Joseph W. McMurrin
Born: 5 September 1858
Called to Presidency of Seventy: 5 October 1897
Died: 24 October 1932
Called to Presidency of Seventy: 5 October 1897
Died: 24 October 1932
Conference TalksOct 1899 - Young Men should be Prepared for the Ministry— Usefulness of Musical Ability
Oct 1900 - The Latter-day Saints a free people—A word to the Missionaries Oct 1901 - Manifestations of divine favor — Educational foundation laid by the Saints Apr 1902 - Necessity for experienced Elders in the mission-field Apr 1902 Apr 1903 - Comparative freedom from saloons—People known by their fruits Oct 1903 Apr 1904 Apr 1904 Apr 1905 Apr 1906 Apr 1906 Oct 1906 Apr 1907 Oct 1907 Apr 1908 Apr 1909 Apr 1909 Oct 1909 Oct 1910 Apr 1911 Oct 1912 Apr 1913 Oct 1913 Apr 1914 Apr 1914 Oct 1914 Oct 1916 - Many young people love the faith of their fathers Oct 1917 Image source: Improvement Era, June 1919
Image source: Improvement Era, December 1932
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Image source: Improvement Era, September 1909
Image source: Juvenile Instructor, September 1901
Image source: Young Women's Journal, December 1904
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Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 1 September 1901, Lives of Our Leaders - The First Council of the Seventy: President Joseph W. McMurrin
Improvement Era, December 1932, President Joseph W. McMurrin
Relief Society Magazine, December 1932, President Joseph W. McMurrin Called Home
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 1 September 1901, Lives of Our Leaders - The First Council of the Seventy: President Joseph W. McMurrin
Improvement Era, December 1932, President Joseph W. McMurrin
Relief Society Magazine, December 1932, President Joseph W. McMurrin Called Home
Jenson, Andrew. "McMurrin, Joseph W." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 216-218.
McMURRIN, Joseph William, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies since 1896, and at present the junior member of that council, is the son of Joseph McMurrin and Margaret Leaing, and was born Sept. 5, 1858, in Tooele, Tooele county, Utah. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Salt Lake City, where he spent his boyhood days. His opportunities for scholastic education were but meager, and while quite a youth he was apprenticed to the stone-cutter's trade, and worked for about two years on the Salt Lake Temple. When only seventeen years old he was called upon a colonizing mission to Arizona. He left his home to fulfill this call Feb. 1, 1876, driving two yoke of cattle on the way. After two months of hard travel he, with his companions, arrived near the present site of St. Joseph, on the Little Colorado river. He spent two years in assisting to establish that town. While upon this mission he gained considerable valuable experience in constructing dams and canals, in getting out timber from the forests, in building log houses, as well as in plowing and planting, and all such work as is common to pioneer life. A little incident that occurred while he was in Arizona is worth relating, showing, as it does, that he at that time had learned to put his trust in the Lord for guidance. It also furnishes an example of the efficacy of prayer. On one occasion, while upon the mountains in the midst of a dense forest, he lost his bearings and was unable to return to the camp where his companions were located. He searched for hours for the camp, but all in vain. His feelings at this time were most distressing, as he knew there was little hope of finding any human beings or habitation within a hundred miles if he missed his companions. As the shades of night approached he knelt down and sought the Lord in prayer, asking that he might be directed back to the camp. Immediately on arising from his knees he felt strongly impressed to go in a direction exactly opposite to the one he had previously supposed was the one to take. He followed this impression and to his great joy was led in a direct line to the camp. On being released from this Arizona mission he returned to his home in Salt Lake City, and for some time afterwards was engaged in hauling freight. Through this occupation he became familiar with the various mining camps in the vicinity of Great Salt Lake valley. In 1881, in connection with some friends, he secured a contract to build a part of the Oregon Short Line grade near Granger, Wyoming. While engaged in this work he received a call to take a mission to Great Britain, and in October of that year he left home in compliance with that call. Upon his arrival in Liverpool he was assigned to the Scottish conference. This was much to his satisfaction, as his parents were natives of Scotland and he had a strong desire to visit the land of his fathers. He labored for twenty-five months in that land, the last seven months as president of the conference. His labors upon this mission were very enjoyable as well as profitable to him. He had the satisfaction of baptizing- fifty souls, and among this number were two of his father's sisters. Ever since this his first mission abroad Elder McMurrin has been an enthusiastic advocate of missionary work, and now, after a lapse of twenty years, he feels assured that no other experience or training could have been of so much worth to him as that gained while a boy missionary in Scotland. After his return from Great Britain