William J. Critchlow, Jr.
Born: 21 August 1892
Called as Assistant to the Twelve: 11 October 1958
Died: 30 August 1968
Called as Assistant to the Twelve: 11 October 1958
Died: 30 August 1968
Biographical Articles
Improvement Era, December 1958, William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Relief Society Magazine, December 1958, Elder William James Critchlow, Jr.
Instructor, January 1959, Theirs Was Added Upon
Improvement Era, November 1967, William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, October 1968, Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr. 1892-1968
Relief Society Magazine, November 1968, In Memoriam - Elder William James Critchlow, Jr.
Relief Society Magazine, December 1958, Elder William James Critchlow, Jr.
Instructor, January 1959, Theirs Was Added Upon
Improvement Era, November 1967, William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Improvement Era, October 1968, Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr. 1892-1968
Relief Society Magazine, November 1968, In Memoriam - Elder William James Critchlow, Jr.
"William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. December 1958. pg. 911.
William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Twelve
Up through the ranks of the Church—up through the thorough training that only Church activity brings—has come Elder William James Critchlow, Jr., one of the Assistants to the Council of the Twelve who was called at the October conference.
Elder Critchlow is a native of Ogden, Utah, having been born August 21, 1892, a son of William J. and Anna Gregerson Critchlow. He received his education in the public schools of Ogden, and was graduated from Weber Academy in 1911. He later did some extension work at the University of Utah. He married Anna Marie Taylor of Ogden, in the Salt Lake Temple, August 20, 1924.
He served in the superintendency of the YMMIA, Ogden First Ward, Weber Stake from about 1912 to 1917; and as an assistant in the Sunday School superintendency of the Ogden Eleventh Ward, Weber Stake from about 1920 to 1925, becoming superintendent of that Sunday School in 1926 and serving until 1929. In 1929-30 he served as YMMIA superintendent of the Ogden 14th Ward, Mt. Ogden Stake. From 1932-35 he was second assistant superintendent of the stake YMMIA in the Mt. Ogden Stake. In 1935 he served as a member of the stake high council, and then was second counselor and later first counselor in the Mt. Ogden Stake presidency.
On December 7, 1941, South Ogden Stake was organized and he was called and sustained as the president of that stake. Here he has served since that time, a whole generation of young folk now approaching maturity have known no one but President Critchlow as their stake leader.
Elder Critchlow began in 1912 as a meter reader for the Utah Light and Railway Company. He was made chief clerk of the successor company, Utah Light and Traction Co., in 1916, and in 1920 began a ten-year period as credit manager of the utility's Ogden division, now Utah Power and Light Co. From 1930 to 1952 he was their sales manager. Since then he has been manager of the business development department of the firm in Ogden.
In civic activities, too, he has given of his strength. Currently he is a member of the board of trustees of the LDS Dee Hospital in Ogden, Vice President, Weber County Watershed Protection Association, Vice-President, Ogden Retail Credit Association, and a member of the Ogden Chamber of Commerce. He has also held offices in the Red Cross, Past President of Ogden Lion's Club, and the Ogden Gateway Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
He and Mrs. Critchlow are the parents of three children. They have eight grandchildren.
Elder Critchlow has said that he gave up his hobbies of fishing and golf, long ago, in favor of Church activities. Through the years, however, he has found joy in gardening. Of course he now turns his interest to a larger garden—the full vineyard of the Lord as he is called to assist the Council of the Twelve in the work for the whole Church here upon the earth.
William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Twelve
Up through the ranks of the Church—up through the thorough training that only Church activity brings—has come Elder William James Critchlow, Jr., one of the Assistants to the Council of the Twelve who was called at the October conference.
Elder Critchlow is a native of Ogden, Utah, having been born August 21, 1892, a son of William J. and Anna Gregerson Critchlow. He received his education in the public schools of Ogden, and was graduated from Weber Academy in 1911. He later did some extension work at the University of Utah. He married Anna Marie Taylor of Ogden, in the Salt Lake Temple, August 20, 1924.
