol. 3, p. 746.)
GRANT, Heber Jeddy, one of the directors of the Genealogical Society of Utah from 1909 to 1919, was born Nov. 22, 1856, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Jedediah M. Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins. He became president of the Church Nov. 23, 1918. (Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 147; Vol. 3, p. 746)
GRANT, Heber J., first general assistant superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A., serving from 1898 to 1918. (See Bio. Ency. Vol. 1, p. 147, and Vol. 3,
p. 746.)
GRANT, Heber J., president of the British Mission from 1904 to 1906. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 147 and Vol. 3, p. 746.)
GRANT, Heber J., president of the Japan Mission from 1901 to 1903. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 147, and Vol. 3, p. 746.)
GRANT, Heber Jeddy, one of the directors of the Genealogical Society of Utah from 1909 to 1919, was born Nov. 22, 1856, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Jedediah M. Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins. He became president of the Church Nov. 23, 1918. (Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 147; Vol. 3, p. 746)
Anderson, Edward H. "Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles: Heber J. Grant." Juvenile Instructor. 1 July 1900. pg. 392-399.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS—THE APOSTLES. HEBER J. GRANT. AMONG all the Apostles who have served the Church and so far spoken of in this series, not one has been born in Utah, and so Heber Jeddie Grant, who is the thirty-third Apostle chosen, is the first of Utah's sons to be honored with that sacred office and calling. He was born in Salt Lake City, in a home upon whose site is now built the State Bank of Utah, on Saturday, the 22nd day of November, 1856. His father, than whom there has been no more zealous laborer in the Church, was the late Jedediah Morgan Grant, and his mother, who is still living in Salt Lake City, is one of the bright and noble heroines of Zion, Rachel Ridgeway Ivins. He is the only son of his mother, but has several brothers and sisters who bear his father's name. There is Jedediah Morgan, Joseph Hyrum, George Smith, Joshua F. and Brigham Frederick; Caroline, who died when sixteen; Margaret, who died and was buried on the Plains; Susan Vilate Muir, who died several years ago, leaving ten children; and Henrietta. Apostle Grant has obtained his business training, as well as his education, by self effort and sheer force of determination, which quality is the peculiar and leading index to his character and career. When a child, he attended a school taught by the mother of Matthias F. Cowley; another school in which he gathered his early instruction was that taught by the father and mother of Hon. A. F. Doremus, and situated in the old Deseret Hospital building, opposite the University. He was at one time awarded a prize in the shape of a card bearing the inscription "Truth,” which he values very highly. As a young man, he subsequently attended school in President Young's school house. Eighteenth Ward, and in the Thirteenth Ward, also at the Deseret (now Utah) University when held in the Council House, Deseret Museum and Deseret Hospital buildings; and he was also a pupil of Mary E. and Ida lone Cook. He was never much of a student, owing to his suffering from severe headaches caused by stigmatism of the eyes, but of which cause he knew nothing until he grew to manhood. But when he did set his mind to any task, there were few indeed who could excel him. One of his main qualities is his tenacity. He took little interest in studies unless some incident occurred to arouse his determination, and in such case he first resolved, dreaming out his course, then set to work, and never quit until he came out acknowledged victor. Then generally he lost interest again. The goal was reached, and unless there was fresh incitement, his enthusiasm lagged. That characteristic has grown with him to manhood. He is a better promoter than plodder, a better fighter up the mountain side, than warrior on the level summit. To get the best results from such characters is to postpone achievement, delay the final purpose, cover the path with enlarged obstacles, and add fresh heights to the summit. Many incidents might be related to illustrate this trait in his character, which are inspirational to others who lack energy to try. He was a miserable penman, and his schoolmates made him a laughing-stock, and guyed him over it, until he resolved to excel them all, and vowed he would set copies for the best of them. Then he began to write, and, head-ache or not, he never quit practice until his vow was fulfilled to the letter; and he is to this day one of the best penmen in the State. He could not play ball. His “throw” and “catch” were as awkward as his figure was lean and long. "Fire it on, Sissy,” with a host of such ironical remarks from his playfellows, made him resolve that he would beat them at their own game. He went home and nearly pounded in the gable of his mother's barn, working with his ball day and night until he conquered; he became a leader in the game, the captain of his nine. Then seeing no profit further, he quit the business. It was the same with marbles and other games. When he was a mere youth, his mother, who was very poor, needed greatly to have her house repaired, and Bishop Edwin D. Woolley and some friends in the Thirteenth Ward, recognizing the necessity of it, asked to do the work for her. He begged his mother not to allow them to do it, and at the same time promised her that when he became a man he would build her a new home. The Bishop heard of this, and remarked that if Sister Grant waited for her boy to build her house, she would never have one. Owing to Heber's ball and marble practices which the Bishop had observed, he had christened him the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward, a regular good-for-nothing. But the Bishop changed his mind later, and became one of Heber's warmest and dearest friends and one of his greatest admirers. The young man never forgot his promise, and one of the reasons, doubtless, was the incentive created by the Bishop's doubting remarks. He determined to show the Bishop! When twenty-one years of age, he built his mother a nice home, and invited Bishop Woolley and others to its dedication. The Bishop was reminded of his utterance of years ago, and was asked to dedicate the house, but this, however, was done by President Daniel H. Wells. Apostle Grant is pre-eminently a business man, and would doubtless have devoted his days to financial affairs exclusively, if the call to the Apostleship had not changed the trend of his life from its natural course, and awakened in him that less prominent but nevertheless strongly rooted religious feeling that possesses his soul. He entered the business world as a messenger boy in an insurance office. From thence he arose step by step in the business world by determined effort and close attention to duty. He was always in love with his work, and therefore devoted to it. As a boy, he dreamed in that insurance office of himself becoming an agent, and to that end he bent all his energies towards the mastery of the details of the business, with the result that he succeeded, and is today the leader in that line in the whole region about. His aspirations did not cease with becoming an agent; he dreamed of being a president of a company, and in this he also succeeded. While working in that insurance office, he also became desirous of learning the banking business because of what he saw in the bank of A. W. White & Co., located in the same building. To this end he devoted his spare time in assisting the book-keepers and others; subsequently the insurance office was removed to Wells Fargo's bank where he followed the same course, and in this way gained considerable knowledge of banking. By close attention to work, he was rewarded by the receipt of a New Year's present of one hundred dollars from his employer. Mr. Henry Wadsworth, who was also agent of the banking house of Wells Fargo & Co. His efforts to learn banking led to his securing the position of assistant cashier in Zion's savings Bank & Trust Co., during the absence on a mission of Cashier B. H. Schettler. This position led him to desire the presidency of a bank, which desire was gratified by his becoming the president of the State Bank of Utah, at its organization in 1890, which position he still holds. He has held other responsible business positions, having been vice-president of the Salt Lake Herald Co., a director of the National Bank in Provo, Provo Woolen Mills Co., ani Oregon Lumber Co., and at present he is president of the Home Fire Insurance Co. of Utah, the Salt Lake Theatre Co., the Co-op. Wagon & Machine Co., and of the insurance firm of H. J. Grant & Co. He was elected a director of Z. C. M. I. in 1887, and subsequently became chairman of the executive committee of that institution. His business maxims are: promptness in keeping appointments and in fulfilling promises; and he always aimed to give value received to those who employed him. Since he became an employer, he has always sought to treat his employees with respect and consideration. There is an inspiring illustration in his career which shows that a desire, a dream, in a young person, followed by persistent effort, is sure of fruition and fulfillment. His father died when he was nine days old, and the family was left in poor financial circumstances. In fact, Apostle Grant as a boy was reared in poverty. He was passionately fond of the theatre, and not being able to pay the admission price of twenty-five cents to the third gallery, he secured admission by carrying water into that height. He was soon promoted, because of his faithfulness, a leading trait in all his work, to the second gallery, which gave him great delight and encouragement. The boy dreamer of progress is today the principal stock-holder in the Salt Lake Theatre, and has now the privilege of occupying a box with six chairs, free of charge. My youthful readers may easily imagine with what satisfaction he gazes up into the third gallery, recalling the episodes of his youth. Apostle Grant has filled a number of important financial missions for the Church and for the institutions with which he is connected. In the panic of 1890-91, he visited leading eastern and western cities, and obtained several hundred thousand dollars to aid institutions in Utah that were in financial distress. During the succeeding dark days of 1893, he crossed the continent on such missions four times, and succeeded marvelously, and by the aid of God as he declares, in securing something over half a million dollars for the Church, and business institutions with which he is connected. He was sent with the promise of President Woodruff that he should succeed; he had implicit faith in the Prophet of God, and that his words would be verified, which they were. Heber J. Grant held the offices of Elder and Seventy prior to his ordination to a High Priest, in October, 1880. He was ordained an Apostle under the hands of the First Presidency and Apostles on October 16, 1882, President George Q. Cannon being mouth. His ecclesiastical missions have been in various Stakes of Zion, in different States and Territories of the Union, and in Mexico. With Apostle Brigham Young and others, he went to Sonora, Mexico, before any of the Saints were located in that country. Their special work was to open up the Gospel to the Yaqui Indians. In 1883-84 he, with Apostle Young, visited the Indians of the Navajo nation, and the Moquis, Zuni and Pappago Indians. While away, they called a number of brethren and set them apart to labor among these Indians. Apostle Grant's efforts, both in the business and the religious world, have been largely inspired by his strong love for his mother, whose love for him, he declares, is beyond his ability to tell. In his youth, his principal inspiration for effort came from her. He has strengthened his testimony in the Gospel of Christ by exerting himself diligently to faithfully perform the duties imposed upon him. The reading of Smiles' works on "Character," “Self-Help” and “Thrift,” in his boyhood, has added greatly in assisting him to exert his best efforts to succeed. He declares, too, that the articles in the old Wilson and National school readers have had great influence in the formation of his character. He was greatly impressed with the articles, “Never Despair,” "Daniel Webster at School,” “Behind Time," and the articles on “Early Bible History,” and he was profoundly moved with the life of Nephi, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, which he read when a lad of thirteen or fourteen years of age. He admired Nephi's faith, devotion and uncomplaining spirit; and his statements when requested to return to Jerusalem to get the plates, have been guiding stars in his life: And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father, I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare the way for them that they may accomplish the things which he has commanded them. But behold I said unto them, that as the Lord liveth, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness, until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord has commanded us. And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren saying: Let us go up unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord, for behold, he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even his tens of thousands. It can not be said, however, that he has been a great reader, but what he has read has been matter that is worth remembering. He has always sought for the gem in his reading, and then tried to put the good therein into the practice of his life. He is fond of poetry and music. Pope's “Essay on Man,” and “Essay on Criticism” have pleased him greatly, and his favorite novels are written by Dickens, but the books which he enjoys most are such as inspire the young to success—such works as Samuel Smiles'. He is passionately fond of music, and while nature does not seem to have specially intended him for a singer, his determination to learn to sing the songs of Zion is worthy of emulation, and his success in this line is an illustration of the truth that he who tries will conquer. Apostle Grant is a thorough believer in work, and he has little use for boys and girls, men or women, who shirk labor. “I consider that work is beyond value to the young; one of the greatest blessings that can come to a young man is to have his time fully occupied. It develops him, and the more labor he does, the greater his capacity for work becomes, and the greater the ease with which he may accomplish anything he desires.” Brother Grant has had no opportunity to learn a trade, and he has no profession. His leading aim in life is to discharge acceptably the duties which devolve upon him as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he enjoys that work best which brings him as a minister among the youth of Zion. He is active, energetic, determined; and the obstacle must be great indeed which shall deter him from achieving success in any line that he may set his heart upon. One of his leading traits of character, in fact, is his desire and determination to succeed when he sets out to win. He takes genuine pleasure in laboring to accomplish results, and this is one of the main reasons why he has succeeded. Every person in the Church has had his faith tried; if not, that is likely to occur at some time, and so it will be inspiring to all to learn that Apostle Grant is not without his experience. In his case, it resulted, in the end, in strengthening his testimony. So will yours, if you continue true to your testimony, as he did. When a child, he received a patriarchal blessing which he often read, and in which he had implicit faith. Among other things, he was promised that he should be called to the ministry in his youth, which he interpreted to mean that he would be asked to fill a mission to preach the Gospel. He expected that, like Erastus Snow, Joseph F. Smith and others who were ministers at the age of fifteen and sixteen years, he would be thus called at an early age. But years passed, and he was not selected. “Some of my associates," he said to the writer, “were called, and returned home, still I was left, and a spirit constantly followed me whispering that I knew the patriarch had lied to me, and therefore I ought to renounce my allegiance to the work of God. I finally said to myself, I know the Gospel is true, I have had so many testimonies that I can not doubt it, and no matter how many patriarchs have made statements that are not true, I do not purpose making shipwreck of my faith, and lose eternal salvation because of a mistake on the part of a patriarch." It was not long after he had so determined that he was called, just before he was twenty-four years of age, to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion, the youngest Stake president in all the Church. Up to that time, he had seldom spoken in public, and he felt his lack of ability very keenly. In this call to preside over a Stake of Zion came the fulfillment in very deed of the words of the patriarch, upon which the young president had so far placed a wrong interpretation. As the truth dawned upon him, he felt that he had conquered doubt by faith in God and in His work. This incident, which had been a great test of his belief, and the trial of his life, became and is one of the strong testimonies which has served to strengthen his faith in God and in the Priesthood. It has proved that the servants of the Lord have the inspiration of the offices which they hold. Other promises, made by the servants of the Lord to him, have been fulfilled, in which he sees added testimony of the interest of the Divine in the affairs of this Church. Thus, when he was blessed by Patriarch John Rowberry, while still acting as president of the Tooele Stake, he was promised that he would be chosen to be one of the leaders of Israel. In his youth. Sister Eliza R. Snow, in the gift of tongues, promised him that he should be one of the leading men in the Church, the interpretation being given by Sister Zina D. Young at the home of the late Wm. C. Staines. His call to the Apostleship is a fulfillment of these inspired sayings, and it has all strengthened his faith. Brother Grant's experience is full of testimonies that God lives and that He answers prayers. When his wife, Lucy Stringam, to whom he was married in St. George, November 1, 1877, died, some years ago, he received a manifestation from the Lord in direct answer to his prayer. His wife, let it be said in passing, was one of the noble daughters of God, a woman of excellent character, sweet disposition, and a judgment in business affairs which was no small factor in Heber's early financial successes. While she was dying, her daughter Lucy, then a little over twelve years of age, insisted that the father should administer to the mother and heal her—such was the child's faith. «I sent my children out of the room," he told me, "and pleaded with the Lord to give some special manifestation that in the death of my wife His will would be done. I told Him that I acknowledged His hand in life or in death, in prosperity or in adversity, but that I lacked strength to see my wife die and have it affect the faith of my children in the ordinances of the Gospel." Shortly thereafter, his wife died, and when he then called the children into the room, his daughter Lucy, putting her arms around the necks of her younger sisters, and also her little brother, told them not to cry, because the voice of the Lord had told her: “In the death of your mama, the will of the Lord will be done." As the child knew nothing of the father's prayer, it is evident the answer came from God to her in answer thereto, a fact which Brother Grant considers a special manifestation of the Lord's goodness to him, and which he declares he will ever remember with gratitude and thanksgiving. Another incident will suffice. His only son, Heber Stringam, upon whom he had built great hopes, died some time after the death of his mother. Brother Grant is naturally an affectionate man, easily moved to tears and quite emotional, and yet his son, under these conditions, passed away without the father shedding a tear. "There was in my home a very calm, sweet, heavenly influence. Without the supporting influence of the Holy Spirit," he declares, <dt would be impossible for me to undergo, almost joyfully, a scene of this kind. I felt almost a heavenly joy, notwithstanding the sorrow which had come into my life." He explained that a dream was the cause of it. ".Just a few hours before my son's death, I dreamed his mother came for him, and after a discussion with my mother, I dreamed I had allowed her to take my son, as I felt impressed in my dream that he would be a cripple all his life, should he live, since his trouble was hip disease." In his own life, too, he and his have been assured with faith In the promises of God. Thus, three years ago, when he was operated on for appendicitis, his wife Lucy, who as stated is dead, visited his home and promised his wife Augusta Winters, to whom he was married May 26, 1884, that he should recover. He felt so impressed himself, and believed that he should live through the ordeal. When, therefore, after the operation, the doctors said that blood poison had set in, and he could not live, neither his wife nor himself felt any alarm, but both had a perfect assurance that he should recover, and their faith was not in vain. In political life. Apostle Grant has had some experience, having served one term in the Council of the Territorial Legislature, and several terms in the City Council of Salt Lake City as Councilman. Apostle Grant is tall and erect in figure, with prominent features which indicate energy and push. His desire to aid others has given him a disposition to feel for his fellows, and there is not a man in Zion with a more loving, helping heart than has Heber Jeddie Grant. One of his traits, which is worthy of emulation, is his determination to overcome obstacles and defects that stand in his way to the perfection of his character. When he discovers a fault in himself, he endeavors by persistent and continued effort, such as only few are capable of, to overcome. And thus his life is growing better as the years increase, and will continue until his ideal of perfection, which enlarges with his deeper knowledge, shall be reached. He has gained the love, respect and confidence of his friends and business associates; and the authorities of the Church impose in him the fullest trust. He is an active worker in the cause of God, and has learned to feel the keenest delight in his labors among the Saints. He loves the youth of Israel, and in his sermons frequently addresses his earnest remarks to them. Associated with the Twelve, and with the General Boards of the Sunday Schools and the Improvement Associations, he is constantly among the people, and his counsel and practical advice, in temporal as well as spiritual affairs, are eagerly sought. I asked him to say a word to you boys and girls of the Juvenile Instructor; what he would say, in fact, if he could speak to all the children of Zion. In reply, he gave a sermon that will require all the days of your lives to live, but only a few moments to read. He said: «I would say to them: (Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.) Seek for the light and inspiration of the spirit of God to guide you in all the walks of life; be forgiving, be charitable. Never allow the acts of men to affect your faith in the Gospel. Remember that God says we should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and bring to pass much righteousness, for the power is in us wherein we are agents unto ourselves, that inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward. In every vocation of life, try to get the spirit of God to aid you in the accomplishment of your work. Try to make others happy, and to aid them in carrying their burdens in life, and you are sure of happiness, not only in this life, but in the life to come. Remember the words of Lord Bulwer Lytton: 'Dream, youth. Dream, nobly and manfully, and thy dreams shall be thy prophets!" Always be punctual, truthful and virtuous, and you will thereby insure yourself the love of God and of all good men." Edward H. Anderson. |
APOSTLE HEBER J. GRANT.
|
"Farewell Address of Apostle Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. July 1901. pg. 683-691.
FAREWELL ADDRESS OF APOSTLE HEBER J. GRANT.
DELIVERED IN THE SALT LAKE TABERNACLE, AT THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONFERENCE, SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1901.
I am glad to have the opportunity of addressing this conference, and I desire that my remarks may be beneficial to the young people particularly. Some of you are aware that I have been trying for a little over a year to sing to the Latter-day Saints. I have made one or two attempts in this Tabernacle, but have not always been successful. I purpose tonight to preface my remarks by trying to sing you a song. I may not succeed, because in attempting to sing, I imagine my position to be similar to that of some of our singers, should they attempt to preach. In my hand is a little sketch published in the Deseret News some weeks ago, which I will read:
Dear old Brother Goddard! Although it is more than two years since he passed from among us, his memory and his influence are as strongly felt in the circles where he moved as though he still were laboring among us in his own person. It will be many a year before he is forgotten in the Sunday Schools, among the old folks, or in the various Church circles where he labored.
George Goddard was born in Leicester, England, December 5, 1815. He and his wife were baptized January 21, 1851. His death occurred in this city January 12, 1899. The following data, recorded in his own handwriting, just a short time before his death, in a little book which he presented to Heber J. Grant, gives a summary of his useful career:
Fourteen months mission to Canada, by handcart to the Missouri River; 3 years gathering rags, as a mission; 9 years superintendent of the Thirteenth Ward Sunday School: 9 years superintendent in the Salt Lake Stake Sunday Schools; 27 years clerk of Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter; 26 years first assistant general superintendent of Sunday Schools ; 10 years clerk of the general conference ; 4 years clerk of the School of the Prophets ; 3 years clerk and treasurer to the Salt Lake Assembly Hall; 20 years member of the Tabernacle choir; 25 years member of the Thirteenth Ward choir; 23 years member of the Old Folks' committee. During the past 46 years, I have missed very few ward meetings, quorum, Tabernacle or fast meetings. I have had the pleasure and privilege of attending near 90 of our general conferences, and almost every meeting held during each conference. I am now 83 years old, lacking only a few days, and during the past five years I have traveled between twenty and thirty thousand miles by railway, [remember, young people, that this was from the time he was 78 until he was 83 years of age—the time when most people are in their dotage; when those that obey not the word of wisdom, as a rule, have been buried for a number of years,] and several thousand miles by team, over all kinds of roads, in heat and in cold, by night and by day, in the interest and for the benefit of the youth of Zion [and I might add, without one dollar of reward] who are connected with our Sunday Schools. I have visited 38 stakes of Zion [and that is all the stakes there were.] I use neither tea, coffee, wine, liquor, tobacco, or beer; and I am blessed of the Lord with good health, which causes my heart to rejoice exceedingly.
This little book which George Goddard gave me contains a copy, in his own handwriting, of all the songs he used to sing to the Sunday School children. He gave it to me at my request, and I promised to read these songs to the Sunday School children, and to keep his memory fresh before the young people. I never dreamed that I would be able to sing them. I do not want this congregation of young people to go away with the idea that I make any pretension to being a singer. I simply sing these songs as an object lesson, to show that a person who is musically deaf, and cannot distinguish the keys upon the piano, can learn to sing. Please join in the chorus, and I will sing, or try to. I have been able to sing it through in the country wards, but somehow I seem to lose my nerve here. Please join in the chorus of "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" Let me say before beginning that whenever I sing, as a rule, I encore myself; so, I may sing another song when I finish this one.
[The speaker then sang "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" and afterwards, "The Holy City."]
I had an object in view in singing to you tonight; it was that I want to impress our young boys particularly to learn to sing. I believe that we can accomplish any object that we make up our minds to, and no boy or girl ought to sit down and say, because they cannot do as well as somebody else, that they will not do anything. God has given to some people ten talents; to others, he has given one; but they who improve the one talent will live to see the day when they will far outshine those who have ten talents but fail to improve them. Musically speaking, I doubt if I possess one talent. Maybe I have half of one; that is about all. Let me tell you the difficulties I have labored under, so that you may know what I have had to overcome. I was requested some months ago, at President Cannon's, to sing, "God moves in a mysterious way," and simultaneously, I was requested to sing, "O my Father." I heard the first request, but not the second. I turned to President Snow's wife and said, "Will you kindly play that tune for me in the key of F. (Prof. C. J. Thomas very kindly took a book and wrote the keys in which I ought to sing, because I cannot sing in the key in which songs are written, my voice being too low.) Sister Snow very kindly, consented to play for me. She heard the request for "O my Father," so she played the prelude to that. When she finished playing the first verse, I began singing, "God moves in a mysterious way." As good fortune would have it, the first three notes of these two songs are the same, when "O my Father" is sung in the old tune—and, by the way, I love the old tune because of its associations, and because the song was sung to that tune when Sister Eliza R. Snow was present. When I began to sing, "God moves in a mysterious way," the audience laughed, though I did not know why they were laughing at a hymn of this kind. Sister Snow, realizing what I was about, changed the music to "God moves in a mysterious way," and we got through with the hymn all right.
When I was learning to sing, "I have read of a beautiful city," I practiced that song one day twelve times at one sitting. There are three verses in it; so I sang thirty-six verses, and by actual count I made five mistakes to a verse, which made 180 mistakes in one practice, and I knew nothing about it. When I first began to learn to sing, it took me from three to four months to learn two simple hymns. I learned a hymn a few weeks ago in three hours —half an hour's practice every evening for six days, and I had it all right.
I mention this to show you the force of what some man has said, that which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do — not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased. I desire the boys to learn that their power to do will increase if they only go to work. Do not have to say in the mission field, "We are very sorry, but we can't sing, and we wish we had a companion that could." You can all sing, if you are not tongue-tied, and I have proved it.
I want the young people to take advantage of my object lesson here tonight. I have no ambition to become a singer; but I do feel that there is a great deal lost in the homes of the people by not having the songs of Zion sung therein, and many a missionary robs himself of strength and power and ability to accomplish good, and to make friends, by not knowing how to sing. Another thing, he prevents himself from getting many a supper and many a bed and breakfast, which he could get if he only knew how to sing. People would invite him in, and welcome him, if he knew how to sing. The songs of Zion bring a good influence into our homes.
It is not the eloquence that you possess which will carry conviction to the hearts of the people, but it is the Spirit of Almighty God that is burning in your hearts, and your desire for the salvation of souls. Brigham Young said that the Spirit of the Lord would do more to convert people than the eloquence of men; and I say that the singing of the songs of Zion, though imperfectly, with the inspiration of God, will touch the hearts of the honest more effectively than if sung well without the Spirit of God. Sing with the Spirit of God; love the words that you sing. I love the songs of Zion. I love the hymn we sang here today, "Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear; but with joy wend your way." I love William Clayton who gave us those noble sentiments, and I love these pioneers that sung them, and sung them with all their hearts. It always breaks my heart when our good friends here. Brother Stephens and his choir, cut the fourth verse off, because it is the best of all:
And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well.
That is the kind of faith our pioneer fathers had, and that is the kind of sentiment and teaching I like the boys and girls to have. That is what I would like them to sing, and to sing with the Spirit. When the Psalmody is republished, if I am not here, I want to leave my protest against having the songs with four verses chopped into three-quarters. I am quite long, but I do not wish to lose one-quarter of myself. Brother Stephens wishes it understood that it is not his fault that the choir does not sing all the verses; they are not in the Psalmody. When the next edition of the Psalmody is published, I hope my words will be remembered and all the verses be printed. I do not want them to sing ten verses, or sixteen, when there are that many. There is a limit to all things. But there would be no harm in publishing every verse that the poet wrote.
There is another thing I wish to say, in this connection. I do not know who corrected our hymn book, but if I were the poet, and could get out of my grave, I would get out and protest against some changes in it. In one of Brother Phelps' hymns, he says, that in the last days they will sing in "Zion and Jerusalem" — and he meant just what he said; but I don't suppose it rhymed as well, or the music did not fit quite as well maybe, so it was changed to, "these peaceful valleys." I want to tell you that Brother Phelps was inspired. God has revealed the Gospel, and it will be preached and sung in "Zion and Jerusalem." I am glad that the Psalmody has it right. It is only the last edition of the hymn book that has it wrong.
Perhaps I have said enough on singing for one night. I had an ambition to sing "The Holy City" before I left for Japan, and to do it in the big Tabernacle, and my ambition has been gratified. Whether I sang it well or not, I am not prepared to say, because my musical ear did not tell me; but I have sung it, and I leave the result as an object lesson. God has said that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto him, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. He also says that he rejoices in the song of the righteous. I say to you, praise God in the songs of Zion, and he will bless you, because he has promised to do so. I want to read to the young people tonight a few words about Joseph Smith, and I want you to remember them. This is from Josiah Quincy's Figures of the Past. Quincy was a lawyer, a statesman and philanthropist, and a man of importance in our country.
I want you young men and young ladies to know something of what he says about the Prophet Joseph Smith.
A fine-looking man is what the passer-by would instinctively have murmured upon meeting the remarkable individual who had fashioned the mould which was to shape the feelings of so many thousands of his fellow-mortals. But Smith was more than this, and one could not resist the impression that capacity and resource were natural to his stalwart person. I have already mentioned the resemblance he bore to Elisha R. Potter, of Rhode Island, whom I met in Washington in 1826. The likeness was not such as would be recognized in a picture, but rather one that would be felt in a grave emergency. Of all men I have met, these two seemed best endowed with that kingly faculty which directs, as by intrinsic right, the feeble or confused souls who are looking for guidance.
I want the young people to remember this testimony concerning our beloved Prophet Joseph Smith. People have ridiculed him, have said that he was a weakling and an ignoramus; but here is a man who acknowledges what he was. And as the years go by, other men will acknowledge his greatness, the same as they are acknowledging today the greatness of Brigham Young. I rejoice in the testimony that was borne yesterday, at Saltair, by Judge Baskin. I rejoice to have lived to see that man stand up and bear testimony to the world concerning Brigham Young. There was that same power with Brigham Young that this man testifies was with the Prophet Joseph. I bear my witness to you here tonight, that in the days of Brigham Young, no other man that I ever met had that power within him that directed, as by divine right, the minds of other people. He had the spirit of a prophet upon him. He had power, and everybody felt it. I want to say to you that God Almighty has given that same power—and it is a testimony to me—to every man that has stood at the head of this Church. I know that John Taylor grew in power and strength and might from the day that God chose him to be his prophet. I know that Wilford Woodruff grew in power and strength, grew in very personal appearance, in dignity and in force, from the day that God made him his prophet. I know that God has strengthened the voice of Lorenzo Snow, that it rings out with more power in his old age than it did before he was made the prophet of God. There is power with these men whom God has chosen to represent him on earth, and I thank God that this man saw and recognized -this power in Joseph Smith, the founder, under God, of the Church of Christ upon the earth. It has been said that the Latter-day Saints were in favor of slavery.
It has been said that we were in favor of secession; that we were in sympathy with the South; but I was glad to hear that quotation by Brother Talmage, of the first message that went over the wires, "Utah has not seceded, but is firm for the constitution and the laws of our once happy country. — Brigham Young" When I heard that yesterday, I thought of the position of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the testimony of this man, Josiah Quincy:
Smith recognized the curse and iniquity of slavery, though he opposed the methods of the Abolitionists. His plan was for the nation to pay for the slaves from the sale of the public lands. "Congress," he said, "should be compelled to take this course, by petitions from all parts of the country; but the petitioners must disclaim all alliance with those who would disturb the rights of property recognized by the Constitution and foment insurrection." It may be worth while to remark that Smith's plan was publicly advocated, eleven years later, by one who has mixed so much practical shrewdness with his lofty philosophy. In 1855, when men's minds had been moved to their depths on the question of slavery, Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson declared that it should be met in accordance "with the interest of the South and with the settled conscience of the North. It is not really a great task, a great fight for this country to accomplish, to buy that property of the planter, as the British nation bought the West Indian slaves." He further says that the "United States will be brought to give every inch of their public lands for a purpose like this." We, who can look back upon the terrible cost of the fratricidal war which put an end to slavery, now say that such a solution of the difficulty would have been worthy a Christian statesman. But if the retired scholar was in advance of his time when he advocated this disposition of the public property in 1855, what shall I say of the political and religious leader who had committed himself, in print, as well as in conversation, to the same course in 1844?
I will tell you what I will say: he was a prophet of God; and this nation would have been spared the bloodshed and the millions of money expended in the war, and year after year in pensions; and the widows and orphans, made by the war, would not have been deprived of their husbands and fathers, had this nation listened to the inspired words of the boy prophet, Joseph Smith.
If the atmosphere of men's opinions was stirred by such a proposition when war-clouds were discernible in the sky, was it not a statesmanlike word eleven years earlier, when the heavens looked tranquil and beneficent?
It was a statesmanlike word—it was the inspired word of the Prophet of Almighty God.
Born in the lowest ranks of poverty, without book learning and with the homeliest of all human names, he had made himself at the age of thirty-nine a power upon earth. Of the multitudinous family of Smith, from Adam down (Adam of the "Wealth of Nations," I mean), none had so won human hearts and shaped human lives as this Joseph. His influence, whether for good or for evil, is potent today, and the end is not yet.
No, the end is not yet. The little stone that was cut out of the mountain without hands is rolling forth, and the end is not yet.
I have endeavored to give the details of my visit to the Mormon prophet with absolute accuracy. If the reader does not know just what to make of Joseph Smith, I cannot help him out of the difficulty. I myself stand helpless before the puzzle.
In bidding good-by to the young men and the young ladies forming the Mutual Improvement Associations, I desire to impress upon their minds what was said here today by Brother Roberts, that it is work that will count with you boys and girls. It is keeping the Word of Wisdom; it is paying your tithing; it is avoiding bad company; it is valuing your virtue more than your life; it is listening to the counsels and the advice of your fathers and your mothers, and the Priesthood of God, and doing your duty—it is these things that will magnify you before God, and that will bring you back into his presence. I desire to leave with you my testimony. Josiah Quincy said that he did not know what to say about Joseph Smith; but I will tell you what I can say of him. I can say that he was a prophet of God, and I desire to read one of his prophecies here tonight:
August 6, 1842. I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction, and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains; many would apostatize; others would be put to death by our persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of exposure and disease, and others would live to go and assist in making settlements and building cities, and see the Saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.
While we honor Brigham Young as the great statesman, the great pioneer and colonizer, we must not forget that Brigham Young built upon the foundation, and fulfilled the predictions, made by the Prophet Joseph Smith; and Brigham Young, great as he was, on all occasions magnified the Prophet Joseph, and I honor and love him for the reverence he gave to the man who was the instrument in the hands of Almighty God of restoring the Gospel to the earth. What kind of a country was this when Joseph Smith predicted that the Saints would come here, and become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains? Hear the testimony, ye young men and young ladies, of the foremost statesman of the day, when this prediction was uttered—Daniel Webster:
What do we want with this vast, worthless area, this region of savages and wild beasts, of deserts, of shifting sands and whirlwinds of dust, of cactus and prairie dogs? To what use could we ever hope to put these great deserts, or those endless mountain ranges, impenetrable and covered to their very base with eternal snow?
We could put them to the use of supporting a great and a mighty people, and fulfilling the prediction of the boy prophet.
Young men and young ladies, I leave with you my testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, and that Lorenzo Snow today is a prophet of God. How do I know it? I know it as well as I know that I stand before you tonight. I know heat, I know cold; I know joy, and I know sorrow; and I say to you that in the hour of sorrow, in the hour of affliction, in the hour of death, God has heard and answered my prayers, and I know that he lives. I leave my testimony with you. God bless you. Amen.
FAREWELL ADDRESS OF APOSTLE HEBER J. GRANT.
DELIVERED IN THE SALT LAKE TABERNACLE, AT THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONFERENCE, SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1901.
I am glad to have the opportunity of addressing this conference, and I desire that my remarks may be beneficial to the young people particularly. Some of you are aware that I have been trying for a little over a year to sing to the Latter-day Saints. I have made one or two attempts in this Tabernacle, but have not always been successful. I purpose tonight to preface my remarks by trying to sing you a song. I may not succeed, because in attempting to sing, I imagine my position to be similar to that of some of our singers, should they attempt to preach. In my hand is a little sketch published in the Deseret News some weeks ago, which I will read:
Dear old Brother Goddard! Although it is more than two years since he passed from among us, his memory and his influence are as strongly felt in the circles where he moved as though he still were laboring among us in his own person. It will be many a year before he is forgotten in the Sunday Schools, among the old folks, or in the various Church circles where he labored.
George Goddard was born in Leicester, England, December 5, 1815. He and his wife were baptized January 21, 1851. His death occurred in this city January 12, 1899. The following data, recorded in his own handwriting, just a short time before his death, in a little book which he presented to Heber J. Grant, gives a summary of his useful career:
Fourteen months mission to Canada, by handcart to the Missouri River; 3 years gathering rags, as a mission; 9 years superintendent of the Thirteenth Ward Sunday School: 9 years superintendent in the Salt Lake Stake Sunday Schools; 27 years clerk of Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter; 26 years first assistant general superintendent of Sunday Schools ; 10 years clerk of the general conference ; 4 years clerk of the School of the Prophets ; 3 years clerk and treasurer to the Salt Lake Assembly Hall; 20 years member of the Tabernacle choir; 25 years member of the Thirteenth Ward choir; 23 years member of the Old Folks' committee. During the past 46 years, I have missed very few ward meetings, quorum, Tabernacle or fast meetings. I have had the pleasure and privilege of attending near 90 of our general conferences, and almost every meeting held during each conference. I am now 83 years old, lacking only a few days, and during the past five years I have traveled between twenty and thirty thousand miles by railway, [remember, young people, that this was from the time he was 78 until he was 83 years of age—the time when most people are in their dotage; when those that obey not the word of wisdom, as a rule, have been buried for a number of years,] and several thousand miles by team, over all kinds of roads, in heat and in cold, by night and by day, in the interest and for the benefit of the youth of Zion [and I might add, without one dollar of reward] who are connected with our Sunday Schools. I have visited 38 stakes of Zion [and that is all the stakes there were.] I use neither tea, coffee, wine, liquor, tobacco, or beer; and I am blessed of the Lord with good health, which causes my heart to rejoice exceedingly.
This little book which George Goddard gave me contains a copy, in his own handwriting, of all the songs he used to sing to the Sunday School children. He gave it to me at my request, and I promised to read these songs to the Sunday School children, and to keep his memory fresh before the young people. I never dreamed that I would be able to sing them. I do not want this congregation of young people to go away with the idea that I make any pretension to being a singer. I simply sing these songs as an object lesson, to show that a person who is musically deaf, and cannot distinguish the keys upon the piano, can learn to sing. Please join in the chorus, and I will sing, or try to. I have been able to sing it through in the country wards, but somehow I seem to lose my nerve here. Please join in the chorus of "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" Let me say before beginning that whenever I sing, as a rule, I encore myself; so, I may sing another song when I finish this one.
[The speaker then sang "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" and afterwards, "The Holy City."]
I had an object in view in singing to you tonight; it was that I want to impress our young boys particularly to learn to sing. I believe that we can accomplish any object that we make up our minds to, and no boy or girl ought to sit down and say, because they cannot do as well as somebody else, that they will not do anything. God has given to some people ten talents; to others, he has given one; but they who improve the one talent will live to see the day when they will far outshine those who have ten talents but fail to improve them. Musically speaking, I doubt if I possess one talent. Maybe I have half of one; that is about all. Let me tell you the difficulties I have labored under, so that you may know what I have had to overcome. I was requested some months ago, at President Cannon's, to sing, "God moves in a mysterious way," and simultaneously, I was requested to sing, "O my Father." I heard the first request, but not the second. I turned to President Snow's wife and said, "Will you kindly play that tune for me in the key of F. (Prof. C. J. Thomas very kindly took a book and wrote the keys in which I ought to sing, because I cannot sing in the key in which songs are written, my voice being too low.) Sister Snow very kindly, consented to play for me. She heard the request for "O my Father," so she played the prelude to that. When she finished playing the first verse, I began singing, "God moves in a mysterious way." As good fortune would have it, the first three notes of these two songs are the same, when "O my Father" is sung in the old tune—and, by the way, I love the old tune because of its associations, and because the song was sung to that tune when Sister Eliza R. Snow was present. When I began to sing, "God moves in a mysterious way," the audience laughed, though I did not know why they were laughing at a hymn of this kind. Sister Snow, realizing what I was about, changed the music to "God moves in a mysterious way," and we got through with the hymn all right.
When I was learning to sing, "I have read of a beautiful city," I practiced that song one day twelve times at one sitting. There are three verses in it; so I sang thirty-six verses, and by actual count I made five mistakes to a verse, which made 180 mistakes in one practice, and I knew nothing about it. When I first began to learn to sing, it took me from three to four months to learn two simple hymns. I learned a hymn a few weeks ago in three hours —half an hour's practice every evening for six days, and I had it all right.
I mention this to show you the force of what some man has said, that which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do — not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased. I desire the boys to learn that their power to do will increase if they only go to work. Do not have to say in the mission field, "We are very sorry, but we can't sing, and we wish we had a companion that could." You can all sing, if you are not tongue-tied, and I have proved it.
I want the young people to take advantage of my object lesson here tonight. I have no ambition to become a singer; but I do feel that there is a great deal lost in the homes of the people by not having the songs of Zion sung therein, and many a missionary robs himself of strength and power and ability to accomplish good, and to make friends, by not knowing how to sing. Another thing, he prevents himself from getting many a supper and many a bed and breakfast, which he could get if he only knew how to sing. People would invite him in, and welcome him, if he knew how to sing. The songs of Zion bring a good influence into our homes.
It is not the eloquence that you possess which will carry conviction to the hearts of the people, but it is the Spirit of Almighty God that is burning in your hearts, and your desire for the salvation of souls. Brigham Young said that the Spirit of the Lord would do more to convert people than the eloquence of men; and I say that the singing of the songs of Zion, though imperfectly, with the inspiration of God, will touch the hearts of the honest more effectively than if sung well without the Spirit of God. Sing with the Spirit of God; love the words that you sing. I love the songs of Zion. I love the hymn we sang here today, "Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear; but with joy wend your way." I love William Clayton who gave us those noble sentiments, and I love these pioneers that sung them, and sung them with all their hearts. It always breaks my heart when our good friends here. Brother Stephens and his choir, cut the fourth verse off, because it is the best of all:
And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well.
That is the kind of faith our pioneer fathers had, and that is the kind of sentiment and teaching I like the boys and girls to have. That is what I would like them to sing, and to sing with the Spirit. When the Psalmody is republished, if I am not here, I want to leave my protest against having the songs with four verses chopped into three-quarters. I am quite long, but I do not wish to lose one-quarter of myself. Brother Stephens wishes it understood that it is not his fault that the choir does not sing all the verses; they are not in the Psalmody. When the next edition of the Psalmody is published, I hope my words will be remembered and all the verses be printed. I do not want them to sing ten verses, or sixteen, when there are that many. There is a limit to all things. But there would be no harm in publishing every verse that the poet wrote.
There is another thing I wish to say, in this connection. I do not know who corrected our hymn book, but if I were the poet, and could get out of my grave, I would get out and protest against some changes in it. In one of Brother Phelps' hymns, he says, that in the last days they will sing in "Zion and Jerusalem" — and he meant just what he said; but I don't suppose it rhymed as well, or the music did not fit quite as well maybe, so it was changed to, "these peaceful valleys." I want to tell you that Brother Phelps was inspired. God has revealed the Gospel, and it will be preached and sung in "Zion and Jerusalem." I am glad that the Psalmody has it right. It is only the last edition of the hymn book that has it wrong.
Perhaps I have said enough on singing for one night. I had an ambition to sing "The Holy City" before I left for Japan, and to do it in the big Tabernacle, and my ambition has been gratified. Whether I sang it well or not, I am not prepared to say, because my musical ear did not tell me; but I have sung it, and I leave the result as an object lesson. God has said that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto him, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. He also says that he rejoices in the song of the righteous. I say to you, praise God in the songs of Zion, and he will bless you, because he has promised to do so. I want to read to the young people tonight a few words about Joseph Smith, and I want you to remember them. This is from Josiah Quincy's Figures of the Past. Quincy was a lawyer, a statesman and philanthropist, and a man of importance in our country.
I want you young men and young ladies to know something of what he says about the Prophet Joseph Smith.
A fine-looking man is what the passer-by would instinctively have murmured upon meeting the remarkable individual who had fashioned the mould which was to shape the feelings of so many thousands of his fellow-mortals. But Smith was more than this, and one could not resist the impression that capacity and resource were natural to his stalwart person. I have already mentioned the resemblance he bore to Elisha R. Potter, of Rhode Island, whom I met in Washington in 1826. The likeness was not such as would be recognized in a picture, but rather one that would be felt in a grave emergency. Of all men I have met, these two seemed best endowed with that kingly faculty which directs, as by intrinsic right, the feeble or confused souls who are looking for guidance.
I want the young people to remember this testimony concerning our beloved Prophet Joseph Smith. People have ridiculed him, have said that he was a weakling and an ignoramus; but here is a man who acknowledges what he was. And as the years go by, other men will acknowledge his greatness, the same as they are acknowledging today the greatness of Brigham Young. I rejoice in the testimony that was borne yesterday, at Saltair, by Judge Baskin. I rejoice to have lived to see that man stand up and bear testimony to the world concerning Brigham Young. There was that same power with Brigham Young that this man testifies was with the Prophet Joseph. I bear my witness to you here tonight, that in the days of Brigham Young, no other man that I ever met had that power within him that directed, as by divine right, the minds of other people. He had the spirit of a prophet upon him. He had power, and everybody felt it. I want to say to you that God Almighty has given that same power—and it is a testimony to me—to every man that has stood at the head of this Church. I know that John Taylor grew in power and strength and might from the day that God chose him to be his prophet. I know that Wilford Woodruff grew in power and strength, grew in very personal appearance, in dignity and in force, from the day that God made him his prophet. I know that God has strengthened the voice of Lorenzo Snow, that it rings out with more power in his old age than it did before he was made the prophet of God. There is power with these men whom God has chosen to represent him on earth, and I thank God that this man saw and recognized -this power in Joseph Smith, the founder, under God, of the Church of Christ upon the earth. It has been said that the Latter-day Saints were in favor of slavery.
It has been said that we were in favor of secession; that we were in sympathy with the South; but I was glad to hear that quotation by Brother Talmage, of the first message that went over the wires, "Utah has not seceded, but is firm for the constitution and the laws of our once happy country. — Brigham Young" When I heard that yesterday, I thought of the position of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the testimony of this man, Josiah Quincy:
Smith recognized the curse and iniquity of slavery, though he opposed the methods of the Abolitionists. His plan was for the nation to pay for the slaves from the sale of the public lands. "Congress," he said, "should be compelled to take this course, by petitions from all parts of the country; but the petitioners must disclaim all alliance with those who would disturb the rights of property recognized by the Constitution and foment insurrection." It may be worth while to remark that Smith's plan was publicly advocated, eleven years later, by one who has mixed so much practical shrewdness with his lofty philosophy. In 1855, when men's minds had been moved to their depths on the question of slavery, Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson declared that it should be met in accordance "with the interest of the South and with the settled conscience of the North. It is not really a great task, a great fight for this country to accomplish, to buy that property of the planter, as the British nation bought the West Indian slaves." He further says that the "United States will be brought to give every inch of their public lands for a purpose like this." We, who can look back upon the terrible cost of the fratricidal war which put an end to slavery, now say that such a solution of the difficulty would have been worthy a Christian statesman. But if the retired scholar was in advance of his time when he advocated this disposition of the public property in 1855, what shall I say of the political and religious leader who had committed himself, in print, as well as in conversation, to the same course in 1844?
I will tell you what I will say: he was a prophet of God; and this nation would have been spared the bloodshed and the millions of money expended in the war, and year after year in pensions; and the widows and orphans, made by the war, would not have been deprived of their husbands and fathers, had this nation listened to the inspired words of the boy prophet, Joseph Smith.
If the atmosphere of men's opinions was stirred by such a proposition when war-clouds were discernible in the sky, was it not a statesmanlike word eleven years earlier, when the heavens looked tranquil and beneficent?
It was a statesmanlike word—it was the inspired word of the Prophet of Almighty God.
Born in the lowest ranks of poverty, without book learning and with the homeliest of all human names, he had made himself at the age of thirty-nine a power upon earth. Of the multitudinous family of Smith, from Adam down (Adam of the "Wealth of Nations," I mean), none had so won human hearts and shaped human lives as this Joseph. His influence, whether for good or for evil, is potent today, and the end is not yet.
No, the end is not yet. The little stone that was cut out of the mountain without hands is rolling forth, and the end is not yet.
I have endeavored to give the details of my visit to the Mormon prophet with absolute accuracy. If the reader does not know just what to make of Joseph Smith, I cannot help him out of the difficulty. I myself stand helpless before the puzzle.
In bidding good-by to the young men and the young ladies forming the Mutual Improvement Associations, I desire to impress upon their minds what was said here today by Brother Roberts, that it is work that will count with you boys and girls. It is keeping the Word of Wisdom; it is paying your tithing; it is avoiding bad company; it is valuing your virtue more than your life; it is listening to the counsels and the advice of your fathers and your mothers, and the Priesthood of God, and doing your duty—it is these things that will magnify you before God, and that will bring you back into his presence. I desire to leave with you my testimony. Josiah Quincy said that he did not know what to say about Joseph Smith; but I will tell you what I can say of him. I can say that he was a prophet of God, and I desire to read one of his prophecies here tonight:
August 6, 1842. I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction, and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains; many would apostatize; others would be put to death by our persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of exposure and disease, and others would live to go and assist in making settlements and building cities, and see the Saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.
While we honor Brigham Young as the great statesman, the great pioneer and colonizer, we must not forget that Brigham Young built upon the foundation, and fulfilled the predictions, made by the Prophet Joseph Smith; and Brigham Young, great as he was, on all occasions magnified the Prophet Joseph, and I honor and love him for the reverence he gave to the man who was the instrument in the hands of Almighty God of restoring the Gospel to the earth. What kind of a country was this when Joseph Smith predicted that the Saints would come here, and become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains? Hear the testimony, ye young men and young ladies, of the foremost statesman of the day, when this prediction was uttered—Daniel Webster:
What do we want with this vast, worthless area, this region of savages and wild beasts, of deserts, of shifting sands and whirlwinds of dust, of cactus and prairie dogs? To what use could we ever hope to put these great deserts, or those endless mountain ranges, impenetrable and covered to their very base with eternal snow?
We could put them to the use of supporting a great and a mighty people, and fulfilling the prediction of the boy prophet.
Young men and young ladies, I leave with you my testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, and that Lorenzo Snow today is a prophet of God. How do I know it? I know it as well as I know that I stand before you tonight. I know heat, I know cold; I know joy, and I know sorrow; and I say to you that in the hour of sorrow, in the hour of affliction, in the hour of death, God has heard and answered my prayers, and I know that he lives. I leave my testimony with you. God bless you. Amen.
"Messages From Japan--Have a Purpose in Life." Improvement Era. February 1902. pg. 288-291.
MESSAGES FROM JAPAN.
[The Era presents to its readers a good portrait of Apostle Heber J. Grant, the First Assistant in the General Superintendency Y. M. M. I. A., now on a mission in Japan, where he and his companions—Elders Alma 0. Taylor, Horace S. Ensign and Lewis A. Kelsch—are seeking to introduce the Gospel. He was born in Salt Lake City, Nov. 22, 1856, and was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, October 16, 1882. Elder Grant's time is fully and earnestly occupied in learning a new language, but his thoughts are often with the young people of Zion, to whom, in a note to the editors, dated Tokio, Japan, November 19,1901, he sends his love and best wishes, adding: "I am deeply interested in the ERA, and with all my heart wish success to attend it. I have found some of the articles in it of great value to me since I arrived here."
On leaving Utah, last Pioneer Day, he took with him many papers which he had not found time to assort prior to his departure. One of these, which he justly considers good reading for the young men, he returns, in response to a request for something from his pen. It is an address delivered by him to the students of the University of Utah* Prior to the removal of this educational institution to its present home, he was requested to conduct the chapel services for one week. His duty was to pray, and to speak for a few moments, each morning. On one occasion, he could not be present, and so wrote this address, sending it to the students to be read. — Editors.]
HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE.
BY APOSTLE HEBER J, GRANT.
To the students of the University of Utah:--
Inasmuch as it is impossible to be with you at your devotional exercises tomorrow morning, I take the opportunity of dictating a few words to be read by Professor Lyman, or whomever he may select. This is my first attempt at dictating anything to be read to an audience, and [ do not expect to be able to express myself as satisfactorily on paper as I could, were I permitted, to meet with you and enjoy the inspiration of your countenances to assist me in what I had to say.
Continuing my remarks of this morning, I wish to urge upon you to have a purpose in life, and to labor with all the zeal and energy which you possess to accomplish that purpose. Samuel Smiles has said that "purposes are like eggs; unless they are hatched into action, they will run into decay." You are all aware of the utter lack of value of decayed eggs, and, therefore, I appeal to you not to allow your purposes to become like unto them. It has been said that "knowledge without practice is like a glass eye—all for show and nothing for use." Try always to make practical use of the knowledge that you gain while in school. The oftener you use your information, the greater will be your ability to do so, and the more good you can do to your companions.
An Irishman was met on the street one day, and his friend remarked, "Hello, Pat, I see you have a glass eye." "Yis; but faith, the thing is a great fraud. Niver a bit can I see out of it." Don't allow your knowledge to be as worthless as Pat's glass eye, but see through it and use it, not only for your own benefit, but for the benefit of your associates.
Every kind word spoken gives you greater ability to speak another. Every act of assistance rendered by you, through the knowledge that you possess, to aid one of your fellows, gives you greater ability to aid the next one. Good acts grow upon a person. I have sometimes thought that many men, judging from their utter lack of kindness and of a disposition to aid others, imagined that if they were to say or do a kind thing, it would destroy their capacity to perform a kind act or say a kind word in the future. If you have a granary full of grain, and you give away a sack or two, there remain that many less in your granary, but if you perform a kind act or add words of encouragement to one in distress, who is struggling along in the battle of life, the greater is your capacity to do this in the future. Don't go through life with your lips sealed against words of kindness and encouragement. nor your hearts sealed against performing labors for another. Make a motto in life: always try and assist someone else to carry his burden. The true key to happiness in life is to labor for the happiness of others. I pity the selfish man who has never experienced the joy which comes to those who receive the thanks and gratitude of the people whom they may have aided in the struggle of life. I commend Longfellow's "Psalm of Life" to your careful perusal.
It has been said that, "To do that which before us lies in daily life is the prime wisdom." By having this for a motto, in addition to having a purpose in life, and making practical use of our knowledge, I have no fear but that all the students of the University, in after years, will be instruments for good in the hands of God, in accomplishing his purposes on earth.
The president of the University of Utah, Joseph T. Kingsbury, whom I am sure you all love and respect, is an example of fidelity and enduring devotion to the duties that daily come up before him, and I commend that example to you.
The lasting devotion of Dr. John R. Park has been one of the bright, particular stars which has helped to guide me so far through the battle of life, and there is in my heart a debt of gratitude for him and others to whom I feel that I owe much for the limited success which has attended my efforts. I know that Dr. Park is made happy in knowing of the success of any of the boys and girls who were his pupils. I know that you love and respect the president of your university, and in no way can you show that love in a manner that will be more highly appreciated by him than in doing your duty, and living worthy lives, both while in and out of school.
The University, to a certain extent, is judged by it graduates. Let every student feel that when he shall graduate and go forth to do the battle of life, that he will so order his conduct that he will bring credit to himself, and thereby, of necessity, credit to the institution of learning to which he owes so much.
All that I have said with reference to showing your love and gratitude to the president of your institution, applies with equal force to the professors, who labor diligently for your advancement; and, above and beyond this, it applies to your fathers and your mothers, to whose hearts you can in no other way bring greater joy than by faithfully performing the daily duties that devolve upon you, and living worthy lives.
I am reminded that if I were talking to you, it would now be about time for the bell to ring, announcing that the time has expired for your devotional services; and, therefore, I will close with the earnest prayer that God, our Heavenly Father will bless each of you, that you may enjoy his Holy Spirit to guide and direct you through all the changing scenes of life; that peace, prosperity, and happiness, may be your portion in this life, and that you will be welcomed back into his presence in the life to come, there to have an eternity of joy.
I am sincerely your friend and brother in the cause of true education, which, to my mind, embraces an earnest desire for the guidance of the Father of our spirits which are eternal.
MESSAGES FROM JAPAN.
[The Era presents to its readers a good portrait of Apostle Heber J. Grant, the First Assistant in the General Superintendency Y. M. M. I. A., now on a mission in Japan, where he and his companions—Elders Alma 0. Taylor, Horace S. Ensign and Lewis A. Kelsch—are seeking to introduce the Gospel. He was born in Salt Lake City, Nov. 22, 1856, and was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, October 16, 1882. Elder Grant's time is fully and earnestly occupied in learning a new language, but his thoughts are often with the young people of Zion, to whom, in a note to the editors, dated Tokio, Japan, November 19,1901, he sends his love and best wishes, adding: "I am deeply interested in the ERA, and with all my heart wish success to attend it. I have found some of the articles in it of great value to me since I arrived here."
On leaving Utah, last Pioneer Day, he took with him many papers which he had not found time to assort prior to his departure. One of these, which he justly considers good reading for the young men, he returns, in response to a request for something from his pen. It is an address delivered by him to the students of the University of Utah* Prior to the removal of this educational institution to its present home, he was requested to conduct the chapel services for one week. His duty was to pray, and to speak for a few moments, each morning. On one occasion, he could not be present, and so wrote this address, sending it to the students to be read. — Editors.]
HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE.
BY APOSTLE HEBER J, GRANT.
To the students of the University of Utah:--
Inasmuch as it is impossible to be with you at your devotional exercises tomorrow morning, I take the opportunity of dictating a few words to be read by Professor Lyman, or whomever he may select. This is my first attempt at dictating anything to be read to an audience, and [ do not expect to be able to express myself as satisfactorily on paper as I could, were I permitted, to meet with you and enjoy the inspiration of your countenances to assist me in what I had to say.
Continuing my remarks of this morning, I wish to urge upon you to have a purpose in life, and to labor with all the zeal and energy which you possess to accomplish that purpose. Samuel Smiles has said that "purposes are like eggs; unless they are hatched into action, they will run into decay." You are all aware of the utter lack of value of decayed eggs, and, therefore, I appeal to you not to allow your purposes to become like unto them. It has been said that "knowledge without practice is like a glass eye—all for show and nothing for use." Try always to make practical use of the knowledge that you gain while in school. The oftener you use your information, the greater will be your ability to do so, and the more good you can do to your companions.
An Irishman was met on the street one day, and his friend remarked, "Hello, Pat, I see you have a glass eye." "Yis; but faith, the thing is a great fraud. Niver a bit can I see out of it." Don't allow your knowledge to be as worthless as Pat's glass eye, but see through it and use it, not only for your own benefit, but for the benefit of your associates.
Every kind word spoken gives you greater ability to speak another. Every act of assistance rendered by you, through the knowledge that you possess, to aid one of your fellows, gives you greater ability to aid the next one. Good acts grow upon a person. I have sometimes thought that many men, judging from their utter lack of kindness and of a disposition to aid others, imagined that if they were to say or do a kind thing, it would destroy their capacity to perform a kind act or say a kind word in the future. If you have a granary full of grain, and you give away a sack or two, there remain that many less in your granary, but if you perform a kind act or add words of encouragement to one in distress, who is struggling along in the battle of life, the greater is your capacity to do this in the future. Don't go through life with your lips sealed against words of kindness and encouragement. nor your hearts sealed against performing labors for another. Make a motto in life: always try and assist someone else to carry his burden. The true key to happiness in life is to labor for the happiness of others. I pity the selfish man who has never experienced the joy which comes to those who receive the thanks and gratitude of the people whom they may have aided in the struggle of life. I commend Longfellow's "Psalm of Life" to your careful perusal.
It has been said that, "To do that which before us lies in daily life is the prime wisdom." By having this for a motto, in addition to having a purpose in life, and making practical use of our knowledge, I have no fear but that all the students of the University, in after years, will be instruments for good in the hands of God, in accomplishing his purposes on earth.
The president of the University of Utah, Joseph T. Kingsbury, whom I am sure you all love and respect, is an example of fidelity and enduring devotion to the duties that daily come up before him, and I commend that example to you.
The lasting devotion of Dr. John R. Park has been one of the bright, particular stars which has helped to guide me so far through the battle of life, and there is in my heart a debt of gratitude for him and others to whom I feel that I owe much for the limited success which has attended my efforts. I know that Dr. Park is made happy in knowing of the success of any of the boys and girls who were his pupils. I know that you love and respect the president of your university, and in no way can you show that love in a manner that will be more highly appreciated by him than in doing your duty, and living worthy lives, both while in and out of school.
The University, to a certain extent, is judged by it graduates. Let every student feel that when he shall graduate and go forth to do the battle of life, that he will so order his conduct that he will bring credit to himself, and thereby, of necessity, credit to the institution of learning to which he owes so much.
All that I have said with reference to showing your love and gratitude to the president of your institution, applies with equal force to the professors, who labor diligently for your advancement; and, above and beyond this, it applies to your fathers and your mothers, to whose hearts you can in no other way bring greater joy than by faithfully performing the daily duties that devolve upon you, and living worthy lives.
I am reminded that if I were talking to you, it would now be about time for the bell to ring, announcing that the time has expired for your devotional services; and, therefore, I will close with the earnest prayer that God, our Heavenly Father will bless each of you, that you may enjoy his Holy Spirit to guide and direct you through all the changing scenes of life; that peace, prosperity, and happiness, may be your portion in this life, and that you will be welcomed back into his presence in the life to come, there to have an eternity of joy.
I am sincerely your friend and brother in the cause of true education, which, to my mind, embraces an earnest desire for the guidance of the Father of our spirits which are eternal.
Evans, John Henry. "Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. January 1917. pg. 242-248.
Heber J. Grant Who Believes a Young Man Ought to Set Pegs, if They Are of the Right Kind, and Then Proceed to Reach Them By John Henry Evans Once there was a man—so at least we are told—whose sole occupation was holding down a soap hox on the platform of a country railway station and who said in answer to a question as to how he spent his days, "Oh, sometimes I set and think, and sometimes I just set." But the trouble is that no one gets anywhere who sits on soap boxes, whether his mental machinery (if he have any to speak of) runs or stays. He must exert himself to jump on the passing train in order to arrive at a destination. And these days he should have somewhere on his inside something like a forty horse-power battery to keep him going. Heber J. Grant is one of your forty horse-power men. He has always been such. More things have happened to him—or rather, he has made more things come to pass—than almost any man you could name. And he is altogether unique in this fact, that almost every happening with him is an incident with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Literary critics sometimes tell us that there are no ready-made plots in life. They do not know Heber J. Grant, who say this. With him occurrences naturally fall into events that arrive. And he has an abundance of them—financial, religious, inspirational. But all this is because of his singularly marked personality. He is the most determined of men. Once he undertakes a task, it is as good as performed. And he undertakes a great many varieties of things—as this narrative will show. President Grant was born in Salt Lake City sixty years ago. His father was Jedediah M. Grant and his mother Rachel Ivins. His father dying when Heber was in his infancy, he was brought up by his mother as an only and much-loved son is usually reared. The boys used to call him "Sissy" partly on account of his appearance, partly because he did housework for his mother. But this did not hamper the spirits of young Grant, for he had his own notion of things. Heber J. has had an extremely varied and busy career — which is by no means ended. He has been active in business. A born promoter, he has probably set going as many concerns as any other man in this part of the country. A dreamer by disposition, his mind deals always in large images and figures. A keenly practical man by nature and inheritance, he has the Midas touch that makes everything work. If it were not tedious, I would enumerate the businesses with which he has been connected in various capacities; the bare enumeration of which would show that in this department of activity alone he has done more than an ordinary man's work. But he has also been active in religion. Indeed, for more than thirty-six years this activity has been his main line. When he was twenty-four years old he presided over the Tooele stake, and at twenty-six he became an apostle. He opened up the mission to Japan, he presided over the European mission for two years, and he has penetrated into nearly every nook and corner of the Church in the United States preaching the gospel in his clear, ringing tones. Surely, that good old bishop who called Heber J. Grant "the laziest boy in the ward," if he could know him now after thirty-six years of this double activity, would confess that he must have meant not lack of energy (there is no such thing as a lazy boy) but rather misdirected energy, looked at from the bishop's point of view. There never was a character less complex than Heber J. Grant's. It is utterly devoid of turns and twists, of hard knots, of devious ways and dark passages. His character is as straight as his tall, erect figure. His motives would never be questioned even by one who had not good motives himself. Men instinctively trust him because he can be trusted. Men rely on him because he relies on himself—and God. It is a beautiful thing to know where a man is, and you always know that of Heber J. Grant. Two things primarily are characteristic of the new President of the Twelve. One is his perseverance, persistence, determination. And the other is the direction which this quality takes, which is away from self towards other people—a rare thing here below. Let me deal with each of these characteristics separately. Perseverance is the quality of staying with a thing till you get somewhere. The phrenologist calls it stick-to-itiveness. Have you ever kept up a thing against great odds? If so, you know the queer experience. Every once in a while you have a sinking of the heart, as people say. Now, if this sinking process becomes too great, you give up and go home. If your task is to climb a tree, you turn round and say you can't—which is true. It' it is to thread a difficult mental or commercial problem, you quit just before the light breaks. I doubt very much whether Heber J. Grant ever experienced this sensation of the sinking heart. Or if he ever has, it has not affected him to any appreciable degree. Three instances will serve to show how tenacious this man's mind is, once he has anything on it. When he was about fourteen, there were three baseball nines in the club to which he belonged. Heber was on the third nine, the scrubs, with lads under his age and size. One day one of the fellows, in an inspired moment, told him he could never learn to play. That casual remark, made in derision, pressed the button which turned on the electric power. Young Grant went home with this thought working in his active brain, "I'll show him; some day I'll play with the nine that wins the championship of the Territory!" A good many boys would merely have "wished" to be good players. Not so, Heber J. Grant. He also worked to be one. Shining shoes at 5c a shine, he got money to purchase a baseball, went out into the back yard, and lambasted his bishop's barn for hours at a time till his arm pained him. He went into the house and got his mother to bind wet cloths around it before he could go to sleep. (This was the barn of the bishop who called him "lazy!") He did more than this. He learned to catch by practicing with his friends, tiring out many of them at a time in the process. He finally became one of the players on the team that won the championship of the Territory. It took him some five years to do so, however. But what did that matter? The only wonder is that, not having the muscle to make a great ball player, he did not forthwith proceed to build up a ball player's muscle! He would have done so, most likely, if there had been such a thing known in those days as building muscles and if, moreover, baseball had been his life's ambition. Many years after this—when he was forty-three, in fact — he took a notion that he would learn to sing. He had always loved music, and deplored the fact that in his preaching he was forced to quote or read favorite hymns instead of singing them, as George Goddard was wont to do. In this desire he was encouraged by those who knew less about the perversities of human nature than they did about music. Said one of these, "Whoever is persevering, has a voice, and is not tongue-tied, can learn to sing." And suiting the action to the word, the two thereupon undertook to show how easy a matter it is to carry a tune. In the word the thing was a mere trifle, but not in the deed. Two hours it took—two hours, full, heaping up, and running over with sweaty minutes—for Heber J. Grant to "carry" the first two lines of "Oh, my Father," a hymn he had heard ever since his cradle days, and then only when his teacher led in the carrying! Some musical talent, this, to begin with, was it not? But listen! Remember it was Heber J. Grant that was the learner. He practiced this hymn in season and out of season — out of season mostly, his friends all thought. Singing was his task on first getting up in the morning, on going to bed at night, and between whiles whenever he could snatch a few brief moments from his daily round of work. Several thousand times he went over this hymn, learning it literally line upon line and bar upon bar, till he could be sure that he was not singing "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," which he undertook to learn about the same time. Today, as a result of this unheard of persistence, he can learn a new song in a comparatively short time! How Samuel Smiles would have gloated over an illustration of persistence like this! Here was a man, if ever there was one, who lacked utterly the singing ear, yet by keeping at the thing, long after every other human being would have given up in despair, he mastered all the mechanics of the art, till now it is not disagreeable to listen to his voice but actually pleasurable! Truly he has demonstrated the truth of his favorite saying, "That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our own power to do has increased." During the panic of 1891 some three hundred and thirty-seven thousand dollars was sorely needed by certain interests here to tide affairs over the crisis. Heber J. Grant was chosen as their representative to go East and borrow the money. He was then thirty-five years old. President Woodruff assured him that he would be successful—that he would in fact get more money than he needed.' So with sublime faith in his own ability and in the word of the Prophet, he went on his errand financial. Money was exceedingly tight in those days! With the exception of Heber J. and a very few others, no one here believed that he would succeed in his mission and that therefore financial ruin stared these interests in the face. But he believed, and that was sufficient. So he went East. His difficulties were all but insurmountable. At an Omaha bank he asked for the loan of twelve thousand dollars and was refused, with the advice not to go farther east, for there was no money to be got, and that he would better pack his valise and return home. He answered that he would nevertheless get all the money that he needed and that, when he returned, he would tell this banker where and how he had gotten it. At the first bank in the Metropolis where he asked for a loan he was treated, at first, with scant courtesy by the vice president. But a personal plea to the committee brought him forty-eight thousand dollars. From other banks in New York City and Hartford he obtained his three hundred and thirty-seven thousand dollars. He was on the point of coming home, when he received word from Salt Lake City that forty-eight thousand dollars more was needed. And he got a promise of that. But on his arrival here he found out that a mistake had been made and that consequently this amount was not necessary. So the prediction of the President of the Church was literally fulfilled—he got more than he needed. These three incidents will suffice to show the extreme determination of Heber J. Grant. This quality, he thinks, can be cultivated in any one who wishes to cultivate it. To a large degree he himself has acquired it, although he must have possessed natively a great amount. His reading of the Book of Mormon when he was between thirteen and fourteen, especially the character of Nephi, impressed him greatly. Particularly was he struck with the statement made by this great Nephite prophet at the time he was asked of the Lord to do a difficult task: "I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." To this simple passage Heber J. Grant attributes a great share of his persistence and faith in his aided power to bring things to pass. And to this quality is added a peculiarity. The merest suggestion that he cannot do any given thing is a direct means to his doing it, contrary to the usual practice respecting the power of suggestion. Another phase of Heber J. Grant's character which I promised to speak about and which need not take us long, is the use to which he puts this large supply of persistence. Perseverance is a good quality or a bad one according as it is put to a good or a bad use. In this connection one remembers with a chill the perseverance of the man who followed his enemy from country to country till at last he ran the knife into him in an obscure South American village, where the pursued had sought refuge. Indeed, it is doubtful whether persistence ought to be used even mainly for one's own benefit, but chiefly for the advantage of others. At any rate, that is the use to which Heber J. Grant has put his great wealth of perseverance. On more than one occasion he has saved institutions for his people by the mere exercise of this quality in the face of circumstances that would deter almost any other man. And even where this power has been called to use apparently for his own advantage, the underlying motive has been generally altruistic. He learned to sing, not, as would seem, to show that he could learn to sing, but rather because he could thereby better get over his message to an audience when he preached, and to teach others who thought they could not sing to learn to do so. And he has turned this quality to uses which will doubtless never be known except to himself and those whom his efforts have blessed. Said a man to me not long since, "Heber J. Grant has done more to relive distress in individuals and institutions in this community than any other man in the Church, and thus he has endeared himself to tens of thousands of men and women who will bless his name as long as they live." |
From latest photo by H. H. Thomas, taken specially for the Era.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT Born Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856; the first of Utah's sons to be called to the office of Apostle, and the thirty-third in number; chosen President of the Quorum of the Twelve, Nov. 23, 1916. |
Whitney, Orson F. "Heber J. Grant: An Appreciation." Juvenile Instructor. January 1917. pg. 15-17.
Heber J. Grant : an Appreciation By Orson F. Whitney. I have known Heber J. Grant almost as long as I have known myself. We were boys together. I could say of him, or to him, with the utmost propriety : —"Thou art the friend To whom the shadows of far years extend." And a very good friend Brother Grant has been to me. But of that presently. I wish first to speak of his character and disposition. He has qualities that appeal to me strongly. His pure and temperate life, his habits of industry, and the princely generosity of his nature, have been to me an incentive and an inspiration. It is said of our Savior: "He went about doing good." Heber J. Grant has followed that glorious example, and proved himself a true disciple of the Lord. Gifted with rare financial ability, he has prospered in material things, and has long been known as one of Utah's ablest and brightest businessmen. Acting upon the principle that the true mission of the man of affairs is not so much in getting and keeping, as in sharing and bestowing, he has made it a practice to help deserving individuals and worthy causes, and is in a position to realize the truth of the proverb: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." More than one poor widow, with the mortgage lifted from her humble home, has reason to bless the name and remember the kindness of Heber J. Grant. More than one struggling author, unable through lack of means to launch upon the waters of publicity the result of his literary labor, recalls as a sweet memory the timely aid rendered by this enthusiastic friend to letters. Brother Grant not only helps to publish books; he is likewise a liberal patron of the sellers of books, always to the front with an order for copies of any meritorious production. He likes to distribute them among his friends, for the pleasure he derives from thus ministering to the intellectual appetite. It matters not where the book comes from—whether issued at home or abroad; it has but to strike his fancy as good and wholesome reading, and it is certain to meet his approval and receive his patronage. He makes it a point to underscore any striking sentiment, with a view to impressing it upon the minds of those to whom he sends these delightful gifts. For some time after the beginning of my acquaintance with Heber Grant, I did not understand him; nor do I think he understood me. Exceedingly sensitive, both of us—quick to feel, easily hurt, and perhaps over-ready to resent a slight, real or fancied, we sometimes misinterpreted each other, and spoke and acted accordingly. But the bark was always worse than the bite; in fact, it never came to a bite at all. I soon found that my blunt, outspoken schoolmate was a genial, kind-hearted friend, anxious to help me when I needed help, and willing to put himself out and add to his own cares in order to lessen mine. We were little more than boys at the time; but he was a manly boy, the support of his widowed mother, industrious and thrifty, earning a good salary as collector or bookkeeper in a local bank. Finding me out of employment, and very wretched on account of it, he not only told me of a place that was open, waiting for an applicant, but offered to sit up nights and teach me bookkeeping, that I might qualify for the situation. Another opening, more congenial, prevented my acceptance of the well meant offer, but I shall never forget the kind motive that prompted it. He has done such things repeatedly for various persons. I could name a dozen men, now prominent in commercial or professional life, who began their careers virtually as proteges of Heber J. Grant. A hater of shams and hypocrisy, an uncompromising foe to vice in all its forms, he is fearless and unsparing in his denunciation of wrongdoers. But there is another side to his nature. While abrupt and severe at times, he is always kind and gentle to the aged and ailing, and is an affectionate and devoted husband and father. His love for his mother was beautiful, and she was well worthy of his tender filial affection. He is quick to respond to appeals for assistance, and seldom waits for the appeal to be made, before supplying the needs of the unfortunate. Brother Grant does not pose as an orator, yet few public speakers are more incisive or more inspirational. He is great in testimony, and when inspired, his clear-cut sentences have all the swing and flash of a saber stroke. His voice is clear and penetrating; nobody goes to sleep while Heber Grant is talking. He also wields a trenchant and ready pen. His favorite time for committing his thoughts to paper is anywhere between midnight and daybreak. He is a model of perseverance, a persistent overcomer of obstacles, a dynamo of energy, and a gatling gun in execution. As Stake President, Apostle, Mission President, and president or director in various large business concerns, he has shown himself possessed of marked administrative ability. Public- spirited and philanthropic, he manifests the true zeal of the reformer, and is in his glory when heading or helping forward a movement for the moral uplift and regeneration of his fellows. If ever Utah "goes dry," it will be largely owing to the indomitable will and energetic efforts put forth by this oft-defeated but never discouraged champion of prohibition. I regard him as an ideal successor to the good and great man who so recently left us, causing a vacancy in the high and holy office of President of the Twelve Apostles. |
HEBER J. GRANT.
