Melvin J. Ballard
Born: 9 February 1873
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 January 1919
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1922
Released from Superintendency of the YMMIA: 1935
Died: 30 July 1939
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 January 1919
Called as Second Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1922
Released from Superintendency of the YMMIA: 1935
Died: 30 July 1939
Conference TalksApr 1909
Oct 1909 Apr 1910 Oct 1910 Apr 1911 Oct 1911 Apr 1912 Oct 1912 Apr 1913 Oct 1913 Apr 1914 Oct 1914 Apr 1915 Oct 1915 Apr 1916 Oct 1916 Apr 1917 Oct 1917 Apr 1918 Apr 1918 Image source: Improvement Era, February 1919
Image source: Juvenile Instructor, March 1919
Image source: Improvement Era, October 1932
|
Image source: Improvement Era, January 1909
Image source: Improvement Era, October 1925
Image source: Young Women's Journal, March 1919
Image source: Improvement Era, July 1950
|
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, The New Apostle, Melvin J. Ballard
Juvenile Instructor, March 1919, Melvin J. Ballard
Young Woman's Journal, March 1919, Melvin J. Ballard
Improvement Era, October 1925, Melvin J. Ballard
Improvement Era, October 1932, Greatness in Men - Melvin J. Ballard
Relief Society Magazine, August 1939, Apostle Melvin Joseph Ballard
Improvement Era, September 1939, Melvin J. Ballard, A Beloved Apostle Departs
Improvement Era, September 1939, Melvin J. Ballard
Improvement Era, July 1950, Search Diligently - New Light on the Ballard Family
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, The New Apostle, Melvin J. Ballard
Juvenile Instructor, March 1919, Melvin J. Ballard
Young Woman's Journal, March 1919, Melvin J. Ballard
Improvement Era, October 1925, Melvin J. Ballard
Improvement Era, October 1932, Greatness in Men - Melvin J. Ballard
Relief Society Magazine, August 1939, Apostle Melvin Joseph Ballard
Improvement Era, September 1939, Melvin J. Ballard, A Beloved Apostle Departs
Improvement Era, September 1939, Melvin J. Ballard
Improvement Era, July 1950, Search Diligently - New Light on the Ballard Family
Jenson, Andrew. "Ballard, Melvin Joseph." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 419-420.
BALLARD, Melvin Joseph, counselor in the Bishopric of the Second Ward, Logan, Cache county, Utah, is the son of Henry Ballard and Margaret McNeal, and was born Feb. 9, 1873, in Logan, Cache county, Utah. He was baptized and confirmed Feb. 9, 1881, by Henry Ballard, ordained a Deacon in 1884 and a Priest Dec. 27, 1891, by Henry Ballard; ordained an Elder Feb. 5, 1895, by Wm. "Worley; graduated from Brigham Young College in 1894; married Martha A. Jones June 17, 1896, and was ordained a Seventy July 6, 1896, by Apostle John Henry Smith. He left Utah July 7, 1896, together with Brigham H. Roberts and Geo. D. Pyper on a special mission to the large cities of the Eastern States; and he finished his missionary labors in the Northern States mission, returning home in December, 1898. In 1899. together with Joseph E. Cardon, he organized the Logan Knitting Factory, which is one of the most important manufacturing institutions in the State. In January, 1900, he held a discussion at Logan with S. D. Condit, of the Reorganized Church, on the subject of succession, which is known locally as the great debate. He was ordained a High Priest April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman and set apart as a counselor to the Bishop of the Logan Second Ward.
BALLARD, Melvin Joseph, counselor in the Bishopric of the Second Ward, Logan, Cache county, Utah, is the son of Henry Ballard and Margaret McNeal, and was born Feb. 9, 1873, in Logan, Cache county, Utah. He was baptized and confirmed Feb. 9, 1881, by Henry Ballard, ordained a Deacon in 1884 and a Priest Dec. 27, 1891, by Henry Ballard; ordained an Elder Feb. 5, 1895, by Wm. "Worley; graduated from Brigham Young College in 1894; married Martha A. Jones June 17, 1896, and was ordained a Seventy July 6, 1896, by Apostle John Henry Smith. He left Utah July 7, 1896, together with Brigham H. Roberts and Geo. D. Pyper on a special mission to the large cities of the Eastern States; and he finished his missionary labors in the Northern States mission, returning home in December, 1898. In 1899. together with Joseph E. Cardon, he organized the Logan Knitting Factory, which is one of the most important manufacturing institutions in the State. In January, 1900, he held a discussion at Logan with S. D. Condit, of the Reorganized Church, on the subject of succession, which is known locally as the great debate. He was ordained a High Priest April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman and set apart as a counselor to the Bishop of the Logan Second Ward.
Jenson, Andrew. "Ballard, Melvin Joseph." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 744-746.
BALLARD, Melvin Joseph, the junior member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, was born Feb. 9, 1873, at Logan, Cache county, Utah, the son of Bishop Henry Ballard and Margaret McNeil. His parents, who emigrated to Utah in 1852, were numbered among the old sturdy pioneers, who endured the hardships incident to travel over the plains with ox teams and who assisted in the establishment of the great Western empire, making the "desert blossom as the rose" and laying upon the rocks a foundation that will weather every storm during the ages to come. They were exceptionally unassuming and succeeded in living the divine law as nearly perfect as seems possible to mortals. A few years prior to the birth of Melvin, much sickness and numerous deaths visited the home of the Ballards until it appeared at times as if they were forsaken, yet never a word of complaint fell from their lips, nor did they ever deny the power of God, who, in the midst of all these trials and sorrows, had comforted them with a testimony that God lives and overrules to bring about the perfection of his obedient children. Upon one of these sad occasions, when the clouds of darkness hovered long about them, the mother, with a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," bowed in solemn supplication before her Father, and received the assuring comfort that she should be given a son who would be numbered as one of the Apostles of the Lamb, and to her last day she maintained that this would come to pass just as it had been revealed to her. This knowledge was one of the many blessings which sustained and cheered her long years of toil and sacrifice. The boyhood days of Melvin were spent upon his father's farm, and in attending school as time and means permitted. He was a devoted worker and possessed a studious mind, aiming to qualify himself for what he felt to be his life's mission, the salvation of his fellow-men. He succeeded well in acquiring a common school education in the midst of difficulties. The divine art, music, made up a large part of his nature, the development of which has brought joy mingled with tears to thousands of souls, and no one In his home county is more gratefully and lovingly remembered in this respect than is he. Few funerals were held where the sadness of the occasion was not made brighter by the sympathetic strains of melody as they pierced into the very hearts of those who needed comfort. Melvin was baptized and confirmed on his eighth birthday by his father. In 1884 he was ordained a Deacon. In this capacity, as a boy, he first learned obedience in the operations of the Priesthood. He was prompt in attending his quorum meetings, in caring for the Ward meeting house, keeping it clean, making fires, and in doing whatever was essential for the comfort of those who attended Ward gatherings. In those days it was customary for the Deacons quorums throughout the Church to chop wood for the widows and poor among the people, and in this work young Melvin took great delight. Especially was it his custom to spend a part of each Christmas day, with a sleigh as a vehicle, in distributing gifts which had been given through his father, the Bishop, for the blessings and comfort of the widows and orphans and those In need. As a Priest, to which office he was ordained, Dec. 27, 1891, by his father, he manifested the same zeal and love for God's work that he had done while acting as a Deacon. In this calling he traveled as a teacher among the Ward members and received his first experience as a preacher of the gospel. His love for this constantly increased, and he endeared himself in the hearts of the people until they looked upon him as indeed a bearer of glad tidings. Elder Ballard entered the Brigham Young College and graduated with the class of 18 94 in the business course, following which he became a member of the faculty and taught music. The Higher Priesthood was conferred upon him Feb. 5, 1895, at which time he was ordained an Elder, and succeeded in magnifying his holy calling to the entire satisfaction of those who presided over him. At about this time he became acquainted with Miss Martha A. Jones and they were married in the Logan Temple June 17, 1896. On the sixth of July, 1896, Elder Ballard was ordained a Seventy by Apostle John Henry Smith and on the following day he was set apart as a missionary to labor with Elders Brigham H. Roberts and George D. Pyper to hold meetings in the larger cities of the United States. This special mission was continued for several months, and upon the return of Elder Roberts and Pyper to Utah, Elder Ballard was assigned to the Northern States Mission, where he labored with his usual energy. He was appointed president of the Southern Illinois Conference, in which capacity he served until honorably released to return home in December, 1898. In 1899, he assisted in organizing the Logan Knitting Factory, one of the leading factories of the State. He also assisted in organizing the Logan Commercial Club which was later united with the Booster's Club under the name of Commercial-Boosters Club. He served two terms as president and director of that organization, which now has a membership of about five hundred of Cache county's prominent businessmen. During the same year he was set apart as one of the presidents of the 40th quorum of Seventy, which position he filled with signal honor. In January, 1899, he held a week's discussion with one of the ministers of the Reorganized Church upon the question of succession, and succeeded in establishing in the hearts of the hearers the fact that the authority of the Priesthood is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brother Ballard was ordained a High Priest, April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, and by him set apart as a counselor to the Bishop of the Logan Second ward, where he labored untiringly until 190 6, when he was called as an alternate High Councilor in the Cache Stake of Zion, in which position he was afforded an opportunity of enlarging upon his usefulness because of a larger field in which to labor. At this time he had become a recognized speaker of exceptional ability, and his services were sought after by Bishops and presidents of auxiliary associations in his own and adjoining Stakes of Zion. During the winter of 1902-1903 he was called upon a short mission to Boise, Idaho, and assisted President Joseph W. McMurrin in organizing the scattered saints into a branch, which they successfully accomplished to the joy and comfort of many who had been long deprived of the blessings of an organization. Many public meetings were held which resulted in bringing several into the fold of the Redeemer. This small beginning later resulted in the organization of the Boise Stake of Zion. Notwithstanding his strenuous religious and business activities, he found time to serve in a civil way as a city councilman, and as a member of the civic organizations of the city and county. For three years he served upon the Stake Board of Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and Religion Classes; acted for many years as chorister of the Logan Second Ward, and was chairman of the Cache Stake Tabernacle choir for seventeen years, and assisted in installing a $15,000 pipe organ. While engaged primarily in Stake work he always found time to assist in a Ward capacity, for he was a devoted teacher in the Sunday school and president of the Y. M. M. I. A. for several years. Being called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission he was set apart for this very responsible position April 6, 1909. During his ten years of presidency, he presided over hundreds of young men and women missionaries, all of whom loved him with exceptional devotion. Thousands of saints also regard him as a man of God, devoted to the uplift of humanity. His friends are legion in the Northwest and are numbered among the leading business and professional men. Many chapels were built under his direction, and the spiritual and financial condition of the saints improved. Elder Ballard was ordained an Apostle, Jan. 7, 1919, by President Heber J. Grant to fill a vacancy caused by the reorganization of the First Presidency. The appointment of Elder Ballard as a member of the Council of Twelve, in harmony with the revelation to his mother before his birth, is further evidence of the beautiful harmony that comes through the operations of the Spirit of God through his humble and devoted children. His appointment gave universal satisfaction, and he entered upon his new duties with the love and affection of the saints everywhere. Brother and Sister Ballard are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, four boys and three girls. Since 1919 they have made their home in Salt Lake City.