he was called as a home missionary, and was also active in the Ward in which he resided. On the night of Nov. 28, 1885, a tragedy occurred which, were it not for a miracle, would have terminated in the death of Elder McMurrin. This was during the period known among our people as the "crusade"— when officers of the law were raiding the settlements of the Saints in search of offenders against the Edmunds acts, and when much unnecessary violence was resorted to in order to capture those who were most eagerly sought. Elder McMurrin, on the occasion above mentioned, was attacked by a United States deputy marshal, who shot him twice in the bowels, the bullets passing entirely through his body. Being wounded in such a vital part, no hope could Jae entertained that human skill would be of any avail in saving his life. The most eminent doctors of the city were positive in their opinion that he could not live. More than one of them declared that no person had ever been known to survive such deadly wounds. Brother McMurrin also felt that his life was fast ebbing away, and fully expected to die. While in this condition—waiting for the end—and believing that he had but a few hours at most to live, he was visited by Apostle John Henry Smith. He related to the Apostle what the doctors had told him, and expressed his own belief in the correctness of their views. After hearing what Brother McMurrin had to say. Apostle Smith took him by the hand and said: "Brother Joseph, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that if you desire to live you shall live, no matter what doctors may say to the contrary." Elder McMurrin had a wife and two children at this time, and had -a strong desire to live to care for them, and the promise of the Apostle filled him with hope and joy. But when Apostle Smith had departed from the house, and when he looked at the dreadful wounds in his body, he could not believe it possible that the promise would be realized. God, however, in His merciful kindness, and in fulfillment of the promise of His inspired servant, spared his life. The wounds were healed, and Elder McMurrin was completely restored to soundness of body. His recovery was a miracle wrought by the power of the Lord, and he freely and emphatically acknowledges that such was the case. In 1886 Elder .Mc- Murrin was called a second time to take a mission to Great Britain. This time he labored in various parts of the mission. He was absent from home over four years, and during the last two and a half years of this period he presided over the London conference. He was accompanied on this mission by his wife and two children. While in London he was suddenly seized with an illness that caused him great pain for a considerable time. It appeared to be appendicitis that troubled him. His missionary companions administered to him, and through the prayer of faith he was instantly healed, and has never since been troubled in the same way. Again he had occasion to acknowledge the goodness and power of God exercised in his behalf. In July, 1896, he again took his leave of dear ones at home and started upon another foreign mission. This time he went as first counselor to Elder Rulon S. Wells, who at the same time was called to preside over the European mission. H«= spent two and a half years in the ministry while filling this position. During this time he traveled extensively throughout Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia, Germany, and Switzerland, and also visited France, Austria and Italy. At the general conference of the Church held in October, 1897, Brother McMurrin was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and was ordained to this position by Apostle Anthon H. Lund, in Liverpool, England, Jan. 21, 1898. Brother Lund was then on his way to the Holy Land. Since his return from his last foreign mission, Pres. McMurrin has been chosen a member of the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, and has been actively engaged in the ministry in the Stakes of Zion, visiting the Mutual Improvement Associations, the quorums of Seventies, attending Stake conferences, and performing other such duties as pertain to his callings. In his travels he has visited nearly all the Stakes of Zion. In company with Apostle Abraham O. Woodruff he made an extended trip Into what is known as the Big Horn country, during the summer of 1899. On this journey they traveled with team about twelve hundred miles, and in doing so were occupied about six weeks. For about three hundred miles of the way they journeyed over the old "Mormon" emigrant road, which was first marked out by the pioneers of 1847. This to them was quite an interesting feature. The country along parts of the Shoshone river was examined, and after the return of the brethren it was decided to send a colony into the basin to locate there. On their journey these visiting brethren found quite a number of Latter-day Saints located at a town called Burlington. They had been there for a number of years, and Elders Woodruff an McMurrin organized them into a Ward. This year (1901) a Stake of Zion has been formed in the basin, and the prospects are that many more Latter-day Saints will build homes in that section of Wyoming. Brother McMurrin has already spent nearly ten years abroad as a missionary, and has traveled seventy- five thousand miles while engaged in missionary work. As a minister