President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. |
Young, Richard W. "President Heber J. Grant." Young Woman's Journal. January 1917. pg. 7-10.
President Heber J. Grant.
By Richard W. Young.
Born in Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856, the son of Jedediah M. Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins; set apart as president of the Tooele Stake in October, 1880; ordained an apostle, October, 1882, (the first native son of Utah to be thus distinguished); founder and president of the Japanese Mission ; president of the European Mission; elevated to the presidency of the Twelve at the death of President Francis M. Lyman, November, 1916—these are the most conspicuous events in the ecclesiastical career of Heber J. Grant, and yet these milestones, like milestones in general, while indicating the distance traveled do not serve to tell us much about either the character or the characteristics of the traveler.
The subject of our sketch was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he was, moreover, handicapped with a not-overly robust physique. But in lieu of wealth, and far more efficacious for success and usefulness in life, God gave him a noble mother, and endowed him with indomitable grit and determination. His self-sacrificing mother made every effort to give him an education, and he was thus able to remain in school until he completed what would now be classified as a good high school course.
He has never been a voracious reader, but has a keen appreciation of works of a moral and sentimental nature, both in prose and poetry—such books he reads with intense interest, underscoring the most striking passages and committing portions to memory. Indeed, his appreciation of a good book characterized by spiritual uplift has lead him to purchase scores, hundreds, or even whole editions of certain works for free distribution among his friends.
Heber, as boy and man, has not been content merely to get along— at play, in school, in business or in life generally, his has been the desire and the determination to wrest success from every enterprise in which he has ventured. He has the rare power to will, to persist, and to overcome—and, therefore, so much the worse for any unhappy obstacle that may stand in his path. Not by any means, that he exemplifies the sentiment, so unhappily prevalent among the financial giants of the age, to succeed by any means, fair or foul, and by any means to put money in their purses—honestly, of course, if that be convenient but at all events to put money in their purses. Such has never been the nature of Heber J. Grant’s driving power; his masterfulness has never been mercenary.
His sense of justice is unblurred—yes, even more, his consideration and charity are exquisite. I sincerely believe that the man or woman does not exist whom he has consciously wronged. On the other hand hundreds, perhaps thousands, who have been the recipients of his kindness, his generosity, his sympathy, his helpfulness, rise up to call him blessed. Beneath a somewhat stern exterior, behind blunt words (never over—-but always under-expressive of his kindness), there dwells a truly sympathetic heart and, what is even more rare, a noble and helpful purpose, transmuted on many an occasion into coin of the republic. He has been instrumental in wiping out so many mortgages and other obligations for the unfortunate—himself always the most generous donor— that many of us have fairly groaned to see him enter our offices lest, perchance, he came to ask us to measure up to the full standard of his own generosity. The names are almost legion of our own local struggling painters, authors, and musicians whom he has assisted in their artistic and professional careers. I wonder how many hundreds of letters are filed carefully away in the homes of our people that Heber has written, perhaps, as is his custom, between midnight and dawn, in expression of his sympathy or congratulation in the hour of sorrow or success. I am told that he has written a personal autograph letter to every member of the family of the late President Lyman expressive of his love and high esteem for his whilom chief.
This determination to persist and, if possible, through y honorable means, to succeed has brought to him a large measure of success both when a boy at play and as a man in the walks of mature life. He practiced in the back yards and on the gable ends of barns until he became an expert at marbles and baseball. Laughed at as a poor penman, he consumed gallons of ink in an effort at improvement until he finally became a professional card writer. Even in' singing he has achieved a measure of success, which, though leaving something to be desired, is yet startling to one who appreciates the poverty of material with which he has struggled. Our friend is a profound lover and patron of music—incidentally, the father of several talented vocalists—but his own “ear for music,” by his own admission, is exotic and not native.
As an ecclesiast, President Grant exemplifies rather the material or practical side of religion. He has never made a profound study of the scriptures, and seldom, if ever, attempts to preach a doctrinal discourse; yet he is a speaker of power. His testimony of the divine origin of Mormonism and his faith in the Gospel is immutable, untroubled by doubts or misgivings. His presence in the pulpit is commanding. He possesses a fine speaking voice. To these qualities he adds a contagious enthusiasm, and a rare knowledge of and power to analyze and discuss the practical and every day problems of the time and the people.
If I were asked to name what, in my judgment, is the most pronounced characteristic of the subject of this sketch, I should say absolute genuineness, uncompromising freedom from hypocrisy. Heber never states what he does not feel or mean—in fact, he is content to leave you to imagine his sympathy and to speculate as to his helpful intentions. What he does for a friend usually far exceeds what he volunteers to do, if, indeed, he departs from his usual method, and proffers anything. A spade, in his vocabulary, is at all times and never anything but a spade, and a hoe, a hoe—his tongue would, I fancy, quite shock his innate self if he were tricked into describing either by some euphemistic phrase or rhetoric. He cannot fawn, much less boot-lick. Flattery to him is an unknown accomplishment, or, rather, vibe. It would be unwise to call forth Heber’s opinion of you or of some act that you may consider to be meritorious, if you have reason to doubt your worth or the merit of your act, for you will get,’ not in any unkindly spirit, but frankly, “what’s coming to you.” You would sometimes suppose from the intensity of his denunciation, that he was really vindictive—but such is far from the truth, for he is quick to forgive. He wears his heart upon his sleeve. He is no “lean and hungry Cassius,” lying wake o’ nights to plot and plan against his fellowman. His sense of fairness, his disposition to tell it all. and his confidence in the uprightness of others, often leads him into the indiscretion of revealing his own plans and intentions, or, perhaps, of openly denouncing the indefensible actions of others, which a more guileful man would avoid. I have often said that you might have Heber J. Grant ground up, after the manner of ore, at one of our valley sampling mills, and submit a sample for assay and that it would be impossible for the most expert microscopist or analyst therein to discover the slightest trace of hypocrisy.
President Grant has been a notable figure in the financial history of Utah. It is perhaps true, it is my belief at least, that his absorbing apostolic and missionary labors alone have prevented him from becoming one of the greatest captains of Western finance. His ability to grasp all of the factors of a problem is quite extraordinary, as is his resourcefulness. With clearness of vision, almost unique among our own financiers, he clearly foresaw the future of the sugar industry in Utah and was foremost in the effort to put that great enterprise on its feet. When the Church was forced to sell a large part of its holdings in the Z. C. M. I., he formed a syndicate to buy the stock, foreseeing that this splendid institution, then almost on the rocks, would greatly develop and wonderfully prosper, even as it has done. In this venture, as in many others, he was happy to permit his friends to participate, though in this instance as in many others he was abundantly able alone to “swing the deal.” The Home Fire Insurance Company, one of the most substantial institutions of the State, is his child and ’he still presides over its destinies. This is also true of the State Bank of Utah, now, by merger, known as the Utah State National Bank. The mammoth Consolidated Wagon and Machine Company is the natural outgrowth of Grant, Odell, and Company, of which firm, with Mr. Odell, he was the joint projector. Heber J. Grant and Company, the oldest, and probably one of the largest and most successful agencies in the West, was established by him when a boy. His services in procuring financial aid in the dark days of the early ’90’s for various of our financial institutions and even for the Church itself entitles him to be denominated, almost, as their financial savior. Perhaps one of the most notable of his business schemes was the effort to acquire for the people of Utah the Independent Telephone Company. In this effort, he all but succeeded, and had success attended his efforts, the result would have been very lucrative to the investor, and beneficial to the people in securing strong competition in the telephone business. It is very much to his credit, that he has been connected with a number of enterprises, such as soap and woolen manufacturing concerns, which he fostered from a sense of public spirit. The Grant Livery Company was established by Brother Grant in order to offset the pernicious influence of a horde of unscrupulous hack drivers who persistently misrepresented the true character of the people. No more active or consistent friend of home manufacture than Heber J. Grant can be found in our State. In this respect, as in all other matters, his practice has gone hand in hand with his precept.
Brother Grant has been blessed with an unusually talented and worthy family. His wives, Lucy (daughter of Bryant Stringham), Emily (daughter of Daniel JI. Wells), both of whom are now deceased, and his present wife, Augusta Winters, were and are companions of whom any man of intelligence, character, and taste might well be proud. His daughters (hex had the misfortune to lose both of his sons), and his sons-in-law are accomplished and exemplary.
President Grant’s health is better than it has been for years, and his friends are happy in the belief that he has yet many years to live.
This man of keen intellect, clear vision, unquestioning faith, tireless determination, and uncompromising integrity of thought, word, and action, is striving, with what happy measure of success we who best know him best understand, to love the Lord with all his strength and his neighbor as himself.
President Heber J. Grant.
By Richard W. Young.
Born in Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856, the son of Jedediah M. Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins; set apart as president of the Tooele Stake in October, 1880; ordained an apostle, October, 1882, (the first native son of Utah to be thus distinguished); founder and president of the Japanese Mission ; president of the European Mission; elevated to the presidency of the Twelve at the death of President Francis M. Lyman, November, 1916—these are the most conspicuous events in the ecclesiastical career of Heber J. Grant, and yet these milestones, like milestones in general, while indicating the distance traveled do not serve to tell us much about either the character or the characteristics of the traveler.
The subject of our sketch was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he was, moreover, handicapped with a not-overly robust physique. But in lieu of wealth, and far more efficacious for success and usefulness in life, God gave him a noble mother, and endowed him with indomitable grit and determination. His self-sacrificing mother made every effort to give him an education, and he was thus able to remain in school until he completed what would now be classified as a good high school course.
He has never been a voracious reader, but has a keen appreciation of works of a moral and sentimental nature, both in prose and poetry—such books he reads with intense interest, underscoring the most striking passages and committing portions to memory. Indeed, his appreciation of a good book characterized by spiritual uplift has lead him to purchase scores, hundreds, or even whole editions of certain works for free distribution among his friends.
Heber, as boy and man, has not been content merely to get along— at play, in school, in business or in life generally, his has been the desire and the determination to wrest success from every enterprise in which he has ventured. He has the rare power to will, to persist, and to overcome—and, therefore, so much the worse for any unhappy obstacle that may stand in his path. Not by any means, that he exemplifies the sentiment, so unhappily prevalent among the financial giants of the age, to succeed by any means, fair or foul, and by any means to put money in their purses—honestly, of course, if that be convenient but at all events to put money in their purses. Such has never been the nature of Heber J. Grant’s driving power; his masterfulness has never been mercenary.
His sense of justice is unblurred—yes, even more, his consideration and charity are exquisite. I sincerely believe that the man or woman does not exist whom he has consciously wronged. On the other hand hundreds, perhaps thousands, who have been the recipients of his kindness, his generosity, his sympathy, his helpfulness, rise up to call him blessed. Beneath a somewhat stern exterior, behind blunt words (never over—-but always under-expressive of his kindness), there dwells a truly sympathetic heart and, what is even more rare, a noble and helpful purpose, transmuted on many an occasion into coin of the republic. He has been instrumental in wiping out so many mortgages and other obligations for the unfortunate—himself always the most generous donor— that many of us have fairly groaned to see him enter our offices lest, perchance, he came to ask us to measure up to the full standard of his own generosity. The names are almost legion of our own local struggling painters, authors, and musicians whom he has assisted in their artistic and professional careers. I wonder how many hundreds of letters are filed carefully away in the homes of our people that Heber has written, perhaps, as is his custom, between midnight and dawn, in expression of his sympathy or congratulation in the hour of sorrow or success. I am told that he has written a personal autograph letter to every member of the family of the late President Lyman expressive of his love and high esteem for his whilom chief.
This determination to persist and, if possible, through y honorable means, to succeed has brought to him a large measure of success both when a boy at play and as a man in the walks of mature life. He practiced in the back yards and on the gable ends of barns until he became an expert at marbles and baseball. Laughed at as a poor penman, he consumed gallons of ink in an effort at improvement until he finally became a professional card writer. Even in' singing he has achieved a measure of success, which, though leaving something to be desired, is yet startling to one who appreciates the poverty of material with which he has struggled. Our friend is a profound lover and patron of music—incidentally, the father of several talented vocalists—but his own “ear for music,” by his own admission, is exotic and not native.
As an ecclesiast, President Grant exemplifies rather the material or practical side of religion. He has never made a profound study of the scriptures, and seldom, if ever, attempts to preach a doctrinal discourse; yet he is a speaker of power. His testimony of the divine origin of Mormonism and his faith in the Gospel is immutable, untroubled by doubts or misgivings. His presence in the pulpit is commanding. He possesses a fine speaking voice. To these qualities he adds a contagious enthusiasm, and a rare knowledge of and power to analyze and discuss the practical and every day problems of the time and the people.
If I were asked to name what, in my judgment, is the most pronounced characteristic of the subject of this sketch, I should say absolute genuineness, uncompromising freedom from hypocrisy. Heber never states what he does not feel or mean—in fact, he is content to leave you to imagine his sympathy and to speculate as to his helpful intentions. What he does for a friend usually far exceeds what he volunteers to do, if, indeed, he departs from his usual method, and proffers anything. A spade, in his vocabulary, is at all times and never anything but a spade, and a hoe, a hoe—his tongue would, I fancy, quite shock his innate self if he were tricked into describing either by some euphemistic phrase or rhetoric. He cannot fawn, much less boot-lick. Flattery to him is an unknown accomplishment, or, rather, vibe. It would be unwise to call forth Heber’s opinion of you or of some act that you may consider to be meritorious, if you have reason to doubt your worth or the merit of your act, for you will get,’ not in any unkindly spirit, but frankly, “what’s coming to you.” You would sometimes suppose from the intensity of his denunciation, that he was really vindictive—but such is far from the truth, for he is quick to forgive. He wears his heart upon his sleeve. He is no “lean and hungry Cassius,” lying wake o’ nights to plot and plan against his fellowman. His sense of fairness, his disposition to tell it all. and his confidence in the uprightness of others, often leads him into the indiscretion of revealing his own plans and intentions, or, perhaps, of openly denouncing the indefensible actions of others, which a more guileful man would avoid. I have often said that you might have Heber J. Grant ground up, after the manner of ore, at one of our valley sampling mills, and submit a sample for assay and that it would be impossible for the most expert microscopist or analyst therein to discover the slightest trace of hypocrisy.
President Grant has been a notable figure in the financial history of Utah. It is perhaps true, it is my belief at least, that his absorbing apostolic and missionary labors alone have prevented him from becoming one of the greatest captains of Western finance. His ability to grasp all of the factors of a problem is quite extraordinary, as is his resourcefulness. With clearness of vision, almost unique among our own financiers, he clearly foresaw the future of the sugar industry in Utah and was foremost in the effort to put that great enterprise on its feet. When the Church was forced to sell a large part of its holdings in the Z. C. M. I., he formed a syndicate to buy the stock, foreseeing that this splendid institution, then almost on the rocks, would greatly develop and wonderfully prosper, even as it has done. In this venture, as in many others, he was happy to permit his friends to participate, though in this instance as in many others he was abundantly able alone to “swing the deal.” The Home Fire Insurance Company, one of the most substantial institutions of the State, is his child and ’he still presides over its destinies. This is also true of the State Bank of Utah, now, by merger, known as the Utah State National Bank. The mammoth Consolidated Wagon and Machine Company is the natural outgrowth of Grant, Odell, and Company, of which firm, with Mr. Odell, he was the joint projector. Heber J. Grant and Company, the oldest, and probably one of the largest and most successful agencies in the West, was established by him when a boy. His services in procuring financial aid in the dark days of the early ’90’s for various of our financial institutions and even for the Church itself entitles him to be denominated, almost, as their financial savior. Perhaps one of the most notable of his business schemes was the effort to acquire for the people of Utah the Independent Telephone Company. In this effort, he all but succeeded, and had success attended his efforts, the result would have been very lucrative to the investor, and beneficial to the people in securing strong competition in the telephone business. It is very much to his credit, that he has been connected with a number of enterprises, such as soap and woolen manufacturing concerns, which he fostered from a sense of public spirit. The Grant Livery Company was established by Brother Grant in order to offset the pernicious influence of a horde of unscrupulous hack drivers who persistently misrepresented the true character of the people. No more active or consistent friend of home manufacture than Heber J. Grant can be found in our State. In this respect, as in all other matters, his practice has gone hand in hand with his precept.
Brother Grant has been blessed with an unusually talented and worthy family. His wives, Lucy (daughter of Bryant Stringham), Emily (daughter of Daniel JI. Wells), both of whom are now deceased, and his present wife, Augusta Winters, were and are companions of whom any man of intelligence, character, and taste might well be proud. His daughters (hex had the misfortune to lose both of his sons), and his sons-in-law are accomplished and exemplary.
President Grant’s health is better than it has been for years, and his friends are happy in the belief that he has yet many years to live.
This man of keen intellect, clear vision, unquestioning faith, tireless determination, and uncompromising integrity of thought, word, and action, is striving, with what happy measure of success we who best know him best understand, to love the Lord with all his strength and his neighbor as himself.
"President Heber J. Grant." Young Woman's Journal. January 1917. pg. 43.
President Heber J. Grant.
President Heber J. Grant who succeeds President Lyman has splendid qualifications for the great responsibility which has now come to him. He has proven his devotion to the Gospel by many years of service. His faith is unquestioned. There is not a shadow of doubt in his mind as to the divinity of the work inaugurated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He is broad-minded, business-like, generous. He is a forceful and very impressive speaker. He knows the conditions of the people and their needs.
May our Father strengthen and bless him that he may enjoy a long and successful presidency.
President Heber J. Grant.
President Heber J. Grant who succeeds President Lyman has splendid qualifications for the great responsibility which has now come to him. He has proven his devotion to the Gospel by many years of service. His faith is unquestioned. There is not a shadow of doubt in his mind as to the divinity of the work inaugurated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He is broad-minded, business-like, generous. He is a forceful and very impressive speaker. He knows the conditions of the people and their needs.
May our Father strengthen and bless him that he may enjoy a long and successful presidency.
Anderson, Edward H. "Reorganization of the First Presidency--Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. January 1919. pg. 186-190.
Reorganization of the First Presidency Following the death of President Joseph F. Smith, on November 19, and his burial in the City Cemetery, November 22, 1918, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was disorganized and the Council of Twelve Apostles became the presiding quorum of the Church. Since the death of President Wilford Woodruff, it has been customary to reorganize the First Presidency at the earliest date consistent following its disorganization. After the deaths of Joseph Smith the prophet, and Presidents Brigham Young and John Taylor, considerable time elapsed before the First Presidency was again organized. Before President Woodruff's death, he expressed a desire that thereafter this condition should change, and hence, the First Presidency has since been reorganized without delay. In conformity with that custom, a special meeting of the Council of Twelve Apostles convened in the Temple, Salt Lake City, Saturday morning, nine o'clock, November 23, 1918, for the purpose of reorganizing under the inspiration of the Lord, the presiding quorum of High Priests of the Church. There were present Heber J. Grant, Anthon H. Lund, Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., James E. Talmage, Stephen L. Richards, and Richard R. Lyman, also the Presiding Patriarch, Hyrum G. Smith. Elder Heber J. Grant, president of the Council of the Twelve since Nov. 23, 1916, was unanimously sustained president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was blessed and set apart for that position by President Anthon H. Lund. President Grant then chose President Anthon H. Lund to be the first counselor in the First Presidency, and President Charles W. Penrose to be the second counselor. They were both set apart for their positions by President Grant. President Anthon H. Lund, senior member of the Council of the Twelve, was sustained as president of that Council, and was set apart by President Charles W. Penrose. Elder Rudger Clawson was sustained as acting president of the Council of the Twelve, and was set apart by Elder Orson F. Whitney. President Grant was also sustained as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Heber Jeddy Grant, Who was thus chosen to the exalted position of President of the Church, is the son of Jedediah Morgan Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins. He was born on the 22nd day of November, 1856, in the Thirteenth ward, on the lot where the Z. C. M. I. is now located, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father in his day was one of the most enthusiastic and most zealous workers in the Church; and his mother was one of the bright and noble heroines of Zion. President Grant is the only son of his mother, but has a number of brothers and sisters who bear his father's name. He is the thirty-third apostle chosen in the Church, its seventh president, and the first man born in Utah who was chosen a member of the Twelve; also the first native son who has occupied the position of President of the Church. It is a strange coincidence that President Francis M. Lyman, whom he succeeded as President of the Twelve, and President Joseph F. Smith, whom he succeeds as President of the Church, were both buried on his birthday anniversary, the former in 1916, and the latter in 1918. He was chosen to succeed the former on November 23, 1916, and the latter, November 23, 1918, the day following his natal day, his sixtieth and sixty-second anniversaries respectively. President Grant's first act in his new position will be hailed with great satisfaction by all the members of the Church—it was the choice of his counselors—the wise, the true, the tried and experienced leaders, Presidents Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose, men of unbounded integrity and stability of character, so well known that their names need only be mentioned to receive immediate and unanimous approbation. With President Grant's force and determination, and with such men as his advisers, his administration will be noted for continued growth and development, not only in spiritual affairs, but also in temporal matters. Energy, perseverance and persistence are characteristic of his whole life, in whatever he undertakes. He is pre-eminently a business man, but there is not a man in all the Church who has more regard for its spiritual welfare than Heber J. Grant. His admiration for and obedience to his brethren who have occupied the position he now holds have dominated his whole career. He believes implicitly in the inspiration of the Lord which has guided them in all their affairs. He is liberal to a fault, helpful, sympathetic, with heart and ears attuned to every righteous need and cause. As a business man, he not only promptly fulfils his promises and keeps his appointments, but aims to give value received for all he obtains; and as an employer treats all who work for him with liberality, respect and consideration. His successful services on financial missions for the Church are well known. His energy, determination, and his belief in work as a winning virtue, are inspirations to all who come to know him. These characteristics are prominent in all the missions he has filled—secular and religious. Among the latter is one to Japan, and one to Great Britain and Europe, in both of which he presided over the missions. When he sets out to win, he is determined to obtain the goal, taking genuine pleasure in laboring to accomplish results. How he received his testimony as an apostle of Jesus Christ, was given in his stirring talk at the last October conference, and printed in the December Era. It is so in all his efforts. When he once sets out to do a work, there is no relaxation until it is finished. He has implicit faith in the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith founded more on the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, answer to prayer, and the goodness of God to him, to the Church, its leaders and members, than from any extended doctrinal study, or technical knowledge of its theology or philosophy. What was said of him by the writer in a biographical sketch seventeen years ago, is even more characteristic of him today, for he has grown with the years in every noble quality named: "Apostle Grant is tall, erect in figure, with prominent features which indicate energy and push. His desire to aid others has given him a disposition to feel for his fellows, and there is not a man in Zion with a more loving, helping heart than has Heber Jeddy Grant. One of his traits, which is worthy of emulation, is his determination to overcome obstacles and defects that stand in his way to the perfection of his character. When he discovers a fault in himself, he endeavors by persistent and continued effort, such as only few are capable of, to overcome. And thus his life is growing better as the years increase, and will continue until his ideal of perfection, which enlarges with his deeper knowledge, shall be reached. He has gained the love, respect and confidence of his friends and business associates; and the authorities of the Church impose in him the fullest trust. He is an active worker in the cause of God, and has learned to feel the keenest delight in his labors among the Saints. He loves the youth of Israel, and in his sermons frequently addresses his earnest remarks to them. Associated with the Twelve, and with the general boards of the Sunday Schools and the Improvement Associations, he is constantly among the people, and his counsel and practical advice, in temporal as well at spiritual affairs, are eagerly sought. "I asked him to say a word to the boys and girls who read this sketch — what he would say, in fact, if he could speak to all the children of Zion. In reply, he gave a sermon that will require all the days of your lives to live, but only a few moments to read. He said: 'I would say to them: 'Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Seek for the light and inspiration of the Spirit of God to guide you in all the walks of life; be forgiving, be charitable. Never allow the acts of men to affect your faith in the Gospel. Remember that God says we should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and bring to pass much righteousness, for the power is in us wherein we are agents unto ourselves, that inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward. In every vocation of life, try to get the Spirit of God to aid you in the accomplishment of your work. Try to make others happy and to aid them in carrying their burdens in life, and you are sure of happiness, not only in this life, but in the life to come. Remember the words of Lord Bulwer Lytton: "'Dream, O youth. Dream nobly and manfully, and thy dreams shall be thy prophets!' "Always be punctual, truthful and virtuous, and you will thereby insure yourself the love of God and of all good men." President Grant's life is full of testimonies that God lives and answers prayer, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that the Church which he was instrumental in founding is divinely established by revelation from God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. As the burdens and responsibilities of his new and exalted position multiply upon him, President Grant will grow in ability and strength to bear them. All faithful Latter-day Saints will join in prayer and deeds to make his administration strong, progressive and pleasing and acceptable in the sight of our heavenly Father. — Edward H. Anderson. |
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
Born Nov. 22, 1856; ordained an Apostle, Oct. 16, 1882; became President of the Council of Twelve Apostles, Nov. 23, 1916; chosen and ordained President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nov. 23, 1918. |
Whtney, Horace G. "President Heber J. Grant and His Counselors." Relief Society Magazine. February 1919. pg. 64-67.
President Heber J. Grant and his Counselors A BUSINESS MAN'S APPRECIATION OF PRESIDENT. HEBER J. GRANT Horace G. Whitney In compliance with your request that I write a few words relative to the life and character of our new President, I am reminded that today, December 1st, is an anniversary of deep interest both to his family and mine, one that has often been commented on by both of us. It was on December 1, 1856, sixty-two years ago, that the wedding of my father and mother was being celebrated in a little social party in this city. While the festivities were at their height, some one opened the door and gravely announced, "Jeddy is dead." The party broke up at once. "Jeddy" was the familiar name by which Heber J. Grant's father was known over the width and breadth of the state. He was as active a figure in the religious and business life of the community as his son is today, and his sudden death plunged all circles into deepest mourning. Heber was then only nine days old. All his life thus has been passed without a father. But he had a mother who gave him a care and training of the most devoted nature. As long as she remained on earth, the tie between her and her son was marvelous in its beauty and strength. In boyhood days, our little circle of boys were greatly given to visiting each other's homes. It is a fine memory with all of us to recall how our mothers interested themselves in the companions of their sons. I well remember how Heber J. Grant's associates loved "Aunt Rachel" for her angelic disposition, and respected Heber J. for his devotion to her. That is the strongest impression I retain of our early boyhood association. Another is the old school days in the University of Deseret, then conducted by Dr. John R. Park in the Council House which stood on the Deseret News corner. Most of us had but a brief scholastic career—life was too exigent in those days to allow much time for the acquirement of an education,—but Heber J. Grant's associates of 11, 12, 13 and 14 years of age, such as Orson F. Whitney, Richard W. Young, Feramorz Young, Heber M. Wells, B. S. Young, Alonzo Young and myself (to name only the closest intimates) knew what it was to "plug" day and night to reach their goals. The dominant characteristics of Heber J. Grant in those days were ceaseless perseverance and intense application to his tasks, and to one task in particular, that of becoming an expert penman. How well he succeeded is well known to his business associates, and the skill he developed in rare penmanship enabled him to earn many a dollar to assist his widowed mother. The same intensity was applied to other pursuits, even to the favorite sport of the day, baseball. He made up his mind to become an expert first baseman, and the astonishing amount of time he devoted to practicing for that position was the admiration of all his companions. Later he became one of the famous "Red Stockings" which vanquished the state champions, the "Deserets," and rose to the foremost pinnacle of fame in the local sporting world. Those were the achievements of boyhood days, but they all aided in laying the foundation for the wider career and the greater responsibilities that came with manhood. Heber J. Grant's religious activities are too well known to need describing. More than any of his boyhood companions, he followed serious and religious pursuits, and as a boy he was always active in Church affairs. His appointment as President of Tooele stake came when he was only 23 years of age, and he was chosen an Apostle under President John Taylor before he was 26. Since that time, he has been an indefatigable toiler for his Church, and has spent many years in the foreign service, opening the mission to Japan, and presiding over the European mission. My principal connection with him has been in the business world, where he has been as active and unwearying a worker as in the religious field. As founder of the Utah Home Fire Insurance Company, organizer of the State Bank of Utah, and one of the fathers of the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company, three of the state's most successful institutions today (to say nothing of the other prosperous concerns with which he is connected) he evinced the keen discernment, the broad judgment and the enterprising spirit which were always his characteristics. His labors in organizing the first sugar company in Utah are well known in the business world. He took a leading part in raising the capital for that institution, and has always remained one of its most loyal supporters. In the conduct of the old Salt Lake Herald, when it was the organ of the People's Party, and when the late Byron Groo and myself were associated with him, he showed the same zeal, with the result that that period stands out as probably the only one in the checkered career of that publication, when it was in the dividend-paying- class. His energy extended even to the editorial columns, and (what is not generally known) he often furnished the ideas and sometimes the articles themselves which appeared as the "leaders" in that journal. From the association of those times, reaching back nearly thirty-five years and extending down to the present, I can say unreservedly that the big reason for President Grant's success has been his observance of the rule of the square deal, and his fair and generous treatment of friend and opponent alike. If he has a fault, it is his inordinate generosity to those he loves—a trait that alone has kept him from becoming a man of wealth. But I never knew a man who cared less for money, and the only times I have ever heard him regret mat he had so little was when he wished to lead out and set the example to others in some of the many charitable enterprises He was called on to promote. His name was never lacking in ^y good cause, and whether it was saving a financial institution to preserve the good name of his friends, starting a Liberty Loan drive, or keeping some poor widow's roof over her head fa chapter alone might be devoted to that subject), the signature of Heber J. Grant, like the name, of Abou Ben Adhem, "led all the rest." I have every confidence that in assuming the high and responsible position to which he has been called, he will exercise the breadth of judgment, the keenness, the liberality, and the indefatigable industry which have always distinguished him and which are bound to make his administration a success. |
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT.
|
Anderson, Edward H. "Heber Jeddy Grant." Young Woman's Journal. February 1919. pg. 66-69.
Heber Jeddy Grant.
By Edward H. Anderson
The Journal wishes me to write a sketch of the life of President Heber J. Grant in a few hundred words. Evidently facts, not philosophy, eulogy, estimates, nor opinions, are what the kind editor wants. Facts are generally quite easily obtainable, but usually not as interesting as expressions of thought or judgment upon any given subject. However, in the case of President Heber J. Grant even the dry facts of his life history make attractive matter for careful examination.
He is a son of Utah—the first to become an apostle, the first to occupy the exalted position of President of the Church.
His father was the great natural preacher and reformer, Jedediah Morgan Grant, whose name is perpetuated. not only in the recollections of the Saints, because of his extreme zeal in the cause of the Church, but also in the title of one of our peaceful mountain counties of which, in the spring of 1855, he was the first settler. His mother was Rachel Ridgeway Ivins, one of the bright heroines of Zion— sweet-tempered and faithful to the death.
Heber J. Grant is her only son and was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, November 22, 1856, the year of the Church Reformation, in a house upon the site of which is now erected the great Z. C. M. I. Drought, grasshoppers, death of thousands of sheep and cattle from cold and starvation, famine which drove the people to subsist on roots Indian depredations on the plains, the Tintic Indian war, and the still greater disasters of the delayed handcart companies, characterized the year of his coming to earth. Added to these, his mother, who doubtless bore her full allotment of current calamities, was called upon, as a climax of her troubles, to part with her husband who died, December 1, 1856, on the ninth day following the birth of her son, Heber, who more than sixty years later was destined to become the leader of modern Israel in the day of their hitherto unexampled prosperity.
What the years brought daily to the widow and her child, until he was able to attend school, must be surmised, since we may imagine the temporal environment; but as the youth grew he attended school taught by different people at various places,—in the old Deseret Hospital Building; the Council House, where now the News building is erected; the Deseret Museum about where the Vermont building is located; in the Thirteenth ward school house; President Brigham Young’s school house, in the Eighteenth ward, just within the Eagle Gate on the east side. His teachers varied quite as much as his places of attendance. Among them were the mother of Matthias F. Cowley, the father and mother of Hon. A. F. Doremus, Ida Ione Cook, and others.
The writer first saw him at the Deseret University, then located on the northeast corner of First North and Second West streets, in 1876-7—a tall, lank, well-dressed youth who studied, evidently, under private direction, for he was not at the regular recitations. He was never much of a student, but the reason was that he suffered from astigmatism, of which he knew nothing until he grew to manhood.
It has always required some special incident to arouse his enthusiasm, which, when awakened led him to extraordinary effort until he excelled, or accomplished his purpose—then his enthusiasm waned, until some new purpose incited him to fresh achievement This characteristic has grown will) him to manhood—he is a better promoter than plodder.
As the years passed, he naturally grew out of school, and into business. He began as a messenger boy in an insurance office, and out of this beginning, has grown the successful insurance firm of Heber J. Grant & Co.
Then he also devoted his spare time to assisting in the bank located in the same building as the insurance office. Here he gathered practical knowledge of the business, was later assistant cashier of Zion’s Savings Bank, and for years president of the State Bank of Utah. The writer remembers him as promoter and proprietor of The Vinegar Works, in Ogden, in the late 70’s with Lorenzo M. Richards, until the latter’s untimely death. This business was at that time about the only manufacturing interest in that city, now noted for its many institutions of the kind. President Grant now stands at the head of a number of the largest business organizations in which the Church is interested, including the State Bank of Utah, Z. C. M. I., Heber J. Grant & Co., Utah Home Fire Insurance Co., Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, and others. He is interested notably in the manufacturing of sugar.
It would require much more space than here allotted to merely enumerate the business institutions in which he is and has been interested, and which his genius has promoted, aided in establishing, and carrying on to success. He has, besides, filled a number of important financial missions for the Church, particularly in the panic of 1890-1-3. He is preeminently a business man, and had he not been called to a higher mission as one of the Council of Twelve to serve the people in a religious capacity, he would doubtless have devoted his energies to financial affairs exclusively and with pronounced success.
President Grant has had some experience in politics, having served one term in the Council of the Territorial legislature, and several terms as City Councilman of Salt Lake City.
In the course of time, he was ordained an elder, then a seventy, a>id when, in October, 1880, h$ became President of the Tooele stake of Zion, he was ordained a High Priest by President John Taylor. Two years later, October 16, 1882, he was chosen by revelation, and ordained one of the Twelve Apostles by President George Q. Cannon. Since then practically his whole time has been devoted to the Church, and his ecclesiastical missions have taken him to every stake of Zion, and to many of the states and territories of the Union and in Mexico. He presided over the mission in Japan into which country he introduced the gospel, leaving Salt Lake City in July, 1901, and returning September 27, 1903; and he succeeded Elder Francis M. Lyman as president of the European Mission, in 1904 These were his foreign missions; and, as with the local labors, he performed the work in hand with alacrity, and with only one aim in view—to discharge faithfully and acceptably the duties of his calling. After the death of President Lyman in 1916, Heber J. Grant was chosen President of the Twelve Apostles; and on November 23, 1918, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to succeed President Joseph F. Smith, who passed away on the 19th of November. He was ordained to that position by President Anthon H. Lund. He chose as his counselors, the tried and true advisers of President Smith, Presidents Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose.
President Grant has had one desire for office only, and that was to be chosen assistant to the General superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. He had recognized for a long time before he was at length chosen to succeed Moses Thatcher in that position, that there was a great work to do among the young men of Zion, and he was anxious to aid in doing it. His labors in the cause of Mutual Improvement among the young people extends over long years of active service; and none can compute the extent of good his enthusiastic labors have been the means of doing among the young people of the Church, while he has acted as assistant, first to President Woodruff, then to President Snow, and finally to President Joseph F Smith. He has taken an active and enthusiastic interest in the Improvement Era from its first issue, in November, 1897, to the present, as its business manager. His labors and influence, have been freely and enthusiastically given for the benefit of the magazine.
In his new position, as President of the Church, the young people of Zion may be assured he is their friend and will remember their needs, and extend to them the sympathy and encouragement so much required for their progress and growth in the work of the Lord.
Heber Jeddy Grant.
By Edward H. Anderson
The Journal wishes me to write a sketch of the life of President Heber J. Grant in a few hundred words. Evidently facts, not philosophy, eulogy, estimates, nor opinions, are what the kind editor wants. Facts are generally quite easily obtainable, but usually not as interesting as expressions of thought or judgment upon any given subject. However, in the case of President Heber J. Grant even the dry facts of his life history make attractive matter for careful examination.
He is a son of Utah—the first to become an apostle, the first to occupy the exalted position of President of the Church.
His father was the great natural preacher and reformer, Jedediah Morgan Grant, whose name is perpetuated. not only in the recollections of the Saints, because of his extreme zeal in the cause of the Church, but also in the title of one of our peaceful mountain counties of which, in the spring of 1855, he was the first settler. His mother was Rachel Ridgeway Ivins, one of the bright heroines of Zion— sweet-tempered and faithful to the death.
Heber J. Grant is her only son and was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, November 22, 1856, the year of the Church Reformation, in a house upon the site of which is now erected the great Z. C. M. I. Drought, grasshoppers, death of thousands of sheep and cattle from cold and starvation, famine which drove the people to subsist on roots Indian depredations on the plains, the Tintic Indian war, and the still greater disasters of the delayed handcart companies, characterized the year of his coming to earth. Added to these, his mother, who doubtless bore her full allotment of current calamities, was called upon, as a climax of her troubles, to part with her husband who died, December 1, 1856, on the ninth day following the birth of her son, Heber, who more than sixty years later was destined to become the leader of modern Israel in the day of their hitherto unexampled prosperity.
What the years brought daily to the widow and her child, until he was able to attend school, must be surmised, since we may imagine the temporal environment; but as the youth grew he attended school taught by different people at various places,—in the old Deseret Hospital Building; the Council House, where now the News building is erected; the Deseret Museum about where the Vermont building is located; in the Thirteenth ward school house; President Brigham Young’s school house, in the Eighteenth ward, just within the Eagle Gate on the east side. His teachers varied quite as much as his places of attendance. Among them were the mother of Matthias F. Cowley, the father and mother of Hon. A. F. Doremus, Ida Ione Cook, and others.
The writer first saw him at the Deseret University, then located on the northeast corner of First North and Second West streets, in 1876-7—a tall, lank, well-dressed youth who studied, evidently, under private direction, for he was not at the regular recitations. He was never much of a student, but the reason was that he suffered from astigmatism, of which he knew nothing until he grew to manhood.
It has always required some special incident to arouse his enthusiasm, which, when awakened led him to extraordinary effort until he excelled, or accomplished his purpose—then his enthusiasm waned, until some new purpose incited him to fresh achievement This characteristic has grown will) him to manhood—he is a better promoter than plodder.
As the years passed, he naturally grew out of school, and into business. He began as a messenger boy in an insurance office, and out of this beginning, has grown the successful insurance firm of Heber J. Grant & Co.
Then he also devoted his spare time to assisting in the bank located in the same building as the insurance office. Here he gathered practical knowledge of the business, was later assistant cashier of Zion’s Savings Bank, and for years president of the State Bank of Utah. The writer remembers him as promoter and proprietor of The Vinegar Works, in Ogden, in the late 70’s with Lorenzo M. Richards, until the latter’s untimely death. This business was at that time about the only manufacturing interest in that city, now noted for its many institutions of the kind. President Grant now stands at the head of a number of the largest business organizations in which the Church is interested, including the State Bank of Utah, Z. C. M. I., Heber J. Grant & Co., Utah Home Fire Insurance Co., Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, and others. He is interested notably in the manufacturing of sugar.
It would require much more space than here allotted to merely enumerate the business institutions in which he is and has been interested, and which his genius has promoted, aided in establishing, and carrying on to success. He has, besides, filled a number of important financial missions for the Church, particularly in the panic of 1890-1-3. He is preeminently a business man, and had he not been called to a higher mission as one of the Council of Twelve to serve the people in a religious capacity, he would doubtless have devoted his energies to financial affairs exclusively and with pronounced success.
President Grant has had some experience in politics, having served one term in the Council of the Territorial legislature, and several terms as City Councilman of Salt Lake City.
In the course of time, he was ordained an elder, then a seventy, a>id when, in October, 1880, h$ became President of the Tooele stake of Zion, he was ordained a High Priest by President John Taylor. Two years later, October 16, 1882, he was chosen by revelation, and ordained one of the Twelve Apostles by President George Q. Cannon. Since then practically his whole time has been devoted to the Church, and his ecclesiastical missions have taken him to every stake of Zion, and to many of the states and territories of the Union and in Mexico. He presided over the mission in Japan into which country he introduced the gospel, leaving Salt Lake City in July, 1901, and returning September 27, 1903; and he succeeded Elder Francis M. Lyman as president of the European Mission, in 1904 These were his foreign missions; and, as with the local labors, he performed the work in hand with alacrity, and with only one aim in view—to discharge faithfully and acceptably the duties of his calling. After the death of President Lyman in 1916, Heber J. Grant was chosen President of the Twelve Apostles; and on November 23, 1918, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to succeed President Joseph F. Smith, who passed away on the 19th of November. He was ordained to that position by President Anthon H. Lund. He chose as his counselors, the tried and true advisers of President Smith, Presidents Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose.
President Grant has had one desire for office only, and that was to be chosen assistant to the General superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. He had recognized for a long time before he was at length chosen to succeed Moses Thatcher in that position, that there was a great work to do among the young men of Zion, and he was anxious to aid in doing it. His labors in the cause of Mutual Improvement among the young people extends over long years of active service; and none can compute the extent of good his enthusiastic labors have been the means of doing among the young people of the Church, while he has acted as assistant, first to President Woodruff, then to President Snow, and finally to President Joseph F Smith. He has taken an active and enthusiastic interest in the Improvement Era from its first issue, in November, 1897, to the present, as its business manager. His labors and influence, have been freely and enthusiastically given for the benefit of the magazine.
In his new position, as President of the Church, the young people of Zion may be assured he is their friend and will remember their needs, and extend to them the sympathy and encouragement so much required for their progress and growth in the work of the Lord.
Lyman, Richard R. "President Grant and His Family." Young Woman's Journal. February 1919. pg. 70-76.
President Grant and his Family By Richard R. Lyman of the Council of the Twelve. (As a neighbor boy in Tooele the author of this article cared for the driving team of President Grant, did other chores about his home and often ate and slept there. In Manassa, Colorado, the boy’s mother and President Grant’s wife, Emily, were also neighbors and confidential friends; while his wife was a pupil, in the early Pleasant Grove days, in the school taught by the President’s wife, Augusta Grant.—The Editor.) To the highest position in the Church there has come the first native son of the West. While born in Utah, and, therefore, not required to undergo the hardships endured by those who, with hand-carts and ox teams, crossed the Great American Desert, yet Heber J. Grant was born in 1856, only nine years after the first pioneers had come into Salt Lake Valley. He lost his father by death when only nine days old, and was his mother’s only child. With her, in those early days, he endured the hardships and trials which accompany a combination of frontier life and poverty. Heber J. Grant’s father, Jedediah M. Grant, came to Utah in September, 1847, and was numbered among the most able and effective workers in the Church, being especially notable as a public speaker. He plowed the first furrow in Morgan County and that county was named for him. He was one of the presidents of the First Council of Seventies and was second counselor to President Brigham Young. From 1852 to 1855 he was the speaker of the house of representatives in the territorial legislature. He was the first mayor of Salt Lake City, and was serving in that office at the time of his death in December, 1856. Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant,, mother of Heber J., was born in Hornerstown, New Jersey, in 1821. Deeply religious, she loved the Lord. In the Great Master she placed implicit trust. If expressions concerning her poverty, trials, and distresses ever crossed her lips, they did so, it seems, only in secret prayer. During his childhood and boyhood, Heber J. was closely and affectionately associated with this glorious mother. The intensity of her teachings burned into his soul the highest Christian ideals. With words, looks, and actions she made them an important element in his character. His life from the beginning has been clean and pure. As a young man, Heber J. Grant was not physically strong. Whatever he lacked, however, in actual physical strength, he made up in mental power. As a boy he was intensely interested in marbles and ball games. Some, therefore, regarded him as devoid of ambition. But the same fire that makes a boy win at his play also makes him win as a man. His was a tenacity that never fails. The achievements of his childhood and youth were made possible by his determination. Whether playing marbles or baseball, his frail body tugged and toiled with that wonderful American tenacity that never knows defeat. When laughed at because of his poor penmanship, he practiced until he could write as a master—far better than any of those who laughed. Being called a "sissy” when some of the husky boys saw him throw a ball so aroused his unconquerable spirit that he practiced until he outdistanced as a ball-player all those who jeered. Heber J. found his first employment in an insurance office. As errand-boy and bookkeeper, because of his natural persistence, he achieved signal success. The eyes and face of this man reveal the keenness of his intellect and the unusual powers of his mind. Early in life religious work and duties were placed upon him. Otherwise he would have devoted his powers largely, if not wholly, to finance. Then his achievements, many believe, would have placed him among the greatest financiers. If the story of Heber J. Grant’s business career were written it would read like a fairy tale. Look at two of his experiences: As a boy, he carried water to the top floor of the Salt Lake Theatre because he was unable to buy a ticket. Subsequently he owned control of this same institution and for many years he has, with his family, occupied the President’s box. His first employment was as a messenger boy and clerk in an insurance office. He is now president of a strong insurance company of his own creation. As Chairman of Utah’s last two Liberty Loan committees he has brought great credit to himself and honor to his State. All Utah points with pride to the strength and promptness with which on both occasions the State “went over the top.” What education Heber J. Grant received was acquired in the early public schools and in the University. Hard times, the necessity for making a living, added to a slightly defective vision (which glasses have since corrected) combined to keep him from getting as much of the scholastic training offered in the University in those days as his natural talents deserved. He had a strong love for literature, and displayed the keenness of a mathematical mind. He has no living son, but the record of his daughters in mathematics in the State University indicates what their father’s natural mathematical ability is. Like her elder sisters, one who was graduated from the University of Utah with a degree of Bachelor of Arts with the class of T8, has completed courses in Plane and Solid Geometry, Algebra B, Trigonometry, Analytic Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, and in addition has taken half a year’s work in Advanced Calculus. Few women in any university have done more work in mathematics. In music, he has daughters with talents equally exceptional, one of them, as soloist with an orchestra of forty musicians, having recently played from memory more than a hundred and sixty pages of music. President Grant came into the Tooele Stake presidency a young, enthusiastic baseball boy only twenty-three years old. His wholesome mixture of sport, clean life, and religion pleased the people. Two years later he was called by revelation into the Council of the Twelve. For thirty-six years in this capacity he has served as one of the leaders of the Church. During that time he opened the Japanese mission, the work covering a period of two years, and immediately afterwards he presided over the European Mission for another three years. His duties at home have taken him into all the stakes of Zion from Mexico to Canada. His thrilling addresses to young people on the importance of living clean lives, on the value of determined effort, and on moral topics, have stirred the hearts of the people in the whole intermountain region. The spirited enthusiasm he has thrown into the Mutual Improvement work has been a telling factor in moulding the lives and characters of young people. To him the people of Utah are largely indebted for the victory of prohibition. He does not narrow his ideals, his teachings, or his example to those things only which are recorded in Holy Writ. While he believes and teaches the first principles of the Gospel, faith, repentance, and baptism, as they are taught in the first articles of faith, he reaches beyond and practices and teaches in addition the important principles laid down in the last, the thirteenth article: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” Wherever he finds literature on or living examples of these principles, he “seeks after these things.” He believes a man is what he does more than what he says. He judges men more by their actual living example than by their written or spoken word. Heber J. Grant does more than he promises. His is not a gospel of the lips only. He despises deceit and hypocrisy. Honor, uprightness, integrity, wherever found, are commended by him. He realizes that men and women must be made good before they can be made Latter-day Saints. Heber J. Grant is bound no more firmly by his bond than by his word. There is no principle for which the arms of the United States fought in the recent war for which Heber J. Grant, both in theory and practice, does not stand. He believes in “government of the people, by the people, for the people”—the fundamental principle in the organization of the Church as well as of the nation. To his wives—two gone on before—and one now living—Heber J. Grant has been continuously a tender, affectionate, sympathetic husband. In sickness and sorrow he is a splendid example of devotion. With affection, love-notes, and an abundance of flowers, he does his utmost to comfort and cheer those who are afflicted. His great tender heart beats no less true for his children than for his wives. As husband and as father he is a model man. His living wife, Augusta Winters Grant, comes from a genuine old pioneer family. Her quiet, unassuming, but excellent father, Oscar Winters, came from Ohio. He was devoted to his family, he was extremely unselfish, and was willing to make any sacrifice to educate his children. Her mother, Mary Ann Stearns Winters, the well known primary worker and school teacher of Pleasant Grove, came from the State of Maine. She bore the New England stamp of scholarship and culture. Into those early days she brought a touch of ambition, education, and refinement, well remembered by the young people. Frail in body, this good woman was so generous and public spirited that in her own home she conducted a school for children. It is no surprise that Mrs. Grant was among the few who registered as students in the Brigham Young University at Provo when that great educational institution was organized. She is also a graduate of the University of Utah, class of 77. For ten years she was one of the strong teachers in the schools of Utah. Her scholarship, refinement, dignity, and culture will be an important factor in making her husband’s administration a success, for she not only possesses the highest ideals, but lives in accordance with them. She does not speak ill of anyone. Few have deeper religious convictions. She is deeply interested in the Mutual Improvement work and for many years has been a member of the General Board of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association. For twenty-five years she has made it a practice to go to the temple one day a week whenever she has been home and the temple open. Simplicity marks her home life. She has always sought labor-saving devices to make the work of the home easy. Her home is beautiful and she likes to share it and all the good things that come to her with others. One more deserving tribute must be paid to this accomplished woman . She took to her home and to her heart, as if they were her own. the children of three motherless families. His wife, Lucy Stringham Grant, was a daughter of Briant Stringham, one of the pioneers of 1847, who came in Brigham Young’s Company. If ever man had a real help-meet, Heber J. Grant had one in the wife of his youth. She possessed business foresight and judgment. To her wisdom he attributes much for his early business successes. Her home was a place of orderly efficiency. While Lucy Stringham Grant was not herself an active public Church worker, she took pains to impress upon her children the importance of taking active part in the programs of the various Church organizations. How well she succeeded in this is told by the membership of her daughters on the General Board of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association. The life of this excellent woman was guided by her never failing faith in Divine Providence. When her husband was President of the Tooele Stake, but was spending part of his time in Salt Lake City attending to his business affairs, she and her two baby girls were generally alone in the village home unless a neighbor boy came in for the night to keep the mother and her babies from being afraid. It was under these conditions that the neighbor boy learned the goodness of this young mother. When, with these two children, she knelt in prayer, she expressed the actual feelings of her heart. She did not pray to be heard of men. The beauty and impressiveness of her appeals to the Divine Providence the boy will never forget. The prayers of this sainted mother are answered, for the two little girls for whom she prayed are now the women on the General Board, and her husband is the President of the Church. Heber J. Grant’s wife, Emily Wells Grant, was the daughter of that pioneer statesman and apostle, Daniel H. Wells. A well informed man says that Illinois has produced two statesmen. Lincoln, he says, is one, and Daniel H. Wells is the other. Emily Grant possessed a charming personality and a wonderful gift in conversation. She was a great favorite, always cheerful, sympathetic, and possessed of natural initiative for entertainment. She neither sought nor desired public attention, but drew around her and maintained to her death a host of confidential friends. Behind the laughter of her nature there lay a deep and reverent strain which prompted innumerable kind and generous acts. So dainty was she in her person, in her home, and in her motherhood, that never a stain or spot was discernible. As outwardly she maintained this immaculate appearance, so inwardly was her soul pure and true. Her home was the embodiment of hospitality and motherhood was her joy and glory. The loss of her only son was the sorrow of her life. But, supported by strong religious convictions, she bore up nobly. Were this mother still living, the fine success of her daughter who is the pianist and of the other who is the mathematical Bachelor of Arts, would afford her unlimited satisfaction. Heber J. Grant stands as a strong supporter of home production and home industry. He has been enthusiastic all his days in his support of institutions which furnished employment for home people and manufactured home goods. Utah artists, musicians, poets, writers of prose, sculptors, actors and actresses, have found encouragement of the most intense sort under all conditions from President Heber J. Grant. Here is a man unselfish to the last degree. To him, truly, it is better to give than to receive. The greatest joy he has in life is giving pleasure to others. While his has been an active life in financial matters, not the slightest element of selfishness has prompted him in his efforts to make money. He has put forth his efforts primarily to do good to the community. In his own personal needs and requirements, Heber J. Grant is absolutely unselfish. He certainly appears to get greater pleasure from seeing those he loves enjoy comfort than to actually have the comforts for himself. His mental machinery seems to be equipped with no low or intermediate gear. It operates “on high” all the time. This man undertakes no task with indifference. If he does it at all, he does it well and vigorously. His nature is such that he cannot be satisfied to understand things only in a general way. He must be perfectly familiar with every detail. This is especially true of business concerns. His is a never-failing memory. Things that happened long ago appear to be as clearly defined in his mind as those which happen now. Facts and figures and circumstances so impress him that their clearness seems never to diminish. His mental makeup is extraordinary in practically every particular. Having a mental machinery equipped with nothing but a high gear, he cannot do work and does not do work that must be done “on low.” He sees through business and financial propositions as clearly and positively as an engineer sees his target through a transit. He makes mental calculations accurately and with lightning speed. And while this man sees things quickly and with unusual clearness, he is nevertheless never too positive in his view to listen to reason. Here is a man, too, who, when convinced that he is wrong always has the courage to do the right. He is of a thoroughly democratic nature. When important questions come to him for decision, he courts advice and counsel and suggestion before rendering a decision. His makeup and nature are such that in all decisions he will have his associates with him or else he will be unmoved by the reasons and the argument which they present. He is opposed to the steam roller method. This man will never go rough shod over his associates. To his associates he will always give most respectful attention. To this man the intrinsic value of a present does not constitute the most important element in a gift. The feeling of love—the word of affection accompanying a gift is oftentimes the element in it which touches most his tender and affectionate heart. Wrong doers, deceivers, hypocrites, those who fail to tell the truth, those who are dishonest—these all have reason to tremble in the presence of Heber J. Grant. He cannot, he will not sanction the slightest deviation from the path of rectitude. His interests and affections are generally with the poor. His life and conduct are thoroughly Christian in every respect. Nothing does he despise more than flattery. No man enjoys more the affection of his friends than does Heber J. Grant. His experiences range from the depths of sadness and sorrow, to the heights of happiness in righteousness; from temporary failure to enduring success, and all these added to his natural endowments contribute to the eminent and unique fitness with which he enters upon the duties of his new exalted and sacred calling. |
RACHEL RIDGEWAY IVINS GRANT AND HER SON HEBER.
Lucy Stringham Grant Augusta W. Grant Emily Wells Grant
PRESIDENT GRANT, HIS MOTHER, DAUGHTER RACHEL, AND HER DAUGHTER LUCY.
PRESIDENT GRANT’S DAUGHTERS.
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"President Heber J. Grant's Pledge of Service and Action." Improvement Era. July 1919. pg. 823-825.
President Heber J. Grant's Pledge of Service and Action
After the presentation of the authorities at the General Assembly in the annual conference of the Church, President Heber J. Grant delivered his first speech as President of the Church, to the people in conference assembled.
He pledged to the Latter-day Saints faithful service, and declared the standard of action and policy that he would pursue in the new responsibility to which he had been chosen. He said:
A Pledge of Faithful Service
I feel humble, beyond any language with which God has endowed me to express it, in standing before you here this morning, occupying the position in which you have just voted to sustain me. I recall standing before an audience in Tooele, after having been sustained as president of that stake, when I was a young man twenty-three years of age, pledging to that audience the best that was in me. I stand here today in all humility, acknowledging my own weakness, my own lack of wisdom and information, and my lack of the ability to occupy the exalted position in which you have voted to sustain me. But as I said. as a boy in Tooele, I say here today: that by and with the help of the Lord, I shall do the best that I can to fulfil every obligation that shall rest upon me as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the full extent of my ability.
I will ask no man to be more liberal with his means than I am with mine, in proportion to what he possesses, for the advancement of God's kingdom. I will ask no man to observe the Word of Wisdom any more closely than I will observe it. I will ask no man to be more conscientious and prompt in the payment of his tithes and his offerings than I will be. I will ask no man to be more ready and willing to come early and to go late, and to labor with full power of mind and body, than I will, always in humility. I hope and pray for the blessings of the Lord, acknowledging freely and frankly, that without the Lord's blessings it will be an impossibility for me to make a success of the high calling whereunto I have been called. But, like Nephi of old, I know that the Lord makes no requirements of the children of men, save he will prepare a way for them, whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has required. With this knowledge in my heart, I accept the great responsibility, without fear of the consequences, knowing that God will sustain me as he has sustained all of my predecessors who have occupied this position, provided always, that I shall labor in humility and in diligence, ever seeking for the guidance of his Holy Spirit ; and this I shall endeavor to do.
The Standard of Action.
I shall not occupy your time by reading Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants. I will leave that for each and every one of those before me, and those to the right and the left, holding the priesthood, and as many of the audience as may feel so disposed, to read it when they go home. With the help of the Lord, I shall endeavor, standing at the head of the Priesthood of God upon the earth, to exercise the authority that has come to me in keeping with that wonderful revelation: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned." God being my helper, the priesthood that I hold, the position that I occupy, shall be exercised in accordance with these words that I have quoted to you. We can do nothing, as recorded in that revelation, only as we exercise love and charity and kindness—-love unfeigned. With the help of the Lord that is exactly how I shall administer, to the best of my ability, the Priesthood of God that has come to me.
I could stand here and occupy all of the remaining time, with the hundred and one thoughts that have come into my mind, in connection with the duties that devolve upon me; but I am anxious that my counselors should speak to you here this morning, and I am anxious to pay my tribute of respect to those men who have preceded me. I take no credit to myself for occupying the position that has come to me. I realize that failure will be the result if I do not give the Lord the credit for calling me to this position, and seek for the light of his Spirit to guide me in all that I shall do.
President Grant then dwelt at length on the life and labors of each of the Presidents of the Church, from Joseph Smith, the prophet, to Joseph F. Smith, the great preacher of righteousness and late leader of the Church—bearing his testimony to the divinity of their callings and to the inspiration of God unmistakably apparent in their administrations, and declaring that they were servants of the living God. He then occupied the remainder of the time in a eulogy of President Smith, the time, through his suggestion, being largely devoted at the morning and afternoon service at the Tabernacle, as well as in the Assembly Hall and at the Bureau of Information, to memorial exercises in honor of the beloved leader—the late President Joseph F. Smith.
President Heber J. Grant's Pledge of Service and Action
After the presentation of the authorities at the General Assembly in the annual conference of the Church, President Heber J. Grant delivered his first speech as President of the Church, to the people in conference assembled.
He pledged to the Latter-day Saints faithful service, and declared the standard of action and policy that he would pursue in the new responsibility to which he had been chosen. He said:
A Pledge of Faithful Service
I feel humble, beyond any language with which God has endowed me to express it, in standing before you here this morning, occupying the position in which you have just voted to sustain me. I recall standing before an audience in Tooele, after having been sustained as president of that stake, when I was a young man twenty-three years of age, pledging to that audience the best that was in me. I stand here today in all humility, acknowledging my own weakness, my own lack of wisdom and information, and my lack of the ability to occupy the exalted position in which you have voted to sustain me. But as I said. as a boy in Tooele, I say here today: that by and with the help of the Lord, I shall do the best that I can to fulfil every obligation that shall rest upon me as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the full extent of my ability.
I will ask no man to be more liberal with his means than I am with mine, in proportion to what he possesses, for the advancement of God's kingdom. I will ask no man to observe the Word of Wisdom any more closely than I will observe it. I will ask no man to be more conscientious and prompt in the payment of his tithes and his offerings than I will be. I will ask no man to be more ready and willing to come early and to go late, and to labor with full power of mind and body, than I will, always in humility. I hope and pray for the blessings of the Lord, acknowledging freely and frankly, that without the Lord's blessings it will be an impossibility for me to make a success of the high calling whereunto I have been called. But, like Nephi of old, I know that the Lord makes no requirements of the children of men, save he will prepare a way for them, whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has required. With this knowledge in my heart, I accept the great responsibility, without fear of the consequences, knowing that God will sustain me as he has sustained all of my predecessors who have occupied this position, provided always, that I shall labor in humility and in diligence, ever seeking for the guidance of his Holy Spirit ; and this I shall endeavor to do.
The Standard of Action.
I shall not occupy your time by reading Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants. I will leave that for each and every one of those before me, and those to the right and the left, holding the priesthood, and as many of the audience as may feel so disposed, to read it when they go home. With the help of the Lord, I shall endeavor, standing at the head of the Priesthood of God upon the earth, to exercise the authority that has come to me in keeping with that wonderful revelation: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned." God being my helper, the priesthood that I hold, the position that I occupy, shall be exercised in accordance with these words that I have quoted to you. We can do nothing, as recorded in that revelation, only as we exercise love and charity and kindness—-love unfeigned. With the help of the Lord that is exactly how I shall administer, to the best of my ability, the Priesthood of God that has come to me.
I could stand here and occupy all of the remaining time, with the hundred and one thoughts that have come into my mind, in connection with the duties that devolve upon me; but I am anxious that my counselors should speak to you here this morning, and I am anxious to pay my tribute of respect to those men who have preceded me. I take no credit to myself for occupying the position that has come to me. I realize that failure will be the result if I do not give the Lord the credit for calling me to this position, and seek for the light of his Spirit to guide me in all that I shall do.
President Grant then dwelt at length on the life and labors of each of the Presidents of the Church, from Joseph Smith, the prophet, to Joseph F. Smith, the great preacher of righteousness and late leader of the Church—bearing his testimony to the divinity of their callings and to the inspiration of God unmistakably apparent in their administrations, and declaring that they were servants of the living God. He then occupied the remainder of the time in a eulogy of President Smith, the time, through his suggestion, being largely devoted at the morning and afternoon service at the Tabernacle, as well as in the Assembly Hall and at the Bureau of Information, to memorial exercises in honor of the beloved leader—the late President Joseph F. Smith.
"President Grant's Birthday." Young Woman's Journal. November 1923. pg. 618.
President Grant’s Birthday
In behalf of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association the Journal extends greetings and sincerest good wishes to our beloved President Heber J. Grant whose birthday occurs on the twenty-second of this month. He has the confidence, affection, and loyalty of the officers and girls of our organization. May the in spiration and choice blessings of our Heavenly Father continue to be with him.
President Grant’s Birthday
In behalf of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association the Journal extends greetings and sincerest good wishes to our beloved President Heber J. Grant whose birthday occurs on the twenty-second of this month. He has the confidence, affection, and loyalty of the officers and girls of our organization. May the in spiration and choice blessings of our Heavenly Father continue to be with him.
"President Heber J. Grant's Seventieth Anniversary." Improvement Era. November 1926. pg. 9-20.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT'S SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Seventy years will have passed since our beloved leader, President Heber J. Grant, was born in Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856. He was the first native son of Utah chosen to fill a vacancy in the Council of the Twelve. He is also the first native son of the State to act as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Darwin T. Kingsley, president of the New York Life Insurance Company, wrote a book some years ago, entitled, [Let Us Have Peace, a choice book of more than four hundred pages of his collected magazine articles and other addresses on peace, business, and on conditions that prevailed before, during, and immediately following the World War. This great financier and thoughtful author, in presenting a copy to President Heber J. Grant, wrote on the flyleaf of the book:
"To Heber J. Grant, patriot, pioneer and president, with great respect.—D. T. Kingsley."
What was stated then concerning President Grant is not overdrawn, and applies with even greater emphasis today. He is a respected patriot, pioneer and president. Life is a battle seemingly no less cruel and deadly, so it has been said, than have been or may be the wars of the nations. He who survives in its battles is among the strong and wise and just. When a man reaches three score and ten years and has stood the fire of the long fight, attaining the summit in victory, vigor of spirit and strength of mind and body, as has President Grant, he is a veteran to be respected. He stands with honor in his position, and that because of his achievement over obstacles; because of his love for the people, his loyalty to God and to his country; because of his victory in moral and religious achievements; his triumph over adverse things, and the undoubted integrity of his character. He has proved is clean hero in the conflict with evil, both past and present. He has fought an honest, fair fight, through seventy years of struggle. In recent years, by the help and inspiration of the Lord, he has solved in wisdom the complex and often vexatious problems of his people. He bears the scars of honorable combat. He is true to the faith, and a patriot in the greatest nation on earth. As a native son of these mountain fastnesses, he is a born pioneer in this "marvelous work and a wonder" established of the Lord. He is thus the honored and beloved leader of a grateful and happy people, who appreciate him because of his open, free, charitable, sympathetic and lovable qualities.
It is said that self-indulgence takes the wheels off character; but in all his career, self-denial for the advancement and blessing of others has been President Grant's practice. His character is untrammeled by anything that could in any way be styled self-indulgence. He shows great tolerance with the views and opinions of others, but is heart-of oak against sin and evil. No man in the Church has been a greater champion of the Word of Wisdom, clean living and clean morals, both by example and precept, than President Heber J. Grant. He has kept widely apart from iniquity, and in that way the laurels for his brow have been woven by his people from his own clean life and consuming passion for righteousness.
On the event of his seventieth anniversary, his many thousand friends will join the Improvement Era office force in congratulating and upholding our beloved .President, arid wish him many years yet of activity [in his exalted calling.
President Grant illustrates the efficacy of faith, the divinity of the great latter-day work of God, and the power of the Priesthood, by repeating apt stories, from time to time, in his sermons, which may be read with profit and interest by all who desire to be built up spiritually in the faith. We select a few examples for this occasion that, in our opinion, are especially characteristic:.
The Fruits of the Gospel
The first man baptized in the German Empire was Karl G. Maeser, the man who stood at the head of the Church school system, from Canada on the north down to Mexico on the south, and was known as the grand old man of the educational system of the Church. When Karl G. Maeser was baptized, Elder Franklin D. Richards was the president of the European missions. He went from Liverpool, the headquarters of the mission, to be present at the first baptism of the first persons converted to the .gospel in Germany. There were Brother Maeser and his brother-in-law and quite a large crowd of them. The man, through whose instrumentality they were converted, and who spoke German, was Brother William Budge, afterwards president of the Logan Temple.
As I was going with Brother Maeser up into Oregon to visit one of the conferences there, he told me about it with his own lips. He said: "Heber, when I came out of the waters of baptism I looked up into heaven, and said, 'O Lord, I have accepted what I believe to be in very deed the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Give me a witness of the divinity of the work; give me a knowledge and a testimony of this work that I have embraced, and I pledge you here this night to give, if necessary, my life for its advancement.' After the others were baptized and we were walking back to Dresden [they had come out several miles from Dresden to be baptized], I asked questions of Apostle Richards. Brother Budge interpreted them; and when the answer was given, he interpreted it back into German for me. Pretty soon President Richards said, 'Don't interpret those questions, Brother Budge. I understand them perfectly.' And then immediately afterwards I turned to him and said, 'Don't interpret those answers. I understand them perfectly.' We walked on for several miles," continued Brother Maeser. "I asked questions in German, and President Franklin D. Richards answered them in English. He did not understand German. I did not understand English. And, yet, we understood each other perfectly. Finally we came to the river Elbe, and as we were crossing a bridge over that river we became separated, and when we reached the other side of the river I asked another question, and Brother Richards said, 'Interpret it, Brother Budge; I do not understand it.' And when the answer came, I said, 'Interpret it, Brother Budge; I do not understand it.' The next question was, 'President Richards, why was it that you could understand me, and I could understand you for miles, and now we cannot understand each other at all?' "
Elder Richards told him that one of the fruits of the true gospel of Jesus Christ is [the interpretation of tongues. "You have reached out your hand, figuratively speaking, and plucked the fruit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God has given you a testimony and witness that you have found the truth, and has allowed you to partake of part of the fruits of the true gospel." Brother Maeser said to me, in substance, "Brother Grant, I trembled like a leaf. I looked up into heaven, and said, 'O Lord, you have given me a witness, you have answered my prayer, and again I renew my pledge to give my life, if need be, to this cause.' " .
Those of us who knew Karl G. Maeser know that no other human being in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day .Saints has more perfectly given his life to the work of God than he did. Day in and day out, month in and month out, year in and year out, Karl G. Maeser labored for the Church and the Church alone, with no special thought of himself or his own advancement. He was an honest tithe-payer and an observer of the Word of Wisdom, a man who had the inspiration of the living God with him.
The Dead Were Raised
Hyrum Grant, my brother, had yellow jaundice which turned to black jaundice. He became as black as my coat. He weighed slightly more than seventy pounds, and was in a most terrible condition. A doctor Van Cott, as I remember it, was waiting on him, and finally announced that my brother was dead. He said, "His pulse has not been beating now for some four or five minutes. He is gone."
Hyrum's son and son-in-law laid their hands upon his head and prayed to God that his spirit might return, that he might live to fulfil a promise made to him that he should live to preside over the Davis stake of Zion. When they got through praying, my brother opened his eyes, and said, "What is the matter with you folks? You look scared half to death."
He got well and did preside over the Davis stake of Zion, notwithstanding the fact that Apostle Lyman told me, when he bade me good-bye in Liverpool, as he was returning home, that his first official act when he got home would be to install Henry H. Blood as president of the Davis stake of Zion. When Brother Lyman arrived home, he said to President Joseph F. Smith, "I am going up to the Davis stake conference, and I should like to reorganize the presidency. The president has been dead for several years, and Hyrum Grant has been sick now for a year or more. It will be some time before he recovers, and probably never will recover. I think that stake ought to have a president, and I am going to install one." "Who are you going to install?" asked President Smith. "Why, I am going to install Henry H. Blood," was the answer. "No, you are not," ,said President Smith. "Hyrum Grant is going to get well. I blessed him and the Lord gave me a testimony that he would get well. He has earned the position and he is going to have it. If you want to put him in, although he is sick abed, put him in, but you cannot put anyone else in."
Hyrum lived to fulfil the patriarchal blessing given to him.
The Prayer of Faith
My brother, Hyrum, had charge of a livery stable, and he took an excursion down to Calder's Farm from the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory. This was between thirty and forty years ago. He had a long drag that would carry about forty people. In the afternoon he noticed that a storm was brewing, and, calling the Z. C. M. I. employees together, he said, "The State road is a turnpike. If it rains, and we get the least bit off the track with this great, long drag, carrying forty people, we are likely to turn the vehicle over and someone may get hurt or killed." These people voted that if there was any accident they would hold the company blameless. They said they were going to have a good time. A terrible storm came up. It was dark, and on the way home, lo and behold, this vehicle turned over. Several persons were very seriously injured. One girl suffered a number of broken bones, and pneumonia set in. The doctor finally announced that she could live only a day or two at the most.
The fact that my brother was driving the team when the accident happened filled his heart with anxiety and remorse. Finally he came to me and said, "Heber, I have been beseeching the Lord to spare that girl's life, and I have had a manifestation that if you and I administer to her she will recover." I said, "It will be ja pleasure to go with you, Hyrum." We went to her home. I walked up to the bed and then called Hyrum to one side and whispered to him and said, "Hyrum, she is dying right now. I do not believe we could bless her before she would be dead. I think that in your anxiety and excitement you have received the wrong idea." He turned deathly pale, and said, "Heber, I know I am not wrong. I know I have received a manifestation that if we bless her she shall live." I apologized to him and we did bless her. Among other things, I said that her bones should knit, that she should recover and that she should go back and run her machine in the shoe factory. I did not know that she had been running a machine, but I was inspired to make her that promise. I did not know her occupation, except that she was working in the shoe factory.
That afternoon I met William H. Rowe, the superintendent of the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory. He said, "Heber, I have just returned from the home of Maria DeGrey (that was the sick girl's name) , and I fear she is dead by now. I was up there about an hour ago and she was dying." I said, "Brother Rowe, go upstairs into your office and write on a piece of paper, 'Maria DeGrey is not dead; Maria DeGrey will not die; Maria DeGrey will get well and go back to the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory and run her machine.' Did she run a machine before she met with this accident?" I asked. "Yes," he answered. "Well, she will be back," I continued. "I know she will come back because I had a manifestation from God while blessing her that that is exactly what should happen."
"Well, there's no need of writing it down, Heber," he said. "The doctor told me that my daughter would die before morning. That was before I ever came from London out here to Utah. I sent about three miles across London, to where the elders were staying, for Junius F. Wells and his companion to come and administer to her. The next morning the doctor came and delivered into my hands a certificate stating that my girl was dead. I took him into the parlor and introduced him to the corps (?) that had gotten out of bed and was sitting up, and the doctor nearly dropped in surprise. Now, you don't need to tell me that Maria DeGrey will get well; if you had a manifestation that she is going to come back, she will, because I know we have the power of the living God in our Church, and that the life of my girl who is right here in Salt Lake City with me, and) who is now a married woman, was saved by the healing power of God." Maria DeGrey lived and went back and ran her machine.