BALLARD, Melvin Joseph, the junior member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, was born Feb. 9, 1873, at Logan, Cache county, Utah, the son of Bishop Henry Ballard and Margaret McNeil. His parents, who emigrated to Utah in 1852, were numbered among the old sturdy pioneers, who endured the hardships incident to travel over the plains with ox teams and who assisted in the establishment of the great Western empire, making the "desert blossom as the rose" and laying upon the rocks a foundation that will weather every storm during the ages to come. They were exceptionally unassuming and succeeded in living the divine law as nearly perfect as seems possible to mortals. A few years prior to the birth of Melvin, much sickness and numerous deaths visited the home of the Ballards until it appeared at times as if they were forsaken, yet never a word of complaint fell from their lips, nor did they ever deny the power of God, who, in the midst of all these trials and sorrows, had comforted them with a testimony that God lives and overrules to bring about the perfection of his obedient children. Upon one of these sad occasions, when the clouds of darkness hovered long about them, the mother, with a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," bowed in solemn supplication before her Father, and received the assuring comfort that she should be given a son who would be numbered as one of the Apostles of the Lamb, and to her last day she maintained that this would come to pass just as it had been revealed to her. This knowledge was one of the many blessings which sustained and cheered her long years of toil and sacrifice. The boyhood days of Melvin were spent upon his father's farm, and in attending school as time and means permitted. He was a devoted worker and possessed a studious mind, aiming to qualify himself for what he felt to be his life's mission, the salvation of his fellow-men. He succeeded well in acquiring a common school education in the midst of difficulties. The divine art, music, made up a large part of his nature, the development of which has brought joy mingled with tears to thousands of souls, and no one In his home county is more gratefully and lovingly remembered in this respect than is he. Few funerals were held where the sadness of the occasion was not made brighter by the sympathetic strains of melody as they pierced into the very hearts of those who needed comfort. Melvin was baptized and confirmed on his eighth birthday by his father. In 1884 he was ordained a Deacon. In this capacity, as a boy, he first learned obedience in the operations of the Priesthood. He was prompt in attending his quorum meetings, in caring for the Ward meeting house, keeping it clean, making fires, and in doing whatever was essential for the comfort of those who attended Ward gatherings. In those days it was customary for the Deacons quorums throughout the Church to chop wood for the widows and poor among the people, and in this work young Melvin took great delight. Especially was it his custom to spend a part of each Christmas day, with a sleigh as a vehicle, in distributing gifts which had been given through his father, the Bishop, for the blessings and comfort of the widows and orphans and those In need. As a Priest, to which office he was ordained, Dec. 27, 1891, by his father, he manifested the same zeal and love for God's work that he had done while acting as a Deacon. In this calling he traveled as a teacher among the Ward members and received his first experience as a preacher of the gospel. His love for this constantly increased, and he endeared himself in the hearts of the people until they looked upon him as indeed a bearer of glad tidings. Elder Ballard entered the Brigham Young College and graduated with the class of 18 94 in the business course, following which he became a member of the faculty and taught music. The Higher Priesthood was conferred upon him Feb. 5, 1895, at which time he was ordained an Elder, and succeeded in magnifying his holy calling to the entire satisfaction of those who presided over him. At about this time he became acquainted with Miss Martha A. Jones and they were married in the Logan Temple June 17, 1896. On the sixth of July, 1896, Elder Ballard was ordained a Seventy by Apostle John Henry Smith and on the following day he was set apart as a missionary to labor with Elders Brigham H. Roberts and George D. Pyper to hold meetings in the larger cities of the United States. This special mission was continued for several months, and upon the return of Elder Roberts and Pyper to Utah, Elder Ballard was assigned to the Northern States Mission, where he labored with his usual energy. He was appointed president of the Southern Illinois Conference, in which capacity he served until honorably released to return home in December, 1898. In 1899, he assisted in organizing the Logan Knitting Factory, one of the leading factories of the State. He also assisted in organizing the Logan Commercial Club which was later united with the Booster's Club under the name of Commercial-Boosters Club. He served two terms as president and director of that organization, which now has a membership of about five hundred of Cache county's prominent businessmen. During the same year he was set apart as one of the presidents of the 40th quorum of Seventy, which position he filled with signal honor. In January, 1899, he held a week's discussion with one of the ministers of the Reorganized Church upon the question of succession, and succeeded in establishing in the hearts of the hearers the fact that the authority of the Priesthood is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brother Ballard was ordained a High Priest, April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, and by him set apart as a counselor to the Bishop of the Logan Second ward, where he labored untiringly until 190 6, when he was called as an alternate High Councilor in the Cache Stake of Zion, in which position he was afforded an opportunity of enlarging upon his usefulness because of a larger field in which to labor. At this time he had become a recognized speaker of exceptional ability, and his services were sought after by Bishops and presidents of auxiliary associations in his own and adjoining Stakes of Zion. During the winter of 1902-1903 he was called upon a short mission to Boise, Idaho, and assisted President Joseph W. McMurrin in organizing the scattered saints into a branch, which they successfully accomplished to the joy and comfort of many who had been long deprived of the blessings of an organization. Many public meetings were held which resulted in bringing several into the fold of the Redeemer. This small beginning later resulted in the organization of the Boise Stake of Zion. Notwithstanding his strenuous religious and business activities, he found time to serve in a civil way as a city councilman, and as a member of the civic organizations of the city and county. For three years he served upon the Stake Board of Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and Religion Classes; acted for many years as chorister of the Logan Second Ward, and was chairman of the Cache Stake Tabernacle choir for seventeen years, and assisted in installing a $15,000 pipe organ. While engaged primarily in Stake work he always found time to assist in a Ward capacity, for he was a devoted teacher in the Sunday school and president of the Y. M. M. I. A. for several years. Being called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission he was set apart for this very responsible position April 6, 1909. During his ten years of presidency, he presided over hundreds of young men and women missionaries, all of whom loved him with exceptional devotion. Thousands of saints also regard him as a man of God, devoted to the uplift of humanity. His friends are legion in the Northwest and are numbered among the leading business and professional men. Many chapels were built under his direction, and the spiritual and financial condition of the saints improved. Elder Ballard was ordained an Apostle, Jan. 7, 1919, by President Heber J. Grant to fill a vacancy caused by the reorganization of the First Presidency. The appointment of Elder Ballard as a member of the Council of Twelve, in harmony with the revelation to his mother before his birth, is further evidence of the beautiful harmony that comes through the operations of the Spirit of God through his humble and devoted children. His appointment gave universal satisfaction, and he entered upon his new duties with the love and affection of the saints everywhere. Brother and Sister Ballard are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, four boys and three girls. Since 1919 they have made their home in Salt Lake City.
Jenson, Andrew. "Ballard, Melvin Joseph." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 231, 364, 380.
BALLARD, Melvin J., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1919 to 1922. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 419 and Vol. 3, p. 744.)
BALLARD, Melvin J., president of the Northwestern States Mission from 1909 to 1919. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 419, and Vol. 3, p. 744.)
BALLARD, Melvin J., president of the South American Mission from Dec. 6, 1925, to July 23, 1926. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 419, and Vol. 3, p. 744.)
BALLARD, Melvin J., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1919 to 1922. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 419 and Vol. 3, p. 744.)
BALLARD, Melvin J., president of the Northwestern States Mission from 1909 to 1919. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 419, and Vol. 3, p. 744.)
BALLARD, Melvin J., president of the South American Mission from Dec. 6, 1925, to July 23, 1926. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 419, and Vol. 3, p. 744.)
"The New Apostle, Melvin J. Ballard." Relief Society Magazine. February 1919. pg. 113.
THE NEW APOSTLE, MELVIN J. BALLARD.
The appointment of Elder Melvin J. Ballard to the apostleship undoubtedly will meet with universal approval throughout the Church.
Elder Ballard is a native of Logan, and is the son of Henry and Margaret McNeal Ballard. As a youth and a man, he was industrious and successful. Popular and magnetic, capable and energetic, he moved always in a circle of friends. Gifted with an extremely beautiful voice, his welcome was assured in any assembly. He has filled many positions of responsibility in a civil, religious and economic way in his town and stake; and when he was called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission, in 1909, his absence was felt in Logan and Cache stake. He is greatly beloved by elders. Saints and converts in the Northwestern States Mission, and his presence and services in that mission will be greatly missed.
His eloquence and simple, modest dignity make him an ideal preacher and exhorter. Those who heard him speak in the recent conferences of the Church will not soon forget his moving appeals and his enlightening utterances. The work of the Lord will be advanced through the ministry of this good and gifted man.
THE NEW APOSTLE, MELVIN J. BALLARD.
The appointment of Elder Melvin J. Ballard to the apostleship undoubtedly will meet with universal approval throughout the Church.
Elder Ballard is a native of Logan, and is the son of Henry and Margaret McNeal Ballard. As a youth and a man, he was industrious and successful. Popular and magnetic, capable and energetic, he moved always in a circle of friends. Gifted with an extremely beautiful voice, his welcome was assured in any assembly. He has filled many positions of responsibility in a civil, religious and economic way in his town and stake; and when he was called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission, in 1909, his absence was felt in Logan and Cache stake. He is greatly beloved by elders. Saints and converts in the Northwestern States Mission, and his presence and services in that mission will be greatly missed.
His eloquence and simple, modest dignity make him an ideal preacher and exhorter. Those who heard him speak in the recent conferences of the Church will not soon forget his moving appeals and his enlightening utterances. The work of the Lord will be advanced through the ministry of this good and gifted man.
"Melvin J. Ballard." Juvenile Instructor. March 1919. pg. 114-116.
Melvin J. Ballard The selection of Elder Melvin Joseph Ballard to fill the vacancy in the Council of the Twelve, caused by the death of President Joseph F. Smith, and resultant changes, has given general satisfaction to the members of the Church, and his appointment has been another evidence of the wisdom of the presiding authorities. He was set apart by President Heber J. Grant on January 9th, 1919. Elder Ballard is a native of Utah, having first seen the light of day at Logan, Cache county on the 9th day of February, 1873. He is the son of Henry Ballard, former Bishop of the Second Ward, Logan, and Margaret McNeal Ballard. He received his education in the District Schools and Brigham Young College of Logan, graduating from the last named institution in 1894. He was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints February 9, 1881 by Henry Ballard ; ordained a Priest, December 27, 1891, by Henry Ballard; an Elder, February 5, 1895, by William Worley; a Seventy, July, 1896, by Apostle John Henry Smith; a High Priest, April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman. On July 7, 1896, together with Elders B. H. Roberts and George D. Pyper, Elder Ballard began a special mission to the larger cities of the United States, finishing this missionary labor in the Northern States in December, 1898. In 1909, he was called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission, with headquarters in Portland, Oregon. There with his family he lived until the call to the Apostleship. As President of the Northwestern States Mission he won the hearts of the Elders laboring under his jurisdiction, as well as of the Saints and converts. In a business capacity Elder Ballard has filled many positions of trust in the community, and with Elder Joseph E. Cardon established the Cache Knitting Factory. On June 17, 1896 he married Miss Martha A. Jones of Farmington, also a valiant Church worker. Their children are, Lieut. Melvin R. Ballard, recently commanding officer at the B. Y. University of Provo, Lucille, Rulon, Louis, Ruth, Margaret and Max (twins). One son, Kenneth, is dead. At the recurring general conferences Elder Ballard's voice has been heard in sermon and song and his splendid singing and warm and emotional utterances have stirred the hearts of the people to their depths. Dignified in bearing, genial in disposition, kind and considerate of his associates, an exhorter of unusual power, the new member of the Twelve will add strength to his quorum and will be a valuable instrument in the hands of the Lord in helping to shape the plans necessary to enable this people to perform effectively the wonderful work just ahead—the preaching of the Gospel to the old, the new and the reconstructed nations of the earth. |
MELVIN J. BALLARD
Set Apart as a Member of the Council of the Twelve, January 9, 1919. |
Cardon, Joseph E. "Melvin J. Ballard." Young Woman's Journal. March 1919. pg. 122-126.
Melvin J. Ballard.
By Joseph E. Cordon
Melvin Joseph Ballard, the junior member of the Council of Twelve is the son of the late Bishop Henry Ballard and Margaret McNeil, and was born February 9, 1873, at Logan, Utah.
