Matthew Cowley
Born: 2 August 1897
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 11 October 1945
Died: 13 December 1953
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 11 October 1945
Died: 13 December 1953
Biographical Articles
Improvement Era, November 1945, Matthew Cowley of the Council of the Twelve
Instructor, November 1945, Matthew Cowley
Relief Society Magazine, December 1945, Elder Matthew Cowley
Instructor, July 1951, Elder Matthew Cowley
Improvement Era, January 1954, Elder Matthew Cowley - 1897-1953
Instructor, February 1954, He Comforted the Troubled
Relief Society Magazine, February 1954, In Memoriam - Matthew Cowley - Or the Man of Many Friends
Instructor, December 1961, Fear Not Death
Instructor, June 1966, Miracle in New Zealand - Matthew Cowley
Ensign, July 2015, Matthew Cowley's Mission to New Zealand
Instructor, November 1945, Matthew Cowley
Relief Society Magazine, December 1945, Elder Matthew Cowley
Instructor, July 1951, Elder Matthew Cowley
Improvement Era, January 1954, Elder Matthew Cowley - 1897-1953
Instructor, February 1954, He Comforted the Troubled
Relief Society Magazine, February 1954, In Memoriam - Matthew Cowley - Or the Man of Many Friends
Instructor, December 1961, Fear Not Death
Instructor, June 1966, Miracle in New Zealand - Matthew Cowley
Ensign, July 2015, Matthew Cowley's Mission to New Zealand
"Matthew Cowley of the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. November 1945. pg. 640-641.
MATTHEW COWLEY of the Council of the Twelve Truly has the proverb said, "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord." (Prov. 20:27.) Long before the entrance of Matthew Cowley into his particular sphere of activity in life, August 2, 1897, at Preston, Idaho, the "candle of the Lord" was lighted in the spirit of his forebears and handed down to him to bear aloft as the torch of truth. When asked to perform a mission for his Church, his grandfather, Matthias Cowley, at first demurred, saying he was a man of few words. He fufilled the mission, however, and it was his tenacity, his honesty and integrity of purpose that not only led unbelievers out of the wilderness of doubt but that was passed on to his progeny through his union with Sarah Elizabeth Foss, refined and educated daughter of Calvin Foss and Sarah Brackett Carter. Firstborn son of these two was Matthias Foss Cowley, father of Matthew, and formerly a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Forty-eight years have been performed in missionary work by Matthias F. Cowley, his children, and two grandsons. The following are Matthew Cowley's brothers and sisters: Matthias Hyde Cowley ( deceased ) ; Abbie C. Harker, Leona C. Olsen, Captain Moses F. Cowley (deceased), Dr. William Hyde Cowley, Carol C. Dame, Judge Charles Gloyd Cowley; Laura C. Brossard, Inspector Samuel Parkinson Cowley, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Department of Justice (deceased); Elna C. Austin, Joseph F. Cowley, C.PA.; Heber C. Cowley (deceased). Lois C. Gilchrist, and Louis M. Cowley, realtor. Of Matthew Cowley's maternal grandfather, William Hyde, a member of the famous Mormon Battalion, it is significant that among his seven missions to which he gave most of his life, the last, in 1853. was to "Australasia" where he was among the first to carry the gospel message to that part of the Lord's family which Elder Matthew Cowley himself was to serve many years later. On one of his earlier missions Elder Hyde converted and baptized Abigail Gloyd. a woman of incalculable perseverance, who later was to become his wife and the mother of Abbie Hyde, Matthew's mother, whose patience, forbearance, love of family and of humankind were noteworthy. Her marriage to Matthias F. Cowley was one of the first three to be performed in the Logan Temple. And what of Matthew Cowley, our new apostle? Both by inheritance from his progenitors, and by his own labors and faith and devotion, there have come into his possession great gifts and lovable qualities, among them: A genuine love of mankind regardless of creed or color, a humanness in his treatment of those less fortunate than himself in the matter of choosing and overcoming, a devotion to his family and his Church, a diligence in the performance of his civic duties, and diffused over all, that ever-saving grace, a sense of humor. Elder Cowley, in his talk before the recently completed conference related: There was a flood in New Zealand in 1939 which drowned twenty-two white men but no brown men were drowned. At the inquest as to the reason for this a brown man testified, "The white men ran for their money; we ran for our lives." "For the rest of my life," Matthew said, "I shall be running for my life." Which is equivalent, is it not, to that other saying, He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matt. 10:39.) If the Maoris, among whom Elder Cowley has labored as a missionary for thirteen years of his life, are any judge, truly this elder has "found his life" in the service of his Church and its people Not only has he sustained this portion of the house of Israel in their beliefs and integrity in the Church, he has fathered them, consoled them in their sorrows, and rejoiced with them in their blessings. Aided by his good wife, Elva Taylor Cowley, daughter of Stanley F. and Matilda Sims Taylor, to whom he was married by President George Albert Smith in the Salt Lake Temple in 1922, he did indeed minister unto their physical and spiritual needs as they did unto his. Since she became his wife, Sister Elva has remained the spiritual help and intellectual associate of her husband. Obtaining her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Utah, she used the knowledge thus gained in teaching the youth in the high schools of Utah and later in rearing their daughter Eleanor Jewel Cowley Sheffield, wife of Lt. Val Jolley Sheffield, U.S.N.R., and past student body president and graduate of the University of Utah; and in mothering their adopted son, Duncan Meha, aged six, who was born in New Zealand. It may be added here with great truth that the duties of the wife of this or any other mission president are not negligible. Not only must she be the homemaker and caretaker of her family and of the president of the mission, but she also has in addition her own Church auxiliary duties to perform. A PATRIARCHAL BLESSING given to Elder Matthew Cowley by Patriarch Luther Burnham in 1903 is prophetic: "Thou shalt become an ambassador of Christ to the uttermost bounds of the earth. . . . You shall be sent as a delegate to the ten tribes and will become a leader and an interpreter in the midst of that people, and because of the power of God that shall be with you, and the blessings of the Almighty, you shall be greatly beloved by that people." Matthew Cowley was only seventeen years of