Rufus K. Hardy
Born: 28 May 1878
Called to First Council of the Seventy: 6 October 1934
Died: 7 March 1945
Called to First Council of the Seventy: 6 October 1934
Died: 7 March 1945
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Relief Society Magazine, December 1934, President Rufus K. Hardy
Improvement Era, April 1945, President Rufus K. Hardy of the First Council of the Seventy
Improvement Era, April 1945, Passing of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy
Relief Society Magazine, April 1945, Rufus Kay Hardy
Relief Society Magazine, December 1934, President Rufus K. Hardy
Improvement Era, April 1945, President Rufus K. Hardy of the First Council of the Seventy
Improvement Era, April 1945, Passing of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy
Relief Society Magazine, April 1945, Rufus Kay Hardy
Jenson, Andrew. "Hardy, Rufus Kay." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 97-98, 360.
HARDY, Rufus Kay, one of the first Seven Presidents of Seventy, was born May 28, 1878, in Salt Lake City, the son of Rufus H. Hardy and Annie Kay. From his childhood he was trained to take an active part in Church affairs and was baptized, June 1, 1886, by John Cottam. Continuing his labors in the Church, he was ordained successively to the offices of Deacon, Teacher and Priest, and was ordained an Elder May 3, 1897, by Elder Joseph Barnes. He was ordained a Seventy July 2, 1897, by Apostle John Henry Smith and set apart for a mission to New Zealand. Arriving in Auckland, N. Z., August 9, 1897, he was assigned to labor in the Tauranga District and was later transferred to the Waikato District. He returned from this mission Jan. 1, 1901. On May 3, 1906, he was set apart as one of the presidents of the 8th Quorum of Seventy by J. Golden Kimball. On April 2, 1903, he married Addie Eldredge, daughter of Joshua Eldredge and Lizzie Winder, and early in 1907 was called to preside over the New Zealand Mission. To this position he was set apart Feb. 18, 1907, by Pres. Joseph F. Smith; his wife, who accompanied him, was set apart on the same occasion by Pres. John R. Winder. Bro. and Sister Hardy returned from this mission in July, 1909, after which Elder Hardy continued to reside in Salt Lake City, actively engaged in Church work and in a civil capacity holding the position of supervisor of the Inter-mountain District for the Western States Life Insurance Company, being associated with this company for a period of twenty-two years. In 1933, Elder Hardy was a second time called to preside over the New Zealand Mission, being set apart for this position June 20, 1933, by Pres. A. W. Ivins. His wife did not accompany him this time. At a conference held in Salt Lake City, Oct. 6, 1934, Elder Hardy was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventy and on that account was released from his labors in the New Zealand Mission and, arriving home Dec. 5, 1934, was set apart to his position in the First Council of Seventy, Feb. 7, 1935, by President Heber J. Grant. His wife, Sister Addie Eldredge Hardy, formerly a member of the Salt Lake Stake Board of Y. L. M. I. A., is now a member of the General Board of Primary Associations. One daughter was born to Bro. and Sister Hardy, namely Kay, now the wife of Alan B. Blood. President Hardy has a good physique and a pleasing personality. His stand on what he believes to be right is unswerving, but in personal matters he is always willing to sacrifice his own desires for the benefit of others. |
Young, Levi Edgar. "President Rufus K. Hardy." Relief Society Magazine. December 1934. pg. 743-746.
President Rufus K. Hardy
By President Levi Edgar Young
I APPROACH the writing of this sketch of Rufus K. Hardy with a great deal of joy. He and I were boys together. We played the same games in our childhood days; we attended the same district school and had the same teachers ; we joined the other boys in their hikes through City Creek canyon and on to the surrounding hills; we steered the same large sled down the hill in winter time; and snow-balled the same passers-by. Yet there was a kind of honor to us boys as a group. It is safe to say that we never picked on smaller boys, and we never ran from the larger ones. Our teacher in the old Twelfth Ward school (the building still stands on east First South Street) was John B. Moreton. The "higher" room where he taught, was in the basement of the building. It was the day when we were graded according to readers, and famous was the boy or girl who had reached the Fifth Reader and could do complex fractions. Mr. Moreton understood us, and though a fine disciplinarian, he was never harsh, and happy was he, when a boy or girl would work hard at the assigned lessons, and manifest a love for books. His classes were always interesting. Blessed with a vivid imagination, he would take us on long trips to distant countries and tell us about the heroes of history. We learned to live the subjects he taught, and the boys and girls would remain voluntarily after school to listen to some story or hear him read the poems of Tennyson and Longfellow.