The parents of Elder Ballard are numbered among the old sturdy pioneers, who endured the hardships incident to travel over the plains with ox team and handcart, and who assisted in the establishment of the great Western empire, making the “desert blossom as the rose” and laying upon the rocks a foundation that will weather every storm during the ages to come. They were exceptionally unassuming and succeeded in living the divine law as nearly perfect as seems possible to mortals.
A few years prior to the birth of Melvin, much sickness and numerous deaths visited the home of the Ballards until it appeared at times that they were forsaken, yet never a word of complaint fell from their lips, nor did they ever deny the power of God, Who, in the midst of all these trials and sorrows, had comforted them in the thought of their membership in His Holy Church, and with a testimony that He lives and overrules to bring about the perfection of His obedient children.
It was upon one of these sad occasions, when the clouds of darkness hovered long about them, that the mother, with a “broken heart and a contrite spirit,” bowed in solemn supplication before her Father, and received the assuring comfort that she should be given a son who would be numbered as one of the apostles of the Lamb, and to her last day she maintained that this would come to pass just as it had been revealed to her. This knowledge was one of the many blessings which sustained and cheered her long years of toil and sacrifice.
With such a splendid foundation upon which to build, can it be wondered that the natural tendency of Elder Ballard lead him unerringly along the path which was destined for him to follow? There is no question that his mission, like that of thousands of God’s sons and daughters was outlined before he was born, and the overruling hand of the Master has guided his destiny to his present goal.
The boyhood days of Melvin were spent upon his father’s farm, and in attending school as time and means permitted. He was a devoted worker and possessed a studious mind, aiming to qualify himself for what he felt to be his life’s mission—the salvation of his fellow men. He succeeded well in acquiring a common school education in the midst of difficulties which the youth of the present know little about. The divine art— music—made up a large part of his nature, the development of which has brought joy mingled with tears to thousands of souls, and no one in his home county is more gratefully and lovingly remembered in this respect than is he. Few funerals were held where the sadness of the occasion was not made brighter by the sympathetic strains of melody as they pierced into the very hearts of those who needed comfort. Many, not of our faith, have said to me: “I certainly miss the sweet singing of Mr. Ballard,” “When is he coming home?” “I have never heard a more sympathetic voice.” Notwithstanding his twelve years of active and devoted preaching as an elder to the nations. I fully believe that he has preached the “Plan of Salvation” as effectively by singing as he has by preaching, and this distinction is indeed unusual. He is numbered with those who are instrumental in bringing about the fulfillment of the Master’s saying: “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.” It would be difficult to determine the number of the multitude who have been blessed and comforted through the administrations of Elder Ballard.
Melvin was baptized and confirmed on his eighth birthday by his father. In 1884 he was ordained a deacon. Tn this capacity, as a boy, he first learned obedience in the operations of the Priesthood. He was prompt in attending his quorum meetings : in caring for the ward meetinghouse, keeping it clean, making fires, and in doing whatever was essential for the comfort of those who attended ward gatherings. In those days it was customary for the Deacons’ quorums throughout the Church to chop wood for the widows and poor among the people and in this work this young hoy took great delight. Especially was it his custom to spend a part of each Christmas day. with a sleigh as a vehicle, in distributing gifts which had been given through his father—the Bishop— for the blessing and comfort of the widows and orphans and those in need.
Asa priest, to which office he was ordained, December 27. 1891, by his father, he manifested the same zeal and love for God’s work that he had done while acting as a deacon. Tn this calling he traveled as a teacher among the ward members and received his first experience as a preacher of the Gospel. His love for this constantly increased, and he endeared himself in the hearts of the people until they looked upon him as indeed a bearer of glad tidings.
Elder Ballard entered the Brigham Young College and graduated with the class of 1894 in the business course, following which he became a member of the faculty and taught music.
The Higher Priesthood was conferred upon him, February 5, 1895. at which time he was ordained an Elder, and succeeded in magnifying this holy calling to the entire satisfaction of those who presided over him. At about this time he became acquainted with Miss Martha A. Jones and they were married in the Logan Temple, June 17. 1896. On the sixth of the following month Elder Ballard was ordained a seventy by Apostle John Henry Smith and on the following -day he was set apart as a missionary to labor with Elders Brigham H. Roberts and George D. Pyper to hold meetings in the larger cities of the United States. This was done for several months, and upon the return of Elders Roberts and Pyper to Utah, Elder Ballard was assigned to the Northern States Mission, where he labored with his usual energy. He was appointed president pf the Southern Illinois Conference in which capacity he served until honorably released to return home in December, 1898.
In 1899, with his business associate—the writer—he assisted in organizing the Logan Knitting Factory, one of the leading factories of the State, and which doubtless has done as much as any other to establish throughout several of the western states the well deserved reputation attached to “Utah Knit- Goods.” He also assisted in organizing the Logan Commercial Club which was later united with the Boosters’ Club under the name of Commercial-Boosters’ Club. He served as president and director for two terms. This organization now has a membership of about five hundred of Cache County’s prominent business men. During the same year he was set apart as one of the presidents of the 40th Quorum of Seventy, which position he filled with signal honor. In January, he held a week’s discussion with one of the ministers of the Reorganized Church upon the question of succession, and succeeded in establishing in the hearts of the hearers the fact that the authority of the Priesthood is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brother Ballard was ordained a High Priest, April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, and by him set apart as counselor to the Bishop of the Logan second ward, where he labored untiringly until 1906, when he was called as an alternate High Counselor in the Cache State of Zion, in which position he was afforded an opportunity of enlarging upon his usefulness because of a larger field in which to labor. At this time he had become a recognized speaker of exceptional ability, and his services were sought after by Bishops and Presidents of auxiliary associations in his own and adjoining Stakes of Zion. During the winter of 1902-3 he was called upon a short mission to Boise, Idaho, and assisted President Joseph W. McMurrin in organizing the scattered Saints into a branch, which they successfully accomplished to the joy and comfort of many who had been long deprived of the blessings of an organization. Many public meetings were held which resulted in bringing several into the fold of the Redeemer. This small beginning later resulted in the organization of the Boise Stake of Zion.
Notwithstanding his strenuous religious and business activities, he found time to serve in a civil way as a city councilman, and as a member of the civic organizations of the city and county. For three years he served upon the Stake Board of Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association and Religion Class; acted for many years as chorister of the Second Ward, and was chairman of the Cache Stake Tabernacle Choir for seventeen years, and assisted in installing the $15,000.00 pipe organ. While engaged primarily in Stake work, he always found time to assist in a ward capacity, for he was a devoted teacher in the Sunday School and president of the Mutual Improvement Association for several years.
He was called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission and was set apart for this very responsible position April 6, 1909, where he is still laboring to advance the Father’s work. During his ten years of presidency, he has presided over hundreds of young men and women missionaries, all of whom, as far as I am able to determine, love him with a devotion that knows no bounds. The thousands of saints also regard him as a man of God, and devoted to the uplift of humanity. His friends are legion in the Northwest and are numbered among the leading business and professional men. Many chapels have been built under his direction, the spiritual and financial condition of the Saints improved, and in general a work accomplished which any one may well feel grateful to have been instrumental in accomplishing. All this and much more to have been done under his able management is indeed marvelous, and he will perhaps never realize while here, the splendid foundation which he has laid for a structure which will yet he the acknowledged glory of that part of the Master’s vineyard.
President Ballard was ordained an apostle, January 7, 1919, by President Heber J. Grant, which will give a perfect opportunity for extending the usefulness of this talented man to all the stakes of Zion and to the world where his voice will be raised in defense of the precious truths which have guided his life’s work and crowned it with a well deserved reward. Coupled with the same degree of humility and devotion which have characterized the labors of the past, one can easily predict the joy that awaits Elder Ballard in his future labors. His willingness upon all occasions to minister, to comfort, and to bless, at home or abroad, is the one characteristic of his life which has won for him a place in the hearts and affections of his fellowmen.
Brother and Sister Ballard are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living—four boys and three girls. They intend making their future home in Salt Lake City, where they will become a moral factor in the development and uplift of the community.
The appointment of Elder Ballard as a member of the Council of Twelve, in harmony with the revelation to his mother before his birth, is further evidence of the beautiful harmony that comes through the operations of the Spirit of God through His humble and devoted children. His appointment has given universal satisfaction, and he enters upon his new duties with the love and affection of the Saints everywhere, who will sustain him by their faith and prayers in the accomplishment of this high and holy calling which has come as a well merited reward for a life of service to his fellowmen.
Melvin J. Ballard.
By Joseph E. Cordon
Melvin Joseph Ballard, the junior member of the Council of Twelve is the son of the late Bishop Henry Ballard and Margaret McNeil, and was born February 9, 1873, at Logan, Utah.
The parents of Elder Ballard are numbered among the old sturdy pioneers, who endured the hardships incident to travel over the plains with ox team and handcart, and who assisted in the establishment of the great Western empire, making the “desert blossom as the rose” and laying upon the rocks a foundation that will weather every storm during the ages to come. They were exceptionally unassuming and succeeded in living the divine law as nearly perfect as seems possible to mortals.
A few years prior to the birth of Melvin, much sickness and numerous deaths visited the home of the Ballards until it appeared at times that they were forsaken, yet never a word of complaint fell from their lips, nor did they ever deny the power of God, Who, in the midst of all these trials and sorrows, had comforted them in the thought of their membership in His Holy Church, and with a testimony that He lives and overrules to bring about the perfection of His obedient children.
It was upon one of these sad occasions, when the clouds of darkness hovered long about them, that the mother, with a “broken heart and a contrite spirit,” bowed in solemn supplication before her Father, and received the assuring comfort that she should be given a son who would be numbered as one of the apostles of the Lamb, and to her last day she maintained that this would come to pass just as it had been revealed to her. This knowledge was one of the many blessings which sustained and cheered her long years of toil and sacrifice.
With such a splendid foundation upon which to build, can it be wondered that the natural tendency of Elder Ballard lead him unerringly along the path which was destined for him to follow? There is no question that his mission, like that of thousands of God’s sons and daughters was outlined before he was born, and the overruling hand of the Master has guided his destiny to his present goal.
The boyhood days of Melvin were spent upon his father’s farm, and in attending school as time and means permitted. He was a devoted worker and possessed a studious mind, aiming to qualify himself for what he felt to be his life’s mission—the salvation of his fellow men. He succeeded well in acquiring a common school education in the midst of difficulties which the youth of the present know little about. The divine art— music—made up a large part of his nature, the development of which has brought joy mingled with tears to thousands of souls, and no one in his home county is more gratefully and lovingly remembered in this respect than is he. Few funerals were held where the sadness of the occasion was not made brighter by the sympathetic strains of melody as they pierced into the very hearts of those who needed comfort. Many, not of our faith, have said to me: “I certainly miss the sweet singing of Mr. Ballard,” “When is he coming home?” “I have never heard a more sympathetic voice.” Notwithstanding his twelve years of active and devoted preaching as an elder to the nations. I fully believe that he has preached the “Plan of Salvation” as effectively by singing as he has by preaching, and this distinction is indeed unusual. He is numbered with those who are instrumental in bringing about the fulfillment of the Master’s saying: “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.” It would be difficult to determine the number of the multitude who have been blessed and comforted through the administrations of Elder Ballard.
Melvin was baptized and confirmed on his eighth birthday by his father. In 1884 he was ordained a deacon. Tn this capacity, as a boy, he first learned obedience in the operations of the Priesthood. He was prompt in attending his quorum meetings : in caring for the ward meetinghouse, keeping it clean, making fires, and in doing whatever was essential for the comfort of those who attended ward gatherings. In those days it was customary for the Deacons’ quorums throughout the Church to chop wood for the widows and poor among the people and in this work this young hoy took great delight. Especially was it his custom to spend a part of each Christmas day. with a sleigh as a vehicle, in distributing gifts which had been given through his father—the Bishop— for the blessing and comfort of the widows and orphans and those in need.