age when he went on his first mission to the New Zealanders; yet during that five-year period, which covered the entire duration of the first World War, he translated the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price into the Maori language and re-edited the Book of Mormon, formerly translated into Maori, thus fulfilling the promise of the patriarch. Elder Cowley's second mission to New Zealand began in 1938 and ended only recently, after once again remaining throughout the entire period of a second World War in which it seemed all the powers of evil were released throughout the world. But the truths of the gospel as lived and dispensed by President Matthew Cowley served as a great antidote to those destructive influences among the people with whom he labored. Rich in spiritual gifts and blessings, Matthew also achieved distinction in educational attainments for which he had to work. The school year of 1919- 20 found him at the University of Utah in the school of arts and sciences, where he was also affiliated with the Sigma Chi fraternity. His fearlessness in attacking new and untried problems in his educational career is illustrated in the incident of his trying to obtain employment in a bank in Washington, D.C. Asked if he was acquainted with that certain branch of the banking business, Matthew said, "Yes, that's easy," and immediately set his whole mental and physical mechanism to work to learn that particular phase of the work in order to hold the job his confidence in himself had inspired. Later on, he was employed by Senator Smoot as special assistant to the U. S. Senate Finance Committee. Not to neglect his Church duties during this time of applying himself, to education and a profession, Matthew accepted the responsibility of superintendent of Sunday School of the Church in Washington, D.C. It was his philosophy that all these extracurricular activities of earning his way and administering to his Church duties did not hinder but whetted his appetite for his studies in law at George Washington University. He left the law school armed with a degree of bachelor of laws and came home to practice his profession as an attorney. From 1925 to 1938 he practiced law, serving as assistant county attorney from 1926 to 1928 and as county attorney in 1930, in which capacity he served one term. He was also, during this time, active in the policies of the Republican party for which he served as president of the Republican club. But then, as previously, his Church duties occupied a predominant part of his life. He served on the Wells Stake Sunday School board and as ward Sunday School and Mutual Improvement Association teacher. As through his own will and courage, his humility, his humanity, and spiritual zeal, sympathetic understanding heart, his knowledge of the gospel together with his eloquence as a preacher, Matthew Cowley has been blessed to serve those with whom he has come in contact, so with the continued blessings of his Heavenly Father will he continue to serve in the new capacity to which he has been called and set apart as an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
ELDER MATTHEW COWLEY
ELDER COWLEY'S BIRTHPLACE, PRESTON, IDAHO
MATTHIAS FOSS COWLEY, AND ABBIE HYDE COWLEY, FATHER AND MOTHER OF MATTHEW
MATTHEW AT THE AGE OF FOUR AND (IN INSERT) AT THE AGE OF EIGHT
VAL SHEFFIELD, SON-IN-LAW OF MATTHEW COWLEY
ELVA T. COWLEY, WIFE OF MATTHEW COWLEY; JEWEL COWLEY SHEFFIELD, DAUGHTER; AND DUNCAN MEHA
"TONI" COWLEY, THEIR ADOPTED SON HUI TAU HELD IN 1939 AT NGARUAWAHIA IN NEW ZEALAND.
ELDER COWLEY, IN THE CENTER FOREGROUND, IS ADDRESSING THE LARGE GATHERING, ONLY A FEW OF WHOM ARE PICTURED HERE. MANY NOTABLES, MAORI AND EUROPEAN, WERE PRESENT, INCLUDING THE MAORI KING. |
Evans, John Henry. "Matthew Cowley." Instructor. November 1945. pg. 509, 511.
Matthew Cowley
JOHN HENRY EVANS
There is something peculiarly appropriate in the selection of Matthew Cowley to fill the vacancy in the Council of the Twelve. It is a climax to a life of devoted service to the Church, and these are not mere words.
His father, Matthias F. Cowley, was one of the great preachers of righteousness in his time—zealous, true, energetic, intelligent. It was in a home dominantly influenced by this man that the new Apostle was reared. No doubt this home gave to "Matt" his main interest, religion, which sometimes, if you are an active Latter-day Saint, interferes with your trade or profession, since it eats up so much of your time.
Before he was seventeen he went to New Zealand on a mission for the Church. He was twenty-two when he returned. In those five years he learned the Maori language perfectly. Then he attended the L.D.S. High School, in Salt Lake City, where he first met Elva Taylor, and took his degree at the University of Utah, where the two continued their friendship, which resulted in their marriage. A course in law in Washington topped Elder Cowley's education. At home he became county attorney in Salt Lake county.
One can learn anywhere—if he has a mind to, A cultured, educated man can pick up many things from those who pass as inferior. That is what Elder Cowley thought.
The Maoris are a simple people, with simple ways. There is nothing of the corkscrew about their minds. They can instinctively penetrate to the core of truth—which cannot be said of many with superior training. Most of the Mormon converts there are of the better class. The Maoris believe what they believe. There are no half-way measures about them. They go all the way or not at all. And when they believe a thing, that is all there is to it. Moreover, they take naturally to the gospel. Religion is their element.
Simplicity, trustfulness, devotion to what they accept as truth—this Elder Cowley found among the Maoris.
But he got more than that. He got a philosophy of life. Like other people, they have their adversities, but they don't suffer from adversities. An American rich today and poor tomorrow, is apt to jump off a ten-story building. He cannot take it. Not so the Maori. Money isn't worth suicide. He goes on living.
All this may sound foreign to the subject of this sketch. It is not, however. This sort of thing, with what went on in his boyhood home, went unconsciously into the making of Matthew Cowley. The plant always grows out of soil.
In 1938, when President David O. McKay asked Elder Cowley to call on him. President McKay asked him whether he would take a second mission to New Zealand. "I'll go if I'm called." "Well," the President said, "You think about it." But Elder Cowley replied, "I don't need to think about it. I'll go if I'm called; and, if I'm not, I'll stay home."
The next morning President McKay called him up and said, "You're called."
That was in the same spirit of his home, the same spirit as the Maoris whose devotion matched that in the home.