There was a certain fineness of character to the boys and girls of the Twelfth Ward school. Many of them with whom Rufus and I played have won for themselves high honors in the world. We played “townball" with Bry Wells, who is now a Major General in the United States Army. Will Riter, who used to recite Patrick Henry's speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses with dramatic effect, became the assistant Attorney General of the United States, and was living in Washington, when death took him. George Riter used to make us laugh at his stories. He held the position of City engineer for Salt Lake City for many years, and many of the paved streets of Salt Lake were due to his careful planning. Edith Ellerbeck was on her way to fame as a writer of fiction, when her life was cut short. Mahonri Young still lives, and is one of the world's great sculptors. Ida Savage was a fine art critic. She died some years ago. Mr. Moreton had a way of stimulating ideals within the souls of his boys and girls, and he created a "moral thoughtfulness" that remained with us all through life.
As I look back now through the years, I see him standing before the old brown desk, listening to our recitations and quietly correcting our mistakes. He made us feel sincerely that there is such a thing as "moral health as beautiful and as desirable as health of the body ; and that the signs of it are truthfulness, sincerity, kindness, helpfulness, self-respect, self-control, courage, and fulfilment of duty." He was a great teacher, and fortunate was the boy or girl who came under his influence.
IT was in such an atmosphere that Rufus Hardy received his early school training. But greater than his schooling was the influence of his old home. President Hardy comes of fine pioneer parentage. His father was the son of Josiah G. Hardy, who drove an ox team across the plains in early days, and suffered hardships almost beyond description. Rufus Hardy, the father, had an artistic turn of mind, and for many years, he played in the old Mark Croxall band and George Careless orchestra. Annie Kay Hardy was an ideal mother. In her home, she trained her sons, John, Rufus, and Carl in the paths of rectitude, and imparted to them truths and inspired them with ideals not found in books. She was an outstanding and sympathetic character; and had an understanding heart. She was a graduate of the old University of Deseret and had studied history and philosophy under Dr. John R. Park. Always serene and patient, Annie Kay inherited from her English parents stability of purpose and constancy to high principles. From her lips, her boys learned the precepts of the Bible. She gloried in the traditions of early American history, and loved the poems of Whittier and Longfellow. She struggled to educate her children; at times her work was hard, for she taught school, and often left home in the early morning and returned at the end of the day tired and discouraged. Yet no one ever saw her face clouded with a frown. The mother was Rufus's greatest teacher, and from her he inherited a love for books ; from the father, an appreciation for music, President Hardy, when but a young man, became prominent in the real estate business in Salt Lake City; and then for a period of twenty-five years, he was supervisor of the Western States Life Insurance Company. His reputation for honest dealing was known to his host of friends; and he always found time to look after the interests of orphans and widows, who came under his influence. His kind heart has always been expressed in charitable acts, which have relieved much suffering and want. In business, he has a fine sense of accuracy, combined with a sound and calm judgment. He has often surmounted difficulties by his unwearied diligence to prose cute labor, which his physical condition at times must otherwise have arrested.
President Hardy was just nineteen years of age, when he was first called to perform a mission in New Zealand among the Maoris. He was absent from home in this field of labor over three and a half years, and during his absence, he not only learned to speak the language fluently, he became greatly interested in the (traditions and history of the Maori people. He sees in the lore of that people, substantial facts that connect them with the Jewish race. While it may be true that there lived in New Zealand in prehistoric times, a race of people whose lineage is not known, yet it appears to be certain that Semitic civilization has stamped itself upon the native inhabitants. These people, according to President Hardy's conclusions, have always moved in a religious atmosphere, and have ascribed a religious origin to their power and a sacred character to their kings. They endowed the family with rigid cohesion and the maintenance of family life was a sacred duty. Many important legends are preserved among the people, which have helped to maintain their ancient government, and to regulate the conduct of men—the Creation, the Victory of Light over Darkness; the Fall of Man, and the Deluge. Christianity appeals to them, and whenever they have accepted the Gospel they have maintained its dignity in their hearts by living it.