The Destroyer Rebuked
A relative of mine had a daughter who was dying, so the doctor told me, of diphtheria. He said she would die before morning. The father broke down and wept and begged me to pray for the girl. As I was walking home from his office I earnestly prayed to the Lord for the restoration to health of that little girl, that she might not die, and the inspiration came to me, "The power of the Priesthood of the living God is on the earth. The destroyer is just as active as he can be; he delights in taking the lives of people. The power to re buke the destroyer is here. Get John Henry Smith, and get him quickly, and go to that house and rebuke the destroyer, and the girl shall live."
I did not waste any time in getting John Henry Smith. I ran all the way to his house, and when I got Brother Smith our haste did not slacken until we arrived at the sick girl's home. We went upstairs, where we found the father and mother, uncle and aunt, and others of the relatives, expecting her to breathe her last. We laid hands upon her head. I anointed her with oil and John Henry Smith confirmed the anointing. He promised her she should live and not die. We then went downstairs, and pretty soon the father came down, and said, "My daughter whispered to me after you left the room, and said when that large man [Brother Smith weighed about 250 or 260 pounds, and was a tall, big man] was praying over me, father, I was in intense pain, and it has all left me. I haven't a particle of pain now. I am sick but I am in no pain at all."
The next morning I met the doctor. I said, "How about this young lady [calling her by name], did she die last night?"
"Why," he replied, "I went to see her this morning and, I declare, the little girl is going to get well. I never was so dumbfounded in all my life. I never saw such a case. I cannot understand it."
I did not care to tell him that I could understand it. He was not a member of the Church. I did not care to tell him that I knew why she was getting well; that the destroyer had been rebuked by the power of the Priesthood, Which is on the earth, and a promise made by John Henry Smith that she should live. I knew I had a testimony that she would live, and she did live.
The Priesthood vs. Bullet Wounds
In the days of the "underground," when more than a thousand of our people went to the penitentiary for living with their wives whom they had married in good faith, a man by the name of Joseph W. McMurrin was guarding the servants of the Lord. (I think you all know Joseph W. McMurrin. He is president of the California mission, arid has preached in the Salt Lake Tabernacle many times.) The brethren were holding a meeting in the Social Hall. A deputy U. S. marshal came to the back door where Joseph W. McMurrin was standing, and Joseph put his arms around him to keep him from going through that door. The deputy finally got his hand loose and took his pistol and, pressing it against Brother McMurrin's body, fired two bullets clear through his vitals. Those bullets lodged just under the skin in his back.
I went with John Henry Smith to Brother McMurrin's home, and saw where the flesh was burned away around those terrible gaping wounds. I saw where the bullets had gone clear through him. I heard John Henry Smith say, "By the authority of the Priesthood of the living God which we hold, and in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we say that you shall be made absolutely whole, and .that there shall be no physical weakness left upon your body because of these terrible wounds that you have received while guarding the servants of the living God."
Joseph W. McMurrin is alive and well and has never had any physical weakness because of those terrible wounds. Tell me that sickness is not cured by spiritual power, by the power of God, in the Church of Jesus Christ! I know that it is as well as I know that I live.
The Decree Nullified
When my wife died, I took my three little girls (ten, twelve, and fourteen years of age, the oldest of the family) to visit New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, Washington and other cities of interest, that they might forget the sorrow of the death of their mother. While in Washington my oldest girl was taken down with diphtheria. In those days, thirty years ago, diphtheria was almost sure death. I have known more than one family in which six, seven, or eight children have died of diphtheria. It was an alarming disease. Very soon thereafter my second daughter came down with it, and they were both sick nigh unto death. Finally I heard the doctor say to the nurse regarding my second daughter, "If you miss giving that child a stimulant every fifteen minutes—if you miss just once—she will die. She cannot live a half hour without this stimulant."
I stayed up all night to see that she did not miss giving the stimulant, and the next morning the child was no better. I went into my room and shed some bitter tears at the thought that, in all probability, I should have to take that little girl home in a coffin. Kneeling down, I pleaded with the Lord to spare her life, for the very joy I was giving to my girls added to and intensified my own sorrow; and I asked that I be not obliged to have an additional sorrow in taking that little girl, whom I had brought away from home to give her pleasure in order that she might forget the death of her mama, back to her home in a coffin. I begged that that might not come into my life. The testimony of the Spirit came to me: "The power of the Priesthood is here on the earth. Send for the elders and rebuke the power of the destroyer and that girl shall live."
Immediately I thanked the Lord for the whisperings of his Spirit, and I shed tears of gratitude and thanksgiving, after shedding tears of bitter anguish. George Q. Cannon was in Washington at the time, and also Bishop Hiram B. Clawson, the father of Elder Rudger Clawson of the Council of the Twelve. I sent at once for them to come and administer to my child. Brother Clawson anointed her, and Brother Cannon confirmed the anointing. In that confirmation he said something that I have never heard, before or since, in my life. He said, "The adversary, the destroyer, has decreed your death and made public announcement of his decree, but by the authority of the Priesthood of God, which we hold as his servants, and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we rebuke the decree of the destroyer and say, you shall live."
As I was leaving the boarding house where I had been with my children, after they had recovered sufficiently to travel, the husband of the woman who kept the boarding house (she was away that day) said* he could not keep from telling me a joke on his wife. He was a clerk in one of the, departments at Washington. He said, "Mr. Grant, had she been here you would never have heard it, but she is not here today and I am going to tell it to you. She believes in spiritualistic mediums and in communication through the mediums, and when our little girls were taken down sick in the. house, she went to a medium, who told her the following story:
" 'I see in your home two little girls. I see that the older one of the two little girls is taken sick. I see that she is very sick. I now see that the next little girl is taken sick. I now see that she is very sick. I now see that both of them are sick nigh unto death. I now see the older of the two girls recover. I now see the second little girl die.' "
Then she described the journey of that body in a coffin from Washington to Salt Lake City. She described it passing through big cities, one after another, and then stopping in a large city and changing cars. Everybody who has been in Chicago knows that all have to change cars in Chicago. She then described the body leaving Chicago, going through another city of considerable size, then crossing a great river (the Mississippi), always going to the west. He said she described going through some more cities, finally crossing another great river (the Missouri.) She did not mention the Mississippi or the Missouri, however, but said two great rivers. It still traveled to the west hundreds and hundreds of miles. It is somewhat more than two thousand miles to Salt Lake City from Washington. She finally saw it climbing mountains, mountains, mountains, first describing the plains, the level country of Nebraska, then climbing the Rocky Mountains; then saw it go south for a short distance (from Ogden to Salt Lake City.) She then described the Salt Lake Valley, almost completely surrounded with mountains, which is true. She then described a burial ground on the side hills, and ,that is just where it is. She then saw my little daughter lowered into the grave.
I knew then the meaning of the inspiration of the living God to George Q. Cannon when he said, "The adversary has decreed your death, and made public announcement of it, and we rebuke that decree." It was rebuked, and, instead of the little girl being buried as the spiritualistic medium said she would be, because the devil himself has inspired her to do so, by the priesthood of God rebuking the decree of death, she is alive, healthy and strong. She is the mother of seven beautiful children, and, in the providences of God, George Q. Cannon is their great-grandfather.
This same girl, when quite young, was promised that she should live to be one of the leaders of her sisters in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she is now a counselor to the president of all the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, with 50,000 membership.
The Fore-Warned Minister to The "Mormons"
A young man was educated for the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Manchester, England, and he was instructed by Dr. Iliff of that denomination as to his course of action. That young man, Benjamin Birchall, came out to Nephi, Utah. He was given a lot of anti- "Mormon" literature, etc., and was told, "Don't you go into the homes of the 'Mormons;' don't you take their Book of Mormon; don't read it; don't read their tracts, but just give them the inattention they deserve."
The young man studied what he was told to study, and loaded, figuratively, his double-barreled shotgun with anti- "Mormon" ideas, and the first time he fired it off was at one of the two bishops of the wards in Nephi. The bishop laughed and said, "Who has been stuffing you with lies?"
He said, "Those are not lies."
The bishop said, "They are, and I happen to know that some of them are myself."
He told the young man what he knew, and the latter was astonished. He said, "Bishop, can I come down to your house and spend an evening with you?"
"Come right along," answered the bishop. He disobeyed the Reverend Iliff s instructions and went down there, and he spent, not one evening, but many evenings. Finally he said, "Will you kindly loan me your Book of Mormon?" It was loaned to him. "Will you kindly let me have some of your tracts?" And he studied them. Finally he resigned his job of preaching for money for the Methodist Episcopal church, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and went out pitching hay, I think it was, for a living.
Subsequently he was called to go back to his native land on a mission. The first man he called on in Manchester was his former instructor, the minister who had educated him. He was the minister's star pupil. The minister was delighted to see him, and they had a very delightful visit for a little while. Finally he said, "How do you get along with those awful 'Mormons' in Utah?"
"Oh," said the young man, "I get along pretty well with them. They are not half as bad as I thought they were when I went to Utah. I have become acquainted with them, and, do you know there are a great many of their doctrines that I cannot overturn and explain away, and I would be grateful if you would point out the errors in them."
"Why," said the minister, "that will be a pleasure to me. They are almost heathens, those 'Mormons.' They are not Christians at all."
And when the young man commenced showing him our doctrines, and when he started to try pointing out the errors, he got into deep water, and soon began to flounder. Finally he doubled up his fist and shook it at the young man and said, "Look here, look here! I believe you have become one of them."
"Oh, I have," replied the young man, "but if there is anything wrong in their doctrines, if they are not scriptural, if you can show me they are wrong, I am willing to renounce them."
Well, this minister opened the door, and emphatically told the young man to get out before he kicked him out.
The Warm Welcome
I call to mind reading an article (in the Improvement Era) while I was over in Japan, telling of a young man who had become converted and had been baptized. He had graduated from a university and persuaded the elder who baptized him to go with him to his home, saying that he had the finest father and mother who ever lived, a choice man and v a choice woman, none finer in the world, and he knew they would gladly receive the gospel. It was several hundred miles to his home, and the elder got permission from the conference president to go into another part of Scandinavia.
He started with this young man to his home. When they arrived at the railway station, which was several miles from the home, i: was raining hard and there were no vehicles there. The young man having been away for a year or two from his home persuaded the elder, who was about his own size, to walk with him through the rain, despite' the soaking they would get, for he said that as soon as they got home they would have awaiting them some dry clothing, a warm welcome, and a hot meal prepared for them. The young elder said, certainly, he. did not mind getting wet, and that he would put some of the convert's dry clothing on when they arrived at their destination.
Upon their arrival they received a warm welcome. The young man introduced the missionary as his friend, and he was fervently received. The mother immediately started to prepare a warm supper, and the boy, being an enthusiastic convert, could not wait to change his clothes before he blurted out to his father, "Father, congratulate me, I have found the gospel; I have found the plan of life and salvation. I have become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
"What!" said the father, "do you mean to tell me that you have become a 'Mormon'?" "Oh," answered, the young man, "that is a nick name. We believe in the Bible; we also believe in the Book of Mormon. We don't call people 'Bibles' because they believe in the Bible. Why call us 'Mormons' because we believe in the Book of Mormon?"
"Never mind, my son. Are the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the 'Mormon' Church one and the same people?"
"Yes," said the boy, "they are."
"All right," said the father; walking to the door and opening it. He' continued, "My son, go out into the storm. Never darken that door again as long as you live. Choose tonight between father and mother and all ,that I possess [he was a wealthy man] and this hateful religion called 'Mormonism.' Choose this night. I had set my heart upon you making a record worthy of your name. Never darken our door again unless you denounce this thing called 'Mormonism'."
The mother stopped in her cooking, turned deathly pale. The boy turned to his mother, and reaching out his arms, said, "Oh, mother, do you, too, turn me out into the cold and storm, and say, 'never darken my door again, never let me lay eyes on you,' as father has said?"
She replied, "Your father's word is law in this house."
The young man turned to his companion and said, "Come, brother, come!" And they went out into the storm.
He came to Utah and devoted his life to the cause. Finally he went back to his native land and proclaimed the restoration of the gospel to the earth—the plan of life and salvation.
A Prophecy Fulfilled
I was a ruined man financially many years ago. I was somewhat more than one hundred thousand dollars worse off than nothing, and my family did not have homes to live in. My mother's home was mortgaged. I came home one morning at 1 o'clock. I generally worked until eleven, twelve or 1 o'clock trying to earn enough to pay the interest on my debts, and for four long years I had between twenty-five and thirty thousand dollars of debts on which I did not pay a cent of interest. Thank fortune, they were good friends of mine and never asked me for it. Before one of them died he called his ,family to his bedside and said that if they ever asked me for one dollar of that money he would hold it against them when he met them on the other side. On this particular occasion, when I came home at 1 o'clock in the morning, my wife, who is now dead, was sitting up, and she said, "Heber, you do not use tea, coffee, tobacco or liquor, but you are breaking the Word of Wisdom, because of working the way you do, more than if you used tea and coffee; and I am not sure that you are not breaking it more than if you were to use tobacco. It is a crime the way you are abusing yourself—" She stopped suddenly, and was blessed with the gift of tongues, and as she blessed me (I knew she was blessing me, although I could not understand a word of it) I wept for joy. When she got through, she said, "Do you have the interpretation?" I said, "No." We knelt down and prayed for the interpretation, and it was that I should live to cancel every obligation I had; that I should live to have a comfortable, happy home, paid for and free. Three weeks ago next Tuesday I paid the last obligation that I owed on earth, and I have a very nice home and have somewhat more than five hundred dollars in the bank.
I had never been on a mission at that time, but in that same blessing she said, "You shall live to proclaim the gospel in many lands and in many climes." I was subsequently operated on for appendicitis, and the doctor said I had to die. My own family physician asked that I send for my stenographer and tell my last story, for blood poisoning in the third and last stage had set in and I could not possibly live. This was after I had made a bargain with the doctor to tell me whether I should live or die, and if there was one chance in fifty, I would take that one chance and get well; but, if there was no chance at all, for him to tell me so that I could send for my clerk. My wife who blessed me by the gift of tongues, and who afterwards died, visited my wife who is now living, within a few hours after I had made this bargain, and told her that she need not worry, that I was not going to die then, that my mission on the earth was not yet ended. When my wife told me of this manifestation, I remembered the promise made years before by the gift of tongues, that I should live to lift up my voice in many lands and in many ,climes, proclaiming the restoration of the gospel. So I knew that promise would be fulfilled; and when the doctor told me I had to die, as soon as he went out of the room, I commenced laughing, and, turning to my wife, said, "Isn't it wonderful that you and I know more than the doctor, and, although blood poisoning in the third stage has set in, that I do not have to die; that I shall live to fulfil that promise made by the gift of tongues by my wife, who has told you that my mission is not ended."
That operation was performed in 1897. Since then I have lifted up my voice in the Hawaiian Islands, in far-off Japan, in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Mexico, from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, from .the Canadian line clear down to Florida, bearing witness that I know, as I know I live, that God lives; that Jesus is the Christ; that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the true and the living God; that the gospel commonly called "Mormonism" is in very deed the gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ; with every gift, grace, power and blessing that was enjoyed in the former days.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT'S SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Seventy years will have passed since our beloved leader, President Heber J. Grant, was born in Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856. He was the first native son of Utah chosen to fill a vacancy in the Council of the Twelve. He is also the first native son of the State to act as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Darwin T. Kingsley, president of the New York Life Insurance Company, wrote a book some years ago, entitled, [Let Us Have Peace, a choice book of more than four hundred pages of his collected magazine articles and other addresses on peace, business, and on conditions that prevailed before, during, and immediately following the World War. This great financier and thoughtful author, in presenting a copy to President Heber J. Grant, wrote on the flyleaf of the book:
"To Heber J. Grant, patriot, pioneer and president, with great respect.—D. T. Kingsley."
What was stated then concerning President Grant is not overdrawn, and applies with even greater emphasis today. He is a respected patriot, pioneer and president. Life is a battle seemingly no less cruel and deadly, so it has been said, than have been or may be the wars of the nations. He who survives in its battles is among the strong and wise and just. When a man reaches three score and ten years and has stood the fire of the long fight, attaining the summit in victory, vigor of spirit and strength of mind and body, as has President Grant, he is a veteran to be respected. He stands with honor in his position, and that because of his achievement over obstacles; because of his love for the people, his loyalty to God and to his country; because of his victory in moral and religious achievements; his triumph over adverse things, and the undoubted integrity of his character. He has proved is clean hero in the conflict with evil, both past and present. He has fought an honest, fair fight, through seventy years of struggle. In recent years, by the help and inspiration of the Lord, he has solved in wisdom the complex and often vexatious problems of his people. He bears the scars of honorable combat. He is true to the faith, and a patriot in the greatest nation on earth. As a native son of these mountain fastnesses, he is a born pioneer in this "marvelous work and a wonder" established of the Lord. He is thus the honored and beloved leader of a grateful and happy people, who appreciate him because of his open, free, charitable, sympathetic and lovable qualities.
It is said that self-indulgence takes the wheels off character; but in all his career, self-denial for the advancement and blessing of others has been President Grant's practice. His character is untrammeled by anything that could in any way be styled self-indulgence. He shows great tolerance with the views and opinions of others, but is heart-of oak against sin and evil. No man in the Church has been a greater champion of the Word of Wisdom, clean living and clean morals, both by example and precept, than President Heber J. Grant. He has kept widely apart from iniquity, and in that way the laurels for his brow have been woven by his people from his own clean life and consuming passion for righteousness.
On the event of his seventieth anniversary, his many thousand friends will join the Improvement Era office force in congratulating and upholding our beloved .President, arid wish him many years yet of activity [in his exalted calling.
President Grant illustrates the efficacy of faith, the divinity of the great latter-day work of God, and the power of the Priesthood, by repeating apt stories, from time to time, in his sermons, which may be read with profit and interest by all who desire to be built up spiritually in the faith. We select a few examples for this occasion that, in our opinion, are especially characteristic:.
The Fruits of the Gospel
The first man baptized in the German Empire was Karl G. Maeser, the man who stood at the head of the Church school system, from Canada on the north down to Mexico on the south, and was known as the grand old man of the educational system of the Church. When Karl G. Maeser was baptized, Elder Franklin D. Richards was the president of the European missions. He went from Liverpool, the headquarters of the mission, to be present at the first baptism of the first persons converted to the .gospel in Germany. There were Brother Maeser and his brother-in-law and quite a large crowd of them. The man, through whose instrumentality they were converted, and who spoke German, was Brother William Budge, afterwards president of the Logan Temple.
As I was going with Brother Maeser up into Oregon to visit one of the conferences there, he told me about it with his own lips. He said: "Heber, when I came out of the waters of baptism I looked up into heaven, and said, 'O Lord, I have accepted what I believe to be in very deed the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Give me a witness of the divinity of the work; give me a knowledge and a testimony of this work that I have embraced, and I pledge you here this night to give, if necessary, my life for its advancement.' After the others were baptized and we were walking back to Dresden [they had come out several miles from Dresden to be baptized], I asked questions of Apostle Richards. Brother Budge interpreted them; and when the answer was given, he interpreted it back into German for me. Pretty soon President Richards said, 'Don't interpret those questions, Brother Budge. I understand them perfectly.' And then immediately afterwards I turned to him and said, 'Don't interpret those answers. I understand them perfectly.' We walked on for several miles," continued Brother Maeser. "I asked questions in German, and President Franklin D. Richards answered them in English. He did not understand German. I did not understand English. And, yet, we understood each other perfectly. Finally we came to the river Elbe, and as we were crossing a bridge over that river we became separated, and when we reached the other side of the river I asked another question, and Brother Richards said, 'Interpret it, Brother Budge; I do not understand it.' And when the answer came, I said, 'Interpret it, Brother Budge; I do not understand it.' The next question was, 'President Richards, why was it that you could understand me, and I could understand you for miles, and now we cannot understand each other at all?' "
Elder Richards told him that one of the fruits of the true gospel of Jesus Christ is [the interpretation of tongues. "You have reached out your hand, figuratively speaking, and plucked the fruit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God has given you a testimony and witness that you have found the truth, and has allowed you to partake of part of the fruits of the true gospel." Brother Maeser said to me, in substance, "Brother Grant, I trembled like a leaf. I looked up into heaven, and said, 'O Lord, you have given me a witness, you have answered my prayer, and again I renew my pledge to give my life, if need be, to this cause.' " .
Those of us who knew Karl G. Maeser know that no other human being in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day .Saints has more perfectly given his life to the work of God than he did. Day in and day out, month in and month out, year in and year out, Karl G. Maeser labored for the Church and the Church alone, with no special thought of himself or his own advancement. He was an honest tithe-payer and an observer of the Word of Wisdom, a man who had the inspiration of the living God with him.
The Dead Were Raised
Hyrum Grant, my brother, had yellow jaundice which turned to black jaundice. He became as black as my coat. He weighed slightly more than seventy pounds, and was in a most terrible condition. A doctor Van Cott, as I remember it, was waiting on him, and finally announced that my brother was dead. He said, "His pulse has not been beating now for some four or five minutes. He is gone."
Hyrum's son and son-in-law laid their hands upon his head and prayed to God that his spirit might return, that he might live to fulfil a promise made to him that he should live to preside over the Davis stake of Zion. When they got through praying, my brother opened his eyes, and said, "What is the matter with you folks? You look scared half to death."
He got well and did preside over the Davis stake of Zion, notwithstanding the fact that Apostle Lyman told me, when he bade me good-bye in Liverpool, as he was returning home, that his first official act when he got home would be to install Henry H. Blood as president of the Davis stake of Zion. When Brother Lyman arrived home, he said to President Joseph F. Smith, "I am going up to the Davis stake conference, and I should like to reorganize the presidency. The president has been dead for several years, and Hyrum Grant has been sick now for a year or more. It will be some time before he recovers, and probably never will recover. I think that stake ought to have a president, and I am going to install one." "Who are you going to install?" asked President Smith. "Why, I am going to install Henry H. Blood," was the answer. "No, you are not," ,said President Smith. "Hyrum Grant is going to get well. I blessed him and the Lord gave me a testimony that he would get well. He has earned the position and he is going to have it. If you want to put him in, although he is sick abed, put him in, but you cannot put anyone else in."
Hyrum lived to fulfil the patriarchal blessing given to him.
The Prayer of Faith
My brother, Hyrum, had charge of a livery stable, and he took an excursion down to Calder's Farm from the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory. This was between thirty and forty years ago. He had a long drag that would carry about forty people. In the afternoon he noticed that a storm was brewing, and, calling the Z. C. M. I. employees together, he said, "The State road is a turnpike. If it rains, and we get the least bit off the track with this great, long drag, carrying forty people, we are likely to turn the vehicle over and someone may get hurt or killed." These people voted that if there was any accident they would hold the company blameless. They said they were going to have a good time. A terrible storm came up. It was dark, and on the way home, lo and behold, this vehicle turned over. Several persons were very seriously injured. One girl suffered a number of broken bones, and pneumonia set in. The doctor finally announced that she could live only a day or two at the most.
The fact that my brother was driving the team when the accident happened filled his heart with anxiety and remorse. Finally he came to me and said, "Heber, I have been beseeching the Lord to spare that girl's life, and I have had a manifestation that if you and I administer to her she will recover." I said, "It will be ja pleasure to go with you, Hyrum." We went to her home. I walked up to the bed and then called Hyrum to one side and whispered to him and said, "Hyrum, she is dying right now. I do not believe we could bless her before she would be dead. I think that in your anxiety and excitement you have received the wrong idea." He turned deathly pale, and said, "Heber, I know I am not wrong. I know I have received a manifestation that if we bless her she shall live." I apologized to him and we did bless her. Among other things, I said that her bones should knit, that she should recover and that she should go back and run her machine in the shoe factory. I did not know that she had been running a machine, but I was inspired to make her that promise. I did not know her occupation, except that she was working in the shoe factory.
That afternoon I met William H. Rowe, the superintendent of the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory. He said, "Heber, I have just returned from the home of Maria DeGrey (that was the sick girl's name) , and I fear she is dead by now. I was up there about an hour ago and she was dying." I said, "Brother Rowe, go upstairs into your office and write on a piece of paper, 'Maria DeGrey is not dead; Maria DeGrey will not die; Maria DeGrey will get well and go back to the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory and run her machine.' Did she run a machine before she met with this accident?" I asked. "Yes," he answered. "Well, she will be back," I continued. "I know she will come back because I had a manifestation from God while blessing her that that is exactly what should happen."
"Well, there's no need of writing it down, Heber," he said. "The doctor told me that my daughter would die before morning. That was before I ever came from London out here to Utah. I sent about three miles across London, to where the elders were staying, for Junius F. Wells and his companion to come and administer to her. The next morning the doctor came and delivered into my hands a certificate stating that my girl was dead. I took him into the parlor and introduced him to the corps (?) that had gotten out of bed and was sitting up, and the doctor nearly dropped in surprise. Now, you don't need to tell me that Maria DeGrey will get well; if you had a manifestation that she is going to come back, she will, because I know we have the power of the living God in our Church, and that the life of my girl who is right here in Salt Lake City with me, and) who is now a married woman, was saved by the healing power of God." Maria DeGrey lived and went back and ran her machine.
The Destroyer Rebuked
A relative of mine had a daughter who was dying, so the doctor told me, of diphtheria. He said she would die before morning. The father broke down and wept and begged me to pray for the girl. As I was walking home from his office I earnestly prayed to the Lord for the restoration to health of that little girl, that she might not die, and the inspiration came to me, "The power of the Priesthood of the living God is on the earth. The destroyer is just as active as he can be; he delights in taking the lives of people. The power to re buke the destroyer is here. Get John Henry Smith, and get him quickly, and go to that house and rebuke the destroyer, and the girl shall live."
I did not waste any time in getting John Henry Smith. I ran all the way to his house, and when I got Brother Smith our haste did not slacken until we arrived at the sick girl's home. We went upstairs, where we found the father and mother, uncle and aunt, and others of the relatives, expecting her to breathe her last. We laid hands upon her head. I anointed her with oil and John Henry Smith confirmed the anointing. He promised her she should live and not die. We then went downstairs, and pretty soon the father came down, and said, "My daughter whispered to me after you left the room, and said when that large man [Brother Smith weighed about 250 or 260 pounds, and was a tall, big man] was praying over me, father, I was in intense pain, and it has all left me. I haven't a particle of pain now. I am sick but I am in no pain at all."
The next morning I met the doctor. I said, "How about this young lady [calling her by name], did she die last night?"
"Why," he replied, "I went to see her this morning and, I declare, the little girl is going to get well. I never was so dumbfounded in all my life. I never saw such a case. I cannot understand it."
I did not care to tell him that I could understand it. He was not a member of the Church. I did not care to tell him that I knew why she was getting well; that the destroyer had been rebuked by the power of the Priesthood, Which is on the earth, and a promise made by John Henry Smith that she should live. I knew I had a testimony that she would live, and she did live.
The Priesthood vs. Bullet Wounds
In the days of the "underground," when more than a thousand of our people went to the penitentiary for living with their wives whom they had married in good faith, a man by the name of Joseph W. McMurrin was guarding the servants of the Lord. (I think you all know Joseph W. McMurrin. He is president of the California mission, arid has preached in the Salt Lake Tabernacle many times.) The brethren were holding a meeting in the Social Hall. A deputy U. S. marshal came to the back door where Joseph W. McMurrin was standing, and Joseph put his arms around him to keep him from going through that door. The deputy finally got his hand loose and took his pistol and, pressing it against Brother McMurrin's body, fired two bullets clear through his vitals. Those bullets lodged just under the skin in his back.
I went with John Henry Smith to Brother McMurrin's home, and saw where the flesh was burned away around those terrible gaping wounds. I saw where the bullets had gone clear through him. I heard John Henry Smith say, "By the authority of the Priesthood of the living God which we hold, and in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we say that you shall be made absolutely whole, and .that there shall be no physical weakness left upon your body because of these terrible wounds that you have received while guarding the servants of the living God."
Joseph W. McMurrin is alive and well and has never had any physical weakness because of those terrible wounds. Tell me that sickness is not cured by spiritual power, by the power of God, in the Church of Jesus Christ! I know that it is as well as I know that I live.
The Decree Nullified
When my wife died, I took my three little girls (ten, twelve, and fourteen years of age, the oldest of the family) to visit New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, Washington and other cities of interest, that they might forget the sorrow of the death of their mother. While in Washington my oldest girl was taken down with diphtheria. In those days, thirty years ago, diphtheria was almost sure death. I have known more than one family in which six, seven, or eight children have died of diphtheria. It was an alarming disease. Very soon thereafter my second daughter came down with it, and they were both sick nigh unto death. Finally I heard the doctor say to the nurse regarding my second daughter, "If you miss giving that child a stimulant every fifteen minutes—if you miss just once—she will die. She cannot live a half hour without this stimulant."
I stayed up all night to see that she did not miss giving the stimulant, and the next morning the child was no better. I went into my room and shed some bitter tears at the thought that, in all probability, I should have to take that little girl home in a coffin. Kneeling down, I pleaded with the Lord to spare her life, for the very joy I was giving to my girls added to and intensified my own sorrow; and I asked that I be not obliged to have an additional sorrow in taking that little girl, whom I had brought away from home to give her pleasure in order that she might forget the death of her mama, back to her home in a coffin. I begged that that might not come into my life. The testimony of the Spirit came to me: "The power of the Priesthood is here on the earth. Send for the elders and rebuke the power of the destroyer and that girl shall live."
Immediately I thanked the Lord for the whisperings of his Spirit, and I shed tears of gratitude and thanksgiving, after shedding tears of bitter anguish. George Q. Cannon was in Washington at the time, and also Bishop Hiram B. Clawson, the father of Elder Rudger Clawson of the Council of the Twelve. I sent at once for them to come and administer to my child. Brother Clawson anointed her, and Brother Cannon confirmed the anointing. In that confirmation he said something that I have never heard, before or since, in my life. He said, "The adversary, the destroyer, has decreed your death and made public announcement of his decree, but by the authority of the Priesthood of God, which we hold as his servants, and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we rebuke the decree of the destroyer and say, you shall live."
As I was leaving the boarding house where I had been with my children, after they had recovered sufficiently to travel, the husband of the woman who kept the boarding house (she was away that day) said* he could not keep from telling me a joke on his wife. He was a clerk in one of the, departments at Washington. He said, "Mr. Grant, had she been here you would never have heard it, but she is not here today and I am going to tell it to you. She believes in spiritualistic mediums and in communication through the mediums, and when our little girls were taken down sick in the. house, she went to a medium, who told her the following story:
" 'I see in your home two little girls. I see that the older one of the two little girls is taken sick. I see that she is very sick. I now see that the next little girl is taken sick. I now see that she is very sick. I now see that both of them are sick nigh unto death. I now see the older of the two girls recover. I now see the second little girl die.' "
Then she described the journey of that body in a coffin from Washington to Salt Lake City. She described it passing through big cities, one after another, and then stopping in a large city and changing cars. Everybody who has been in Chicago knows that all have to change cars in Chicago. She then described the body leaving Chicago, going through another city of considerable size, then crossing a great river (the Mississippi), always going to the west. He said she described going through some more cities, finally crossing another great river (the Missouri.) She did not mention the Mississippi or the Missouri, however, but said two great rivers. It still traveled to the west hundreds and hundreds of miles. It is somewhat more than two thousand miles to Salt Lake City from Washington. She finally saw it climbing mountains, mountains, mountains, first describing the plains, the level country of Nebraska, then climbing the Rocky Mountains; then saw it go south for a short distance (from Ogden to Salt Lake City.) She then described the Salt Lake Valley, almost completely surrounded with mountains, which is true. She then described a burial ground on the side hills, and ,that is just where it is. She then saw my little daughter lowered into the grave.
I knew then the meaning of the inspiration of the living God to George Q. Cannon when he said, "The adversary has decreed your death, and made public announcement of it, and we rebuke that decree." It was rebuked, and, instead of the little girl being buried as the spiritualistic medium said she would be, because the devil himself has inspired her to do so, by the priesthood of God rebuking the decree of death, she is alive, healthy and strong. She is the mother of seven beautiful children, and, in the providences of God, George Q. Cannon is their great-grandfather.
This same girl, when quite young, was promised that she should live to be one of the leaders of her sisters in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she is now a counselor to the president of all the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, with 50,000 membership.
The Fore-Warned Minister to The "Mormons"
A young man was educated for the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Manchester, England, and he was instructed by Dr. Iliff of that denomination as to his course of action. That young man, Benjamin Birchall, came out to Nephi, Utah. He was given a lot of anti- "Mormon" literature, etc., and was told, "Don't you go into the homes of the 'Mormons;' don't you take their Book of Mormon; don't read it; don't read their tracts, but just give them the inattention they deserve."
The young man studied what he was told to study, and loaded, figuratively, his double-barreled shotgun with anti- "Mormon" ideas, and the first time he fired it off was at one of the two bishops of the wards in Nephi. The bishop laughed and said, "Who has been stuffing you with lies?"
He said, "Those are not lies."
The bishop said, "They are, and I happen to know that some of them are myself."
He told the young man what he knew, and the latter was astonished. He said, "Bishop, can I come down to your house and spend an evening with you?"
"Come right along," answered the bishop. He disobeyed the Reverend Iliff s instructions and went down there, and he spent, not one evening, but many evenings. Finally he said, "Will you kindly loan me your Book of Mormon?" It was loaned to him. "Will you kindly let me have some of your tracts?" And he studied them. Finally he resigned his job of preaching for money for the Methodist Episcopal church, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and went out pitching hay, I think it was, for a living.
Subsequently he was called to go back to his native land on a mission. The first man he called on in Manchester was his former instructor, the minister who had educated him. He was the minister's star pupil. The minister was delighted to see him, and they had a very delightful visit for a little while. Finally he said, "How do you get along with those awful 'Mormons' in Utah?"
"Oh," said the young man, "I get along pretty well with them. They are not half as bad as I thought they were when I went to Utah. I have become acquainted with them, and, do you know there are a great many of their doctrines that I cannot overturn and explain away, and I would be grateful if you would point out the errors in them."
"Why," said the minister, "that will be a pleasure to me. They are almost heathens, those 'Mormons.' They are not Christians at all."
And when the young man commenced showing him our doctrines, and when he started to try pointing out the errors, he got into deep water, and soon began to flounder. Finally he doubled up his fist and shook it at the young man and said, "Look here, look here! I believe you have become one of them."
"Oh, I have," replied the young man, "but if there is anything wrong in their doctrines, if they are not scriptural, if you can show me they are wrong, I am willing to renounce them."
Well, this minister opened the door, and emphatically told the young man to get out before he kicked him out.
The Warm Welcome
I call to mind reading an article (in the Improvement Era) while I was over in Japan, telling of a young man who had become converted and had been baptized. He had graduated from a university and persuaded the elder who baptized him to go with him to his home, saying that he had the finest father and mother who ever lived, a choice man and v a choice woman, none finer in the world, and he knew they would gladly receive the gospel. It was several hundred miles to his home, and the elder got permission from the conference president to go into another part of Scandinavia.
He started with this young man to his home. When they arrived at the railway station, which was several miles from the home, i: was raining hard and there were no vehicles there. The young man having been away for a year or two from his home persuaded the elder, who was about his own size, to walk with him through the rain, despite' the soaking they would get, for he said that as soon as they got home they would have awaiting them some dry clothing, a warm welcome, and a hot meal prepared for them. The young elder said, certainly, he. did not mind getting wet, and that he would put some of the convert's dry clothing on when they arrived at their destination.
Upon their arrival they received a warm welcome. The young man introduced the missionary as his friend, and he was fervently received. The mother immediately started to prepare a warm supper, and the boy, being an enthusiastic convert, could not wait to change his clothes before he blurted out to his father, "Father, congratulate me, I have found the gospel; I have found the plan of life and salvation. I have become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
"What!" said the father, "do you mean to tell me that you have become a 'Mormon'?" "Oh," answered, the young man, "that is a nick name. We believe in the Bible; we also believe in the Book of Mormon. We don't call people 'Bibles' because they believe in the Bible. Why call us 'Mormons' because we believe in the Book of Mormon?"
"Never mind, my son. Are the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the 'Mormon' Church one and the same people?"
"Yes," said the boy, "they are."
"All right," said the father; walking to the door and opening it. He' continued, "My son, go out into the storm. Never darken that door again as long as you live. Choose tonight between father and mother and all ,that I possess [he was a wealthy man] and this hateful religion called 'Mormonism.' Choose this night. I had set my heart upon you making a record worthy of your name. Never darken our door again unless you denounce this thing called 'Mormonism'."
The mother stopped in her cooking, turned deathly pale. The boy turned to his mother, and reaching out his arms, said, "Oh, mother, do you, too, turn me out into the cold and storm, and say, 'never darken my door again, never let me lay eyes on you,' as father has said?"
She replied, "Your father's word is law in this house."
The young man turned to his companion and said, "Come, brother, come!" And they went out into the storm.
He came to Utah and devoted his life to the cause. Finally he went back to his native land and proclaimed the restoration of the gospel to the earth—the plan of life and salvation.
A Prophecy Fulfilled
I was a ruined man financially many years ago. I was somewhat more than one hundred thousand dollars worse off than nothing, and my family did not have homes to live in. My mother's home was mortgaged. I came home one morning at 1 o'clock. I generally worked until eleven, twelve or 1 o'clock trying to earn enough to pay the interest on my debts, and for four long years I had between twenty-five and thirty thousand dollars of debts on which I did not pay a cent of interest. Thank fortune, they were good friends of mine and never asked me for it. Before one of them died he called his ,family to his bedside and said that if they ever asked me for one dollar of that money he would hold it against them when he met them on the other side. On this particular occasion, when I came home at 1 o'clock in the morning, my wife, who is now dead, was sitting up, and she said, "Heber, you do not use tea, coffee, tobacco or liquor, but you are breaking the Word of Wisdom, because of working the way you do, more than if you used tea and coffee; and I am not sure that you are not breaking it more than if you were to use tobacco. It is a crime the way you are abusing yourself—" She stopped suddenly, and was blessed with the gift of tongues, and as she blessed me (I knew she was blessing me, although I could not understand a word of it) I wept for joy. When she got through, she said, "Do you have the interpretation?" I said, "No." We knelt down and prayed for the interpretation, and it was that I should live to cancel every obligation I had; that I should live to have a comfortable, happy home, paid for and free. Three weeks ago next Tuesday I paid the last obligation that I owed on earth, and I have a very nice home and have somewhat more than five hundred dollars in the bank.
I had never been on a mission at that time, but in that same blessing she said, "You shall live to proclaim the gospel in many lands and in many climes." I was subsequently operated on for appendicitis, and the doctor said I had to die. My own family physician asked that I send for my stenographer and tell my last story, for blood poisoning in the third and last stage had set in and I could not possibly live. This was after I had made a bargain with the doctor to tell me whether I should live or die, and if there was one chance in fifty, I would take that one chance and get well; but, if there was no chance at all, for him to tell me so that I could send for my clerk. My wife who blessed me by the gift of tongues, and who afterwards died, visited my wife who is now living, within a few hours after I had made this bargain, and told her that she need not worry, that I was not going to die then, that my mission on the earth was not yet ended. When my wife told me of this manifestation, I remembered the promise made years before by the gift of tongues, that I should live to lift up my voice in many lands and in many ,climes, proclaiming the restoration of the gospel. So I knew that promise would be fulfilled; and when the doctor told me I had to die, as soon as he went out of the room, I commenced laughing, and, turning to my wife, said, "Isn't it wonderful that you and I know more than the doctor, and, although blood poisoning in the third stage has set in, that I do not have to die; that I shall live to fulfil that promise made by the gift of tongues by my wife, who has told you that my mission is not ended."
That operation was performed in 1897. Since then I have lifted up my voice in the Hawaiian Islands, in far-off Japan, in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Mexico, from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, from .the Canadian line clear down to Florida, bearing witness that I know, as I know I live, that God lives; that Jesus is the Christ; that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the true and the living God; that the gospel commonly called "Mormonism" is in very deed the gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ; with every gift, grace, power and blessing that was enjoyed in the former days.
Fox, Ruth May. "A Tribute to President Grant (On his 70th Birthday)." Young Woman's Journal. December 1926. pg. 772.
A Tribute to President Grant
(On his 70th birthday)
Ordained in the heav’ns to preside o’er His people,
His time and his mission forecast of the Lord,
To publish glad tidings, admonish all nations
To turn to their Father and hark to His word.
God’s spokesman to Israel, His love shall inspire him,
His wisdom direct him each hour of the day;
Sleeping or waking may His angels protect him.
His sword go before him to open the way.
How great is his calling, how mighty his Priesthood,
The Gospel he teaches our lives shall defend;
We love him, revere him, our prayers shall sustain him,
Our leader, our prophet, our brother, our friend.
As our brother we love him,
As our prophet, revere him.
As our leader we hail him,
All hail and all hail!
—Ruth May Fox
A Tribute to President Grant
(On his 70th birthday)
Ordained in the heav’ns to preside o’er His people,
His time and his mission forecast of the Lord,
To publish glad tidings, admonish all nations
To turn to their Father and hark to His word.
God’s spokesman to Israel, His love shall inspire him,
His wisdom direct him each hour of the day;
Sleeping or waking may His angels protect him.
His sword go before him to open the way.
How great is his calling, how mighty his Priesthood,
The Gospel he teaches our lives shall defend;
We love him, revere him, our prayers shall sustain him,
Our leader, our prophet, our brother, our friend.
As our brother we love him,
As our prophet, revere him.
As our leader we hail him,
All hail and all hail!
—Ruth May Fox
Richards, Lula Green. "To President Heber J. Grant on His Seventieth Birthday." Relief Society Magazine. January 1927. pg. 1.
To President Heber J. Grant on his Seventieth Birthday, Monday, November 22, 1926
Lula Greene Richards
To the seventh of God's modern prophets and seers:
Saints and friends come to honor your seventy years.
Grandmothers in Israel, we come today,
Like small, trusting children, devotion to pay.
May you live in the flesh and his Prophet be known
When Jesus our Savior shall come to his own.
In your life may all promised blessings combine,
Of Doctrine and Covenants—part eighty-nine.
And all who consider you seek so to live
As to gain all the blessings those promises give.
As thousands will greet you, each one should be brief;
So, hail and good day, our dear Leader and Chief.
Our love and our prayers for you daily extend,
God bless you forever, our brother and friend.
(Seventy-seven last April—seven years and seven months your senior—a lot of sevens.)
The sentiments in the above poem are heartily and happily endorsed by Zina Y. Card, Persis L. Y. Richards, Alma E. W. Felt, Naomi Dowden, Ellis R. Shipp, Minerva R. Knowlton, Catherine H. K. Hammer and thousands of other women in Israel.
To President Heber J. Grant on his Seventieth Birthday, Monday, November 22, 1926
Lula Greene Richards
To the seventh of God's modern prophets and seers:
Saints and friends come to honor your seventy years.
Grandmothers in Israel, we come today,
Like small, trusting children, devotion to pay.
May you live in the flesh and his Prophet be known
When Jesus our Savior shall come to his own.
In your life may all promised blessings combine,
Of Doctrine and Covenants—part eighty-nine.
And all who consider you seek so to live
As to gain all the blessings those promises give.
As thousands will greet you, each one should be brief;
So, hail and good day, our dear Leader and Chief.
Our love and our prayers for you daily extend,
God bless you forever, our brother and friend.
(Seventy-seven last April—seven years and seven months your senior—a lot of sevens.)
The sentiments in the above poem are heartily and happily endorsed by Zina Y. Card, Persis L. Y. Richards, Alma E. W. Felt, Naomi Dowden, Ellis R. Shipp, Minerva R. Knowlton, Catherine H. K. Hammer and thousands of other women in Israel.
"President Heber J. Grant--Birthday Greetings." Improvement Era. November 1929. pg. 13.
President Heber J. Grant AS a husband and father, and a real friend to the widow and orphan, and as head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Heber J. Grant has ever been a consistent, faithful Latter-day Saint. He is a strong advocate of the Gospel of the Messiah by precept and by example. His life is an open book. He is much beloved of his people. The Council of the Twelve join with the multitudes of his other friends and admirers in wishing him health and happiness and many returns of his natal day. Rudger Clawson, in behalf of the Council of the Twelve. SEVENTY-THREE years of unusual energy and great usefulness crown the abundant life of President Grant. Fatherless almost from birth, but blessed with a Spartan mother, he early developed self-reliance and persistence. A business man in his teens, an apostle of the Lord at twenty-six years —he has long exercised a constructive influence in the financial and spiritual affairs of the community and the Church at large. Generous in spirit as well as with means, devoted to the advancement of the Church, blessed with direct, clear inspiration, he magnifies his exalted position. May the coming years bring him fulness of joy! — Sylvester Q. Cannon, for the Presiding Bishopric. I AM allotted seventy words in which to express an appreciation of President Heber J. Grant. The space is not sufficient to say the fullness of one's heart for one's friend, or to give in faintest outline an estimate of his character. I shall not make the attempt. Rather I name one shining quality I know him to possess—the keynote to the harmony of him. That keynote word is sincerity, the crowning glory of many virtues, without which there would really be no virtues and no glory. President Grant above all things else is a sincere man; and for that, among many other things, we admire and love him. — B. H. Roberts, representing the First Council of Seventy. WE are happy today to congratulate President Grant on the approach of the anniversary of his birthday. We trust that the health he has enjoyed during the years of his presidency will continue, and that the blessings of the Lord may ever attend him. There has never been a time when the strong, vibrant testimony that the President bears has been more necessary to the spiritual welfare of the people over whom he presides than the present. We are grateful for the example of his life and for his valiant testimony. May he yet live many years, to inspire and guide the ever-increasing group of people who recognize him as their spiritual leader. — General Board of Relief Societies. THE General Boards of the Mutual Improvement Associations extend to you their hearty congratulations and birthday greetings. As the Lord has preserved and blessed you in the past for your great service to his people, so may health and happiness be yours to the end of your days. May wisdom and inspiration continue to flow from your lips and your administration be crowned with success. Quoting the words of the Lord to Joshua, as being a fitting injunction to yourself: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." PRESIDENT GRANT has always been a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom, to which fact he attributes his excellent health. He has also been conscientious, upright, and honorable in all things, which has given him a peace of mind conducive to physical and mental welfare. The Latter-day Saints sincerely believe that he is divinely called to lead the Church; that God has a special work for him to do, for which he has been, and is, the recipient of blessings to enable him to do this work. The General Church Board of Education wishes and prays for a continuation to him of vigorous health, divine favors and a prolonged life. WE esteem it an honor to serve under your presidency and to devote ourselves to the cause to which you have given so generously of your time, treasure and talent. That all Latter-day Saints may with faith and works remember your birthday every year in. ways which will accomplish for the Church and' the Saints all your heart desires is our prayer for you. — Deseret Sunday School Union. THE birth of President Heber J. Grant was the climax of a great life drama, and the commencement of a marvelous mission. The men and' women who gave him life were descended from the Quakers of New Jersey, the Puritans of New England and the noblest families of Europe. Almost miraculous it is that the only child of a widowed! mother convert, should be preserved to become a savior in the house of her fathers. With all his manifold cares, he is today, by the power of his example in research and temple work, our most impressive teacher. All members of the Genealogical Society of Utah unite in assuring him of our love, our appreciation, and our determination to emulate his example. TO our beloved Prophet President, Heber J. Grant, we extend sincere birthday greetings. We know of the integrity of his life—both his words and his works bear solemn witness of it. We know of his devotion to the work of the Lord, both at home and abroad. We honor him for his humility; we admire him for his fearlessness. He is honored by the Lord and by his fellow-men. Little children love him. Our prayers are with him. We wish him health, prosperity and many more years as leader in Israel. — The General. Board of Primary Associations. PRESIDENT GRANT'S birthday occurs on November 22. More than one hundred stake presidents and their counselors, a thousand bishops and those associated with them, high councils, missionaries in almost every civilized country, officers of Priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, and indeed the entire membership of the Church would gladly have added their good wishes to those expressed herein had space permitted. |
Hinckley, Bryant S. "Greatness in Men--President Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. October 1931. pg. 701-703, 733.
Greatness in Men—President Heber J. Grant By Bryant S. Hinckley President of Liberty Stake “Real glory springs from the silent conquest of ourselves.”—Thompson. PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT was born in Salt Lake City. Nov. 22, 1856. On June 10, 1875, when the first Y. M. M. I. A. was organized he was selected as one of the counselors. He became president of the Tooele stake in October, 1880. Was ordained an Apostle, October 16, 1882. He led the first company of missionaries of this Church into Japan, leaving Salt Lake July 24, 1901. From January, 1904 to December, 1906, he presided over the European mission, and in the discharge of his duties traveled extensively in the British Isles and also in most of the continental countries. President Joseph F. Smith died on November 19, 1918, and on November 23rd, Heber J. Grant was chosen by the Council of the Twelve to become president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT meets the human standards of leadership, and measures up to the divine office which he holds and honors. Seventy- five years ago this November he was born in a comfortable home on Main Street, when Salt Lake City was in its infancy, and for sixty years he has been a distinguished figure in this community. Had he been born in any other free land he would have risen to eminence because he has the inherent qualities that win confidence and secure recognition. His achievements are not accidental; they are not due to anything magical. No fortunate combination of circumstances have made Heber J. Grant; he has paid in honest coin the price of his success. His career is built upon a sound foundation. He deserves all that he has. On the occasion of his seventieth anniversary his immediate colleagues each wrote a sentiment descriptive of the President, and this is a composite of that collection: "A man full of faith in God, full of love for his fellow men, sympathetic, generous and charitable, direct, frank and truthful, courageous, sagacious, and persevering, punctual, practical and energetic, a splendid organizer, and above all, a real man." THIS is a tribute from men who know him best, who have lived and labored with him longest. A fair analysis of his character would confirm what is said here, accent some of the qualities mentioned, and add others. Such virtues as loyalty, industry, and friendship could well be added and the words, generous, charitable, direct, frank, truthful, persevering, practical, and energetic should be heavily underscored. All of these qualities are embedded in a deep spirituality which has given direction and effectiveness to the dynamic energy which is so characteristic of the man. Denied many of the advantages of schooling himself, he has all his life been a most generous patron of education. His soul responds to the beautiful, he loves music, fosters art, gives of his bounty to the needy, is charitable to the poor, generous to his friends, loving and affectionate to his family. HIS father, Jedediah M. Grant, first mayor of Salt Lake City, and counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, himself an impassioned preacher of righteousness, died when the President was nine days old. His mother, Rachel Ivins Grant, left without visible means of support, met this hard situation with a resignation and courage which bespeaks a great soul. She was a woman of initiative and independence of character, possessing at the same time a poise, dignity, and sweetness of the rarest kind. Without complaint, she took up her burden, made an independent living for herself and her boy by such humble tasks as sewing and keeping boarders. Their surroundings were hard but wholesome. These hard surroundings seemed to give luster to the shining qualities of this boy's character. These were really great days for him. He had all that S. S. McClure said he hoped to bequeath to his children; 'The advantages of poverty." He learned very early in life that if anything came to him it would be the result of his own effort. In that humble home his soul was touched with the expanding power of a radiant and conquering faith. THERE filtered into his boyish heart the assurance that great things can be accomplished in the world if one only believes and goes steadfastly forward. That is the foundation on which great men operate. Some philosopher said: "The young man who receives a windfall spends the remainder of his days watching the wind." Watching the wind was not his occupation. At an early age he was "dreaming dreams and seeing visions" of what he would do in the future, of how he would compensate his mother for her sacrificial devotion to him, how he would restore the fortunes of his father's house. What infinite responsibilities were in those dim visions? Before he had reached his teens his ambition was stirred, his spirit set on fire with a resolute determination to, not only provide amply for his mother, but to do things for himself which would make her proud. This conviction fixed in his youthful mind, forced him, while yet a boy, to seek a place in the affairs of men. Consequently, at an age when most boys are living in sheltered ease, this boy was doing a man's work, carrying a man's responsibilities, and thinking in terms of men. His rise in the world of affairs was swift and dramatic, but merited. His brilliant mind, the sterling qualities of his character, his great industry, his matchless continuity of effort soon impressed those who employed him, and the boy who, but yesterday blacked the boots of his mother's boarders, today stood on the threshold of a financial career that promised to eclipse any of his associates old or young. That which the world holds as its greatest prize seemed within his easy grasp. There was a dash and confidence and brilliancy about his adventures that challenged the admiration of men of great financial power in the world. It is only fair to assume that if he had continued to devote his time and great talents to the accumulation of wealth, he would not only have amassed a fortune, but would have found a place among the financial magnates of the world. Greater things were in store for him. At the age of twenty-four he was called to be the president of the Tooele stake of Zion, the youngest man to be called to a position of this kind. This was a new field for him. He was without experience in public speaking and untrained in the administrative duties of this responsible office. However, he brought to this calling his characteristic zeal and energy. Two years later he was called to the apostleship. YES, he had worldly ambitions, he had dreams unfulfilled, aspirations unrealized. He laid down his worldly ambitions, accepted the service of his Church, and gave to it his wholehearted devotion, a devotion unsurpassed, and today he is a distinguished member of that small but noble company of men whom the people of this Church honor as prophets and leaders. That decision was vital. Great causes make great men. No man ever gave his sincere, wholehearted allegiance to "Mormonism" who did not grow as a result of it. President Grant's life is a confirmation of this. Notwithstanding the exalted office which he holds, his native simplicity makes him easily approachable and delightfully companionable. At the same time he has an unstudied dignity that would attract attention in any society. All this is enhanced by a keen sense of humor—enjoying a good story and always able to tell one. If you were to interrogate his most intimate friends as to his outstanding characteristic, they would reply without hesitation, "His generosity and kindness." If asked for specific cases, they would as quickly reply, "too numerous to mention." If opportunity to testify were given to all who have been the recipients of his generosity, what a company of people from all walks of life would rise to bless his name! HE is indeed a "cheerful giver." His generosity is princely. Where most men fall down he rises brilliantly. He cares less for money than any man that is interested in making it that we know. One of his intimate and life long friends, has this to say: "His name was never lacking in any good cause, whether it was saving a financial institution to preserve the good name of his friends, starting a Liberty Loan drive, or keeping a poor widow's roof over her head. (A chapter could be written on this subject). The signature of Heber J. Grant, like the name of Abou Ben Adam, 'led all the rest'." There is no discoverable motive in all his giving; he gives because he loves to,—it seems to be just the impulse of a great and generous heart. He is supreme in his generosity, a shining example of un- selfishness. There is always something beautiful about a pure desire to give. The Apostle Paul says, "For God loveth a cheerful giver." HEBER J. GRANT must stand high in the affections of his Maker. Notwithstanding his many and munificent gifts, the most serviceable gift he has given to his family, his friends, his people, is his self-governed, self-disciplined will, his inwardly triumphant and victorious personality. In the final analysis, that is the most serviceable gift that any man can give to the world. "Real glory springs from the silent conquest of ourselves." Mild and gentle at home, he is fearless in his fight for the right. He never surrenders; no matter how deeply engulfed, he never remains submerged, he does not give up. Failure in any moral issue only whets his determination. When his financial moorings were swept from under him, when his. health was shattered, when failure and disaster faced him on all sides. he did not capitulate; his indomitable spirit bid defiance to all these foes and with colossal courage he vanquished them. He preserved his honor, restored his standing, and at seventy-five is a better physical risk than at thirty-five. Today he carries confidently, gracefully and reverently the greatest responsibility he has ever borne. You cannot keep a good man down when he has the valor and fighting spirit of the President. Buried beneath difficulties from which most men could never rise he comes forth to new conquests, to new victories. All glory to his grit! He never quits, never furls his battle flag. HIS life is an inspiration to every boy. He dreamed dreams and translated them into glorious realities. Most of us dream but we lack that intangible, indefinable, dynamic something to make our deeds larger and brighter than our dreams. The story of some of his achievements as a boy can never die, they will endure forever as noble traditions among this people. They deserve a place in the school books of the land where boys may forever learn by example the vital lessons of patience and persistence, without which nothing worthwhile can be accomplished in this world. Where is there a better example of these virtues? Whether it was playing marbles, playing ball, writing copies, building sugar factories, no matter what or how difficult, he achieved his end. He necessarily does much public speaking. No one ever sleeps while h e speaks. His clear, penetrating voice carries to the remotest corners of the great tabernacle. He has a direct, vigorous, and interesting style with a wealth of apt illustrations. There is nothing laborious or ponderous about It. Fearless and unsparing in his denunciation of evil and evil doers, he is quick to heal any wounds that may have been unjustly inflicted. This passage which he often quotes is descriptive of the President: "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy." Valiant in his testimony, no one who listens to him ever questions his sincerity—always aggressive for the truth, always militant for righteousness. In his inspired moods he has a thrilling, passionate earnestness about his preaching that springs from the deepest convictions. The Gospel of the Master has always been his inspiration and his guide. It is a practical reality with him, reaching into the details of his daily life. "Mormonism" as revealed in his life is not a doctrine in cold storage, it is not some, abstract thing, it means action, not diction, a way of life, not just a glorious theory. He never preaches any doctrine that he does not first practice. The depth and tenderness of heart is best revealed in his attitude toward his mother and his family. His affection for his mother was beautiful. In this he has given an example of filial devotion which will shine forever as a proof of his nobility. His mother was worthy of the love he so tenderly bestowed upon her. If a boy ever had reason to be proud of a widowed mother, he had, and he was. Nor is his devotion to his family less beautiful. HIS present wife, Augusta Winters Grant, possesses much the same unruffled serenity as the President's mother possessed. She won the enduring affection of his motherless children, to whom she has always given the same loving consideration that she has bestowed upon her own daughter. Her temperament and training have enabled her almost perfectly to complement his life. Without apparent effort she has in every way sustained the dignity of his great office as President of the Church. He has no surviving sons, but nine brilliant and accomplished daughters, one deceased, who reflect in their lives the ability and capacity of their father for doing major things. They are all married and their husbands are able and exemplary men. These women understand the fine art of home-making, their homes are the centers of culture and refinement from which radiate those intangible influences which make the world secure and beautiful. A deep and flawless faith has not only inspired him to great endeavor but sustained him in every vicissitude of life. When his head was bowed with sorrow over the loss of his only boys, when his heart strings were wrung with anguish over the death of his beloved companions, no murmur escaped his lips-—-he is indeed a man of faith. THERE is an impregnable honesty, an intrinsic love of truth and justice about President Grant that makes sham and pretense impossible. No spectrum analysis of his character could reveal a trace of deception. He is sound to the center. His life is an open book, a record of service to others. Noble in appearance, dignified in manner, clear in his thinking, courageous in his convictions, kind and sympathetic toward the unfortunate, magnificent in his generosity, supreme in his continuity, gentle towards all women and little children, he is indeed a real man. |
The Red Stocking Baseball Team State Champions wore than half a century ago.
Alexander Watson, Richard P. Morris, David C. Dunbar, Gronway Parry, Heber J. Grant, Oliver Bess, Joseph Barlow, Allie Barker, Wm. George. Heber J. Grant and Augusta Winters at the age of 16.
Birthplace of Heber Jeddy Grant.
Heber and Augusta, aged 20.
Heber Jeddy Grant as a baby.
Augusta Winters Grant about the time of her marriage.
Heber J. Grant as he was in middle age.
|
"President Heber J. Grant Fifteen Years of Successful Presidency." Instructor. November 1933. pg. 491-492.
President Heber J. Grant Completes Fifteen Years of Successful Presidency
November holds at least two important days in the life of President Heber J. Grant. First, November 22, 1856, was the eventful day that ushered him into this mortal life; second, on the 23rd, in 1918, just fifteen years ago, he became President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Since President Grant began his administration great changes have occurred in the history of the world. Only a few days before beginning his duties as president, came the end of the greatest war the world has ever seen. Since that day the attitude of the peoples of the world toward the Church has undergone a wonderful change. Much of the old prejudice against the Saints has disappeared; and President Grant, by his travels and associations with the leaders of public opinion in America, has been a large factor in this happy consummation.
Within the Church great progress has been made. The first century closed with great spiritual refreshment, and colorful demonstrations. New stakes and wards, new missions and branches have been established in various parts of the world; Ward and Stake houses have been built and enlarged on a scale never before attempted; genealogy and temple work have progressed by leaps and bounds. President Grant having dedicated three temples. The Priesthood Quorums of the Church have taken their place in the sun; the auxiliary associations arc moving forward under the direction of the Priesthood, with renewed energy and efficiency, each with a better understanding of its special field of labor. While the number of missionaries has recently been reduced, by the utilization of local Saints very successful work is being done, and many converts have been baptized into the Church of Christ. And so we might continue enumerating many more of the eventful happenings of the last fifteen years, all making for the success and progress of this great Latter- day work.
The Sunday School Union numbering over 330,000, congratulates President Grant on his approaching anniversaries, and wishes him many more years of health, happiness and prosperity.
President Heber J. Grant Completes Fifteen Years of Successful Presidency
November holds at least two important days in the life of President Heber J. Grant. First, November 22, 1856, was the eventful day that ushered him into this mortal life; second, on the 23rd, in 1918, just fifteen years ago, he became President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Since President Grant began his administration great changes have occurred in the history of the world. Only a few days before beginning his duties as president, came the end of the greatest war the world has ever seen. Since that day the attitude of the peoples of the world toward the Church has undergone a wonderful change. Much of the old prejudice against the Saints has disappeared; and President Grant, by his travels and associations with the leaders of public opinion in America, has been a large factor in this happy consummation.
Within the Church great progress has been made. The first century closed with great spiritual refreshment, and colorful demonstrations. New stakes and wards, new missions and branches have been established in various parts of the world; Ward and Stake houses have been built and enlarged on a scale never before attempted; genealogy and temple work have progressed by leaps and bounds. President Grant having dedicated three temples. The Priesthood Quorums of the Church have taken their place in the sun; the auxiliary associations arc moving forward under the direction of the Priesthood, with renewed energy and efficiency, each with a better understanding of its special field of labor. While the number of missionaries has recently been reduced, by the utilization of local Saints very successful work is being done, and many converts have been baptized into the Church of Christ. And so we might continue enumerating many more of the eventful happenings of the last fifteen years, all making for the success and progress of this great Latter- day work.
The Sunday School Union numbering over 330,000, congratulates President Grant on his approaching anniversaries, and wishes him many more years of health, happiness and prosperity.
"President Heber J. Grant's Testimony." Instructor. November 1933. pg. 492-493.
President Heber J. Grant's Testimony
(Address given at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. Utah, October 8. 1933. Broadcasted over KSL.)
I have been thrilled with our program tonight. I am very grateful indeed for the marvelous accomplishment of the Deseret Sunday School Union and the thousands of teachers who are laboring in our Sunday Schools. I call to mind reading away back fifty years ago an article entitled, "The Decay of Protestantism," in which it was stated that 1500 adult members in a great church in New York could not secure one hundred Sunday School children. I am grateful when I realize that we have fully 1500% in comparison with 300,000 enrolled in our Sunday Schools.
We have had a lesson here tonight that will be lasting. There is no question that impressions made upon the eye are much more lasting than those made upon the ear; by seeing these young people in their classes, hearing from the little children to the mature people giving their testimonies.
In my heart there is a deep debt of gratitude to George Goddard and the officers of the Thirteenth Ward Sunday School, which I attended as a child. There is a debt of gratitude that will never be forgotten to my teacher in the Book of Mormon class, Hamilton G. Park, afterward the patriarch of the Ensign Stake of Zion, a man of faith, of integrity, of devotion, a natural missionary who had filled two missions to Scotland, a man who related incidents in his own life, inspiring and faith-promoting in their nature, that made an everlasting impression upon my heart. I shall never get over being grateful to this man. I think the main accomplishments in the battle of life come from the impressions made upon our minds in our youth. If we live clean and pure lives, those impressions will be our inspiration as the years come and go; and I realize that the impressions made upon me as a boy, as a young man, in the Sunday School, have been of great value. I have often said in public, that I received a testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon when I read it as a young man, prayerfully, humbly, praying to God to give to me a testimony of its divinity. I fell in love with Nephi, and more than any other character in sacred history or in secular history that I have ever read about, Nephi made the greatest impression upon my mind. I have endeavored more perfectly to follow his example, to believe absolutely that there was no labor that the Lord might require at my hands but that he would give to me the power and the strength to perform that labor. I shall never forget the statement of Nephi to his father when he was told by his father that the Lord had commanded that he, Nephi, and his brethren should return to Jerusalem. He said: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." I have felt my own weakness in the position that I have occupied as the President of the Church. When I think of Joseph Smith, of Brigham Young, of John Taylor, of Wilford Woodruff, of Lorenzo Snow, of Joseph F. Smith, I feel my own insignificance, but with the faith that was inspired in me by reading the history of Nephi and by hearing the inspiring statements and of the wonderful manifestations of God to Hamilton G. Park, I feel that I shall be able in the providences of the Lord, standing at the head of the Church of Christ, to accomplish anything that the Lord may desire me to accomplish. I am grateful for the perfect and absolute support that has come to me as President of the Church from my counselor, Anthon H. Lund, one of the wisest, one of the finest men that it was ever my lot to be associated with. When I was in far-off Japan, I said to the elders that were with me, "If President Joseph F. Smith (we had just received a cablegram announcing the death of President Lorenzo Snow)—if President Joseph F. Smith shall choose to my mind the best informed, the wisest, the best posted, and one of the truest and finest men I ever knew, to be his counselor, he will choose Anthon H. Lund." The three elders with me said, "Well, who will be the other counselor?" I said, "My mind is a perfect blank as to who the other will be—and of course I do not know whether President Smith will choose Anthon H. Lund or not, but I am only expressing my opinion." When the word came that he had chosen John R. Winder I could not refrain from shedding tears of exquisite joy, because John R. Winder was the truest and the best friend I ever had in my days of financial distress, which lasted for nearly twenty long years. He never signed a note for any individual, for any corporation, or for himself, and yet he, with other friends, signed my note for $10,000, without security, and another one with a friend for $13,800 when the security was only worth $9,000; and when I wanted a renewal, the other endorser declined, and Brother Winder said, "Try and get another endorser, and failing, I will go to the bank and borrow the money and loan it to you myself."
I will close by bearing my testimony. I have had the pleasure of bearing it in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south, in Japan, in the Hawaiian Islands, — that I do know that God lives; that I do know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Redeemer of mankind; that I do know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the true and the living God, and that Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith were prophets of the true and the living God. I was very intimately associated with all of those men, except the Prophet Joseph Smith. God help me and help you and every person who has a knowledge of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged to so order our lives that our every act,—our honesty, and integrity may bear witness of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, that others may be led to investigate the message that we have to bear to them. This is my humble and sincere prayer, and I ask it in all humility and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior. Amen.
President Heber J. Grant's Testimony
(Address given at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. Utah, October 8. 1933. Broadcasted over KSL.)
I have been thrilled with our program tonight. I am very grateful indeed for the marvelous accomplishment of the Deseret Sunday School Union and the thousands of teachers who are laboring in our Sunday Schools. I call to mind reading away back fifty years ago an article entitled, "The Decay of Protestantism," in which it was stated that 1500 adult members in a great church in New York could not secure one hundred Sunday School children. I am grateful when I realize that we have fully 1500% in comparison with 300,000 enrolled in our Sunday Schools.
We have had a lesson here tonight that will be lasting. There is no question that impressions made upon the eye are much more lasting than those made upon the ear; by seeing these young people in their classes, hearing from the little children to the mature people giving their testimonies.
In my heart there is a deep debt of gratitude to George Goddard and the officers of the Thirteenth Ward Sunday School, which I attended as a child. There is a debt of gratitude that will never be forgotten to my teacher in the Book of Mormon class, Hamilton G. Park, afterward the patriarch of the Ensign Stake of Zion, a man of faith, of integrity, of devotion, a natural missionary who had filled two missions to Scotland, a man who related incidents in his own life, inspiring and faith-promoting in their nature, that made an everlasting impression upon my heart. I shall never get over being grateful to this man. I think the main accomplishments in the battle of life come from the impressions made upon our minds in our youth. If we live clean and pure lives, those impressions will be our inspiration as the years come and go; and I realize that the impressions made upon me as a boy, as a young man, in the Sunday School, have been of great value. I have often said in public, that I received a testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon when I read it as a young man, prayerfully, humbly, praying to God to give to me a testimony of its divinity. I fell in love with Nephi, and more than any other character in sacred history or in secular history that I have ever read about, Nephi made the greatest impression upon my mind. I have endeavored more perfectly to follow his example, to believe absolutely that there was no labor that the Lord might require at my hands but that he would give to me the power and the strength to perform that labor. I shall never forget the statement of Nephi to his father when he was told by his father that the Lord had commanded that he, Nephi, and his brethren should return to Jerusalem. He said: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." I have felt my own weakness in the position that I have occupied as the President of the Church. When I think of Joseph Smith, of Brigham Young, of John Taylor, of Wilford Woodruff, of Lorenzo Snow, of Joseph F. Smith, I feel my own insignificance, but with the faith that was inspired in me by reading the history of Nephi and by hearing the inspiring statements and of the wonderful manifestations of God to Hamilton G. Park, I feel that I shall be able in the providences of the Lord, standing at the head of the Church of Christ, to accomplish anything that the Lord may desire me to accomplish. I am grateful for the perfect and absolute support that has come to me as President of the Church from my counselor, Anthon H. Lund, one of the wisest, one of the finest men that it was ever my lot to be associated with. When I was in far-off Japan, I said to the elders that were with me, "If President Joseph F. Smith (we had just received a cablegram announcing the death of President Lorenzo Snow)—if President Joseph F. Smith shall choose to my mind the best informed, the wisest, the best posted, and one of the truest and finest men I ever knew, to be his counselor, he will choose Anthon H. Lund." The three elders with me said, "Well, who will be the other counselor?" I said, "My mind is a perfect blank as to who the other will be—and of course I do not know whether President Smith will choose Anthon H. Lund or not, but I am only expressing my opinion." When the word came that he had chosen John R. Winder I could not refrain from shedding tears of exquisite joy, because John R. Winder was the truest and the best friend I ever had in my days of financial distress, which lasted for nearly twenty long years. He never signed a note for any individual, for any corporation, or for himself, and yet he, with other friends, signed my note for $10,000, without security, and another one with a friend for $13,800 when the security was only worth $9,000; and when I wanted a renewal, the other endorser declined, and Brother Winder said, "Try and get another endorser, and failing, I will go to the bank and borrow the money and loan it to you myself."
I will close by bearing my testimony. I have had the pleasure of bearing it in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south, in Japan, in the Hawaiian Islands, — that I do know that God lives; that I do know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Redeemer of mankind; that I do know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the true and the living God, and that Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith were prophets of the true and the living God. I was very intimately associated with all of those men, except the Prophet Joseph Smith. God help me and help you and every person who has a knowledge of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged to so order our lives that our every act,—our honesty, and integrity may bear witness of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, that others may be led to investigate the message that we have to bear to them. This is my humble and sincere prayer, and I ask it in all humility and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior. Amen.
Grant, Heber J. "Interesting Reminiscences." Instructor. February 1935. pg. 46-47, 71.
Interesting Reminiscences
As Told by President Heber J. Grant at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, October 7, 1934
I shall always remember with deep gratitude my first interview with President Brigham Young. Born on Main Street where the Z. C. M. I. store now stands during my childhood and young manhood also, I had a great deal of sleigh riding I would run out and jump on the back of a sleigh and ride a block and drop off again and walk home. As a little child I happened to jump on the back of the sleigh of President Brigham Young I feel sure I was not over five years old, and I had enough sense that I dared not let go; the team was going so fast. Brother Brigham, I am sure, believed there would be horses after he was dead, so he generally drove a very fine pair I held on to that sleigh for I am sure a mile or two, till we came to the first stream from the canyon, and as they were going through the slush there he said to his driver, whose name was Isaac Wilson, "Stop, Brother Isaac," and he stopped. "Pick up that child"— I wasn't a boy, only a child. I hadn't yet grown to boyhood—"put him under the buffalo robe; he is nearly frozen."
"Now," he said, "my little boy, you don't need to worry; I am going to take you for a nice long sleigh ride, and I am going to take you home."
After a while he said, "Are you warm?”
I said, "Yes."
"What is your name?"
I told him.
He said, "I knew your father and I loved him much — one of my dearest friends. My little child, I want you to grow up to be a good man like your father. Say to your mamma, in two or three months from now to send you up to have a visit with Brother Brigham Young "
Well, my mother washed my face good and clean, I am sure and dressed me up in my best “bib and tucker” and sent me up to see Brother Brigham. He recognized me as soon as I came in his office. He chatted with me very pleasantly and said. Now, I want you to come up and have prayers with us. When you hear my bell ring for prayers at night I want you to come up and join us in prayers. And many is the time that when I would hear that bell I would run through the back gate and through the lot of George A. Smith and across the street into the Lion House. I heard somebody today—I have forgot ten which of the speakers—speaking about listening to a prayer that impressed him with the personality of God be cause it seemed so real and like the prayer was speaking to God, a person, I can bear witness that upon one or two occasions, Brigham Young’s prayers seemed to me as a child to be so personal that I opened my eyes and turned around to look to see if the Lord was not there, I expected to see him. That was my first profound impression of the personality of God—that prayer.