of the gospel he is earnest, active and enthusiastic, and his extensive experience in the ministry has made him highly capable in performing and directing missionary labors. He has a good knowledge of the gospel and of Church government, is discerning and discreet; and in his labors he enjoys to a marked degree the spirit of inspiration, not only in public speaking but also in directing the efforts and movements of himself and others. His life is an example of what may be accomplished by a willing obedience to those in authority. By ever seeking to perform the duties required of him, and by his studious habits, he has gained an education in the practical matters of life that will serve him admirably in the calling imposed upon him. The development and knowledge received through his missionary labors make him eminently qualified for the position he holds as one of the presidents in the First Council of Seventies.—Edwin F. Parry.
McMURRIN, Joseph William, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies since 1896, and at present the junior member of that council, is the son of Joseph McMurrin and Margaret Leaing, and was born Sept. 5, 1858, in Tooele, Tooele county, Utah. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Salt Lake City, where he spent his boyhood days. His opportunities for scholastic education were but meager, and while quite a youth he was apprenticed to the stone-cutter's trade, and worked for about two years on the Salt Lake Temple. When only seventeen years old he was called upon a colonizing mission to Arizona. He left his home to fulfill this call Feb. 1, 1876, driving two yoke of cattle on the way. After two months of hard travel he, with his companions, arrived near the present site of St. Joseph, on the Little Colorado river. He spent two years in assisting to establish that town. While upon this mission he gained considerable valuable experience in constructing dams and canals, in getting out timber from the forests, in building log houses, as well as in plowing and planting, and all such work as is common to pioneer life. A little incident that occurred while he was in Arizona is worth relating, showing, as it does, that he at that time had learned to put his trust in the Lord for guidance. It also furnishes an example of the efficacy of prayer. On one occasion, while upon the mountains in the midst of a dense forest, he lost his bearings and was unable to return to the camp where his companions were located. He searched for hours for the camp, but all in vain. His feelings at this time were most distressing, as he knew there was little hope of finding any human beings or habitation within a hundred miles if he missed his companions. As the shades of night approached he knelt down and sought the Lord in prayer, asking that he might be directed back to the camp. Immediately on arising from his knees he felt strongly impressed to go in a direction exactly opposite to the one he had previously supposed was the one to take. He followed this impression and to his great joy was led in a direct line to the camp. On being released from this Arizona mission he returned to his home in Salt Lake City, and for some time afterwards was engaged in hauling freight. Through this occupation he became familiar with the various mining camps in the vicinity of Great Salt Lake valley. In 1881, in connection with some friends, he secured a contract to build a part of the Oregon Short Line grade near Granger, Wyoming. While engaged in this work he received a call to take a mission to Great Britain, and in October of that year he left home in compliance with that call. Upon his arrival in Liverpool he was assigned to the Scottish conference. This was much to his satisfaction, as his parents were natives of Scotland and he had a strong desire to visit the land of his fathers. He labored for twenty-five months in that land, the last seven months as president of the conference. His labors upon this mission were very enjoyable as well as profitable to him. He had the satisfaction of baptizing- fifty souls, and among this number were two of his father's sisters. Ever since this his first mission abroad Elder McMurrin has been an enthusiastic advocate of missionary work, and now, after a lapse of twenty years, he feels assured that no other experience or training could have been of so much worth to him as that gained while a boy missionary in Scotland. After his return from Great Britain he was called as a home missionary, and was also active in the Ward in which he resided. On the night of Nov. 28, 1885, a tragedy occurred which, were it not for a miracle, would have terminated in the death of Elder McMurrin. This was during the period known among our people as the "crusade"— when officers of the law were raiding the settlements of the Saints in search of offenders against the Edmunds acts, and when much unnecessary violence was resorted to in order to capture those who were most eagerly sought. Elder McMurrin, on the occasion above mentioned, was attacked by a United States deputy marshal, who shot him twice in the bowels, the bullets passing entirely through his body. Being wounded in such a vital part, no hope could Jae entertained that human skill would be of any avail in saving his life. The most eminent doctors of the city were positive in their opinion that he could not live. More than one of them declared