To the Maoris, President Hardy has gone three times to carry the Gospel message, and at the time of his call to the First Council of Seventy at the last General Conference of the Church, he was presiding over the New Zealand mission. He has just recently been released, and is now on his way home. Elder Hardy has a great love for the out-of-doors. Ever since he was a small boy, he has roamed the hills. He knows the trees and flowers. To this day, he loves hunting and fishing, and hardly a stream in Utah is unknown to him, for trout fishing has been one of the joys of his life. When I think of him going into the remote canyons every year, I recall Walter Savage Landor's fine lines:
“We are what suns and winds and waters make us;
The mountains are our sponsors, and the rills
Fashion and win their nursling with their smiles."
President Hardy is well equipped for his divine call to the position as one of the First Council of Seventy. His experience has been broad and active. His early training has given him a love for books, and he has a comprehensive knowledge of history and literature. His charming companionship, his knowledge of the Gospel, and his generous consideration of others ; all give him a fine setting for his future work among the people. He will be greatly loved.
President Rufus K. Hardy
By President Levi Edgar Young
I APPROACH the writing of this sketch of Rufus K. Hardy with a great deal of joy. He and I were boys together. We played the same games in our childhood days; we attended the same district school and had the same teachers ; we joined the other boys in their hikes through City Creek canyon and on to the surrounding hills; we steered the same large sled down the hill in winter time; and snow-balled the same passers-by. Yet there was a kind of honor to us boys as a group. It is safe to say that we never picked on smaller boys, and we never ran from the larger ones. Our teacher in the old Twelfth Ward school (the building still stands on east First South Street) was John B. Moreton. The "higher" room where he taught, was in the basement of the building. It was the day when we were graded according to readers, and famous was the boy or girl who had reached the Fifth Reader and could do complex fractions. Mr. Moreton understood us, and though a fine disciplinarian, he was never harsh, and happy was he, when a boy or girl would work hard at the assigned lessons, and manifest a love for books. His classes were always interesting. Blessed with a vivid imagination, he would take us on long trips to distant countries and tell us about the heroes of history. We learned to live the subjects he taught, and the boys and girls would remain voluntarily after school to listen to some story or hear him read the poems of Tennyson and Longfellow.
There was a certain fineness of character to the boys and girls of the Twelfth Ward school. Many of them with whom Rufus and I played have won for themselves high honors in the world. We played “townball" with Bry Wells, who is now a Major General in the United States Army. Will Riter, who used to recite Patrick Henry's speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses with dramatic effect, became the assistant Attorney General of the United States, and was living in Washington, when death took him. George Riter used to make us laugh at his stories. He held the position of City engineer for Salt Lake City for many years, and many of the paved streets of Salt Lake were due to his careful planning. Edith Ellerbeck was on her way to fame as a writer of fiction, when her life was cut short. Mahonri Young still lives, and is one of the world's great sculptors. Ida Savage was a fine art critic. She died some years ago. Mr. Moreton had a way of stimulating ideals within the souls of his boys and girls, and he created a "moral thoughtfulness" that remained with us all through life.
As I look back now through the years, I see him standing before the old brown desk, listening to our recitations and quietly correcting our mistakes. He made us feel sincerely that there is such a thing as "moral health as beautiful and as desirable as health of the body ; and that the signs of it are truthfulness, sincerity, kindness, helpfulness, self-respect, self-control, courage, and fulfilment of duty." He was a great teacher, and fortunate was the boy or girl who came under his influence.
IT was in such an atmosphere that Rufus Hardy received his early school training. But greater than his schooling was the influence of his old home. President Hardy comes of fine pioneer parentage. His father was the son of Josiah G. Hardy, who drove an ox team across the plains in early days, and suffered hardships almost beyond description. Rufus Hardy, the father, had an artistic turn of mind, and for many years, he played in the old Mark Croxall band and George Careless orchestra. Annie Kay Hardy was an ideal mother. In her home, she trained her sons, John, Rufus, and Carl in the paths of rectitude, and imparted to them truths and inspired them with ideals not found in books. She was an outstanding and sympathetic character; and had an understanding heart. She was a graduate of the old University of Deseret and had studied history and philosophy under Dr. John R. Park. Always serene and patient, Annie Kay inherited from her English parents stability of purpose and constancy to high principles. From her lips, her boys learned the precepts of the Bible. She gloried in the traditions of early American history, and loved the poems of Whittier and Longfellow. She struggled to educate her children; at times her work was hard, for she taught school, and often left home in the early morning and returned at the end of the day tired and discouraged. Yet no one ever saw her face clouded with a frown. The mother was Rufus's greatest teacher, and from her he inherited a love for books ; from the father, an appreciation for music, President Hardy, when but a young man, became prominent in the real estate business in Salt Lake City; and then for a period of twenty-five years, he was supervisor of the Western States Life Insurance Company. His reputation for honest dealing was known to his host of friends; and he always found time to look after the interests of orphans and widows, who came under his influence. His kind heart has always been expressed in charitable acts, which have relieved much suffering and want. In business, he has a fine sense of accuracy, combined with a sound and calm judgment. He has often surmounted difficulties by his unwearied diligence to prose cute labor, which his physical condition at times must otherwise have arrested.