I was very familiar with Brigham Young from then until his death. He inspired me with a perfect confidence; he inspired me with that sincerity that Brother Pack has just been speaking about. Such a thing as that there could be a lack of absolute confidence and belief in anything he ever said to me never crossed my mind for a minute from the time I was a little child till the time that I was nearly twenty-one, when he died, I remember very distinctly that as a young man not quite reaching my majority I felt no hesitancy in approaching him. It was in August, and I was not 21 until the following November, when I was elected assistant cashier of Zion's Savings Bank, a very small institution. I opened it promptly at 10 o'clock in the morning and closed it promptly at 3, and took my lunch. I was not only the assistant cashier but I was the janitor and the paying and receiving teller and the book-keeper and the note clerk. And the business was so extensive (?) that I spent about half of that five hours talking insurance to the depositors. And on Thursdays—^that is when we held our fast meetings—I put a sign on the door, "Gone to Fast Meeting." As I recall it, Z. C. M. I. used to close for fast meeting. The cashier never came in the bank. He was one of the great men of our city, and to add prestige to the little bank, his name was there as cashier. Two or three days after my election, I went up to the President's office. I met the President just coming out of his office door, and I said, "As you know. President Young, I was elected the assistant cashier of Zion's Savings Bank the other day, and I find I have to give a bond of $25,000 vouching for my honesty, and it struck me that it would be very appropriate for the president of the bank to sign the assistant cashier's bond, and so I have come up for your signature."
He laughed and said, 'Well, Heber, I don't see how in the world I could get out of it; I have said so many good things about you and recommended you so highly at the directors' meeting, they will accuse me of not telling the truth if I am not willing to sign your bond. I will have Brother Jack make it out, and I will be pleased to sign it. I have had a very strenuous day, and I am just going for a nice long ride." His carriage was waiting for him.
He came home with what was called "inflammation of the bowels," and I am convinced from my own personal experience that what he had was appendicitis. A short time after—a couple of days, as I remember it—everybody was full of joy and satisfaction because all pain had left him and he was on the high road to recovery. The appendix had undoubtedly broken.
I have always been grateful that I had this association with President Young, because it gave me a perfect confidence in the man, and perfect love for him; and where there is perfect love in our hearts for individuals, if we hear slander or stories about these individuals, it makes no impression upon our minds.
As you all know, it fell to my lot to become in my youth (at not quite 26 years of age) one of the apostles, and therefore intimately associated every week with John Taylor, until he had to take the underground on account of the great wave of persecution that swept over the country. I knew where he was hiding all the time, and was intimately associated with him while he was on the underground, and had many very important meetings.
Of course, when I became an apostle, Wilford Woodruff, the man regarding whose great labors the pageant was given here the other night, the greatest converter of men to the divinity of the work in which we are engaged that has ever lived; one of the most diligent, faithful workers that has ever lived; was the president of the quorum when I became a member; and a more godlike man I am sure never lived; a man who fulfilled in every particular that feeling to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things, in joy, in sorrow, in prosperity or adversity; a most marvelous and wonderful man. If he ever had an enemy in the world, I never heard of it.
One of the remarkable men was his successor, coming to the presidency of the Church when he was 85 years of age, and in the short period of three years lifting the Church from the bondage of debt to almost a perfect financial freedom. I think it was some celebrated doctor who is supposed to have remarked that a man who did not amount to anything after he was forty ought to be chloroformed when he was sixty. It may be that the man never said it; I have read lots of things in the newspapers attributed to me that I have never said and do not believe. So it may be that this celebrated doctor did not say that. But when you realize that Lorenzo Snow was 85 years of age when he came to the presidency, when you realize that in the three years of his presidency his accomplishments were little less than marvelous, it shows that God can inspire and bless men with great and superior wisdom, no matter how old they are. Many was the time that I had to turn my head to keep from laughing in the presence of Brother Penrose, who, when he was 90 years of age and some man was recommended at 75 years old would say, "Too old; too old; get a younger man."
I have enjoyed this meeting here tonight immensely. I earnestly and sincerely pray that God's choicest blessings may attend the superintendency and all the members of the general board, and all the teachers and all the pupils in this great institution. I am convinced that no other people in all the world in the same numbers have anything to compare with our Sunday Schools. God bless you all, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
Interesting Reminiscences
As Told by President Heber J. Grant at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, October 7, 1934
I shall always remember with deep gratitude my first interview with President Brigham Young. Born on Main Street where the Z. C. M. I. store now stands during my childhood and young manhood also, I had a great deal of sleigh riding I would run out and jump on the back of a sleigh and ride a block and drop off again and walk home. As a little child I happened to jump on the back of the sleigh of President Brigham Young I feel sure I was not over five years old, and I had enough sense that I dared not let go; the team was going so fast. Brother Brigham, I am sure, believed there would be horses after he was dead, so he generally drove a very fine pair I held on to that sleigh for I am sure a mile or two, till we came to the first stream from the canyon, and as they were going through the slush there he said to his driver, whose name was Isaac Wilson, "Stop, Brother Isaac," and he stopped. "Pick up that child"— I wasn't a boy, only a child. I hadn't yet grown to boyhood—"put him under the buffalo robe; he is nearly frozen."
"Now," he said, "my little boy, you don't need to worry; I am going to take you for a nice long sleigh ride, and I am going to take you home."
After a while he said, "Are you warm?”
I said, "Yes."
"What is your name?"
I told him.
He said, "I knew your father and I loved him much — one of my dearest friends. My little child, I want you to grow up to be a good man like your father. Say to your mamma, in two or three months from now to send you up to have a visit with Brother Brigham Young "
Well, my mother washed my face good and clean, I am sure and dressed me up in my best “bib and tucker” and sent me up to see Brother Brigham. He recognized me as soon as I came in his office. He chatted with me very pleasantly and said. Now, I want you to come up and have prayers with us. When you hear my bell ring for prayers at night I want you to come up and join us in prayers. And many is the time that when I would hear that bell I would run through the back gate and through the lot of George A. Smith and across the street into the Lion House. I heard somebody today—I have forgot ten which of the speakers—speaking about listening to a prayer that impressed him with the personality of God be cause it seemed so real and like the prayer was speaking to God, a person, I can bear witness that upon one or two occasions, Brigham Young’s prayers seemed to me as a child to be so personal that I opened my eyes and turned around to look to see if the Lord was not there, I expected to see him. That was my first profound impression of the personality of God—that prayer.
I was very familiar with Brigham Young from then until his death. He inspired me with a perfect confidence; he inspired me with that sincerity that Brother Pack has just been speaking about. Such a thing as that there could be a lack of absolute confidence and belief in anything he ever said to me never crossed my mind for a minute from the time I was a little child till the time that I was nearly twenty-one, when he died, I remember very distinctly that as a young man not quite reaching my majority I felt no hesitancy in approaching him. It was in August, and I was not 21 until the following November, when I was elected assistant cashier of Zion's Savings Bank, a very small institution. I opened it promptly at 10 o'clock in the morning and closed it promptly at 3, and took my lunch. I was not only the assistant cashier but I was the janitor and the paying and receiving teller and the book-keeper and the note clerk. And the business was so extensive (?) that I spent about half of that five hours talking insurance to the depositors. And on Thursdays—^that is when we held our fast meetings—I put a sign on the door, "Gone to Fast Meeting." As I recall it, Z. C. M. I. used to close for fast meeting. The cashier never came in the bank. He was one of the great men of our city, and to add prestige to the little bank, his name was there as cashier. Two or three days after my election, I went up to the President's office. I met the President just coming out of his office door, and I said, "As you know. President Young, I was elected the assistant cashier of Zion's Savings Bank the other day, and I find I have to give a bond of $25,000 vouching for my honesty, and it struck me that it would be very appropriate for the president of the bank to sign the assistant cashier's bond, and so I have come up for your signature."
He laughed and said, 'Well, Heber, I don't see how in the world I could get out of it; I have said so many good things about you and recommended you so highly at the directors' meeting, they will accuse me of not telling the truth if I am not willing to sign your bond. I will have Brother Jack make it out, and I will be pleased to sign it. I have had a very strenuous day, and I am just going for a nice long ride." His carriage was waiting for him.
He came home with what was called "inflammation of the bowels," and I am convinced from my own personal experience that what he had was appendicitis. A short time after—a couple of days, as I remember it—everybody was full of joy and satisfaction because all pain had left him and he was on the high road to recovery. The appendix had undoubtedly broken.
I have always been grateful that I had this association with President Young, because it gave me a perfect confidence in the man, and perfect love for him; and where there is perfect love in our hearts for individuals, if we hear slander or stories about these individuals, it makes no impression upon our minds.
As you all know, it fell to my lot to become in my youth (at not quite 26 years of age) one of the apostles, and therefore intimately associated every week with John Taylor, until he had to take the underground on account of the great wave of persecution that swept over the country. I knew where he was hiding all the time, and was intimately associated with him while he was on the underground, and had many very important meetings.
Of course, when I became an apostle, Wilford Woodruff, the man regarding whose great labors the pageant was given here the other night, the greatest converter of men to the divinity of the work in which we are engaged that has ever lived; one of the most diligent, faithful workers that has ever lived; was the president of the quorum when I became a member; and a more godlike man I am sure never lived; a man who fulfilled in every particular that feeling to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things, in joy, in sorrow, in prosperity or adversity; a most marvelous and wonderful man. If he ever had an enemy in the world, I never heard of it.
One of the remarkable men was his successor, coming to the presidency of the Church when he was 85 years of age, and in the short period of three years lifting the Church from the bondage of debt to almost a perfect financial freedom. I think it was some celebrated doctor who is supposed to have remarked that a man who did not amount to anything after he was forty ought to be chloroformed when he was sixty. It may be that the man never said it; I have read lots of things in the newspapers attributed to me that I have never said and do not believe. So it may be that this celebrated doctor did not say that. But when you realize that Lorenzo Snow was 85 years of age when he came to the presidency, when you realize that in the three years of his presidency his accomplishments were little less than marvelous, it shows that God can inspire and bless men with great and superior wisdom, no matter how old they are. Many was the time that I had to turn my head to keep from laughing in the presence of Brother Penrose, who, when he was 90 years of age and some man was recommended at 75 years old would say, "Too old; too old; get a younger man."
I have enjoyed this meeting here tonight immensely. I earnestly and sincerely pray that God's choicest blessings may attend the superintendency and all the members of the general board, and all the teachers and all the pupils in this great institution. I am convinced that no other people in all the world in the same numbers have anything to compare with our Sunday Schools. God bless you all, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
"Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant from His Counselors." Improvement Era. November 1935. pg. 659.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT FROM HIS TWO COUNSELORS WE of the Church and your hosts of other friends extend to you our heartiest greetings and our prayers for your health and welfare for many years to come. Called to the Apostleship by a special revelation, you have been preserved, sound in body, in mind, and in spirit, to preside over and lead the people forward in God's work. Time and again the Lord has snatched you from the very clutches of Death that you might fulfil your mission among the Lord's people. You have proved yourself a man of your word, to your associates, to the people, and to your country. You have stood firm and steadfast as the granite of the eternal hills for keeping plighted faith to our nation that we might not prove traitors to our solemn promise to observe the laws of the land which the Prophet himself said was one of our fundamental precepts. You are proved a man of honor, of truth, of integrity, of chastity, of temperance, of humility, of high principle, of patriotism. You are generous, almost to a fault; you have given bounteously of your substance for the help of the poor, the needy, the widow, and the orphan. You have been patient and long-suffering under dire provocation. You have sought constantly the will of the Lord; you have so lived always that the Lord might reveal His will and word through you, that you might indeed be a temple for His spirit. You love the people; you love and honor the Priesthood; you love the prophets; you love, revere, and seek always to obey the Master; you love God. May your life be spared many years to lead, hereafter as heretofore, this people in the ways of the Lord. J. Reuben Clark, Jr. First Counselor in the First Presidency. SEVENTY-NINE years ago, November 22, in Salt Lake City in a cottage that stood on the spot now occupied by Z. C. M. I. there was born to President Jedediah M. and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant a son whom the parents named Heber Jeddy. Before this baby boy was ten days old he was left fatherless, and his mother at the death of her husband, practically penniless. Judging from the standpoint of worldly possessions, this baby's boyhood was spent on the borderline of poverty, but from the standpoint of soul-growth, he grew in the richest environment that life can offer—under the protection and gentle guidance of a noble woman, a wise and gracious mother. Under her benign influence during the penury of pioneer experiences, there matured in his young soul a spirit of independence and determination that later would make him outstanding among all his associates. Economy and thrift were his daily companions in boyhood, and faith absorbed from a mother's teachings and acts, was as native to him as the pure mountain air he breathed. No one who has ever heard President Grant tell of these early days can doubt that in the humble, beautiful surroundings of his boyhood home were formed those sterling traits of character which in maturity make him so distinguished among men. He was well born, and has always appreciated the blessing of noble inheritance from both parents. Deprived of a father's companionship, he appreciated all the more keenly the transforming power of a mother's love. It was she who changed timidity to courage, his self-depreciation, to self-confidence; impetuousness, to self-control; perseverance, she encouraged until it became dominant and supreme; effeminate tendencies she supplanted by manly qualities. With these and other sterling traits of character, there was implanted in his early life a tenderness that could come only from the heart of his mother. Tenderness is a deep spring in President Grant's soul, the clearness and purity of which are known best, however, only by his loved ones and closest associates. Today at four-score years, lacking one, we find perfected and personified in him the noble traits of true manhood and great leadership. Most aptly to him may be applied Charming's characterization of the truly great man; for fearlessly and under all conditions he has chosen the right with invincible resolution; he has resisted the sorest temptations from within and from without; he has borne the heaviest burdens cheerfully; he is calmest in storms and most fearless under menace and frowns, and his reliance on truth, on virtue, and on God is most unfaltering. It has been my privilege to see his tenderness and his strength; his unselfishness, his responsiveness to inspiration and to all that is true and Christ-like. His devotion to his family, to his Church and to God is paramount; and his friendship, the precious possession found only in the brotherhood of Christ. Honesty, integrity, consistency, persistency, loyalty to God, and fidelity to truth have marked his pathway through life — these have been the rounds of the ladder by which he has climbed to the highest honor that has come to mortal man. God bless you President Grant on this your seventy-ninth anniversary! May health, peace, and happiness attend you as our leader for many years to come! David O. McKay. Second Counselor in the First Presidency. |
Widtsoe, John A. "President Grant, the Man." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 662-665.
President GRANT THE MAN A CHARACTER STUDY By JOHN A. WIDTSOE Of the Council of the Twelve SUCH A MAN IS HEBER J. GRANT, SEVENTH PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS—-MORE MIGHT BE SAID OF HIM BUT THE NET CONCLUSION WOULD BE THE SAME: He IS A MAN POSSESSED OF A DETERMINED WILL FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, PROGRESSIVE, FEARLESS IN THE CAUSE OF TRUTH, GENEROUS IN THOUGHT AND ACTION, LOVING IN FRIENDSHIP, TRUE, WISE AND FORGIVING. THROUGHOUT HIS NATURE RUNS THE LOVE OF BEAUTY, TRUTH, AND INTELLIGENCE, CULMINATING IN A MIGHTY SPIRITUAL CHARACTER. HE IS A FRIEND OF GOD, AND HIS DIVINE FATHER HAS BEEN HIS FRIEND. Office clothes a man. It rests as a coat upon his shoulders. Beneath and within is the man himself, never wholly hidden. If the man be strong and righteous, his office will be well administered; if weak or wicked, every official act will be tainted. In human affairs, men, not offices, are of first consideration. The man Heber J. Grant is clearly known to the Latter-day Saints. During the fifty-four years since he was called to the Apostleship he has traveled constantly among the stakes and missions of Zion, and by word and act has revealed his inmost self, the intrinsic qualities of his character. No man holding official position in the Church has been more completely stripped in the eyes of the people of the artificial trappings that obscure a man's real nature. Forceful in speech and manner, persevering, notable in stature and action, he is known as few men by members of the Church and other associates. And, more than any other man he is loved by the people. He was well born and wisely reared. From father and mother he inherited qualities of great worth. He received the tender care and wise counsel of a gifted and noble mother. He was taught to love God. From infancy he felt the responsibility of a widow's son. Such inheritance, direction and obligation may be of supreme value in the shaping of a life if the man has the will to accept and to use them. The culture and proper use of the human will are surpassing elements in the making of a man. Here appears the dominant characteristic of the present leader of the Church. He has a will, firm for righteous accomplishment. Every available incident from his boyhood and youth makes it clear that from his earliest years he accepted or set up high standards of achievement, and then proceeded to attain them, to see them through. All the acts of his later life may be explained by this quality of character. That is, his will has ever been in operation, well directed. In his life there has been no indifferent floating down the stream of circumstance; rather the persistent rowing along a determined, righteous course. Thus is explained his refusal to join his fellows in evil pastimes, or his well-known youthful struggles for excellence in baseball, penmanship and other activities — all evidences of a young life compelling its will to conform to lawful, righteous and worth-while standards. He has ever sought to be the captain of his life, to steer his course according to the divine chart. Ambition has been tamed by truth. All concerns of his life have been impelled by a vigorous will for the accomplishment of righteous purposes. Though his will has been disciplined to conform to law, he is not willful. Few men in the Church are as ready to hear the views of others and to "listen to reason." He who has given counsel to thousands is always ready to receive counsel. But, his final conclusion rests upon the basis of right and truth, never upon personal advantage. His eagerness that unrighteousness and untruth shall have no place in his own life or the lives of others explains his outspoken denunciation of whatever appears to him to be evil. This, quality has made President Grant serviceable and acceptable in the high positions to which he has been called. Indeed, the key to his character is that he respects, upholds and defends law, human and divine. The degree to which obedience is rendered to righteousness is a true measure of every man's character. A crystal-clear honesty is the product of this constant attitude of our President. Dishonesty, untruth, exaggeration, and every form of deceit are abhorrent to him. Mistakes of the head he forgives easily, for he admits the imperfection of man, including himself, but the planned, deliberate misuse of truth he spurns in strong words and unquestioned action. The frank utterances from the pulpit concerning his personal affairs are but reflections of the intense desire that all things should be done correctly, above-board, and without shadow of dishonor. Every person who thus subjects himself to truthful, righteous pursuits develops the best human qualities. He becomes unselfish, aware of his fellow men. It is so in the case of President Grant. Perhaps none of his lovable qualities has been more evident than his generous giving of his time, means and talents. As a lad he was busy in his employer's office after closing hours. As a young apostle he chose the long, arduous trail to the Arizona settlements for his repeated visits. As a successful financier he has shared with others the opportunities that he created or discovered. Poor or rich, in season or out of season, he has given to the needy, fed the hungry, blessed the sorrowful, and spoken kindly of his fellow men. He remains susceptible to every call made upon him, from the widow's cry for succor to the desire of a ward that he travel far to dedicate a meeting house. At fourscore years he has not learned to say "no" when asked for help. That is a divine characteristic. A generous nature soon becomes the target for the undeserving who would get something for nothing and for those who seek to create interest in unproven schemes. President Grant finds protection against such deception by an unusual power of discernment—in business it might be called native shrewdness. The motives of men are laid bare before his mind. Often the ultimate results of a proposed plan are sensed by him, as if by intuition. It is really high wisdom; certainly it has helped him in his many material ventures, his own and those of the Church. One wonders if it is not always so, that he who is eager for righteousness, who forgets himself in the cause of his fellow men, receives protection and guidance in his own affairs, whether of earth or heaven. He becomes endowed with wisdom. Certainly, our Leader has shown himself possessed of notable business acumen. It was no little achievement for the widow's son to win his high place in the business world in his early youth. The organizations which he then created have survived the economic shocks of decades. The Home Fire Insurance Company which he organized celebrated its fiftieth anniversary a few weeks ago, and is accounted one of the strong financial institutions of the country. His business record is one of outstanding success. The losses which he has had to sustain may in most cases be traced back to his willingness to support ventures for community betterment. Business wisdom, coupled with unending toil, for he has never feared work, have placed him high among his business associates. Fearlessness is a necessary quality in every man who fights for a cause, especially if it is a cause opposed to untruth and unrighteousness. President Grant is a fearless man. Once convinced of the Tightness of a cause he defends it at any cost. One need only recall his lifelong advocacy of the Word of Wisdom. Knowing how dear the appetites are to most people; in the face of anti-prohibition sentiment; regardless of a nation's cancellation of the prohibition experiment—he has urged upon his people and the world to observe the Word of Wisdom. Political parties may have adopted this or that policy, but he, indifferent to party policies, has supported that which he knew to be right and has opposed all that was founded in error. Party politicians fear him. One expression of this fearlessness is his outspokenness. There is no masking of meaning when the battle is on! He cannot understand why truth should be hidden by idle words. Traditional diplomacy is foreign to him. Yet, as he bides his time, for he can wait, his direct use of truth is more effective in obtaining results than would be the long-drawn-out subtle methods of idle negotiation. And it should be said that the outspoken opinions of President Grant carry no rancor with them. They but express the truth as he understands it. This characteristic attracts the honest, makes the dishonest hesitant. President Grant is temperamentally progressive. He does not fear to venture into new fields. He is conscious of changing times, and never hesitates to meet their proper demands. Respectful of the past and its gifts, he has little patience with useless tradition. He has kept in step with the years of his life. He never violates fundamental truth, but is eager, for the benefit of humanity, to make new applications of the old truth. One result of his progressive nature has been to keep him young. Youth radiates from him. His understanding sympathy with youth accounts for many of his most important activities, such for instance, as in the Mutual Improvement Associations. It is not as generally understood that an artistic, literary quality enlivens President Grant's character. Under other than the pioneer conditions of his youth, his splendid innate powers—for coupled with immense energy is a fine, sound intellect— might well have found expression in literature or art, rather than in business. The environment of his youth, his mother's needs and his own, set business before him as of first consideration. His intellectual and artistic instincts however, have never slumbered. He has ever been a lover of books and good art; and impelled by his desire to help others, has made books and pictures accessible to many. He has given away tens of thousands of volumes of good books. He stands respectful before true learning. Artist after artist he has patronized and brought before the public. His disposition, profitable to the widow, of the artistic remains of John Hafen is but an example of his support of art in all its phases. The artistic side of President Grant's nature is well shown by his deep appreciation of natural beauty. He is a lover of the wild and rugged glory of the mountainous west. In a car with a collapsible top he may be seen driving over scenic roads, enjoying the loveliness of mountain and valley. He delights to take his visiting friends to view the grandeurs of western scenery. The spiritual element within him responds to all beauty. The very simplicity of his manner of living and thinking is connected with this inborn love of that which is beautiful. President Grant is true in friendship. The whole Church has heard his encomiums on his boyhood friend, General Richard W. Young, or on his beloved cousin, President A. W. Ivins. He is always inclined to place his friends higher than himself. He seems free from jealousy. In like manner their virtues often blind him to their faults. He is a most sincere friend; and his friendship extends to thousands. This makes him a loyal man. His loyalty to friends, to a righteous cause, to country and to Church, is an example to all. Once a man or a cause has been found to conform to truth, his loyalty never wavers. He can be trusted. President Grant is really a modest man. He places no undue value on himself, but estimates highly others who may achieve in any worthy endeavor. He admires such persons, but does not envy them. Those who know him are not deceived by his occasional reference to himself as a man with the "cheek" of an insurance agent. That statement is usually the protective covering of his innate modesty. While he frequently punctuates his sermons with incidents from his picturesque career, it should be noted that it is done for the purpose of driving home the principles upon which he is speaking and never in self-aggrandisement. Like every great leader, he sees the magnitude of his task, and knows that only with the help of the Lord can he perform it. The man who in divine Providence has been chosen to lead the Church today has a strongly spiritual nature. His faith is sublime. He knows that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that Joseph Smith was divinely called to restore the pure Gospel to earth. His earnest prayers inspire faith in all who hear them. He understands that the Gospel is to save, not to condemn men. Out of his assurance of the truth of the Latter-day work and its saving message flows unbounded love for mankind. Though vigorous in defending the faith and rooting out evil, he is always ready to forgive the sinner who has turned away from evil. His heart expands in the presence of true repentance. He loves his fellowmen, for he knows that they are children of God, made in His image with a God-like destiny. Where others may hold out for justice, he sets forth the law of mercy. He is a kind man. Naturally such a nature would exhibit love of family. To those whom the Lord has given him, President Grant is infinitely gentle. By them in return he is much beloved. Love of humanity, as all other virtues, begins at home. His appreciation of his mother who reared him has been voiced often in public assemblies. To these loved ones he has taught the reality of the Latter-day work of the Lord, for which he has given his life. President Grant's character can be understood only in terms of his faith in God, the atoning mission of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, and the divine mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. It is for the fulfillment of the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption for the human family that he labors by day and dreams by night, and communes with his heavenly Father. That faith is the motive power of his life. Such a man is Heber J. Grant, seventh president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — more might be said of him but the net conclusion would be the same: He is a man possessed of a determined will for righteousness, progressive, fearless in the cause of truth, generous in thought and action, loving in friendship, true, wise and forgiving. Throughout his nature runs the love of beauty, truth, and intelligence, culminating in a mighty spiritual character. He is a friend of God, and his divine Father has been his friend. |
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT.
PRESIDENT GRANT AND HIS MOTHER, RACHEL RIDGEWAY IVINS GRANT, TAKEN IN ST.
GEORGE, UTAH, WHEN HEBER WAS NINE YEARS OF AGE. HEBER J. GRANT AS A BABY.
THE RED STOCKING BASEBALL TEAM
Champions of the Territory of Utah more than half a century ago. Alexander Watson, Richard P. Morris, David C. Dunbar, Gronway Parry, Heber J. Grant, Oliver Best, Joseph Barlow, Allie Barker, Wm. George. HEBER J. GRANT WITH HIS ELDEST SON, HEBER, AND FIVE OF HIS DAUGHTERS.
PRESIDENT GRANT AT HIS DESK, FROM A PAINTING BY LEE GREENE RICHARDS.
PRESIDENT GRANT AND A GROUP OF FRIENDS ON THE GOLF LINKS. LEFT TO RIGHT: STEPHEN LOVE, THE LATE JAMES H. WATTIS, PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT, THE LATE PRESIDENT C. W. NIBLEY, AND SENATOR REED SMOOT.
AUGUSTA WINTERS GRANT
Wife of Heber J. Grant, who celebrated her eightieth birthday anniversary July 7, 1936. |
Clawson, Rudger. "Heber J. Grant--the Apostle and President of the Church." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 668-670.
THE APOSTLE AND PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH By PRESIDENT RUDGER CLAWSON of the Council of the Twelve Thirty-six years as an apostle—eighteen years as President of the Church—and the Church has grown and prospered in all the world; friends have been raised up; attitudes have changed and the prophet of the Lord is still with us to lead the cause of Zion. ON November 22. 1936, President Heber J. Grant will have reached his eightieth milestone. His has been an exceedingly active life. While many at his age are ready to retire and seek the repose that leisure hours give. President Grant in the vigor of manhood goes on. His achievements are many. Persistency is one of his greatest characteristics. This meant much to his widowed mother. In the face of insuperable obstacles as a baseball player, as a breadwinner in the selling of insurance and as a penman whose handwriting originally was partially illegible he kept on with unfaltering determination until success crowned his efforts. He early recognized the sublime truth that there is "no excellence without labor." He learned by bitter experience that success is based upon work, more work, much more work, rather than upon genius. My acquaintance with President Grant goes back to his boyhood days. As I reflect upon the experiences that came into his life, I'm driven to the conclusion that they were designed by a wise and loving Creator to prepare him for his many great successes and few failures of later years. I take it that no mortal life can be fully successful without some failures. As far back as- June, 1875, he was called into the ministry by being selected as one of the counselors in the first Thirteenth Ward Y. M. M. I. A. His promotion in the Church was quite rapid after that. In October, 1880, he was sustained as President of the Tooele Stake of Zion, an appointment that took him away from a profitable insurance and brokerage business in Salt Lake City. He also owned the Utah Vinegar Factory which he had to lease, when he accepted this call. He became a member of the Council of the Twelve in October, 1882. He opened the mission in Japan leaving Salt Lake July 24, 1901. From 1904 to 1906 he presided over the European Mission and at the same period was President of the British Mission. Following the death of the late President Joseph F. Smith ( November 19, 1918,) on November 23, Heber J. Grant was chosen by the Council of the Twelve Apostles to be President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His administration from 1918 to the present time has been eminently successful. No member of the Council has been quite so active as he. His voice has been heard in testimony and warning in many lands and among many people. He has traveled much in the stakes of Zion, now numbering 117, bearing testimony and exhorting the Saints to continue in works of righteousness. He has been voice in dedicating numerous stake tabernacles and ward chapels in the stakes and wards and missions of the Church, many of which are most beautiful and attractive houses of worship. The Latter-day Saints are a temple- building people. Nine holy temples have been reared by them in this generation. Of these it has been President Grant's privilege to be voice in the dedication of three: the Alberta temple in Canada, the Hawaiian temple, and the temple in Arizona. This brief sketch of his activities as Apostle and President would be incomplete if by an oversight no mention were made of the temporal affairs of the Church. During the eighteen years of his presidency, President Grant has administered the finances of the Church with his associates of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve and the Presiding Bishopric with marked skill and ability. As a result, the Church under the blessing of the Lord is free from debt. The worthy poor are remembered; the work for both the living and the dead is prosecuted in our temples; the missionary cause throughout the world is maintained; Church funds with local contributions go to defray the expense of erecting tabernacles, chapels, and recreational buildings in the stakes and wards and missions of the Church. President Grant by virtue of his sacred calling as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holds the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth. These keys of power and authority were briefly defined by the Lord when He spoke to Joseph Smith, Jr., who first held them in this generation, and said: For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven. And again, verily I say, whomsoever you bless I will bless, and whomsoever you curse I will curse, saith the Lord; for I, the Lord, am thy God.—Sec. 132 D. & C. Vs. 45, 46, 47. President Grant is much beloved by the Latter-day Saints who recognize him as a true servant of God and sustain him by the uplifted hand and prayer of faith. That he is in the enjoyment of good health at his advanced age is a source of gratification and thanksgiving to the whole Church. |
AN INFORMAL STUDY OF THE PRESENT FIRST PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH.
HEBER J. GRANT AT ABOUT THE TIME HE BECAME AN APOSTLE
PRESIDENT GRANT IN THE OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY WITH TWO OF HIS FORMER COUNSELORS — RIGHT, ANTHONY W. IVINS; CENTER, CHARLES W. NIBLEY.
THE PRESIDENT AND OFFICIAL PARTY IN HAWAII, SUMMER, 1935, AT THE TIME OF THE ORGANIZATION OF OAHU STAKE. FIRST STAKE OUTSIDE OF CONTINENTAL AMERICA.
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Pyper, George D. "President Grant--The Patron of Drama, Literature, Arts and Music." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 671-675, 679.
PRESIDENT GRANT THE PATRON OF DRAMA LITERATURE ART AND MUSIC By GEORGE D. PYPER General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union and First Assistant Chairman of the Church Music Committee, and manager for thirty years of the Salt Lake Theatre An unfeigned love of music, fine arts, literature, and drama were born into the soul of this great man and he has shown his love of them by his support and patronage. so writes the former manager of the salt lake Theatre in this story that has come from a life-long acquaintance. Author's Foreword All the seven presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have encouraged art in its various forms. They could not consistently have done otherwise, for true art is embraced in the broad philosophy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the revelations to Joseph Smith the Lord Himself put the stamp of approval on the songs of the righteous[1] and on good books;[2] and the thirteenth Article of Faith challenges us to seek after everything "lovely and of good report." The last request on this earth of the Prophet Joseph Smith was to hear a beloved song sung and then repeated. Among the great qualities of Brigham Young was his love of the drama and of music. The erection of an outstanding temple of drama—the Salt Lake Theatre — was a tangible expression of his fondness for the drama, and the building of the Tabernacle organ was a monument to his devotion to music. John Taylor was a poet and a singer. He was the author of five hymns published in our L. D. S. hymn book, and it was he who twice sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" to the Prophet just before the martyrdom. Wilford Woodruff, an ardent admirer of the Tabernacle Choir, sponsored that great organization on its trip to the Chicago World's Fair, forty-three years ago, when it won second prize in an international contest. Lorenzo Snow encouraged his people in literary pursuits and the study of the arts; and he was himself one of the best prose writers the Church has ever had. He authorized the modernization and enlargement of the Tabernacle organ. Joseph F. Smith, though essentially a preacher of righteousness, furthered the cause of music. He continued the work of improving the great organ and gave new emphasis to the free recitals in the Tabernacle. President Grant's Love of Music President Heber J. Grant has followed his illustrious predecessors in furthering the cause of music and art. He was born with less tune, time, or rhythm than most mortals; and in his youth, like Lamb, "while sentimentally disposed to harmony was organically incapable of a tune." Yet, by his intense energy and persistence he overcame this handicap. The story of his experience in vocalization is one of the most interesting episodes of his life. He has many times, in humorous vein, told of his efforts to learn how to sing; how, with one finger, he pounded the piano keys thousands of times, before learning a tune. He once sang "The Flag Without a Stain," without any accompaniment, at the Belshaven Church in Rotterdam, and subsequently he was asked to sing it at a conference of the Swiss-German and Netherlands Elders, the conference being held in Belgium. Alex Nibley was the accompanist, and he asked Brother Grant in what key he sang it. Brother Grant said: "I do not know anything about keys." Alex started to play, and Brother Grant said: "That seems to be all right." That night, at Rotterdam, Brother Grant said: "Alex, what was the matter with the first verse? It didn't seem to go smoothly." "Matter! Good heavens!" replied Alex Nibley, "you sang it four full notes lower than I was playing it." Brother Grant said "How high did I sing it?" "You sang it up to E flat." "Well, I can not sing E natural, so it is a good thing I struck it four notes lower," said the President. The pianist, during the interlude, of course, had dropped it down four notes. This, according to the story, is the reason the second verse went better. Many similar experiences could be told of his determined struggle with music. President Grant's close friend, the late Brigadier General Richard W. Young, wrote him from the Philippine Islands begging him not to lessen his dignity by trying to sing. "You can't be the George Goddard of the Church" warned Brother Young, and President Grant wrote back to the effect that he would yet sing in the Tabernacle. And he kept his word. It is doubtful if President Grant ever seriously studied vocal technique, especially the art of phrasing, accentuation, mood, expression, except some instructions given him by Horace S. Ensign and Professor Evan Stephens; yet, with his natural learning ability, his perseverance, and indefatigable toil, added to a personal magnetism and a fine God-given voice, he is able to sing his Church hymns and such songs as "The Flag Without A Stain," and "The Holy City," with so remark- able a skill as to elicit the warmest compliments from Professor Stephens. President Grant's experience has been an object lesson on perseverance and has certainly demonstrated the truth of the aphorism often quoted by him as follows: "That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our power to do has increased." His success in overcoming tone deafness is remarkable. He, himself, considers it one of the greatest accomplishments of his life, but what is more important than all, in the opinion of the writer, is not the learning of songs, but the enthusiasm for the musical art which his continual practice has kindled in his heart, thus increasing his power to aid in the development of music among his people. It would be a long story to tell all that President Grant has done to encourage the Divine Art. Only a few things can be barely mentioned. Early in his presidency he established the Church Music Committee. He declined the offer of a splendid home for himself made by Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. McCune, but accepted it as a home for the McCune School of Music, afterwards the McCune School of Music and Art, he himself preferring to remain in a very humble cottage. Under his administration the Tabernacle Choir Sunday broadcast over nationwide radio networks, one of the greatest missionary projects of the Church, was instituted. He has been a devoted patron of the various musical organizations established in the Church and community. When the first really good grand opera came to the Salt Lake Theatre in his early youth, he was among the first patrons to pay the highest price ever known in the city for tickets. Though possessed of limited means, he was at every performance with a new partner at each of the five nights, which caused some interesting gossip as to which girl was the favored one. He has helped musicians on the way; he has encouraged the organization of choirs; has sponsored the Tabernacle Choir in several trips to California and Chicago and only recently has authorized the Church Music Committee to establish courses of instruction for choristers and organists throughout the Church. President Heber J. Grant is truly a friend of the divine art of music. His Love of Fine Arts In the realm of Art President Grant has been one of the greatest patrons the Church has known. There are many instances of his encouragement and benefactions. Some years ago while in Paris he was told by J. Leo Fairbanks, older brother of Avard, that he had been living on ten dollars a month and had come to his last ten dollars and would have to return home. President Grant lent him the necessary money and thus enabled him to complete his studies. When Leo returned home and had had time to earn the money, he repaid his benefactor in full. While on his mission to Japan, President Grant bought a large number of Japanese prints and sent them to his many friends at home as presents. At home, too, he has been known to employ artists to make pictures for him, which he gave away. He was a close friend of the late Alfred Lambourne and John Hafen, many of whose paintings he purchased either to present to friends and organizations or to hang up in his home or in public places. It is to President Grant that we are indebted for many of those excellent portraits of the Presidents of the Church by Lee Greene Richards, and the late John Willard Clawson, finished just before his death. His love of sculpture has been demonstrated in many ways but in nothing so grand as the erection of Avard Fairbanks' magnificent creation erected at Winter Quarters. His Love of Books I am sitting in front of a crowded book shelf, fat with a collection of worth-while volumes and pamphlets. Beginning at the left I open the first book and on the fly-leaf I read an affectionate inscription from Heber J. Grant. I continue through the collection and note that each contains a beautifully written message from the same giver—a Christmas offering, an affectionate New Year's greeting, a thoughtful birthday remembrance, a page of warm sympathy in time of bereavement. Some are signed "Heber and Gusta"; all are personally written and autographed. Many beautiful passages in these volumes are heavily underscored, showing the care with which he had read the books and indicating the high ideals and the real heart of the man. Looking over the titles I note the following: Adventures in Understanding (David Grayson), Adventures in Contentment (David Grayson), A Heap O' Livin (Edgar A. Guest), Elias (Orson F. Whitney), Finding God in Millersville, Flashes From the Eternal Semaphore (Leo J. Muir), Fundamentals of Prosperity ( Roger W. Babson ) , Heart Songs (The National Magazine), Heart Throbs, Volumes 1 and 2, In Search of Truth (John A. Widtsoe), In the Temples of the Great Outdoors (Theodore F. Curtis), Leaves of Truth ( John P. Meakin ) , Little Problems of Married Life; Love and the Light (Orson F. Whitney ) , Martin Luther ( Thomas Carlyle ) , Medical Aspects of Mormonism (L. Weston Oaks), Mormonism and Free Masonry (Anthony W. Ivins ) , One Hundred and One Best Songs (R. J. Cook), One Hundred and One Famous Poems (The Cable Co.), Redemption; Speeches of the Flying Squadron ( Hanley-Stewart), Sunbeams of Truth (Theodore F. Curtis), The Book That Has Helped Most in Business ( Anonymous ) , The Greatest Thing in the World (Henry Drummond), The Heavenly Life (James Allen), The Majesty of Calmness, The Path to Home ( Edgar A. Guest), The Power of Truth (William George Jordan), The Soul of Business; The Prince of Peace (William J. Bryan), The Strength of Being Clean (David Starr Jordan), Their Yesterdays (Harold Bell Wright), Up From the Hills (H. C. Hanks). Most of the above books have been sent out to friends during the holiday season, with distribution for some of them reaching into the thousands. The book, The Power of Truth, reached approximately three thousand copies last Christmas time. Little Problems of Married Life, Heart Throbs, Adventures in Contentment, Their Yesterdays have not been sent out in such large numbers as the others. "President Grant has always been a prodigious reader of books. On sleepless nights it has been his habit to sit up in bed and read. It was usually at these times that he would underline the beautiful thoughts that appealed to him. Recently one of his little grandsons became restless one night and could not sleep. Suddenly with a bright gleam in his eyes, he exclaimed: "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll do just what Grandpa does. I'll read a book." Upon some of the smaller volumes appear these lines, written by the late Horace G. Whitney: What though the price be paltry and small, What though the cover be old and thin, What though there be no cover at all, If worth and merit are 'written within. Concerning the naming of the Heber J. Grant Library at the Brigham Young University, President Franklin S. Harris writes: When it came to naming the library it occurred to me that since President Grant had been so diligent in his efforts to see that good books came into the hands of hundreds of people, it would be very appropriate for us to name the library in his honor. I took the matter up with our Board of Directors, and naturally there was no objection, since everyone realizes how very active President Grant has been, not only in recommending good books, but actually giving away thousands of copies. I am sure none of us has known many men in all our experience who have been as active as President Grant has in this regard. We are proud to have our library of one hundred thousand volumes named in his honor. One of President Grant's non- Mormon friends, a heavy smoker, asked him once how he could afford to spend so much on books. He answered; "That's my cigar money. Thousands read the books and are helped. By smoking you don't give pleasure to any one." And the smoker answered, "You've knocked me out with the first blow." President Grant has chosen the better way. His daughter Lucy reports the following : Last winter we were in Provo attending the ceremony of placing his portrait in the Heber J. Grant Library of the Brigham Young University. President Harris in his remarks called attention with pride to the number of books which were now in the library saying there were more than one hundred thousand volumes. In father's address which followed he remarked that he had never kept any record of the number of books he had given away but that roughly estimating he could count up to one hundred thousand. There was a whole edition of four thousand seven hundred, Great Truths; several thousand Up From the Hills; more thousands of Prince of Peace, The Little White Slaver, The Lectures on Martin Luther, One Hundred and One Poems, and hundreds of other books which had been sent as wedding presents to young people and also to those bereaved. There is hardly a trip I take among the stakes that some one does not tell me that he has been the recipient of a book or letter from him and has been made better and happier because of it. In many hundreds of homes these books have been the beginning of the home library. Instead of sending flowers it has been his custom for many years to send books and a sympathetic letter to those in mourning. How many times after those days of sorrow have bereaved ones been comforted by reading again and again his letters and the messages which those fine books bring! They have helped much to assuage the grief and make the first hard days and months more bearable. Sometimes we have thought father a little unwise because he would autograph his books, and, for weeks before Christmas and New Year's, every time we went into the house or office a stack of books was on the table or desk waiting for his signature. This continued signing of his name was quite a strain, but after it was over and the hundreds of letters of appreciation came in, we would partly change our minds. His Love of Drama Heber J. Grant was born with a love in his heart for the drama. He grew up in the shades of the Salt Lake Theatre. His father, the first mayor of Salt Lake City, died when Heber was only nine days old and his mother, Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant, was left upon her own resources which were virtually nil, although had she been willing to forsake Mormonism she could have lived in luxury with rich relatives. She was obliged to earn her living by sewing and soon after the Salt Lake Theatre was opened (in 1862) she was engaged by her bosom friend, Mrs. Henry Maiben, to work in the costume department of that historic playhouse. Later on when sewing machines were used her son Heber J. turned the wheel of her machine to relieve her tired feet. When the first production of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was shown at the theatre he was one of the pickaninnies chosen for the occasion. This was his one and only stage appearance in the Salt Lake Theatre, but he supernumered in the Social Hall and took part in the dramatic activities of the Wasatch Literary Association. As a result he became passionately fond of the theatre and being unable to pay the third circle admission price of twenty-five cents, he gained entrance by carrying water in an improvised five-gallon coal-oil can, from a deep well in the Social Hall alley located across the road a half a block away, and repeated the journey as often as the gallery gods emptied the can. He was so faithful in the performance of this chore that he was soon promoted downward to the second circle. As he grew in years his boyhood dream came true and he became the principal stockholder of the Salt Lake Theatre Company and had the privilege of occupying a stage box with six seats, where he could gaze with great satisfaction into the third circle, the rendezvous of his boyhood days. It was at the time of his near ownership of the theatre that he was offered a price for his holdings that would have netted him $20,250.00 profit, but he refused the tempting bid because of his affection for the theatre and because he did not want it to fall into the hands of the people who were going to tear it down and build a new modern theatre. It is a rather odd coincidence that the writer of this article, also a young denizen of the third circle, often looked down upon the white-collared habitues of the parquet and dress circle and dreamed a dream. He wondered if he would ever be able to pay for a seat downstairs. Then, one day, when they were grown up, Heber J. Grant asked him if he would like to manage the Salt Lake Theatre. Between gasps he accepted and for over thirty years they worked together in intimate association to bring to Salt Lake City the best offerings in drama and opera that the country afforded. That was the golden age of drama and opera—an age that will probably never come again. For, there came a time when conditions changed. The silent "movie" affected the legitimate theatres disastrously. Then came the "talkies" and the bottom dropped entirely out of the spoken drama. Legitimate theatres closed up all over the land. There were few road shows and what few survived were of a type that the Church as a stockholder could not tolerate. Also some of the thirty-five stockholders representing close to fifty percent of the stock, deprived of dividends for several years, clamored for their money. President Grant at a meeting of the directors of a large company offered three thousand dollars of his own money to preserve the theatre if others would join him. Not a dollar was offered. And so, for these and other reasons, the theatre was sold while the selling was good, to the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company who proposed to erect a magnificent building on the site. After nine months the building was razed by the Telephone Company and -- Then came the Depression! It is interesting to know that in the dedicatory prayer offered by Daniel H. Wells, at the opening of the Salt Lake Theatre he made this significant appeal: Suffer no evil or wicked influences to predominate or prevail within these walls; neither disorder, drunkenness, debauchery, or licentiousness of any sort or kind; but rather than this, sooner than it should pass into the hands or control of the wicked or ungodly, let it utterly perish and crumble to atoms; let it be as though it had not been, an utter waste, each and every part returning to its natural element. One of our hymns reads "God moves in a mysterious way"; and who is there to say that the prayer- prophecy of Daniel H. Wells has not been literally fulfilled? Whatever the answer we do know that we have the glorious memories of the sacred shrine, and President Grant's long association with it, sweet and unsullied. [1] Ibid, 25:12. [2] Doctrine and Covenants, 88; 118. |
THE BOOK SHELF OF GEORGE D. PYPER, COMPOSED OF BOOKS PRESENTED THROUGH THE YEARS BY HEBER J. GRANT.
HOME BUILT BY PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT FOR HIS MOTHER WHEN HE WAS TWENTY-ONE YEARS OLD (STILL STANDING AT 14 SOUTH SECOND EAST STREET,
SALT LAKE CITY). From the Relief Society Magazine Cover. November, 1936. BIRTHPLACE OF HEBER J. GRANT ON MAIN STREET BETWEEN SOUTH TEMPLE AND FIRST SOUTH STREETS IN SALT LAKE CITY. A WEST VIEW OF THE OLD SALT LAKE THEATRE MAY BE SEEN IN THE BACKGROUND.
A TYPICAL ASPEN SCENE BY JOHN HAFEN, ONE OF THE MANY ARTISTS WHOSE EFFORTS HEBER J. GRANT HAS LAUDED AND SUPPORTED.
FACADE OF HEBER J. GRANT LIBRARY AT BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, SHOWING THE "Y" ON THE HILL IN THE DISTANCE.
SKETCH OF EXTERIOR, AND PHOTOGRAPH OF INTERIOR VIEW OF THE SALT LAKE THEATRE, LOOKING
BACK INTO THE PARQUET AND CIRCLES FROM THE STAGE. |
"To the Man Who Clings to Ideals." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 676.
TO THE MAN WHO CLINGS TO IDEALS On this the eightieth birthday of President Grant, we wish not only to express to him our admiration and esteem, but our appreciation. All through the years, he has impressed us with the fine and noble idea that work with faith in Jesus Christ can accomplish anything. His achievements in Israel as a leader in the promulgation of the Gospel is seconded by his leadership in civic life. Government and laws are to him sacred, and though day by day he has grave responsibilities, he is always rendering notable public service. In this alone, he has given permanent and high distinction to his life. One of the characteristics of President Grant has been his freedom of spirit. His courage has been simple, prompt and unhesitating; and he has always kept himself in good heart. He was born of goodly parents. His father was the first mayor of Salt Lake City, and during his service in office, he pointed out many of the lines of law and order in good municipal government, which are followed to this day. His mother was of that sturdy pioneer stock, who sacrificed everything for their religion. Her quiet poise, and refinement are remembered by many people to this day. The influence of both the father and mother has had a forceful bearing on President Grant's life. All his early surroundings went to make up the fibre of his nature, and gave it tone. A man of simple habits, he always greets his helpmate, his children, and grandchildren with an affectionate word and look. Even the smallest child is treated with the utmost respect. He never loses an opportunity of doing a gracious act or saying a gracious word. With his friends he always has a cordial greeting, and you may depend on it that in a day or two after they leave a pleasant interview in his office, a package of books will arrive with his compliments and good wishes. One always leaves him after a conversation with a sense of enjoyment. While naturally conservative, President Grant, by virtue of his forcefulness in word and deed, impresses one as a man who clings with all his might to his ideals of religion and social justice. He has had his plans fail at times, but he has never been disheartened. He has known that his purposes were right and he has never diverted from them. The opinions of others in religion and politics have sometimes perplexed him, but he smiles and continues cultivating his friendships, and gathers into an intimate circle his acquaintances and friends, who appreciate his larger outlook on life. Somewhat rugged by nature, he resists anything that might injure the reputation of his people. His admirable health and sober life and his play in the great out-of-doors keep him bodily and mentally alert. His veracity always stamps him as a man unafraid to think and speak as occasion demands. He is not an old man, President Grant. And yet as the years go by, he naturally grows mellower, and gives whatever countenance and help he can to every movement and institution that is working for good. The most beautiful thing that happens in the life of any man in this world is the unenvying discovery of men by one another. When minds meet minds, respect is born; and of respect is born the gladness of comradeship. So it is with him. Above everything in life, there is one ideal that absorbs his attention, and that is the establishment of the Gospel of the Lord in all the world. He radiates wherever he goes this one hope and ideal: The Gospel of our Lord and Saviour has been restored to earth, and all men must come to know it. We the First Council of Seventy pay you tribute, President Grant, as you close the eightieth year of your life. Our words have inadequately expressed our feelings. May the Lord grant you many more years of life, for your influence, your hope, and your work are needed in these days and times. We ask the blessing of God upon you and yours in all the years to come. Sincerely your brethren, THE FIRST COUNCIL OF THE SEVENTY |
PRESIDENT GRANT AS HE APPEARED IN 1906 AT AGE FIFTY.
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Hinckley, Bryant S. "President Grant--Lover of Youth." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 677-679.
President Grant LOVER of YOUTH By BRYANT S. HINCKLEY President of the Northern States Mission "I would say to youth: honor thy father and thy mother . . . seek for the light and inspiration of the spirit of God in all walks of life. ... Be forgiving; be charitable. . . . never allow the acts of men to affect your faith in the gospel. . . . always be punctual, truthful, and virtuous, and you will thereby insure yourself the love of god and of all good men."—Heber J. Grant. TO COMMENCE early in life, to work hard and effectively, to live long and purposefully, to devote one's highest energies to exalted ends, to build friendships that endure forever, to inspire those about you to honest and earnest endeavor, to carry through all one's years the spirit of youth, to see the problems of this generation with a clear and sympathetic understanding and to bring to their solution the experience and wisdom of an earlier generation is a rare and fortunate thing for any leader. This is no commonplace achievement, and to do it requires a resolute and victorious will backed by a settled faith. Heber }. Grant has done this and done it well. At an age when most boys were living in sheltered security he was doing a man's work, carrying a man's responsibility, and thinking in terms of men. His rise in the business world and in the Church was swift and dramatic. He was a young man of brilliant parts, of sterling integrity, of tireless industry, of matchless continuity of purpose, and rising above all of this was an unselfishness and generosity that was princely. This combination backed by a radiant faith and dedicated to great ends was, in the very nature of things, destined to carry its possessor to unusual heights. Time has vindicated all that his youth prophesied. No other man living has so long a record of unbroken service to the young people of this Church as Heber J. Grant. Pursuant to instructions from Brigham Young to Junius F. Wells, the first Mutual Improvement Association to be established under the direct appointment of the General Authorities of the Church was organized June 10, 1875, in the Thirteenth Ward of Salt Lake City, with Heber J. Grant as second assistant to its president. President Grant was then under nineteen years of age, tall, slender, and of distinguished appearance. At this early age he was a man of quick decisions and of great energy of action. Owing to the fervency with which he pursued any undertaking many predicted that he, like his father Jedediah M. Grant, would go to an untimely grave. Today not one of his earliest business associates is living. To the Y. M. M. I. A. President Young gave these instructions : We want you to organize yourselves into associations for mutual improvement. Let the keynote of your work be the establishment in the youth of individual testimony of the truth and magnitude of the great latter-day work; the development of the gifts within them by the laying on of hands of the servants of God; cultivating a knowledge and an application of the eternal principles of the great science of life. Such is the purpose of M. I. A. even today, and to this high purpose President Grant has devoted major energies since the day he became a member of the presidency of the Thirteenth ward association in the general Church-wide organization. President Grant's activities for youth generally, and for the youth of M. I. A. specifically, continued with increasing interest until he became a member of the General Superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A. Of the circumstances surrounding this appointment the President has said: Twice in my life I prayed to the Lord to be appointed to a position. The first time was when there was a disorganization of the general superintendency of the Mutual Improvement Associations because if the failure of one of the men in that superintendency to retain his standing in one of the high positions in the Church. I got down on my knees and I asked the Lord to call me to be one of the superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. The Contributor was a very splendid magazine, one of the very finest magazines the Church has published. I am willing to make the assertion that if you will look through the volumes of the Contributor, you will find that they are full of good matter, worthy of the attention of any Latter-day Saint. It had died a natural death because of the lack of support on the part of the people. We had no magazine, and there were no meetings of the general board, except that they met once in about every six months. I realized that they ought to meet every week, that they should come together and converse and work out programs. I prayed to the Lord that I might be chosen as one of the general superintendency. The very next day when I was in the president's office, President Joseph F. Smith said to President Woodruff who was then also General Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A.; "Brother Woodruff, I believe you ought to have two other counselors in the superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual. I suggest that Brother Grant here and Brother B. H. Roberts be counselors as well as myself." They asked me if I was willing to work in that capacity. I told them: "Yes." But I did not tell them I had prayed to the Lord to give me the job. We immediately called a meeting and we considered the proposition of starting The Improvement Era, I signed my name in one year over eight thousand times to letters that were sent to people, asking them to take that magazine. I contributed $100 a year for three years to a fund to be used in sending the Era to the missionaries free of charge, and The Improvement Era spent over $30,000 actual cost afterwards in sending that magazine out to the missionaries to help them in their work. It has been a success ever since, and it is growing all the time. It is worthy of our support. And so, as part of President Grant's service to youth, and to the whole Church, The Improvement Era came into existence more than thirty-nine years ago (November, 1897), when the President was in his forty-first year. He had already given twenty-two years of actual service to Mutual Improvement work. With the birth of The Improvement Era it took a Heber J. Grant to nurture it through infancy to healthy maturity. The Contributor before it had failed. The Era was not to fail. Heber J. Grant became its manager, a position which he held for over twenty years until, as President of the Church, he became its editor. Financing it, building subscriptions, securing Church-wide support, gaining the respect and patronage of advertisers were all problems to be met to insure the life of the magazine. President Grant personally sent out thousands of letters appealing for support. Concerning this intensive activity, his daughter, Lucy, writes: The Improvement Era was almost born in our home—it was at least nurtured there after its birth. Father sent personal letters by the thousands. We had several typewriters and several of us children learned to typewrite getting out Era letters. We had a large dining room and an especially large dining room table. This table would be pulled out and half a dozen leaves put in it. Then we would all sit around and some would fold; others would write. Father was usually seated at the end signing his name. We had half a dozen enclosures to put into the envelopes, so it took us all to get these letters ready for the mail. Maybe that is the reason I am so interested in and proud of The Improvement Era, because I feel I had a hand in starting it. Father's interest in this magazine has never waned from that day to this and I think his work for it has been one of his outstanding contributions to the Church. Under President Grant's management, and subsequently under his editorship (since 1919) The Improvement Era has become not only the organ of the Young Men's and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Associations, but also the official organ of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Aaronic Priesthood, the Church Department of Education, the Church Music Committee and other Church agencies—"The Voice of the Church" and a worldwide missionary of much influence for good. And all this is the outcome of President Grant's interest in a magazine for youth. The whole Church has felt its blessing. Speaking at the funeral of B. H. Roberts, October 1, 1933, President Grant said: I have never engaged in any work that brought more pleasure to me than the missionary work that I did for The Improvement Era when I was associated with Brother Roberts. I look back upon that work with a great deal of satisfaction. The other auxiliary organizations and Church publications have likewise felt his influence for service to youth. Educational opportunities have grown; recreational opportunities have grown. President Grant, eager to further education, established a scholarship at the University of Utah, of which institution he is one of the oldest living alumni. His children and grandchildren have been enrolled in and many graduated from the University of Utah, the Agricultural College, and the Brigham Young University. His awards to students for achievement have been innumerable and notable. His talks, many of them, are addressed to youth; his sympathies are with them; his trust and appreciation are for them; his service and his prayers are for them; and to youth he is ever approachable. Early in the present century he gave to youth this guide for living: ... I would say to youth: "Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Seek for the light and inspiration of the Spirit of God to guide you in all the walks of life; be forgiving, be charitable. Never allow the acts of men to affect your faith in the Gospel. Remember that God says we should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and bring to pass much righteousness, for the power is in us wherein we are agents unto ourselves, that inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward. In every vocation of life, try to get the Spirit of God to aid you in the accomplishment of your work. Try to make others happy, and to aid them in carrying their burdens in life, and you are sure of happiness, not only in this life, but in the life to come. Remember the words of Lord Bulwer-Lytton : Dream, O youth. Dream nobly and manfully, and thy dreams shall be thy prophets! Always be punctual, truthful and virtuous, and you will thereby insure yourself the love of God and of all good men. For eighteen years he has been President of the Church and these have been eventful years. His administration will go down in history as a period marked by achievements of far-reaching importance. It will be known as an era of goodwill, of expansion, of temple building, of adjustment in the educational policy of the Church, of growth in the number of wards and stakes, of construction of ward chapels, seminaries and stake tabernacles, of the establishment of strong centers of the Church in various parts of the United States and of the world outside the inland west, indicating a growth of a broad and permanent character. And it will go down also as an administration during which youth was nobly served. Standing on the threshold of a new anniversary the President looks across fourscore years of great living, years marked with reverses and victories, years filled with trials and triumphs. He comes to this milestone in his life rich in experience, robust in thought, hale and happy in his attitude toward life, mellowed and softened by time, tranquil and serene in spirit. He knows the past but lives in the present. These crowning years are full of peaceful conquest. For sixty years the Mutual Improvement Associations have held a large place in his thinking and in his affections. Through all these years his life has been a glorious vindication of the Church which he represents and a shining example to the youth of this people. His clarion voice has called the young men of this generation to the faith of their fathers. His fervent and fearless testimony borne under almost every sky has warmed the hearts and stirred the souls of thousands. |
THIS MONTH THE "IMPROVEMENT ERA" BEGINS ITS FORTIETH YEAR OF CONTINUOUS PUBLICATION — THE
SAME MONTH IN WHICH IT COMMEMORATES THE EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF ITS EDITOR AND FOUNDER, HEBER J. GRANT. THE "IMPROVEMENT ERA" APPROPRIATELY BEGINS ITS FORTIETH YEAR OF PUBLICATION WITH A HEBER J. GRANT NUMBER—ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST COLORFUL NUMBERS IN "ERA" HISTORY.
HEBER J. GRANT AT ABOUT 21
BRIGHAM YOUNG'S SCHOOLHOUSE WHICH STOOD NEAR THE EAGLE GATE, AND WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY PRESIDENT GRANT IN HIS YOUTH.
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Cannon, Lucy Grant. "A Father Who is Loved and Honored." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 680-684.
A Father Who is Loved and Honored By LUCY GRANT CANNON Ten daughters and two sons—and those who yet live to call him father, rise to call him BLESSED. MY very first recollection of my parents comes when I was about three years of age. I had been sick and had become so weak that I was not able to walk. I can see them now, these loving parents, mother holding me and putting my feet on the floor, father just a few steps away with arms outstretched. I read a message of love and assurance in those tender blue eyes, those strong hands extended so invitingly towards me, and as I took the few uncertain steps and was gathered into his sheltering arms I was content. Those arms have always been my shelter. His great heart has understood my needs. Father's devotion to his family is outstanding. His personal interest in them and their homes is constantly exhibited. He has helped them even when it was a great sacrifice. He has often said, "Help the sapling; the oaks can take care of themselves. Each birthday of every child and grandchild a letter and a check come to them either delivered personally or by mail. Each Christmas and New Year's and often at other times, books and checks, pictures or some thoughtful token arrives. His love and blessing always go with the gifts and fall like a benediction upon us all. It has always been a joy to feel that our foster mother has joined with him in all he does, and shows her loyalty and fidelity by being his support. Faith is their most outstanding characteristic. They have a knowledge of and an abiding faith in the Gospel, This is reflected in all the acts of their lives. It is the pivot for all their life's work. They have lived the two great commandments—love of God and neighbor—and another commandment which is also an expression of religious belief: to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction. The widow has always been the recipient of their solicitous attention. Clearing their homes of mortgages, getting their children into business positions, seeing that those who were sick had proper medical attention. During those lean years which followed the panic of 1893, when to give a nickel was harder than it had been to give five or ten dollars, father still helped those in distress, trying in every possible way to help men and women finance themselves, raise interest on their mortgages, and keep their financial honor. As soon as we were old enough, we started to work in his office, and it was the greatest satisfaction of our young lives to feel that we were helping him by caring for ourselves and in that way sharing his heavy burden of debt. Although he was always hopeful and optimistic, working, planning night and day so that he might be able to get out of debt, I believe those years of anxiety would have broken him down completely had he not had supreme assurance and courage born of his faith in the Gospel of Christ. I know in those years a horror of financial obligation was born into the souls of those of us who were old enough to see him under this great strain which made us feel that debt was like a huge dragon into whose ugly mouth the very lifeblood of its victims was drawn. No wonder he is constantly crying unto people everywhere to keep out of debt. One whose experience has been such as his knows the exquisite pain of honor on the verge of being crushed and of a good name perilously near being dragged in the dust. Father's and Aunt Augusta's devotion to the Church led us into activity. We were encouraged and taught that it was part of our duty as children to attend regularly all Church services and meet all requirements. In our home we seemed to observe an unwritten law that Church service came first and home duties second. Sometimes when I think back now I see where we used the Church as an excuse for not doing some of the home duties. Nevertheless there grew up in our hearts a love for Church service and a wish to do our part in the ward, and in this our love for parents was increased because we early became aware that the best way to show our love and appreciation for our parents was to do our best to help in Church organizations. There was no way we could make them happier than to be faithful in Church duties. Father has never asked a soul to do anything he was not willing to do himself and usually he did it first to set the example. In the early days when the stakes were so scattered it would often be months at a time that he would have to be away. It seemed to us that Arizona and Mexico were his second homes. He seemed to think the long and hard trips by team and wagon were the portion of the young men, and he being one should always be on the frontier. What a jubilant time we had when he came home! We would all gather around and listen to his experiences. I can see him now walking around the house with a child on each foot, or tossing the children up on his knee. (He still rides the little ones hobble-tee-gee. ) Memory carries me back to the rides we used to take behind our horse, old John. Although the two seats of our surrey were crowded we all must go. Father would take our favorite drive, down West Temple and then to Liberty Park. West Temple had rows of cottonwood trees. If it was early spring and the sap was coming up in the trees, father would stop and cut a tender limb from the tree and make us whistles. How interested we were in watching him make the bark come off smoothly and put the notch in the tree fiber; then on went the bark again and our whistle was ready. And how those whistles would sound as we rode slowly home. Each one seemed to be pitched just a little differently. I am afraid "spare the rod and spoil the child", was never taken as a serious command by our father, mother, or foster mother, for although we heard that Aunt Augusta had the record of being the highest salaried woman school teacher in the state and was a splendid disciplinarian, she had other methods than the rod method, for it was never in evidence in our home. I think we were hurt worse to know that we had displeased our parents than we would have been to have felt the sting of the switch. Father is the most generous man in the world. One cannot even mention all his acts of generosity because they are legion. As an example, when father was in England I wrote my usual weekly letter and mentioned that Sister K , who at that time was helping in our home, had been assessed fifty dollars on their new ward chapel. She hadn't complained about it, but I thought it was rather a high assessment for a widow with two small children to support. Soon a letter came from father to Sister K , with a check enclosed; she was to use the twenty-five dollars to help on her assessment. When she told me about it tears were in her eyes, she felt so grateful for the letter written in father's own handwriting; but the check she wanted to return. However, she did not return it, but gave it to the ward in addition, making her donation seventy-five dollars instead of fifty dollars. Years after when I was visiting her—she was then nearly ninety years old and almost blind—she went to her drawer and brought out the letter for me to read. An artist came in to sell him a picture. Father did not have space on his walls to hang a picture, but the artist needed money; so father told him he had always been sorry he had let him sell his last picture to him so cheap, so he gave him an extra fifty dollars for the previous picture and suggested that the artist sell the picture he had to someone else. Once a few days before Christmas as I was preparing some little gifts for a needy family, father walked in and I showed him the things, telling him about the family as I had gathered the story from the mother, I mentioned that I must get my temple clothes ready; I was lending them to the woman to use the next morning. The next day when she came to return my clothing 682 she told me when she went into the temple gate father was there waiting. He had never seen her before, only, knowing her by my description, he stopped her and handed her an envelope as he wished the family a happy Christmas. The envelope contained twenty dollars. One of his characteristics which to me seems almost Christ-like is his ability to turn the other cheek, to do good to those who despitefully use him. Many times he has helped the man in his distress who had previously openly criticized him, who had defamed his name and had not lived up to father's standards. How lenient and tolerant he has been to those who have neglected their Church and turned away from the faith of their fathers. He never seems to bear malice. He is bitter in his denouncement of sin, but to the sinner he is most merciful. Even after forty-three years, as I write, tears of gratitude and appreciation come to my eyes when I think of his tenderness to me in times of sickness. As many have heard him tell, I had a severe sickness when twelve years old; we were in Washington, D. C, at the time. But for the administration of the servants of the Lord and the power of God being sought in my behalf I should have died. Those weeks when I was so ill, even though we had two trained nurses, father scarcely left the room night or day. As I was improving, he read to me by the hour. He brought me presents and dainties as I was able to enjoy them and in the most wonderful way did as much as the fondest mother could. I was still too weak to walk when we left Washington. Father carried me to the train and waited on me during the journey home. If he had been a trained nurse, his touch could not have been more gentle or his care more considerate. We arrived in Salt Lake in time for the dedication of the temple. Several times he carried me all through the temple. Weeks of convalescence followed when I arrived home, and although all the family were willing to wait on me I still wanted him near and he was willing to be with me. What I say of myself is true of all my sisters when they have been ill. During the years of my mother's illness, which lasted over a long period of time, his attentions were so constant and considerate as to be commented upon not only by his family and intimate friends but by strangers who knew of this evidence of devotion. For six months I was with my mother while she was receiving treatment in a California hospital, and as often as was possible he was with us. Flowers came at frequent intervals; fruit, dainties, new clothes-—everything he could send her was hers. Almost every day a letter reached her, and if for some reason it was delayed even the nurses would notice it. I remember the Sister Superior (we were in a Catholic Hospital ) saying to mother that in all her years of nursing she had never had any man treat his wife as considerately as mother was treated. She said she would never believe any of the bad stories which were told her about Mormons. That reminds me that when we first went to that hospital and the Sisters found we were Mormons one of them asked me my name, and when I replied, "Lucy," she said, "Oh, you Mormons name your children as we Christians." I was only eleven, but even now I can remember how indignant I was when I replied: "We are Christians." ONE incident comes to my mind in connection with little Heber's life. The Salt Lake temple was nearing completion and as a project for all Sunday School and Primary children it was suggested we forget our Christmas presents and give the money to the temple. Our family was enthusiastic about the idea and so immediately we told father that we wanted the equivalent of our usual Christmas gifts in money to pay on the temple. Father gave us each a hundred dollars which of course was far in excess of the usual Christmas check, and how proudly little Heber handed his to the bishop. Some years later, just a week or so before his passing, the bishop was in and Heber felt under his pillow for his purse and handed the bishop eight dollars which he had saved to be added to his other gifts for the temple. In times of sickness or death father's fortitude has been remarkable. When his last son was bedridden for over a year, and during the last months of his life so often in very great pain, father would sit by his cot for hours at a time and soothe him. He would be in his room and with him as much as he could, and when he passed away father was resigned to his going although he knew that as far as earthly posterity is concerned he would probably have no son to carry his name. His great faith, which to us has seemed absolute, has been a strength and a stay to us all our lives. Father's interest in his daughters as we have been bearing and rearing our children could not have been more marked had he been our mother. When the time drew near for the arrival of a new grandchild he would be, I think, quite as anxious as any of our husbands. Each grandchild has been received by him with great pride and as a blessing. He has said many times nothing gave him more satisfaction and happiness than to see them all healthy and strong, possessed of all their faculties. When a young man, father had many severe sicknesses during which he showed the greatest fortitude and patience. The winter after he was operated on for appendicitis he was in bed about eight months, with pleurisy and pneumonia, yet we never heard him complain. Later when he had boils and carbuncles for months at a time, as many as a hundred at once, we thought Job himself would have found a rival in father for patience and resignation. I have heard it said that men are hard patients to care for, but here is one exception. He is so unselfish he never wants to bother anyone to wait on him. Father likes sociability. There is nothing he loves better than to entertain a group of friends. He was delighted to bring his friends to have meals with us or to spend the night. Many times when we had been absent from home for the evening and returned, we would peek around in the bedrooms and see if they were all full because of the arrival of some unexpected guests. Usually we would go into the dining room and light the gas and look to see if a note had been left telling us to make a bed on the storeroom floor because Aunt S or Uncle B had arrived. We were minute men when we were young. Father would go down town in the morning and have an idea that he would like ten or twenty or maybe fifty guests to come up for the evening. He would unconcernedly send word home that they had been invited and would we please be prepared. Aunt Augusta never seemed flurried over it; she would send some of us quickly to the store; some would begin to prepare the house and by the time father came home we would be in readiness and he wouldn't know anything about the rush and scampering there had been. My wedding day was one such occasion. We had decided that we would just have the two immediate families to a simple breakfast, because father and Aunt Augusta and her daughter were leaving for Japan that night and we were to go as far as Seattle with them. The morning of the wedding, just as he was leaving the house, he said: "It is the meeting of the Apostles in the temple this morning, and don't you think it would be nice to invite them to the wedding?" Of course we all said yes, but imagine the consternation of the cateress when the number of guests was increased about fifty per cent. The whole family were marshalled and cousins and aunts hurriedly called to help prepare for the additional guests. There is nothing, however, we love to do more than to get ready for father's guests. He is always such a fine host, making everyone feel at home, telling his thrilling and unique experiences, which we never tire of hearing. It is said all great men have a great mother and if father's love and devotion to his mother was a sign of greatness, he is one of the great. A more thoughtful or affectionate son it has not been my privilege to see. His anxiety to have her happy in her old age, his willingness to share all he had with her and to provide well for her was almost a passion with him. Every day when we had family prayers and it was his turn to pray he would kneel by grandmother and pray so she could hear it, even in her deafness. He talked to her and she could hear his voice when she was not able to hear some others. He bought her hearing devices to see if her hearing might not be helped, and in every way possible lived the sixth commandment — "Honor thy father and thy mother." His letters to her during the years he was in the mission field were most loving and kind, and grandmother would sometimes remark that the frequent letters kept her in touch with him almost more than when he was at home because at home he was away so much he was able to run in for only a few minutes, but when he was away he had to get his letters written and would tell about what he was doing and thinking. I believe he got the carbon copy 684 habit because he always wanted Grandma to read all she could, so whenever he was writing to any of the family a carbon went in and grandma had a letter. We, his daughters, still have carbon copies of choice bits of poetry and special letters, and whenever he is away he often writes to one or the other of us and sends a carbon copy to the other daughters. For the last seven years of grandmother's life she lived in my home, and I can not recall a day's passing when father was home that he did not come or telephone or get word from grandmother. He was always so proud of her because of her gracious ways, her splendid spirituality, and her handsome and radiant face —a face which showed that contentment and peace were hers. Father is the soul of honor. Sometimes people think him harsh because of this keen sense of honesty. He never does an underhanded thing and he scorns the acts of those who are not acting honorably. His word has never been questioned and he stands like flint for the right. Father always seems at ease in any company. He can meet kings, princes, presidents, or the humblest mechanic or Church member and is equally at home with any of them. He never seems to be embarrassed or confused, and has the faculty of making those he is with feel at perfect ease. He never likes to take his pleasure alone. If it is an auto ride, he will spend time inviting others to go with him. When he goes on trips he takes some of us along and on many trips we all receive a cordial invitation to accompany him. We love to go because in our confidential "travel" chats we get better acquainted and learn to appreciate more fully his great qualities. No family could have a better example of fidelity to one's beliefs than we have had in our father. He has set us the example in Church attendance, and in payment of tithes, fast offerings, and donations of every kind. He has attended the various functions of the auxiliaries. Nothing gives him more real happiness than to see his children and grandchildren giving service in the Church and in living as consistent Latter-day Saints should live. He has led the way for his family in all Church service. His testimonies of the divinity of the Gospel have stirred our souls and helped to build our testimonies. I could go on indefinitely, it seems to me, recounting incidents in my life in which Father and Aunt Augusta have had a vital part. Father has often said, "Love begets love" and so as their love for us had been so sincere and genuine it is returned in like measure by us. And to my dearly beloved father and foster mother it is good to be able to say in looking back these many years your example and love and teachings have been beacons which have guided us and will help bind us to you into eternity. |
PRESIDENT GRANT'S TEN DAUGHTERS. BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: EDITH, DESSIE, RACHEL, FLORENCE, LUCY. FRONT ROW: MARY, EMILY, FRANCES, GRACE, ANNA. TAKEN ABOUT 35 YEARS AGO.
LUCY STRINGHAM GRANT, WIFE OF PRESIDENT GRANT WHO DIED JANUARY 3, 1893.