Asa priest, to which office he was ordained, December 27. 1891, by his father, he manifested the same zeal and love for God’s work that he had done while acting as a deacon. Tn this calling he traveled as a teacher among the ward members and received his first experience as a preacher of the Gospel. His love for this constantly increased, and he endeared himself in the hearts of the people until they looked upon him as indeed a bearer of glad tidings.
Elder Ballard entered the Brigham Young College and graduated with the class of 1894 in the business course, following which he became a member of the faculty and taught music.
The Higher Priesthood was conferred upon him, February 5, 1895. at which time he was ordained an Elder, and succeeded in magnifying this holy calling to the entire satisfaction of those who presided over him. At about this time he became acquainted with Miss Martha A. Jones and they were married in the Logan Temple, June 17. 1896. On the sixth of the following month Elder Ballard was ordained a seventy by Apostle John Henry Smith and on the following -day he was set apart as a missionary to labor with Elders Brigham H. Roberts and George D. Pyper to hold meetings in the larger cities of the United States. This was done for several months, and upon the return of Elders Roberts and Pyper to Utah, Elder Ballard was assigned to the Northern States Mission, where he labored with his usual energy. He was appointed president pf the Southern Illinois Conference in which capacity he served until honorably released to return home in December, 1898.
In 1899, with his business associate—the writer—he assisted in organizing the Logan Knitting Factory, one of the leading factories of the State, and which doubtless has done as much as any other to establish throughout several of the western states the well deserved reputation attached to “Utah Knit- Goods.” He also assisted in organizing the Logan Commercial Club which was later united with the Boosters’ Club under the name of Commercial-Boosters’ Club. He served as president and director for two terms. This organization now has a membership of about five hundred of Cache County’s prominent business men. During the same year he was set apart as one of the presidents of the 40th Quorum of Seventy, which position he filled with signal honor. In January, he held a week’s discussion with one of the ministers of the Reorganized Church upon the question of succession, and succeeded in establishing in the hearts of the hearers the fact that the authority of the Priesthood is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brother Ballard was ordained a High Priest, April 23, 1900, by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, and by him set apart as counselor to the Bishop of the Logan second ward, where he labored untiringly until 1906, when he was called as an alternate High Counselor in the Cache State of Zion, in which position he was afforded an opportunity of enlarging upon his usefulness because of a larger field in which to labor. At this time he had become a recognized speaker of exceptional ability, and his services were sought after by Bishops and Presidents of auxiliary associations in his own and adjoining Stakes of Zion. During the winter of 1902-3 he was called upon a short mission to Boise, Idaho, and assisted President Joseph W. McMurrin in organizing the scattered Saints into a branch, which they successfully accomplished to the joy and comfort of many who had been long deprived of the blessings of an organization. Many public meetings were held which resulted in bringing several into the fold of the Redeemer. This small beginning later resulted in the organization of the Boise Stake of Zion.
Notwithstanding his strenuous religious and business activities, he found time to serve in a civil way as a city councilman, and as a member of the civic organizations of the city and county. For three years he served upon the Stake Board of Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association and Religion Class; acted for many years as chorister of the Second Ward, and was chairman of the Cache Stake Tabernacle Choir for seventeen years, and assisted in installing the $15,000.00 pipe organ. While engaged primarily in Stake work, he always found time to assist in a ward capacity, for he was a devoted teacher in the Sunday School and president of the Mutual Improvement Association for several years.
He was called to preside over the Northwestern States Mission and was set apart for this very responsible position April 6, 1909, where he is still laboring to advance the Father’s work. During his ten years of presidency, he has presided over hundreds of young men and women missionaries, all of whom, as far as I am able to determine, love him with a devotion that knows no bounds. The thousands of saints also regard him as a man of God, and devoted to the uplift of humanity. His friends are legion in the Northwest and are numbered among the leading business and professional men. Many chapels have been built under his direction, the spiritual and financial condition of the Saints improved, and in general a work accomplished which any one may well feel grateful to have been instrumental in accomplishing. All this and much more to have been done under his able management is indeed marvelous, and he will perhaps never realize while here, the splendid foundation which he has laid for a structure which will yet he the acknowledged glory of that part of the Master’s vineyard.
President Ballard was ordained an apostle, January 7, 1919, by President Heber J. Grant, which will give a perfect opportunity for extending the usefulness of this talented man to all the stakes of Zion and to the world where his voice will be raised in defense of the precious truths which have guided his life’s work and crowned it with a well deserved reward. Coupled with the same degree of humility and devotion which have characterized the labors of the past, one can easily predict the joy that awaits Elder Ballard in his future labors. His willingness upon all occasions to minister, to comfort, and to bless, at home or abroad, is the one characteristic of his life which has won for him a place in the hearts and affections of his fellowmen.
Brother and Sister Ballard are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living—four boys and three girls. They intend making their future home in Salt Lake City, where they will become a moral factor in the development and uplift of the community.
The appointment of Elder Ballard as a member of the Council of Twelve, in harmony with the revelation to his mother before his birth, is further evidence of the beautiful harmony that comes through the operations of the Spirit of God through His humble and devoted children. His appointment has given universal satisfaction, and he enters upon his new duties with the love and affection of the Saints everywhere, who will sustain him by their faith and prayers in the accomplishment of this high and holy calling which has come as a well merited reward for a life of service to his fellowmen.
"Melvin J. Ballard." Improvement Era. October 1925. pg. 1186.
ELDER MELVIN J. BALLARD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE And Second Assistant Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. Elder Ballard, it was recently announced, has been chosen to open a new mission of the Church in South America, possibly with headquarters in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where a small number of German Saints are already located. Rulon S. Wells of the Council of Seventy and also of the Y. M. M. I. A. Board, and Rey L. Pratt of the Council of Seventy and President of the Mexican mission, will accompany him. They will leave just after the October conference. |
Hinckley, Bryant S. "Greatness in Men - Melvin J. Ballard." Improvement Era. October 1932. pg. 712-715, 735.
Greatness in Men Melvin J. Ballard By BRYANT S. HINCKLEY Thousands have enjoyed the magic of Elder Melvin J. Ballard's golden voice in both song and sermon. Pres. Hinckley has made his article glow with the same spirit which accompanies the speaking of the subject of this article. "I'll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea. I'll say what you want me to say, Dear Lord, I'll be what you want me to be." THESE words are typical of the life and service of Apostle Melvin J. Ballard, who at a General Conference several years ago sang them with great effect, his voice and life ringing true to the sentiments they express. "He had all the qualities of a great orator: command of himself, warm sympathy, responsive intellect, splendid repartee, the power to flash, the language of the people, a wonderful magnetism, and an earnestness that made him the unconscious hero of the cause he espoused," was said of Wendell Phillips. These words need neither modification nor abridgment when applied to Melvin J. Ballard who is preeminently a preacher, a crusader for righteousness, a gifted and eloquent evangelist. His dauntless courage, his fine personality, the tone and quality of his spirituality, his zeal for the truth, his love for humanity, his settled and supreme faith in the restored gospel, his radiant and glorious conception of its meaning and mission—combine to make him one of the most popular and powerful exponents of the truth in this dispensation. He is a spiritual leader. All his admonitions and exhortations are permeated with hope and abound with good cheer. His words impart comfort, banish doubt, inspire confidence. There is no indecision in his action. He is practical, patient, prudent, progressive, and at the same time fearless. Melvin J. Ballard is a man of prophetic vision, and deep spirituality, which is controlled by a well balanced mind. His poise and sanity impart confidence to all that he says. There is something majestic in his conception of religion and something altogether satisfying in the exalted place which he gives man in the cosmic universe. He is, we repeat, a spiritual leader, much sought after as a speaker, and consequently addresses a great many people, probably more than any other man in the Church. It is pleasant to listen to him. He has a clear, musical, well-modulated voice with an unusual carrying capacity — a fluency and native eloquence which, backed by a sublime and exalted faith in the cause to which he has given his unqualified allegiance, have made him an outstanding advocate of the Gospel of the Master. His faith and diligence have been rewarded by many marvelous and convincing testimonies confirming the divinity and genuineness of the message which he bears. MELVIN J. BALLARD was born of sturdy immigrant pioneer parents and grew up in a home where faith, service, and sacrifice were effectively fostered and where all the rugged virtues that make for sound living were cultivated. His father, Henry Ballard, for almost forty years bishop of the Logan Second Ward, came from London, arriving in Utah in 1852 and was one of the outstanding pioneers of Cache Valley. He was a man of sterling integrity and unconquerable faith. His mother, Margaret McNiel Ballard, of Scotch descent, was a woman of most extraordinary character and leadership who served as president of the Relief Society of the same ward for thirty years. One need only scan the life of this inspired and intrepid soul to understand the source from which Apostle Ballard received his finest inheritance, for many of his outstanding characteristics were clearly shown in the life of his good mother. Her family left their native country, Scotland, when she was ten years of age —1856—and arrived in Ogden, Utah, on the fourth day of October, 1859, after a journey marked with extreme hardships and sufferings. She says: "I walked every step of the way across the plains and drove a cow, and a large part of the way carried my brother, James, on my back." James was five years of age and she only thirteen. Permeating this life of sacrifice is a spirit of gratitude and a quality of faith which mark her as a heroine. Melvin J. Ballard's life is an expression of the atmosphere of the home in which he was reared. Every morning and every night his parents and their children knelt in prayer at the family altar and every day they sought to live the religion of Him to whom they prayed. From firesides such as this have come the men and women who made America great and who have furnished the faith and sinew and leadership of this Church. The faith which warmed their hearts and glowed at their fireside is the faith that has conquered the wilderness and the waste places, and made the desert smile with plenty. Melvin J. Ballard learned from his cradle the lessons of service and sacrifice. They are a part of his very nature. As a deacon, he chopped wood for the widows, cared for the meeting house, and performed errands of mercy and service for the president of the Relief Society, his mother, and for the Bishop of the Ward, his father. As a teacher and afterwards as a priest, he magnified his calling and did it with a cheerful- ness and efficiency that won the confidence of his leaders and the love of the people. All his life he has been a cheerful worker. No idle day can be charged against him. "The lineage of idleness is never long nor strong," but the rewards of diligence are everlasting. Few men of his age have given more generously of their time and talents to their Church and to their people. His service has always been of a superior quality and has often been given at the price of personal sacrifice. Any great cause calls for sacrifice and those who pay this price never waver in their allegiance to it. Somehow, sacrifice is the price of the most precious things in all human experience. The names history cherishes are the names of men of this type. Only "a man too simply great to achieve for his proper self" is great enough to live forever. One philosopher has said, "How studiously many men sink into nameless graves, while a few forget themselves into immortality." THIS is in brief the chronicle of his life: He was born February 9, 1873, in Logan, Cache County, Utah. His boyhood days were spent on the farm doing the common work incident to farming. He attended the public schools of Logan and the Brigham Young College, from which institution he was graduated in 1894 and after graduation became a member of the faculty and taught music in that institution. On June 17, 1896, he married Martha A. Jones and in less than three weeks time thereafter was set apart as a missionary to labor with Elders B. H. Roberts and George D. Pyper who were holding meetings in the large cities of the United States. He continued in this special missionary service for several months when Elders Roberts and Pyper were released; he remained and was assigned to the Northern States Mission, where he labored as a missionary until December, 1898. Upon his return he became actively engaged in business and assisted in organizing the Logan Knitting Factory and was also prominent among the organizers of the Logan Commercial Club, serving for two terms as its President and as a director. He served for six and one-half years as counselor in the Bishopric in the Logan Second Ward and for two years as high councilor in the Cache Stake. He soon became recognized as a speaker of exceptional ability and his services were in constant demand. In the winter of 1902 and 1903 he was called on a short term mission to Boise, Idaho, where he assisted Elder Joseph W. McMurrin in organizing the scattered saints living in that locality, into a branch of the Church. This resulted subsequently in the organization of the Boise Stake of Zion. He was not only actively engaged in religious and business matters when at home, but was also active in a civil capacity, serving as City Councilman of Logan. For many years he was chorister of the Logan Second Ward and for seventeen years was chairman of the Cache Stake Tabernacle Choir. During this time he was instrumental in securing a pipe organ for the Logan Tabernacle. ON April 6, 1909, he was set apart to preside over the North Western