President Hardy was just nineteen years of age, when he was first called to perform a mission in New Zealand among the Maoris. He was absent from home in this field of labor over three and a half years, and during his absence, he not only learned to speak the language fluently, he became greatly interested in the (traditions and history of the Maori people. He sees in the lore of that people, substantial facts that connect them with the Jewish race. While it may be true that there lived in New Zealand in prehistoric times, a race of people whose lineage is not known, yet it appears to be certain that Semitic civilization has stamped itself upon the native inhabitants. These people, according to President Hardy's conclusions, have always moved in a religious atmosphere, and have ascribed a religious origin to their power and a sacred character to their kings. They endowed the family with rigid cohesion and the maintenance of family life was a sacred duty. Many important legends are preserved among the people, which have helped to maintain their ancient government, and to regulate the conduct of men—the Creation, the Victory of Light over Darkness; the Fall of Man, and the Deluge. Christianity appeals to them, and whenever they have accepted the Gospel they have maintained its dignity in their hearts by living it.
To the Maoris, President Hardy has gone three times to carry the Gospel message, and at the time of his call to the First Council of Seventy at the last General Conference of the Church, he was presiding over the New Zealand mission. He has just recently been released, and is now on his way home. Elder Hardy has a great love for the out-of-doors. Ever since he was a small boy, he has roamed the hills. He knows the trees and flowers. To this day, he loves hunting and fishing, and hardly a stream in Utah is unknown to him, for trout fishing has been one of the joys of his life. When I think of him going into the remote canyons every year, I recall Walter Savage Landor's fine lines:
“We are what suns and winds and waters make us;
The mountains are our sponsors, and the rills
Fashion and win their nursling with their smiles."
President Hardy is well equipped for his divine call to the position as one of the First Council of Seventy. His experience has been broad and active. His early training has given him a love for books, and he has a comprehensive knowledge of history and literature. His charming companionship, his knowledge of the Gospel, and his generous consideration of others ; all give him a fine setting for his future work among the people. He will be greatly loved.
"President Rufus K. Hardy of the First Council of the Seventy." Improvement Era. April 1945. pg. 182, 210-211.
RUFUS K. HARDY of the First Council of the Seventy Elder Rufus K. Hardy of the First Council of the Seventy passed away in the early morning hours of March 7, 1945, at the age of sixty-six. He had been partially restricted in his official duties for more than a year, due to a heart ailment, but had returned to his office to renew his active participation as one of the General Authorities of the Church within a few weeks of his passing. The chronological facts of his life and Church career are recorded in brief on this page. Beyond this, we might here give the opinion of one man as to his works and character, but have chosen rather to give the estimates of several of his associates, in part, at his funeral service, conducted by President David O. McKay in the Assembly Hall, March 9, 1945. Speaking "in behalf of the First Presidency of the Church," President McKay said in part: "During his years of faithful service, President Hardy had our utmost confidence. He was responsive to every call; he was faithful in the performance of every duty. He was loyal to his chosen calling as one of the General Authorities. "President Hardy was congenial, kind, respectful, and gracious; he was honorable and just in his dealings with his fellow men. As a friend, he was loyal and true. "On more than one occasion when laboring as a missionary, and as a presiding officer in the New Zealand Mission, this good man has strolled to the top of a hill near Kaihoho Ngapuhi where stands a monument erected in memory of Hono Heke, the great-grandson of the warrior so famous in New Zealand early history. "The people of New Zealand have also erected a monument in honor of this great leader. It is not of wood nor stone nor of precious metal; nor does it stand upon a hill—it is a monument cherished in the hearts of the Saints and his many friends in Maori Land! "Truly he can say: 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.' " President George Albert Smith of the Council of the Twelve gave these words among his tributes at the services: "A great character has finished his mortal career. One of God's noblemen has been called home, and fortunate are we, who in these valleys and other places, have had the companionship and the close association of Rufus K. Hardy. "He loved his fellow men. It mattered not whether they were designated as the white race or those whose skins were dark. It mattered not whether it was America or the Polynesian Islands, he saw in every man and every woman, a child of our Heavenly Father, and he loved them and they loved him. His work cannot be estimated, and the in- fluence that he has had in the world nobody can reckon, because wherever he went he radiated sunshine and hope, and encouraged those who needed encouragement. He was a converted Latter-day Saint. He believed in the divine mission of Jesus Christ. He believed that Joseph Smith, the boy prophet, had come to earth to perform a mission, and he was fortunate enough to fulfill that mission in the brief years that he dwelt in mortality. It was not a matter