AUGUSTA WINTERS GRANT AS SHE APPEARED AT ABOUT IS YEARS OF AGE, SOME YEARS BEFORE HER MARRIAGE TO PRESIDENT GRANT.
EMILY WELLS GRANT, WIFE OF HEBER J. GRANT, WHO DIED MAY 25, 1908.
THE AUTHOR, LUCY GRANT CANNON, SECOND DAUGHTER OF PRESIDENT GRANT, TAKEN ON THE DAY OF HER MARRIAGE TO GEORGE J. CANNON.
FIVE OF THE GRANT SISTERS. BACK ROW: FLORENCE, RACHEL AND LUCY. FRONT ROW: ANNA, EDITH.
PRESIDENT GRANT WITH A GROUP OF HIS DAUGHTERS, SONS-IN-LAW AND GRANDCHILDREN,
TAKEN ABOUT 1914 IN A CANYON SETTING FOUR GENERATIONS
(Left), Rachel Ivins Grant, Mother of Heber J. Grant; (Right), President Grant; (Standing), Rachel G. Taylor, Eldest Daughter of President Grant, and (Center), Lucy Taylor Anderson, Daughter of Rachel. DANIEL GRANT, PRESIDENT GRANTS YOUNGEST SON WHO DIED MARCH 10, 1895, AT THE AGE OF 4.
HEBER GRANT. ELDEST SON OF PRESIDENT GRANT, WHO DIED FEBRUARY 27, 1S96, AT THE AGE OF 7.
THE GRANT BROTHERS. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: JEDEDIAH MORGAN GRANT, JOSEPH HYRUM GRANT, GEORGE SMITH GRANT. BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: BRIGHAM F. GRANT, HEBER J. GRANT, JOSHUA F. GRANT.
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"Eighty Years of Achievement." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 685.
EIGHTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT A man's achievements and his real worth are measured by his positive qualities. Judged by these things, it would be evident without further knowledge of him, that President Heber J. Grant would go far in life. The many positive characteristics he possesses furnish a splendid example to every member of the Church, and particularly to young people. Space will permit only briefly the presentation of a few: Persistence One of President Grant's mottoes, demonstrated constantly in his life is —-"That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do, not that the nature of the task has changed, but that our capacity to do has increased." Calvin Coolidge made this statement: "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not —Genius will not—Education will not—Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Industry Throughout his life our President has evidenced the quality of industry in an outstanding manner. In his young manhood he performed three jobs at a time. Later he presided over a stake in Tooele county, and carried on his livelihood forty miles away in Salt Lake. In the midst of severe financial distress in the earlier days he worked with greater energy, carried on with determination, and finally emerged from debt and distress. In his eightieth year one may find him at his office early and late giving his energies to the affairs of the Church. Generosity This divine quality is well exemplified in his character. He personifies the teaching of the Savior— - "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." The extent of aid that he has personally rendered to worthy members in distress, besides his regular donations through Church sources, is far-reaching, but not made known by him. In his generosity or spirit he has shown honor to men who have vigorously differed with him in matters and policies, but in whom he recognized integrity and ability. Courage He has always demonstrated that he is prepared to abide by his principles, and is afraid of no man. He has never hesitated to express his views and to stand for that which he believes to be right, notwithstanding the differing views of others. Yet, he is considerate of others' viewpoints, and has the true spirit of counsel. He exemplifies the statement of Abraham Lincoln, who said: "Stand with anyone who stands right. Stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." He fulfils this statement of courage — "The courage we desire and prize is not the courage to die decently, but to live manfully."—(Carlyle) Honesty One of President Grant's outstanding qualities is his absolute honesty. His straightforwardness, his abhorrence of anything in the nature of falsehood, his discernment of and observance of truth, are all very positive. In adversity as well as prosperity, President Grant's faithfulness and liberality in tithes and donations have been remarkable. Initiative Elbert Hubbard says that "Initiative is doing what ought to be done, without having to be told." From boyhood up, as an employee, stake president, an apostle, in every capacity, our leader has been alert to give his thought and effort to the advancement of everything with which he has been connected. He has clearly exemplified the divine instruction, as follows: "Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them wherein they are agents unto themselves."— (Doc. and Cov. 58:27-28) Frankness There is never any question as to President Grant's position on any question. He is outspoken in his views; and those views" are always based upon his understanding, experience, and judgment of that which is for the greatest welfare of the Church and all the members thereof. Loyalty Loyalty to a great cause, giving one's self to it wholeheartedly, is a means of developing a fine personality. This is the result of President Grant's devotion to the Cause of Truth, that has carried him forward throughout his life, until he stands today as the Lord's Anointed, holding the keys of divine authority upon the earth. May his days on earth be long and full of joy! PRESIDING BISHOPRIC. |
A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH OF PRESIDENT GRANT AT HIS DESK IN THE OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
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Wells, Heber M. "President Grant--the Businessman, Business Ventures and Church Financing." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 686-689.
President Grant—THE BUSINESS MAN BUSINESS VENTURES AND CHURCH FINANCING By THE HONORABLE HEBER M. WELLS First Governor of the State of Utah During my life-long association with Heber }. Grant, dating back to early boyhood, I cannot remember a time when I did not know and respect him for his outstanding business genius. Webster defines genius as.. "Innate bent of mind or disposition; remarkable aptitude or natural endowment for some special pursuit; character or essential principle; embodiment; a person possessed of high mental powers or faculties.'' I believe that definition describes the business attributes of Heber J. Grant to a nicety. Slightly my senior in age, we were nevertheless friends and companions from my earliest recollection. As a boy he was frail in physical endowments, but in respect to that, as to all other handicaps, his wonderful intuition and perseverance overcame all obstacles until at the age of eighty he stands erect as a pikestaff and glowing with health and optimism for the future and, if possible, with an even keener business sense and judgment than when he was a younger man. Those particular traits of character were responsible for his becoming president of banks, mercantile establishments, insurance companies, sugar factories, and, indeed, President of the Church, were manifest to a marked extent in the days when he dwelt with his widowed mother, Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant, at 14 Second East Street in Salt Lake City. Before that he lived on Main Street in the old Grant homestead which stood between the residences of Daniel H. Wells and Bishop Edward Hunter. His father, Jedediah M. Grant, Counselor to President Brigham Young, died when Heber J. was an infant in arms, but he left an example of devotion to the Church and a legacy of character and spirituality which have remained a bulwark of strength to the son. At this juncture it seems fitting, because of the similarity of characteristics of father and son, to introduce a partial resume of the attributes of Jedediah Morgan Grant, who died December 1, 1856, in the forty-first year of his life, in Salt Lake City. His death was deeply lamented by the whole community, and by none more profoundly than by Presidents Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, his immediate associates in the First Presidency. "Oh, for another Jeddy," was a frequent expression on the lips of President Young in after years— a simple and pathetic plaint that spoke volumes. "His most distinguished son", wrote Historian Orson F. Whitney in 1904, "is Apostle Heber J. Grant, the founder of the Japanese Mission, whose versatile abilities, energetic action, frank, ready, offhand address and various excellent qualities are reminiscent of his illustrious sire." Many are the interesting anecdotes related of Jedediah, whose fearless advocacy of truth and right, and daring denunciation of falsehood and wrong, with his ready speech, quick wit, incisive logic, and adroit handling of his subject, are so characteristic of the main subject of this sketch—his illustrious son, who has risen even to greater heights than his revered father. Heber J. Grant, as a boy, was rich in spiritual graces but poor as the proverbial Job's turkey in this world's goods. But the filial duty of providing for his saintly mother was an ever-present urge, and he met the condition with courage and fortitude. I was a poor boy myself through financial reverses encountered by my father (from which, however, he subsequently recovered) and so we, "H. J.", as I abbreviated his full name, and I, being companions and friends, put our heads together to try to balance the budgets of our respective mothers. We decided to raise chickens and sell eggs, but, as I remember, this venture was not an enthusiastic success. I think the chickens got the pip, or the dogs in our big lot chased them about to such an extent that in their fright they forgot to lay. I have said that when a boy "H. J." was frail, and how did he then, with his unusual foresight, seek to overcome this handicap and build up his physique? It came to him in one of his reflective moods that it was important, if he wished to live and grow to a sturdy manhood, to turn a new leaf and spend as much of his time as possible in the open air; and so he began to devote himself to the great out-of-doors and to exercise as much as time would permit. He played marbles in the streets. He joined a baseball club. He took long walks. His chief competitor in the game of marbles, then known as "Knuckle down Boston", was an adopted Indian boy that Nelson Empey befriended and took into his home. The boys called him "Injun Charley." They used to make a big ring on the ground with white chalk and place a dozen marbles in the middle of it, and then with knuckles on the ground at the edge, shoot at the marbles; and if they were playing "keeps," the winner would pocket all the marbles he knocked out of the ring. "H. J." was very adept at this game and his pockets frequently bulged with his winnings, though "Injun Charley" was a stout contender. Of course they both played "Knuckle down Boston," with other boys of their neighborhood, but the play of these two experts became notable and drew a large gallery of spectators. "Heber J's" early business instinct was markedly shown, when with his marble winnings, he would hire other boys in the neighborhood to do his chores for him—cut wood, haul water and do other things for his widowed mother. It was circumstances such as this that caused Bishop Woolley to describe him as "the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward." The Bishop, seeing other boys working about "Widow Grant's" place, supposed that Widow Grant had to hire her chores done because her own "coddled" son was not disposed to do them. What the Bishop did not know was that "Widow Grant's lazy son" was paying to have the work done out of the rewards of his own skill, and was simply demonstrating in his early youth what was later to be one of "H. J.'s" greatest assets—a keen inborn business sense. "H. J." developed, through persistent practice, a phenomenal penchant for penmanship, until he was able to earn considerable sums by writing visiting and business cards in a fine, Spencerian hand. At age fifteen he became employed in the insurance office of H. R. Mann & Co. as a policy clerk. With his industry and skillful penmanship he made considerable extra money after business hours. This connection with H. R. Mann, by the way, was his introduction to the insurance business, which, so far as business is concerned, has been his "first love" throughout his life. He became engaged in the fire insurance business as an agent before he was of age, and has continued in the fire insurance business ever since. At an early age "H. J." was made Assistant Cashier of Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Company. This also was before he was twenty-one. Brigham Young was president of the bank as well as of the Church. The bank was in its infancy and in addition to filling the office of assistant cashier "Heber J." was the janitor, the paying and receiving teller, the note clerk and the bookkeeper. But let him tell it: "I opened the bank promptly at ten o'clock and closed it promptly at three p. m. I had to give a bond of $25,000, vouching for my honesty. I walked up to the office of President Brigham Young and just as he opened the door, with his cape on his arm, I said: 'President Young, as you know, the other day I was elected assistant cashier of Zion s Savings Bank and Trust Company, and they require a bond of $25,000, guaranteeing my honesty. I thought it would be a very appropriate thing for the president of the bank to sign my bond and I have come up for your signature.' He smiled and said, 'Heber, I don't see how in the world I can get out of signing your bond. I said so many good things about you at the directors' meeting, if I now refuse to sign your bond they will accuse me of not telling the truth.' He remarked that it would be a real pleasure to sign it, that he would have Brother James Jack make it out. 'But I have had a very busy day and I am just going for a ride. His carriage was waiting for him. He returned from his ride and went to bed with an awful pain in his right side. They called it inflammation of the bowels, and a day or two later it was announced that he was entirely out of pain and on the high road to recovery, as I recall, and in a few more days he passed away. I am sure that he died of a ruptured appendix. His doctor, the late Seymour B. Young, assured me he had no doubt of it." From 1880 to 1890 I had been City Recorder of Salt Lake City but was defeated for further election by the Liberal party which came into victory in 1890. President Grant reminds me that at that time I remarked to him that I was very sorry indeed that I had been engaged working for the city instead of learning something about business, and he, President Grant, suggested that he would go out and try to raise the money to start a bank with a capital of $250,000. He did go out to raise this capital, and lo and behold, his friends insisted on making the capital $500,000, which he felt was a mistake, and he was opposed to it. He raised practically the entire capital of $500,000 and there was not a dollar of promotion fees. The new bank was named the State Bank of Utah and was opened in the spring of 1890 with Heber J. Grant as president, and I was installed as its cashier. It occupied quarters in the north half of Zion's Savings Bank, but through circumstances beyond all human control its life was precarious. Before a year had passed, like a clap of thunder came the Baring Brothers' failure through Argentine investments which precipitated a panic reaching all the way from London clear out to Utah. And upon the heels of the panic of 1891 there came the world-wide panic of 1893 when banks and great corporations everywhere crashed, and pandemonium reigned over the civilized world. We all lost everything we had, and "Heber J." became more than "$100,000 worse off than nothing," as he has often told. But still undaunted he refused to take the bankruptcy act, saying: "If I get knocked down I can't help it, but if a giant should attack me I would kick him on the shins; and if I should live to be a hundred years old and then hadn't paid my debts I would beg the Lord to let me live another ten." Later he said: "I finally paid all my debts without appealing for any discount in the rate of interest until I went to Japan, at which time I did appeal for a renewal of my 688 notes at 6 percent, but, as good luck would have it, I succeeded in selling enough property and in making enough money during the four months from the day that I was called to go on a mission to Japan to pay all of my debts, and I paid $4,600 tithing, in the four months." It is too long a story to attempt to detail the intricacies of the resourcefulness of this remarkable man in saving the State Bank of Utah and the Zion's Savings Bank in the prolonged panic of 1891-2 and 3. Suffice it to say, by his heroic efforts and against fearful odds, he prevented the two banks from being forced to close their doors when their deposits were going out like snowslides and they were in the direst distress. Thus did Heber J. Grant continue to lift himself up by his own bootstraps, or perhaps it were better said, thus did he "skyrocket" into business prominence and earn the confidence and support of the men of affairs within the state of Utah as well as men of finance in the business centers of the nation. He organized the firm of Heber J. Grant and Company, the Home Fire Insurance Company, the Home Life Insurance Company, and purchased ninety per cent of the stock of the Salt Lake Herald, and, with the assistance of Horace G. Whitney whom "Heber J." denominates "one of the finest newspaper men that ever lived, both as a writer and as a business manager", the Herald became a great success inside of three years, making $12,000 a year. Afterwards, however, when statehood was secured, Messrs. A. W. McCune, Simon Bamberger, R. C. Chambers, Joseph L. Rawlins, and Judge Judd, wanting a Democratic newspaper, acquired control of the Herald, ran it into debt, assessed the stock, and it ended in collapse. President Grant's daughter, Lucy G. Cannon, writing of her father's business activities, says: Father is loyal to home products. He has made it a practice never to buy anything from outside that he can get from home sources. We have all partaken of his spirit and the first thing we ask our grocer or merchant is if the article has been made at home. And what he says to people of his state is just as applicable to any other state or country. He believes in building up the community or country in which a person resides. Father's ability to figure a business problem in his mind seems almost uncanny, since I have such difficulty in remembering even my multiplication tables. He can add, multiply, figure percentages, and do all manner of mental calculations which are simply bewildering to me, and I often think they are to his gentlemen friends, although they always seem to be trying to understand. He has been interested in many business enterprises, always helping to start new ones: ranching, cattle raising, vinegar manufacturing, soap making, bee culture, merchandising, implement stores, the sugar industry, livery stables, and insurance. I really believe though that insurance is his first love, both life and fire, because he believes in insurance as of special benefit to the individual. We thought our fortune was surely to be made in soap when he founded the Grant Soap Factory. The Grant soap was far better than any other laundry soap. We wrote hundreds of letters and enclosed folded circulars telling about the merits of this fine soap. All other soaps were banished from our house and Grant laundry soap was used for everything. Levi Edgar Young speaks of President Grant as a business man in these words: From the time that President Grant entered the broad field of daily life, he emphasized the importance of developing home industries. This led to his work in the conservation of our resources. The vision which he had of an independent and progressive people has been fulfilled, and he has carried on the work of empire building, which his predecessors held as an industrial policy. John Stuart Mill once wrote that "A high regard for the industrial pursuits is necessary for sound morals." This ethical law has been clear in the mind of President Grant, for he founded some of the most important business concerns of the West. We cannot mention them all, for they are many. The old firm of Grant, Odell, and Company grew into the Consolidated Wagon and Machine Company. The Lehi sugar factory, the first beet sugar factory built in America with American machinery, was promoted largely through the instrumentality of Heber J. Grant—and at great financial sacrifice to him and his friends. Again, during the post-war financial crisis of 1921 the beet sugar industry needed refinancing, and Heber J. Grant procured the necessary aid. Of this circumstance he says: In 1921 the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company borrowed $12,535,000.00. They expected to make five or six million dollars as sugar was selling at $17.00 a bag. They paid $12.00 a ton to the farmers for the beets, but when the beets were turned into sugar the price, instead of being $17.00, was $5.00, and, at the end of the season, instead of having the borrowed money all paid as usual, only part of the crop was sold and the company still owed the bankers seven million dollars. I went East to negotiate a renewal of the seven million dollars with the banks in Chicago, St. Paul and New York, and finally succeeded in getting a renewal of the seven million and a pledge of $2,800,- 000.00, or 40% additional loan to pay for a small crop of beets. Subsequently a suggestion was made that the government, which, through the War Finance Corporation, was taking care of cotton raisers, ought to take care of the beet growers. Mr. Eugene Meyer was in Salt Lake City arranging for loans to be made to stock men, and the suggestion was that the government ought to finance the beet growers. Mr. Meyer said: "I will give it my attention as soon as I get back to Washington, and I believe it can be done." He wired: "Send representatives to Washington of the various sugar companies, and I am sure the matter can be fixed up, but I do not believe that it can possibly be done by correspondence." Henry H. Rolapp, who was then the President of the Amalgamated Sugar Company, Mr. Carlton of the Holley Sugar Company, Mr. Petrikin, President of the Great Western Sugar Company, and myself, went to Washington; also the Vice- President of the United States National Bank of Denver. The Great Western and the Holley did not need any money, and we appreciated very much the presidents of these companies being with us to vouch that the security which we offered would be good. Senator Reed Smoot took our party to call on the President, and President Harding turned to Mr. Meyer, the head of the War Finance Corporation, and said: "Mr. Meyer, President Grant and his associates here have an enterprise that is entitled to all the money they want." Then he turned to me and said: "President Grant, this man Meyer has the whole United States behind him—you make him come through." We succeeded in getting a pledge of a ten-million-dollar loan from the War Finance Corporation, which was enough to take care of all the beet sugar factories in Utah and Idaho for the next year's beet crop. We used nine million dollars and a fraction and it was all paid back in a year. When I reached Washington, Reed Smoot asked me how much we would need and I said: "Ten million dollars." He said: "You ask For it— I. have already converted the President of the United States that you are entitled to all you want." What is the present financial status of the Church, and what part has President Grant played in safeguarding its assets? I asked recently of John Wells, one of the Presiding Bishopric in the Bishop's Building. "The part which President Grant has played in keeping the Church out of debt," said Bishop Wells, "has been manifest in every way. He has set his face like flint against contracting obligations greater than the revenues justified, and has nurtured, protected, and greatly enhanced its assets until today the Church owes not one red cent, but on the contrary is the owner of much real estate and other valuable investments of gratifying magnitude." "President Grant, whose guiding genius is ever alert in all of these involvements and who is a wonderful salesman, gives personal attention to the financial activity of every Mormon community, and he never neglects admonitions for the spiritual welfare of the members of the Church either." While limited perspective precludes broad conclusions at this time, the organization of the Church Security program during President Grant's administration will likely go down in history as one of the greatest forward moves of the Church, temporally and spiritually. IN reviewing what I have written here I fear my screed is too long for the "Era" and so I am forced to bring it to a close without elaborating many other heroic accomplishments of Heber J. Grant, who has been acclaimed for years as a veritable wizard of finance. It should be said, however, that Heber J. Grant has probably been instrumental in establishing and furthering the cause of more successful intermountain industries and institutions than any man living today. His personal credit, superb salesmanship, and impeccable integrity have repeatedly, since early manhood until now, brought capital to the aid of the Church, the community, and private enterprise. In times of panic and in times of plenty, Heber J. Grant has been able to raise a few hundred, or millions, where other men have failed to raise anything. And this has been done largely by personal guarantee and persuasion. As he has often said, his personal credit has been too good for his own good at times, but Heber ]. Grant has never repudiated or failed to pay a dollar of obligation for which he was directly or indirectly responsible—legally or morally. The result is that today, as during all of the many decades past since he was a young man, he can walk into the offices of the executives and directors of the greatest financial and industrial institutions in America and be warmly and affectionately greeted by men who are proud to know him as friend and as a leader of finance and industry. With the advent of statehood our paths diverged. I was elected governor of the state and "H. J" succeeded to the Presidency of the Church. All this time, however, we have remained the best of friends and brothers and my love and admiration for him has increased and become unbounded in contemplation of his richness in good works, his alms deeds, his undeviating adherence to the principles of righteousness and justice to all men and the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. |
GRANT BROS. LIVERY & TRANSFER COMPANY GIVES THE NEWSBOYS A RIDE, THANKSGIVING DAY, 1890, IN THEIR FORTY PASSENGER RAYMOND COACH.
EARLY BUSINESS ASSOCIATES OF PRESIDENT GRANT: LEFT TO RIGHT: GEORGE T. ODELL, BRIGHAM FREDERICK GRANT, AND JOSHUA GRANT.
JEDEDIAH M. GRANT, FATHER OF HEBER.
HERER J. GRANT AT ABOUT 38 YEARS OF AGE.
HEBER M. WELLS AS HE APPEARED WHEN HE WAS GOVERNOR OF UTAH.
A PARADE FLOAT SHOWING PART OF THE FIRST BEET SUGAR FACTORY EQUIPMENT WHICH WAS IMPORTED FROM FRANCE TO UTAH IN 1852 WHEN FREIGHT FROM THE MISSOURI RIVER WAS $500.00 A TON.
COLONEL ALEXANDER G. HAWES, AN EARLY FRIEND AND INSURANCE ASSOCIATE OF HEBER J. GRANT. HE WAS AT ONE TIME GENERAL MANAGER OF THE NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN, HE BOARDED WITH PRESIDENT GRANT'S MOTHER WHEN HEBER J. WAS ABOUT TWELVE YEARS OF AGE.
THE LEHI SUGAR FACTORY OF THE UTAH-IDAHO
SUGAR COMPANY. THE FIRST BEET SUGAR FACTORY BUILT IN AMERICA WITH AMERICAN MACHINERY—LARGELY THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF HEBER J. GRANT. |
Taylor, Alma O. "Memories of Far-Off Japan, President Grant's First Foreign Mission 1901-1903." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 690-691.
Memories of Far-off Japan PRESIDENT GRANT'S FIRST FOREIGN MISSION 1901 to 1903 By ALMA O. TAYLOR IN 1901, when Heber J. Grant, then an Apostle, was called by President Lorenzo Snow to open a mission in Japan, he was the only member of his quorum who had not been on a regular proselyting mission. He was without missionary experience. That is probably why the Lord chose him for Japan. The problems of a mission among pagans were to be found unique and were not to be solved by the lessons learned in Christian lands. The Japanese Mission needed a man unhampered by the precedents and prejudices of remote experience—one who could face new problems with an open mind and think them through with pristine mentality and unfettered dependence on divine guidance. The things President Grant did and directed his three companions to do were quite out of line with what first missionaries had done and current missionaries were doing in other missions. For instance, he spent the early months of his mission in Japan in dignified environment: the best hostelries were his early headquarters. This gave harmonious background to his towering personality and impressive address. The cost was much heavier than "Mormon" missionaries were accustomed to pay, or old traditions could sanction. He and his companions did not realize it at the time, but this with purse- and-scrip policy discredited those who had glibly prophesied that the "Mormon" Elders would promptly become mendicant priests among the lower classes. Their fine quarters and gentlemanly position made it compatible for the editors of the leading newspapers and magazines to come clamoring for interviews with the "Mormon" Apostle. The situation attracted and favorably impressed government officials and cultural leaders. So that, when the "Mormon" application for a permit to proselyte in Japan was received at the Department of Religions, the permit was granted in spite of subtle opposition. The traditional "without-purse-or-scrip" policy, if followed, might have been fatal; a permit to proselyte would undoubtedly have been denied. President Grant's native ability to capitalize an opportunity was applied with vigor, and page after page in the leading periodicals told the "Mormon" story. Soon "Mormons" and "Mormonism" were being discussed pro and con throughout the land. When "the tumult and the shouting died," and the missionaries settled down to the grind of language learning and mission planning, progress was slowed by many a puzzling problem. President Grant irked at the leash, as any man of energy and action would do. While himself focusing every faculty of mind and heart on the problems of the job, he always consulted with an open mind with his companions and gave respectful and serious consideration to their opinions. He was not a dictator. He sought counsel even from the weakest of his comrades. He inspired in them respect for him by his respect for them. Yet he did not in the least shirk his responsibility of leadership. While he often accepted the wisdom of other opinions and plans and frankly followed that wisdom, he remained the leader. Before the Lord he was as a humble child. The way ahead was dark and uncharted. Divine inspiration was needed and diligently sought for by prayer, fasting, counsel, and work. It was a precious experience to be a comrade "with an Apostle as he wrestled with the Lord—especially when the way seemed so obscure. Comparing the absence of tangible encouragement and manifestations of the spirit in the experience of the pioneer missionaries to Japan with the abundance of such blessings enjoyed by the first missionaries to England, Hawaii, and other countries, one can readily understand why the Japanese Mission tested to the utmost the fortitude and faith of its founders. President Grant's assurance that all would be well, kept his companions from serious discouragement, however. To the writer, who was one of his companions in Japan, it remains an unexplained thing that there should be so little response to the ardent pleadings of the Lord's servants in the midst of what, to them at least, seemed such justifiable need. President Grant at one time in Japan stated to me that he never once felt sure, with that sureness which the clear witness of the Spirit gives, that any given decision or plan was right. He and his fellow workers were left to the painful course of proof by trial. Imagine a dynamic soul like Heber J. Grant held down to the slow and uncertain process of experimentation! He irked at the many restraints, not with the desire to run away, but with the desire to plunge ahead. Eventually he was released from his assignment in Japan and soon sent to preside over the European Mission, where, free from the agony of a pagan language and free from the mysteries of a pagan culture, he could take his normal stride. President Grant himself probably at times wonders what he accomplished in Japan. As he has often told publicly, he did not learn the language, so he could not preach or teach except uncertainly through ill-trained interpreters. His few converts, made through such inadequate interpreters, later drifted away. Concretely it all sums up to a small measure. But the writer, who stayed on in Japan long after President Grant came home, discovered through the years so many benefits of President Grant's policies and activities in the early months of the mission, that he is convinced President Grant was the right man—probably the only man — for the job. President Grant's assignment, as an Apostle, was to open the door for the preaching of the Gospel in Japan. All of his official and personal acts connected with such opening were done with signal ability. Unconsciously he acted with inspired authority. The developments of after years prove that the Lord was not so far away as it sometimes seemed. In my opinion, it is unreasonable to think that the Lord ever intended the peculiar equipment with which President Grant is endowed should be stranded for long in a morass of verb conjugations and chopstick technique. As viewed by the writer through the whole period of his stay in Japan, and as proved by the facts which later came to light, President Grant's first foreign mission—his assignment to Japan—was eminently successful. |
THE FIRST MORMON MISSIONARIES IN JAPAN:
FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT—LOUIS A. KELSCH AND PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT. BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT—A JAPANESE INTERPRETER, HORACE S. ENSIGN AND ALMA O. TAYLOR. JAPANESE CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHED WHILE PRESIDENT GRANT WAS IN JAPAN.
PRESIDENT GRANT AND HIS RICKSHAW MAN IN JAPAN.
IN JAPAN: LEFT TO RIGHT—LOUIS A. KELSCH, ALMA O. TAYLOR AND HEBER J. GRANT.
PRESIDENT GRANT AND A MISSIONARY PARTY CLOTHED IN THE CONVENTIONAL JAPANESE ATTIRE OF THE DAY.
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Wallis, James H. "President Grant--Defender of the Word of Wisdom, Champion of Prohibition." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 696-698.
President Grant—DEFENDER OF THE WORD OF WISDOM CHAMPION OF PROHIBITION
By JAMES H. WALLIS
For nearly threescore years, early and late, in season and out. President Grant has sounded the warning that the Word of Wisdom must be observed or men must pay the price in loss of money, health and spiritual strength. If ever there has been a prophet who has raised his warning voice more often to a greater part of the world's population than President Heber J. Grant, whose life spans all the historic development west of the Missouri River, his name has not been recorded in sacred or profane history.
If ever a people, a state, a nation, and much of the civilized world has been sufficiently and forcibly warned in regard to the matter of the Word of Wisdom, it has been the people of our Church, the state of Utah, the nation, and world of today. Early and late, in season and out of season, for nearly threescore years, President Grant has stood like an Isaiah or a Jeremiah and sounded the warning in the ears of men, giving to them in his direct, plain, and forceful manner what God has given to him and his people through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the positive statement and the sure knowledge that the things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom are harmful and injurious to the human body and therefore should not be indulged.
The general run of people in the world knew little of the harmful effects of tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor sixty years ago when our venerable leader began to preach by word and example against these things; but if they have listened to his voice, read his writings, and seen the perfect example he has set, the health and strength and vigor of mind he enjoys today, they should know a great deal about these things, and their effect upon the physical system of man. But in spite of all the knowledge that has been disseminated, the world still appears to pay little heed to the harmful effects of these things, especially tobacco and liquor, evils which are sapping the physical, moral, and spiritual strength of the nations.
On June 1, 1919, standing before one of the largest congregations of the Church ever assembled, the occasion being the sustaining of Heber J. Grant to succeed Joseph F. Smith, as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world, President Grant said:
"I feel humble beyond any language with which God has endowed me to express it, in standing here before you this morning, occupying the position in which you have just voted to sustain me. ... I will ask no man to observe the Word of Wisdom any more closely than I will observe it. ..."
Twelve years later, at the April conference, 1931, he reiterated this same statement by reading it to the conference, and then declared:
"I can honestly and conscientiously say to this large assembly, that I have day by day, month by month, and year by year, lived up to that pledge which I made at that time."
Thirty-seven years before making this declaration, President Grant had been called by revelation, given to President John Taylor, October 16, 1882, to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Apostles. At the opening session of the October conference following, he expressed himself regarding his new calling and in the course of his remarks said:
"No one who understood 'Mormonism' would ever exchange it for any of the forms of faith prevalent in the world. But in order to understand it, it is necessary to live it. God has laid down certain laws for our guidance, and has made promises as the result of obedience to the same. One of these was the Word of Wisdom, through obedience to which some of the greatest of blessings would accrue. This law was adapted to the weakest capacity, yet some of the strongest violate it."
That declaration was made fifty-three years ago, and through all the succeeding years, President Grant has been faithful and consistent to his pledge and to every promise made affirming his allegiance to the Word of Wisdom. His challenge, "I will ask no man to observe the Word of Wisdom any more closely than I will observe it," is as effective today as it was when uttered.
When President Grant was a boy he was sickly and frail, and resorted to many means to build up his strength. He was a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom and had been ail his life. His sainted mother had taught him early the promises of the Lord contained in that revelation, and he believed her implicitly, and grew up with great faith in its observance.
He has ever been ready to attribute his strong body to keeping strictly the Word of Wisdom and has never failed, from that day to this, to bear a strong testimony of its efficacy. He has never hesitated to plead with the Saints to observe it, knowing of its blessings, with the result sometimes that some have been known to resent it.
On one occasion, not very long after he was ordained an Apostle, in a general conference discourse, he referred to this as follows:
"When we go to meeting and hear sermons, we will hear men sometimes express themselves as being 'sick and tired' of hearing about the Word of Wisdom. They are those who do not keep it. Those who keep the Word of Wisdom rejoice to hear about it. God always makes promises to us upon obedience to certain laws. We must keep these laws, else we cannot receive the blessings. The blame is, therefore, not God's but our own. I testify that the promises of God are true and faithful. If we discharge our duties, we will receive the rewards promised. Those who listen to the requirements made upon them, and do not do them, are always 'sick and tired' of hearing the same thing over and over again. And I do not blame them. They are dull scholars, and God must look upon them as such, because they have heard a great deal and done a very little."
President Grant has never failed to impress upon the people that when they disregard the Word of Wisdom, because it had not been given as a commandment, that they rejected the "will of the Lord." Said he:
"The Lord says the Word of Wisdom is to be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint—some people say: "That is the way I get around it—"not by commandment or constraint"—we can do as we please."
"But what else does it say? It says 'by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth— ' What? 'Showing forth the order and the will of God.' I say to such people, you do not want to know the will of God, do you? I think one of the weakest excuses I ever heard of in my life is that one—'not by commandment or constraint'—when, before the verse ends, it tells you that it is the will of God, 'in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.'
"The nation is in an awful condition today, financially. God gave us a revelation for the temporal salvation of the people, and if millions and billions of dollars of money were not expended for the things which God says are not good for man, peace, prosperity, health, vigor of body and of mind would be enjoyed by all the people of these United States. The Word of Wisdom is God's plan for the salvation of the people temporarily, and he has said so. He has said that it is his will, and if we lived up to the will of God, and there were no tea, coffee, tobacco or liquor used in the world, peace, prosperity and happiness would come to this nation and to the whole world.
"Those who are not keeping the Word of Wisdom will say that they get 'sick and tired' of hearing such talks. They will get it from me as long as I have breath."
In October 1 880, two years before being called as an Apostle, President Grant had been appointed to succeed Elder Francis M. Lyman as President of the Tooele Stake. They had been very close associates all their lives, and President Grant publicly stated in the April conference, 1917, that no man ever made such a strong impression upon him to live the Word of Wisdom as President Lyman did. He said:
"I can remember, as a boy, that I always tried to get a seat about two-thirds of the way back, when coming to this tabernacle. I always sat on the aisle, and I can remember when President Lyman returned from his first and his second missions. I can remember listening to the burning words of his knowledge of the Gospel; I can remember his preaching upon the Word of Wisdom, and making as strong an impression upon my heart to continue to live the Word of Wisdom, as any man I ever listened to. I can remember when he said that a Latter-day Saint ought to love the work of God more than a cup of coffee, or a cup of tea, or a chew of tobacco, or a drink of liquor; that when God had revealed to man that this was his work, any convert ought to show gratitude enough to leave alone those things which God has said were not good for man."
At the October conference ten years ago, in the course of his address, President Grant referred to the extensive missionary work the Church could have accomplished with the money that had been spent by people in purchasing those things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom. He said:
"No man can, under the inspiration of the Lord, warm the hearts of the Saints, or benefit the people of the world, by proclaiming the Word of Wisdom, who does not obey it himself. But the man who obeys the Word of Wisdom can touch the hearts of the Latter-day Saints in proclaiming that wonderful revelation that the Lord has given to us for our health and our benefit, and above all that has been given to us with a promise attached thereto.
"And let me say right here that I am convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that if the Latter-day Saints had observed the Word of Wisdom, and if the money that has been worse than wasted for tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor, had been utilized for missionary service, we would have had the millions of dollars for the work of the Lord that has been expended for that which the Lord Almighty says is not good for man.
"There is no promise made to you or to me or to any Latter-day Saint that the destroying angel shall pass us by, or that we shall have hidden treasures of knowledge, unless we obey the Word of Wisdom, and the way above all other ways for men and women to teach their children the necessity of obeying the Word of Wisdom is by obeying it themselves.
"I believe beyond the shadow of a doubt that there are hundreds and thousands of Latter-day Saints, who but for the obeying of the Word of Wisdom, would not be here today. When they have been attacked by serious diseases and have been in a critical condition physically, having obeyed that law, having fulfilled an irrevocable law of God, he was bound to bestow the promised blessings, and they have come to the afflicted ones."
Possibly the strongest testimony President Grant ever gave of his strong faith in the Word of Wisdom was when relating his recovery from his serious operation some years ago, when, to all human appearances, recovery seemed impossible. We give it in his own words:
"I leave my testimony with you that I believe as firmly as I believe anything in this world that I would not be standing here today talking to you if I had not obeyed the Word of Wisdom. When my appendix was removed it had broken and blood poisoning, so they said, in the third and last stage, had set in. There were nine doctors present and eight said I had to die. The chief surgeon in the Catholic hospital turned to President Joseph F. Smith and said: 'Mr. Smith, you need not think of such a possibility or probability as that this man shall live. Why, if he should live it would be a miracle, and this is not the day of miracles.'...
"The day I was leaving the hospital, I said to the nurse, 'I have no desire to meet the eight doctors who said I would die, but I would like to meet the ninth, the one who said I would live. When he came I asked him why he had disagreed with the others, and he smiled (he was a southerner), and said: 'Mistah Grant, ah just took a chance, suh! Ah have felt the pulse, suh, of thousands of patients, being a house doctor, in many, many hospitals, but ah never felt a pulse just like yours, suh. Why, do you know, suh, in all of the tests that I made during an hour and three quarters that you were under the knife, your heart nevah missed one single, solitary beat, and ah made up my mind that that heart would pull you through.'
"Had I not lived the Word of Wisdom, all my life, had my blood not been pure, I am convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would not have been entitled to that wonderful promise contained in the Word of Wisdom, that those who obey this Word of Wisdom shall be blessed, and that the destroying angel shall pass them by as he did the children of Israel and not slay them. I am convinced that my heart would not have had pure blood, had I not fulfilled the law, and I would not be standing here before you today. I give to the Lord Almighty the credit and the glory, for it is by His power that I am here today."
We are living in a day when the very air we breathe is saturated with tobacco smoke coming from the mouths of countless men, women, girls, and boys. And the people are literally waddling in a flood of liquor, which is carrying them on to slow but sure decay and destruction. If any one doubts the need of a prophetic and warning voice in these times against these evils, he is not reading aright the signs of the times. At no time in the past has there been greater need for a prophet to lift up his voice, and this President Grant has done in all sincerity and faith, and has sounded it from the housetops.
President Grant, on one occasion not long ago, told his large audience that the Church and its leaders were being criticized as being old fashioned. He said:
"We are being called 'old fashioned,' and told we are too straight because we will not sanction the drinking of beer now that it has been legalized. We never will approve the drinking of beer. We will go right on being straight and telling the people to let beer alone despite the feelings of some members that we should condone the drinking of it. . . . There never was a time when the Church needed to urge and stress observance of the Word of Wisdom more than today. The time will come and I would like to see it, when men and women who are not living the Word of Wisdom cannot hold positions of responsibility in this Church, because they cannot say, 'Follow me.' They should be able to say this to every one with whom they associate as officers of the Church."
When in the pre-prohibition days the nation and the state were wallowing in the mire of the liquor dispensing system given us, by way of the old saloon, President Grant's voice was heard speaking out against it from one end of the state to the other; also in other states and even reaching into foreign countries where missions of the Church are established. He was uncompromisingly against liquor from every standpoint. In the local option campaign his voice again rang out, and once more he proved himself a power against the entrenched enemy. When the great battle to make the nation dry by constitutional amendment came on, he was again in the forefront of the battle as an able advocate for the necessary change in the Constitution, doing all in his power for the cause of prohibition. He admonished his people; he pleaded with them, and he warned them, and he rejoiced when the fight was won. But even then he did not give up, but kept on with his fight for the observance of the Word of Wisdom.
When the time came that men in high places, together with mass hysteria, demanded repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, he was again to the front and used all his power and persuasion and influence against repeal. Again he admonished his people, warned them and pleaded with them. And his great heart nearly broke when Utah, his own beloved state, the place of his birth, the home of his people, the place selected by prophets before him, the state where he had grown to manhood, and achieved so grandly, cast the deciding vote in favor of the national repeal. He declared:
"We are fundamentally for prohibition, and let me promise you right here and now, that if you vote for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, there will be a great many more professing Latter-day Saints who will be drunkards than there have been while the Eighteenth Amendment has been in force.
"By the way, I received a postal card — (the man who sent it did not have the courage to sign his name)—asking me not to talk on the Word of Wisdom at this conference. I request each and every Latter-day Saint within the sound of my voice to read what I said about the Word of Wisdom just six months ago. Every word that I said I meant, and among other things I said I hoped and prayed that we as a people would not vote for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment."
Sixty days later, when the fight against repeal was over, and the people had rejected the counsels of the Prophet of the Lord, President Grant publicly declared in the large tabernacle:
"I feel to have charity at the present time for the Latter-day Saints who have voted for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, notwithstanding the fact that they knew very well, without my coming out and saying, I want you to do it,' that I would have been mighty happy if they had voted the other way. I lived in hopes, and I announced myself in public, that if all other states in the Union went 'wet,' Utah would go 'dry.'
"Some of my friends begged me to come out and appeal to the people individually, to ask each and every Latter-day Saint to vote to maintain the Eighteenth Amendment.
"I believe men that have lived the Gospel just as well as I have ever lived it, many of them, were conscientious in voting for repeal. On the other hand, if they did it just merely out of politics, well, of course, I felt—always have—that politics are like the measles: The measles is not a very bad disease, if you will take a little sassafras tea and keep them on the surface; but when the measles sets in, I understand, it turns your hide yellow and makes you cross-eyed. Politics sometimes does the same thing,—that is, in my judgment.
"But I don't feel any harshness. I did feel annoyed, in good plain English, when one of the members of the cabinet saw fit to quote the President of the United States as wanting Utah to go wet. I had a lot of copies of speeches, printed, which I was going to send out to the people. I announced that anybody who wanted copies should write for them. Finally I decided not to send them till after election. It annoyed me for one of the cabinet members to undertake to dictate on behalf of the President, to the people of Utah to vote wet. I decided to keep still until after election, and I am glad to have done so. I don't want to offend any man who disagrees with me.
"But I am very grateful indeed that the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment will not make any difference to any true Latter-day Saint. No Latter-day Saint will patronize those things when the Lord has told us it is His will that we let them alone. If our people are going to take license to follow after the things of the world and the people of the world, and do those things that the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches them not to do, they are not living up to their religion. So, really, the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment will make no difference whatsoever to a true Latter-day Saint
"On the other hand, I believe honestly and conscientiously that we ought in the future to be more diligent, more faithful, more energetic—those of us who in the past have kept the commandments of the Lord, than we have been in the past, for fear of the temptations that are coming to our young people, and be sure to set examples before them that will be worthy of their imitation, because example is the finest way to preach in all the world. Children notice the example of their parents, their friends, and their teachers. Upon one occasion, in one of the southern counties, when some missionaries were stopping at a brother's home and they had prayers, a little child said: "Papa, we never pray, do we, unless we have company?" . . .
"Never in the history of the Church have we needed so much as we do today the Word of Wisdom. No nation can ever prosper, this nation being no exception, that undertakes to pay part of its obligation and to build up the nation by licensing the sale of liquor and allowing people to make millions upon millions of dollars by selling it. I have never felt so humiliated in my life over anything as that the state of Utah voted for the repeal of prohibition. I do not want to dictate to any man. But when the Lord gives a revelation and tells me what is for my financial benefit and the financial benefit of this people, because 'of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days,' I do think that at least the latter-day Saints should listen to what the Lord has said. . . .
"I again say, I could not help but feel humiliated when the Latter-day Saints knew as well as they knew that they lived that I wanted them to remain true to the Word of Wisdom and not vote for the repeal of prohibition."
President Grant continues to stand for the right, and stands today as much against the evils of liquor and tobacco as ever. His fight will not cease until he is silenced by the closing of his life's work. He is one who literally will "speak from the dust" in this great cause, because the influence of his words and the power of his example will survive the grave and thus he will continue to plead with his people to refrain from the evils which are bringing down people and nations to untimely graves.
Hail to the Prophet, four score years of age,
Whose name is inscribed on the state's ev'ry page:
Who is honored and famed at home and abroad;
Who is true to his people and valiant to God.
President Grant—DEFENDER OF THE WORD OF WISDOM CHAMPION OF PROHIBITION
By JAMES H. WALLIS
For nearly threescore years, early and late, in season and out. President Grant has sounded the warning that the Word of Wisdom must be observed or men must pay the price in loss of money, health and spiritual strength. If ever there has been a prophet who has raised his warning voice more often to a greater part of the world's population than President Heber J. Grant, whose life spans all the historic development west of the Missouri River, his name has not been recorded in sacred or profane history.
If ever a people, a state, a nation, and much of the civilized world has been sufficiently and forcibly warned in regard to the matter of the Word of Wisdom, it has been the people of our Church, the state of Utah, the nation, and world of today. Early and late, in season and out of season, for nearly threescore years, President Grant has stood like an Isaiah or a Jeremiah and sounded the warning in the ears of men, giving to them in his direct, plain, and forceful manner what God has given to him and his people through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the positive statement and the sure knowledge that the things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom are harmful and injurious to the human body and therefore should not be indulged.
The general run of people in the world knew little of the harmful effects of tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor sixty years ago when our venerable leader began to preach by word and example against these things; but if they have listened to his voice, read his writings, and seen the perfect example he has set, the health and strength and vigor of mind he enjoys today, they should know a great deal about these things, and their effect upon the physical system of man. But in spite of all the knowledge that has been disseminated, the world still appears to pay little heed to the harmful effects of these things, especially tobacco and liquor, evils which are sapping the physical, moral, and spiritual strength of the nations.
On June 1, 1919, standing before one of the largest congregations of the Church ever assembled, the occasion being the sustaining of Heber J. Grant to succeed Joseph F. Smith, as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world, President Grant said:
"I feel humble beyond any language with which God has endowed me to express it, in standing here before you this morning, occupying the position in which you have just voted to sustain me. ... I will ask no man to observe the Word of Wisdom any more closely than I will observe it. ..."
Twelve years later, at the April conference, 1931, he reiterated this same statement by reading it to the conference, and then declared:
"I can honestly and conscientiously say to this large assembly, that I have day by day, month by month, and year by year, lived up to that pledge which I made at that time."
Thirty-seven years before making this declaration, President Grant had been called by revelation, given to President John Taylor, October 16, 1882, to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Apostles. At the opening session of the October conference following, he expressed himself regarding his new calling and in the course of his remarks said:
"No one who understood 'Mormonism' would ever exchange it for any of the forms of faith prevalent in the world. But in order to understand it, it is necessary to live it. God has laid down certain laws for our guidance, and has made promises as the result of obedience to the same. One of these was the Word of Wisdom, through obedience to which some of the greatest of blessings would accrue. This law was adapted to the weakest capacity, yet some of the strongest violate it."
That declaration was made fifty-three years ago, and through all the succeeding years, President Grant has been faithful and consistent to his pledge and to every promise made affirming his allegiance to the Word of Wisdom. His challenge, "I will ask no man to observe the Word of Wisdom any more closely than I will observe it," is as effective today as it was when uttered.
When President Grant was a boy he was sickly and frail, and resorted to many means to build up his strength. He was a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom and had been ail his life. His sainted mother had taught him early the promises of the Lord contained in that revelation, and he believed her implicitly, and grew up with great faith in its observance.
He has ever been ready to attribute his strong body to keeping strictly the Word of Wisdom and has never failed, from that day to this, to bear a strong testimony of its efficacy. He has never hesitated to plead with the Saints to observe it, knowing of its blessings, with the result sometimes that some have been known to resent it.
On one occasion, not very long after he was ordained an Apostle, in a general conference discourse, he referred to this as follows:
"When we go to meeting and hear sermons, we will hear men sometimes express themselves as being 'sick and tired' of hearing about the Word of Wisdom. They are those who do not keep it. Those who keep the Word of Wisdom rejoice to hear about it. God always makes promises to us upon obedience to certain laws. We must keep these laws, else we cannot receive the blessings. The blame is, therefore, not God's but our own. I testify that the promises of God are true and faithful. If we discharge our duties, we will receive the rewards promised. Those who listen to the requirements made upon them, and do not do them, are always 'sick and tired' of hearing the same thing over and over again. And I do not blame them. They are dull scholars, and God must look upon them as such, because they have heard a great deal and done a very little."
President Grant has never failed to impress upon the people that when they disregard the Word of Wisdom, because it had not been given as a commandment, that they rejected the "will of the Lord." Said he:
"The Lord says the Word of Wisdom is to be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint—some people say: "That is the way I get around it—"not by commandment or constraint"—we can do as we please."
"But what else does it say? It says 'by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth— ' What? 'Showing forth the order and the will of God.' I say to such people, you do not want to know the will of God, do you? I think one of the weakest excuses I ever heard of in my life is that one—'not by commandment or constraint'—when, before the verse ends, it tells you that it is the will of God, 'in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.'
"The nation is in an awful condition today, financially. God gave us a revelation for the temporal salvation of the people, and if millions and billions of dollars of money were not expended for the things which God says are not good for man, peace, prosperity, health, vigor of body and of mind would be enjoyed by all the people of these United States. The Word of Wisdom is God's plan for the salvation of the people temporarily, and he has said so. He has said that it is his will, and if we lived up to the will of God, and there were no tea, coffee, tobacco or liquor used in the world, peace, prosperity and happiness would come to this nation and to the whole world.
"Those who are not keeping the Word of Wisdom will say that they get 'sick and tired' of hearing such talks. They will get it from me as long as I have breath."
In October 1 880, two years before being called as an Apostle, President Grant had been appointed to succeed Elder Francis M. Lyman as President of the Tooele Stake. They had been very close associates all their lives, and President Grant publicly stated in the April conference, 1917, that no man ever made such a strong impression upon him to live the Word of Wisdom as President Lyman did. He said:
"I can remember, as a boy, that I always tried to get a seat about two-thirds of the way back, when coming to this tabernacle. I always sat on the aisle, and I can remember when President Lyman returned from his first and his second missions. I can remember listening to the burning words of his knowledge of the Gospel; I can remember his preaching upon the Word of Wisdom, and making as strong an impression upon my heart to continue to live the Word of Wisdom, as any man I ever listened to. I can remember when he said that a Latter-day Saint ought to love the work of God more than a cup of coffee, or a cup of tea, or a chew of tobacco, or a drink of liquor; that when God had revealed to man that this was his work, any convert ought to show gratitude enough to leave alone those things which God has said were not good for man."
At the October conference ten years ago, in the course of his address, President Grant referred to the extensive missionary work the Church could have accomplished with the money that had been spent by people in purchasing those things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom. He said:
"No man can, under the inspiration of the Lord, warm the hearts of the Saints, or benefit the people of the world, by proclaiming the Word of Wisdom, who does not obey it himself. But the man who obeys the Word of Wisdom can touch the hearts of the Latter-day Saints in proclaiming that wonderful revelation that the Lord has given to us for our health and our benefit, and above all that has been given to us with a promise attached thereto.
"And let me say right here that I am convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that if the Latter-day Saints had observed the Word of Wisdom, and if the money that has been worse than wasted for tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor, had been utilized for missionary service, we would have had the millions of dollars for the work of the Lord that has been expended for that which the Lord Almighty says is not good for man.
"There is no promise made to you or to me or to any Latter-day Saint that the destroying angel shall pass us by, or that we shall have hidden treasures of knowledge, unless we obey the Word of Wisdom, and the way above all other ways for men and women to teach their children the necessity of obeying the Word of Wisdom is by obeying it themselves.
"I believe beyond the shadow of a doubt that there are hundreds and thousands of Latter-day Saints, who but for the obeying of the Word of Wisdom, would not be here today. When they have been attacked by serious diseases and have been in a critical condition physically, having obeyed that law, having fulfilled an irrevocable law of God, he was bound to bestow the promised blessings, and they have come to the afflicted ones."
Possibly the strongest testimony President Grant ever gave of his strong faith in the Word of Wisdom was when relating his recovery from his serious operation some years ago, when, to all human appearances, recovery seemed impossible. We give it in his own words:
"I leave my testimony with you that I believe as firmly as I believe anything in this world that I would not be standing here today talking to you if I had not obeyed the Word of Wisdom. When my appendix was removed it had broken and blood poisoning, so they said, in the third and last stage, had set in. There were nine doctors present and eight said I had to die. The chief surgeon in the Catholic hospital turned to President Joseph F. Smith and said: 'Mr. Smith, you need not think of such a possibility or probability as that this man shall live. Why, if he should live it would be a miracle, and this is not the day of miracles.'...
"The day I was leaving the hospital, I said to the nurse, 'I have no desire to meet the eight doctors who said I would die, but I would like to meet the ninth, the one who said I would live. When he came I asked him why he had disagreed with the others, and he smiled (he was a southerner), and said: 'Mistah Grant, ah just took a chance, suh! Ah have felt the pulse, suh, of thousands of patients, being a house doctor, in many, many hospitals, but ah never felt a pulse just like yours, suh. Why, do you know, suh, in all of the tests that I made during an hour and three quarters that you were under the knife, your heart nevah missed one single, solitary beat, and ah made up my mind that that heart would pull you through.'
"Had I not lived the Word of Wisdom, all my life, had my blood not been pure, I am convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would not have been entitled to that wonderful promise contained in the Word of Wisdom, that those who obey this Word of Wisdom shall be blessed, and that the destroying angel shall pass them by as he did the children of Israel and not slay them. I am convinced that my heart would not have had pure blood, had I not fulfilled the law, and I would not be standing here before you today. I give to the Lord Almighty the credit and the glory, for it is by His power that I am here today."
We are living in a day when the very air we breathe is saturated with tobacco smoke coming from the mouths of countless men, women, girls, and boys. And the people are literally waddling in a flood of liquor, which is carrying them on to slow but sure decay and destruction. If any one doubts the need of a prophetic and warning voice in these times against these evils, he is not reading aright the signs of the times. At no time in the past has there been greater need for a prophet to lift up his voice, and this President Grant has done in all sincerity and faith, and has sounded it from the housetops.
President Grant, on one occasion not long ago, told his large audience that the Church and its leaders were being criticized as being old fashioned. He said:
"We are being called 'old fashioned,' and told we are too straight because we will not sanction the drinking of beer now that it has been legalized. We never will approve the drinking of beer. We will go right on being straight and telling the people to let beer alone despite the feelings of some members that we should condone the drinking of it. . . . There never was a time when the Church needed to urge and stress observance of the Word of Wisdom more than today. The time will come and I would like to see it, when men and women who are not living the Word of Wisdom cannot hold positions of responsibility in this Church, because they cannot say, 'Follow me.' They should be able to say this to every one with whom they associate as officers of the Church."
When in the pre-prohibition days the nation and the state were wallowing in the mire of the liquor dispensing system given us, by way of the old saloon, President Grant's voice was heard speaking out against it from one end of the state to the other; also in other states and even reaching into foreign countries where missions of the Church are established. He was uncompromisingly against liquor from every standpoint. In the local option campaign his voice again rang out, and once more he proved himself a power against the entrenched enemy. When the great battle to make the nation dry by constitutional amendment came on, he was again in the forefront of the battle as an able advocate for the necessary change in the Constitution, doing all in his power for the cause of prohibition. He admonished his people; he pleaded with them, and he warned them, and he rejoiced when the fight was won. But even then he did not give up, but kept on with his fight for the observance of the Word of Wisdom.
When the time came that men in high places, together with mass hysteria, demanded repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, he was again to the front and used all his power and persuasion and influence against repeal. Again he admonished his people, warned them and pleaded with them. And his great heart nearly broke when Utah, his own beloved state, the place of his birth, the home of his people, the place selected by prophets before him, the state where he had grown to manhood, and achieved so grandly, cast the deciding vote in favor of the national repeal. He declared:
"We are fundamentally for prohibition, and let me promise you right here and now, that if you vote for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, there will be a great many more professing Latter-day Saints who will be drunkards than there have been while the Eighteenth Amendment has been in force.
"By the way, I received a postal card — (the man who sent it did not have the courage to sign his name)—asking me not to talk on the Word of Wisdom at this conference. I request each and every Latter-day Saint within the sound of my voice to read what I said about the Word of Wisdom just six months ago. Every word that I said I meant, and among other things I said I hoped and prayed that we as a people would not vote for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment."
Sixty days later, when the fight against repeal was over, and the people had rejected the counsels of the Prophet of the Lord, President Grant publicly declared in the large tabernacle:
"I feel to have charity at the present time for the Latter-day Saints who have voted for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, notwithstanding the fact that they knew very well, without my coming out and saying, I want you to do it,' that I would have been mighty happy if they had voted the other way. I lived in hopes, and I announced myself in public, that if all other states in the Union went 'wet,' Utah would go 'dry.'
"Some of my friends begged me to come out and appeal to the people individually, to ask each and every Latter-day Saint to vote to maintain the Eighteenth Amendment.
"I believe men that have lived the Gospel just as well as I have ever lived it, many of them, were conscientious in voting for repeal. On the other hand, if they did it just merely out of politics, well, of course, I felt—always have—that politics are like the measles: The measles is not a very bad disease, if you will take a little sassafras tea and keep them on the surface; but when the measles sets in, I understand, it turns your hide yellow and makes you cross-eyed. Politics sometimes does the same thing,—that is, in my judgment.
"But I don't feel any harshness. I did feel annoyed, in good plain English, when one of the members of the cabinet saw fit to quote the President of the United States as wanting Utah to go wet. I had a lot of copies of speeches, printed, which I was going to send out to the people. I announced that anybody who wanted copies should write for them. Finally I decided not to send them till after election. It annoyed me for one of the cabinet members to undertake to dictate on behalf of the President, to the people of Utah to vote wet. I decided to keep still until after election, and I am glad to have done so. I don't want to offend any man who disagrees with me.
"But I am very grateful indeed that the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment will not make any difference to any true Latter-day Saint. No Latter-day Saint will patronize those things when the Lord has told us it is His will that we let them alone. If our people are going to take license to follow after the things of the world and the people of the world, and do those things that the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches them not to do, they are not living up to their religion. So, really, the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment will make no difference whatsoever to a true Latter-day Saint
"On the other hand, I believe honestly and conscientiously that we ought in the future to be more diligent, more faithful, more energetic—those of us who in the past have kept the commandments of the Lord, than we have been in the past, for fear of the temptations that are coming to our young people, and be sure to set examples before them that will be worthy of their imitation, because example is the finest way to preach in all the world. Children notice the example of their parents, their friends, and their teachers. Upon one occasion, in one of the southern counties, when some missionaries were stopping at a brother's home and they had prayers, a little child said: "Papa, we never pray, do we, unless we have company?" . . .
"Never in the history of the Church have we needed so much as we do today the Word of Wisdom. No nation can ever prosper, this nation being no exception, that undertakes to pay part of its obligation and to build up the nation by licensing the sale of liquor and allowing people to make millions upon millions of dollars by selling it. I have never felt so humiliated in my life over anything as that the state of Utah voted for the repeal of prohibition. I do not want to dictate to any man. But when the Lord gives a revelation and tells me what is for my financial benefit and the financial benefit of this people, because 'of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days,' I do think that at least the latter-day Saints should listen to what the Lord has said. . . .
"I again say, I could not help but feel humiliated when the Latter-day Saints knew as well as they knew that they lived that I wanted them to remain true to the Word of Wisdom and not vote for the repeal of prohibition."
President Grant continues to stand for the right, and stands today as much against the evils of liquor and tobacco as ever. His fight will not cease until he is silenced by the closing of his life's work. He is one who literally will "speak from the dust" in this great cause, because the influence of his words and the power of his example will survive the grave and thus he will continue to plead with his people to refrain from the evils which are bringing down people and nations to untimely graves.
Hail to the Prophet, four score years of age,
Whose name is inscribed on the state's ev'ry page:
Who is honored and famed at home and abroad;
Who is true to his people and valiant to God.
Evans, Richard L. "President Grant as "Jim the Penman"." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 701-702.
President Grant—as "JIM THE PENMAN” By RICHARD L EVANS BACK in October, 1 92 1 , during the severe post-war financial crisis, it became necessary for President Heber J. Grant, with others, to go to Washington, D. C. to negotiate a ten million dollar loan with the War Finance Corporation for the benefit of the beet sugar industry of Utah and Idaho. The business details of this loan, which was expedited by Reed Smoot and the President of the United States, are related elsewhere in this issue under "President Grant—The Business Man"; but this story deals with a sheet of paper "Written by ']im the Penman' at Washington, D. C., October 18, 1921," as the President has recorded it in his own words: While we were negotiating for the loan, I was sitting next to the Vice-President of the United States National Bank of Denver. I picked up a sheet of paper and filled it with signatures of representative men in Utah whom I knew, and just before our negotiations ended he said: "Mr. Grant, what are you going to do with that paper?" "Oh," I said, "I was just scribbling these signatures to pass the time away.—I was going to throw it into the waste basket." He said: "Give it to me." I did so. Some years later I was in Denver and called on the Vice-President of the United States National Bank whom I had met in Washington, and he showed me the page of signatures I had written at the time we were negotiating for the ten million dollar loan. I said to him: "I shall appreciate it if you will have a photostatic copy made, as I cannot write quite so well now as my hand trembles." He said: "Yes, I will do that with pleasure. I am invited to be one of the party of Mr. Pyeatt's friends at luncheon today, and I will bring the copy with me." He referred to a luncheon to be held at the Denver Club to which we had been invited by Mr. Pyeatt, President of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Mr. Pyeatt requested that I make a speech of a half hour on the financial accomplishments of the Mormon Church, and I told the story of negotiating a loan of a hundred thousand dollars on four notes of $25,000.00 each payable in 12, 18, and 24 months, for which I agreed to secure twenty signatures out of thirty of the leading financial men of Salt Lake City as endorsers on these notes which were to be given by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The manager of Wells Fargo Bank in Salt Lake was to specify the names. I secured twenty-four signatures; three of the men were out of town. One I knew so well that I did not even ask him to endorse the notes knowing he would refuse, and two only refused. After I had finished my talk at the Denver Club, the Vice-President of the United States National Bank stood up and said: "Gentlemen, I was in Washington with Mr. Grant when the government made a loan of ten million dollars to the sugar factories in Utah and Idaho, and he picked up this piece of paper and wrote these signatures on it." He passed the paper around, and continued: "Grant could just as well, I am sure, have had fifty signatures on the back of those notes as twenty-five." After having this joke at my expense, he returned the sheet of signatures to me. And so the sheet of signatures signed "Jim the Penman" back in 1921 in Washington, D. C, came again into President Grant's possession and is reproduced on page 702. But what is more remarkable, at the age of eighty President Grant can still reproduce these and scores of other signatures. Within the last few days I have seen him write again these signatures just as he did in 1921. And I have heard Dr. John A. Widtsoe, the late Dr. James E. Talmage, and others say that they would testify anywhere that signatures written by President Grant for the amusement of his friends were their own. But this spectacular and entertaining gift for reproducing signatures is not the most practical of President Grant's chirographic proclivities. His fine, round Spencerian handwriting began making money for him in his early teens, and a specimen of his penmanship that was written before he was seventeen years of age later won a diploma for him at the Fair of the Territory of Utah in competition with four professors of penmanship. He wrote greeting cards, wedding invitations, insurance policies, stock certificates, and legal documents. A copy of a wedding invitation of which he wrote, as he remembers, more than a hundred copies in 1 877, is reproduced herewith. Says President Grant: I once made twenty dollars on New Year's day by writing forty dozen cards with 'Happy New Year' and the man's name written in the corner. The next New Year's day I made $37.50 in five hours. I wrote on fifty dozen cards the words 'Happy New Year' and sold them all, and had to write more. When the President was working as a policy clerk in the insurance office of H. R. Mann 8 Company, still in his teens, he was offered three times his salary to go to San Francisco as a penman. He later became Professor of Penmanship and Bookkeeping at the University of Deseret (later the University of Utah). George D. Pyper writes of him: One of my early recollections of President Grant visions him jack-knifed around a little table in James Dwyer's Book Store, on upper Main Street, Salt Lake City, engaged in writing Christmas and New Year cards at fifty cents per dozen. I was the happy purchaser of a couple of dozen of these beautifully penned New Year's calling cards. Later he was a teacher of penmanship and bookkeeping at the Deseret University when it was located at the corner of First North and Second West Streets, Salt Lake City. I was a student and recall his going from seat to seat inspecting the work of the pupils. His Spencerian style became my model and many reams of paper were used up with his copy before me. At one of the Territorial Fairs at which he had not competed he noticed the exhibits of four professional penmen. He remarked to the man in charge of the Art Department that he could write better than that before he was seventeen years of age. The man in charge laughed and said that nobody but a cheeky insurance agent would make such a remark. He handed the gentleman three dollars, which was the fee necessary to compete for a diploma, sent for the specimen which he had written before he was seventeen, hung it up with the remark, "If your judges know good penmanship when they see it I will get the diploma." He walked away with the diploma for best penmanship in the Territory. He encouraged the art of good penmanship among the youth of Zion and has offered many prizes to aid in the laudable art of chirography. Concerning her father's penmanship activities, President Grant's daughter, Lucy, writes: Father is a fine penman. When we were young he used to make all sorts of scrolls and fancy lettering for us. We were specially fond of his birds; with just a few strokes of the pen he could draw the loveliest birds, large birds and small birds, birds alone and birds in flocks. I remember with what pride I used to show my friends the birds father had drawn for me and thought I was quite favored to have a father who was so talented. He was eager to have us all learn to write well. I was left-handed and learned to use that hand in writing. He used to look at my writing and say to me that I would never become a good writer if I used the left hand. He took the pen and showed me that the letters were formed for the right hand and one could not be as rapid or as legible a writer who wrote left-handed. I wasn't very anxious to change but to please him I did and learned with my right hand. I am glad now because I feel as he does that it is much better to write with the right hand. I remember how he disliked the change that was made in the writing of the children from slant to vertical writing, when that system was introduced into our schools. And his dislike was vindicated a few years later when the schools abandoned vertical writing and went back to the slant. President Grant has repeatedly said that hard work never kills anyone. He recalls innumerable times when he has plied his pen until after midnight, only to rise again before six in the morning to continue his writing before regular business hours. This man's career as "Jim the Penman" has been entertaining and useful to himself and his friends. He has long been a champion in the cause of good penmanship. |
WEDDING INVITATION OF WHICH PRESIDENT
GRANT PENNED, AS HE REMEMBERS, MORE THAN A HUNDRED COPIES. SIGNATURES OF WELL-KNOWN MEN WRITTEN
BY PRESIDENT GRANT IN 1921 AT WASHINGTON, D. C. (see page 701) |
Taylor, Rachel Grant. "Letter Written by President Heber J. Grant to His Daughter." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 704-706.
LETTER WRITTEN BY PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT TO HIS DAUGHTER
By Rachel Grant Taylor
I was born of goodly parents." These, the first words in the sacred record that bridged the span between ancient and modern revelation, find an echo in my heart. I too, was born of goodly parents. How "goodly" none but members of the family circle can ever know. As I had been trying day after day to find words to tell you of the bond between father and his girls, there kept recurring the thought of the "Sacred To Me" section of my Gleaner Treasures of Truth book.
In that book was a birthday letter written shortly after my dear mother's death. In all the years between that letter had been a cherished treasure, and no other eyes had seen its pages.
Should I share it with you? At last, though it caused me a heart pang, I decided I would be generous, for I felt that no words of mine could paint in its truest colors the portrait of my beloved father as did his own words of counsel, confidence and love. You may read my letter.
Astor House, New York.
August 26, 1893.
"My Darling Ray:
"It is with difficulty that I am able to bring myself to appreciate the fact that in a few days you will be fifteen years old. I confess that it seems to me but yesterday since I came home from a little trip to Ogden or some other place and for the first time you were able to walk three or four steps. I remember that you kept walking back and forth from your mamma to me for a long time and seemed to think that you were doing something very wonderful and I was very much pleased indeed with your efforts in walking. I have watched you grow from a little babe to almost a young lady and I have had all the pleasure and pride that a father could possibly have in seeing you growing up with a love of the truth and a desire to do that which is right. I have worked early and late for my loved ones and I have taken much pleasure in supplying all their wants and I have been thankful for the success that I have had in my business so that I could add to your happiness and that of the others that I love so much. I have sometimes wondered if I had done less working and more visiting and talking with my little ones if it would not have been wiser but I am not going to do any complaining now.
"I find that there is a great change and that many of the things that we have had in the past that have added to our pleasure will have to be gone without in the future and that perhaps much of the work that we have had done by others will have to be done by us, but I am thankful to feel that I am sure of your love and support and that you will without complaint take up your share of the burdens. I have been pleased with your labors so far in life as I have seen that above all things that the desire to do right and to be honest was first and foremost with you and I pray God with all my heart that you will always feel this way, I think more of your doing right than of all the gifts and graces in the way of good looks and fine things that this world can produce.
"You have a labor ahead of you in this life that is very important and that is much greater than usually falls to the lot of a girl of your years, and this labor is to assist in the rearing of your brother and sisters. Your example will do more to lead them in the right path than almost anything else that can happen. I will not be home much of the time as when I am not away on business I will be on missions for the Church and the time may come when some of the little ones will not give that heed that they should to the wishes of their Aunt Gusta, and your example in this regard will do more than words to keep them in the right path. If you are careful and thoughtful of all that you do and your example is all that it should be, the little ones will follow it and the task of your Aunt Gusta will be one of love and pleasure; but on the other hand in case you and Lutie do not do all in your power to aid and assist in rearing the children, Gusta will find her labor almost more than she can endure. I know that today she feels to thank the Lord for the sweet task He has given her in having you and the rest of the children to rear. I feel that you will do all that it is possible to do and I thank the Lord that you feel this way.
"It will soon be your birthday and I write to send you all the fond love that it is within my power to send you and to wish you with all my heart, many, many happy returns of the day. You will soon be in your sixteenth year and you must commence to have serious thoughts. I was hard at work when I was sixteen earning part of the money that we were living on, and while I do not want you to go to work, I do want you to save all that you can by helping at home, and above all I want you to be cheerful and happy in any and all work that you have to do. I feel that you will do all that I suggest and I am as thankful as I know how to be that you have been all that I could ask so far in your life and I pray that the Lord will watch over and protect you in the future as He has in the past. You will be going to parties and to sociables in the near future and I want you to be careful and never allow the slightest liberty to be taken by any of your escorts. There are very many of the young men among us as well as in the world that are not good and that have no regard for virtue, and that is a dearer treasure than even life itself. Your mamma taught you very plainly in all things of this kind and you must remember all that she told you and watch over the other children now that she has gone and teach them as she taught you. I want you to always be free and frank with me and your Aunt Gusta as well as with mother as the safe way is to do nothing or have no companions that you do not want us to know all about. You must be as careful of your grandma's feelings as possible and do all that you can for her, as she is an old lady now and in the providences of the Lord she can't remain with us many years, and while some of the things that she wants done may not be just as we would like, we had better try to please her as it will be a pleasure to recall that we did all that we could to make her contented and happy. I regret, my darling girl, that I can not be home with you on your fifteenth birthday, as I had hoped that I could be there and that I would be able to add something to the pleasures of the day. I send you the fond love of a devoted father and an earnest prayer that you will be blessed and prospered of the Lord all the days of your life.
"I want you and all of us to so live that when we have finished this life that we will meet with a fond welcome from the Lord as well as your dear sweet mother. I shall not purchase you any present to remember the day by, but I will send you a father's blessing with his assurance that the life that you have led in the past has been pleasing to him and has added much to his happiness and to ask that you go on in the future making him happy by doing all the good that you can and by attending to the labors that you have before you from time to time with cheerfulness. Once more sending you all the fond love and sweet kisses that a letter can carry, I am, with a heartfelt prayer, that God will bless you always,
'Your loving and devoted father,
( Signed ) HEBER J. GRANT."
LETTER WRITTEN BY PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT TO HIS DAUGHTER
By Rachel Grant Taylor
I was born of goodly parents." These, the first words in the sacred record that bridged the span between ancient and modern revelation, find an echo in my heart. I too, was born of goodly parents. How "goodly" none but members of the family circle can ever know. As I had been trying day after day to find words to tell you of the bond between father and his girls, there kept recurring the thought of the "Sacred To Me" section of my Gleaner Treasures of Truth book.
In that book was a birthday letter written shortly after my dear mother's death. In all the years between that letter had been a cherished treasure, and no other eyes had seen its pages.
Should I share it with you? At last, though it caused me a heart pang, I decided I would be generous, for I felt that no words of mine could paint in its truest colors the portrait of my beloved father as did his own words of counsel, confidence and love. You may read my letter.
Astor House, New York.
August 26, 1893.
"My Darling Ray:
"It is with difficulty that I am able to bring myself to appreciate the fact that in a few days you will be fifteen years old. I confess that it seems to me but yesterday since I came home from a little trip to Ogden or some other place and for the first time you were able to walk three or four steps. I remember that you kept walking back and forth from your mamma to me for a long time and seemed to think that you were doing something very wonderful and I was very much pleased indeed with your efforts in walking. I have watched you grow from a little babe to almost a young lady and I have had all the pleasure and pride that a father could possibly have in seeing you growing up with a love of the truth and a desire to do that which is right. I have worked early and late for my loved ones and I have taken much pleasure in supplying all their wants and I have been thankful for the success that I have had in my business so that I could add to your happiness and that of the others that I love so much. I have sometimes wondered if I had done less working and more visiting and talking with my little ones if it would not have been wiser but I am not going to do any complaining now.
"I find that there is a great change and that many of the things that we have had in the past that have added to our pleasure will have to be gone without in the future and that perhaps much of the work that we have had done by others will have to be done by us, but I am thankful to feel that I am sure of your love and support and that you will without complaint take up your share of the burdens. I have been pleased with your labors so far in life as I have seen that above all things that the desire to do right and to be honest was first and foremost with you and I pray God with all my heart that you will always feel this way, I think more of your doing right than of all the gifts and graces in the way of good looks and fine things that this world can produce.