Of such stuff is this new Apostle made.
Matthew Cowley
JOHN HENRY EVANS
There is something peculiarly appropriate in the selection of Matthew Cowley to fill the vacancy in the Council of the Twelve. It is a climax to a life of devoted service to the Church, and these are not mere words.
His father, Matthias F. Cowley, was one of the great preachers of righteousness in his time—zealous, true, energetic, intelligent. It was in a home dominantly influenced by this man that the new Apostle was reared. No doubt this home gave to "Matt" his main interest, religion, which sometimes, if you are an active Latter-day Saint, interferes with your trade or profession, since it eats up so much of your time.
Before he was seventeen he went to New Zealand on a mission for the Church. He was twenty-two when he returned. In those five years he learned the Maori language perfectly. Then he attended the L.D.S. High School, in Salt Lake City, where he first met Elva Taylor, and took his degree at the University of Utah, where the two continued their friendship, which resulted in their marriage. A course in law in Washington topped Elder Cowley's education. At home he became county attorney in Salt Lake county.
One can learn anywhere—if he has a mind to, A cultured, educated man can pick up many things from those who pass as inferior. That is what Elder Cowley thought.
The Maoris are a simple people, with simple ways. There is nothing of the corkscrew about their minds. They can instinctively penetrate to the core of truth—which cannot be said of many with superior training. Most of the Mormon converts there are of the better class. The Maoris believe what they believe. There are no half-way measures about them. They go all the way or not at all. And when they believe a thing, that is all there is to it. Moreover, they take naturally to the gospel. Religion is their element.
Simplicity, trustfulness, devotion to what they accept as truth—this Elder Cowley found among the Maoris.
But he got more than that. He got a philosophy of life. Like other people, they have their adversities, but they don't suffer from adversities. An American rich today and poor tomorrow, is apt to jump off a ten-story building. He cannot take it. Not so the Maori. Money isn't worth suicide. He goes on living.
All this may sound foreign to the subject of this sketch. It is not, however. This sort of thing, with what went on in his boyhood home, went unconsciously into the making of Matthew Cowley. The plant always grows out of soil.
In 1938, when President David O. McKay asked Elder Cowley to call on him. President McKay asked him whether he would take a second mission to New Zealand. "I'll go if I'm called." "Well," the President said, "You think about it." But Elder Cowley replied, "I don't need to think about it. I'll go if I'm called; and, if I'm not, I'll stay home."
The next morning President McKay called him up and said, "You're called."
That was in the same spirit of his home, the same spirit as the Maoris whose devotion matched that in the home.
Of such stuff is this new Apostle made.
Towler, Thomas E. "Elder Matthew Cowley." Relief Society Magazine. December 1945. pg. 722-723.
Elder Matthew Cowley Elder Thomas E. Towler President of Wells Stake SIX months before Elder Matthew Cowley left New Zealand, one of the native saints predicted that he would be chosen an apostle. His patriarchal blessing states: “You shall become an ambassador of Christ to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Your understanding shall be great and your wisdom reach to heaven." Elder Cowley is eminently trained and qualified for such an exalted position. He was born of goodly parents and lived the gospel in his youth. In his early manhood he married a beautiful and talented young lady, Elva Taylor, and they have labored together to make the world a better place in which to live. Thirteen years of Elder Cowley's life have been devoted to missionary work in New Zealand. He labored there during both of the world wars. His experiences have taught him one of the great lessons of life, namely, 'There are two sides to every story." As a result, he is blessed with a sympathetic understanding, is kind and patient, honest and fair, does not excuse failings in men, but is ever anxious to assist them to overcome their failings. His nature is one of absolute loyalty and he does not like destructive criticism. Because of his genuine humility, he has never sought after any position in the Church. He is altruistic, liberal, and generous. Before leaving New Zealand, he literally gave the coat off his back. A faithful saint admired the topcoat he was wearing, and in a Christ-like spirit, he took it off and gave it to him. Blessed with a sense of wit and humor, coupled with a pleasing personality, has won for him a host of friends. Because of his great work among the Maori people and the thorough understanding he has of them. Elder Cowley is admired and respected by government officials of New Zealand, and has been given important assignments by them. Possibly his greatest achievement is his spiritual and intellectual strength by which he has become a powerful preacher of righteousness. As he travels throughout the Church, he will warm the hearts of the saints and stimulate them to righteous living. The leaders and saints of Wells Stake are appreciative of the life and labors of Elder Cowley at home and abroad. They are firmly convinced that his call came by inspiration and that he will be a tower of strength in the great work of the Lord which lies ahead for him. |
THE MATTHEW COWLEY FAMILY
Elder Matthew Cowley and Elva Taylor Cowley, daughter, Jewell Cowley Sheffield, and adopted son, Duncan Meha (Toni) Cowley. |
Bennion, Milton. "Elder Matthew Cowley." Instructor. July 1951. pg. 195.