of doubt, or hope, with Brother Hardy, he believed absolutely in the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. "We feel today to mourn. If we were in the South Seas, in the sections where Brother Hardy labored, if they have received the word that he has passed on, there will be mourning, not only a quiet mourning, but a manifestation of deep sorrow that a friend of the Maori race has passed from mortality to immortality. I had the privilege of being with him for some time among that people, and if he had been a member of their own family he could not have been made more welcome. He and Sister Hardy when they lived among them gave to them an uplift that it is difficult for anybody to understand. . . . "He could not have done the fine things he has done in life if he had not had the help that he did have in his own home. Sister Hardy and Rufus have done teamwork, and those who have been fortunate enough to come into their home and dwell there have rejoiced in the result of that teamwork. It was a source of great sorrow to me to see him down in South Seas for about thirty days—he was seriously ill, but he came back, and then he was ill here for a long time, but I thought he was recovering his health. He was seized again, but apparently he was not to be healed this time, but to go home." His senior associate in the First Council of the Seventy, and friend of his boyhood, President Levi Edgar Young, gave these words in his memory: "President Rufus K. Hardy came of noble pioneer stock. His father was a mechanic of very high order, for he understood and worked in all kinds of machinery. His mother was essentially a teacher of children. She had implanted deeply in her soul the old adage: 'To charm, to strengthen, and to teach: these are the three great chords of might.' Rufus came under the influence of a fine mother who understood her children. . . . "He was a business man, uniting the spirit of his religion with every deal he ever made, and never taking undue advantage of a soul in some business enterprise.... "It was, however, as a member of the First Council of the Seventy that we saw his might and power. Appreciating always his divine call, he brought to bear on his ordination a fine mind and a holy purpose. Both at home and abroad, the people of the world should hear the word of God "I saw him last as he sat in his chair at home. The stately simplicity which had always charmed those who saw him in private, seemed more beautiful than ever in the quiet evening of a winter day. . . ." A missionary associate and friend, Elder J. Howard Jenkins, spoke of another phase of his life: "President Hardy first came into my life as a young man, as he did into the lives of many former missionaries in New Zealand, and has had a great influence in that life up until this present time. . . . He had been previously called to the New Zealand Mission as a very young man in 1897. "If we go back into the history of New Zealand in 1897, we will find that the work among the Maories had just barely commenced. Maori missionaries had been called among the Maories for as far back as 1886, but most of the work previous to 1886 was done among the Europeans. . . . "In his early travels as a young man he became acquainted with the king of New Zealand, and the king's people in Waikato where he spent most of his time and where he received such an ovation upon his return to the islands, for Princess Puea upon his last return entertained the Latter-day Saint people there at a great hui tau in honor of his return. "Rufus K. Hardy was a man who early acquired the gift of the Maori language to such an extent that he was able to talk in the traditions of their fathers . . . and by reason of it gained the confidence of the elder men of the tribes and was often called to sit in their councils to advise with them on the problems that were presented to the Maori people. Later on when he was called to preside over the mission he was invited into the councils of the New Zealand government and was a frequent guest of the secretary of the interior who had to do with the admittance of our missionaries to New Zealand, and had to do with the work of the Church there." Long before he was called to his place in the presiding councils of the Church, Brother Hardy had distinguished himself as a seventy, as a lover of and worker among boys, as a missionary, as a successful business executive, as a sportsman^ farm operator, as a father, husband, and friend—and as a man among men, who was at home in any good company, and who walked humbly with his God. May his memory be cherished, and his good works be carried on, and may those whom he loved in life be blessed. |
RUFUS K. HARDY
May 28. 1878—Born at Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Rufus H. Hardy and Annie Kay July 2, 1897—Ordained a seventy and set apart for a mission to New Zealand. During this mission labored in the Tauranga and Waikato districts. January 1, 1901— Returned from New Zealand April 2. 1903—Married Addie Eldredge May 3, 1906— Set apart as one of the presidents of the Eighth Quorum of the Seventy February 18, 1907— Set apart as president of the New Zealand Mission July 1909—Returned from New Zealand June 20, 1933—Set apart as president of the New Zealand Mission for the second time October 6, 1934—Sustained as a member of the First Council of the Seventy December 5, 1934—Returned from New Zealand February 7, 1935—Set apart as a member of the First Council of the Seventy, by President Heber J. Grant March 7, 1945—Died at 1 a.m., after an illness of more than a year March 9. 1945— Funeral held at the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City |
"Passing of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy." Improvement Era. April 1945. pg. 196.