"You have a labor ahead of you in this life that is very important and that is much greater than usually falls to the lot of a girl of your years, and this labor is to assist in the rearing of your brother and sisters. Your example will do more to lead them in the right path than almost anything else that can happen. I will not be home much of the time as when I am not away on business I will be on missions for the Church and the time may come when some of the little ones will not give that heed that they should to the wishes of their Aunt Gusta, and your example in this regard will do more than words to keep them in the right path. If you are careful and thoughtful of all that you do and your example is all that it should be, the little ones will follow it and the task of your Aunt Gusta will be one of love and pleasure; but on the other hand in case you and Lutie do not do all in your power to aid and assist in rearing the children, Gusta will find her labor almost more than she can endure. I know that today she feels to thank the Lord for the sweet task He has given her in having you and the rest of the children to rear. I feel that you will do all that it is possible to do and I thank the Lord that you feel this way.
"It will soon be your birthday and I write to send you all the fond love that it is within my power to send you and to wish you with all my heart, many, many happy returns of the day. You will soon be in your sixteenth year and you must commence to have serious thoughts. I was hard at work when I was sixteen earning part of the money that we were living on, and while I do not want you to go to work, I do want you to save all that you can by helping at home, and above all I want you to be cheerful and happy in any and all work that you have to do. I feel that you will do all that I suggest and I am as thankful as I know how to be that you have been all that I could ask so far in your life and I pray that the Lord will watch over and protect you in the future as He has in the past. You will be going to parties and to sociables in the near future and I want you to be careful and never allow the slightest liberty to be taken by any of your escorts. There are very many of the young men among us as well as in the world that are not good and that have no regard for virtue, and that is a dearer treasure than even life itself. Your mamma taught you very plainly in all things of this kind and you must remember all that she told you and watch over the other children now that she has gone and teach them as she taught you. I want you to always be free and frank with me and your Aunt Gusta as well as with mother as the safe way is to do nothing or have no companions that you do not want us to know all about. You must be as careful of your grandma's feelings as possible and do all that you can for her, as she is an old lady now and in the providences of the Lord she can't remain with us many years, and while some of the things that she wants done may not be just as we would like, we had better try to please her as it will be a pleasure to recall that we did all that we could to make her contented and happy. I regret, my darling girl, that I can not be home with you on your fifteenth birthday, as I had hoped that I could be there and that I would be able to add something to the pleasures of the day. I send you the fond love of a devoted father and an earnest prayer that you will be blessed and prospered of the Lord all the days of your life.
"I want you and all of us to so live that when we have finished this life that we will meet with a fond welcome from the Lord as well as your dear sweet mother. I shall not purchase you any present to remember the day by, but I will send you a father's blessing with his assurance that the life that you have led in the past has been pleasing to him and has added much to his happiness and to ask that you go on in the future making him happy by doing all the good that you can and by attending to the labors that you have before you from time to time with cheerfulness. Once more sending you all the fond love and sweet kisses that a letter can carry, I am, with a heartfelt prayer, that God will bless you always,
'Your loving and devoted father,
( Signed ) HEBER J. GRANT."
Middleton, George W. "Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 706-707.
SOME OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By George W. Middleton
Turning backward the pages of memory I recall very vividly the first time I ever saw President Grant. He was a young apostle then on one of his official visits to the southern end of the territory. Of course I knew about him but had never seen him nor had the pleasure of hearing him speak. There was a well packed house in the old tabernacle at Cedar City. It was a stormy night but the inclement weather had not deterred the people from coming out to hear the new apostle. I must have been in my early teens, at that impressionable age when our emotions lie near to the surface. The clean cut incisive style and the downright earnestness of the speaker made a profound impression on me which I have never forgotten. When the wind outside raised to a tempest, the speaker said, "Now, I can outtalk that storm, and shall only need to know how loud I must intone my voice to make you all hear. If anybody fails to hear let him hold up his hand."
President Grant has a style of oratory that is all his own. Of course, any man who preaches so much is bound to repeat himself, especially when there are so many demands on his time that he could not, if he would, plan sermons. At a big gathering of prominent people at Detroit a few months ago his speech was quite a sensation, and his audience gave him an ovation, and begged him to speak again in the banquet that was to follow. There is an underlying sense of humor in many of his pungent sentences which is very pleasing, and people never hear him once without wanting to hear him again. It is a remarkable thing that although he is within a few weeks of his eightieth birthday his vim and vigor and earnestness has known no abatement, and he speaks with as much force as he did half a century ago.
A year or so ago I went with President Grant down to Cedar City. He was responding to a request to dedicate a new church and as it was in my native section the people had asked me to come down with him. We drove over to the hospitable home of his daughter, Mrs. Clifford Young, at American Fork for an evening dinner and then took the road through the dark night for Fillmore. "Put your speedometer at fifty miles an hour," he said to the chauffeur boy, "and keep it there. Do not let it indicate any faster or any slower speed." After a few hours' rest in the early morning we were on the road again and kept the even pace of fifty miles an hour to Cedar City, where we arrived in time for the first meeting. After carrying through two lengthy programs we were on the road again, and that same evening met an overflow crowd in the tabernacle at Fillmore. The next early morning found our speedometer still registering fifty miles an hour as we sped back to the city. I tell this to indicate the alacrity of President Grant's movements, and the many things he accomplishes by crowding so many hours into a day and making every minute count.
ONE outstanding characteristic of President Grant is moral courage. You may not always agree with him but you always know exactly where he stands on any issue, though it may be sometimes detrimental to his own interest. If he thinks he is right nobody ever need fear that he will back down. His word is as good as his bond. When the Church leaders decided that it was better to give up plural marriage than to continue the harassing struggle with the federal government it was naturally a trying time for all those people involved. After the Church gave its word of honor President Grant only inquired into the validity of their pledge, and then became staunch and immovable in his resolution to fulfill that obligation. He has absolutely no sympathy for those misguided people who fail to realize the sacredness of a promise, and so far as he is concerned they have had no quarter and cannot expect any.
In the early experience with national politics in this state it was natural that there should be irregularities in the nature of "gum shoeing" and whispering campaigns. People had to learn by experience how to respect absolutely the rights of others. There had been considerable bad feeling engendered previous to the time of President Grant's incumbency as president both among the Mormon people and our non-Mormon neighbors. But when Heber J. Grant assumed the presidency he said: "There shall be no Church influence in politics." For the eighteen years of his rule there has not been the suspicion of Church interference in anything that does not concern the Church, and his reputation for absolute fairness has appealed not only to the members of the Mormon Church but to our non-Mormon neighbors. Everybody knows that no matter what might be President Grant's own private opinion or preference he keeps that to himself and never advises anybody how to vote, nor does he allow his subordinate officials to express opinions that might influence others, contrary to their own convictions.
President Grant related to me once a remarkable testimony he received while traveling in Arizona. I cannot repeat the details of it now, but it was of such an impressive nature that he has never since doubted the verity of Mormonism, and his whole life has been devoted to its service. Every thought and every act of his life has been directed to the fulfillment of his duty as an officer of the Church, and every other activity of his life has to be made subordinate to that first impelling duty.
In the same way President Grant has been loyal to his friends. If he is once your friend he is always your friend. The voice of slander has had no place in his life. He is not seeking for faults in your life, but for those virtues which make you worthy of his friendship. He is no fair weather friend who smiles upon you today and frowns upon you tomorrow, but he is always the same. His devotion to his own family is remarkable. His interest in his children's welfare has been uniform and constant; there has been no slightest sign of partiality, though his numerous daughters are of three different mothers. His absolute sense of justice has bound his family to him with a sense of great veneration and love.
ONE of the most outstanding virtues of President Grant is his great liberality. He has naturally been a conscientious guardian of the large Church fund over which he is the trustee-in-trust, but he has been liberal with the ward and stake officials who applied for funds to build chapels and to meet other contingencies that came up in their administration.
But with his private revenues he has felt that he could do with them as he pleased. Each year he has sent books by the thousands to friends all over this western part of the continent, and I should imagine to other parts far away. In homes very widely sundered I have encountered books inscribed with his classic penmanship, and dedicated in kindly words with the greetings of the Christmas season to friends who must all remember with gratitude this kindly consideration. He is truly a princely giver who never lets his left hand know what his right hand has bestowed. When kindred or friend were in trouble, delinquent tax bills were met, hospital bills liquidated and sums of money advanced as free will offerings. If he thought a friend would like a nice picture or a desired book or any other thing that would make him happy, it was forthcoming without the least thought or hesitation.
He seems to have an ambition to die poor. Quite recently to help out the cause of the Church effort to take all its members off the dole, he advanced twenty-five thousand dollars out of his own pocket.
Perhaps the most remarkable things about President Grant are his wonderful vitality and his ability for sustained work. When you consider that in a very few weeks he will be eighty years old it is amazing to see how much in each day he can accomplish. His temperate life no doubt has to do with this; he has never been poisoned with tobacco nor whiskey nor any other harmful thing, but beyond that there must be a durability in his physical fibre of an unusual order. You remember the Wonderful One Hoss Shay created by the imagination of our great physician poet, Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes, had all its parts so tempered in texture and durability that it ran perfectly for a hundred years to the day and then went to pieces all in a heap. The one is fortunate who can approximate this simile in his own physical make-up, and round out his octogenarian or nonagenarian life or even reach the century mark possessed of his faculties and blessed with good health. It is hard to predict week by week and day by day what is going to happen to one who is past the scriptural allowance of three score and ten years, but here is one who is already ten years to the good of that limitation and is in much better physical condition than he was twenty years ago, and whose mind has retained its resiliency and whose thought is just as buoyant as ever. Many men long before the eightieth year are going with drooping shoulders and with a look of self-pity in their countenance which is distressing. But here is a man with his head erect, his skylight and sidelights open and his mental and physical responses as alert as in his younger years. With perfect self-reliance he is seeking no man's pity, but wants only an opportunity to work out the fine destiny which the Lord has mapped out for him, and to stimulate others with his virile example, and his kindly demeanor to his fellows.
Is it luck, is it good living, is it destiny, or is it a combination of the three that enables one to come up to the score of eighty years with such mental and physical poise that he looks as if the race reaches yet far into future time, and as if the daily routine might continue its rhythmic regularity for many years to come. Perhaps it is luck that preserves us from accidents and accidental infections; no doubt it is good living that keeps our resistance at a high mark; but perhaps it is destiny that casts some into the mold of a Lincoln instead of a Ford.
Let us wish that this kindly good man may have a long series of years yet to continue his useful life, and that his fine example of energy and integrity may stimulate many others to emulate his remarkable career.
SOME OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By George W. Middleton
Turning backward the pages of memory I recall very vividly the first time I ever saw President Grant. He was a young apostle then on one of his official visits to the southern end of the territory. Of course I knew about him but had never seen him nor had the pleasure of hearing him speak. There was a well packed house in the old tabernacle at Cedar City. It was a stormy night but the inclement weather had not deterred the people from coming out to hear the new apostle. I must have been in my early teens, at that impressionable age when our emotions lie near to the surface. The clean cut incisive style and the downright earnestness of the speaker made a profound impression on me which I have never forgotten. When the wind outside raised to a tempest, the speaker said, "Now, I can outtalk that storm, and shall only need to know how loud I must intone my voice to make you all hear. If anybody fails to hear let him hold up his hand."
President Grant has a style of oratory that is all his own. Of course, any man who preaches so much is bound to repeat himself, especially when there are so many demands on his time that he could not, if he would, plan sermons. At a big gathering of prominent people at Detroit a few months ago his speech was quite a sensation, and his audience gave him an ovation, and begged him to speak again in the banquet that was to follow. There is an underlying sense of humor in many of his pungent sentences which is very pleasing, and people never hear him once without wanting to hear him again. It is a remarkable thing that although he is within a few weeks of his eightieth birthday his vim and vigor and earnestness has known no abatement, and he speaks with as much force as he did half a century ago.
A year or so ago I went with President Grant down to Cedar City. He was responding to a request to dedicate a new church and as it was in my native section the people had asked me to come down with him. We drove over to the hospitable home of his daughter, Mrs. Clifford Young, at American Fork for an evening dinner and then took the road through the dark night for Fillmore. "Put your speedometer at fifty miles an hour," he said to the chauffeur boy, "and keep it there. Do not let it indicate any faster or any slower speed." After a few hours' rest in the early morning we were on the road again and kept the even pace of fifty miles an hour to Cedar City, where we arrived in time for the first meeting. After carrying through two lengthy programs we were on the road again, and that same evening met an overflow crowd in the tabernacle at Fillmore. The next early morning found our speedometer still registering fifty miles an hour as we sped back to the city. I tell this to indicate the alacrity of President Grant's movements, and the many things he accomplishes by crowding so many hours into a day and making every minute count.
ONE outstanding characteristic of President Grant is moral courage. You may not always agree with him but you always know exactly where he stands on any issue, though it may be sometimes detrimental to his own interest. If he thinks he is right nobody ever need fear that he will back down. His word is as good as his bond. When the Church leaders decided that it was better to give up plural marriage than to continue the harassing struggle with the federal government it was naturally a trying time for all those people involved. After the Church gave its word of honor President Grant only inquired into the validity of their pledge, and then became staunch and immovable in his resolution to fulfill that obligation. He has absolutely no sympathy for those misguided people who fail to realize the sacredness of a promise, and so far as he is concerned they have had no quarter and cannot expect any.
In the early experience with national politics in this state it was natural that there should be irregularities in the nature of "gum shoeing" and whispering campaigns. People had to learn by experience how to respect absolutely the rights of others. There had been considerable bad feeling engendered previous to the time of President Grant's incumbency as president both among the Mormon people and our non-Mormon neighbors. But when Heber J. Grant assumed the presidency he said: "There shall be no Church influence in politics." For the eighteen years of his rule there has not been the suspicion of Church interference in anything that does not concern the Church, and his reputation for absolute fairness has appealed not only to the members of the Mormon Church but to our non-Mormon neighbors. Everybody knows that no matter what might be President Grant's own private opinion or preference he keeps that to himself and never advises anybody how to vote, nor does he allow his subordinate officials to express opinions that might influence others, contrary to their own convictions.
President Grant related to me once a remarkable testimony he received while traveling in Arizona. I cannot repeat the details of it now, but it was of such an impressive nature that he has never since doubted the verity of Mormonism, and his whole life has been devoted to its service. Every thought and every act of his life has been directed to the fulfillment of his duty as an officer of the Church, and every other activity of his life has to be made subordinate to that first impelling duty.
In the same way President Grant has been loyal to his friends. If he is once your friend he is always your friend. The voice of slander has had no place in his life. He is not seeking for faults in your life, but for those virtues which make you worthy of his friendship. He is no fair weather friend who smiles upon you today and frowns upon you tomorrow, but he is always the same. His devotion to his own family is remarkable. His interest in his children's welfare has been uniform and constant; there has been no slightest sign of partiality, though his numerous daughters are of three different mothers. His absolute sense of justice has bound his family to him with a sense of great veneration and love.
ONE of the most outstanding virtues of President Grant is his great liberality. He has naturally been a conscientious guardian of the large Church fund over which he is the trustee-in-trust, but he has been liberal with the ward and stake officials who applied for funds to build chapels and to meet other contingencies that came up in their administration.
But with his private revenues he has felt that he could do with them as he pleased. Each year he has sent books by the thousands to friends all over this western part of the continent, and I should imagine to other parts far away. In homes very widely sundered I have encountered books inscribed with his classic penmanship, and dedicated in kindly words with the greetings of the Christmas season to friends who must all remember with gratitude this kindly consideration. He is truly a princely giver who never lets his left hand know what his right hand has bestowed. When kindred or friend were in trouble, delinquent tax bills were met, hospital bills liquidated and sums of money advanced as free will offerings. If he thought a friend would like a nice picture or a desired book or any other thing that would make him happy, it was forthcoming without the least thought or hesitation.
He seems to have an ambition to die poor. Quite recently to help out the cause of the Church effort to take all its members off the dole, he advanced twenty-five thousand dollars out of his own pocket.
Perhaps the most remarkable things about President Grant are his wonderful vitality and his ability for sustained work. When you consider that in a very few weeks he will be eighty years old it is amazing to see how much in each day he can accomplish. His temperate life no doubt has to do with this; he has never been poisoned with tobacco nor whiskey nor any other harmful thing, but beyond that there must be a durability in his physical fibre of an unusual order. You remember the Wonderful One Hoss Shay created by the imagination of our great physician poet, Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes, had all its parts so tempered in texture and durability that it ran perfectly for a hundred years to the day and then went to pieces all in a heap. The one is fortunate who can approximate this simile in his own physical make-up, and round out his octogenarian or nonagenarian life or even reach the century mark possessed of his faculties and blessed with good health. It is hard to predict week by week and day by day what is going to happen to one who is past the scriptural allowance of three score and ten years, but here is one who is already ten years to the good of that limitation and is in much better physical condition than he was twenty years ago, and whose mind has retained its resiliency and whose thought is just as buoyant as ever. Many men long before the eightieth year are going with drooping shoulders and with a look of self-pity in their countenance which is distressing. But here is a man with his head erect, his skylight and sidelights open and his mental and physical responses as alert as in his younger years. With perfect self-reliance he is seeking no man's pity, but wants only an opportunity to work out the fine destiny which the Lord has mapped out for him, and to stimulate others with his virile example, and his kindly demeanor to his fellows.
Is it luck, is it good living, is it destiny, or is it a combination of the three that enables one to come up to the score of eighty years with such mental and physical poise that he looks as if the race reaches yet far into future time, and as if the daily routine might continue its rhythmic regularity for many years to come. Perhaps it is luck that preserves us from accidents and accidental infections; no doubt it is good living that keeps our resistance at a high mark; but perhaps it is destiny that casts some into the mold of a Lincoln instead of a Ford.
Let us wish that this kindly good man may have a long series of years yet to continue his useful life, and that his fine example of energy and integrity may stimulate many others to emulate his remarkable career.
Taylor, John H. "President Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 708.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By Dr. John H. Taylor
Whenever we hear or read of President Grant, we usually find mentioned his splendid quality of determination. When the boys made fun of his baseball playing, calling him "sissy," this made him determine to some day play on the champion team of the territory. To do this, he threw a ball at a mark on the side of a barn so many times that it was necessary for his mother to bind up his arm in order to alleviate the pain, but he kept throwing the ball and in the end became so expert that he accomplished his purpose and became a member of the championship team. When some of his school companions saw his writing and made fun of it, he resolved to some day become a teacher of penmanship at the University of Utah. By constant practice he finally succeeded in doing what he had determined to do. He decided to learn to sing notwithstanding every natural obstacle was against him. By going over and over the songs hundreds and thousands of times, he finally was able to do what he wanted to do. Perhaps that spirit of determination is the reason for his success in life. He was willing to work for the things he wanted and to give the time necessary to accomplish his purpose.
This characteristic of determination he got from his mother in a large degree. The story is told that when the bishop came to visit President Grant's mother he noticed pans on the floor to catch the water as it came through the roof. The bishop kindly offered to have the roof repaired as a contribution from the ward but the mother said, "Never mind, bishop, I will be able to take care of that myself and some day when my boy grows up he will build me a new house." Before President Grant was twenty-one years old he had built her a very substantial new home.
These stories, of course, are very wonderful and stimulating to both old and young, but as interesting as this quality is, may I bring to you another side of the character of this wonderful prophet of ours; a side of his life that is not so well known but perhaps is the more beautiful of the two, although one could hardly have existed without the other.
We read in the Scriptures that "it is more blessed to give than to receive," and I am quite certain that President Grant has carried with him the spirit of this message and made use of it all the days of his life. Even as a boy he was always desirous of doing something for someone else. He never sought praise for the things that he did but was satisfied and fully compensated by the happiness and joy he brought into people's lives because of his helpfulness.
When President Grant one Christmas heard that a former stenographer was greatly in need of money and that the family home was in jeopardy of being sold because of a mortgage, he wrote to all of his children and told them that while he usually sent them a check for Christmas (and it was always very generous ) this year he thought that they could go without it, and he would use the money in helping to save the home of his former secretary; he also invited his children to contribute and help things out, which they did.
His generous nature is not confined to the individual but often takes in groups of individuals, companies and industries. He not only does splendid things himself but he seems to exert an influence on other people so that they also want to be generous and helpful. If some institution was in financial trouble and he had friends connected with it, he was the first to head the subscription list with a generous amount in order that the institution might be saved and the stockholders' investments protected. In this line you all know of his love for home industries and how he has been one of the chief exponents of helping to establish them and has given generously of his time and money to accomplish this purpose.
When the Contributor, an organ of the M. I. A., was discontinued, President Grant decided that the organization needed a magazine. He, therefore, went out and got subscriptions, donated a large amount himself and helped establish again an M. I. A. magazine. Not only was he satisfied that the people at home should have the benefit of it but he also thought that the missionaries should have free copies and through his efforts, the missionaries in the field have since that time been supplied with the magazine.
One time one of his daughters was telling him about a poor widow who was having rather a hard time. President Grant asked her name. His daughter gave it to him and he said, "I'll send her some money." She said, "But you don't even know her." President Grant said, "That is not necessary, she needs help and I am glad to do it." He has always been that way. Widows, orphans and men who have needed help have been the recipients of his many kindly acts. It was not a question of whether he knew them or not or whether they had been entirely faithful or not he just loved to do something for them whenever it was possible for him to do so.
His generosity extends from the men of high standing to the most humble in the 'world. He has always been blessed with the ability to accumulate money, but he always wants to share it with other people. If he had wanted to keep it all for himself and his own family, he would be a very rich man, but that is no pleasure to him. Money to him is only to be made to use and to help Zion grow and increase and her people to find happiness and comfort. No one will ever know the number of students, artists, and singers who have been befriended and encouraged by a sympathetic interest, as well as by financial assistance.
If there ever has been a more generous man in the Church or in the world, in proportion to the money that he had, I do not know his name. Perhaps when his life's work is finished, it will be said of him that he was like Abou Ben Adam, whom he so often quotes, "He loved his fellowmen."
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By Dr. John H. Taylor
Whenever we hear or read of President Grant, we usually find mentioned his splendid quality of determination. When the boys made fun of his baseball playing, calling him "sissy," this made him determine to some day play on the champion team of the territory. To do this, he threw a ball at a mark on the side of a barn so many times that it was necessary for his mother to bind up his arm in order to alleviate the pain, but he kept throwing the ball and in the end became so expert that he accomplished his purpose and became a member of the championship team. When some of his school companions saw his writing and made fun of it, he resolved to some day become a teacher of penmanship at the University of Utah. By constant practice he finally succeeded in doing what he had determined to do. He decided to learn to sing notwithstanding every natural obstacle was against him. By going over and over the songs hundreds and thousands of times, he finally was able to do what he wanted to do. Perhaps that spirit of determination is the reason for his success in life. He was willing to work for the things he wanted and to give the time necessary to accomplish his purpose.
This characteristic of determination he got from his mother in a large degree. The story is told that when the bishop came to visit President Grant's mother he noticed pans on the floor to catch the water as it came through the roof. The bishop kindly offered to have the roof repaired as a contribution from the ward but the mother said, "Never mind, bishop, I will be able to take care of that myself and some day when my boy grows up he will build me a new house." Before President Grant was twenty-one years old he had built her a very substantial new home.
These stories, of course, are very wonderful and stimulating to both old and young, but as interesting as this quality is, may I bring to you another side of the character of this wonderful prophet of ours; a side of his life that is not so well known but perhaps is the more beautiful of the two, although one could hardly have existed without the other.
We read in the Scriptures that "it is more blessed to give than to receive," and I am quite certain that President Grant has carried with him the spirit of this message and made use of it all the days of his life. Even as a boy he was always desirous of doing something for someone else. He never sought praise for the things that he did but was satisfied and fully compensated by the happiness and joy he brought into people's lives because of his helpfulness.
When President Grant one Christmas heard that a former stenographer was greatly in need of money and that the family home was in jeopardy of being sold because of a mortgage, he wrote to all of his children and told them that while he usually sent them a check for Christmas (and it was always very generous ) this year he thought that they could go without it, and he would use the money in helping to save the home of his former secretary; he also invited his children to contribute and help things out, which they did.
His generous nature is not confined to the individual but often takes in groups of individuals, companies and industries. He not only does splendid things himself but he seems to exert an influence on other people so that they also want to be generous and helpful. If some institution was in financial trouble and he had friends connected with it, he was the first to head the subscription list with a generous amount in order that the institution might be saved and the stockholders' investments protected. In this line you all know of his love for home industries and how he has been one of the chief exponents of helping to establish them and has given generously of his time and money to accomplish this purpose.
When the Contributor, an organ of the M. I. A., was discontinued, President Grant decided that the organization needed a magazine. He, therefore, went out and got subscriptions, donated a large amount himself and helped establish again an M. I. A. magazine. Not only was he satisfied that the people at home should have the benefit of it but he also thought that the missionaries should have free copies and through his efforts, the missionaries in the field have since that time been supplied with the magazine.
One time one of his daughters was telling him about a poor widow who was having rather a hard time. President Grant asked her name. His daughter gave it to him and he said, "I'll send her some money." She said, "But you don't even know her." President Grant said, "That is not necessary, she needs help and I am glad to do it." He has always been that way. Widows, orphans and men who have needed help have been the recipients of his many kindly acts. It was not a question of whether he knew them or not or whether they had been entirely faithful or not he just loved to do something for them whenever it was possible for him to do so.
His generosity extends from the men of high standing to the most humble in the 'world. He has always been blessed with the ability to accumulate money, but he always wants to share it with other people. If he had wanted to keep it all for himself and his own family, he would be a very rich man, but that is no pleasure to him. Money to him is only to be made to use and to help Zion grow and increase and her people to find happiness and comfort. No one will ever know the number of students, artists, and singers who have been befriended and encouraged by a sympathetic interest, as well as by financial assistance.
If there ever has been a more generous man in the Church or in the world, in proportion to the money that he had, I do not know his name. Perhaps when his life's work is finished, it will be said of him that he was like Abou Ben Adam, whom he so often quotes, "He loved his fellowmen."
Taylor, Rachel G. "Father's Fifty Years in the Thirteenth Ward." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 713, 715-716.
Father's Fifty Years In The Thirteenth Ward
By RACHEL G. TAYLOR
From Ensign Stake Treasures of Truth Book
WHEN as the captain of a company of Pioneers, my grandfather, Jedediah Morgan Grant, crossed the plains, tragedy walked with him into this western land. His young wife died when the Company reached Echo Canyon and her body was brought to Salt Lake for burial. Caroline, his little daughter, was all the family left to him. This company reached the valley in October, 1 846.
Over a year passed by, and he founded a new home. It was located on Main Street where Z. C. M. I. now stands. His house was a large two-story adobe dwelling, with a long porch across the front and a white picket fence running along the street.
In 1851 grandfather was elected as the first mayor of Salt Lake City. In 1854 he was chosen as a counselor to President Brigham Young. My father, Heber Jeddy Grant, was born November 22, 1856, in the Main Street home, and when he was nine days old his father died. As a baby he was blessed by Bishop Edwin D. Woolley. Father relates an incident connected with this blessing, as told him by Apostle John Henry Smith:
Bishop Woolley of the old Thirteenth Ward blessed me as a baby. When at the age of twenty-four, I was called to be President of the Tooele Stake, the Bishop went up to Apostle John Henry Smith; he put his arms around his neck—he could barely reach up, he was a short man—and said: "John Henry Smith, you have sent that boy out to Tooele. I want you to know he is entitled to be in your quorum. I gave him a blessing as a baby. I want to say, it was his father speaking through me who gave him the blessing and don't forget it. I was only an instrument in the hands of the Lord. His father is dead and he may be forgotten, but I want you to remember."
Father lived in the Main street house until he was about seven years old, then grandmother tried to find a modest place for the two of them. He remembers that she had only $500.00 with which to buy a home, and she took him with her to see a house out on First North where the Union Pacific Railroad yards are located. The house was larger and better than the small adobe one at 14 Second East which she finally purchased from Bishop Woolley. Father was glad when she chose the house in the Thirteenth Ward, because most of his friends lived there. Bishop Woolley owned the property all around the small 2 ½ by 10 rod lot on which the house was located. The Bishop's barn was just behind their back fence—the barn against which years later father practised throwing a baseball.
It was a struggle for his mother to earn a living. She took in sewing and often when she would work late into the night, he would get down on the floor and work the pedals of the sewing machine with his hands to rest her tired feet. When she went out to sew she had to take him with her. He told me he was glad when she sewed at William Godbe's or Frederick Mitchell's because they had such good things to eat. The first time he saw or tasted oranges was at Mitchell's. They were very tiny ones, and he remembers seeing one of the men peel and put a whole orange in his mouth.
Grandmother used to help make costumes at the Salt Lake Theatre and father liked to go there with her.
WHEN I asked father about his school days he told me that the first school he attended was the Doremus school. It was held in the identical building on First North and Second West Streets now occupied by the Salt Lake Knitting Works. Later he went to school in the Brigham Young School house, just inside the Eagle Gate. (He remembers being baptized in Brigham Young's font behind this school house.) Sister Randall was his teacher.
Father went to the University of Deseret for a short time. With just a monitor to keep order, pupils would study in a room over the Deseret Museum opposite the south gate of the Temple Block, and then walk to the Council House, located where the Deseret News Building now stands to recite their lessons.
From the time father was a little lad he and grandmother planned for the house he would build her when he became a man. He built this house new for her on the lot where the old one had stood, before he was twenty-one.
When I asked father where he first met mother, he told me he couldn’t remember a time when he didn't know Lucy Stringham, for she had lived on the next block and they went to the same Sunday School.
My grandfather, Briant Stringham, came with Brigham Young in the first Pioneer company. His allotment of land was the northeast corner of South Temple and Third East Streets. The home of his wife Susan was on the south part of this lot facing Third East Street. It was here mother was born.
The Church owned a large number of cattle in those early days and grandfather, with a force of men under his direction, had charge of this property. The cattle were kept on Church Island. There was a log house there, and mother and the other children spent many happy summer days at their island home.
When mother was eleven, her father died, leaving a large family of children. They were very poor, but mother was determined to get an education. Her sister Julia says mother learned to read from the signs on the stores on Main Street. When she was only fourteen she taught school at a small settlement near St. George. Mother belonged to no particular social group, while father's closest friends were members of the Wasatch Literary Association— many of them young people from such families as the Youngs, Wells, and Whitneys. Father says that when he first took mother home from Sunday night meeting she bade him goodbye at the gate. With his characteristic determination he walked home with her Sunday after Sunday. It was about four months before she invited him in.
She was now teaching school in the Social Hall for the Misses Mary and Ida I. Cook. Father says of the winter, "Frank Kimball and I thought we would try the rule 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach' on our girls. Our mothers were spending the winter in St. George, working in the temple, so we hired a first class cook and took the girls to lunch every day—only it wasn't just lunch; it was a fine dinner. The plan worked and we both captured our girls."
Father lived in the Thirteenth Ward for over fifty years. He had five different homes there—one on Main, two on Second East, one on Second South, and one on South Temple. After father and mother were married they lived with Grandmother Grant at H Second East.
This is a house of memories for me. I was born there; my mother and little brother died there; my wedding was there and my daughter Lucy, father's first grandchild, was born there.
Father says the ward work he remembers best was going block teaching with Hamilton G. Park. "It was one of the biggest things in my life. He did all the teaching and I listened. Then he would have me make the report of our visits to the bishop and ward teachers."
Nelson A. Empey, afterwards bishop, was a kind, understanding friend to all the young people. He was teacher of the Sunday School class. Of this class father says: "He had a large and enthusiastic group. Boys came from all parts of the city, and I remember when the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Ward Sunday Schools were organized, there was a struggle to get the boys from this ward to leave Bishop Empey's class."
No account of those early days of father's would be complete without his tribute to another beloved bishop, Millan Atwood. Of this man's influence in his life he says:
"Brother Atwood as a home missionary preached the first sermon that made a profound impression upon my heart and soul of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph. He made a grammatical mistake in his first sentence and I wrote it down, laughed about it and was going to correct it for my night grammar class. After the first sentence I became interested and when he got through I was weeping. I would no more have thought of using that sentence than I would of profaning the name of God. Credit is due to Millan Atwood more than any other man for making the first profound impression on my very being of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith."
When father was a baby only nine days old, his father died. Nearly all of his mother's family lived in the East. Her sister Anna, the mother of Anthony W. Ivins, lived in Salt Lake. Rachel's relatives in the East were well to do but when she joined the Mormon Church and went West with its people they told her they would gladly welcome her back and provide for her whenever she was willing to give up Mormonism, but until then they did not desire to see her again.
After the father's death things were very much changed for the little family. They moved from the fine home to a small adobe house on Second East Street, and the mother took in sewing to earn money to buy food and clothes.
As she sat and sewed she dreamed of the time when her son would grow up and take care of her, for even when he was a little fellow he tried to help. Often when she would have to sew far into the night and her tired feet would scarcely run the sewing machine, he would get down on his knees, and with his hands on the foot pedal run the machine.
One day when the Bishop called to see how they were getting along he was surprised to see a number of tin pans on the floor. It had been raining and the pans had been placed to catch the rainwater which dripped through the leaky roof. "Rachel," he said, "I will have a roof put on this house at once, out of the fast donations." "Thanks, but you will do nothing of the kind," she replied. "As soon as I finish this sewing, I will have money enough to patch the roof. I am not going to have you waste money to put a new roof on this house. It will have to do until my son is a man, and then he will build me a new one." The bishop went away shaking his head, and afterwards he remarked he felt sorry for widow Grant; if she waited for a new house until her son built it, she would never have one, as he was the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Someone told Heber what the Bishop had said, and it made him more determined than ever that some day he would build a fine home for his mother.
When about fifteen years old he joined a penmanship and bookkeeping class. One day he was writing on his book and some boys were standing around his desk watching him. Pointing to his writing one of the fellows said, "What does Hebe's writing remind you of?" One boy answered "Hen-tracks," but another said, "No, you're wrong, that's lightning struck an ink bottle." Heber jumped up and said: "I'll live to see the day when I'll teach penmanship and bookkeeping in the University of Deseret." He had set himself a hard task, one that took years to accomplish. He kept his word. Being a fine penman served him well for he made money engrossing policies and writing visiting cards.
Later he secured a position in Zion's Savings Bank. At that early day the institution was a small one and Heber did the work of the Cashier, paying and receiving teller, bookkeeper and janitor, and still he had time to solicit insurance. He must make good the promise to build a home for his mother.
Before he was twenty-one the house was finished. Many friends of the family, including Bishop Woolley were invited to the dedication. Heber said to the Bishop: "I want to thank you for the remark you made about building a home for mother. It aroused my determination and now I want to ask you to dedicate the house."
Father's Fifty Years In The Thirteenth Ward
By RACHEL G. TAYLOR
From Ensign Stake Treasures of Truth Book
WHEN as the captain of a company of Pioneers, my grandfather, Jedediah Morgan Grant, crossed the plains, tragedy walked with him into this western land. His young wife died when the Company reached Echo Canyon and her body was brought to Salt Lake for burial. Caroline, his little daughter, was all the family left to him. This company reached the valley in October, 1 846.
Over a year passed by, and he founded a new home. It was located on Main Street where Z. C. M. I. now stands. His house was a large two-story adobe dwelling, with a long porch across the front and a white picket fence running along the street.
In 1851 grandfather was elected as the first mayor of Salt Lake City. In 1854 he was chosen as a counselor to President Brigham Young. My father, Heber Jeddy Grant, was born November 22, 1856, in the Main Street home, and when he was nine days old his father died. As a baby he was blessed by Bishop Edwin D. Woolley. Father relates an incident connected with this blessing, as told him by Apostle John Henry Smith:
Bishop Woolley of the old Thirteenth Ward blessed me as a baby. When at the age of twenty-four, I was called to be President of the Tooele Stake, the Bishop went up to Apostle John Henry Smith; he put his arms around his neck—he could barely reach up, he was a short man—and said: "John Henry Smith, you have sent that boy out to Tooele. I want you to know he is entitled to be in your quorum. I gave him a blessing as a baby. I want to say, it was his father speaking through me who gave him the blessing and don't forget it. I was only an instrument in the hands of the Lord. His father is dead and he may be forgotten, but I want you to remember."
Father lived in the Main street house until he was about seven years old, then grandmother tried to find a modest place for the two of them. He remembers that she had only $500.00 with which to buy a home, and she took him with her to see a house out on First North where the Union Pacific Railroad yards are located. The house was larger and better than the small adobe one at 14 Second East which she finally purchased from Bishop Woolley. Father was glad when she chose the house in the Thirteenth Ward, because most of his friends lived there. Bishop Woolley owned the property all around the small 2 ½ by 10 rod lot on which the house was located. The Bishop's barn was just behind their back fence—the barn against which years later father practised throwing a baseball.
It was a struggle for his mother to earn a living. She took in sewing and often when she would work late into the night, he would get down on the floor and work the pedals of the sewing machine with his hands to rest her tired feet. When she went out to sew she had to take him with her. He told me he was glad when she sewed at William Godbe's or Frederick Mitchell's because they had such good things to eat. The first time he saw or tasted oranges was at Mitchell's. They were very tiny ones, and he remembers seeing one of the men peel and put a whole orange in his mouth.
Grandmother used to help make costumes at the Salt Lake Theatre and father liked to go there with her.
WHEN I asked father about his school days he told me that the first school he attended was the Doremus school. It was held in the identical building on First North and Second West Streets now occupied by the Salt Lake Knitting Works. Later he went to school in the Brigham Young School house, just inside the Eagle Gate. (He remembers being baptized in Brigham Young's font behind this school house.) Sister Randall was his teacher.
Father went to the University of Deseret for a short time. With just a monitor to keep order, pupils would study in a room over the Deseret Museum opposite the south gate of the Temple Block, and then walk to the Council House, located where the Deseret News Building now stands to recite their lessons.
From the time father was a little lad he and grandmother planned for the house he would build her when he became a man. He built this house new for her on the lot where the old one had stood, before he was twenty-one.
When I asked father where he first met mother, he told me he couldn’t remember a time when he didn't know Lucy Stringham, for she had lived on the next block and they went to the same Sunday School.
My grandfather, Briant Stringham, came with Brigham Young in the first Pioneer company. His allotment of land was the northeast corner of South Temple and Third East Streets. The home of his wife Susan was on the south part of this lot facing Third East Street. It was here mother was born.
The Church owned a large number of cattle in those early days and grandfather, with a force of men under his direction, had charge of this property. The cattle were kept on Church Island. There was a log house there, and mother and the other children spent many happy summer days at their island home.
When mother was eleven, her father died, leaving a large family of children. They were very poor, but mother was determined to get an education. Her sister Julia says mother learned to read from the signs on the stores on Main Street. When she was only fourteen she taught school at a small settlement near St. George. Mother belonged to no particular social group, while father's closest friends were members of the Wasatch Literary Association— many of them young people from such families as the Youngs, Wells, and Whitneys. Father says that when he first took mother home from Sunday night meeting she bade him goodbye at the gate. With his characteristic determination he walked home with her Sunday after Sunday. It was about four months before she invited him in.
She was now teaching school in the Social Hall for the Misses Mary and Ida I. Cook. Father says of the winter, "Frank Kimball and I thought we would try the rule 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach' on our girls. Our mothers were spending the winter in St. George, working in the temple, so we hired a first class cook and took the girls to lunch every day—only it wasn't just lunch; it was a fine dinner. The plan worked and we both captured our girls."
Father lived in the Thirteenth Ward for over fifty years. He had five different homes there—one on Main, two on Second East, one on Second South, and one on South Temple. After father and mother were married they lived with Grandmother Grant at H Second East.
This is a house of memories for me. I was born there; my mother and little brother died there; my wedding was there and my daughter Lucy, father's first grandchild, was born there.
Father says the ward work he remembers best was going block teaching with Hamilton G. Park. "It was one of the biggest things in my life. He did all the teaching and I listened. Then he would have me make the report of our visits to the bishop and ward teachers."
Nelson A. Empey, afterwards bishop, was a kind, understanding friend to all the young people. He was teacher of the Sunday School class. Of this class father says: "He had a large and enthusiastic group. Boys came from all parts of the city, and I remember when the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Ward Sunday Schools were organized, there was a struggle to get the boys from this ward to leave Bishop Empey's class."
No account of those early days of father's would be complete without his tribute to another beloved bishop, Millan Atwood. Of this man's influence in his life he says:
"Brother Atwood as a home missionary preached the first sermon that made a profound impression upon my heart and soul of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph. He made a grammatical mistake in his first sentence and I wrote it down, laughed about it and was going to correct it for my night grammar class. After the first sentence I became interested and when he got through I was weeping. I would no more have thought of using that sentence than I would of profaning the name of God. Credit is due to Millan Atwood more than any other man for making the first profound impression on my very being of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith."
When father was a baby only nine days old, his father died. Nearly all of his mother's family lived in the East. Her sister Anna, the mother of Anthony W. Ivins, lived in Salt Lake. Rachel's relatives in the East were well to do but when she joined the Mormon Church and went West with its people they told her they would gladly welcome her back and provide for her whenever she was willing to give up Mormonism, but until then they did not desire to see her again.
After the father's death things were very much changed for the little family. They moved from the fine home to a small adobe house on Second East Street, and the mother took in sewing to earn money to buy food and clothes.
As she sat and sewed she dreamed of the time when her son would grow up and take care of her, for even when he was a little fellow he tried to help. Often when she would have to sew far into the night and her tired feet would scarcely run the sewing machine, he would get down on his knees, and with his hands on the foot pedal run the machine.
One day when the Bishop called to see how they were getting along he was surprised to see a number of tin pans on the floor. It had been raining and the pans had been placed to catch the rainwater which dripped through the leaky roof. "Rachel," he said, "I will have a roof put on this house at once, out of the fast donations." "Thanks, but you will do nothing of the kind," she replied. "As soon as I finish this sewing, I will have money enough to patch the roof. I am not going to have you waste money to put a new roof on this house. It will have to do until my son is a man, and then he will build me a new one." The bishop went away shaking his head, and afterwards he remarked he felt sorry for widow Grant; if she waited for a new house until her son built it, she would never have one, as he was the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Someone told Heber what the Bishop had said, and it made him more determined than ever that some day he would build a fine home for his mother.
When about fifteen years old he joined a penmanship and bookkeeping class. One day he was writing on his book and some boys were standing around his desk watching him. Pointing to his writing one of the fellows said, "What does Hebe's writing remind you of?" One boy answered "Hen-tracks," but another said, "No, you're wrong, that's lightning struck an ink bottle." Heber jumped up and said: "I'll live to see the day when I'll teach penmanship and bookkeeping in the University of Deseret." He had set himself a hard task, one that took years to accomplish. He kept his word. Being a fine penman served him well for he made money engrossing policies and writing visiting cards.
Later he secured a position in Zion's Savings Bank. At that early day the institution was a small one and Heber did the work of the Cashier, paying and receiving teller, bookkeeper and janitor, and still he had time to solicit insurance. He must make good the promise to build a home for his mother.
Before he was twenty-one the house was finished. Many friends of the family, including Bishop Woolley were invited to the dedication. Heber said to the Bishop: "I want to thank you for the remark you made about building a home for mother. It aroused my determination and now I want to ask you to dedicate the house."
Fox, Ruth May. "To President Heber J. Grant by the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 722.
TO PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By Ruth May Fox
President of the Y. W. M. I. A.
What? A Prophet in the land?
Yes, a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator,
One called of God
To cry repentance to an unbelieving world,
To publish peace and show the way to endless joy,
Proclaim that God is good and ever kind,
A loving Father, tender, just, and true,
Striving to save the erring one
And lead him safely to the glorious goal.
Eighty times the years have marked the day
Since first he breathed the air of mortal life--
A blessed day for heaven and earth.
His Lord's commands he has fulfilled.
Eighty years of service to mankind-
Full years of industry, integrity, and love.
Eighty years!
And still with princely poise and ringing voice
He thrills his hearers with the word of God,
Bears testimony to His eternal plan
With power and majesty,
With power no mortal can gainsay.
With loving greetings we shout all hail
To thee, our honored president.
Again we say all hail--
With joyous heart and generous hand
Thou hast served us long and faithfully.
May thy years be lengthened and thy life renewed
Until all nations shall have heard thy voice,
And God, the Father, speaks the word:
"Come thou hither; it is enough."
TO PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By Ruth May Fox
President of the Y. W. M. I. A.
What? A Prophet in the land?
Yes, a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator,
One called of God
To cry repentance to an unbelieving world,
To publish peace and show the way to endless joy,
Proclaim that God is good and ever kind,
A loving Father, tender, just, and true,
Striving to save the erring one
And lead him safely to the glorious goal.
Eighty times the years have marked the day
Since first he breathed the air of mortal life--
A blessed day for heaven and earth.
His Lord's commands he has fulfilled.
Eighty years of service to mankind-
Full years of industry, integrity, and love.
Eighty years!
And still with princely poise and ringing voice
He thrills his hearers with the word of God,
Bears testimony to His eternal plan
With power and majesty,
With power no mortal can gainsay.
With loving greetings we shout all hail
To thee, our honored president.
Again we say all hail--
With joyous heart and generous hand
Thou hast served us long and faithfully.
May thy years be lengthened and thy life renewed
Until all nations shall have heard thy voice,
And God, the Father, speaks the word:
"Come thou hither; it is enough."
"President Heber J. Grant: An Appreciation." Instructor. November 1936. pg. 473.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT AN APPRECIATION One of the ancient wise men—was it not the Sweet Singer of Israel?—spoke of the "days of our years" as being three score years and ten. Doubtless he had in mind the much-talked-of but non-existent average man. But President Grant, on the twenty-second of this month, will have exceeded that period by ten years. And, from all reports of his health, mental and physical, he never felt better. Not a great while ago a prominent non-Mormon in Salt Lake City said to the writer, "You always know where Heber J. Grant stands on any question." That was a tribute to more than one quality in the President's character. It was a tribute, first of all, to the clarity of his views on whatever he thinks about. He always knows his own mind. Never has he seemed to halt between two opinions, to run the chance of missing both. And then, secondly, it was a tribute to his candor, his frankness, his honesty with other people. And this, also, is a rare quality. Thirdly, it was a tribute to the ease with which he finds and uses words that convey his meaning in definite, understandable terms. The customary restraints, social and personal, do not hold him back when he believes the truth ought to be told. And with that bell-like tone of voice which he has, one can make him out, even if there is no loud speaker. These qualities find their source in still deeper traits. President Grant's nature is extraordinarily positive, forthright. What he believes, he believes; what he knows, he knows; and he believes and knows with his whole being. There is no half-way about his thinking or his feeling. Sincerity, loyalty, earnestness — these are characteristics known to all those who have ever heard him speak. And nothing is allowed to stand in his way, once he has made up his mind on anything. This determination, persistence, is a dominating trait of his character. With his capacious memory, following the law of association, few details in his long and varied life but he can recall at once. Not the least of his qualities is the breadth of his interests. A business man by instinct and training, yet he concerns himself with many things totally unrelated with business. He is interested in books, in music, in art, in travel; and, most of all, he is a deeply religious man. Moreover, he concentrates on human welfare. This, of course, grows out of his religion. The more you know of President Grant, the better you like him. As an uncommon American he stands out in his time and generation. Many returns of your birthday, President Grant! |
Middleton, George W. "Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1936. pg. 679-682.
Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant
By George W. Middleton
TURNING backward the pages of memory I recall very vividly the first time I ever saw President Grant. He was a young apostle then on one of his official visits to the southern end of the territory. Of course I knew about him but had never seen him nor had the pleasure of hearing him speak. There was a well packed house in the old tabernacle at Cedar City. It was a stormy night but the inclement weather had not deterred the people from coming out to hear the new apostle. I must have been in my early teens, at that impressionable age when our emotions lie near to the surface. The clean cut incisive style, and the downright earnestness of the speaker made a profound impression on me which I have never forgotten. When the wind outside raised to a tempest, the speaker said, "Now, I can out-talk that storm, and shall only need to know how loud I must intone my voice to make you all hear. If anybody fails to hear let him hold up his hand."
PRESIDENT GRANT has a style of oratory that is all his own. Of course, any man who preaches so much is bound to repeat himself, especially when there are so many demands on his time that he could not, if he would, plan sermons. At a big gathering of prominent people at Detroit a few months ago his speech was quite a sensation, and his audience gave him an ovation, and begged him to speak again in the banquet that was to follow. There is an underlying sense of humor in many of his pungent sentences which is very pleasing, and people never hear him once without wanting to hear him again. It is a remarkable thing that although he is within a few weeks of his 80th birthday his vim and vigor and earnestness has known no abatement, and he speaks with as much force as he did half a century ago.
A YEAR or so ago I went with President Grant down to Cedar City. He was responding to a request to dedicate a new church and as it was in my native section the people had asked me to come down with him. We drove over to the hospitable home of his daughter, Mrs. Clifford Young, at American Fork for an evening dinner and then took the road through the dark night for Fillmore. "Put your speedometer at fifty miles an hour," he said to the chauffeur boy, "and keep it there. Do not let it indicate any faster or any slower speed." After a few hours' rest in the early morning we were on the road again and kept the even pace of fifty miles an hour to Cedar City, where we arrived in time for the first meeting. After carrying through two lengthy programs we were on the road again, and that same evening met an overflow crowd in the tabernacle at Fillmore. The next early morning found our speedometer still registering fifty miles an hour as we sped back to the city. I tell this to indicate *he alacrity of President Grant's movements, and the many things he accomplishes by crowding so many hours into a day and making every minute count.
ONE outstanding characteristic of President Grant is moral courage. You may not always agree with him but you always know exactly where he stands on any issue, though it may be sometimes detrimental to his own interest. If he thinks he is right nobody ever need fear that he will back down. His word is as good as his bond. When the Church leaders decided that it was better to give up plural marriage than to continue the harassing struggle with the federal government it was naturally a trying time for all those people involved. After the Church gave its word of honor President Grant only inquired into the validity of their pledge, and then became staunch and immovable in his resolution to fulfill that obligation. He has absolutely no sympathy for those misguided people who fail to realize the sacredness of a promise, and so far as he is concerned they have had no quarter and cannot expect any.
IN the early experience with national politics in this state it was natural that there should be irregularities in the nature of "gum shoeing" and whispering campaigns. People had to learn by experience how to respect absolutely the rights of others. There had been considerable bad feeling engendered previous to the time of President Grant's incumbency as president both among the Mormon people and our non-Mormon neighbors. But when Heber J. Grant assumed the presidency he said : "There shall be no Church influence in politics." For the eighteen years of his rule there has not been the suspicion of Church interference in anything that does not concern the Church, and his reputation for absolute fairness has appealed not only to the members of the Mormon Church but to our non-Mormon neighbors. Everybody knows that no matter what might be President Grant's own private opinion or preference he keeps that to himself and never advises any body how to vote, nor does he allow his subordinate officials to express opinions that might influence others, contrary to their own convictions.
PRESIDENT GRANT related to me once a remarkable testimony he received while traveling in Arizona. I cannot repeat the details of it now, but it was of such an impressive nature that he has never since doubted the verity of Mormonism, and his whole life has been devoted to its service. Every thought and every act of his life has been directed to the fulfillment of his duty as an officer of the Church, and every other activity of his life has to be made subordinate to that first impelling duty.
In the same way President Grant has been loyal to his friends. If he is once your friend he is always your friend The voice of slander has had no place in his life. He is not seeking for faults in your life, but for those virtues which make you worthy of his friendship. He is no fair weather friend who smiles upon you today and frowns up0n you tomorrow, but he is always the same. His devotion to his own family is remarkable. His interest in his children's welfare has been uniform and constant ; there has been no slightest sign of partiality, though his numerous daughters are of three different mothers. His absolute sense of justice has bound his family to him with a sense of great veneration and love.
ONE of the most outstanding virtues of President Grant is his great liberality. He has naturally been a conscientious guardian of the large Church fund over which he is the trustee-in-trust, but he has been liberal with the ward and stake officials who applied for funds to build chapels and to meet other contingencies that came up in their administration.
But with his private revenues he has felt that he could do with them as he pleased. Each year he has sent books by the thousands to friends all over this western part of the continent, and I should imagine to other parts far away. In homes very widely sundered I have encountered books inscribed with his classic penmanship, and dedicated in kindly words with the greetings of the Christmas season to friends who must all remember with gratitude this kindly consideration. He is truly a princely giver who never lets his left hand know what his right hand has bestowed. When kindred or friends were in trouble, delinquent tax bills were met, hospital bills liquidated and sums of money advanced as free will offerings. If he thought a friend would like a nice picture or a desired book or any other thing that would make him happy, it was forthcoming without the least thought or hesitation.
He seems to have an ambition to die poor. Quite recently to help out the cause of the Church effort to take all its members off the dole, he advanced twenty-five thousand dollars out of his own pocket.
Perhaps the most remarkable things about President Grant are his wonderful vitality and his ability for sustained work. When you consider that in a very few weeks he will be eighty years old it is amazing to see how much in each day he can accomplish. His temperate life no doubt has to do with this; he has never been poisoned with tobacco nor whisky nor any other harmful thing, but beyond that there must be a durability in his physical fibre of an unusual order. You remember the Wonderful One Hoss Shay created by the imagination of our great physician poet, Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes, had all its parts so tempered in texture and durability that it ran perfectly for a hundred years to the day and then went to pieces all in a heap. The one is fortunate who can approximate this simile in his own physical make-up, and round out his octogenarian or nonagenarian life or even reach the century mark possessed of his faculties and blessed with good health. It is hard to predict week by week and day by day what is going to happen to one who is past the scriptural allowance of three score and ten years, but here is one who is already ten years to the good of that limitation and is in much better physical condition than he was twenty years ago, and whose mind has retained its resiliency and whose thought is just as buoyant as ever. Many men long before the eightieth year are going with drooping shoulders and with a look of self-pity in their countenance which is distressing. But here is a man with his head erect, his sky-light and sidelights open and his mental and physical responses as alert as in his younger years. With perfect self-reliance he is seeking no man's pity, but wants only an opportunity to work out the fine destiny which the Lord has mapped out for him, and to stimulate others with his virile example, and his kindly demeanor to his fellows.
Is it luck, is it good living, is it destiny, or is it a combination of the three that enables one to come up to the score of eighty years with such mental and physical poise that he looks as if the race reaches yet far into future time, and as if the daily routine might continue its rhythmic regularity for many years to come. Perhaps it is luck that preserves us from accidents and accidental infections ; no doubt it is good living that keeps our resistance at a high mark; but perhaps it is destiny that casts some into the mold of a Lincoln instead of a Ford.
LET us wish that this kindly good man may have a long series of years yet to continue his useful life, and that his fine example of energy and integrity may stimulate many others to emulate his remarkable career.
Some Outstanding Characteristics of President Heber J. Grant
By George W. Middleton
TURNING backward the pages of memory I recall very vividly the first time I ever saw President Grant. He was a young apostle then on one of his official visits to the southern end of the territory. Of course I knew about him but had never seen him nor had the pleasure of hearing him speak. There was a well packed house in the old tabernacle at Cedar City. It was a stormy night but the inclement weather had not deterred the people from coming out to hear the new apostle. I must have been in my early teens, at that impressionable age when our emotions lie near to the surface. The clean cut incisive style, and the downright earnestness of the speaker made a profound impression on me which I have never forgotten. When the wind outside raised to a tempest, the speaker said, "Now, I can out-talk that storm, and shall only need to know how loud I must intone my voice to make you all hear. If anybody fails to hear let him hold up his hand."
PRESIDENT GRANT has a style of oratory that is all his own. Of course, any man who preaches so much is bound to repeat himself, especially when there are so many demands on his time that he could not, if he would, plan sermons. At a big gathering of prominent people at Detroit a few months ago his speech was quite a sensation, and his audience gave him an ovation, and begged him to speak again in the banquet that was to follow. There is an underlying sense of humor in many of his pungent sentences which is very pleasing, and people never hear him once without wanting to hear him again. It is a remarkable thing that although he is within a few weeks of his 80th birthday his vim and vigor and earnestness has known no abatement, and he speaks with as much force as he did half a century ago.
A YEAR or so ago I went with President Grant down to Cedar City. He was responding to a request to dedicate a new church and as it was in my native section the people had asked me to come down with him. We drove over to the hospitable home of his daughter, Mrs. Clifford Young, at American Fork for an evening dinner and then took the road through the dark night for Fillmore. "Put your speedometer at fifty miles an hour," he said to the chauffeur boy, "and keep it there. Do not let it indicate any faster or any slower speed." After a few hours' rest in the early morning we were on the road again and kept the even pace of fifty miles an hour to Cedar City, where we arrived in time for the first meeting. After carrying through two lengthy programs we were on the road again, and that same evening met an overflow crowd in the tabernacle at Fillmore. The next early morning found our speedometer still registering fifty miles an hour as we sped back to the city. I tell this to indicate *he alacrity of President Grant's movements, and the many things he accomplishes by crowding so many hours into a day and making every minute count.
ONE outstanding characteristic of President Grant is moral courage. You may not always agree with him but you always know exactly where he stands on any issue, though it may be sometimes detrimental to his own interest. If he thinks he is right nobody ever need fear that he will back down. His word is as good as his bond. When the Church leaders decided that it was better to give up plural marriage than to continue the harassing struggle with the federal government it was naturally a trying time for all those people involved. After the Church gave its word of honor President Grant only inquired into the validity of their pledge, and then became staunch and immovable in his resolution to fulfill that obligation. He has absolutely no sympathy for those misguided people who fail to realize the sacredness of a promise, and so far as he is concerned they have had no quarter and cannot expect any.
IN the early experience with national politics in this state it was natural that there should be irregularities in the nature of "gum shoeing" and whispering campaigns. People had to learn by experience how to respect absolutely the rights of others. There had been considerable bad feeling engendered previous to the time of President Grant's incumbency as president both among the Mormon people and our non-Mormon neighbors. But when Heber J. Grant assumed the presidency he said : "There shall be no Church influence in politics." For the eighteen years of his rule there has not been the suspicion of Church interference in anything that does not concern the Church, and his reputation for absolute fairness has appealed not only to the members of the Mormon Church but to our non-Mormon neighbors. Everybody knows that no matter what might be President Grant's own private opinion or preference he keeps that to himself and never advises any body how to vote, nor does he allow his subordinate officials to express opinions that might influence others, contrary to their own convictions.
PRESIDENT GRANT related to me once a remarkable testimony he received while traveling in Arizona. I cannot repeat the details of it now, but it was of such an impressive nature that he has never since doubted the verity of Mormonism, and his whole life has been devoted to its service. Every thought and every act of his life has been directed to the fulfillment of his duty as an officer of the Church, and every other activity of his life has to be made subordinate to that first impelling duty.
In the same way President Grant has been loyal to his friends. If he is once your friend he is always your friend The voice of slander has had no place in his life. He is not seeking for faults in your life, but for those virtues which make you worthy of his friendship. He is no fair weather friend who smiles upon you today and frowns up0n you tomorrow, but he is always the same. His devotion to his own family is remarkable. His interest in his children's welfare has been uniform and constant ; there has been no slightest sign of partiality, though his numerous daughters are of three different mothers. His absolute sense of justice has bound his family to him with a sense of great veneration and love.
ONE of the most outstanding virtues of President Grant is his great liberality. He has naturally been a conscientious guardian of the large Church fund over which he is the trustee-in-trust, but he has been liberal with the ward and stake officials who applied for funds to build chapels and to meet other contingencies that came up in their administration.
But with his private revenues he has felt that he could do with them as he pleased. Each year he has sent books by the thousands to friends all over this western part of the continent, and I should imagine to other parts far away. In homes very widely sundered I have encountered books inscribed with his classic penmanship, and dedicated in kindly words with the greetings of the Christmas season to friends who must all remember with gratitude this kindly consideration. He is truly a princely giver who never lets his left hand know what his right hand has bestowed. When kindred or friends were in trouble, delinquent tax bills were met, hospital bills liquidated and sums of money advanced as free will offerings. If he thought a friend would like a nice picture or a desired book or any other thing that would make him happy, it was forthcoming without the least thought or hesitation.
He seems to have an ambition to die poor. Quite recently to help out the cause of the Church effort to take all its members off the dole, he advanced twenty-five thousand dollars out of his own pocket.
Perhaps the most remarkable things about President Grant are his wonderful vitality and his ability for sustained work. When you consider that in a very few weeks he will be eighty years old it is amazing to see how much in each day he can accomplish. His temperate life no doubt has to do with this; he has never been poisoned with tobacco nor whisky nor any other harmful thing, but beyond that there must be a durability in his physical fibre of an unusual order. You remember the Wonderful One Hoss Shay created by the imagination of our great physician poet, Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes, had all its parts so tempered in texture and durability that it ran perfectly for a hundred years to the day and then went to pieces all in a heap. The one is fortunate who can approximate this simile in his own physical make-up, and round out his octogenarian or nonagenarian life or even reach the century mark possessed of his faculties and blessed with good health. It is hard to predict week by week and day by day what is going to happen to one who is past the scriptural allowance of three score and ten years, but here is one who is already ten years to the good of that limitation and is in much better physical condition than he was twenty years ago, and whose mind has retained its resiliency and whose thought is just as buoyant as ever. Many men long before the eightieth year are going with drooping shoulders and with a look of self-pity in their countenance which is distressing. But here is a man with his head erect, his sky-light and sidelights open and his mental and physical responses as alert as in his younger years. With perfect self-reliance he is seeking no man's pity, but wants only an opportunity to work out the fine destiny which the Lord has mapped out for him, and to stimulate others with his virile example, and his kindly demeanor to his fellows.
Is it luck, is it good living, is it destiny, or is it a combination of the three that enables one to come up to the score of eighty years with such mental and physical poise that he looks as if the race reaches yet far into future time, and as if the daily routine might continue its rhythmic regularity for many years to come. Perhaps it is luck that preserves us from accidents and accidental infections ; no doubt it is good living that keeps our resistance at a high mark; but perhaps it is destiny that casts some into the mold of a Lincoln instead of a Ford.
LET us wish that this kindly good man may have a long series of years yet to continue his useful life, and that his fine example of energy and integrity may stimulate many others to emulate his remarkable career.
Taylor, John H. "President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1936. pg. 682-683.
President Heber J. Grant
By Dr. John H. Taylor of the First Seven Presidents of Seventy
WHENEVER we hear or read of President Grant, we usually find mentioned his splendid quality of determination. When the boys made fun of his baseball playing, calling him "sissy," this made him determine to some day play on the champion team of the territory. To do this, he threw a ball at a mark on the side of a barn so many times that it was necessary for his mother to bind up his arm in order to alleviate the pain, but he kept throwing the ball and in the end became so expert that he accomplished his purpose and became a member of the championship team. When some of his school companions saw his writing and made fun of it, he resolved to some day become a teacher of penmanship at the University of Utah. By constant practice he finally succeeded in doing what he had determined to do. He decided to learn to sing notwithstanding every natural obstacle was against him. By going over and over the songs hundreds and thousands of times, he finally was able to do what he wanted to do. Perhaps that spirit of determination is the reason for his success in life. He was willing to work for the things he wanted and to give the time necessary to accomplish his purpose.
This characteristic of determination he got from his mother in a large degree. The story is told that when the bishop came to visit President Grant's mother he noticed pans on the floor to catch the water as it came through the roof. The bishop kindly offered to have the roof repaired as a contribution from the ward but the mother said, "Never mind, bishop, I will be able to take care of that myself and some day when my boy grows up he will build me a new house." Before President Grant was twenty-one years old he had built her a very substantial new home.[1]
THESE stories, of course, are very wonderful and stimulating to both old and young, but as interesting as this quality is, may I bring to you another side of the character of this wonderful prophet of ours; a side of his life that is not so well known but perhaps is the more beautiful of the two, although one could hardly have existed without the other.
We read in the Scriptures that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" and I am quite certain that President Grant has carried with him the spirit of this message and made use of it all the days of his life. Even as a boy he was always desirous of doing something for someone else. He never sought praise for the things that he did but was satisfied and fully compensated by the happiness and joy he brought into people's lives because of his helpfulness.
When President Grant one Christmas heard that a former stenographer was greatly in need of money and that the family home was in jeopardy of being sold because of a mortgage, he wrote to all of his children and told them that while he usually sent them a check for Christmas (and it was always very generous) this year he thought that they could go without it, and he would use the money in helping to save the home of his former secretary; he also invited his children to contribute and help things out, which they did.
His generous nature is not confined to the individual but often takes in groups of individuals, companies and industries. He not only does splendid things himself but he seems to exert an influence on other people so that they also want to be generous and helpful. If some institution was in financial trouble and he had friends connected with it, he was the first to head the subscription list with a generous amount in order that the institution might be saved and the stockholders' investments protected. In this line you all know of his love for home industries and how he has been one of the chief exponents of helping to establish them and has given generously of his time and money to accomplish this purpose.
When the Contributor, an organ of the M. I. A., was discontinued, President Grant decided that the organization needed a magazine. He, therefore, went out and got subscriptions, donated a large amount himself and helped establish again an M. I. A. magazine. Not only was he satisfied that the people at home should have the benefit of it but he also thought that the missionaries should have free copies and through his efforts, the missionaries in the field have since that time been supplied with the magazine.
One time one of his daughters was telling him about a poor widow who was having rather a hard time. President Grant asked her name. His daughter gave it to him and he said, "I'll send her some money." She, said, "But you don't even know her." President Grant said, "That is not necessary, she needs help and I am glad to do it." He has always been that way. Widows, orphans and men who have needed help have been the recipients of his many kindly acts. It was not a question of whether he knew them or not or whether they had been entirely faithful or not, he just loved to do something for them whenever it was possible for him to do so.
HIS generosity extends from the men of high standing to the most humble in the world. He has always been blessed with the ability to accumulate money, but he always wants to share it with other people. If he had wanted to keep it all for himself and his own family, he would be a very rich man but that is no pleasure to him. Money to him is only to be made to use and to help Zion grow and increase and her people to find happiness and comfort. No one will ever know the number of students, artists, and singers who have been befriended and encouraged by a sympathetic interest, as well as by financial assistance.
If there ever has been a more generous man in the Church or in the world, in proportion to the money that he had, I do not know his name. Perhaps when his life's work is finished, it will be said about him that he was like Abou Ben Adam, whom he so often quotes, "He loved his fellowmen."
[1] See picture of this house on our cover.
President Heber J. Grant
By Dr. John H. Taylor of the First Seven Presidents of Seventy
WHENEVER we hear or read of President Grant, we usually find mentioned his splendid quality of determination. When the boys made fun of his baseball playing, calling him "sissy," this made him determine to some day play on the champion team of the territory. To do this, he threw a ball at a mark on the side of a barn so many times that it was necessary for his mother to bind up his arm in order to alleviate the pain, but he kept throwing the ball and in the end became so expert that he accomplished his purpose and became a member of the championship team. When some of his school companions saw his writing and made fun of it, he resolved to some day become a teacher of penmanship at the University of Utah. By constant practice he finally succeeded in doing what he had determined to do. He decided to learn to sing notwithstanding every natural obstacle was against him. By going over and over the songs hundreds and thousands of times, he finally was able to do what he wanted to do. Perhaps that spirit of determination is the reason for his success in life. He was willing to work for the things he wanted and to give the time necessary to accomplish his purpose.
This characteristic of determination he got from his mother in a large degree. The story is told that when the bishop came to visit President Grant's mother he noticed pans on the floor to catch the water as it came through the roof. The bishop kindly offered to have the roof repaired as a contribution from the ward but the mother said, "Never mind, bishop, I will be able to take care of that myself and some day when my boy grows up he will build me a new house." Before President Grant was twenty-one years old he had built her a very substantial new home.[1]
THESE stories, of course, are very wonderful and stimulating to both old and young, but as interesting as this quality is, may I bring to you another side of the character of this wonderful prophet of ours; a side of his life that is not so well known but perhaps is the more beautiful of the two, although one could hardly have existed without the other.
We read in the Scriptures that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" and I am quite certain that President Grant has carried with him the spirit of this message and made use of it all the days of his life. Even as a boy he was always desirous of doing something for someone else. He never sought praise for the things that he did but was satisfied and fully compensated by the happiness and joy he brought into people's lives because of his helpfulness.
When President Grant one Christmas heard that a former stenographer was greatly in need of money and that the family home was in jeopardy of being sold because of a mortgage, he wrote to all of his children and told them that while he usually sent them a check for Christmas (and it was always very generous) this year he thought that they could go without it, and he would use the money in helping to save the home of his former secretary; he also invited his children to contribute and help things out, which they did.
His generous nature is not confined to the individual but often takes in groups of individuals, companies and industries. He not only does splendid things himself but he seems to exert an influence on other people so that they also want to be generous and helpful. If some institution was in financial trouble and he had friends connected with it, he was the first to head the subscription list with a generous amount in order that the institution might be saved and the stockholders' investments protected. In this line you all know of his love for home industries and how he has been one of the chief exponents of helping to establish them and has given generously of his time and money to accomplish this purpose.
When the Contributor, an organ of the M. I. A., was discontinued, President Grant decided that the organization needed a magazine. He, therefore, went out and got subscriptions, donated a large amount himself and helped establish again an M. I. A. magazine. Not only was he satisfied that the people at home should have the benefit of it but he also thought that the missionaries should have free copies and through his efforts, the missionaries in the field have since that time been supplied with the magazine.
One time one of his daughters was telling him about a poor widow who was having rather a hard time. President Grant asked her name. His daughter gave it to him and he said, "I'll send her some money." She, said, "But you don't even know her." President Grant said, "That is not necessary, she needs help and I am glad to do it." He has always been that way. Widows, orphans and men who have needed help have been the recipients of his many kindly acts. It was not a question of whether he knew them or not or whether they had been entirely faithful or not, he just loved to do something for them whenever it was possible for him to do so.
HIS generosity extends from the men of high standing to the most humble in the world. He has always been blessed with the ability to accumulate money, but he always wants to share it with other people. If he had wanted to keep it all for himself and his own family, he would be a very rich man but that is no pleasure to him. Money to him is only to be made to use and to help Zion grow and increase and her people to find happiness and comfort. No one will ever know the number of students, artists, and singers who have been befriended and encouraged by a sympathetic interest, as well as by financial assistance.
If there ever has been a more generous man in the Church or in the world, in proportion to the money that he had, I do not know his name. Perhaps when his life's work is finished, it will be said about him that he was like Abou Ben Adam, whom he so often quotes, "He loved his fellowmen."
[1] See picture of this house on our cover.
Talmage, May Booth. "To President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. May 1937. pg. 290-291.
To President Heber J. Grant
Among the deeply appreciated letters received by President Grant on his eightieth birthday was the following
AN APPRECIATION
THIS morn at dawn, while scarcely yet awake, remembrance came that this was the Natal Day of our great Leader—that he had reached the milestone marked "Four Score."
There welled within my soul a prayer of gratitude and praise for what his life has meant of uplift and of service to mankind. Perhaps few days have passed in all those eighty years, when someone was not cheered or gladdened by some thoughtful, kindly act of his.
It seemed as though I saw again his mother's radiant face, when, as she finished reading his most recent note to her, she smiled and said: "Unless he comes himself he almost always writes a note to me each day which shows his loving thoughtfulness."
Next came a prayer that God would spare him long, and give him health and peace, with increased wisdom as the years shall come and go. At once I seemed to feel that mine was only one of a half million who, this day, were praying thus. A multitude with hearts in unison, asking the same great boon. How could he be other than a man of God—strong in the strength that God alone can give—wise, tender, helpful, sympathetic, when all these prayers were offered that he might be such a man?
Strange would it be, indeed, should faith like this remain unheeded ! And so my gratitude found new expression in the thought that even faith and confidence and prayer of mine, might have availed in some small measure to bring lengthened life and health and blessing to our Leader who is much beloved.
Richly blessed my life has been through mingling with his kindred and himself. His mother while my neighbor taught me much of cheerfulness, of patience and implicit faith and trust in Providence. Ever since my girlhood, have I shared the blessing of his wife's companionship ; and her fine intellect and spirit as well as rich experiences and opportunities that have come to me through her, have left sweet memories that are priceless. From the ten lovely daughters who have come to bless our President's home, have I gained much.
Rachel—far-seeing, frank, practical, efficient, does honor to her noble heritage.
Lutie — sympathetic, generous tactful, whose heart is educated more highly even than is her splendid mind. A true neighbor in its finest sense she proved to be, when for almost half a score of years it was my blessed privilege to call her mine.
Flo — typifies the home-loving, home-making mother, and yet with all gives generously to others from the riches of her well stored mind. And who can measure or enumerate the joy and comfort given by Edith, through the sharing of her glorious gift. She knows no cast of rich or poor, of high or lowly born, but ever goes to place of sorrow or of mirth to love, to serve, to bless.
With Anna we have shared a gift of more material kind—delicious viands prepared by her own capable hands, and many homes are richer in happiness because the things she knew so well she taught to makers of these homes.
To Mary, the ever calm and placid daughter, I am much indebted. She gives me treasures from the deep springs of her intellect and spirit that refresh my soul and furnish food for thought through future days.
"Aunt" Emily's daughters I have not known so well, yet have loved and admired them for their poise and charming personality. More than thankful have I been for luck or chance or circumstance that the younger two came to live beneath the same roof in lovely Deseret, for several weeks. They came thither while I chaperoned a group of charming girls on a vacation trip. 'Twas Frances' trousseau they had come to make, but Frances had her thoughts amid the clouds—on music or on Wallace, so gifted Emily planned and wrought as though by magic. Of course she let all of us help just a little on the lovely things that are so thrilling to girls' hearts, and so the music and the stitching and the close association of those few short weeks, brought friendship that became more valued with the years that came and went, while Emily still was here.
Among the fourth generation there are some whom I have known and loved from their childhood until now, when they bring their babies to make friends with me. Besides all this, the daughters chose their husbands from among the families of my friends. In several instances have I known five generations on both sides—in others three or two.
And so for President Grant and all who share his honored name we pray like Tiny Tim "God Bless You Every One."