ELDER MATTHEW COWLEY By Milton Bennion ELDER Matthew Cowley, recently appointed to serve with Elder John A. Widtsoe as advisors to the Sunday School General Board, is properly rated as one of the greatest missionaries of this generation of Latter-day Saints. In recent years he presided over the missions extending from Japan and the coast of China across the Pacific to the continent of North America. From this major responsibility he was released a few months ago to serve with his fellow apostles at church headquarters, and from there to visit stakes and missions to supervise their work. His missionary work began when he was sent to New Zealand at age seventeen. He labored there for five years and was released at the end of World War I. On his return to Salt Lake City he attended the University of Utah for one year, then went to Washington D.C. to study law and public finance. While there he was employed by Senator Smoot as a special assistant to the United States Senate Finance Committee. He also served as Superintendent of the Sunday School in Washington D.C. He graduated from George Washington University with the degree Bachelor of Laws and returned to Salt Lake City to practice his profession. In the early years of his professional practice he served as Assistant County Attorney, and one term as County Attorney. He was active in politics and served one year as President of the Republican Club. He taught classes in the M.I.A. and the Sunday School, and for one year was a member of the Wells Stake Sunday School Board. In 1938 he was called to preside over the New Zealand Mission. His through mastery of the Maori language in his early youth, his sympathetic understanding of the people, together with his gospel scholarship, qualified him in eminent degree for the position to which he had been called by the Presidency of the Church. His love of the people, and his interest in everything that pertained to their welfare was rewarded by their love and confidence and eagerness to do everything they could for him. They rejoiced when he was called to the apostleship, although sorry to lose him from their immediate presence. They took it as a great reward to them when he was, in a rather brief time, sent back to preside over all the Pacific Missions. The fact that most of these were branches of the Polynesian race with closely related languages made it easier for President Cowley to meet all of them effectively as he toured the missions. He had mothers, after the Polynesian custom, wherever he went. They were happy to do everything that was in their power for his convenience and comfort after his frequent rugged and sometimes perilous voyages from one mission to another. In return he gave them and their people inspiration toward higher standards of religious living. His service was also highly appreciated by the Japanese people in the Central Pacific Mission. His counsel will be appreciated by the General Board and by all workers in the Latter-day Saint Sunday Schools. |
ELDER MATTHEW COWLEY
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"Elder Matthew Cowley - 1897-1953." Improvement Era. January 1954. pg. 11-12, 49.
Elder Matthew Cowley 1897-1953 WITH PROFOUND SORROW the membership of the Church learned of the passing of Elder Matthew Cowley, member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Sunday morning, December 13, 1953. He and his wife, Elva Taylor Cowley, had gone to attend the cornerstone laying ceremonies for the Los Angeles Temple. Elder Cowley, fifty-six years old at the time of his sudden death, had earned a respected name for himself through his missionary work as well as through his activity as a member of the Council of the Twelve. He was a convincing speaker and his appeal to youth was strong because of his love and understanding of them. It was while he was addressing a group of students at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, that he suffered a heart attack in 1946. President McKay had seen Elder Cowley on Saturday morning, the day following the ceremonies, and said at that time that Elder Cowley was not feeling well. Elder and Sister Cowley had planned to visit in Los Angeles a few days before returning home. In fact they had visited with Joseph F. Cowley in his Los Angeles home Saturday evening. His brother said to him as Matthew was leaving, "Now, Matt, take care of yourself. We want you with us a long, long time." Brother Cowley said, "Joe, life is eternal." It proved to be his last testimony. Brother Cowley apparently did not suffer but died in his sleep. Matthew Cowley was born August 2, 1897 in Preston, Idaho, the son of Matthias F. (formerly a member of the Council of the Twelve) and Abbie Hyde Cowley. He was baptized by his father in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, on August 2, 1905. October 21, 1914, he was set apart as a missionary to New Zealand and departed the following day for a mission that lasted for nearly five years. He returned July 3, 1919 and three years later (July 13, 1922) married Elva Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple. His schooling prepared him for the law, having been graduated from LDSU, attending the University of Utah, and completing his training at George Washington University, at which time he worked for the late Senator Reed Smoot as special assistant to the Senate Finance committee. Earlier he had been a clerk in the Federal Reserve Bank of Salt Lake City, Utah. When he returned to Utah, he opened his law office. It was while he was a member of the firm of Cowley and Thomas that he was elected Salt Lake County attorney on the Republican ticket in 1930, a position he held for two years, following his service as assistant county attorney. He also was president of the Young Men's Republican Club for one year. In addition to his service as an Apostle and a missionary, his activity in the Church included membership on the Wells Stake Sunday School board, ward Sunday School and Mutual Improvement Association teacher. Following Brother Cowley's death, President McKay said of him: "He had a combination of rare gifts, a keen sense of humor, a rare and stirring eloquence; he was a great preacher of the truth. A love for his fellow man moved him to deeds of kindness and mercy on all occasions. "Elder Cowley had a trust in wayward humanity that begot in them an implicit trust in him; a devotion to his people and their interests that inspired confidence; a love for the dwellers of the Islands of the Sea that brought him their full respect, confidence, and love in return. He had a great and simple faith that carried solace to the sick and the healing influence of the Spirit of the Lord to the afflicted; a forthrightness that engendered respect even in those whom he had to correct for wrongdoing. He had a great measure of kindliness, patience, forbearance, tolerance, and charity he bestowed upon all. "He had a great soul and was one of the chosen instruments of the Lord to carry on the vital work of this Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. "We, the Saints, the world round, shall miss him. We pray that his influence for good may radiate in ever-widening circles. "To his bereaved wife and children, to his kinsfolk everywhere, we extend our sincere sympathy and our prayers that the Lord will bestow upon them his peace and consolation. May their