that no person had ever been known to survive such deadly wounds. Brother McMurrin also felt that his life was fast ebbing away, and fully expected to die. While in this condition—waiting for the end—and believing that he had but a few hours at most to live, he was visited by Apostle John Henry Smith. He related to the Apostle what the doctors had told him, and expressed his own belief in the correctness of their views. After hearing what Brother McMurrin had to say. Apostle Smith took him by the hand and said: "Brother Joseph, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that if you desire to live you shall live, no matter what doctors may say to the contrary." Elder McMurrin had a wife and two children at this time, and had -a strong desire to live to care for them, and the promise of the Apostle filled him with hope and joy. But when Apostle Smith had departed from the house, and when he looked at the dreadful wounds in his body, he could not believe it possible that the promise would be realized. God, however, in His merciful kindness, and in fulfillment of the promise of His inspired servant, spared his life. The wounds were healed, and Elder McMurrin was completely restored to soundness of body. His recovery was a miracle wrought by the power of the Lord, and he freely and emphatically acknowledges that such was the case. In 1886 Elder .Mc- Murrin was called a second time to take a mission to Great Britain. This time he labored in various parts of the mission. He was absent from home over four years, and during the last two and a half years of this period he presided over the London conference. He was accompanied on this mission by his wife and two children. While in London he was suddenly seized with an illness that caused him great pain for a considerable time. It appeared to be appendicitis that troubled him. His missionary companions administered to him, and through the prayer of faith he was instantly healed, and has never since been troubled in the same way. Again he had occasion to acknowledge the goodness and power of God exercised in his behalf. In July, 1896, he again took his leave of dear ones at home and started upon another foreign mission. This time he went as first counselor to Elder Rulon S. Wells, who at the same time was called to preside over the European mission. H«= spent two and a half years in the ministry while filling this position. During this time he traveled extensively throughout Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia, Germany, and Switzerland, and also visited France, Austria and Italy. At the general conference of the Church held in October, 1897, Brother McMurrin was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and was ordained to this position by Apostle Anthon H. Lund, in Liverpool, England, Jan. 21, 1898. Brother Lund was then on his way to the Holy Land. Since his return from his last foreign mission, Pres. McMurrin has been chosen a member of the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, and has been actively engaged in the ministry in the Stakes of Zion, visiting the Mutual Improvement Associations, the quorums of Seventies, attending Stake conferences, and performing other such duties as pertain to his callings. In his travels he has visited nearly all the Stakes of Zion. In company with Apostle Abraham O. Woodruff he made an extended trip Into what is known as the Big Horn country, during the summer of 1899. On this journey they traveled with team about twelve hundred miles, and in doing so were occupied about six weeks. For about three hundred miles of the way they journeyed over the old "Mormon" emigrant road, which was first marked out by the pioneers of 1847. This to them was quite an interesting feature. The country along parts of the Shoshone river was examined, and after the return of the brethren it was decided to send a colony into the basin to locate there. On their journey these visiting brethren found quite a number of Latter-day Saints located at a town called Burlington. They had been there for a number of years, and Elders Woodruff an McMurrin organized them into a Ward. This year (1901) a Stake of Zion has been formed in the basin, and the prospects are that many more Latter-day Saints will build homes in that section of Wyoming. Brother McMurrin has already spent nearly ten years abroad as a missionary, and has traveled seventy- five thousand miles while engaged in missionary work. As a minister of the gospel he is earnest, active and enthusiastic, and his extensive experience in the ministry has made him highly capable in performing and directing missionary labors. He has a good knowledge of the gospel and of Church government, is discerning and discreet; and in his labors he enjoys to a marked degree the spirit of inspiration, not only in public speaking but also in directing the efforts and movements of himself and others. His life is an example of what may be accomplished by a willing obedience to those in authority. By ever seeking to perform the duties required of him, and by his studious habits, he has gained an education in the practical matters of life that will serve him admirably in the calling imposed upon him. The development and knowledge received through his missionary labors make him eminently qualified for the position he holds as one of the presidents in the First Council of Seventies.—Edwin F. Parry.