—May Booth Talmage.
To President Heber J. Grant
Among the deeply appreciated letters received by President Grant on his eightieth birthday was the following
AN APPRECIATION
THIS morn at dawn, while scarcely yet awake, remembrance came that this was the Natal Day of our great Leader—that he had reached the milestone marked "Four Score."
There welled within my soul a prayer of gratitude and praise for what his life has meant of uplift and of service to mankind. Perhaps few days have passed in all those eighty years, when someone was not cheered or gladdened by some thoughtful, kindly act of his.
It seemed as though I saw again his mother's radiant face, when, as she finished reading his most recent note to her, she smiled and said: "Unless he comes himself he almost always writes a note to me each day which shows his loving thoughtfulness."
Next came a prayer that God would spare him long, and give him health and peace, with increased wisdom as the years shall come and go. At once I seemed to feel that mine was only one of a half million who, this day, were praying thus. A multitude with hearts in unison, asking the same great boon. How could he be other than a man of God—strong in the strength that God alone can give—wise, tender, helpful, sympathetic, when all these prayers were offered that he might be such a man?
Strange would it be, indeed, should faith like this remain unheeded ! And so my gratitude found new expression in the thought that even faith and confidence and prayer of mine, might have availed in some small measure to bring lengthened life and health and blessing to our Leader who is much beloved.
Richly blessed my life has been through mingling with his kindred and himself. His mother while my neighbor taught me much of cheerfulness, of patience and implicit faith and trust in Providence. Ever since my girlhood, have I shared the blessing of his wife's companionship ; and her fine intellect and spirit as well as rich experiences and opportunities that have come to me through her, have left sweet memories that are priceless. From the ten lovely daughters who have come to bless our President's home, have I gained much.
Rachel—far-seeing, frank, practical, efficient, does honor to her noble heritage.
Lutie — sympathetic, generous tactful, whose heart is educated more highly even than is her splendid mind. A true neighbor in its finest sense she proved to be, when for almost half a score of years it was my blessed privilege to call her mine.
Flo — typifies the home-loving, home-making mother, and yet with all gives generously to others from the riches of her well stored mind. And who can measure or enumerate the joy and comfort given by Edith, through the sharing of her glorious gift. She knows no cast of rich or poor, of high or lowly born, but ever goes to place of sorrow or of mirth to love, to serve, to bless.
With Anna we have shared a gift of more material kind—delicious viands prepared by her own capable hands, and many homes are richer in happiness because the things she knew so well she taught to makers of these homes.
To Mary, the ever calm and placid daughter, I am much indebted. She gives me treasures from the deep springs of her intellect and spirit that refresh my soul and furnish food for thought through future days.
"Aunt" Emily's daughters I have not known so well, yet have loved and admired them for their poise and charming personality. More than thankful have I been for luck or chance or circumstance that the younger two came to live beneath the same roof in lovely Deseret, for several weeks. They came thither while I chaperoned a group of charming girls on a vacation trip. 'Twas Frances' trousseau they had come to make, but Frances had her thoughts amid the clouds—on music or on Wallace, so gifted Emily planned and wrought as though by magic. Of course she let all of us help just a little on the lovely things that are so thrilling to girls' hearts, and so the music and the stitching and the close association of those few short weeks, brought friendship that became more valued with the years that came and went, while Emily still was here.
Among the fourth generation there are some whom I have known and loved from their childhood until now, when they bring their babies to make friends with me. Besides all this, the daughters chose their husbands from among the families of my friends. In several instances have I known five generations on both sides—in others three or two.
And so for President Grant and all who share his honored name we pray like Tiny Tim "God Bless You Every One."
—May Booth Talmage.
Quayle, Gladys. "To President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. January 1938. pg. 15.
TO PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By Gladys Quayle
To England's shores a Prophet comes,
Without the sound of beating drums;
No pomp and show will be displayed--
In plainest garb he'll be arrayed--
This messenger of God.
The Saints for him have waited long;
Now listen to their joyous song.
As they proclaim with hearts sincere
The Prophet whom they love so dear,
The oracle of God.
As Prophets spake in days gone by
With simple speech—their hearts draw nigh,
And in this glorious latter day
Unite to hear him truth portray.
Blest mouthpiece of their God.
With head erect, and eyes aglow.
With hair as white as driven snow;
In all humility he'll stand
His life a testimony grand,
A holy man of God.
*First Prize Centennial Poetry Contest. Courtesy Millennial Star.
TO PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By Gladys Quayle
To England's shores a Prophet comes,
Without the sound of beating drums;
No pomp and show will be displayed--
In plainest garb he'll be arrayed--
This messenger of God.
The Saints for him have waited long;
Now listen to their joyous song.
As they proclaim with hearts sincere
The Prophet whom they love so dear,
The oracle of God.
As Prophets spake in days gone by
With simple speech—their hearts draw nigh,
And in this glorious latter day
Unite to hear him truth portray.
Blest mouthpiece of their God.
With head erect, and eyes aglow.
With hair as white as driven snow;
In all humility he'll stand
His life a testimony grand,
A holy man of God.
*First Prize Centennial Poetry Contest. Courtesy Millennial Star.
Hinckley, Bryant S. "Tribute to President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1940. pg. 726-728.
Tribute To President Heber J. Grant Elder Bryant S. Hinckley PRESIDENT Heber J. Grant comes to his eighty-fourth anniversary [November 22, 1940] enjoying the universal confidence and affection of a great people. The present state of his health is a shining testimony of his faith and of the goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father. Few men indeed have achieved so nobly in so many fields of human endeavor. He is well endowed. He has a vigorous and resourceful mind —always able to think faster and clearer than most men. His intrinsic honesty and his transparent frankness win the confidence of all who meet him. His justice, his mercy, his forgiveness, his generosity, are all princely. His friendship is intimate, sparkling, and constant. He has a native dignity that attracts attention in any group, and this is enhanced by a keen sense of humor. He enjoys a good story and always has one to tell. No other man in this generation has possessed in so high a degree the capacity for making friends and creating good-will for his people. I am well within the mark when I say that the greatest personal tribute ever paid to any living citizen of Utah was paid to President Grant on his eighty-second birthday by five hundred of the leading men of the state and many from beyond its borders. The great majority of these men were not members of the Church. That tribute was a spontaneous expression of their personal esteem for the President. We know of no man who has more faithfully devoted himself to the advancement of human betterment through the restored plan of salvation than has he. The Lord has sustained him in his calling. The Church has prospered greatly under his leadership. The President is a great leader, because he always leads by example. He preaches the Word of Wisdom, but he lives it first; he practises the law of tithing, and then preaches it. His life affords many rare examples of continuity of effort. His personal achievements as a result of persistent effort should be recorded in school books so that generations to come might be inspired by them. You cannot defeat him. Calamities have engulfed him, disaster has swept over him, but he has never remained submerged; he has risen victoriously above every assault. Rising above all of his noble endowments, permeating all of his high endeavors, is the conviction that work, relentless work, coupled with faith in Jesus Christ, can accomplish wonders. While the dominant concern of his life is the Church and Kingdom of God, to which he has dedicated his time and his energy, he has in addition to all of this rendered notable public service. He is a man of deep spirituality, at the same time eminently practical. President Grant knows the meaning of poverty and struggle; he also knows the keen joy that comes to those who win through hard and honest endeavor. He is a man of simple habits, approachable and democratic in his ways. It requires an intimate touch to appreciate the promptings of his great heart. His sympathy for the poor reveals the nobility of his soul. Here are two simple incidents told by his daughter, Mrs. Lucy Grant Cannon, president of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association of the Church: "An artist came to sell Father a picture. He did not have a space on his walls to hang a picture, but the artist needed money. So Father told him he had always been sorry he had let him sell his last picture to him so cheap. He gave him an extra $50 for the previous picture, and suggested that the artist might sell the picture he had to someone else." How like him! Another incident: "A sister who was helping in the President's home had been assessed $50 on a new ward chapel. She made no complaint about it, but this word reached the President, who was then in England. Soon a letter came to this sister with a check enclosed. She was to use the $25 to help pay her assessment. The letter was written in the President's own handwriting. She felt that she wanted to return the check; however, she did not return it, but gave it to the ward in addition, making her donation $75 instead of $50." Sister Cannon relates that years later when she visited this sister, who was then nearly ninety years old and almost blind, she went to her drawer and brought the letter for Sister Cannon to read. She had cherished that letter all those years. Cases of this kind are a part of his daily life. His heart is full of human sympathy, and that sympathy must always find expression in deeds of kindness. The record of his deeds of helpfulness and encouragement would reveal a soul known only to those intimately acquainted with him. No wonder he has a hold on the affections of the people! He loves people, and his love expresses itself in deeds. The depth and tenderness of his great heart is best recorded in his love for his family and his mother. His affection for his mother was beautiful—a bright example of filial devotion. His mother, Rachel Ivins Grant, was for more than thirty years president of the Relief Society of the ward in which she lived. She was worthy of the love which he so generously bestowed upon her. Nor is his devotion to his family less tender or less beautiful than that shown to her. Standing upon the threshold of a new anniversary, the President looks across four score and four years of great living, of full living, of abundant living; years marked with reverses and victories, years filled with trials and triumphs. He comes to this milestone mellowed and sweetened with the ripening years, a shining example of a great leader in a great cause. |
"Heber J. Grant and the Presidency of the Church." Instructor. December 1940. pg. 548-549.
HEBER J. GRANT AND THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH On November 22, last, President Heber J. Grant celebrated his eighty-fourth birthday. He has been President of the Church for twenty-two years, the longest period any one has served in this capacity, excepting President Brigham Young. The first President of the Church was Joseph Smith. He entered upon his duties as President in 1832 and laid down his office in death in 1844—twelve years later. He was twenty-seven when he became President and thirty-eight years plus when he was martyred. Our second President was Brigham Young. On his election to the Presidency, in 1847, when he was forty-six, he served till his death, in 1877, a period of thirty years. John Taylor, the third President, entered upon his office at the age of seventy-two years, in 1880 and held this position till he was seventy-nine. The fourth President, Wilford Woodruff, did not assume his duties of President till his eighty-second year, in 1889, holding the office till his ninety-first year —nine years in all. Lorenzo Snow, the fifth President, held this position for only three years, from 1898 to 1901, when he passed away. President Joseph F. Smith served in this position from his sixty-third year till his eightieth, from 1901 to 1918, a period of seventeen years. President Grant came to the office at sixty-three, and has served for twenty-two years. He was chosen in 1918, four days after the death of President Smith. It would be an interesting story to give the high lights in his administration in comparison with those in preceding administrations, but there is not sufficient space here. The Sunday Schools of the Church, through The Instructor felicitate the President upon his attaining this remote milestone in his life and in the life of the Church, and wish him many more, improved health, and continued happiness. |
President Heber J. Grant
|
Clark, J. Reuben, Jr. "Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Honor." Improvement Era. November 1941. pg. 655.
Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Honor
For much of the time during the last nine years I have been with President Grant every day, and for very many of those days I have been in consultation with him almost hourly. The matters discussed with him have covered the whole range of human activities, social, civic, financial, and religious; they have concerned the whole field of national and international relations, for the Church is worldwide in its interests, power, and influence.
I have been with him when his burdens were back-breaking. I have seen him radiant with joy and downcast with the shadow of sorrow. I have seen him inspirited when all seemed well, and unafraid and confident when the clouds were dark. But through the years, I have never seen one thought of self or self-interest enter into any deliberation he had, any decision he made, or any action he took, affecting the Church, or its welfare, or the welfare of the people.
He has always been open and frank in his dealings; he has not dissembled; he has been loyal to his brethren; he has always sought and taken counsel; he has been patient and charitable; he has calmly endured slight when others would have held resentment; he has had a clear head and a far-seeing eye for the upbuilding of the Church; he has been prodigal in his generosity with his own funds, but he has guarded the spending of Church money with a zealous eye; he has been financially, morally, intellectually, and spiritually honest; he has over the many years of his long life worked day and night—sloth and idleness have been utter strangers to him; he has kept the commandments of the Lord; he has had great faith; he has been a servant of the Lord, and the Lord has honored and respected him and magnified him in the exalted place of power and responsibility to which He called him. May the Lord bless and prosper him in his great calling of Prophet, Seer, and Revelator these yet many years to come.
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
First Counselor in the First Presidency
McKay, David O. "President Grant--The Benefactor." Improvement Era. November 1941. pg. 655.
President Grant—The Benefactor
Today at four score years and five, President Grant, standing on a glorious eminence of achievement, can, it seems to me, look back upon a life of service to his fellow men with supreme satisfaction. Through righteous endeavor, honesty of purpose, fair dealing in his business relations, and faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he has enriched his soul with the qualities of true manhood.
He has not only rendered service at every opportunity, but sought opportunity to make others happy. By keen insight, self-denial, lavish expenditure of time and means, he has on more than one occasion, quietly and unostentatiously, protected the good name of his associates; lifted mortgages from homes of widows; paid expenses of missionaries; given employment to the unemployed; and rendered help and succor wherever needed. No mind is more eager to bless, and when you get to know him, no heart more tender, no hand more generous than President Grant's. The beautiful encomium paid by Peter to the Savior may very aptly be applied to our beloved President— "He went about doing good."
God bless him with continued improvement in health, with contentment and peace!
David O. McKay
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Honor
For much of the time during the last nine years I have been with President Grant every day, and for very many of those days I have been in consultation with him almost hourly. The matters discussed with him have covered the whole range of human activities, social, civic, financial, and religious; they have concerned the whole field of national and international relations, for the Church is worldwide in its interests, power, and influence.
I have been with him when his burdens were back-breaking. I have seen him radiant with joy and downcast with the shadow of sorrow. I have seen him inspirited when all seemed well, and unafraid and confident when the clouds were dark. But through the years, I have never seen one thought of self or self-interest enter into any deliberation he had, any decision he made, or any action he took, affecting the Church, or its welfare, or the welfare of the people.
He has always been open and frank in his dealings; he has not dissembled; he has been loyal to his brethren; he has always sought and taken counsel; he has been patient and charitable; he has calmly endured slight when others would have held resentment; he has had a clear head and a far-seeing eye for the upbuilding of the Church; he has been prodigal in his generosity with his own funds, but he has guarded the spending of Church money with a zealous eye; he has been financially, morally, intellectually, and spiritually honest; he has over the many years of his long life worked day and night—sloth and idleness have been utter strangers to him; he has kept the commandments of the Lord; he has had great faith; he has been a servant of the Lord, and the Lord has honored and respected him and magnified him in the exalted place of power and responsibility to which He called him. May the Lord bless and prosper him in his great calling of Prophet, Seer, and Revelator these yet many years to come.
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
First Counselor in the First Presidency
McKay, David O. "President Grant--The Benefactor." Improvement Era. November 1941. pg. 655.
President Grant—The Benefactor
Today at four score years and five, President Grant, standing on a glorious eminence of achievement, can, it seems to me, look back upon a life of service to his fellow men with supreme satisfaction. Through righteous endeavor, honesty of purpose, fair dealing in his business relations, and faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he has enriched his soul with the qualities of true manhood.
He has not only rendered service at every opportunity, but sought opportunity to make others happy. By keen insight, self-denial, lavish expenditure of time and means, he has on more than one occasion, quietly and unostentatiously, protected the good name of his associates; lifted mortgages from homes of widows; paid expenses of missionaries; given employment to the unemployed; and rendered help and succor wherever needed. No mind is more eager to bless, and when you get to know him, no heart more tender, no hand more generous than President Grant's. The beautiful encomium paid by Peter to the Savior may very aptly be applied to our beloved President— "He went about doing good."
God bless him with continued improvement in health, with contentment and peace!
David O. McKay
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
"Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1941. pg. 775.
Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
THE Relief Society General Board and approximately 100,000 Relief Society members extend to President Heber J. Grant their love and best wishes on his eighty-fifth birthday, to be observed November 22, 1941. President Grant's life is exemplary, his counsel wise, and the strength of his testimony is a source of inspiration to his people. His interest in the Relief Society is greatly appreciated by the women of the Church. From a Relief Society mother he learned the importance and value of this organization. Throughout the years the Society has benefited from the wisdom of his counsel, and his generous support of its many and varied activities has been a source of great encouragement.
At our recent general conference the women of the Church were honored in receiving a personal message from President Grant, the full text of which appears on page 764 of this issue of the Magazine. His words, 'Your efforts to enroll in your organization 100,000 members appeals to me," will no doubt be an important factor in helping us to realize our membership goal. We are grateful to President Grant for his many kindnesses to us and pray that his eighty-fifth birthday will find him the recipient of many good gifts and blessings. May his people honor him by heeding his word and obeying his counsel.
Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
THE Relief Society General Board and approximately 100,000 Relief Society members extend to President Heber J. Grant their love and best wishes on his eighty-fifth birthday, to be observed November 22, 1941. President Grant's life is exemplary, his counsel wise, and the strength of his testimony is a source of inspiration to his people. His interest in the Relief Society is greatly appreciated by the women of the Church. From a Relief Society mother he learned the importance and value of this organization. Throughout the years the Society has benefited from the wisdom of his counsel, and his generous support of its many and varied activities has been a source of great encouragement.
At our recent general conference the women of the Church were honored in receiving a personal message from President Grant, the full text of which appears on page 764 of this issue of the Magazine. His words, 'Your efforts to enroll in your organization 100,000 members appeals to me," will no doubt be an important factor in helping us to realize our membership goal. We are grateful to President Grant for his many kindnesses to us and pray that his eighty-fifth birthday will find him the recipient of many good gifts and blessings. May his people honor him by heeding his word and obeying his counsel.
"Beloved President Heber J. Grant." Instructor. December 1941. pg. 651.
BELOVED PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT The marvelous pre-birthday tributes paid to President Heber J. Grant by newspapers. Church magazines and other publications have left little for Sunday Schools or The Instructor to say without fulsome and needless repetition. However, we can and do heartily endorse all the wonderful tributes given our beloved president and make the challenge that greater love for and loyalty to him hath no man or group than the Deseret Sunday School Union whose potential enrollment enfolds the entire membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Grant was a member of this Deseret Sunday School Union Board from April 5, 1891, to October 6, 1918 and is the only living member of the Board sustained on that first named date. He labored as an active member until he became president of the Church. In the 27 years as a board member, his dynamic personality was used in furthering the interest of the Sunday School. The official record shows that he made long journeys and frequent visits in its interest. Since he became President of the Church his love for the Sunday School and its members has not diminished. We pay tribute to him on this 85th anniversary of his birth, for his encouragement of the fine arts and the better things of life. While not an accredited musician, yet he does much for the divine art by his own persistent endeavors and the encouragement he lends to others; while not a member of the artists guild, he sponsors art and assists many a struggling artist on the way to success; while not an actor, he sponsors the legitimate drama and spends time and money in its interest; while not an author of books, still he is a great reader and promoter and has distributed gratis to his friends and Church workers thousands of worthwhile volumes. We love him for these things, because all may be used for the enrichment of our Sunday School lessons. But we revere and honor President Grant most for the mighty uplifting and soul-inspiring testimony he bears of the truth and validity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as restored in these days by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Representing our entire organization we extend to President Grant our congratulations on the completion of his eighty-five great years of life and wish him many more happy ones to come. THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, by George D. Pyper, Milton Bennion, George R. Hill, General Superintendency A. Hamer Reiser, Executive Secretary |
Crawford, Vesta P. "Birthday For President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1942. pg. 745-746.
Birthday For President Heber J. Grant "Dream, O youth, dream nobly and manfully, and your dreams shall be your prophets."[1] Oh let his autumn day be beautiful With sunlight on his native hills And symphony of fields in burnished glow; Let all his homeland valleys bring A rich fulfillment of his early dream And deep content for him to know; Still let the height of temple spires tell The splendor of the work he loves. And when he sees their pattern in the dawn Let him recall the days and years When his devotion to the Prophet's plan Gave men a dream to build upon. And let him know the words we all would speak If we could hold the seasons back; Still let us cherish all his life conveys-- The steadfast courage and the faith, The breadth of wisdom and of sympathy That mark his span of lengthened days. And all our prayers shall stand beside His autumn and his eventide. Vesta P. Crawford [1] This quotation by Lord Bulwer-Lytton is frequently used by President Grant. |
B. S. S. "President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1942. pg. 779.
President Heber J. Grant
On November 22, President Heber J. Grant observes his eighty-sixth birthday, rich in experience, mature in wisdom, strong in faith and spirituality, and tempered with the ripening years—a great leader in the greatest of all causes, the Master's cause. He comes to this milestone enjoying the love and confidence of his people, the respect of friends and associates, and the esteem of acquaintances the world over.
Heber J. Grant was born in Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856, a son of Rachel Ridgeway Ivins and Jedediah M. Grant. On December 1, 1856, his father passed away, leaving the boy to be reared by a widowed mother amidst the hardships of pioneer life. Rachel Ivins Grant was a woman of strong character and independent spirit, and through the work of her own hands made a living for herself and her son, instilling in the boy those basic elements of good character—honesty, fairness, industry, and courage to do right. She taught him the principles of the Gospel and helped him to develop a testimony of the truth of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was through attending Relief Society meetings as a boy in company with his mother, who for more than thirty years was a ward president, that President Grant first learned of the work of this Society, and throughout his life his interest in Relief Society has never waned.
In an address given at general conference of Relief Society, April 3, 1937, he referred to the influence in his life of his mother and early-day Relief Society leaders as follows:
I owe more to the love and teachings of my mother, to Eliza R. Snow and the Relief Society sisters than I do to the brethren. Why? Because I grew up from a little child in the Relief Society meetings. Mother had no one to leave me with, and I played on the floor in many of those meetings. Aunt Eliza used to talk to me by the hour and tell me things about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and it inspired in my heart a love for him almost beyond my ability to express; in fact, my mother, Sister Snow, and others, inspired in me a love for the Gospel and the Prophet Joseph Smith and the authorities of the Church by their devotion to the work of God, by their example, not by talk alone. (Relief Society Magazine, October 1937, P. 629)
President Grant has always recognized the place of women in the Church and has encouraged them and appreciated their labors.
His deep personal interest in Relief Society is a great sustaining power in these days of anxiety and sorrow when the women of the Church must meet the trying conditions of a world at war and when they must measure up to unusual and difficult requirements. His counsel is a guiding power and his blessing a comfort.
This Thanksgiving month, we are grateful for the life of President Heber J. Grant; we acknowledge his support and the strength and wisdom of his leadership. We extend to him our best wishes for a happy birthday, and pray that our Heavenly Father will ever comfort and bless him.-B. S. S.
President Heber J. Grant
On November 22, President Heber J. Grant observes his eighty-sixth birthday, rich in experience, mature in wisdom, strong in faith and spirituality, and tempered with the ripening years—a great leader in the greatest of all causes, the Master's cause. He comes to this milestone enjoying the love and confidence of his people, the respect of friends and associates, and the esteem of acquaintances the world over.
Heber J. Grant was born in Salt Lake City, November 22, 1856, a son of Rachel Ridgeway Ivins and Jedediah M. Grant. On December 1, 1856, his father passed away, leaving the boy to be reared by a widowed mother amidst the hardships of pioneer life. Rachel Ivins Grant was a woman of strong character and independent spirit, and through the work of her own hands made a living for herself and her son, instilling in the boy those basic elements of good character—honesty, fairness, industry, and courage to do right. She taught him the principles of the Gospel and helped him to develop a testimony of the truth of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was through attending Relief Society meetings as a boy in company with his mother, who for more than thirty years was a ward president, that President Grant first learned of the work of this Society, and throughout his life his interest in Relief Society has never waned.
In an address given at general conference of Relief Society, April 3, 1937, he referred to the influence in his life of his mother and early-day Relief Society leaders as follows:
I owe more to the love and teachings of my mother, to Eliza R. Snow and the Relief Society sisters than I do to the brethren. Why? Because I grew up from a little child in the Relief Society meetings. Mother had no one to leave me with, and I played on the floor in many of those meetings. Aunt Eliza used to talk to me by the hour and tell me things about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and it inspired in my heart a love for him almost beyond my ability to express; in fact, my mother, Sister Snow, and others, inspired in me a love for the Gospel and the Prophet Joseph Smith and the authorities of the Church by their devotion to the work of God, by their example, not by talk alone. (Relief Society Magazine, October 1937, P. 629)
President Grant has always recognized the place of women in the Church and has encouraged them and appreciated their labors.
His deep personal interest in Relief Society is a great sustaining power in these days of anxiety and sorrow when the women of the Church must meet the trying conditions of a world at war and when they must measure up to unusual and difficult requirements. His counsel is a guiding power and his blessing a comfort.
This Thanksgiving month, we are grateful for the life of President Heber J. Grant; we acknowledge his support and the strength and wisdom of his leadership. We extend to him our best wishes for a happy birthday, and pray that our Heavenly Father will ever comfort and bless him.-B. S. S.
"Greetings to President Heber J. Grant." Instructor. December 1942. pg. 662-663.
GREETINGS TO PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT On November 22nd President Heber J. Grant celebrated in a quiet way his eighty-sixth birthday. He wears his years well, and in spite of his recent illness, greets one with his cheery "I am a little better today, thank you." President Grant has had an eventful career. He has been active in many phases of religious, political, social, educational and recreational life, and he has weathered many bitter storms. From a humble beginning he has risen to the highest and most honored position in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has held that position with inspired ability longer than any other man, excepting only President Young. Among his many qualities of leadership it may truthfully be said that he has been one of the greatest missionaries the Church has ever had; not that he has excelled in taking men and women into the waters of baptism, but rather that, through his addresses before fraternal clubs and other world organizations he has influenced the key men, the men who mold the opinions of the masses. President Grant loves the Saints and that love is reciprocated by the faithful—more so now in these late days of his life than ever before. His whole life has been and is devoted to the cause of Truth and his powerful testimony of its divinity is profoundly impressive. He has a warm affection for his old Sunday School teachers and associates especially Hamilton G. Park, George Goddard, John B. Maiben and Millen Atwood. These, he writes in his journal, will, throughout all time and eternity, "have a warm place in my affections because of the impressions for good, that they made upon my heart and being in my childhood days." This mutual love is expressed in a letter from Hamilton G. Park, dated May 25, 1905, written while Brother Grant was President of the European Mission. Here is a quotation: "Brother Heber, you will pardon me, I know, if I talk to you in our old familiar way when you refer to the day of 'O lang syne,' when you were a lad and I was a young man. My eyes are wet and my whole being is moved and I feel that my love for the good and the true increases with the years, and I say from the depths of my soul, Heber, my boy; God bless you, God bless you forever. . . . Brother Heber, you have heard me relate, I think, the interview I had with President Young on my return from my last mission to Scotland. He had passed away during my absence and when home again I felt both sad and lonely and pleaded with the Father' for the privilege of seeing Brother Brigham, and that it was granted. And after I had poured out to him all that was in my heart and had received from him the comfort that my soul sought after, and we were about to part he said to me, Hamilton are you satisfied? I replied, yes Brother Brigham, more than satisfied. He then with much feeling gave me the following charge: Go then, live your religion, preach the Gospel, and labor to build up God's kingdom upon the earth. That will be the true riches when you come to me, repeating with great emphasis, that will be the true riches when you come to me. Brother Heber, I have been doing this (in a small way of course) for nearly 65 years. Brother Grant's answer, written at Zurick, Switzerland, contained the following: "I have forgotten that you ever related to me your visit with Brigham Young. You related very many remarkable circumstances to me. I feel that your life, as well as that of all other faithful Latter-day Saints can be called a success. The accumulation of wealth or the gaining of knowledge does not constitute success in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. The birth of his only Begotten Son in a stable seems to me to emphasize His contempt for the things of this world, only those who remain true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who are always willing and faithful in bearing their testimony under the inspiration of the Lord will have success marked upon their brows when the battle of life is ended. That you will be numbered as one of these, I have no doubt. In my childhood days there was no man in the 13th ward that I loved to hear preach as well as you. I remember distinctly that your remarks always touched my heart. I also remember how I used to love to listen to your recitals of missionary and other experiences in your Sabbath School class." In his journal President Grant adds this tribute to his old friend and Sunday School teacher: "It is a great pleasure to look back on the days when I was a member of Hamilton G. Park's class in Sunday School. I am sure that the success that has been made by myself and others who were in his class is a source of great satisfaction to him," President Grant believes in the philosophy of these lines which he often repeats, but whose author is unknown: "Age is an attitude of mind. If you have left your dreams behind and hope is cold And the fires of ambition are dead And you no longer look ahead, then you’re old. But if from life you take the best And if in life you give the best and love You hold No matter how the years go by No matter how the birthdays fly You are not old. The Deseret Sunday School Union and its four hundred thousand members wish their beloved President many, many happy returns of this wonderful birthday. |
THE FULL MEASURE OF A MAN
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"President and Mrs. Heber J. Grant Observe Wedding Anniversary." Relief Society Magazine. May 1943. pg. 306.
PRESIDENT AND MRS. HEBER J. GRANT OBSERVE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY THIS, the latest picture taken together of President and Sister Grant, is a hitherto unpublished one. With its publication, the General Board, on behalf of the entire membership of the Relief Society, congratulates this distinguished and revered couple upon arriving, on May twenty-sixth, at the fifty-ninth milestone of their married life. This photograph, taken in the out-of-doors in which they both delight, reflects an alert expression on both of their faces, showing that at the age of eighty-six they still enjoy life to the fullest. It is our heartfelt desire that they may continue throughout their lives to enjoy health and happiness. |
PRESIDENT AND MRS. HEBER J. GRANT
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Lyman, Amy Brown. "President Heber J. Grant Reaches Another Milestone." Relief Society Magazine. May 1943. pg. 653-655.
President Heber J. Grant Reaches Another Milestone President Amy Brown Lyman THE General Board of Relief Society, in behalf of the 115,000 members of the organization, extends greetings and good wishes to our beloved and revered president, Heber J. Grant, on his 87th birthday, on November 22. We love and honor President Grant not only for his many accomplishments and successful life and for his great service to his Church and to humanity in general, but we love and honor him also for the excellence of his personal character, for his faith in God and for his devotion to the Gospel of the Master, for his wise and forceful teachings and for his splendid example. Here is a man who practices what he preaches and preaches what he practices. One of the distinguishing characteristics of his personal life which especially appeals to women and which we desire especially to mention, has been his devotion to his mother during her lifetime and to her memory since her passing. He has been outstanding in this respect in an age when ingratitude of children to parents is sometimes encountered. The only child of his mother and left fatherless when but nine days old, little Heber Grant early manifested a devotion to her which is rare in young children and which is sometimes absent in grownup children. This appreciation of his mother and her ability, and the understanding of her problems and her responsibilities and of her confidence in him, encouraged him in his determination, even when young, to try to take the place of his father in looking after and providing for her. He always remembers with pride her refusal to have the bishop of the ward reshingle her house for her. She was able by the work of her own hand, she said, to have the leaks in the roof patched up, which repair work would last until her own son could build a new house for her. THIS appreciation and understanding of her motherly virtues has no doubt also influenced his attitude toward the women of his own family and the women of the Church and their work, which has always been one of appreciation and chivalry. Indeed he has ever been a champion in the interest of mothers and of women in general. For the beautiful life they lived together, this widow and son. President Grant gives all praise to his mother. His tributes to her are convincing, beautiful, and touching. But whatever his training, this loved son was by nature kind, tender, and obedient, and he was blessed of the Lord with those qualities which have made him the great and good man that he is. Two people rarely live a life together so full of mutual harmony, respect, and pure love for each other as did that pioneer widow, that devoted Latter-day Saint, Rachel Ridgway Grant and her pure-hearted, unselfish, charitable, and now distinguished son. President Heber J. Grant. She loved him with the greatest devotion and admiration. But her love and devotion to him did not exceed in the slightest degree his devotion, admiration, and love for her. Eloquent as President Grant is when preaching the Gospel that he loves as much as he loves his own life, yet he is not more eloquent then, nor when speaking upon any other subject, than when referring to the goodness, the gentleness, the faith, devotion, and self-sacrifice for the Gospel of his good and saintly mother. Hers was truly an angelic nature. But great and good as was her nature, it did not exceed the goodness, the kindness, the tenderness, the charity, the efficiency, and the understanding of her distinguished son. FOLLOWING are some very interesting excerpts from letters to President Grant written by his mother while he was in Japan and Europe: October 12, 1901 I am much happier that you are where you are and where the Lord wishes you to be than in going in debt and trying to get rich. My motto is, "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all things will be added" that will be for our good. I fully appreciate the love and gratitude you feel in regard to my teaching I gave you. I often live my life over in thinking how happy I was when we used to sit and sing and talk and measure tape. There would not be so many bad boys and girls if mothers would think more and teach their children the Gospel than thinking so much about their dress. I love to see children look nice and make home pleasant. I always enjoyed your bringing the boys home more than having you go away. October 19, 1901 I am pleased you are studying the scriptures. I used to talk to you and wish you to read them and get ready for a mission. I feel the experience you have had will do you good and you will find more joy and comfort in laboring to bring people to a knowledge of the true and living God than all of the riches this world could afford. November 17, 1904 Well, my dear boy, you will soon be forty years of age. You used to say that you thought you would not live to be older than your father was. I am truly thankful you have lived so long and wish you very many years yet and filled with usefulness. I feel I have been blessed above many mothers, to have so good a son, and live to see my wishes and prayers granted that you might live to be a faithful worker in the Kingdom of God. I felt the great responsibility resting upon me as you had no father, for the way I brought you up. November 22, 1906 I intended to write you a letter for your birthday to arrive on that day, but the time passes so fast, I thought I would write on the birthday. You have been in my mind and I have been with you in spirit, if not in person. I have been thinking of you all the day and how much we all have to be thankful for as a family and as a people. If we were all as united as we should be and lived our religion, enjoying the spirit of the Gospel the adversary would not have the power he has. I appreciate all the love and your wish to do all you can to make my last days happy. I wish all mothers had as good a son as I have. |
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
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Lyman, Amy Brown. "Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. November 1944. pg. 630.
Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
TO Latter-day Saints the month of November is- especially significant, for in this month occurs the anniversary of the birth of our greatly beloved and deeply revered president, Heber J. Grant.
Upon this important occasion we extend to him through the columns of the Magazine, which represents the great multitude of women of the Relief Society, greetings, congratulations, and heartfelt good washes.
In our homes we express daily in our prayers our gratitude and thanks for the leadership, the splendid life, and righteous achievements of this great and good man, and we pray for his continued welfare. While he will be thus remembered by the people of the Church everywhere at this time, yet we take this opportunity, which we deem a great pleasure and high privilege, to salute him in behalf of the great Relief Society organization on this his eighty-eighth birthday, and to wish for him a realization of all that his heart desires. We are sure that one of his heart's greatest desires is that the members of the Church strive daily to live in strict accordance with the teachings of the gospel of the Master, and that they devote themselves to the building up of the kingdom of God. The fulfillment or accomplishment of this desire would be to him a priceless birthday gift.
President Grant has always been a true friend to the women of the Church. He has recognized their contributions to the welfare and development of the Church, and he has honored them in their various callings. He has encouraged them to go forward in auxiliary activities and has aided and supported them in their organization work. For this generous attitude toward women, and this whole-souled recognition of their abilities and service, we are deeply grateful.
We are mindful especially of his interest in the various phases of Relief Society work, and we wholeheartedly express our love and gratitude for all that he has done for our treasured Society.
President Grant's conception of the scope and value of Relief Society work dates back to his early youth, when his widowed mother served as a ward president at the same time that he and she were struggling together to carry the economic problems that surrounded them in their own home, in those early pioneer days.
It was thus from his mother, who went about doing good, giving spiritual as well as practical help to those in sorrow and need, that he first learned some of those lessons which have helped to make of him the great humanitarian and spiritual leader that he is today.
President Amy B. Lyman
Birthday Greetings to President Heber J. Grant
TO Latter-day Saints the month of November is- especially significant, for in this month occurs the anniversary of the birth of our greatly beloved and deeply revered president, Heber J. Grant.
Upon this important occasion we extend to him through the columns of the Magazine, which represents the great multitude of women of the Relief Society, greetings, congratulations, and heartfelt good washes.
In our homes we express daily in our prayers our gratitude and thanks for the leadership, the splendid life, and righteous achievements of this great and good man, and we pray for his continued welfare. While he will be thus remembered by the people of the Church everywhere at this time, yet we take this opportunity, which we deem a great pleasure and high privilege, to salute him in behalf of the great Relief Society organization on this his eighty-eighth birthday, and to wish for him a realization of all that his heart desires. We are sure that one of his heart's greatest desires is that the members of the Church strive daily to live in strict accordance with the teachings of the gospel of the Master, and that they devote themselves to the building up of the kingdom of God. The fulfillment or accomplishment of this desire would be to him a priceless birthday gift.
President Grant has always been a true friend to the women of the Church. He has recognized their contributions to the welfare and development of the Church, and he has honored them in their various callings. He has encouraged them to go forward in auxiliary activities and has aided and supported them in their organization work. For this generous attitude toward women, and this whole-souled recognition of their abilities and service, we are deeply grateful.
We are mindful especially of his interest in the various phases of Relief Society work, and we wholeheartedly express our love and gratitude for all that he has done for our treasured Society.
President Grant's conception of the scope and value of Relief Society work dates back to his early youth, when his widowed mother served as a ward president at the same time that he and she were struggling together to carry the economic problems that surrounded them in their own home, in those early pioneer days.
It was thus from his mother, who went about doing good, giving spiritual as well as practical help to those in sorrow and need, that he first learned some of those lessons which have helped to make of him the great humanitarian and spiritual leader that he is today.
President Amy B. Lyman
Smith, George Albert. "President Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. June 1945. pg. 332, 370.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By President George Albert Smith of the First Presidency
Address delivered during funeral services for President Heber J. Grant, held Friday, May 18, 1945, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
I have occupied this pulpit many times, but my soul has never been subdued as it is today. Observing this great audience of friends, and realizing that many thousands more are listening in I sense the responsibility that attaches to occupying any time here today. Sitting near the remains of our beloved departed brother is the faithful, devoted family of President Heber J. Grant, who has finished his work and gone to his reward. If I could say anything that would bring comfort to them, I would be grateful. I feel my weakness, and desire most sincerely that the Lord will inspire me to voice that which he would have me say.
Assembled on this solemn occasion, near the casket containing a dear one, our feelings are naturally subdued, and if this were the last time we were to be with him, it would to me be a most distressing situation; but it is not so in this case. This man who has been summoned home by our Heavenly Father has concluded his mortal life in honor, but we will be with him again in immortality if we are worthy. Born eighty-eight years ago, most of his life has been devoted to faithfully seeking to divide the truth of our Lord with his fellow men. For more than forty years I have been one of his companions who have upon their shoulders the responsibility of disseminating the gospel of Jesus Christ in all parts of the world. During that period of time he has served in Japan, in the European countries, in Canada and Mexico, and in all of the states of the United States of America.
Our work has enabled us to mingle with hundreds of thousands of our brothers and sisters, and all men are our brothers and all women are our sisters. We are all the children of our Eternal Father. Many of the dear ones that we have associated with have long since passed away, and those of us who remain and understand are waiting for the time when we too will receive our summons and will have their companionship again.
THERE are those in the world who apparently cannot believe, or who do not believe, the information contained in the Holy Bible that there is a resurrection for all those who die and that Jesus Christ was the first fruits of that resurrection. He came into the world, sent by his Heavenly Father to organize a church and to develop in the lives of its members an understanding of the purpose of life and to prepare them for eternal happiness, not only upon this earth in mortality, but for eternity. Today we are met in honor of one of his departed sons who has performed a great work. He was a giant among men and he has radiated hope and courage and peace among hundreds of thousands of his brothers and sisters, our Father's children.
It would be tragic if a man, when he grew to be as old as our brother, were compelled to remain distressed and helpless in mortality, continuing on and on without the ability to longer enjoy life here. And so the Lord has decreed that we all come into the world in the same way, our time here being limited. We all have an opportunity to enjoy happiness in mortality, and then, if we have been wise, we pass on, prepared for eternal happiness in the celestial kingdom when this earth that we dwell upon shall be cleansed and purified by fire and will be presided over by our Heavenly Father and by our elder brother, Jesus Christ, as one of their dominions. With that assurance in our lives, death is not such a serious matter.
I am thinking, as I stand here talking to you, that more of my dear ones are on the other side than are here, and it will not be long in the natural course of events before I, too, will receive my summons to pass on. I am not looking forward to that time with anxiety and distress, but with hope and with the assurance that the change, when it occurs, will be for increasing happiness and advantages that we cannot know in mortality.
I wish that all of the people in the world—all our Father's children—-could understand the scriptures that have been given to us by the Lord and preserved by his servants. They are replete with assurance of the resurrection and of eternal life. Of course the outstanding evidence was that of Jesus Christ our Lord who was crucified at Calvary, removed from the cross, and laid away in a tomb. Those witnessing this great event supposed that would be the last time they would ever see him, but in three days he left the tomb, in three days his spirit had entered his immortal tabernacle, and he was among his associates again.
He first appeared to Mary. She didn't recognize him until he called her by name. No doubt she would have embraced him, but he said,
. . . Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17.)
Mary was the first one in mortality to know of the resurrection. It is beautiful to me that to womankind has always come the first knowledge of a new life. Woman is the first to know that there is to be another birth. In the case of the resurrection it was to woman that our Lord gave the first actual knowledge that death was not the end, but that resurrection had overcome death and that we would live forever.
Upon one occasion the Savior appeared to his former associates. They were gathered together and somewhat concerned. He came among them without warning, and they were frightened. They thought that they saw an apparition. They didn't realize that he could appear and disappear at will with the power that he had attained. When he discovered their predicament, he said:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39.)
As if to further convince these disciples he said unto them:
Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. (Luke 24:41-43.)
They then became convinced that it was their risen Lord who had been raised from the dead. Thereafter he met with his disciples several times and talked to them.
THE disciples seemed not to understand at that time as we do now that we shall all follow the same course and in due time we shall all be raised from the dead. It was the knowledge of this glorious truth that enriched President Grant's life and made him the great missionary that he was. It was the knowledge of that truth that enabled him to labor for the young people of the Church and of the world.
He was always interested in the development of youth. Notwithstanding his ability along many other lines, his major anxiety in life was the development of the sons and daughters of the Living God. He not only believed what was found in the Old and New Testament scripture, with reference to our life here and hereafter, but he possessed other evidence. When a young woman his mother identified herself with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which was so unpopular at that time that through persecution it had been driven from place to place. Soon after she joined the Church all of the people of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, and vicinity, approximately twenty thousand, were driven from their homes into the wilderness. They faced the setting sun to make their homes with the wild beasts and the still more savage red men. At this time she returned to her family in New Jersey and later came with her sister to the Salt Lake Valley where she married Jedediah M. Grant. She had one son, Heber J. Grant.
President Grant's father died when President Grant was a babe, and he had the joy of growing up to provide for and support his mother who to him was the most angelic soul he ever knew. She came to this valley to live when it took great faith to face her problems. This man whose earthly remains are in this casket has seen come into existence in this city during his lifetime nearly every building, every street, every improved road, practically all the trees, all the churches, and the temple that stands to the east of this building. He lived to see the city grow from a small village to a pulsating metropolis in the tops of these everlasting hills. President Grant made a wonderful contribution toward bringing that about; not however with the object that people might have wealth and comfort, but to the end that they might be so provided with the necessities of life that their hearts would turn to God and have a desire to honor him and keep his commandments and thereby prepare for eternal happiness.
His mother taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ, not only as it was contained in the Old and New Testaments, but in the other scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, which is known as the American volume of scripture. In that book we have one of the most unusual statements with reference to where the spirit of man goes when it leaves his physical body and is waiting for the time of the resurrection. This may be found in the fortieth chapter of Alma. She also accepted and taught her son the revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, where it explains the various degrees of glory into which the human family is assigned after the resurrection. President Grant's life was made rich by the devotion of this Christian mother who forsook the comforts of a palatial home on the eastern seaboard finally to make her home here and to earn her own living with her hands while her son was developing. She was a daughter of God in every sense of the word. She was a real mother. Her love and devotion were showered upon that boy. She saw him grow from childhood to manhood and take his place among his fellows. She saw him grow to become one of the leaders of the Church with which he and she were identified, and I have no doubt that she has been watching over him these many years since he was called to preside over this great organization as the mouthpiece of the Father of us all.
I can imagine now that on the other side there is a happy reunion with his father and mother, brothers and sisters and loved ones who have preceded him. They may already have welcomed him home; and what a story of faith and devotion and self-sacrifice and unselfishness he will be able to tell them.
There have been many men who have lived in the land in which we live, but I know of none of them who has been more determined, more faithful, more desirous of doing the things that would enrich the lives of our Father's other children and bring happiness to them.
His mother believed in the divine mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. She believed the revelations that were given to him, accepted them, and lived to see some of the prophecies contained in them fulfilled in her own lifetime.
Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, not only read the scriptures but he also went out into the woods to pray when he was but a youth, not yet fifteen years of age. He wanted to know what the Lord desired him to do. He had read in James:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5.)
And believing that, he put it to the test. He went out into the woods near his home in Palmyra, knelt down, and prayed to the Lord for light and wisdom. He wanted to know what organization he should be identified with. There were many churches and he was confused, and his own story is that a beautiful light overshadowed him and in that light he saw two glorified Personages standing in mid-air. One of them asked him what he desired. He said: "I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right—and which I should join." One of them, turning to the other said, "This is my Beloved Son—hear him." Jesus, our resurrected Lord, then told him not to join any church but to prepare himself for future service.
That was evidence in our day of the resurrection, because it was the resurrected Jesus Christ, our Lord, who had come with his Father to open another dispensation to restore that which , had been lost to so many of our Father's children, and to offer it again to the children of men, not to take anything away from them, but to add to the richness of their lives and prepare them for eternal happiness.
President Grant's training was of that character. He lived in a home where there was family and individual prayer, morning and evening, and where thanks for the food partaken of, was always given. In his home he was taught to honor father and mother, honor his Heavenly Father, and to love his neighbor as himself. I know of no man who has been more generous in his contribution of himself and of the means that have come into his hands. He tried to make his brothers and sisters of all faiths and creeds happier.
The resurrection is a reality. Joseph Smith had a visitation from John the Baptist, the same who baptized Jesus Christ our Lord, and received at his hands the Holy Priesthood. This man believed that. Peter, James, and John, the associates of the Savior, as resurrected beings, came and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph the Prophet, It was that priesthood that this man held. Instead of having taken anything away, these heavenly messengers brought again that which had been lost to the world, with the result that the ministry of this servant of the Lord has been fraught with love and kindness and helpfulness all these long years.
TODAY I sorrow at the separation that has come. After more than forty years one learns to know a man's virtues and to appreciate his greatness, especially when he is great, as this man has been. I sympathize with this lovely family, and it is a lovely family, and how proud he has been of them. He has loved and cherished dear Aunt Gusta, his wife that has stood by his side even until now. She sits in our presence today like a queen surrounded by these dear ones she has mothered all their lives. As I look into your faces, I congratulate you with all my heart for having had so great a husband and father and grandfather and great-grandfather, and that you have so lived that you have appreciated the things that he has done for you. It will not be long, even as we measure time here, until the members of this family will begin to be called to the great beyond. They will receive their summons the same as he has received his. Not all will live to the advanced age of your father and Aunt Gusta, but the time will come for you to go hence. I desire to say to this family, if you want to go to the place where this man has gone, if you want to enjoy eternal life in the celestial kingdom, then pattern your lives after the example of his life, follow the example that he has set. If you do this, nobody can prevent you from being united again with him and all the rest of the family who have gone and who will be going from time to time.
Now, brethren and sisters, these are some of the things that come to my mind today. I have no words to express my gratitude for the assurance of the resurrection. If I know anything, I know that it is true, because we have not only the evidences I have referred to, but others that I have not time to refer to. We are living eternal lives, every one of us, and I want to leave my testimony with you that I do know that, as I know that I live. I pray that the spirit of our Heavenly Father may be with us, that we may follow his teachings, that we may love our neighbors as ourselves, that we may go about doing good, realizing that all the treasures that we will find when we go to the other side will be those that we have laid up there by ministering to our Father's other sons and daughters with whom we have associated here. He has made this possible for all of us, and during our stay here we will be happier serving our fellows than we could possibly be in any other way. I pray that the spirit that has pervaded this house today, that has been with this man all his life and with his dear wife and children, may continue with you forever. Let me give you a little advice that was given by the grandfather of the Prophet Joseph Smith to his family:
Meet together often. Keep acquainted with one another. Learn to love these children that are here and all others that may later be born. Cause them to appreciate one another and repeat to them over and over the virtues of the great man whose mortal remains are in this casket, who has gone home to the God who gave him life. We may all know the truth of eternal life if we will but follow in the footsteps of President Grant.
So today, knowing it as I know that I live, I leave this witness with you, that if we will live for it our Heavenly Father will give to us eternal life in the celestial kingdom—and that celestial kingdom will be this earth which we dwell upon, when it is cleansed and purified, and when it becomes the kingdom that will be presided over by Jesus Christ our Lord. For that knowledge and for that gift that has come to me I am profoundly grateful. I pray that all may have such blessings and have them abundantly through righteous living, so that in the end when we shall be gathered before the throne of God to receive our reward, because of our righteous lives, because we have gone about doing good, because we have lived as the Lord would have us live, we may find our names enrolled in the Lamb's Book of Life, not one missing, and I pray that it may be so, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
By President George Albert Smith of the First Presidency
Address delivered during funeral services for President Heber J. Grant, held Friday, May 18, 1945, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
I have occupied this pulpit many times, but my soul has never been subdued as it is today. Observing this great audience of friends, and realizing that many thousands more are listening in I sense the responsibility that attaches to occupying any time here today. Sitting near the remains of our beloved departed brother is the faithful, devoted family of President Heber J. Grant, who has finished his work and gone to his reward. If I could say anything that would bring comfort to them, I would be grateful. I feel my weakness, and desire most sincerely that the Lord will inspire me to voice that which he would have me say.
Assembled on this solemn occasion, near the casket containing a dear one, our feelings are naturally subdued, and if this were the last time we were to be with him, it would to me be a most distressing situation; but it is not so in this case. This man who has been summoned home by our Heavenly Father has concluded his mortal life in honor, but we will be with him again in immortality if we are worthy. Born eighty-eight years ago, most of his life has been devoted to faithfully seeking to divide the truth of our Lord with his fellow men. For more than forty years I have been one of his companions who have upon their shoulders the responsibility of disseminating the gospel of Jesus Christ in all parts of the world. During that period of time he has served in Japan, in the European countries, in Canada and Mexico, and in all of the states of the United States of America.
Our work has enabled us to mingle with hundreds of thousands of our brothers and sisters, and all men are our brothers and all women are our sisters. We are all the children of our Eternal Father. Many of the dear ones that we have associated with have long since passed away, and those of us who remain and understand are waiting for the time when we too will receive our summons and will have their companionship again.
THERE are those in the world who apparently cannot believe, or who do not believe, the information contained in the Holy Bible that there is a resurrection for all those who die and that Jesus Christ was the first fruits of that resurrection. He came into the world, sent by his Heavenly Father to organize a church and to develop in the lives of its members an understanding of the purpose of life and to prepare them for eternal happiness, not only upon this earth in mortality, but for eternity. Today we are met in honor of one of his departed sons who has performed a great work. He was a giant among men and he has radiated hope and courage and peace among hundreds of thousands of his brothers and sisters, our Father's children.
It would be tragic if a man, when he grew to be as old as our brother, were compelled to remain distressed and helpless in mortality, continuing on and on without the ability to longer enjoy life here. And so the Lord has decreed that we all come into the world in the same way, our time here being limited. We all have an opportunity to enjoy happiness in mortality, and then, if we have been wise, we pass on, prepared for eternal happiness in the celestial kingdom when this earth that we dwell upon shall be cleansed and purified by fire and will be presided over by our Heavenly Father and by our elder brother, Jesus Christ, as one of their dominions. With that assurance in our lives, death is not such a serious matter.
I am thinking, as I stand here talking to you, that more of my dear ones are on the other side than are here, and it will not be long in the natural course of events before I, too, will receive my summons to pass on. I am not looking forward to that time with anxiety and distress, but with hope and with the assurance that the change, when it occurs, will be for increasing happiness and advantages that we cannot know in mortality.
I wish that all of the people in the world—all our Father's children—-could understand the scriptures that have been given to us by the Lord and preserved by his servants. They are replete with assurance of the resurrection and of eternal life. Of course the outstanding evidence was that of Jesus Christ our Lord who was crucified at Calvary, removed from the cross, and laid away in a tomb. Those witnessing this great event supposed that would be the last time they would ever see him, but in three days he left the tomb, in three days his spirit had entered his immortal tabernacle, and he was among his associates again.
He first appeared to Mary. She didn't recognize him until he called her by name. No doubt she would have embraced him, but he said,
. . . Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17.)
Mary was the first one in mortality to know of the resurrection. It is beautiful to me that to womankind has always come the first knowledge of a new life. Woman is the first to know that there is to be another birth. In the case of the resurrection it was to woman that our Lord gave the first actual knowledge that death was not the end, but that resurrection had overcome death and that we would live forever.
Upon one occasion the Savior appeared to his former associates. They were gathered together and somewhat concerned. He came among them without warning, and they were frightened. They thought that they saw an apparition. They didn't realize that he could appear and disappear at will with the power that he had attained. When he discovered their predicament, he said:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39.)
As if to further convince these disciples he said unto them:
Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. (Luke 24:41-43.)
They then became convinced that it was their risen Lord who had been raised from the dead. Thereafter he met with his disciples several times and talked to them.
THE disciples seemed not to understand at that time as we do now that we shall all follow the same course and in due time we shall all be raised from the dead. It was the knowledge of this glorious truth that enriched President Grant's life and made him the great missionary that he was. It was the knowledge of that truth that enabled him to labor for the young people of the Church and of the world.
He was always interested in the development of youth. Notwithstanding his ability along many other lines, his major anxiety in life was the development of the sons and daughters of the Living God. He not only believed what was found in the Old and New Testament scripture, with reference to our life here and hereafter, but he possessed other evidence. When a young woman his mother identified herself with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which was so unpopular at that time that through persecution it had been driven from place to place. Soon after she joined the Church all of the people of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, and vicinity, approximately twenty thousand, were driven from their homes into the wilderness. They faced the setting sun to make their homes with the wild beasts and the still more savage red men. At this time she returned to her family in New Jersey and later came with her sister to the Salt Lake Valley where she married Jedediah M. Grant. She had one son, Heber J. Grant.
President Grant's father died when President Grant was a babe, and he had the joy of growing up to provide for and support his mother who to him was the most angelic soul he ever knew. She came to this valley to live when it took great faith to face her problems. This man whose earthly remains are in this casket has seen come into existence in this city during his lifetime nearly every building, every street, every improved road, practically all the trees, all the churches, and the temple that stands to the east of this building. He lived to see the city grow from a small village to a pulsating metropolis in the tops of these everlasting hills. President Grant made a wonderful contribution toward bringing that about; not however with the object that people might have wealth and comfort, but to the end that they might be so provided with the necessities of life that their hearts would turn to God and have a desire to honor him and keep his commandments and thereby prepare for eternal happiness.
His mother taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ, not only as it was contained in the Old and New Testaments, but in the other scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, which is known as the American volume of scripture. In that book we have one of the most unusual statements with reference to where the spirit of man goes when it leaves his physical body and is waiting for the time of the resurrection. This may be found in the fortieth chapter of Alma. She also accepted and taught her son the revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, where it explains the various degrees of glory into which the human family is assigned after the resurrection. President Grant's life was made rich by the devotion of this Christian mother who forsook the comforts of a palatial home on the eastern seaboard finally to make her home here and to earn her own living with her hands while her son was developing. She was a daughter of God in every sense of the word. She was a real mother. Her love and devotion were showered upon that boy. She saw him grow from childhood to manhood and take his place among his fellows. She saw him grow to become one of the leaders of the Church with which he and she were identified, and I have no doubt that she has been watching over him these many years since he was called to preside over this great organization as the mouthpiece of the Father of us all.
I can imagine now that on the other side there is a happy reunion with his father and mother, brothers and sisters and loved ones who have preceded him. They may already have welcomed him home; and what a story of faith and devotion and self-sacrifice and unselfishness he will be able to tell them.
There have been many men who have lived in the land in which we live, but I know of none of them who has been more determined, more faithful, more desirous of doing the things that would enrich the lives of our Father's other children and bring happiness to them.
His mother believed in the divine mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. She believed the revelations that were given to him, accepted them, and lived to see some of the prophecies contained in them fulfilled in her own lifetime.
Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, not only read the scriptures but he also went out into the woods to pray when he was but a youth, not yet fifteen years of age. He wanted to know what the Lord desired him to do. He had read in James:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5.)
And believing that, he put it to the test. He went out into the woods near his home in Palmyra, knelt down, and prayed to the Lord for light and wisdom. He wanted to know what organization he should be identified with. There were many churches and he was confused, and his own story is that a beautiful light overshadowed him and in that light he saw two glorified Personages standing in mid-air. One of them asked him what he desired. He said: "I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right—and which I should join." One of them, turning to the other said, "This is my Beloved Son—hear him." Jesus, our resurrected Lord, then told him not to join any church but to prepare himself for future service.
That was evidence in our day of the resurrection, because it was the resurrected Jesus Christ, our Lord, who had come with his Father to open another dispensation to restore that which , had been lost to so many of our Father's children, and to offer it again to the children of men, not to take anything away from them, but to add to the richness of their lives and prepare them for eternal happiness.
President Grant's training was of that character. He lived in a home where there was family and individual prayer, morning and evening, and where thanks for the food partaken of, was always given. In his home he was taught to honor father and mother, honor his Heavenly Father, and to love his neighbor as himself. I know of no man who has been more generous in his contribution of himself and of the means that have come into his hands. He tried to make his brothers and sisters of all faiths and creeds happier.
The resurrection is a reality. Joseph Smith had a visitation from John the Baptist, the same who baptized Jesus Christ our Lord, and received at his hands the Holy Priesthood. This man believed that. Peter, James, and John, the associates of the Savior, as resurrected beings, came and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph the Prophet, It was that priesthood that this man held. Instead of having taken anything away, these heavenly messengers brought again that which had been lost to the world, with the result that the ministry of this servant of the Lord has been fraught with love and kindness and helpfulness all these long years.
TODAY I sorrow at the separation that has come. After more than forty years one learns to know a man's virtues and to appreciate his greatness, especially when he is great, as this man has been. I sympathize with this lovely family, and it is a lovely family, and how proud he has been of them. He has loved and cherished dear Aunt Gusta, his wife that has stood by his side even until now. She sits in our presence today like a queen surrounded by these dear ones she has mothered all their lives. As I look into your faces, I congratulate you with all my heart for having had so great a husband and father and grandfather and great-grandfather, and that you have so lived that you have appreciated the things that he has done for you. It will not be long, even as we measure time here, until the members of this family will begin to be called to the great beyond. They will receive their summons the same as he has received his. Not all will live to the advanced age of your father and Aunt Gusta, but the time will come for you to go hence. I desire to say to this family, if you want to go to the place where this man has gone, if you want to enjoy eternal life in the celestial kingdom, then pattern your lives after the example of his life, follow the example that he has set. If you do this, nobody can prevent you from being united again with him and all the rest of the family who have gone and who will be going from time to time.
Now, brethren and sisters, these are some of the things that come to my mind today. I have no words to express my gratitude for the assurance of the resurrection. If I know anything, I know that it is true, because we have not only the evidences I have referred to, but others that I have not time to refer to. We are living eternal lives, every one of us, and I want to leave my testimony with you that I do know that, as I know that I live. I pray that the spirit of our Heavenly Father may be with us, that we may follow his teachings, that we may love our neighbors as ourselves, that we may go about doing good, realizing that all the treasures that we will find when we go to the other side will be those that we have laid up there by ministering to our Father's other sons and daughters with whom we have associated here. He has made this possible for all of us, and during our stay here we will be happier serving our fellows than we could possibly be in any other way. I pray that the spirit that has pervaded this house today, that has been with this man all his life and with his dear wife and children, may continue with you forever. Let me give you a little advice that was given by the grandfather of the Prophet Joseph Smith to his family:
Meet together often. Keep acquainted with one another. Learn to love these children that are here and all others that may later be born. Cause them to appreciate one another and repeat to them over and over the virtues of the great man whose mortal remains are in this casket, who has gone home to the God who gave him life. We may all know the truth of eternal life if we will but follow in the footsteps of President Grant.
So today, knowing it as I know that I live, I leave this witness with you, that if we will live for it our Heavenly Father will give to us eternal life in the celestial kingdom—and that celestial kingdom will be this earth which we dwell upon, when it is cleansed and purified, and when it becomes the kingdom that will be presided over by Jesus Christ our Lord. For that knowledge and for that gift that has come to me I am profoundly grateful. I pray that all may have such blessings and have them abundantly through righteous living, so that in the end when we shall be gathered before the throne of God to receive our reward, because of our righteous lives, because we have gone about doing good, because we have lived as the Lord would have us live, we may find our names enrolled in the Lamb's Book of Life, not one missing, and I pray that it may be so, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Clark, J. Reuben, Jr. "President Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. June 1945. pg. 333.
President Heber J. Grant
By President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. of the First Presidency
Address delivered during funeral services for President Heber J. Grant, held Friday, May 18, 1945, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle
I know that I shall need for words to express the things that are in my heart. Memories crowd in upon me and make this task most difficult.
I want to endorse every good thing — and all has been good today, that has been said about President Grant—I endorse every good thing that anybody shall say about him, for he was a rare spirit who lived righteously and drew from our Heavenly Father the blessings which come to those who keep and obey his commandments. The family have extended to all who have helped them in these trying times their voices of gratitude, and now for the Church I want to extend to the family and to each and every of them the gratitude of the Church for what they have done, the help they have rendered, the care they have taken, the love they have lavished not only upon their father but upon him who was the head of Christ's Church on earth, the Presiding High Priest of that Church. God will never forget nor cease to give unto them blessings for this great service which they have rendered.
President Grant honored me with his friendship, and today I stand here rather as one of those who mourn; I feel my place might well have been among them. I hope that you daughters and your husbands and the grandchildren and particularly Sister Grant will carry in your hearts not the sorrow of passing but the joy and the blessings which have been yours over all these years, from his association. You children remember that he gave you bodies untainted by sin or disease. Remember the blessing that he has given you in your minds, none of them beclouded, all of them outstanding. Remember the faith he has taught you and lived with you. Remember his testimony, increasing with the years until no fact of life was surer than the spiritual things which he has taught to you. And in your hours of affliction go to the Lord. He will hear you. You have great faith and great knowledge. I do not need to preach to you, but I want to tell you that out of my own experience I know God lives and hears and answers prayers. Go to him, he will hearken, he will answer.
Christ said:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
In the chamber, eating the last supper, to the sorrowing and bewildered apostles, he said,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
And so to you, the family, especially Sister Grant, I say, go to the Lord, for he will help.
And now to the family I would like to say that almost a million of us mourn with you deeply, sincerely. I would like to say.to that million who so mourn, be of good cheer, God still rules, Jesus is the Christ; the Holy Ghost will give you inspiration and comfort.
We face a time that has been faced before by the Church. We have lost an able and well-beloved leader, but God will raise up another, for the work of the Lord must go on. President Grant often told of the last remark made to him by President Joseph F. Smith who said to him, "The Lord knows whom he wants for President of the Church and the Lord never makes a mistake."
After Christ's resurrection and after he had been seen on the day and the week following, he seemed to have left them, whereupon Peter said to James and John and others, "I go fishing," and he and they went. But that was not the course which the Lord had mapped out, so they came back and went to work. And so we who mourn, we of the Church, must not be sad, must not feel forsaken, must not give up. We must gird ourselves for a greater service, because God expects us to carry on.
Again to Sister Grant and the family, may the Lord bless you and comfort you, may he give you everything your hearts desire in the matter of condolence and resignation, that your lives may be happy. May he strengthen your faith, may he build your testimony that you children and grandchildren may be worthy of this great sire.
God bless his memory to all of us; keep it clean and bright with us. May we, day by day, more and more, come to understand and appreciate so that we may be able to follow along and live as he lived. May we carry his testimony, given time after time, in our hearts, that we may not wander from the truth but do the things which he would expect us to do, that he may say on the other side, "Father, see what those I helped to teach are doing and are able to do." He has gone to a real place, to live a real life, to do a real service, and to that same place we shall all go.
God bless us all in this hour of sorrow, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEARS IN THE OFFICIAL MINISTRY OF PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
1856—November 22nd: Born at Salt Lake City, Utah, son of Jedediah M. Grant, second counselor to Brigham Young, and first mayor of Salt Lake City, and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant
1856—December 1st: Death of his father
1864 —June 22nd: Baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1875— June 10th: Made a member of the presidency of the Salt Lake City Thirteenth Ward Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, which was the first ward organization effected by Junius F. Wells under direct appointment of Brigham Young
1876—June 16th: Ordained a seventy by Edward Stevenson
1880—April 6th: Chosen secretary to the general superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association
1880—October 30-31st: Called by President John Taylor to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion, before he was twenty-four years of age
1880—October 31st: Ordained a high priest by John Taylor
1882—October 13th: Called to become an apostle through a revelation to President John Taylor.
1882—October 16th: Ordained an apostle by George Q. Cannon and became a member of the Council of the Twelve
1897—Became a member of the general superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association
1897—November: Became business manager of The Improvement Era, of which he was one of the principal founders
1901 —August 12th: Organized and presided over the Japanese Mission
1903— September 8th: Released from the presidency of the Japanese Mission
1904— January 1st: Became president of the British and European Missions
1906—December 5th: Released from the presidency of the British and European Missions
1916—November 23rd: Became president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
1918—November 23rd: Became president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1919—November 27th: Dedicated the Hawaiian Temple, Laie, Hawaii
1923—August 26th: Dedicated the Alberta Temple, Cardston, Alberta, Canada
1927—October 23rd: Dedicated the Arizona Temple, Mesa, Arizona
1937—June-September: Tour of the European Missions
1945—May 14th: Died peacefully in his Salt Lake City home, mourned alike by a sorrowing Church and his many friends throughout the world.
President Heber J. Grant
By President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. of the First Presidency
Address delivered during funeral services for President Heber J. Grant, held Friday, May 18, 1945, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle
I know that I shall need for words to express the things that are in my heart. Memories crowd in upon me and make this task most difficult.
I want to endorse every good thing — and all has been good today, that has been said about President Grant—I endorse every good thing that anybody shall say about him, for he was a rare spirit who lived righteously and drew from our Heavenly Father the blessings which come to those who keep and obey his commandments. The family have extended to all who have helped them in these trying times their voices of gratitude, and now for the Church I want to extend to the family and to each and every of them the gratitude of the Church for what they have done, the help they have rendered, the care they have taken, the love they have lavished not only upon their father but upon him who was the head of Christ's Church on earth, the Presiding High Priest of that Church. God will never forget nor cease to give unto them blessings for this great service which they have rendered.
President Grant honored me with his friendship, and today I stand here rather as one of those who mourn; I feel my place might well have been among them. I hope that you daughters and your husbands and the grandchildren and particularly Sister Grant will carry in your hearts not the sorrow of passing but the joy and the blessings which have been yours over all these years, from his association. You children remember that he gave you bodies untainted by sin or disease. Remember the blessing that he has given you in your minds, none of them beclouded, all of them outstanding. Remember the faith he has taught you and lived with you. Remember his testimony, increasing with the years until no fact of life was surer than the spiritual things which he has taught to you. And in your hours of affliction go to the Lord. He will hear you. You have great faith and great knowledge. I do not need to preach to you, but I want to tell you that out of my own experience I know God lives and hears and answers prayers. Go to him, he will hearken, he will answer.
Christ said:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
In the chamber, eating the last supper, to the sorrowing and bewildered apostles, he said,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
And so to you, the family, especially Sister Grant, I say, go to the Lord, for he will help.
And now to the family I would like to say that almost a million of us mourn with you deeply, sincerely. I would like to say.to that million who so mourn, be of good cheer, God still rules, Jesus is the Christ; the Holy Ghost will give you inspiration and comfort.
We face a time that has been faced before by the Church. We have lost an able and well-beloved leader, but God will raise up another, for the work of the Lord must go on. President Grant often told of the last remark made to him by President Joseph F. Smith who said to him, "The Lord knows whom he wants for President of the Church and the Lord never makes a mistake."
After Christ's resurrection and after he had been seen on the day and the week following, he seemed to have left them, whereupon Peter said to James and John and others, "I go fishing," and he and they went. But that was not the course which the Lord had mapped out, so they came back and went to work. And so we who mourn, we of the Church, must not be sad, must not feel forsaken, must not give up. We must gird ourselves for a greater service, because God expects us to carry on.
Again to Sister Grant and the family, may the Lord bless you and comfort you, may he give you everything your hearts desire in the matter of condolence and resignation, that your lives may be happy. May he strengthen your faith, may he build your testimony that you children and grandchildren may be worthy of this great sire.
God bless his memory to all of us; keep it clean and bright with us. May we, day by day, more and more, come to understand and appreciate so that we may be able to follow along and live as he lived. May we carry his testimony, given time after time, in our hearts, that we may not wander from the truth but do the things which he would expect us to do, that he may say on the other side, "Father, see what those I helped to teach are doing and are able to do." He has gone to a real place, to live a real life, to do a real service, and to that same place we shall all go.
God bless us all in this hour of sorrow, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEARS IN THE OFFICIAL MINISTRY OF PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
1856—November 22nd: Born at Salt Lake City, Utah, son of Jedediah M. Grant, second counselor to Brigham Young, and first mayor of Salt Lake City, and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant
1856—December 1st: Death of his father
1864 —June 22nd: Baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1875— June 10th: Made a member of the presidency of the Salt Lake City Thirteenth Ward Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, which was the first ward organization effected by Junius F. Wells under direct appointment of Brigham Young
1876—June 16th: Ordained a seventy by Edward Stevenson
1880—April 6th: Chosen secretary to the general superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association
1880—October 30-31st: Called by President John Taylor to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion, before he was twenty-four years of age
1880—October 31st: Ordained a high priest by John Taylor
1882—October 13th: Called to become an apostle through a revelation to President John Taylor.
1882—October 16th: Ordained an apostle by George Q. Cannon and became a member of the Council of the Twelve
1897—Became a member of the general superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association
1897—November: Became business manager of The Improvement Era, of which he was one of the principal founders
1901 —August 12th: Organized and presided over the Japanese Mission
1903— September 8th: Released from the presidency of the Japanese Mission
1904— January 1st: Became president of the British and European Missions
1906—December 5th: Released from the presidency of the British and European Missions
1916—November 23rd: Became president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
1918—November 23rd: Became president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1919—November 27th: Dedicated the Hawaiian Temple, Laie, Hawaii
1923—August 26th: Dedicated the Alberta Temple, Cardston, Alberta, Canada
1927—October 23rd: Dedicated the Arizona Temple, Mesa, Arizona
1937—June-September: Tour of the European Missions
1945—May 14th: Died peacefully in his Salt Lake City home, mourned alike by a sorrowing Church and his many friends throughout the world.
McKay, David O. "President Heber J. Grant." Improvement Era. June 1945. pg. 334, 361.
President Heber J. Grant
By President David O. McKay of the First Presidency
Address delivered during funeral services for President Heber J. Grant, held Friday, May 18, 1945, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle
Brethren and Sisters: What we all had hoped would be deferred indefinitely has happened. We must now face the inevitable. Though he came gradually and peacefully, death has silenced the voice and stilled the heartbeats of our esteemed, our beloved President Heber }. Grant. The last curtain dropped on the earthly stage of activity last Monday, May 14, in his vine-covered cottage approximately only a mile from where President Grant was born eighty-eight years ago. This is his home city; he has contributed to its growth from the ox-team days to the airplane era. Among the Authorities, President Grant is the last link connecting the Pioneers with the younger generation.
The first intimation of failing health came to him just five years ago when he was making an official visit to the stakes in Southern California. On Sunday, February 4, 1940, accompanied by Elder Joseph Anderson, his secretary, and President W. Aird Macdonald of the California Mission, President Grant attended the Inglewood Stake conference. As he stepped out of the car he fell, but insisted upon entering the chapel where he took his place on the rostrum. Elder Anderson whispered to Elder George Albert Smith, who was in charge of that conference, that President Grant was not feeling very well and would not be able to speak. However, the President returned in the afternoon and spoke about thirty-five or forty minutes with his usual vigor. The next morning, however, as he attempted to get out of bed, he fell to the floor with an attack similar to the one that he had had the day before. Four of us then accompanied him to the hospital. His speech was affected and his left side was helpless. That was five years ago.
His recovery has been remarkable; his return to normal activity little short of miraculous. The Church was again blessed with his outstanding leadership and inspiration. Though his sickness left him slightly impaired physically, his intellectual acumen remained as keen, and his responsiveness to inspiration as ready as when the Lord first called him to be his chosen representative.
It was not until the last year or so that his physical energy began to wane; yet his dauntless, unconquerable spirit urged him to activity even until the last. He came to the office when he had to be carried in a wheel chair. He signed his letters until that almost perfect penmanship could scarcely be recognized as his. Not until Friday, May 11, when he was so weak that he could not turn in bed unaided, did he consent to our using his signature stamp. Sunday, May 13, being short of breath, he said: "I'm feeling pretty bad." To the question, "Have you any pain, President Grant?" he replied, "No, none, for which I am very thankful."
Those were the last words that I heard him speak.
From Obscurity to Eminence
Judging from the viewpoint of earthly possessions, President Grant's boyhood, inconspicuous as it was, and sometimes ridiculed, was spent on the borderline of poverty; yet, from humble circumstances, by force of energy, intellectual brilliance, determination, and persistence, he rose to high honors in business as well as in ecclesiastical realms.