minds be filled with the joyous memories of past associations that will crowd out the sense of present loss. May they, day by day, come to a fuller knowledge that shortly they will be with him in an association of joy and bliss that will last throughout eternity." During the time of Elder Cowley's first mission he learned to speak the Maori language fluently, and he was enabled to translate the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price into that tongue. He also reedited the Book of Mormon in Maori. He was called by the Polynesians Tumuaki (leader) in their great love and respect for him. When he was called to preside over the New Zealand Mission January 18, 1938, he still remembered the language. He stayed with them this time for eight years, returning September 6, 1945. He returned from his two missions among the Polynesians with a deep love and respect for their integrity and faith. He was sustained as a member of the Council of the Twelve on October 5, 1945 in semi-annual conference of the Church, and was set apart on October 11 by President George Albert Smith, the first to be ordained by him. He became known as the Apostle of the Polynesians. In December 1946 Elder Cowley was made president of the Pacific Mission, similar to the European Mission in scope. The Pacific Mission includes: the Hawaiian, Central Pacific, Samoan, Tongan, Tahitian, New Zealand, and Australian missions. Late in February 1947 he left for a tour of the Hawaiian and Central Pacific missions, returning in time for April conference. Following his attendance at conference, he returned to visit the Australian, New Zealand, Samoan, Tongan, and Tahitian missions. He desired to study the possibilities of greater use of the Hawaiian Temple by the peoples of the Pacific through promotion of excursions and the gathering of their genealogies. He also checked on the advisability of establishing Church schools in some of the Pacific missions to improve educational standards of the Church members. His services, held in the Tabernacle, Wednesday, December 16, were most impressive. President McKay read tributes to Brother Cowley that came from "the uttermost parts of the world," and stated that Brother Cowley was ready and prepared for death: "We believe that death does not end the individual existence, of one who has thus lived, that he lives not only in the memory of friends as indicated here today, not only in family, through his children and children's children, but that his personality persists." President Clark said, "Matt was not cut in the normal pattern of most of us. He was his own pattern, rare gifts, rarely combined. . . . Place and authority never turned his head; he was the humble servant of all with whom he associated. . . . He loved mankind and mankind loved him." He said further words of great comfort: "No righteous man ever leaves this stage of existence until his work is finished." President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve gave his tribute through the beautiful and moving passage in Matthew: "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." (25:34-35.) Then President Smith said, "We loved him for the integrity of his heart, for his devotion to duty, his willingness to serve, his obedience to counsel and to the direction of his brethren." Bishop Rudd of the Fourth Ward spoke of his great work among the Polynesian peoples and of his devotion and service to the sick, whom Brother Cowley constantly visited and blessed. Besides his widow, Brother Cowley is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Jewell (Val J.) Sheffield, Salt Lake City; an adopted son, Duncan Meha Cowley, 14, a native of New Zealand, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Joseph W. (Leona) Olsen, Mrs. John L. (Carol) Dame, and Dr. Hyde Cowley, all of Salt Lake City; Charles Gloyd Cowley, Ogden district fudge; Mrs. Laura C. Brossard, wife of Edgar B. Brossard, chairman, US Tariff Commission, Washington D. C; Mrs. Wayne C. (Elna) Austin, Louis and Joseph Cowley, all of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Lois Cowley Gilchrist, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A stepmother, Mrs. Luella P. Cowley, and two grandchildren, also survive. |
Elder Matthew Cowley with his daughter Jewell Sheffield, Sister Elva Cowley and their adopted son Duncan Meha.
Matthias F. Cowley, father
Abbie Hyde Cowley, mother
Matthew at the age of four.
Speaking to King Koraki, Princess Te Puea, and their people, at Ngaruawahia, New Zealand, April 1939.
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"He Comforted the Troubled." Instructor. February 1954. pg. 40-41.
He Comforted the Troubled So fades a summer cloud away; So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; So gently shuts the eye of day; So dies a wave along the shore. —M. Barbauld. One of Elder Matthew Cowley's outstanding attributes was that of a great heart filled with love, gratitude and affection for others. It was a love born of his devotion to the simple truths of the Restored Gospel; a love that knew no barriers. To him everyone was good. His personal interest in the affairs of others from all walks of life touched their hearts and made of each a friend. He recognized in everyone an immortal soul to be loved as a precious child of God. Though he walked with the great and important, he gave comfort to those who were troubled. In his compassion for the sick and afflicted, he suffered with them. Now his earthly mission is completed. Here are a few glimpses of this beloved man who was an adviser to the General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union since April, 1951: Life Is Eternal While Elder Matthew Cowley was leaving our home after spending Saturday evening with us, we suggested that he take good care of himself in the interest of a long life. He chuckled softly and replied, "Life is eternal." This was just seven hours before his passing. —Joseph F. Cowley, Brother The "Underdog" - His Hobby "What is your chief hobby?" I asked Elder Matthew Cowley as we chatted one day. "My chief hobby? I wonder if I have one," and he leaned his head into his hand in retrospective thought. "I didn't know I had a hobby," he finally answered, "but if I have, it's the 'underdog." "You know," he continued, "it makes my heart bleed to see a man— my friend, and they are all my friends—look hopefully, beseechingly at me and say 'can you spare me the price of a meal?' I can tell from his staggering demeanor that it's liquor and not food that he craves with a desperate hunger. I think, 'there, but for the blessings of God and the entreating solicitude of my wonderful parents, might I be.' "Alcoholics Anonymous, Brother Hill, is a wonderful organization of these rescued men. It is doing an immense amount of good. It is the one hope of men, unwaringly caught in the meshes of this almost unshakeable disease — alcoholism — to regain again self-respect and normal family life and useful citizenship. Its members stand ready, day or night, to go to a suffering recruit with companionship to bolster his faith in God and in his own fighting qualities in his desperate struggle to break the strangle hold of demon rum. "The fight must go on for months, sometimes years before it is won. If my small mite can help some struggling mortal to regain his manhood, oh how I want to give it!" —George