Jenson, Andrew. "McMurrin, Joseph W." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 243, 323.
McMURRIN, Joseph W., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A., died in Los Angeles, California, Oct. 24, 1932. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 216.)
McMURRIN, Joseph W., president of the California Mission from 1919 to 1932, died Oct. 24, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 216.)
McMURRIN, Joseph W., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A., died in Los Angeles, California, Oct. 24, 1932. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 216.)
McMURRIN, Joseph W., president of the California Mission from 1919 to 1932, died Oct. 24, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 216.)
Parry, Edwin F. "Lives of Our Leaders - The First Council of the Seventy: President Joseph W. McMurrin." Juvenile Instructor. 1 September 1901. pg. 512-516.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS.—THE FIRST COUNCIL OF THE SEVENTY. PRESIDENT JOSEPH W. McMURRIN. THE subject of this sketch is the latest chosen President of the First Council of Seventy, and is the youngest of the seven who preside over the numerous quorums of Seventies throughout the Church. He is the son of Joseph and Margaret Leaing McMurrin, and was born in Tooele, Utah, September 5, 1858. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Salt Lake City, and it was here he spent his boyhood days. His opportunities for scholastic education were but meager, and while quite a youth he was apprenticed to the stone-cutter's trade, and worked for about two years on the Salt Lake Temple. When only seventeen years old he was called upon a colonizing mission to Arizona. He left his home to fulfill this call on the first of February, 1876, driving two yoke of cattle on the way. After two months of hard travel he, with his companions, arrived near the present site of St. Joseph, on the Little Colorado River. He spent two years in assisting to establish that town. While upon this mission he gained considerable valuable experience in constructing dams and canals, in getting out timber from the forests, in building log houses, as well as in plowing and planting, and all such work as is common to pioneer life. A little incident that occurred while he was in Arizona is worth relating, showing, as it does, that he at that time had learned to put his trust in the Lord for guidance. It also furnishes an example of the efficacy of prayer. On one occasion, while upon the mountains in the midst of a dense forest, he lost his bearings and was unable to return to the camp where his companions were located. He searched for hours for the camp, but all in vain. His feelings at this time were most distressing, as he knew there was little hope of finding any human beings or habitation within a hundred miles if he missed his companions. As the shades of night approached he knelt down and sought the Lord in prayer, asking that he might be directed back to the camp. Immediately on arising from his knees he felt strongly impressed to go in a direction exactly opposite to the one he had previously supposed was the one to take. He followed this impression and to his great joy was led in a direct line to the camp. On being released from this Arizona mission he returned to his home in Salt Lake City, and for some time afterwards was engaged in hauling freight. Through this occupation he became familiar with the various mining camps in the vicinity of Salt Lake valley. His next undertaking was that of railroad construction. In 1881, in connection with some friends, he secured a contract to build a part of the Oregon Short line grade near Granger, Wyoming. While engaged in this work he received a call to take a mission to Great Britain, and in October of that year he left home in compliance with that call. Upon his arrival in Liverpool he was assigned to the Scottish conference. This was much to his satisfaction, as his parents were natives of Scotland and he had a strong desire to visit the land of his fathers. He labored for twenty-five months in that land, the last seven months as president of the conference. His labors upon this mission were very enjoyable as well as profitable to him. He had the satisfaction of baptizing fifty souls, and among this number were two of his father's sisters. Ever since this his first mission abroad Elder McMurrin has been an enthusiastic advocate of missionary work, and now, after a lapse of twenty years, he feels assured that no other experience or training could have been of so much worth to him as that gained while a boy missionary in Scotland. After his return from Great Britain he was called as a home missionary, and was also active in the ward in which he resided. On the night of November 28, 1885, a tragedy occurred which, were it not for a miracle, would have terminated in the death of Elder