States Mission with headquarters at Portland, Oregon. He was then in his thirty-sixth year. He had already filled two missions and had a large and varied experience at home, so that he was eminently fitted for this responsible position. The entire mission soon felt t h e quickening power of his vitalizing touch, and from the zeal which burned in his own soul, he kindled the same fire in the hearts of his missionaries. His devotion soon won their affection, and likewise the esteem of the people with whom he mingled. He did a memorable work in this field and distinguished himself as a leader, as an administrator, as an advocate, and as a defender of the faith. During this time he had five hundred and fifty-five missionaries, the saints erected fifteen chapels and the mission made great progress. He had presided there for nearly ten years when he was called to the Apostleship, January 7, 1919. His mother had been dead less than nine months when this call came to him. For years she had carried in her heart the sweet assurance that some day her son, Melvin, would be numbered among the chosen apostles. This was revealed to her before he was born and she went to her grave with this assurance unfulfilled. Had she lived a few months longer this would have been confirmed. No earthly joy would have meant more to her. THIS divine assurance was given not only his mother but was given to Melvin as well, in a patriarchal blessing pronounced upon his head when he was nine years of age. This is a remarkable blessing which has been literally and gloriously fulfilled. But more remarkable still was a testimony given to him two years before his call to the apostleship came. Speaking of it at the time he was called he says: "I know, as I know that I live, that this is God's work. * * * I have no more doubt about it than I have that I exist. I remember one little testimony, among the many testimonies which I have received. You will pardon me for referring to it. Two years ago, about this time, I had been on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, for several days, with the brethren, solving the problems connected with our work among the Lamanites. Many questions arose that we had to settle. There was no precedent for us to follow, and we just had to go to the Lord and tell him our troubles, and get inspiration and help from Him. On this occasion I had sought the Lord, * * * and that night I received a wonderful manifestation and an impression which has never left me. I was carried to this place, the Temple, into this room. I saw myself here with my brethren, and I was happy. * * * I was told there was one other privilege that was mine; and I was led into a room where I was informed I was to meet some one. As I entered the room I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious Being I have ever conceived of, and was taken forward to be introduced to him. As I approached He smiled, called my name, , and stretched out His hands towards me. If I live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He put His arms around me and kissed me, as He took me into His bosom, and He blessed me until my whole being was thrilled. As He finished I fell at His feet, and there saw the marks of the nails; and as I kissed them, with deep joy swelling through my whole being, I felt that I was in Heaven indeed. The feeling that came to my heart then was: 'Oh! if I would live worthy, though it would require four score years, so that in the end, when I have finished, I could go into His presence and receive the feeling that I then had in His presence, I would give everything that I am and ever hope to be." AT the April Conference of 1920 speaking of the resurrection of Christ, Elder Ballard said: "He arose from the dead and came forth in splendor, a resurrected immortal and eternal being, He then arose to the height of power, of glory, and of majesty and became the master of all things even death yielding to Him. . . We rejoice in the witness we have that Jesus taught the truth, that the testimony of His disciples concerning His resurrection is the truth; we also know that the testimony of Joseph Smith and his brethren who looked upon the face of the Redeemer is true. I bear witness that I know what they have said is the truth. I know as well as I know that I live and look into your faces that Jesus Christ lives and He is the Redeemer of the world, that He arose from the dead with a tangible body, and still has that real body which Thomas touched when he thrust his hands into His side and felt the wounds of the spear and also the prints of the nails in His hands. I know by the witness and revelations of God to me that Thomas told the truth. I know that Joseph Smith told the truth, for mine eyes have seen; for in the visions of the Lord to my soul I have seen Christ's face; I have heard His voice. I know that He lives, that He is the Redeemer of the world, and that He arose from the dead, a tangible and real individual. So shall all men rise in the resurrection from the dead." Era, Part II, Vol. 27, 942. From the day of his call to the Apostleship to the present time he has with marked ability and with signal devotion carried forward the work given to him. On September 3, 1925, he was called in company with Rulon S. Wells and the late Rey L. Pratt, to open a mission in South America. They set out on this historic journey on November 3, 1925, and sailed from New York, on the 14th of that month, arriving in Buenos Aires on Sunday, December 6. No missionary work had been done in South America; there were, however, two or three families of saints residing there who had come from Germany, who were at the wharf to welcome the brethren. One of the important duties they had been commissioned to perform was to dedicate that land for the preaching of the Gospel. Accordingly, early in the morning of a beautiful summer day, December 25, they held a sacred service in a grove of weeping willows near the bank of the El Rio De La Platte River in a secluded place in the Park 3 De Ferara, Buenos Aires, Argentina, after which Elder Ballard offered a fervent and beautiful prayer dedicating the Great South American continent for the preaching of the Gospel of Christ; this was a day never to be forgotten by these brethren. It was an event of momentous significance, for no doubt there are millions of people on that vast continent who have in their veins the blood that believes. The brethren pursued the work they had been sent to do with great diligence, baptized several converts, organized a Sunday School and a branch of the Church, and established a mission with headquarters at Buenos Aires. OWING to ill health Elder Wells was obliged to return home in February, 1926, Elders Ballard and Pratt remaining until the latter part of July of that year, when they were released. They were permitted by the First Presidency to return through the Indian countries of South America. Their journey led them to the northern part of Argentine, where they saw hundreds of thousands of native Indians, who were engaged in raising barley, corn, potatoes, cattle, and sheep. The high and broad plateaus of the Andes mountains are covered with small farms occupied by these industrious and peace-loving Indians. The Elders were not only interested in the natives who belonged to the house of Israel, no doubt, but they were greatly interested in the ancient ruins of this land which seemed directly to support and corroborate the Book of Mormon. Elders Ballard and Pratt reached home with the satisfaction of having completed successfully a great mission, and no doubt, the establishment of our missionary system in that land will ultimately mean a very great deal. This is the fourth mission which Elder Ballard has filled; in fact, he has labored fourteen years as a missionary besides the vast work which he has done among the various stakes of Zion. He is associated with Apostle George Albert Smith in the General Superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A. His vision of this work, the place of recreation in its program, and in the program of the Church, coupled with his zeal and ability to promote any good cause has made him an outstanding factor in this great organization. His apostolic duties require his absence from home much of the time; consequently the responsibility of the family rests largely upon Mrs. Ballard, who is a brilliant and attractive woman of boundless energy, and with a great devotion to her husband and children. During his first mission she supported herself and babe and helped to maintain him by teaching school. She has sought in every way to promote his interests and has constantly inspired him to make the most of his splendid endowments. Energetic, generous, and motherly, she has not only cared for her own family but will long be remembered by the missionaries of the North Western States who labored during Brother Ballard's Presidency for the comfort and encouragement which she gave to them. Brother and Sister Ballard have reared a family of eight children: Melvin Russel, Lucile, Kenneth A. (deceased) , Rulon Joseph, Louis McNiel, Mary Ruth, Margaret, and Mack J. Ballard. These children are full of energy and enterprise and have a strong admiration for their father and an equal admiration for their mother. AS we have indicated, he taught music in the Brigham Young College for two years, and no doubt he could have made a career for himself in this field had he devoted himself to it. He has a superior voice and a fine appreciation of the best there is in music. All of this greatly augmented his work as a missionary, often opening the doors and touching the hearts of those who could be approached in no other way. He is chairman of the Church Music Committee which has done some commendable work for the advancement of music throughout the Church. Courses for choristers and organists have been given under the direction of this committee. The Latter-day Saint Hymn Book and Deseret Anthems in three volumes have been prepared and issued under their direction. If one would catch inspiration from contact with one of the purest, ablest, and most inspiring men, let him study the career and emulate the example of Apostle Melvin J. Ballard who, by endowment, training, and experience, is most admirably fitted for leadership in these modern days and among a strong and progressive people. Nothing daunts his splendid courage. How mightily he labors for the cause he loves! He has a brilliant and resourceful mind, a responsive heart, with hands strong and quick to help. The strength of his faith, the power of his testimony, his exemplary life have influenced the youth and manhood of this Church in a way never to be forgotten. He has found his place and is doing his work; it is a great and good work and he is doing it superbly. His name will shine forever in the archives of this people as an inspired and gifted ambassador of our Lord and Master. |
Melvin J. Ballard
Martha A. Jones Ballard
Henry Ballard
Melvin J. Ballard as a Young Man
Margaret McNiel Ballard
The Ballard Family (About 15 years ago)
Elders Wells and Ballard in South America
Elder and Mrs. Ballard on the summit of Hill Cumorah
Elder Ballard by an image in South America
|
Spafford, Belle S. "Apostle Melvin Joseph Ballard." Relief Society Magazine. August 1939. pg. 513-514.
Apostle Melvin Joseph Ballard By Belle S. Spafford AN overwhelming loss came to the Church Sunday evening, July 30, 1939, in the passing of Apostle Melvin J. Ballard, following a brief illness. Born of sturdy pioneer parentage, who assisted in the establishment of our great Western Empire, Elder Ballard has with diligence and faith devoted his life to the establishment of the work of the Lord in many parts of the world. Henry and Margaret McNeil Ballard, parents of Apostle Ballard, early located in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah, Many hardships attended early life there, but their strong testimony that God lives and overrules to bring about the perfection of his obedient children never wavered. A few years prior to the birth of Melvin . . . "when the clouds of darkness hovered long about them, the mother, with a 'broken heart and contrite spirit' bowed in solemn supplication before her Father, and received the assuring comfort that she should be given a son who would be numbered among the Apostles of the Lamb, and to her last day she maintained that this would come to pass just as it had been revealed to her." (L. D. S. Biographical Encyclopedia, Andrew Jensen ) In harmony with this revelation to his mother. Elder Ballard was ordained an Apostle, January 7, 1919, by President Heber J. Grant. This high calling came at the age of 46, as a culmination of years of devotion and tireless service to the Church in ward and stake capacities. For many years one of the Church's leading missionaries. Brother Ballard's power and influence has been felt near and far. He has organized stakes, he has filled special missionary assignments, for ten years he presided over the Northwestern States Mission. In 1925 he opened the South American Mission. He has labored with zeal in the interest of the Religion Class, the Sunday School, the Mutual Improvement Association, serving at one time as Assistant General Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. He has always been a staunch and considerate friend of Relief Society. Blessed with a studious mind and great spiritual insight, coupled with an unusual gift of oratory, his services have been constantly in demand throughout the Church and elsewhere. Because of his earnest desire to serve, his response to all calls has been most generous. Perhaps the Church has had no more energetic servant. His unusual gift of music has brought joy not only to himself but to thousands of souls. For years he has been chairman of the Church Music Committee, and under his supervision the latest Church Psalmody was published. Through his efforts a finer appreciation of good music has been awakened. His boyhood experiences, no doubt, gave him a keen understanding of the heart of a boy and led toward his great activity among the youth, so evidenced by his work in the Boy Scout movement. Love for humanity which expressed itself in both spiritual and material administrations has always been characteristic of this great leader. As a little boy holding the office of Deacon, he took delight in chopping wood for widows and those in need. It was his custom to spend a part of each Christmas day, with a sleigh as a vehicle, in distributing gifts which had been given through his father, the Bishop, for the blessing and comfort of those in need. It is but reasonable that one so endowed with the interests of the unfortunate should be chosen as chairman of the Church Welfare Program, when it was established in the spring of 1936. His faith in the Welfare Program was expressed in these words: 'It is the greatest thing in the Church today. It must not, it will not fail." At the time of his passing he was acting as advisor to the present General Welfare Committee. A man of magnetic personality and easily approached, his advice has frequently been sought by those in need of comfort and guidance, and all who came to him have met with tender understanding and wise counsel. His innumerable religious, business, and civic activities have endeared him to thousands—his friends are legion. Truly a man of God, devoted to the uplift of humanity, his life has been as the Master would have it be. Counting him a special friend of Relief Society, the General Presidency and General Board mourn with Sister Ballard and her family, and pray that our Father's comforting influence will attend them. ''Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord . . . that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow after them." (Rev. 14:13) The work of the Lord has been advanced immeasurably through the ministry of Elder Melvin J. Ballard, a gifted man, a genuine Latter-day Saint. |
ELDER BALLARD
|
Lyman, Richard R. "Melvin J. Ballard, A Beloved Apostle Departs." Improvement Era. September 1939. pg. 522-523, 569-572.