R. Hill, General Superintendent, Deseret Sunday School Union. He Did Not Condemn Any Man Elder Matthew Cowley took the Lord's work, but not himself, seriously. He frequently reminded his friends of what he called the "fifth commandment" — don't take yourself too seriously. One evening in 1950 when Elder Cowley was in Tahiti in connection with the dedication of a chapel in that far-off island, he retired to his room after an exhausting day of Church service. Word reached him through his companion, Alma G. Burton, that 18 natives were waiting outside for his blessing. Despite his weariness, Elder Cowley told Brother Burton to send them to his room. He put his clothes back on and gave each of the 18 a blessing, He commented that he was in Tahiti to "bless these people." He said that as long as the Lord would let him, he would do so. Elder Cowley, as a member of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University, never overlooked an opportunity to advance the program of the school. During the drive for funds for the "Y" fieldhouse in 1950 and 1951, he sent out more than 400 personal appeals for contributions to friends and acquaintances. The results were amazing. Some who received letters had already made substantial gifts. But after hearing from their friend "Matt" they sent an additional amount as an expression of love for him. He also delivered several helpful talks in connection with the drive for funds. In his ministry, Elder Cowley condemned sin but not the Lord's children. Discussing some of the wayward with a missionary friend, he said that he was not here to condemn any man. He would disapprove sin and acts that were not according to the commandments. But he felt — saint or sinner — all of us were children of God and "I don't condemn them." His sympathy and friendship for all classes knew no bounds. After his passing, an inmate of the state penitentiary talked to a member of the State Board of Pardons regarding Elder Cowley. The prisoner was so touched that he wept over the loss of his friend. Elder Cowley knew those on both sides of a fence. He rebuked those who had violated the law, but they loved him. Elder Cowley was a fisherman of men. His apostleship was anything but a desk job. Frequently he dropped in the business establishments of his friends for visits. He would sit down with a bottle of pop and visit with all of the employees— from the manager to the lowest paid. Elder Cowley felt that worthiness in Latter-day Saints should be taken into account in providing chapels and places to meet. He felt that worthy Saints of small income deserved to meet in circumstances as favorable as those of more wealth. -Clark N. Stohl, Personal Friend. "Kia Ngawari" — Be Tolerant Elder Matthew Cowley changed my life completely — this man, whose outstanding personality has touched the hearts of all Polynesia. We as missionaries were taught one thing in particular throughout our mission: "Kia Ngawari," which name we adopted for our missionary group. This word has a depth of meaning similar to "Aloha" in the Hawaiian language. It means "Be Peaceful," "Be Long Suffering," "Be Tolerant," "Be Loving and Kind." When Tumaki Cowley talked to us, he always emphasized this "Kia Ngawari." The marvelous example that he set for us as missionaries has indeed enriched our lives. He stayed in the most humble of homes and ate the most humble food. He praised, but never condemned. He loved all and hated none. He indeed truly exemplified the life of Jesus Christ and was a true witness of Christ's mission. —Richard A. Lambert, Former Missionary Addresses Not Written One day while driving in northern Idaho with Elder Matthew Cowley, I asked him what the subject of his address would be that evening in conference. He replied that he did not know yet. He added that he had not written a speech since he had been called to the Council of the Twelve, except for those delivered on the "Church of the Air" broadcasts. These were required to be written beforehand. He then told me of this cherished experience when he was ordained to the Twelve. After the ordination. President George Albert Smith placed his arm over Elder Cowley's shoulders and said, "Brother Matt., do not ever write a speech as long as you live, but rely on the inspiration of the Lord that you always seem to have with you." I have accompanied Elder Cowley on many assignments and heard him deliver his masterful sermons; they have always been messages filled with the same spirit of inspiration. His preparation did not include writing his addresses. —David M. Evans. Former Missionary. He Inspired Confidence Elder Matthew Cowley was continually pleasant, and he had a way of making each one of us in his office feel important, needed and wanted. Our problems were important to him, and he inspired our confidence. No matter how pressing his duties were, he took time to become acquainted with each of us and to give a few minutes of his time each day, to lift our spirits and make us smile or chuckle. Those moments became the high light of each day. —Mickey Ashdown, Secretary. |
Elder Matthew Cowley
ELDER MATTHEW COWLEY
Elder Matthew Cowley was the first General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be appointed president of the Pacific Missions. In this capacity he served with distinction, for he was a true friend of the Polynesian people. Previously he spent 13 years as a missionary or mission president among the Maoris in the New Zealand Mission. When only 17 he was called on his first mission there; in 1938 he returned to preside over the mission as president. He learned to speak the Maori language so well that he translated the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and re-edited the Book of Mormon in the New Zealand native tongue. In 1946, he was appointed as president of the Pacific Missions with headquarters in Salt Lake City. He was born Aug 2, 1897, in Preston, Ida., son of the late Elder Matthias F. Cowley, formerly a member of the Twelve. His mother was Abbie Hyde Cowley. The same year they moved to Salt Lake City. There he attended the public schools and the old LDS High School. After returning from his mission to New Zealand, he attended the University of Utah where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He later attended George Washington University while employed in Washington D. C as a special assistant to the Senate Finance Committee. He was graduated from the latter university with his degree in law. After returning to Utah, he practiced law in Salt Lake City. It was while a member of the law firm of Cowley and Thomas that he was elected Salt Lake county attorney. He had served as assistant county attorney for over two years prior to that time. In 1922 he married Elva Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple. Their daughter is Mrs. Eleanor Jewell Cowley Sheffield. When they returned from the mission field in 1938 they brought with them an adopted son, Duncan Meha Cowley, a native boy from New Zealand. Elder Cowley was sustained a member of the Council of the Twelve at the October, 1945, General Conference and was ordained by the late President George Albert Smith. He died in his sleep of heart trouble, December 13, 1953. -B.O.H. |
Kimball, Spencer W. "In Memoriam - Matthew Cowley - Or the Man of Many Friends." Relief Society Magazine. February 1954. pg. 78-80.