McMurrin. It will be remembered that this was during the period known among our people as the «crusade»—when officers of the law were raiding the settlements of the Saints in search of offenders against the Edmunds acts, and when much unnecessary violence was resorted to in order to capture those who were most eagerly sought. Without any provocation Elder McMurrin, on the occasion above mentioned, was attacked by a United States deputy marshal, who shot him twice in the bowels, the bullets passing entirely through his body. Being wounded in such a vital part, no hope could be entertained that human skill would be of any avail in saving his life. The most eminent doctors of the city were positive in their opinion that he could not live. More than one of them declared that no person had ever been known to survive such deadly wounds. Brother McMurrin also felt that his life was fast ebbing away, and fully expected to die. While in this condition — waiting for the end—and believing that he had but a few hours at most to live, he was visited by Apostle John Henry Smith. He^ related to the Apostle what the doctors had told him, and expressed his own belief in the correctness of their views. After hearing what Brother McMurrin had to say, Apostle Smith took him by the hand and said: “Brother Joseph, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that if you desire to live you shall live, no matter what doctors may say to the contrary.” Elder McMurrin had a wife and two children at this time, and had a strong desire to live to care for them, and the promise of the Apostle filled him with hope and joy. But, when Apostle Smith had departed from the house, and when he looked at the dreadful wounds in his body, he could not believe it possible that the promise would be realized. God, however, in His merciful kindness, and in fulfillment of the promise of His inspired servant, spared his life. The wounds were healed, and Elder McMurrin was completely restored to soundness of body. His recovery was a miracle wrought by the power of the Lord, and he freely and emphatically acknowledges that such was the case. In 1886 Elder McMurrin was called a second time to take a mission to Great Britain. This time he labored in various parts of the mission. He was absent from home over four years, and during the last two and a half years of this period he presided over the London conference. He was accompanied on this mission by his wife and two children. While in London he was suddenly seized with an illness that caused him great pain for a considerable time. It appeared to be appendicitis that troubled him. His missionary companions administered to him, and through the prayer of faith he was instantly healed, and has never since been troubled in the same way. Again he had occasion to acknowledge the goodness and power of God exercised in his behalf. Like that of many of Israel's leaders, the history of Brother McMurrin's life is greatly made up of accounts of missionary labors. In July, 1896, he again took his leave of dear ones at home and started upon another foreign mission. This time he went as first counselor to Elder Rulon S. Wells, who at the same time was called to preside over the European mission. He spent two and a half years in the ministry while filling this position. During this time he traveled extensively throughout Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia, Germany, and Switzerland, and also visited France, Austria and Italy. At the general conference of the Church held in October, 1897, Brother McMurrin was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and was ordained to this position by Apostle Anthon H. Lund, in the city of Liverpool, England, January 21, 1898. Brother Lund was then on his way to the Holy Land. Since his return from his last foreign mission, President McMurrin has been chosen a member of the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, and has been actively engaged in the ministry in the stakes of Zion, visiting the Mutual Improvement Associations, the quorums of Seventies, attending stake conferences, and performing other such duties as pertain to his callings. In his travels he has visited nearly all the stakes of Zion. In company with Apostle A. O. Woodruff he made an extended trip into what is known as the Big Horn country, during the summer of 1899. On this journey they traveled with team about twelve hundred miles, and in doing so were occupied about six weeks. For about three hundred miles of the way they journeyed over the old Mormon emigrant road, which was first marked out by the pioneers of 1847. This to them was quite an interesting feature. The country along parts of the Shoshone River was examined, and after the return of the brethren it was decided to send a colony into the basin to locate there. On their journey these visiting brethren found quite a number of Latter-day Saints located