The presence today of hundreds of you prominent business men bears eloquent testimony of the respect and honor he achieved among you.
At his death President Grant was president and director of eight financial institutions (several of which he himself was founder), and, until recently, a director of the Union Pacific Railroad. President Grant is nationally recognized for his sound judgment and clear vision on economic questions, and, greatest and most honorable of all, through worthiness and service, became the President of the Church, the chosen representative of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As long as memory and the written word last, the name of this noble man will connote the esteem, honor, and praise that accompany a successful life.
The writer of the following verses might well have had President Grant in mind. Slightly paraphrased --
He was a man who faced what he must
With step triumphant and a heart of cheer;
Who fought the daily battle without fear;
Saw his hopes fail, yet kept unfaltering trust
That God is God; that somehow, true and just
His plans work out for mortals; not a tear
Was shed when fortune, which the world holds dear,
Fell from his grasp; better, he said, with love a crust
Than to live in dishonor; envied not,
Nor lost faith in man; but did his best,
Nor ever mourned over his humbler lot,
But with a smile and words of hope, he gave zest
To every toiler; he alone is great
Who by a life heroic conquers fate.
Early Influences
Early in his youth there was developed in his young soul a spirit of independence and determination that later made him outstanding among his associates. You who have heard President Grant tell about those early days cannot doubt that in the humble surroundings and spiritual atmosphere of his boyhood home were formed those sterling traits of character which in maturity made him so distinguished.
President Grant always spoke with deference and heartfelt appreciation of his noble inheritance from both his parents.
God in mere caprice does not give to one child noble, and to another ignoble parents. Spirits come through the lineage for which they have prepared themselves in their pre-existent state. To the Bushmen of Australia, for example, come those spirits whose standards of intelligence and spiritual development merit only such parentage. To the Virgin Mary, came the Son of God.
Deprived of a father's companionship, President Grant appreciated all the more deeply the transforming power of a mother's love. It was she who changed his timidity to courage; his self-depreciation to self-confidence; impetuousness to self-control; lack of initiative to perseverance; feminine tendencies to manly qualities.
With these and other sterling traits of character, there was implanted in his early life a tenderness that could come only from the heart of his mother. Some will be surprised, I know, to hear me testify that tenderness was a deep spring in President Grant's soul, the clearness and purity of which are known best, however, only by his loved ones and close associates.
Perseverance and Self-Discipline
I have never known a man who exemplified so completely the mastery of mind over matter—whose will could so masterfully bring under subjection physical whims and desires. Perseverance and self-mastery are qualities that will always be connoted with the name of Heber J. Grant.
His Gratitude
One of his last remarks to Bishop Anderson, one of his grandsons-in-law, was an expression of his deep appreciation of the love and tender service of which he was recipient. The gratitude manifest in that conversation was another of his outstanding virtues. Sometimes, judging from outward indications, President Grant seemed indifferent, and those who did not know him well might have considered him ungrateful. Notwithstanding this, I say, true gratitude was one of the fundamental qualities of his soul. "I am grateful beyond my power of expression" is a phrase he frequently uttered from the pulpit, and which is found in many of his sermons. "Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people."
Sincerity
But there was a third quality more ennobling than either perseverance or gratitude which contributed to President Grant's nobility of character—and that is the basic virtue sincerity. When the news of President Grant's passing was flashed throughout the land, thousands of men in all walks of life turned their thoughts and admiration to a great character; approximately a million Church members, with love and honor in their hearts, mourn the loss of a great President and inspired leader; and, today, with these services as the center of attention, a million hearts beat in unison in tribute to one who was rich in achievement, noble in character, inspired of the Lord. One of the principal reasons why all these people—ministers of other denominations, leading railroad officials, and other business magnates, prominent educators, mechanics, artisans, particularly the common folk from all walks of life who "heard him gladly"—one reason, I say, why the multitudes esteem and honor President Grant is because he spoke what he thought, lived up to what he professed, kept his promises, and truly believed what he taught—in a word, because he was sincere! Carlisle ventures to assert that --
A little man may have this quality—it is competent to all men that God has made, but a great man cannot be without it. . . .
There are many things that we cannot be, and many things that we cannot do, but this one thing is within the reach of us all—we can pray God to keep our hearts sincere.
Sympathy and Generosity
Shining with equal brilliancy to honesty and sincerity are the kindred virtues, sympathy and generosity. In the heart of our President, sympathy for the unfortunate and the distressed drove him with impelling force to give help and succor wherever needed. These beneficent acts continued right up until the last. Here, for example, is an extract from a letter he recently wrote to a widow:
Will you please tell me how much you are owing on your home, and let me join with you 50-50 in paying it at once instead of paying it by the month?
And here is another:
Dear Sister: I am happy indeed that I have been able to be of some little assistance to you. Is your home all paid for? If not, please let me know how much still remains.
These are but samples of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of such benefactions.
President Grant enjoyed making money, but he loved to use it for the benefit of others. On more than one occasion, quietly, usually, forcefully, if necessary, but always unostentatiously, he has protected the good name of his associates, has .paid mortgages on widows' homes, has paid expenses of missionaries, given employment to the unemployed, rendered help and succor wherever needed. No mind has been more eager to bless, no heart more tender, no hand more generous than the heart and hand of President Grant. Thus in "going about doing good" he "fanned the flame of human love, and raised the standard of civil virtue among mankind."
I fancy today I can hear these words expressed in the greeting extended to him by his Lord and Master:
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:40.)
Blessed With Beautiful and Gracious Children
To build a happy home, to rear a family of sons and daughters to be good citizens and to be reverent toward God and sacred things, is to achieve the highest success in life. In this achievement President Grant has been exceptionally successful. His large family of gracious children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren showered him with love and tenderness. Surely, with respect to the care and attention due from children to a father, they have nothing to regret now that he has gone. To have a noble posterity, to see their successes, to bask in their affection, is one of man's greatest achievements. Just after President Grant's passing, one of his daughters, her soul shaking with emotion, said: "He has been a true, loving father to us children. Always so affectionate and considerate. Truly he loved us, and we loved him dearly!"
Conclusion
President Grant's voice is silent; his heartbeats are stilled, but he still lives; for to such as he is given the divine promise :
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. (John 11:25- 26.)
His faith that man lives after death was absolute, his knowledge real that when he should leave this plane of mortality he would meet his former associates, rejoice again in their society, and in the society of loved ones who preceded him to the other shore. Often, in words as impressive as those spoken by Job of old, he declared:
I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.
Persevering in accomplishment, sincere, honest, upright in all his dealings, positive in expression, dynamic in action, uncompromising with evil, sympathetic with the unfortunate, magnanimous in the highest degree, faithful in life to every trust, tender and considerate of loved ones, loyal to friends, to truth, to God—such was our honored and beloved President—a distinguished leader, a worthy exemplar to the Church and to mankind the world over.
God bless Sister Grant who survives him. She has been a blessing and an inspiration to her noble husband. God bless his lovely daughters, their families, and their kinfolk, that peace may abide in their souls, and with it the realization that theirs is the great responsibility to be true to a noble heritage. May each of them find solace and comfort in the truth that their husband, father, and grandfather still lives; that death is --
Only the eternal way
That God prepares this lowly, mortal clay,
That he may send
Unto each soul a glorious resurrection day.
With a prayer that the Lord will give us strength to be loyal to his word, as you have been, President Grant, we say good-bye until we meet you again and clasp hands in a brighter realm.
That we may be privileged so to meet him, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
President Heber J. Grant
By President David O. McKay of the First Presidency
Address delivered during funeral services for President Heber J. Grant, held Friday, May 18, 1945, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle
Brethren and Sisters: What we all had hoped would be deferred indefinitely has happened. We must now face the inevitable. Though he came gradually and peacefully, death has silenced the voice and stilled the heartbeats of our esteemed, our beloved President Heber }. Grant. The last curtain dropped on the earthly stage of activity last Monday, May 14, in his vine-covered cottage approximately only a mile from where President Grant was born eighty-eight years ago. This is his home city; he has contributed to its growth from the ox-team days to the airplane era. Among the Authorities, President Grant is the last link connecting the Pioneers with the younger generation.
The first intimation of failing health came to him just five years ago when he was making an official visit to the stakes in Southern California. On Sunday, February 4, 1940, accompanied by Elder Joseph Anderson, his secretary, and President W. Aird Macdonald of the California Mission, President Grant attended the Inglewood Stake conference. As he stepped out of the car he fell, but insisted upon entering the chapel where he took his place on the rostrum. Elder Anderson whispered to Elder George Albert Smith, who was in charge of that conference, that President Grant was not feeling very well and would not be able to speak. However, the President returned in the afternoon and spoke about thirty-five or forty minutes with his usual vigor. The next morning, however, as he attempted to get out of bed, he fell to the floor with an attack similar to the one that he had had the day before. Four of us then accompanied him to the hospital. His speech was affected and his left side was helpless. That was five years ago.
His recovery has been remarkable; his return to normal activity little short of miraculous. The Church was again blessed with his outstanding leadership and inspiration. Though his sickness left him slightly impaired physically, his intellectual acumen remained as keen, and his responsiveness to inspiration as ready as when the Lord first called him to be his chosen representative.
It was not until the last year or so that his physical energy began to wane; yet his dauntless, unconquerable spirit urged him to activity even until the last. He came to the office when he had to be carried in a wheel chair. He signed his letters until that almost perfect penmanship could scarcely be recognized as his. Not until Friday, May 11, when he was so weak that he could not turn in bed unaided, did he consent to our using his signature stamp. Sunday, May 13, being short of breath, he said: "I'm feeling pretty bad." To the question, "Have you any pain, President Grant?" he replied, "No, none, for which I am very thankful."
Those were the last words that I heard him speak.
From Obscurity to Eminence
Judging from the viewpoint of earthly possessions, President Grant's boyhood, inconspicuous as it was, and sometimes ridiculed, was spent on the borderline of poverty; yet, from humble circumstances, by force of energy, intellectual brilliance, determination, and persistence, he rose to high honors in business as well as in ecclesiastical realms.
The presence today of hundreds of you prominent business men bears eloquent testimony of the respect and honor he achieved among you.
At his death President Grant was president and director of eight financial institutions (several of which he himself was founder), and, until recently, a director of the Union Pacific Railroad. President Grant is nationally recognized for his sound judgment and clear vision on economic questions, and, greatest and most honorable of all, through worthiness and service, became the President of the Church, the chosen representative of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As long as memory and the written word last, the name of this noble man will connote the esteem, honor, and praise that accompany a successful life.
The writer of the following verses might well have had President Grant in mind. Slightly paraphrased --
He was a man who faced what he must
With step triumphant and a heart of cheer;
Who fought the daily battle without fear;
Saw his hopes fail, yet kept unfaltering trust
That God is God; that somehow, true and just
His plans work out for mortals; not a tear
Was shed when fortune, which the world holds dear,
Fell from his grasp; better, he said, with love a crust
Than to live in dishonor; envied not,
Nor lost faith in man; but did his best,
Nor ever mourned over his humbler lot,
But with a smile and words of hope, he gave zest
To every toiler; he alone is great
Who by a life heroic conquers fate.
Early Influences
Early in his youth there was developed in his young soul a spirit of independence and determination that later made him outstanding among his associates. You who have heard President Grant tell about those early days cannot doubt that in the humble surroundings and spiritual atmosphere of his boyhood home were formed those sterling traits of character which in maturity made him so distinguished.
President Grant always spoke with deference and heartfelt appreciation of his noble inheritance from both his parents.
God in mere caprice does not give to one child noble, and to another ignoble parents. Spirits come through the lineage for which they have prepared themselves in their pre-existent state. To the Bushmen of Australia, for example, come those spirits whose standards of intelligence and spiritual development merit only such parentage. To the Virgin Mary, came the Son of God.
Deprived of a father's companionship, President Grant appreciated all the more deeply the transforming power of a mother's love. It was she who changed his timidity to courage; his self-depreciation to self-confidence; impetuousness to self-control; lack of initiative to perseverance; feminine tendencies to manly qualities.
With these and other sterling traits of character, there was implanted in his early life a tenderness that could come only from the heart of his mother. Some will be surprised, I know, to hear me testify that tenderness was a deep spring in President Grant's soul, the clearness and purity of which are known best, however, only by his loved ones and close associates.
Perseverance and Self-Discipline
I have never known a man who exemplified so completely the mastery of mind over matter—whose will could so masterfully bring under subjection physical whims and desires. Perseverance and self-mastery are qualities that will always be connoted with the name of Heber J. Grant.
His Gratitude
One of his last remarks to Bishop Anderson, one of his grandsons-in-law, was an expression of his deep appreciation of the love and tender service of which he was recipient. The gratitude manifest in that conversation was another of his outstanding virtues. Sometimes, judging from outward indications, President Grant seemed indifferent, and those who did not know him well might have considered him ungrateful. Notwithstanding this, I say, true gratitude was one of the fundamental qualities of his soul. "I am grateful beyond my power of expression" is a phrase he frequently uttered from the pulpit, and which is found in many of his sermons. "Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people."
Sincerity
But there was a third quality more ennobling than either perseverance or gratitude which contributed to President Grant's nobility of character—and that is the basic virtue sincerity. When the news of President Grant's passing was flashed throughout the land, thousands of men in all walks of life turned their thoughts and admiration to a great character; approximately a million Church members, with love and honor in their hearts, mourn the loss of a great President and inspired leader; and, today, with these services as the center of attention, a million hearts beat in unison in tribute to one who was rich in achievement, noble in character, inspired of the Lord. One of the principal reasons why all these people—ministers of other denominations, leading railroad officials, and other business magnates, prominent educators, mechanics, artisans, particularly the common folk from all walks of life who "heard him gladly"—one reason, I say, why the multitudes esteem and honor President Grant is because he spoke what he thought, lived up to what he professed, kept his promises, and truly believed what he taught—in a word, because he was sincere! Carlisle ventures to assert that --
A little man may have this quality—it is competent to all men that God has made, but a great man cannot be without it. . . .
There are many things that we cannot be, and many things that we cannot do, but this one thing is within the reach of us all—we can pray God to keep our hearts sincere.
Sympathy and Generosity
Shining with equal brilliancy to honesty and sincerity are the kindred virtues, sympathy and generosity. In the heart of our President, sympathy for the unfortunate and the distressed drove him with impelling force to give help and succor wherever needed. These beneficent acts continued right up until the last. Here, for example, is an extract from a letter he recently wrote to a widow:
Will you please tell me how much you are owing on your home, and let me join with you 50-50 in paying it at once instead of paying it by the month?
And here is another:
Dear Sister: I am happy indeed that I have been able to be of some little assistance to you. Is your home all paid for? If not, please let me know how much still remains.
These are but samples of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of such benefactions.
President Grant enjoyed making money, but he loved to use it for the benefit of others. On more than one occasion, quietly, usually, forcefully, if necessary, but always unostentatiously, he has protected the good name of his associates, has .paid mortgages on widows' homes, has paid expenses of missionaries, given employment to the unemployed, rendered help and succor wherever needed. No mind has been more eager to bless, no heart more tender, no hand more generous than the heart and hand of President Grant. Thus in "going about doing good" he "fanned the flame of human love, and raised the standard of civil virtue among mankind."
I fancy today I can hear these words expressed in the greeting extended to him by his Lord and Master:
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:40.)
Blessed With Beautiful and Gracious Children
To build a happy home, to rear a family of sons and daughters to be good citizens and to be reverent toward God and sacred things, is to achieve the highest success in life. In this achievement President Grant has been exceptionally successful. His large family of gracious children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren showered him with love and tenderness. Surely, with respect to the care and attention due from children to a father, they have nothing to regret now that he has gone. To have a noble posterity, to see their successes, to bask in their affection, is one of man's greatest achievements. Just after President Grant's passing, one of his daughters, her soul shaking with emotion, said: "He has been a true, loving father to us children. Always so affectionate and considerate. Truly he loved us, and we loved him dearly!"
Conclusion
President Grant's voice is silent; his heartbeats are stilled, but he still lives; for to such as he is given the divine promise :
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. (John 11:25- 26.)
His faith that man lives after death was absolute, his knowledge real that when he should leave this plane of mortality he would meet his former associates, rejoice again in their society, and in the society of loved ones who preceded him to the other shore. Often, in words as impressive as those spoken by Job of old, he declared:
I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.
Persevering in accomplishment, sincere, honest, upright in all his dealings, positive in expression, dynamic in action, uncompromising with evil, sympathetic with the unfortunate, magnanimous in the highest degree, faithful in life to every trust, tender and considerate of loved ones, loyal to friends, to truth, to God—such was our honored and beloved President—a distinguished leader, a worthy exemplar to the Church and to mankind the world over.
God bless Sister Grant who survives him. She has been a blessing and an inspiration to her noble husband. God bless his lovely daughters, their families, and their kinfolk, that peace may abide in their souls, and with it the realization that theirs is the great responsibility to be true to a noble heritage. May each of them find solace and comfort in the truth that their husband, father, and grandfather still lives; that death is --
Only the eternal way
That God prepares this lowly, mortal clay,
That he may send
Unto each soul a glorious resurrection day.
With a prayer that the Lord will give us strength to be loyal to his word, as you have been, President Grant, we say good-bye until we meet you again and clasp hands in a brighter realm.
That we may be privileged so to meet him, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
J. A. W. "President Heber J. Grant--1856-1945." Improvement Era. June 1945. pg. 348.
President Heber J. Grant—1856-1945
The Era has parted with its founder and editor. A We have all parted with a great leader, who, as a mighty prophet of his day, pointed to the path we should tread.
But, as we look back over his life, we throb with pride that he was our leader and prophet. His was a great life, an example to us all.
The key to President Heber J. Grant's diversified activities was his love for humanity. To bless his fellow men by securing the full development of their talents was his life's endeavor. That was the way of Jesus, whose apostle he was.
Individuals were his concern. He was less interested in average conditions than in the people who were in want. He grieved for the lost sheep. Therefore, he sought out persons who were in need—the widow with her mortgage, the soul-hungry business man, or the struggling artist—and gave them aid.
These personal contacts brought rich response. Thousands looked upon him as their own friend. They who had been helped, tried to serve others in like manner. Thus, his influence spread.
He needed money to satisfy these desires of his heart. He was a keen business man, and made money easily. His business enterprises were many. But, as he made money, he gave it away in help to others. He had no love of money itself, but a consuming desire to use money for good purposes. The miser was a stranger to his soul.
Youth was ever his concern. He knew that "as the twig is bent, so the tree is inclined." Church and other organizations for the welfare of young people had his good will and constant watch care. In the midst of his own financial struggles he gave scholarship funds to state and Church institutions. Education prospered under his administration of Church affairs. Students came to look upon him as their friend and defender.
The many who could not go to school engaged his attention. The reading habit—continuous education — should be cultivated. To achieve this end, he selected and bought good books, which he gave away by the hundreds of thousands.
He recognized the power of the printed word. He encouraged writers, and often secured the publication of their product. The Improvement Era was his child; and by his steady, forceful support, he brought it to a useful maturity.
He was patron of the arts. The esthetic nature of man must be developed for his full joy. He became a patron of musicians, painters, sculptors, and architects. He sought out such artists, encouraged them, bought their products, and often secured employment for them in their chosen fields. To the drama he gave lifelong support.
Above all was his conviction that full human development comes only from faith in God and his gospel. He himself was assured of the truth and reality of the restoration of the whole gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith. He had seen that the possession of such faith had brought unalloyed happiness into human lives. He, therefore, gave unsparingly of his time and talents to the dissemination of this eternal truth to all the world. His own testimony, borne by his ringing voice, burned into the souls of all who heard him. And his example, as in his continued temple work, strengthened the Church in its endeavors for righteous living.
Heber J. Grant was worthy of the praise men paid him in life and at his death. And he will receive the best of all plaudits. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."—J. A. W.
President Heber J. Grant—1856-1945
The Era has parted with its founder and editor. A We have all parted with a great leader, who, as a mighty prophet of his day, pointed to the path we should tread.
But, as we look back over his life, we throb with pride that he was our leader and prophet. His was a great life, an example to us all.
The key to President Heber J. Grant's diversified activities was his love for humanity. To bless his fellow men by securing the full development of their talents was his life's endeavor. That was the way of Jesus, whose apostle he was.
Individuals were his concern. He was less interested in average conditions than in the people who were in want. He grieved for the lost sheep. Therefore, he sought out persons who were in need—the widow with her mortgage, the soul-hungry business man, or the struggling artist—and gave them aid.
These personal contacts brought rich response. Thousands looked upon him as their own friend. They who had been helped, tried to serve others in like manner. Thus, his influence spread.
He needed money to satisfy these desires of his heart. He was a keen business man, and made money easily. His business enterprises were many. But, as he made money, he gave it away in help to others. He had no love of money itself, but a consuming desire to use money for good purposes. The miser was a stranger to his soul.
Youth was ever his concern. He knew that "as the twig is bent, so the tree is inclined." Church and other organizations for the welfare of young people had his good will and constant watch care. In the midst of his own financial struggles he gave scholarship funds to state and Church institutions. Education prospered under his administration of Church affairs. Students came to look upon him as their friend and defender.
The many who could not go to school engaged his attention. The reading habit—continuous education — should be cultivated. To achieve this end, he selected and bought good books, which he gave away by the hundreds of thousands.
He recognized the power of the printed word. He encouraged writers, and often secured the publication of their product. The Improvement Era was his child; and by his steady, forceful support, he brought it to a useful maturity.
He was patron of the arts. The esthetic nature of man must be developed for his full joy. He became a patron of musicians, painters, sculptors, and architects. He sought out such artists, encouraged them, bought their products, and often secured employment for them in their chosen fields. To the drama he gave lifelong support.
Above all was his conviction that full human development comes only from faith in God and his gospel. He himself was assured of the truth and reality of the restoration of the whole gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith. He had seen that the possession of such faith had brought unalloyed happiness into human lives. He, therefore, gave unsparingly of his time and talents to the dissemination of this eternal truth to all the world. His own testimony, borne by his ringing voice, burned into the souls of all who heard him. And his example, as in his continued temple work, strengthened the Church in its endeavors for righteous living.
Heber J. Grant was worthy of the praise men paid him in life and at his death. And he will receive the best of all plaudits. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."—J. A. W.
Bennion, Milton. "President Heber J. Grant." Instructor. June 1945. pg. 245-247.
President Heber J. Grant
Milton Bennion
President Grant has been editor of this magazine since he became president of the Church in 1918, succeeding President Joseph F. Smith, former editor. In recent years, however, he has been so occupied with other responsibilities that he has not had time to devote much attention to this magazine. He has, nevertheless, been interested and has commented favorably on the form and the content of the magazine.
Since the details of his life and public service have been published fully in the daily papers, we shall restrict our discussion to some of his personal characteristics as we have observed them in a period of more than fifty years.
He has always been interested in finance and often talked of financial affairs. He was, however, not interested in money as such, but only in what good might be accomplished through its proper use. He responded very readily to calls for financial aid to any good cause that it was proper for the Church to serve. He also gave freely of his personal funds in aid of social betterment, art, and education.
He was an ardent advocate of the prohibition of the use of alcoholic beverages and was chairman of the campaign committee that promoted the cause of statewide prohibition. A prohibition law was enacted in Utah several years before the first world war.
He was a liberal supporter of the Social Welfare League, which included in its membership the Parent- Teachers Association, the L.D.S. Auxiliaries, the Ministerial Association, and other religious bodies of Salt Lake City, and various clubs and civic organizations interested in the protection of the youth of the community against unwholesome influences.
Even when his income was small he contributed liberally to scholarships in the State University and deplored the lack of a liberal spirit on the part of many of his fellow-alumni. It was his custom to purchase in quantity copies of books that impressed him favorably and to inscribe and distribute them at Christmas to his friends and many volunteer workers in the Church.
He employed artists who were in financial difficulty, paid them a salary, and distributed many of their paintings to his friends and associates.
President Grant was a member of the General Board of the Sunday Schools until he was released on account of his increased duties to the Church as a whole. He has always been a loyal supporter of the Sunday Schools and often spoke of the debt he owed to his Sunday School teachers.
President Grant was a man of very great energy and driving force. He had always been a very hard worker. It was remarkable how much travelling by team or by automobile he could do, and speaking engagements he could fill in 24 hours; this even after he had passed the allotted age of man. His unwavering faith, his unquestioned honesty and integrity, together with tolerance and disposition to co-operate with honest men and women without regard to their religious affiliations in promoting every good cause are characteristics that may well be emulated by all.
President Heber J. Grant
Milton Bennion
President Grant has been editor of this magazine since he became president of the Church in 1918, succeeding President Joseph F. Smith, former editor. In recent years, however, he has been so occupied with other responsibilities that he has not had time to devote much attention to this magazine. He has, nevertheless, been interested and has commented favorably on the form and the content of the magazine.
Since the details of his life and public service have been published fully in the daily papers, we shall restrict our discussion to some of his personal characteristics as we have observed them in a period of more than fifty years.
He has always been interested in finance and often talked of financial affairs. He was, however, not interested in money as such, but only in what good might be accomplished through its proper use. He responded very readily to calls for financial aid to any good cause that it was proper for the Church to serve. He also gave freely of his personal funds in aid of social betterment, art, and education.
He was an ardent advocate of the prohibition of the use of alcoholic beverages and was chairman of the campaign committee that promoted the cause of statewide prohibition. A prohibition law was enacted in Utah several years before the first world war.
He was a liberal supporter of the Social Welfare League, which included in its membership the Parent- Teachers Association, the L.D.S. Auxiliaries, the Ministerial Association, and other religious bodies of Salt Lake City, and various clubs and civic organizations interested in the protection of the youth of the community against unwholesome influences.
Even when his income was small he contributed liberally to scholarships in the State University and deplored the lack of a liberal spirit on the part of many of his fellow-alumni. It was his custom to purchase in quantity copies of books that impressed him favorably and to inscribe and distribute them at Christmas to his friends and many volunteer workers in the Church.
He employed artists who were in financial difficulty, paid them a salary, and distributed many of their paintings to his friends and associates.
President Grant was a member of the General Board of the Sunday Schools until he was released on account of his increased duties to the Church as a whole. He has always been a loyal supporter of the Sunday Schools and often spoke of the debt he owed to his Sunday School teachers.
President Grant was a man of very great energy and driving force. He had always been a very hard worker. It was remarkable how much travelling by team or by automobile he could do, and speaking engagements he could fill in 24 hours; this even after he had passed the allotted age of man. His unwavering faith, his unquestioned honesty and integrity, together with tolerance and disposition to co-operate with honest men and women without regard to their religious affiliations in promoting every good cause are characteristics that may well be emulated by all.
Hinckley, Bryant S. "In Memoriam: President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. June 1945. pg. 322-326.
In Memoriam President Heber J. Grant Elder Bryant S. Hinckley SURROUNDED by his family and immediate associates President Heber J. Grant passed peacefully away at his home on Eighth Avenue, Salt Lake City, at 6:35 P.M., May 14. Thus ended one of the most remarkable careers in the history of this people. While in California, five years ago, the President suffered a severe stroke which paralyzed his left side. He rallied from this stroke but never completely recovered the use of his leg or arm. This made it difficult for him to get around and impaired his health, but he has been able to sign letters and pass upon important matters up to within less than a week of the last. This coming November he would have been eighty-nine years of age. He carried the weight of many years cheerfully and courageously. His career has been a long and marvelous one. While his life was an open book, it required an intimate contact with him to appreciate the finer qualities of his nature, to understand the nobility of his character, the greatness of his heart, the tenderness and generosity of his shining soul. Literally thousands of people have been the recipients of his favors, of gifts and remembrances which have greatly endeared him to their hearts. No other man of his means has been more generous to widows, to orphans, to those over taken with misfortune or sorrow. He has gone! What a cloud of witnesses will rise up and bless his memory forever. His life has been a record of service to others. He was strikingly unselfish, pure in heart, sincere and lofty in purpose, constant in his loyalty to his friends, his country and his Creator. All of his endowments, and they were of a most superior order, were imbedded in a deep spirituality which gave direction and effectiveness to the dynamic energy which was so characteristic of him. His life was a delightful definition of true religion. He was cultured in mind, refined in manner, ripened in judgment, tranquil in spirit, inherently honest and transparently frank. He had that nobility of soul, that generosity of spirit, that great heartedness that distinguishes one truly great. The story of his youthful achievements will never dim. They will endure for all time as noble traditions among this people. His name will shine forever as an example of the sterling virtues of industry, patience, and perseverance. Whether playing baseball, mastering penmanship, helping banks or building sugar factories—he achieved his end. His life covered a long span of eventful years. Ox teams and covered wagons were familiar in the streets of Salt Lake when he was a boy. The Pony Express, the telegraph, the railroad, the high-powered motor car, the radio, the airplane— all came in his day and he kept step with the great march of human progress. The generation of men with whom he started has gone —they will greet him joyfully on the other side. He was a friend maker. In all parts of the world he won the warm and enduring friendship of eminent men. The greatest tribute ever paid to a living citizen of Utah was paid to President Grant on his 82d birthday by five hundred of the leading men of this State, and this was a spontaneous expression of esteem and affection for the President as a great citizen. He was a great son of a great mother. The memory of his mother glowed in his soul and gladdened his life to the end of his days. He paid this tribute to her: "I live today in the eightieth year of my life as one whose mother was all to me. She set an example of integrity, of devotion and love, and of determination and honor second to none. Her life was a sermon that rings through my soul to this day. One of the main reasons I am President of the Church today is that I have followed the advice and counsel and the burning testimony of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, which came to me from my mother." His wife, Augusta Winters Grant, who survives him, possesses the same unruffled serenity that the President's mother possessed. She is a brilliant and cultured woman who has in every way sustained her distinguished husband whose devotion to her was beautiful. President Grant was a great leader of a great cause—a prophet inspired of Heaven—who taught by example, who practiced first and then preached, who led the way and the people cheerfully followed. Permeating his words and motivating his actions was a zeal for the truth, a love for God and humanity. He lived long, abundantly, purposefully—devoting his great energies to exalted ends, and died peacefully. It is hard to think of him in the past. The world seems lonely without him. We believed in him, enjoyed him, loved him, and we shall cherish his memory forever. |
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
Seventh President Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints Born Nov. 22, 1856 — Died May 14, 1945 RACHEL RIDGEWAY IVINS GRANT AND HER SON HEBER
PRESIDENT AND SISTER HEBER J. GRANT
|
B. S. S. "President Heber J. Grant." Relief Society Magazine. June 1945. pg. 346-347.
President Heber J. Grant
RELIEF Society has sustained a great loss in the passing of our beloved and revered President, Heber J. Grant. For many years this organization has enjoyed the personal interest of this great Church leader. It has benefited from his thoughtful considerations, his wise counsel, and his generous support of its varied activities.
President Grant was the son of a Relief Society mother. For thirty years Rachel Ivins Grant served as president of Relief Society in the Thirteenth Ward. From the time he was a small child until he grew too old to attend. President Grant accompanied his mother to Relief Society meetings where he became familiar with the work of the Society and learned of its importance and value. He became acquainted with early-day Relief Society leaders, enjoying a personal, intimate association with these sisters. He observed their nobility of character and their devotion to duty and he has often borne testimony of their influence upon his life. In an address given at a general conference of Relief Society in 1937, he paid a tribute to these sisters as follows:
''I owe more to the love and teachings of my mother, to Eliza R. Snow and the Relief Society sisters than I do to the brethren. Why? Because I grew up from a little child in the Relief Society meetings. Mother had no one to leave me with, and I played on the floor in many of those meetings. Aunt Eliza used to talk to me by the hour and tell me things about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and it inspired in my heart a love for him almost beyond my ability to express; in fact, my mother, Sister Snow, and others, inspired in me a love for the Gospel and the Prophet Joseph Smith and the authorities of the Church by their devotion to the work of God, by their example, not by talk alone."
In a message to Relief Society women, October 1940, President Grant paid the following tribute to Relief Society general presidents and Board members: ''Every president of the General Board of Relief Society has been a devout, intelligent, fine, loyal Latter-day Saint; and I have known most of the members of the Board, and they are among the choicest of our people."
President Grant has continuously encouraged Relief Society women and his blessings have sustained them. At the time of the Relief Society Centennial observance when, due to the engagement of the United States in war, the planned Centennial program had to be greatly modified and when the sisters with anxious hearts faced the trying experiences which accompany war, President Grant's words of instruction, commendation, and blessing were a guiding power and a comforting influence. He prayed for them: "May our Heavenly Father bless the mothers in Israel and all who are engaged in building up the kingdom of God on the earth. May the peace and blessings of heaven abide in your homes and be upon you and your loved ones now and forever."
Relief Society women are grateful for the life of President Grant. They acknowledge his support; the wisdom of his leadership, and the influence of his testimony. His greatest desire for us was that we live in accordance with the teachings of the gospel and that we zealously devote ourselves to the work of the Church. May we ever honor him by so doing. May the comforting blessings of Heaven rest upon Sister Grant and the other bereaved loved ones. —B.S.S.
President Heber J. Grant
RELIEF Society has sustained a great loss in the passing of our beloved and revered President, Heber J. Grant. For many years this organization has enjoyed the personal interest of this great Church leader. It has benefited from his thoughtful considerations, his wise counsel, and his generous support of its varied activities.
President Grant was the son of a Relief Society mother. For thirty years Rachel Ivins Grant served as president of Relief Society in the Thirteenth Ward. From the time he was a small child until he grew too old to attend. President Grant accompanied his mother to Relief Society meetings where he became familiar with the work of the Society and learned of its importance and value. He became acquainted with early-day Relief Society leaders, enjoying a personal, intimate association with these sisters. He observed their nobility of character and their devotion to duty and he has often borne testimony of their influence upon his life. In an address given at a general conference of Relief Society in 1937, he paid a tribute to these sisters as follows:
''I owe more to the love and teachings of my mother, to Eliza R. Snow and the Relief Society sisters than I do to the brethren. Why? Because I grew up from a little child in the Relief Society meetings. Mother had no one to leave me with, and I played on the floor in many of those meetings. Aunt Eliza used to talk to me by the hour and tell me things about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and it inspired in my heart a love for him almost beyond my ability to express; in fact, my mother, Sister Snow, and others, inspired in me a love for the Gospel and the Prophet Joseph Smith and the authorities of the Church by their devotion to the work of God, by their example, not by talk alone."
In a message to Relief Society women, October 1940, President Grant paid the following tribute to Relief Society general presidents and Board members: ''Every president of the General Board of Relief Society has been a devout, intelligent, fine, loyal Latter-day Saint; and I have known most of the members of the Board, and they are among the choicest of our people."
President Grant has continuously encouraged Relief Society women and his blessings have sustained them. At the time of the Relief Society Centennial observance when, due to the engagement of the United States in war, the planned Centennial program had to be greatly modified and when the sisters with anxious hearts faced the trying experiences which accompany war, President Grant's words of instruction, commendation, and blessing were a guiding power and a comforting influence. He prayed for them: "May our Heavenly Father bless the mothers in Israel and all who are engaged in building up the kingdom of God on the earth. May the peace and blessings of heaven abide in your homes and be upon you and your loved ones now and forever."
Relief Society women are grateful for the life of President Grant. They acknowledge his support; the wisdom of his leadership, and the influence of his testimony. His greatest desire for us was that we live in accordance with the teachings of the gospel and that we zealously devote ourselves to the work of the Church. May we ever honor him by so doing. May the comforting blessings of Heaven rest upon Sister Grant and the other bereaved loved ones. —B.S.S.
"Little Deeds from Big Lives - Up In Baseball." Instructor. June 1956. pg. 171.
Little Deeds from Big Lives Up in Baseball WHEN Heber J. Grant was a boy, he was tall, lean and rather frail. He wanted to play baseball, but he was only good enough to be on the neighborhood's third team. He decided to do something about it. Each day he practiced by throwing a ball against Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's adobe barn. For hours he practiced by himself. The bishop thought Heber was "the laziest boy in the whole Thirteenth Ward." Sometimes Heber's arm would ache so much from throwing the ball that he could hardly sleep. He finally made the second team. Then he joined an even better team. Later he played on the team that won the championship for the entire Utah territory. This team beat the club that won the championships in California, Colorado and Wyoming. That same persistent determination made Heber J. Grant, once teased as a poor penman, one of the best in the territory. He did the same in music. One of his favorite sayings was: "That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased." |
Judd, Thomas Grant "Heber J. Grant's Centennial, He Loved a Challenge." Instructor. November 1956. pg. 324-325.
Heber J. Grant's Centennial He Loved a Challenge By Thomas Grant Judd Editors Note: Nov. 22 will he the centennial of the birth of President Heber J. Grant, seventh president of the Church. The Instructor here presents a glimpse of this remarkable leader from one of his grandsons. THE sum of what has been written about President Heber J. Grant, as well as the spoken recollections of those who knew him, totals a leader of men who entered into everything he did — whether it was religion, business, sports or penmanship — with determination and a zest which would not be denied. Heber J. Grant was direct and forthright and uncomplicated. The size of his unbounded enthusiasm for life matched his physical stature. He loved a challenge. His favorite aphorism was, "That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do; not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our power to do has increased." He was a great storyteller. And whether the particular anecdote he was telling was to make a point at a Church General Conference or at a corporation board of directors meeting, it generally finished on a bright and whimsical note. And yet if he felt truth and right were being tampered with, he could be so stern and direct as to strike fear in the hearts of the wavering and the devious. This zest, this earnestness with which he greeted every phase of life included the thousands of sermons he preached. He made no bones about the fact that he believed certain of his favorite stories were good enough to bear repeating. And repeat them he did, with as much enjoyment as if he and his audience were hearing them for the first time. One of his daughters remembers sitting in a Church meeting as her father was introduced, and hearing the following conversation from a nearby couple: "Well, one thing about President Grant, you know exactly what he's going to say," one declared. "Maybe so," said the other, "but you never see anyone going to sleep while he's saying it!" Since it was Heber J. Grant's lifelong habit to make his point with a personal story or an anecdote about others, the balance of this short sketch will make its point by recounting some of his favorites and the favorites of those who knew and loved him. A Man of Faith The great, moving force in Heber J. Grant's life was his relationships with his God and his Church. Like everything else he entered into, his religion was an earnest and vital part of day-to-day living. His beliefs were positive and strong, and he was proud to declare them with profoundest conviction and zeal. At the same time, he approached his religion with deep humility. Hear him as he recounts a moving experience when he was chosen to be an Apostle: "It has never ceased to be a wonder to me that I do represent the Lord here upon the earth. My association from childhood with the remarkable and wonderful men that have preceded me, has made it almost overwhelming to think of being in the same class with them. "The last words uttered by President Joseph F. Smith were to the effect that, when he shook hands with me — he died that night — 'The Lord bless you, my boy, the Lord bless you; you have got a great responsibility. Always remember this is the Lord's work and not man's. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows whom He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistake. The Lord bless you.' "I have felt my own lack of ability. In fact, when I was called as one of the Apostles I arose to my feet to say it was beyond anything I was worthy of, and as I was rising the thought came to me, 'You know as you know that you live that John Taylor is a prophet of God, and to decline this office when he had received a revelation is equivalent to repudiating the prophet.' I said, 'I will accept the office and do my best.' I remember that it was with difficulty that I took my seat without fainting." President Grant believed that faith could bring miracles and sometimes became impatient with those who expected to gain the rewards of religion without faith. In 1888, he said this during an address: "Men have said to me: If you know that you are engaged in the work of God explain it, so that we can know it as clearly as we know that two and two are four.' Now I may tell much of my experience and of the influence of the Holy Ghost . . . but this may not bring conviction to them. I may tell a man that I have the toothache, and he may say he does not believe it, but he cannot change my experience. So no man's denial can change my conviction that I have heard tongues spoken and interpretations of the gift of God and that I have seen the sick raised." A Family Man One of President Grant's daughters recalls a story which underlines his basic fairness even when it meant humbling himself before a child. This incident happened during Heber J. Grant's presidency of the British Mission. The daughter who recalls the story had picked up a swear word from one of her English playmates. She later repeated it with some force in the presence of her father. He administered the traditional punishment by washing her mouth out with soap. That evening in the company of some friends President Grant recounted an experience he had with a violent anti- Mormon. He quoted some purple language the man had used on him. Whereupon his little girl stepped up to him and said "You swore. You should have your mouth washed out with soap." "You are absolutely right," said her father. He excused himself, took the little girl by the hand and retired to the bathroom where she repeated the punishment he had given her earlier that day. A Business Man Heber J. Grant was a skilled and successful businessman. The religious principles which guided his personal life were the same principles that controlled his business life. In 1938, on his 82nd birthday, his associates and friends in Utah from every walk of life and from every religious faith gathered to pay him tribute. The tribute paid him at that time seems particularly fitting as a conclusion to this observance of Heber J. Grant's 100th birthday anniversary: "This man is great; not because he has been spared the hardships of life, but because he has overcome them. Providence gave him strength, not ease; courage, not protection; faith, not a favored lot; integrity, not freedom from temptation. He has buried the beloved companions of his youth, and has seen death take his only sons in childhood, while none are left to carry on his name, and yet there has been found no bitterness in his heart, but only faith in God and in His ability to bring ultimate good from all things. He has seen ambitions swept aside and business ventures crushed, but was never found without courage to carry on. He has seen personal wealth change to staggering debt overnight, but yet has refused the legal protection of bankruptcy, preferring to work through years of deprivation, and his family with him, to pay off every dollar of obligation. "Save only Brigham Young, perhaps no man has organized more industries and economic enterprises in the inland West than Heber J. Grant. His name appears upon the officers' and directors' rosters of banks, railroads, insurance companies, implement houses, mercantile institutions, and manufacturing enterprises — not only because he is the leader of a world-wide people — but because he has always stood with and for industry, economic integrity and individual security. More than any other living man, he symbolizes growth in the West from the old to the new. . . . "The life of the man we honor, he himself has builded upon the bedrock of correct principles — undeviating devotion to his religious convictions; unfaltering faith in a Supreme Being who is the Father of mankind; generosity and brotherly kindness; industry, persistence, loyalty; financial, political and moral integrity — and these he has pursued in times of convenience and in time of inconvenience. Concerning these foundation principles he has not asked what is expedient. He has asked only what is right, and, having determined it, straightway he has done it." |
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
He determined what was right, then did it. |
Cannon, Lucy Grant. "Brigham Young and Heber J. Grant...They Met in the President's Sleigh." Instructor. September 1959. pg. 296-297.
BRIGHAM YOUNG AND HEBER J. GRANT... They met in the presidents sleigh
by Lucy Grant Cannon MY father (Heber J. Grant) was about 6 years old when he first became acquainted with President Brigham Young. The story of their meeting was one of our childhood favorites.[1]
They first met when Father had a sleigh ride with President Young. It was a beautiful sleigh with a handsome team of horses and a good coachman, Isaac Wilson, who loved to take the President for his afternoon drive. The runners of the sleigh protruded behind the body; and children would stand on them, hoping to catch a ride.
One day Father saw President Young's sleigh coming down the street. He ran out and took hold of the back of the sleigh, intending to ride a block or so on the runners and then drop off and walk home.
But Father did not know of Brother Isaac's driving. The coachman drove so swiftly that Father found himself unable to let go. It was not until all had reached the Cottonwoods, a ride of some five miles, that Brother Isaac slowed the team while crossing a creek and Father saw his opportunity to jump off.
President Young saw Father and called to Brother Isaac: "Stop, Brother Isaac, stop. The little boy is nearly frozen. Put him under the buffalo robe to get warm."
Father reports: "After I got warm, President Young inquired my name and then told me about my father and his love for him. He told me to tell my mother that he wanted her to send me up to his office in six months to have a visit with him. . ."
Grandmother saw to it that Father kept that appointment. Six months from that very day, Father was dressed in his best and went to President Young's office for an interview.
Father writes: " From that time until the day of his [President Young's] death, I was intimate with him. I was also intimate with one of his boys, Feramorz L. Young. We grew up together, we played together, we attended Sunday School together, we attended day school together."
In her book, One Who Was Valiant, Clarissa Young Spencer tells of Feramorz and Father making ice cream: "My brother, Feramorz, together with Richard W. Young and Heber J. Grant frequently used our laundry room to make ice cream. Each boy furnished part of the makings' and Mother showed them how to cook the custard, in which art they became quite expert. After it had cooled, they would put it into a pail with a tight lid, set this within a larger pail, and cover it with salt and ice. Then they would take turns twisting and turning the inner pail until the cream was frozen. Of course I never had any part in this procedure, but would sit on the back steps patiently watching and waiting until the lid was raised and a spoonful taken out for 'sampling.' I would usually get a chance to lick the spoon. . ."[2]
President Young's office adjoined the Lion House. It was in the Lion House that the Young family gathered for morning and evening prayers. At about 7 p.m. President Young would come from his office into the parlor of the Lion House. He would take out the large bell called the prayer bell, go to the door in the hall and ring the bell three times. The bell could be heard for some distance from the house. When it sounded, the family would begin to gather. The mothers each had a special place in the parlor where her children would gather around her. President Young would look around and ask about the children, and if any were absent, he inquired as to where they were.
Father reports: "As I say, I was familiar with the Prophet Brigham Young. I knelt down time and time again in his home in the Lion House at family prayers — as a child and as a young man. I bear witness that as a little child, upon more than one occasion, because of the inspiration of the Lord given to Brigham Young while he was supplicating God for guidance, I have lifted my head, turned and looked at the place where Brigham Young was praying to see if the Lord was not there. It seemed to me that he talked to the Lord as one man would talk to another. I can bear witness of his kindness, of his love to me as an individual, of his love of God and of the inspiration of the Lord that came to him as he stood where I am standing [General Conference, 1932], when I had the privilege of being in the audience and listening to his inspired words.
"The last interview I had with Brigham Young was on the very day he was taken sick. I met him coming out of his office with a cape on his arm and I said:
"'President Young, I was elected yesterday the assistant cashier of Zion's Savings Bank; and I have been told this morning that I must give a bond of twenty-five thousand dollars to vouch for my honesty. It occurs to me that it would be very appropriate and a nice thing for the president of the bank to sign the bond of the assistant cashier.'
"He smiled and said: "Heber, I have had a very strenuous day, and I am just going for a ride. I shall be glad to sign the bond. I do not see how I could get out of it because I said so many good things about you in the directors' meeting yesterday — about your honesty and integrity and favoring you for the job.'
"He came home, was taken sick and passed away. . . . During all those years of my acquaintance with him — fully fifteen — I learned to love and respect him as a man of God. . ."
From the time Father was 6 years of age until the time of the passing of Brigham Young, Father bore testimony to his knowledge that Brigham Young was chosen of the Lord to guide His Church. There never was any doubt in Father's mind that President Young was the rightful successor to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He declared publicly and privately that Brigham Young was a prayerful, humble, obedient man, endowed with all the gifts that make men great; that he was a servant of the Most High — a Prophet of the Living God.
[1] (For Course 7, lesson of November 8, "Our Parents," and lesson of November 15, "Our Ward and Stake Leaders"; for Course 1, lesson of November 8, "Our Family Prayers," arid lesson of December 6, "We Love Our Neighbors and Friends"; for Course 1a, lesson of October 25, "Our Friends and Neighbors"; and for Course 13, lesson of November 8, "Prayer.") Recorded in Gospel Standards, Heber J. Grant, 1942 edition; Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City, Utah; pages 222-225.
[2] Spencer, Clarissa Young, with Mabel Harmer, One Who Was Valiant, 1940 edition; The Caxton Printers, Ltd., Caldwell, Idaho; page 47.
BRIGHAM YOUNG AND HEBER J. GRANT... They met in the presidents sleigh
by Lucy Grant Cannon MY father (Heber J. Grant) was about 6 years old when he first became acquainted with President Brigham Young. The story of their meeting was one of our childhood favorites.[1]
They first met when Father had a sleigh ride with President Young. It was a beautiful sleigh with a handsome team of horses and a good coachman, Isaac Wilson, who loved to take the President for his afternoon drive. The runners of the sleigh protruded behind the body; and children would stand on them, hoping to catch a ride.
One day Father saw President Young's sleigh coming down the street. He ran out and took hold of the back of the sleigh, intending to ride a block or so on the runners and then drop off and walk home.
But Father did not know of Brother Isaac's driving. The coachman drove so swiftly that Father found himself unable to let go. It was not until all had reached the Cottonwoods, a ride of some five miles, that Brother Isaac slowed the team while crossing a creek and Father saw his opportunity to jump off.
President Young saw Father and called to Brother Isaac: "Stop, Brother Isaac, stop. The little boy is nearly frozen. Put him under the buffalo robe to get warm."
Father reports: "After I got warm, President Young inquired my name and then told me about my father and his love for him. He told me to tell my mother that he wanted her to send me up to his office in six months to have a visit with him. . ."
Grandmother saw to it that Father kept that appointment. Six months from that very day, Father was dressed in his best and went to President Young's office for an interview.
Father writes: " From that time until the day of his [President Young's] death, I was intimate with him. I was also intimate with one of his boys, Feramorz L. Young. We grew up together, we played together, we attended Sunday School together, we attended day school together."
In her book, One Who Was Valiant, Clarissa Young Spencer tells of Feramorz and Father making ice cream: "My brother, Feramorz, together with Richard W. Young and Heber J. Grant frequently used our laundry room to make ice cream. Each boy furnished part of the makings' and Mother showed them how to cook the custard, in which art they became quite expert. After it had cooled, they would put it into a pail with a tight lid, set this within a larger pail, and cover it with salt and ice. Then they would take turns twisting and turning the inner pail until the cream was frozen. Of course I never had any part in this procedure, but would sit on the back steps patiently watching and waiting until the lid was raised and a spoonful taken out for 'sampling.' I would usually get a chance to lick the spoon. . ."[2]
President Young's office adjoined the Lion House. It was in the Lion House that the Young family gathered for morning and evening prayers. At about 7 p.m. President Young would come from his office into the parlor of the Lion House. He would take out the large bell called the prayer bell, go to the door in the hall and ring the bell three times. The bell could be heard for some distance from the house. When it sounded, the family would begin to gather. The mothers each had a special place in the parlor where her children would gather around her. President Young would look around and ask about the children, and if any were absent, he inquired as to where they were.
Father reports: "As I say, I was familiar with the Prophet Brigham Young. I knelt down time and time again in his home in the Lion House at family prayers — as a child and as a young man. I bear witness that as a little child, upon more than one occasion, because of the inspiration of the Lord given to Brigham Young while he was supplicating God for guidance, I have lifted my head, turned and looked at the place where Brigham Young was praying to see if the Lord was not there. It seemed to me that he talked to the Lord as one man would talk to another. I can bear witness of his kindness, of his love to me as an individual, of his love of God and of the inspiration of the Lord that came to him as he stood where I am standing [General Conference, 1932], when I had the privilege of being in the audience and listening to his inspired words.
"The last interview I had with Brigham Young was on the very day he was taken sick. I met him coming out of his office with a cape on his arm and I said:
"'President Young, I was elected yesterday the assistant cashier of Zion's Savings Bank; and I have been told this morning that I must give a bond of twenty-five thousand dollars to vouch for my honesty. It occurs to me that it would be very appropriate and a nice thing for the president of the bank to sign the bond of the assistant cashier.'
"He smiled and said: "Heber, I have had a very strenuous day, and I am just going for a ride. I shall be glad to sign the bond. I do not see how I could get out of it because I said so many good things about you in the directors' meeting yesterday — about your honesty and integrity and favoring you for the job.'
"He came home, was taken sick and passed away. . . . During all those years of my acquaintance with him — fully fifteen — I learned to love and respect him as a man of God. . ."
From the time Father was 6 years of age until the time of the passing of Brigham Young, Father bore testimony to his knowledge that Brigham Young was chosen of the Lord to guide His Church. There never was any doubt in Father's mind that President Young was the rightful successor to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He declared publicly and privately that Brigham Young was a prayerful, humble, obedient man, endowed with all the gifts that make men great; that he was a servant of the Most High — a Prophet of the Living God.
[1] (For Course 7, lesson of November 8, "Our Parents," and lesson of November 15, "Our Ward and Stake Leaders"; for Course 1, lesson of November 8, "Our Family Prayers," arid lesson of December 6, "We Love Our Neighbors and Friends"; for Course 1a, lesson of October 25, "Our Friends and Neighbors"; and for Course 13, lesson of November 8, "Prayer.") Recorded in Gospel Standards, Heber J. Grant, 1942 edition; Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City, Utah; pages 222-225.
[2] Spencer, Clarissa Young, with Mabel Harmer, One Who Was Valiant, 1940 edition; The Caxton Printers, Ltd., Caldwell, Idaho; page 47.
Bennett, Wallace G. "He Lived to Help Others." Instructor. February 1960. pg. 52.
President Heber J. Grant HE LIVED TO HELP OTHERS[1] by Wallace G. Bennett THROUGHOUT his life, President Heber J. Grant had a desire to share whatever he had with others. Born the only child of a mother widowed nine days after her son's birth, Heber grew up in humble circumstances. As he grew older his generosity increased along with his understanding of others and of the Gospel. He was blessed with the ability to earn an excellent income, and he used this strength to help others less fortunate than himself. Being generous was part of his nature, but he did not boast of it. He preferred to give quietly. One of the earliest recorded acts of his sharing was when 10-year-old Heber gave his overcoat away, because another boy needed it more. The President was sympathetic to the problem of widows and sought ways to help them. He frequently asked the officers of local banks to let him know when widows had mortgages which were in danger of being foreclosed. After examining the circumstances and finding the persons to be worthy, he would often pay the balance due on such mortgages from his own funds in order that the women would not lose their homes. Such an act of generosity was one of his last before he died. He also helped orphaned children obtain jobs and improve their education or pay medical expenses. Heber J. Grant did not have a formal college education; but his mind was well trained, and he had a keen appreciation for beautiful and artistic things. He enjoyed helping artists and those who made life beautiful for others. When visiting Paris as President of the European Mission in 1904, he found a young artist from Utah studying there. The student told President Grant that he would have to return home because of lack of funds. President Grant asked how much the artist would need in order to remain. The youth replied that he needed $10 more per month than he had. President Grant said, "You shall have it for as long as you need it." The young man was able to finish his studies and became a proficient artist. The President helped another artist, Joseph Everett, by employing him until he became established and then later by employing him one day a week. In order to help support the painter, President Grant bought over 200 of Mr. Everett's canvases and gave them away. He had faith in the man and wanted to help him. Missionary work was also close to his heart. Neither of his two sons lived to be old enough to go on missions; but he helped scores of other people meet missionary expenses. He set up a trust fund to aid his grandsons to go on missions, and this fund was held for that purpose for many years past his death until his youngest grandson had completed a mission. His aid to missionaries was not limited to his own relatives but was given to many others who needed assistance. President Grant loved temple work and attended one session a week in the temple for many years. He paid many people to do research work for him. From January, 1936, to May, 1945, nine and one-half years, he paid more than $20,000 for genealogical research and temple work. On his 82nd birthday his friends and associates gave a splendid banquet in his honor, and he was presented with a copper chest containing 1,000 silver dollars. In making the presentation, D. D. Moffat, General Manager of the Utah Copper Company, said: "Nothing has pleased you more throughout your life than to extend help to the needy. This will give you increased opportunity and power to express your generosity." President Grant donated the chest and the dollars to the Primary Association to aid in the erection of the Primary Children's Hospital. The Primary Hospital Board had the dollars attached to paper weights and sold each for $100 or more, from which the Primary netted over $117,000. President Grant liked to read, and in his last years he appreciated being read to. The books he gave away have been numbered as over 100,000. He frequently ordered an entire edition of a volume he liked, and then gave it all away. These were inspiring, uplifting, motivating books. His generosity in this regard helped many authors and helped thousands who received the books. Heber J. Grant was generous to his mother, his family, his Church, widows, students, authors and anyone in need of help and encouragement. Joseph Anderson, his secretary, said of him: "He was the most liberal and generous man with his personal means that I have ever known. . . He thoroughly enjoyed making money, but not for the purpose of accumulating it. His only desire was to have money that he might do good with it." [1] (For Course 8, lesson of April 3, "Joseph, the Forgiving Brother," and lesson of February 7, "The Selfishness of Lot"; for Course 6, lesson of March 6, "Helpful-and Show Others the Way," lesson of April 10, "Sharing—and We Are Partners in Doing Good," and lesson of May 29, "Thoughtful—and We Bring Happiness to Others"; and for Course 12, lesson of February 14, "In the Service of the Lord.") |
Bennett, Frances Grant. "President Heber J. Grant... His Calamities Became His Opportunities." Instructor. November 1961. pg. 363.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT His Calamities Became His Opportunities[1]
by Frances Grant Bennett[2]
THE modern generation too often thinks in terms of security. "What are the old age benefits?" "What insurance am I offered?" "What about vacations?" These are some of the questions we hear most frequently.
The late Peter Marshall said in one of his prayers, "With stout hearts may we see in every calamity an opportunity and not give way to the pessimism that sees in every opportunity a calamity."
Such was the philosophy of President Heber J. Grant. He did not wait for opportunities to present themselves; he sought them. This he began doing when he was still a boy, and he continued this practice throughout his entire life.
He considered it an opportunity to be the sole support of his widowed mother when he was still in his teens.
Because of the fact that he had grown up in poverty, his early ambitions centered around his desire to make money and give his beloved mother some of the comforts she had been denied. One day his bishop preached a powerful sermon, saying that if we are generous with the Lord, He will reward us fourfold. Happening to have $50 in his pocket, young Heber J. Grant walked up to the bishop after the meeting and handed the money to him. The bishop took $5 of it and gave back $45, saying that that was his full share.
But the young man had taken the words of that sermon to heart. He said, "Bishop Woolley, by what right do you rob me of putting the Lord in my debt? Didn't you preach here today that the Lord rewards fourfold? My mother is a widow and she needs $200." The bishop said, "My boy, do you believe that if I take this $50, you will get your $200 quicker?" "Certainly," was the reply.
The bishop took the money. As President Grant left the meeting, he had an idea for a business transaction which netted him $218.50.
Every call to Church service was to him an opportunity. At 24, with a wife and two small children to support, in addition to his mother, he was called to be president of the Tooele Stake. This meant giving up his home and making great financial sacrifice; but he looked upon the call not as a calamity, but as an opportunity for greater service.
We of this generation still talk about the great depression of the early thirties. We know little of real "panics," as the great financial crises of the 1890's were called. During this time, President Grant lost everything he owned and became $100,000 in debt. He refused to be declared bankrupt, however, saying that he would ask the Lord to let him live long enough to pay off all his debts. About this time, he was called to go to Japan to open up the Japanese Mission. His first thought was to refuse the call. But as he had done with every call to Church service, he looked upon this as an opportunity and felt that the Lord would open up the way and make it possible for him to meet his financial obligations if he accepted the call.
So he made no excuse to President Lorenzo Snow. When asked if his financial condition was such that he could afford to go, his answer was an unhesitating, "Yes."
As they left the meeting, John W. Taylor stopped President Grant and said, "Heber, I know the financial sacrifice you have made this day in accepting this call. I prophesy that you shall be blessed of the Lord and shall make enough money to go to Japan a free man financially. Furthermore, I am inspired to tell you how to do it. You are not to plan to make any money; but you are to get down on your knees every morning and tell the Lord you want to make some money that day, and then go out and get it. You will be astonished how easily you will make the money."
President Grant later related that he went home for his lunch and got down on his knees and thanked the Lord for the prophecy and for the assurance that had come to him that it would be fulfilled. While he was still on his knees, an inspiration came to him regarding the Utah Sugar Company, which resulted in a net gain to him of $30,000.
Without any solicitation on his part, several companies with which he was connected voted to give him a three-years' leave of absence with full pay. In four months, all his financial troubles had disappeared; and he was able to go to Japan a free man financially. Why? Because he had recognized in his call to Japan not a calamity, but an opportunity.
[1] (For Course 18, lesson of January 21, "Opportunity"; for Course 7, lesson of December 3, "Heber J. Grant, the Seventh President"; for Course 26, lesson of February 4, "Patience"; and for Course 27, lesson of December 3, "A Lay Church.")
[2] Sister Bennett, the wife of United States Senator Wallace F. Bennett, is the youngest of President Grant's ten daughters. His two sons died before maturity. Sister Bennett studied at the University of Utah and at Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a talented pianist and has reared five children. She served on the Primary Association General Board and was chairman of the committee on construction of the Primary Children's Hospital. She later became nonprofessional manager of the hospital. In the nation's capital, she is now president of the Congressional Club, which includes 500 wives of such people as United States congressmen and cabinet members.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT His Calamities Became His Opportunities[1]
by Frances Grant Bennett[2]
THE modern generation too often thinks in terms of security. "What are the old age benefits?" "What insurance am I offered?" "What about vacations?" These are some of the questions we hear most frequently.
The late Peter Marshall said in one of his prayers, "With stout hearts may we see in every calamity an opportunity and not give way to the pessimism that sees in every opportunity a calamity."
Such was the philosophy of President Heber J. Grant. He did not wait for opportunities to present themselves; he sought them. This he began doing when he was still a boy, and he continued this practice throughout his entire life.
He considered it an opportunity to be the sole support of his widowed mother when he was still in his teens.
Because of the fact that he had grown up in poverty, his early ambitions centered around his desire to make money and give his beloved mother some of the comforts she had been denied. One day his bishop preached a powerful sermon, saying that if we are generous with the Lord, He will reward us fourfold. Happening to have $50 in his pocket, young Heber J. Grant walked up to the bishop after the meeting and handed the money to him. The bishop took $5 of it and gave back $45, saying that that was his full share.
But the young man had taken the words of that sermon to heart. He said, "Bishop Woolley, by what right do you rob me of putting the Lord in my debt? Didn't you preach here today that the Lord rewards fourfold? My mother is a widow and she needs $200." The bishop said, "My boy, do you believe that if I take this $50, you will get your $200 quicker?" "Certainly," was the reply.
The bishop took the money. As President Grant left the meeting, he had an idea for a business transaction which netted him $218.50.
Every call to Church service was to him an opportunity. At 24, with a wife and two small children to support, in addition to his mother, he was called to be president of the Tooele Stake. This meant giving up his home and making great financial sacrifice; but he looked upon the call not as a calamity, but as an opportunity for greater service.
We of this generation still talk about the great depression of the early thirties. We know little of real "panics," as the great financial crises of the 1890's were called. During this time, President Grant lost everything he owned and became $100,000 in debt. He refused to be declared bankrupt, however, saying that he would ask the Lord to let him live long enough to pay off all his debts. About this time, he was called to go to Japan to open up the Japanese Mission. His first thought was to refuse the call. But as he had done with every call to Church service, he looked upon this as an opportunity and felt that the Lord would open up the way and make it possible for him to meet his financial obligations if he accepted the call.
So he made no excuse to President Lorenzo Snow. When asked if his financial condition was such that he could afford to go, his answer was an unhesitating, "Yes."
As they left the meeting, John W. Taylor stopped President Grant and said, "Heber, I know the financial sacrifice you have made this day in accepting this call. I prophesy that you shall be blessed of the Lord and shall make enough money to go to Japan a free man financially. Furthermore, I am inspired to tell you how to do it. You are not to plan to make any money; but you are to get down on your knees every morning and tell the Lord you want to make some money that day, and then go out and get it. You will be astonished how easily you will make the money."
President Grant later related that he went home for his lunch and got down on his knees and thanked the Lord for the prophecy and for the assurance that had come to him that it would be fulfilled. While he was still on his knees, an inspiration came to him regarding the Utah Sugar Company, which resulted in a net gain to him of $30,000.
Without any solicitation on his part, several companies with which he was connected voted to give him a three-years' leave of absence with full pay. In four months, all his financial troubles had disappeared; and he was able to go to Japan a free man financially. Why? Because he had recognized in his call to Japan not a calamity, but an opportunity.
[1] (For Course 18, lesson of January 21, "Opportunity"; for Course 7, lesson of December 3, "Heber J. Grant, the Seventh President"; for Course 26, lesson of February 4, "Patience"; and for Course 27, lesson of December 3, "A Lay Church.")
[2] Sister Bennett, the wife of United States Senator Wallace F. Bennett, is the youngest of President Grant's ten daughters. His two sons died before maturity. Sister Bennett studied at the University of Utah and at Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a talented pianist and has reared five children. She served on the Primary Association General Board and was chairman of the committee on construction of the Primary Children's Hospital. She later became nonprofessional manager of the hospital. In the nation's capital, she is now president of the Congressional Club, which includes 500 wives of such people as United States congressmen and cabinet members.
Bennett, Wallace G. "He Made Wealth a Blessings - Heber J. Grant." Instructor. February 1968. pg. 62-63.
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT HE MADE WEALTH A BLESSING[1] by Wallace G. Bennett[2] President Heber J. Grant was reared in a home in which there was not a large income. His father, Jedediah M. Grant, died when he was a baby. His widowed mother struggled to support herself and her son. She took in boarders and did sewing and other things to maintain a home for the two of them. Rachel Ivins Grant was a cultured and charming woman who had given up a life of comfort in the East when she embraced the restored gospel and moved to Nauvoo. She could have returned to her family at any time, but she chose to follow the saints west to Salt Lake City. Her marriage to Jedediah M. Grant was cut short by his untimely death in 1856) shortly after Heber's birth. Heber Liked to Make Money Young Heber was resourceful and thrifty. He grew up with a desire to provide a home and some of the nicer things of life for his mother, whom he adored. His mother believed in him, encouraged him, and inspired him. He lived up to the trust she had in him. The affection between them was beautiful. When he was a young man, he declined an offered appointment to Annapolis and made up his mind to be a businessman. He had unusual business acumen, great persistence, and an active imagination. Heber J. Grant liked to make money. He knew how to do it. He enjoyed doing it. But he was never selfish with his money, and he always paid his obligations to the Lord first. Sometimes he paid tithing on money he had not yet earned because he felt he needed an extra blessing. He said the Lord never disappointed him. Heber M. Wells, a boyhood associate and later the first governor of the state of Utah, said of him: He has probably been instrumental in establishing and furthering the cause of more successful intermountain industries than any other man of his time. His personal credit, his unquestioned integrity, his super-salesmanship brought capital to the aid of the Church, the community and private enterprises. In times of panic and in times of plenty, Heber J. Grant has been able to raise a few dollars or millions where other men have failed to raise any amount.[3] He was engaged in a number of ventures at various times, including ranching, cattle raising, vinegar manufacturing, soap making, merchandising, bee culture, implement business, sugar industry, livery business, insurance, banking, brokerage, newspaper business, and others. His Motive: To Share What were his motives? In his biography of President Grant, Bryant S. Hinckley writes: Nor was he ever engaged in any business or enterprise that was not worthy of public support. His motives were to help people, create employment, advance the interests of the Church, and build up the community. . . . He loved to make money. He said so. Not for selfish purposes but so he could share with others, so he could foster worthy causes and help those who deserved and needed it.[4] Heber J. Grant won and lost more than one fortune. He always paid his debts. He always placed the Church first. He lived modestly, without ostentation or display of wealth. So what did he do with his money? He helped people who needed help. He did it without show or a desire for recognition. Many examples of his generosity were known only to those involved or a few familiar with his affairs. He helped widows pay off their mortgages, often some he scarcely knew. He helped students get through school. He helped artists by buying their paintings and giving them away. He provided trips for relatives who would not otherwise have been able to travel. He loved to read, and delighted in giving away books; sometimes he would buy an entire edition to give away. In the days before prepaid medical care he often paid the medical expenses of those in need. Unmatched for Generosity President Grant's two sons died in their childhood and therefore could not fulfill his dream for them to become successful missionaries. But he established a trust fund to finance the sons of his ten daughters on their missions—and most of his grandsons went. He also supported many other missionaries. He spent thousands of dollars for genealogical research. "Research workers were hired and thousands of names were added to his records, and a great many people worked for him at different times for several years," said his secretary, Joseph Anderson.[5] Some people who did not know him well thought of him only as an aggressive, militant, and stem map. "But the depths of his affections, the magnanimity of his soul, his profound sympathy for the poor and the unfortunate expressed themselves in a service unmatched for generosity."[6] As President of the Church he asked no man to be more generous of his time and means than he was. This was his attitude all of his life. He knew what it was to need money. He made a lot of money in his life. He gave most of his money away for righteous causes and to people in real need. The Lord blessed him with wealth, and he blessed others with it. Library File Reference: GRANT, HEBER J. [1] (For Course 5, lesson of April 7, "Helping Others Makes Everybody Happy": for Course 7, lesson of April 7, "The Lord s Share-Tithing"- for Course 9, lessons of February 4 and March 3. A Latter-day Saint Shares and Is Thoughtful" and "A Latter-day Saint Works and Prepares for Church Activity"; for Course 13. lesson of April 7, "East of the Jordan"; for Course 25, lesson of March 31, "Greater Love Hath No Man"; to support family home evening lesson 28; and of general interest.) [2] Wallace G. Bennett served in the European Mission from 1946 to 1948, and he received his B.A. degree from the University of Utah in 1949. He is vice president of Bennett Glass and Paint, a member of the Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America, and chairman of the Utah Advisory Committee, "Designing Education for the Future." In the Church, he has served on the Sunday School general board and as a stake mission president. He is currently Sunday School superintendent in Monument Park Third Ward, Monument Park Stake. Salt Lake City, where he lives with his wife, Theda Call Bennett, and their five children. He is also a guide on Temple Square. [3] Bryant S. Hinckley, Highlights in the Life of a Great header; Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1951; page 51. [4] Bryant S. Hinckley, Highlights in the Life of a Great Leader, page 52. [5] Bryant S. Hinckley, Highlights in the Life of a Great Leader, page 204. [6] Bryant S. Hinckley, Highlights in the Life of a Great Leader, page 202. |
"A Child Goes Forth." Instructor. March 1970. pg. 112, 114.
Heber Jeddy Grant I am Heber Jeddy Grant. My mother was a dominant influence in shaping my life and my career, both in the field of religion and in the field of business. "So near to the Lord would she get in her prayers that they were a wonderful source of inspiration to me from childhood to manhood." I always felt an inherent desire to win in whatever I tried to do. I wanted to excel. "Since I was an only child, my mother reared me very carefully; indeed, I grew up more or less on the principle of a hot-house plant, the growth of which is 'long and lanky,' but not substantial. I learned to sweep, and wash and wipe dishes, but did little stone throwing, and little indulging in those sports which are interesting and attractive to boys, and which develop their physical frames; therefore, when I joined a baseball club, the boys of my age, and a little older, played in the first nine; those younger than myself played in the second, and those still younger in the third, and I played with them. One of the reasons for this was that I could not throw the ball from one base to the other; another reason was that I lacked physical strength to run or bat well. When I picked up a ball, the boys would generally shout, 'Throw it here, sissy!' So much fun was engendered on my account by my youthful companions that I solemnly vowed that I would play baseball in the nine that would win the championship of the Territory of Utah. "My mother was keeping boarders at the time for a living, and I shined their boots until I saved a dollar, which I invested in a baseball. I spent hours and hours throwing the ball at a neighbor's bam. . . . Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night. But I kept on practicing, and eventually played in the nine that won the championship of the Territory. Having thus made good my promise to myself, I retired from the baseball arena."[1] This same desire to achieve carried over in another direction. I was a miserable penman, and because of this my schoolmates made me a laughing stock. However, I resolved to excel them all, and I became one of the best penmen in the state. I was very anxious to sing, but nature did not especially intend me for a singer. However, I practiced long hours, and with great determination and much perseverance I learned to sing the songs of Zion. "As a child I received a patriarchal blessing which I read often and in which I had implicit faith. Among others things I was promised that I should be called to the ministry in my youth. I interpreted this to mean that I would be asked to fill a mission to preach the gospel. But the years passed and I was not selected. Some of my associates were called and returned home. Still I was left, and a spirit constantly followed me whispering that I knew the patriarch had lied to me, and therefore I ought to renounce my allegiance to the work of God. I finally said to myself, “I know the gospel is true. I have had so many testimonies that I cannot doubt it; and no matter how many patriarchs have made statements that are not true, I do not purpose making shipwreck of my faith, and losing eternal salvation because of a mistake on the part of a patriarch.” It was not long after that I was called at age twenty-four to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion. I was the youngest stake president in all the Church. In this call came the fulfillment of the words of the patriarch upon which I had placed the wrong interpretation."[2] I was called to fill many important responsibilities in the Church of Jesus Christ. For 46 years I served as a member of the Twelve Apostles and at the age of 62 I became the seventh president of this great Church. I was asked by Edward H. Anderson at one time to state what I would say to all the children of Zion. I said: "I would say to them, 'Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Seek for the light and inspiration of the Spirit of God to guide you in all the walks of life; be forgiving, be charitable. Never allow the acts of men to affect your faith in the gospel. Remember that God says we should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and bring to pass much righteousness, for the power is in us wherein we are agents unto ourselves, that inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward. In every vocation of life try to get the Spirit of God to aid you in the accomplishment of your work. Try to make others happy, and to aid them in carrying their burden in life, and you are sure of happiness, not only in this life, but in the life to come. Remember the words of Lord Bulwer Lytton: 'Dream, O youth. Dream nobly, manfully, and thy dreams shall be thy prophets.' Always be punctual and truthful and virtuous, and you will thus insure yourself the love of God and all good men.' "[3] [1] Quoted by Preston Nibley in Presidents of the Church; Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah, 1941; page 272. [2] Quoted by Edward H. Anderson in Lives of Our Leaders; Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City, Utah; page 162. [3] Quoted in Lives of Our Leaders, page 166. |
To the children of Zion, Heber J. Grant said, "Honor thy father and thy mother and seek for the inspiration of God."
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