In Memoriam—Matthew Cowley, or The Man of Many Friends (August 2, 1897—December 13, 1953) EJder Spencer W. Kimball Of the Council of the Twelve IF A DESCENDANT of Lehi were coining a descriptive name for Elder Matthew Cowley as is the custom, he might likely call him The Man of Many Friends. The Tabernacle full of loving folks at his funeral spoke silent but eloquent testimony to the love which this great apostle drew from his many friends who came long distances to pay tribute. Brother Cowley had a pattern all his own. No other was like him. With a meeting finished he often picked up his hat and coat and wandered down the block. He stopped at the small cleaning shop, the candy counter, at the elevator, or paused on the sidewalk to talk to people who were not often touched by others, and when he left them they who had been discouraged were smiling, and they who had been groping in darkness at midday had taken a firmer hand-hold. The Lord exhorted his people to extend invitations to dinner, not to friends, kinsmen, and rich neighbors who could return the favor, but to invite the "poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind," and those who were less able to recompense. This admonition, our brother Matthew took seriously to heart. The humor of his stories, the twinkle in his eye, the sincere interest and concern he manifested, all warmed the heart and stirred the resolve. The man who had lost his way now had firmer grip; the estranged one forgave and deserved forgiveness; the lonesome one now had a friend; and the foreign born now felt he had a countryman. The Savior's parable of the ninety and nine was a part of Elder Cowley's philosophy. He found that the ratio was not one but many to a hundred, and every day his footsteps led him to the stumbling one whose walk became stable by the lift given. He gave vision; he stiffened backbones and strengthened determinations. Elder Cowley was eloquent. Someone had urged him years ago to perfect his speech, and with determined effort, he had mastered a vocabulary of rich and expressive yet unostentatious words. His voice was strong and penetrating, his diction impressive, and people listened and absorbed his messages. He commended righteousness and attacked abuses. The missionaries who came under his leadership in New Zealand returned home inspired and set. Almost without exception they have remained true to the faith and continued active in the Church. If a member of this close-knit society met sorrow, misfortune, or tragedy the entire group was at his side with their former president in the center. There were groceries as well as prayers. BROTHER COWLEY loved and was loved by the Lehites in both the Americas and on all the islands. He was their champion. They felt in a very real sense that he accepted them as friend and brother. He spoke their language, ate their food, sang their songs, and dreamed their dreams. He walked lei-covered in flower gardens with the Hawaiians, sat shoe-less on the floor with the Japanese, climbed the ladder to the top of the stone house of the Hopi, fraternized with the Navajo in his hogan, and sat cross-legged in the thatched roof home of the Maori. In the islands the people near worship him. They met the plane or boat with smiling faces, and they sang their farewell songs with tearful hearts as he left their shores. Peace had settled down upon them and they would live closer to their Maker now that their loved leader had stirred their thoughts and warmed their souls again. Tumauki Cowley, the Maoris called him. This meant, great leader, big chief, or president. This was his title favored by him, and he glowed when they referred to him thusly, and as they saw the blind seeing, the lame walking, and the sick recovered through the power of the Lord under his hand of faith, they regarded their Tumauki as the Polynesian prophet. To them he spoke ''as one having authority." The apostle had real prestige in New Zealand not only among the Church members but among the natives generally and the Europeans, the politicians, and even the clerics of other faiths. With sectarian ministers and priests and others, he was invited to participate in a national meeting to consider the welfare of the native people, Elder Cowley was called upon to speak first in the initial meeting, and he was requested to speak in the Maori language as the leaders wished to show how perfectly a non-native could master the Ianguage when he was sufficiently interested in them. He spoke fluently and eloquently in Maori, then in English. Then, on the last day of the conference, he was the only speaker. His clear and sensible plan of welfare and individual initiative for his adopted people brought hearty approval and he was asked by Parliament officials to use their facilities and draft a program in line with his suggestions. In a couple of days he had drawn up a document which Parliament adopted and made law. He urged the people to retain their language and all that was good of their traditions arts, crafts, customs, and to perpetuate their wood carving and weaving for future generations. The death of their friend and advocate President Rufus K. Hardy brought sorrow to the islanders who said in their loneliness that they were without 'a friend in court," when Rahiri Harris, a prominent Maori, stopped them short and predicted: 'Tumauki Cowley will be the next apostle." At the next general conference, October 1945, Matthew Cowley was called to the apostleship. When I think of Matt (as we affectionately called him) I think of the Good Samaritan at rescue work on the road to Jericho, I remember the woman caught in sin subject to stoning, concerning whom the Redeemer said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone"; I envision the little Nephite children being blessed in the arms of the Master; and I think of the vision to Peter extending the gospel to all peoples of the earth. Though I had never met Brother Cowley when he was made a member of our council, I needed only one trip to Hawaii with him to develop a deep admiration for his great but simple faith and a sincere affection which I am sure will last through eternities. |
ELDER MATTHEW COWLEY
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Burton, Marshall T. "Fear Not Death." Instructor. December 1961. pg. 404.
Fear Not Death[1] Compiled by Marshall T. Burton Elder Matthew Cowley "I know that life is eternal. It is so simple to believe in it now. It may have been difficult in times past, but now we know that the whole universe is full of life—life that we cannot see, but it is there. You turn on your radio, and it comes to life. What is the life of your radio? It is not the tubes. It is not the wires. It is not the beautiful piece of furniture. The life of your radio, your television is out here in the universe. Destroy the tubes. Destroy the beautiful cabinet — what happens ? You have only destroyed that which is material. You have not destroyed the power, the life which made that instrument live. You cannot destroy that. Man did not invent these powers. General Electric did not. Westinghouse did not. They have always been there. They have always existed. They are eternal. Life is just as eternal. Yes, our tubes may burn out, these mortal tubes. We lay away these bodies. They degenerate, but the life which animated these bodies, you cannot destroy that. If life were not immortal, what would animate the body of a newborn babe? Oh, it is so simple to believe in these things now in this age of miracles. . . "I leave my witness with you, brothers and sisters, as an expert witness. I believe now I could qualify in any court by all the rules of evidence as an expert witness that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the living- God, and that life is eternal."[2] [1] (For Course 20, lesson of February 11, "The Purpose of Death"; and of general interest. A 12-niinute LDS film strip is now available which can be used to create a focal point for this lesson. A 33% rpm record can furnish sound to accompany the film strip and printed script. They can be purchased by sending a check or money order in the amount of $5.95 direct to Inland West Distributors, Box 8197, Salt Lake City, Utah.) [2] Matthew Cowley Speaks, 1960; Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah; pages 445, 446. |
Elder Cowley
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Wheelwright, Lorin F. "Miracle in New Zealand." Instructor. June 1966. pg. 208-209.