at a town called Burlington. They had been there for a number of years, and Elders Woodruff and McMurrin organized them into a ward. This year a stake of Zion has been formed in the basin, and the prospects are that many more Latter-day Saints will build homes in that section of Wyoming. Brother McMurrin has spent nearly ten years abroad as a missionary, and has traveled seventy-five thousand miles while engaged in missionary work; and yet he is a young man in years, abundantly possessed of both mental and physical strength. As a minister of the Gospel he is earnest, active and enthusiastic, and his extensive experience in the ministry has made him highly capable in performing and directing missionary labors. While he is of a modest, unassuming disposition, he is possessed of much force of character. He has a good knowledge of the Gospel and of Church government, is discerning and discreet; and in his labors he enjoys to a marked degree the spirit of inspiration, not only in public speaking but also in directing the efforts and movements of himself and others. His life is an example of what may be accomplished by a willing obedience to those in authority. As has been already stated, he had, while in his boyhood days, a very limited opportunity of acquiring an education in the institutions of learning, yet, by ever seeking to perform the duties required of him, and by his studious habits, he has gained an education in the practical matters of life that will serve him admirably in the calling imposed upon him. The development and knowledge received through his missionary labors make him eminently qualified for the position he holds as one of the Presidents in the First Council of Seventy. Edwin F. Parry. |
PRESIDENT JOSEPH W. McMURRlN.
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Young, Levi Edgar. "President Joseph W. McMurrin." Improvement Era. December 1932. pg. 91-92.
President Joseph W. McMurrin By LEVI EDGAR YOUNG A Tribute from a Colleague of the First Seven Presidents of Seventy THE death of President Joseph W. McMurrin o n October 25 in Los Angeles, California, was received by his friends with a peculiar sense of grief. He had become well known throughout the stakes of Zion, and wherever he went, he carried the message of faith and uplift to the people. While quite a decade has passed since he lived in Salt Lake City, his ringing testimony will be remembered by the saints wherever he has spoken. President McMurrin was of Scotch descent. His forebears were among the first people in Scotland to accept the Gospel, and the son inherited an intense love for the doctrines of the Master as taught by the prophet, Joseph Smith. From his youth and throughout his career, he had a burning desire to realize the bond of fellowship with his Maker, and had a fearless response to the call of duty. He served as a missionary for many years in the mission field, both at home and abroad. Called to the divine office of one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventy, he was enabled as never before to preach the teachings of Jesus as the true way of salvation. This call seemed to create a new determination in him to help Christianize a world of unbelief, and it is the reason why President McMurrin inspired so many people to understand the spiritual life of man. For three years, President McMurrin, with President Rulon S. Wells, presided over the European Mission where in many countries he championed his conviction in the cause of Christianity. During the last ten years he has labored as head of the California Mission. For many months President McMurrin has been a sufferer in body, but he kept steadfastly on toward the goal. WHEN a young man, Elder McMurrin was shot while keeping vigil over some of the leaders of the Church. After many weeks of suffering, he arose from his bed and triumphantly exclaimed in the thought of a native Scotchman: "Fight on, my men. Sir Andrew says, A little I'm hurt, but not yet slain; I'll but lie down and bleed awhile, And then I'll rise and fight again. On the far-flung "battle line," he was afterwards found, and there he remained until the time of his death, a champion of the true and living God. Elder McMurrin was intense in his purposes. He adhered closely to the teachings of the master-prophet Joseph Smith. He cared little for the arguments of philosophy. His was a knowledge that comes of faith in the divine word of God. A literalist and fundamentalist whenever the teachings of Jesus Christ were involved, he held strictly to the belief that "Man is 'made in the image of God." Of this truth, he had no doubt. The Bible, the Book of Mormon, and all the Church works were his guides to the true concept and meaning of life. He never doubted that "the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached unto them." He was truly a soldier of the Cross. Joseph McMurrin lived and directed his life