MELVIN J. BALLARD A Beloved Apostle Departs By RICHARD R. LYMAN Of the Council of the Twelve SUNDAY evening, July 30, 1939, came this word during the 9:30 p. m. Church radio service over KSL: It is with deep sorrow that we are called upon to announce the passing tonight of Elder Melvin J. Ballard, beloved member of the Council of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Death came shortly past eight o'clock this evening following a brief illness. Born at Logan, Utah, on February 9, 1873, Elder Ballard was ordained an Apostle and became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve In 1919. Before then, and since, he has not spared himself from the rendering of any service in any quarter of the Church whereunto he was called. The eloquent and fervent manner of his speech, the understanding sympathy with which he gave audience to all men, and the lovable kindliness of his nature have made him cherished wherever his presence has been known. The Church has suffered great loss in his passing, as also has his family, to whom our sympathy is extended in their hour of bereavement. Perhaps Brother Ballard's favorite hymn was the one he sang so often throughout the Church—"I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord." It characterized him in life and in death. And we know that unto him shall be fulfilled the promise of the Lord—that "they shall rest from all their labors here and continue their works." May God, our Father in Heaven, bless the life and works of Elder Melvin J. Ballard, and ease the sorrow of all who mourn his passing. This message, prepared at the suggestion of the First Presidency by Elder Richard L. Evans of the First Council of Seventy, and spoken as Alexander Schreiner played Brother Ballard's favorite and oft sung hymn, was the first public announcement that the Church had suffered a great loss—and Zion was in mourning. Ten days before. Brother Ballard had been filling Church appointments on the east coast—speaking, traveling, counseling. His customary vigor and perennial good health made the news of his death seem incredible to unwilling ears, but the fact was there to be faced—the man whose natural determination it was never to meet defeat was dead. In death as in life he fought valiantly to the end. The incessant persistence of the man not to fail, never to quit, characterized him in his final struggle with a disease which, it is said, has always proved fatal—acute leukemia. In ill health at the conclusion of an official tour of the New England States Mission, Brother Ballard was urged by doctors, by his friends, and by his devoted wife, who was his traveling companion, to give up driving his car, take the train home, and have one of his sons come and get the automobile. But he did not see fit to do this. His very nature compelled him to fight on with all the strength and energy at his command. But the long journey finished, and his home in Salt Lake City reached, he had a collapse so complete that during the week spent in the hospital before his death he hovered always near the brink. "Sleeping, we thought him dead; and dead, we thought him sleeping" is how President David O. McKay, one of those who kept his vigil at the bedside, describes that uncertain period. Brother Ballard never ceased to struggle with his might to conquer. Only in death did he meet from an incurable disease a difficulty he could not overcome. And it is appropriate to ask why his faith which had healed so many could not and did not, especially when united with the faith of his brethren, heal Melvin J. Ballard himself. Under my own administration the sick have been healed in many cases where recovery seemed an impossibility. I have appealed to the Lord in great humility and earnestness for those ailing to be restored to health, with results in many cases that are positive miracles. Yet I have never appealed more earnestly, nor have I ever exercised more faith and authority in an appeal for a sick person to be healed than I did for Brother Ballard. When administering I took time to tell the Lord of this man's faith and faithfulness. I explained in great detail his many virtues and his outstanding qualities, and said in my prayerful appeal how much he was needed by the Church, the stakes of Zion, the missions, the people everywhere, and by the members of his family. Because our earnest appeals for his life were not answered, shall we lose faith? Shall we cease praying or administering to the sick? The sublimest moment in the life of the Savior was not when He healed the sick, or made the deaf to hear, or the lame to walk, or the blind to see, or even when he raised the dead. No! The sublimest moment in the life of Jesus, the Son of God, was when in the Garden of Gethsemane He offered His most earnest prayer. The situation with Him was so serious that blood came from the pores of His body, and an angel from heaven came down and gave Him support. It was under these terribly distressing conditions that the Master offered up the most earnest prayer that ever crossed His lips. Then followed the sublimest moment in the lifetime of the Son of God when He added these words to His appeal, "But thy will, not mine, O God, be done." It was in that moment that Christ Himself reached absolute perfection. And behind the earnest appeal I made for our beloved Melvin J. Ballard to be healed, I did my best to have that same feeling and thought. That thus he died, more clearly reminds us that thus he lived. "Thy will, not mine, be done" was the leading harmony of Elder Ballard's life. It is to this spirit that his brethren in the Council of the Twelve pay tribute: We have parted with a beloved associate, one who has won a dear place in our hearts as in the hearts of the whole Church and of thousands beyond. Elder Melvin J. Ballard was the essence of unselfish devotion to the cause of Christ. No call was too heavy, no trip too long, no sacrifice too great, if thereby men might be blessed and brought nearer to the Lord and His plan of salvation. Of him it may be truly said that in season and out of season he was in the service of the Master. Like Enoch of old he stood upon the high places and bore testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ and made plain the path that men must walk to win eternal happiness. With a surpassing gift of eloquence and a fervor born of an unquestioning certainty of the truth of the message delivered through Joseph Smith the Prophet, he called men to repentance and warned them of the folly of sin. Young and old thrilled in response to his message, called him blessed, and sought a better way of life. His soul as well as his voice poured forth music to lift mankind into lovelier lives. With all his evangelistic power he was endowed with great practical understanding. He was wise in counsel, for he understood the temporal as well as the spiritual needs of man. He became therefore an efficient servant in various Church activities among youth, in music, for the establishment of the Church Welfare Plan, in organizing wards and stakes, and many others. Whatever the task might be, he approached it in humility and prayer, but with intelligent power. Were it not that the Lord has need for him on the Other Side we feel assured that the mighty prayers of the Hosts of Israel for his recovery would have prevailed. We bow with grief in our hearts before the inscrutable but loving will of the Father. But in joy we, his intimate associates, can declare that Elder Melvin J. Ballard was indeed an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a mighty servant of the living God. THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE, By President Rudger Clawson. The events of Melvin J. Ballard's life endorse every good thing that may be said of him. Twenty years ago as a comparatively young man, but already a warrior tried and true in the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he took his place at my right hand as a member in the Council of the Twelve Apostles. During these short but happy years we have been intimate and genuinely confidential friends. I have never seen in him a trace of anger or ill will. His round, strong face was often wreathed in smiles. His was that smile called "the countersign of friendship and nature's best antidote for trouble." The thousands who filled the Tabernacle to overflowing at his funeral, the Boy Scout guard of honor, the full representation of the Tabernacle Choir, the countless expressions of sympathy and resolutions of respect from individuals and groups are unforgettable witness to the popularity he enjoyed wherever he went. One of his sisters called and said that twenty-six cars filled with relatives were coming to the funeral from Logan. Said she: "This will tell you something of the fondness and admiration the relatives of Melvin J. Ballard had in their hearts for this splendid man, their distinguished kinsman." Everywhere he went he became acquainted with the people. His ability to remember people, their faces and names, was most remarkable. If a stake president or one of his counselors, or a bishop or one of his counselors, or a patriarch or any other person holding an important place in the Church was wanted during a General Conference, Melvin J. Ballard could run his eye over that great gathering of Church officials who filled approximately half of the main floor of the Tabernacle and tell whether or not the individual was there. Small wonder that the Presiding Bishopric, in its message of condolence, was moved to say, "Few men have touched as many lives as he," and to continue: When there was an opportunity to serve, he was always ready and willing to go, not only to appear in public, but to the homes of the sick and distressed. His faith and blessings have brought comfort and courage to many of our Father's children. His presentation of the Gospel and his testimony are largely responsible for bringing many converts into the Church. He was a great missionary. His sermons have inspired the youth of the Church, and their appreciation of his ministry is best attested by the manner in which they have attended meetings in which he was scheduled to speak. When we analyze our own feelings, we realize how much we are indebted to him and his ministry for inspiration, testimony, and encouragement in our work, and how much we will miss him. We love him. We honor him. We appreciate his contribution to the establishment of Latter-day Zion, and we feel to say, God bless his memory and comfort the hearts of his family and friends. Presiding Bishop LeGrand Richards, For THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC. Melvin J. Ballard learned from his cradle the lessons of service and sacrifice. As a Deacon he chopped wood for the widows, cared for the meetinghouse, and performed errands of mercy and service for the president of the Relief Society, his mother, and for the bishop of the ward, his father. All the rugged virtues that make for sound living were the inheritance he received from his parents. His father, Henry Ballard, for almost forty years bishop of the Logan Second Ward, came from London in 1852 to become one of the outstanding pioneers of Cache Valley. His mother, Margaret McNiel Ballard, of Scotch descent, drove a cow across the plains at thirteen years of age and for a large part of the way carried her five-year-old brother, James, on her back. All his life Melvin J. Ballard was a cheerful worker. No idle day can be charged against him. His boyhood days were spent on the farm. He attended the public schools of Logan and the Brigham Young College. With a degree in business administration, he was graduated in 1894, but became a member of the faculty at the institution as music instructor. Much of his early education and music training was obtained through his own efforts. It was his musical ability that brought him his first missionary experience, for within three weeks after his marriage to Martha A. Jones on June 17, 1896, he was ordained a Seventy and sent to labor with Elders B. H. Roberts and George D. Pyper, who were holding meetings in the larger cities in the eastern states. Elder Roberts preached, and Elder Pyper sang; and Elder Ballard, then twenty-three, prayed, preached and sang. After his companions' release, he remained as a missionary in the Northern States Mission until December, 1898. It was the beginning of a career that was to distinguish him as a foremost evangelist in the Church; it was the first of many missions. He was to stand one memorable day in a grove of weeping willows near the bank of the El Rio De La Platte River in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and dedicate a whole continent for the preaching of the Gospel. On that South American summer day in December, 1925, in company with Elders Rulon S. Wells and Rey L. Pratt, he offered a fervent and beautiful prayer in behalf of a people who were his lifelong interest. His return to the United States through the Indian countries, covered with the ancient ruins of Book of Mormon significance, was one of the never-to-be-forgotten episodes of his life. I have told this devoted friend of mine repeatedly that, as a lover of missionaries and of missionary work, he was made by nature a successor in this respect to my father, Francis M. Lyman. I have often thought that Francis M. Lyman's missionary mantle fell upon Melvin J. Ballard, whose last work, as it was his first, was missionary work. Upon his return home from his first missionary assignment in 1898, Brother Ballard became one of the organizers of the Logan Knitting Factory, and a founder of the Logan Commercial Club, which he served for two terms as president and as a director. He became also a city councilman of Logan. For six and one-half years he acted as counselor in the bishopric of the Logan Second Ward, and for two years as a member of the Cache Stake High Council. He soon became recognized as a speaker of exceptional ability and his services were in constant demand. Meanwhile, he remained active as chorister of the ward and chairman of the stake tabernacle choir, and for three years served on the stake board of the Y. M. M. I. A. Called on a short term mission in the winter of 1902-3, he assisted Elder Joseph W. McMurrin of the First Council of Seventy in organizing into a branch the scattered members of the Church living in the Boise basin of Idaho, a work subsequently