The Passing of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy
Twice within two days the summons of death was answered by two of our brethren of the General Authorities of the Church. In the passing of Elders Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy, both of the First Council of the Seventy, two lives of long and conspicuous service in the Lord's Latter-day cause have closed their records here—both to take up their labors elsewhere—and both blessed with a certainty of conviction that the Master whom they served here will have work for them to do in the kingdom of our Father.
While greatly different in many ways, these two men met on the common ground of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both of them set aside their chosen work and their personal ambitions, and gave up whatever else it was necessary to give up, to respond to the calls of service that came to them—as young men and likewise during their later years. Before either of them was called to a place in the presiding councils of the Church, Brother Hardy had been three times to New Zealand as a missionary, and Brother Bennion had served twenty-nine years in the Central States Mission. Each of them had demonstrated his willingness to respond to calls of duty, whenever they came—and wherever such calls took them. Both of them traveled up and down the Church energetically, not sparing of themselves, their strength, nor their time, and not permitting the work to be retarded by their other interests.
Not within a hundred years has the Church lost by death two of its General Authorities in so short a space of time. But that the purposes of God have been the determining factor in their passing is no more to be doubted than it is that they served faithfully in life. And that there is work to be done in the kingdom of our Father in the heavens is no more to be doubted than that there is more work here to be done than there are willing hands to do it.
Families bereaved, friends sorrowed by their loss, and the Church deprived of their service—these undeniable facts are alleviated by an abiding faith that the Lord God overrules in all things in earth as he does in heaven, and by the certainty of the personal continuance of all men, under conditions which assure unto us in the resurrection "whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life."
To Sister Bennion and Sister Hardy, and their bereaved families, we extend our love and sympathy in this hour of trial for them. That time will relieve the acuteness of their sorrow by the comforting spirit of our Father, we know by the experience of others. We pray that they will have quiet pleasure in memories, and the assurance of a glorious reunion in a time to be determined by our Father in heaven.
For us, we acknowledge our loss, knowing that greater devotion to the Lord's work in the earth will be difficult to find. May peace be with these, our brethren, whom death has taken, and with those who are left to mourn; and may the labors of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy continue to be felt for good, now and in the generations to come, through the countless thousands of lives their ministry has influenced.
The Passing of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy
Twice within two days the summons of death was answered by two of our brethren of the General Authorities of the Church. In the passing of Elders Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy, both of the First Council of the Seventy, two lives of long and conspicuous service in the Lord's Latter-day cause have closed their records here—both to take up their labors elsewhere—and both blessed with a certainty of conviction that the Master whom they served here will have work for them to do in the kingdom of our Father.
While greatly different in many ways, these two men met on the common ground of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both of them set aside their chosen work and their personal ambitions, and gave up whatever else it was necessary to give up, to respond to the calls of service that came to them—as young men and likewise during their later years. Before either of them was called to a place in the presiding councils of the Church, Brother Hardy had been three times to New Zealand as a missionary, and Brother Bennion had served twenty-nine years in the Central States Mission. Each of them had demonstrated his willingness to respond to calls of duty, whenever they came—and wherever such calls took them. Both of them traveled up and down the Church energetically, not sparing of themselves, their strength, nor their time, and not permitting the work to be retarded by their other interests.