Miracle In New Zealand[1] by Lorin F. Wheelwright After the morning session of quarterly conference in Wellington, New Zealand, last December, a young man approached me and introduced himself as Raha Wineera. He said his sister had written that I was coming and that I wanted to meet him. We talked for several minutes, and then I invited him outside where I could take a photograph for The Instructor. Raha's picture appears on the cover of this issue. The boy was friendly and cooperative. Not only did he come outside with me, but a group of his friends gathered round and came also. After taking the cover picture, I photographed Raha with his friends; and this picture illustrates the esteem in which this young man is held by those who know him. Thousands of Saints in New Zealand and elsewhere have thrilled to the story of how a blind baby received his sight some years ago under the priesthood blessing of Elder Matthew Cowley. Raha Wineera was that baby. When I first read the report of this healing incident some years ago, I was struck with the simplicity of the event and the casual manner in which Elder Cowley related it. I wondered whether it really could have happened. I resolved then that some day, if I ever had the opportunity, I would like to meet the boy whose sight was given through the power of the priesthood. First, let me review the talk by Elder Cowley which stirred me to seek out this young man. "I've had some great experiences," said Elder Cowley to the Brigham Young University student body in 1953. "There have been times when the Lord has forsaken me. But when he hasn't, I've had some miraculous—well, I shouldn't say miraculous—it is the normal experience of the priesthood, of having the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I can bear witness to you, my fellow students, here this morning, that God can work through His priesthood and that He does work through it. I know that without any question of doubt. I've had too many experiences. I'm an expert witness about these things."[2] Elder Cowley related several incidents of healings and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Then he told this incident. I’ve told the story about the little baby nine months old who was born blind. The father came up with him one Sunday and. said, "Brother Cowley, our baby hasn't been blessed yet; we'd like you to bless him." I said, "Why have you waited so long?" "Oh, we just didn't get around to it." Now, that's the native way; I like that. They just don't get around to doing things! Why not live and enjoy it? I said, "All right, what's the name?" So he told me the name, and I was just going to start when he said, "By the way, give him his vision when you give him a name. He was born blind." Well, it shocked me, but then I said to myself, why not? Christ told his disciples when he left them they would work miracles. And I had faith in that father's faith. After I gave that child its name, I finally got around to giving it its vision. That boy's about twelve years old now. The last time I was back there I was afraid to inquire about him. I was sure he had gone blind again. That's the way my faith works sometimes. So I asked the branch president about him. And he said, "Brother Cowley, the worst thing you ever did was to bless that child to receive his vision. He's the meanest kid in the neighborhood, always getting into mischief." Boy, I was thrilled about that kid getting into mischief! . . . God does have control of all these elements. You and 1 can reach out, and if it's his will, we can bring those elements under our control for his purposes. I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. And if there ever was a miracle in the history of mankind that miracle is this Church which has grown to its present greatness in the earth. . . .[3] Recently, as a member of the general board of the Sunday School, I was assigned to visit the stakes of New Zealand. While there I inquired about that boy whose eyes had been healed through a blessing by Elder Cowley. I was told that his sister lived at Hamilton, where the Church College and temple are situated. Through the good help of President Heber G, Jensen of the New Zealand Temple, I reached her by telephone. I inquired, “Is your brother living in New Zealand—the one who was given his sight through a blessing from President Cowley?" "Oh, yes," she replied. "He is now residing in Wellington. When you visit that stake he will probably be attending the meetings. He is very active in the Church." "Tell me what you remember about the incident of his blessing," I asked; and she replied, "There were some details which I think Brother Cowley did not recall, but I remember them vividly. My brother was the youngest of sixteen children. We lived in Porirua. Mother was not a member of the Church, but father was a member. It was customary for us to wait to bless the babies until the president of the mission came to visit. He would visit us about three times a year. It was on the occasion of one of these visits that we took Raha (which is the name we call him) to be blessed. The baby was about a year old at the time. Father gave him to a deacon at the door. The deacon is now my husband. The branch was holding a conference and the hall was full. All Saints who could travel were there. This deacon carried the baby and the message from my father to President Cowley. The message was to name the baby Te Rauparaha Wineera and to bless him so that he might have his sight, because he was born blind. This deacon delivered the baby and the message to President Cowley. The president thought quietly for several minutes, then blessed the baby and promised him that he would see." Then I asked her if the promise was fulfilled, and, if so, how. She replied: "His sight came to him gradually. People accepted it as a normal result of the blessing. Everybody remembers the event with a warm feeling, and they all love the boy and feel he received a very special blessing from the Lord." I found Raha to be very active indeed. He is serving as second assistant in the Sunday School superintendency of Porirua Ward. At 22 years of age, any inclination he had toward boyhood mischief has long been surpassed by a maturing and friendly personality. He said he had not been able to go to high school or college, and that he works at a pipe factory. He answered my question about getting married by saying he hasn't thought much about it yet, but, "Give me time." He said he had learned about his healing from hearing testimonies born by the Saints regarding him. He said, "I didn't take much notice until I was about sixteen years old." Then he made this simple and direct statement which I recorded in my notes: "I have a testimony of the Church and would like to learn more." This young man, born March 4, 1944, is a living testimony to the power of the priesthood. When reporting this experience at general conference in 1949, Elder Cowley, who was then a member of the Council of the Twelve, commented on his feelings at the time he was asked to seek the Lord's blessing and give this child his sight. I was overwhelmed. I was doubtful, but I knew that within the being of that Polynesian [Raha's father} there was the simple faith of a child, a faith not beclouded by psychology or any of the learning of men but a simple faith in God and the promises he had made through his Son Jesus Christ. I gave that child its name, and eventually I mustered up enough courage to bless it with its vision.[4] He concluded his conference address by saying: . . . I leave my testimony with you that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and these are men of God, endowed with the power from on high to be the leaders of God's children in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. May we sustain them as such I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.[5] This declaration by Elder Cowley stirs my heart as I recall my visit to New Zealand and my meeting with Te Rauparaha Wineera, whose clear eyes looked into my eyes as he said, "I have a testimony of the Church and would like to learn more." Library File Reference: MIRACLES. [1] (For Course 4, lesson of September 11, "Power of the Priesthood"; for Course 10, lesson of August 21, "In the House of Mourning"; for Course 14, lessons of July 17 and August 21, "Teachings and Miracles Near Jerusalem" and "Near Jericho"; for Course 28, lesson of August 21, "Spiritual Gifts"; to support Family Home Evening lessons 31 and 33; and of general interest.) [2] Matthew Cowley, Matthew Cawley Speaks; Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1960; page 238. [3] Matthew Cowley Speaks, pages 247, 248. [4] Matthew Cowley Speaks, page 5. [5] Matthew Cowley Speaks, page 10. |
Popular young Raha is joined by his friends.
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