toward one ideal which may be summed up in these words: The end of religion is to know God and realize a bond of fellowship with Him. "We know in part and we prophesy in part: but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away." For him faith was everything, and he related faith to the needs of life. Filled with the knowledge that Jesus our Savior died for the salvation of mankind, he always raised his voice and acclaimed the divine message that leads to life eternal. His one unfailing source of happiness was his trust in God. He drew near unto his statutes and found peace under His shadow. He believed that God's providence is over all our lives; that God's grace never leaves us; that God's love walks with us through the great wilderness. So he gave his life to the divine will, and it was because of this that he came through the battle of life unto perfect peace. I called on him just a few hours before his death. I felt that he was looking forward with divine hope and confidence to the end of the way, where angels stood ready to receive him. He had gloried in the battle, and was hearing the trumpet call. St. Paul tells Us that the true Christian "Forgets the things that are behind, and reaches towards the things that are before, and presses towards the goal." President McMurrin played his part well on the stage of life. The rest is in the hands of God. His life may be summed up in the Apostle's injunction: "Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." |
Joseph W. McMurrin
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"President Joseph W. McMurrin Called Home." Relief Society Magazine. December 1932. pg. 739-740.
President Joseph W. McMurrin Called Home
THE long Missionary service of Elder Joseph W. McMurrin of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies came to its earthly close when, on October 24th, 1932, he was released by the Angel of Death. His life was devoted to missionary service. He answered a call to go to Arizona when he was 18, later he enjoyed three missions to England and presided over the California Mission from 1919 to 1932. It was his great joy while presiding over the Scottish Conference to baptize fifty persons. While laboring pn England on his third mission he was chosen as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies. Whether in the mission field or at home he was always glad to explain the Gospel and bear his testimony regarding its divinity. Few men have such a record. In his evangelical work he was pleased and happy in that he was doing the work he preferred doing above all else.
Elder David O. McKay paid this beautiful tribute to him at his funeral:
"His life was exemplified by the five salient marks of greatness: He chose the right ; he resisted temptation ; he bore his burdens cheerfully ; he was calm in the storm, and he relied on the truth, on virtue and on God unalterably. And what more could one ask of a man in the service of the Lord, he offered his life for his friends." With full assurance he wrote shortly before his death, "I am going home to my God." Surely he would receive the welcome, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the rest of thy Lord."
May his family be comforted. May his children emulate his integrity and devotion to the truth.
President Joseph W. McMurrin Called Home
THE long Missionary service of Elder Joseph W. McMurrin of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies came to its earthly close when, on October 24th, 1932, he was released by the Angel of Death. His life was devoted to missionary service. He answered a call to go to Arizona when he was 18, later he enjoyed three missions to England and presided over the California Mission from 1919 to 1932. It was his great joy while presiding over the Scottish Conference to baptize fifty persons. While laboring pn England on his third mission he was chosen as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies. Whether in the mission field or at home he was always glad to explain the Gospel and bear his testimony regarding its divinity. Few men have such a record. In his evangelical work he was pleased and happy in that he was doing the work he preferred doing above all else.
Elder David O. McKay paid this beautiful tribute to him at his funeral:
"His life was exemplified by the five salient marks of greatness: He chose the right ; he resisted temptation ; he bore his burdens cheerfully ; he was calm in the storm, and he relied on the truth, on virtue and on God unalterably. And what more could one ask of a man in the service of the Lord, he offered his life for his friends." With full assurance he wrote shortly before his death, "I am going home to my God." Surely he would receive the welcome, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the rest of thy Lord."
May his family be comforted. May his children emulate his integrity and devotion to the truth.