Not within a hundred years has the Church lost by death two of its General Authorities in so short a space of time. But that the purposes of God have been the determining factor in their passing is no more to be doubted than it is that they served faithfully in life. And that there is work to be done in the kingdom of our Father in the heavens is no more to be doubted than that there is more work here to be done than there are willing hands to do it.
Families bereaved, friends sorrowed by their loss, and the Church deprived of their service—these undeniable facts are alleviated by an abiding faith that the Lord God overrules in all things in earth as he does in heaven, and by the certainty of the personal continuance of all men, under conditions which assure unto us in the resurrection "whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life."
To Sister Bennion and Sister Hardy, and their bereaved families, we extend our love and sympathy in this hour of trial for them. That time will relieve the acuteness of their sorrow by the comforting spirit of our Father, we know by the experience of others. We pray that they will have quiet pleasure in memories, and the assurance of a glorious reunion in a time to be determined by our Father in heaven.
For us, we acknowledge our loss, knowing that greater devotion to the Lord's work in the earth will be difficult to find. May peace be with these, our brethren, whom death has taken, and with those who are left to mourn; and may the labors of Samuel O. Bennion and Rufus K. Hardy continue to be felt for good, now and in the generations to come, through the countless thousands of lives their ministry has influenced.
"Rufus Kay Hardy." Relief Society Magazine. April 1945. pg. 200.
Rufus Kay Hardy
President Levi Edgar Young
Of the First Council of the Seventy
ALL who knew him have praised his goodness, his kindliness, as much as they have his love for right. Bearing testimony of the truth of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was his great passion. Called as he was to go to the South Sea Islands to give the gospel to the Polynesian people, he not only spent one period of his youth among them, but three times was he called by the Church to go to that people. That which made the people understand the light and beauty of his message was the manner in which it was put forth. In their traditions we find their ancestors believing in God the Creator of heaven and earth, and man created in the image of God. They knew of the Redeemer of the world and deeply did President Hardy know that some day, the people of those islands of the sea would come to a knowledge of the restored gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
For over a decade he served as a member of the First Council of the Seventy, a position he dignified and to which he gave all honor. He had a fine idea of accuracy and a desire for the exact truth, which grudged no time and pains in tracing out even what might mean a small matter. He had a sound and calm judgment which subjected his own and all people's inferences to a searching review. With these fine characteristics, he threw the whole force of his nature into the work of the Seventy of the Church. The dignity of the work was in keeping with its importance. The missionary system is a means to an end; and every seventy, a missionary, should bring his soul to the desire to go forth and ''preach the gospel to all peoples of the earth." He wanted the seventies to become students and teachers, but ever given to the deep knowledge that each one by the grace of God has that eternal testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God to usher in the new age of the gospel of salvation. So he lived and died, knowing that the forces which are to make the world the world it ought to be are now within it.
Rufus Kay Hardy
President Levi Edgar Young
Of the First Council of the Seventy
ALL who knew him have praised his goodness, his kindliness, as much as they have his love for right. Bearing testimony of the truth of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was his great passion. Called as he was to go to the South Sea Islands to give the gospel to the Polynesian people, he not only spent one period of his youth among them, but three times was he called by the Church to go to that people. That which made the people understand the light and beauty of his message was the manner in which it was put forth. In their traditions we find their ancestors believing in God the Creator of heaven and earth, and man created in the image of God. They knew of the Redeemer of the world and deeply did President Hardy know that some day, the people of those islands of the sea would come to a knowledge of the restored gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
For over a decade he served as a member of the First Council of the Seventy, a position he dignified and to which he gave all honor. He had a fine idea of accuracy and a desire for the exact truth, which grudged no time and pains in tracing out even what might mean a small matter. He had a sound and calm judgment which subjected his own and all people's inferences to a searching review. With these fine characteristics, he threw the whole force of his nature into the work of the Seventy of the Church. The dignity of the work was in keeping with its importance. The missionary system is a means to an end; and every seventy, a missionary, should bring his soul to the desire to go forth and ''preach the gospel to all peoples of the earth." He wanted the seventies to become students and teachers, but ever given to the deep knowledge that each one by the grace of God has that eternal testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God to usher in the new age of the gospel of salvation. So he lived and died, knowing that the forces which are to make the world the world it ought to be are now within it.