resulting in the establishment of the Boise Stake. In April, 1909, Brother Ballard, then in his thirty-sixth year and qualified by two missions and a large and varied experience at home, began a wonderful ten-year administration as president of the Northwestern States Mission, with headquarters at Portland, Oregon. During this time when he distinguished himself as a leader, as an administrator, as an advocate, and as a defender of the faith, he directed five hundred and fifty-five missionaries and erected fifteen chapels. Remembrance of periods such as this has inspired from the missionary leadership of the Church, the First Council of Seventy, a well-deserved eulogy: It is likely true that the Church has had few leaders more widely loved and honored than Melvin J. Ballard, one of the greatest missionaries the Church has produced. He was an inspirational speaker, an indefatigable worker, and a sympathetic counselor. These and other fine traits of character earned for him a unique place in the hearts of the people, and his passing leaves us heart-broken. The members of the First Council of the Seventy join his hosts of other friends and co-laborers in expressing to his family our deepest sympathy and pray that God, our Heavenly Father, will soften this terrible blow and heal their broken hearts. FIRST COUNCIL OF SEVENTY, By President Rulon S. Wells. His activities were intensified and his field of labor widened to include all the missions, stakes, and wards of the Church when, in January, 1919, Melvin J. Ballard was called to the Apostleship by President Heber J. Grant. Unmistakable was the testimony he bore. At the April conference of 1920, speaking of the resurrection of Christ, Elder Ballard said with thrilling assurance: He arose from the dead and came forth in splendor, a resurrected immortal and eternal being. He then arose to the height of power, of glory, and of majesty, and became the master of all things, even death yielding to Him. . . . We rejoice in the witness we have that Jesus taught the truth, that the testimony of His disciples concerning His resurrection is the truth; we also know that the testimony of Joseph Smith and his brethren who looked upon the face of the Redeemer is true. I bear witness that I know what they have said is the truth. I know as well as I know that I live and look into your faces that Jesus Christ lives and He is the Redeemer of the world, that He arose from the dead with a tangible body, and still has that real body which Thomas touched when he thrust his hands into His side and felt the wounds of the spear and also the prints of the nails in His hands. I know by the witness and revelations of God to me that Thomas told the truth. I know that Joseph Smith told the truth, for mine eyes have seen; for in the visions of the Lord to my soul I have seen Christ's face; I have heard His voice. I know that He lives, that He is the Redeemer of the world, and that He arose from the dead, a tangible and real individual. So shall all men rise in the resurrection from the dead. Melvin J. Ballard not only accepted responsibility and appointments and then performed well the assignments received, but he actually sought eagerly to find responsibilities which he might assume. Out of the 39 visits made by the General Authorities of the Church to the Juarez Stake in Mexico since 1919, Melvin J. Ballard made 15. Out of 53 visits made by members of the General Authorities to the Alberta Stake in Canada since 1919, Melvin J. Ballard made 13. How mightily he labored for the cause he loved! Besides his constant and Church wide missionary service, Elder Ballard— simply to list positions held among a strong and progressive people by virtue of his resourceful mind, responsive heart, and hands strong and quick to help—served as a member of the General Superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A.; as a member of the Salt Lake Council executive board, the National Council, and the regional committee, Region Twelve, of the Boy Scouts of America; he was general manager of The Improvement Era; chairman of the Church Music Committee; and in the spring of 1936 was named general chairman of the Church Welfare Program, visiting each of the sixteen regions to direct the work of organization and instruction. He was later released from this position in a reorganization placing increased responsibility on committee members who are not General Authorities of the Church, and was made an adviser to the General Committee. As members of the General Superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A., George Albert Smith, Melvin J. Ballard, and Oscar A. Kirkham and I were brought together in very intimate association. And because I live on the road to Brother Ballard's home, it was his practice during all the years of our intimate association together in the Superintendency to bring me home in his automobile. My opportunity to become acquainted with my neighbor and friend, brother and associate, revealed to me something of the exemplary life which has influenced the youth and manhood of this Church in a way never to be forgotten. In this work, which includes the national Boy Scout program, Melvin J. Ballard threw whole-heartedly the tremendous weight of his mighty personality and the stirring eloquence of his gifted oratory. Hundreds of young men owe their life memberships in the M. I. A. to the eloquent appeals of Melvin J. Ballard. It was not unusual for him to return from a convention with from five to fifteen paid-up memberships. He did not cease to labor with his might to get life memberships from older men, who, as he said, were indebted to the M. I. A. for information and inspiration, and from the young men in whose souls he endeavored to awaken ambition for life-long membership in an association which would be an unceasing urge for them to live in accordance with the high ideals and standards of the Church. His appeals were effective. Through his efforts the M. I. A. has today a long list of life members. When Melvin J. Ballard became manager of The Improvement Era, the magazine was comparatively small both in size and in circulation, with a limited function concerning the Church as a whole. Under his leadership a special committee of members of the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, headed by George Q. Morris, made the magazine a special order of business for months. Current magazines of many kinds and styles were brought in armfuls and laid upon the table before the committee while the matter was discussed. And it was as a result of this prolonged and careful investigation under the general direction of Melvin J, Ballard that The Improvement Era took on its present attractive, modern format and assumed its wider Church function. At the same time the decision was reached to combine the Young Woman's Journal, organ of the Y. W. M. I. A., with the Era, which union was effected in November, 1929. It was further under the direction of business managers Melvin J. Ballard and Clarissa A. Beesley and their joint M. I. A. committee that the Churchwide campaign was staged which resulted in an increase in the number of subscribers from a comparatively few thousand to 45,000. Their vision started on its way this great and popular Church magazine which has now become such a vitally important factor in practically all of the leading activities of this great Church. The years of their lives together brought to Brother and Sister Ballard a family of eight children. Her husband's duties took him away from home much of the time, and consequently the responsibility of the family rested largely upon Sister Ballard. With great devotion she has filled her place by his side. During his first mission she supported herself and babe and helped to maintain him by teaching school. With the exception of a son, Kenneth A., all of their children are still living: Mrs. R. W. Madsen, Jr., and Mrs. James F. Keyser of Salt Lake; Mrs. R. Dale Snow of Washington, D. C; M. R. Ballard, Rulon J. Ballard, and L. M. Ballard, all of Salt Lake; and McNeil Ballard of Dallas, Texas. To this family the expression of high esteem of their father which has come from the First Presidency of the Church must be a genuine source of gratitude for having had such a father after whom to pattern their lives: In the passing of Elder Melvin J. Ballard the Church has lost a great spiritual leader; the state has lost a citizen who stood for the highest ideals of citizenship. There are none so humble and none so high that they will not lose by his going. We of the First Presidency suffer a deep and poignant personal loss. He was our friend and brother—earnest, devoted, sincere, dependable, indefatigable in his constant service to the Cause. There was no task so great and no call so frequent, that he did not undertake each with all the great energy he possessed. The Lord was with him in his work, and blessed him. We shall miss him for his counsel, his wisdom, his service. He has earned the full reward of the faithful. May the Lord assuage the sorrow of all who mourn his going and especially his faithful wife and children. THE FIRST PRESIDENCY. Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay. Worldly wealth he did not have, but faith, devotion, charity, good works, and a lifetime of righteous living brought into the soul of Melvin J. Ballard that spirit of God which enabled him to understand the things of God. In years he was age sixty-six. In good deeds performed, in miles traveled, in meetings held, in souls converted, and in faith and good cheer extended he was many, many years older. In the words of President Clark, "His was a spirit mighty in service; his was a spirit mighty in love." Find if you can any man who in the same length of time has gone as far and done as much good as Melvin J. Ballard! He was the embodiment of health, vigor, and strength. This marvelous man, this man who made friends by the thousands, and had no enemies, is gone. When will there come such another! While his earthly work is finished, yet, in the language of Jesus the Son of God, he still lives, for Christ said to Martha: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (St. John 11:25.) |
MELVIN JOSEPH BALLARD
THE BALLARD FAMILY AS THEY APPEARED
OVER TWENTY YEARS AGO. MELVIN J. BALLARD AMONG RUINS OF A
TEMPLE BUILDING IN THE CITY OF OLLANTAYTAMBO, PERU. MELVIN J. BALLARD AS A YOUNG MAN
|
"Melvin J. Ballard." Improvement Era. September 1939. pg. 544.
Melvin J. Ballard
ELDER Melvin J. Ballard loved mankind; and in return he was beloved of all who knew him. With understanding sympathy he helped ceaselessly to solve the problems of the human heart. To bless mankind was the goal of his life.
He knew with an unshakeable faith, that the way to happiness on earth and in the hereafter lay through surrender to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, by eloquent word and compelling example, with piercing sincerity, he taught the reality and the divine message of the "Man of Nazareth," the Son of God. Under this influence the wills of many men were tamed for righteousness; and new awakened lives turned away from sin and darkness toward truth and light.
With all the power of his strong body, vigorous mentality, and clear intelligence, he threw himself into the work of the Church—which as the Church of Christ he believed, beyond perishable doubt, was possessed of divine authority. The assignments were many; the responsibilities great; the whole and the sick called for help. In the midst of his labors he toiled, but he also rejoiced.
All Zion mourns his passing from mortality. Yet, we turn for comfort to the message that he preached. Men, who were "in the beginning with God," are assigned to come on earth, and in due time are assigned to labors in the next estate of endless life. Our brother has but gone to fill another appointment. And all is done in the wisdom and by the love of God.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard was a worthy Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, a mighty servant of the living God. We stand gratefully before the beautiful record of his life. "The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh; blessed be the name of the Lord."
May solace and understanding comfort come to all who were near and dear to this good man—one who was assuredly beloved of the Lord. — J. A. W.
Melvin J. Ballard
ELDER Melvin J. Ballard loved mankind; and in return he was beloved of all who knew him. With understanding sympathy he helped ceaselessly to solve the problems of the human heart. To bless mankind was the goal of his life.
He knew with an unshakeable faith, that the way to happiness on earth and in the hereafter lay through surrender to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, by eloquent word and compelling example, with piercing sincerity, he taught the reality and the divine message of the "Man of Nazareth," the Son of God. Under this influence the wills of many men were tamed for righteousness; and new awakened lives turned away from sin and darkness toward truth and light.
With all the power of his strong body, vigorous mentality, and clear intelligence, he threw himself into the work of the Church—which as the Church of Christ he believed, beyond perishable doubt, was possessed of divine authority. The assignments were many; the responsibilities great; the whole and the sick called for help. In the midst of his labors he toiled, but he also rejoiced.
All Zion mourns his passing from mortality. Yet, we turn for comfort to the message that he preached. Men, who were "in the beginning with God," are assigned to come on earth, and in due time are assigned to labors in the next estate of endless life. Our brother has but gone to fill another appointment. And all is done in the wisdom and by the love of God.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard was a worthy Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, a mighty servant of the living God. We stand gratefully before the beautiful record of his life. "The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh; blessed be the name of the Lord."
May solace and understanding comfort come to all who were near and dear to this good man—one who was assuredly beloved of the Lord. — J. A. W.
Gardner, David E. "Search Diligently... New Light on the Ballard Family." Improvement Era. July 1950. pg. 554-556, 580.
“Search Diligently...” New Light on the Ballard Family from English Records By David E. Gardner Early in the year 1795, in Purley, Berkshire, a secluded English village, William, the eldest son of Barnard Ballard and Mary his wife, was born. Before William had reached his first birthday his mother had been laid to rest in that country churchyard, leaving Barnard Ballard with three infant children. In 1797, Barnard Ballard married Ann Avery at Purley, and in the next fourteen years seven more children were added to the family. The eldest son, William, early in life began to feel that he would be much happier away from the crowded home of his father, and in 1805, while yet a youngster of ten years, he obtained work in another locality, eventually living in the adjoining county of Hampshire. At the age of twenty-five years, William Ballard met Hannah, the daughter of George and Hannah Russell of Hannington, and the registers of the ancient parish show that they married October 16, 1820. By profession, William was a gardener, and for most of his married life in England, he lived in the caretaker's house on the estate of an English nobleman, near Cold Ash Common, Thatcham, Berkshire. It was here that their four sons, Charles, George, John, and Henry were born. John and George eventually became carriage builders and were enabled to set up a prosperous business near London. Henry, the youngest son, was sent to school at Thatcham, where his alertness was noticed by William Harris, the headmaster. At the age of sixteen years, Henry secured work on a farm owned by William Northaway. While working in the fields, Henry became acquainted with Joseph Kimber, a farm hand. It was through him that Henry learned of Mormonism and listened to the message of the restored gospel and the ushering in of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. Being soon convinced by the truth, he was baptized in February 1849. This brought public condemnation upon the Ballard household, and Henry was severely criticized by his brothers who disowned him, and he suffered the disapproval of his parents. In England, 1849 was a plague year and thousands of victims died after a two or three-day illness. Henry Ballard contracted typhoid fever, but through the administration of the L.D.S. elders he was healed. This healing, in connection with the teachings and testimony of Henry Ballard, converted his father and mother, William and Hannah (Russell) Ballard, and they were baptized in the fall of 1849. Honoring the call of the Church to strengthen and pioneer the western territories of America, Henry Ballard left England in January 1852. Owing to Henry's many delays while crossing the plains, William and Hannah, who left England at a later date, were the first to arrive in Utah. The family eventually settled in Cache Valley. William and Henry Ballard were firm believers in the latter-day revelations, and became desirous of attending to the ordinances on behalf of their deceased relatives. In the forty and more years since William Ballard left his father's home in Purley, he had had practically no contact with his kindred. He had worked on distant farms, married a girl from the next county, and reared his family at some distance from his birthplace. In those days travel was restricted to the distance walked in daylight, and as there was very little spare time from farming, it was not unusual for families to become parted and even estranged. Busily engaged as a gardener on a large estate and later pioneering in a new country, William had kept no written record of his father's people. All the names that he could recollect in old age were those of his father and mother and three of his brothers, without any dates and places of their births and deaths. In 1887 when Henry Ballard returned to England on a two-year mission, he made numerous unsuccessful attempts to trace his father's ancestry. He visited a number of his relatives who were not able to impart information or were unwilling to state what they knew. Sixty years ago all present sources of genealogical investigation were not available, and he was unable to obtain advice from a genealogist. In the fifty years since then, evidence has been persistently sought which would trace Barnard Ballard and his wife Mary and establish their parentage and ancestry. Of these attempts two are worthy of note. The Purley parish records were searched by the late George Minns back to the year 1662, but nothing earlier was found than the birth, in 1792, of Ann, the sister of William Ballard, and the marriages of 1797 verified that Barnard Ballard married Ann Avery, his second wife. The record of his first marriage to Mary was not found, and so it seemed that the ancestry of one of Utah's pioneers was to remain unsolved. In the summer of 1947, Archibald F. Bennett, general secretary of the genealogical society, examined the possibilities for further research, and during his visit to England discussed the matter with the author. Census records which had been preserved but long held as confidential were now open for public research. Probate records previously in local custody were now accessible in London, and methods of research and verification had been improved. In view of these facts, it was decided to start at the beginning, commencing with the families of William Ballard and his father Barnard Ballard. Briefly, it was known that the birth of Barnard Ballard's youngest child, Caroline, was recorded in Purley registers in 1811. Research at Purley had established that Barnard Ballard had not died there after 1811. No will was found in the probate courts which would have identified the place where he had died. What happened to him was a mystery! England has no central index to deaths before the year 1837. Unless the place of death is known, it is not possible to locate an entry in a register without extensive searches through the records of perhaps a score or more villages within a few miles of the last known residence. Known facts concerning Barnard Ballard included that he was the father of ten children, and it may be supposed that in the latter years of his life« he had left Purley and resided in the home of one of his children, all of whom had been engaged in agriculture and were unlikely to have traveled far from Purley. What should be done to find the record of these children and establish them in the villages where they had chosen to reside? In 1851 a census of every household was taken; these records clearly state the full names, ages, relationships, trades, and birthplaces of every person in every household in England. Perhaps some of these children might be found in this census and thus form a connecting link between them and the burial place of Barnard Ballard. The map of Berkshire was examined; Purley village pinpointed; and the surrounding villages noted. The 1851 census, available in the legal search room of the Public Record Office, London, was searched. Nine families of Ballard were traced in the records of twenty-seven villages searched before the following remarkable and exciting entry was found: Parish of Tilehurst, Berkshire: Household of David Swaine. Head DAVID SWAINE, age 30, agricultural, born Aldermaston, Berkshire; wife ANN SWAINE, age 26, born Tilehurst, Berkshire; lodger BARNET BALLARD, age 88, agricultural, born Ufton, Berkshire. This search was more successful than had been anticipated, for here, judging from his age and the locality, was evidently the ancestor Barnet Ballard (an alternative spelling for Barnard Ballard), age eighty-eight years, and therefore born about 1763 in Ufton, the parish where the records from 1742 to 1812 had been lost. In the many instances where parish registers are missing, a duplicate record may be traced in the muniments of the diocesan office. No time was lost in visiting the diocesan office at Salisbury, to find that documents known as bishops' transcripts gave details of births and deaths at Ufton for the missing period. The searching of these old dusty parchments which are strung together on catgut and rolled into bundles, revealed an entry: Christened at UFTON NERVET: 8 August 1763, BARNARD son of JOHN BALLARD and Mary his wife. Searching through earlier years revealed the marriage of John Ballard, 18 January 1760 at Ufton Nervet to Mary Barefoot, giving the record of a new line to trace. The scrutiny of the Ufton Nervet bishops' transcripts back to 1608 did not bring to light any clear : record of earlier ancestry. However, these parchments did give details of several brothers and sisters of Barnard Ballard as well as the burials and baptisms of Ballards of several generations without directly identifying their exact relationship to Barnard Ballard. The marriage of Barnard Ballard to his first wife, Mary, was not found in the Ufton records, but by extending the search to transcripts from nearby villages to Ufton, a document was found which stated that on the tenth of January 1792, Barnet Ballard of Purley married Mary Elms at Tidmarsh. Thus another maiden surname was brought to light, this time the line of the mother of William Ballard. Was it possible to identify all the Ballard families obtained from Ufton registers and perhaps trace the Ballard ancestry further? The probate records of the archdeaconry of Berkshire once kept in the city of Oxford, were now available at Somerset House, London. The will of John Ballard, buried at Ufton in 1810, was found. It was proved 10 May 1810, and states that he was John Ballard, victualler, and he bequeathed his property to his wife Mary and to five of his sons-in-law. This was clearly the John Ballard who married Mary Barefoot in 1760, and father of Barnard Ballard. Another will was found which identified a John Ballard who had been buried at Ufton 20 November 1790. This will was proved 23 November 1790 and stated that the deceased was John Ballard, Senr., of Ufton, "farmer and yeoman." In it he mentioned his wife Elizabeth and "my children." A careful scrutiny of the information from Ufton transcripts shows that there were two John Ballards living in Ufton in the year 1790, one being the ancestor John Ballard, victualler, who married Mary Barefoot, and the other John Ballard, Senr., farmer, whose will is noted above, and who was undoubtedly the father of the victualler. Further searching in the wills revealed one probated 26 July 1757 which referred to the John Ballard who was buried at Ufton 25 June 1757. This was a very lengthy will, extending over several pages, stating that John Ballard was a yeoman, possessing four farms in the parish of Ufton, and naming his wife Elizabeth and at least twenty-six of his close relatives to whom he bequeathed his property, including his grandson John Ballard who was the son of John Ballard. He appointed as joint executors his sons named John Ballard and Jonathan Ballard. A careful check of all known data from Ufton identifies this John Ballard, yeoman farmer, who died in 1 757, as the great-grandfather of Barnard Ballard and the fourth-great-grandfather of the late Elder Melvin J. Ballard. Among the probate records there was an administration of the estate of Perer Barefoot who had been buried in the same parish of Ufton in 1771. Letters of administration had been granted to John Barefoot, son of the deceased because Mary Barefoot, the widow had renounced her claim. Was this a clue to the parentage of Mary Barefoot who was the wife of John Ballard? The birth year of Mary Barefoot was approximated as 1739-1740 from the age recorded in the burial book at Ufton, she having been buried there 5 April 1820, aged eighty years. Several nearby parishes had been searched for her birth, but it was not until the registers of Tilehurst were scrutinized that the following entry confirmed the supposition: Christened at TILEHURST, Berks: 2 July 1739, MARY daughter of PETER AND MARY BAREFOOT. and resulted in the finding of a family group of four children. Peter Barefoot was a yeoman farmer, and he married, at Tilehurst 29 December 1734, Mary Appleby of Woolhampton. His birth record at Tilehurst in 1707 established him as one of the six children of John and Ann Barefoot. A search back to 1 630 in Tilehurst registers did not reveal any further ancestry, but in the nearby town of Reading, in the records of the Church of Saint Mary was found the marriage of John Barefoot to Ann Dewberry, 18 June 1693. Again recourse to the probate records demonstrated their importance, for there was found in the administration of the estate of John Barefoot in 1722, that he was described as a husbandman, and in the same probate court was recorded an administration naming a James Barefoot, also a husbandman, who had died at Purley in 1672, the same village where the emigrant ancestor William Ballard was born in 1795. Whether this James Barefoot was the ancestor and father of John Barefoot could only be solved by a visit to Purley church. Meeting the parish minister of Purley in the town of Reading we went to this quiet secluded parish church, set in the beautiful English countryside. A search of the Purley registers revealed that our John Barefoot had been christened 1 June 1666, one of the three children of James and Elizabeth Barefoot. The registers earlier than 1662 had been lost, so further Barefoot ancestry will require tracing through other contemporary records. As already noted, Mary Appleby had married in 1734 at Tilehurst Peter Barefoot, and she was described as a resident of the parish of Woolhampton, Berks. From Reading to Woolhampton was a journey through pleasant country lanes, the green fields and woods reflecting the quiet and spirit of calmness of a summer in England. Arriving at the old village, a stiff climb up the hill was rewarded by the appearance of the ancient Church, of the vicar on his bicycle, eager and desirous to help in producing from the safe the old parchment registers and permitting an examination of the old English script. After some effort the christening of Mary Appleby on 22 January 1709/10 was found. This identified her as the daughter of John Appleby who had married, 30 December 1705, Martha Horne, both being of the parish of Woolhampton. Farther back in the registers was identified the family of nine children of Peter and Ann Appleby, one of whom was John, christened 16 March 1678/9—none other than the father of Mary Appleby. Martha Horne, his wife, was christened 28 January 1667/8 at Woolhampton. one of the six children to Richard Home, the "parish clerke," and his wife Joan. To review the success attained, it is interesting to note that in the probate courts, twenty-six wills and administrations had been extracted and many more read. Census records of twenty-seven villages had been carefully searched; eight country parishes and one town parish had been visited and records searched; and the principal archive of the diocese had been visited at 580 Salisbury where dusty and dry parchments had been scrutinized. These searches effected the identification of over two hundred direct blood relatives of the late Melvin J. Ballard, consisting of the discovery of: Six 5th great-grandparents Six 4th great-grandparents Four 3rd great-grandparents Two 2nd great-grandparents Two of the great-grandparents, and the finding of five new surnames of wives of the ancestors. Encouraged by the opening of these new avenues of inquiry, and by the widening scope of the analysis, the family is now proceeding with confidence into further research, and this Ballard investigation is only at its. beginning. There are numerous records yet to be searched in attempts to trace the ancestry back to still more ancient times. |
MELVIN J. BALLARD
WILLIAM BALLARD
HANNAH BALLARD
HENRY BALLARD
THOMAS McNEIL, JR.
JANET (REID) McNEIL
MARGARET (McNEIL) BALLARD
|