He served in the superintendency of the YMMIA, Ogden First Ward, Weber Stake from about 1912 to 1917; and as an assistant in the Sunday School superintendency of the Ogden Eleventh Ward, Weber Stake from about 1920 to 1925, becoming superintendent of that Sunday School in 1926 and serving until 1929. In 1929-30 he served as YMMIA superintendent of the Ogden 14th Ward, Mt. Ogden Stake. From 1932-35 he was second assistant superintendent of the stake YMMIA in the Mt. Ogden Stake. In 1935 he served as a member of the stake high council, and then was second counselor and later first counselor in the Mt. Ogden Stake presidency.
On December 7, 1941, South Ogden Stake was organized and he was called and sustained as the president of that stake. Here he has served since that time, a whole generation of young folk now approaching maturity have known no one but President Critchlow as their stake leader.
Elder Critchlow began in 1912 as a meter reader for the Utah Light and Railway Company. He was made chief clerk of the successor company, Utah Light and Traction Co., in 1916, and in 1920 began a ten-year period as credit manager of the utility's Ogden division, now Utah Power and Light Co. From 1930 to 1952 he was their sales manager. Since then he has been manager of the business development department of the firm in Ogden.
In civic activities, too, he has given of his strength. Currently he is a member of the board of trustees of the LDS Dee Hospital in Ogden, Vice President, Weber County Watershed Protection Association, Vice-President, Ogden Retail Credit Association, and a member of the Ogden Chamber of Commerce. He has also held offices in the Red Cross, Past President of Ogden Lion's Club, and the Ogden Gateway Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
He and Mrs. Critchlow are the parents of three children. They have eight grandchildren.
Elder Critchlow has said that he gave up his hobbies of fishing and golf, long ago, in favor of Church activities. Through the years, however, he has found joy in gardening. Of course he now turns his interest to a larger garden—the full vineyard of the Lord as he is called to assist the Council of the Twelve in the work for the whole Church here upon the earth.
Sonne, Alma. "Elder William James Critchlow, Jr." Relief Society Magazine. December 1958. pg. 797-799.
Elder William James Critchlow, Jr. Elder Alma Sonne Assistant to the Council of the Twelve PRESIDENT Critchlow, as he is known in the South Ogden Stake, is a product of the Church. Prior to his becoming the President of the South Ogden Stake on December 7, 1941, he had served as second counselor to President Robert I. Burton in the Mt. Ogden Stake and as first counselor to President William H. Reeder in the same stake. On October 11, 1958, Elder Critchlow was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of The Twelve. His capabilities as a leader have been demonstrated many times during his long service in the wards and stakes. No worldly ambitions have been allowed to stand in the way of his devotion to the program of the Church. He always found time to meet the requirements of his callings. His ability to organize his time and energies for service, accounts, in some measure, for his success as a leader among his brethren. Those who know him best are aware of his solicitude for others and his untiring efforts to promote good will and congeniality in the ranks of the membership. Elder Critchlow's personality reflects the warmth and friendliness of one who loves his fellow men. He will find a host of admirers throughout the Church as he has within the stake where he has presided so long and well. He began his activity as a leader in the Church when he was made a member of the presidency of a deacon's quorum. Upon being ordained to the office of a teacher he was again chosen and sustained in the presidency of that quorum. It was a signal and a preparation for the responsibilities which were to follow. He advanced step by step as he responded to other calls and as his activity increased. As a Seventy he was the class instructor of his quorum. As a member of the Mt. Ogden Stake he became the president of the ward MIA. In this service he was recognized as an effective leader and was chosen on two occasions as a member of the stake presidency. In the Weber Stake he was similarly in demand. In the Eleventh Ward of that stake he served as a counselor and later as a superintendent of the Sunday School, a counselor to the President of the MIA and, in the First Ward, he was the Priesthood organist. His activity and his love for the truth knew no bounds. He attended the public schools of Ogden and the Weber Academy. When he was graduated from the public school he was president of his graduating class. When he entered the Weber Academy he was chosen president of the freshman class. He won the love and confidence of his classmates and the next year he was made president of the sophomore class. His popularity and his fitness for leadership soon became known, and he was chosen to be the secretary and treasurer of the student body and later its president. Because of his activities in the school he also became the president of the athletic association, the associate manager of the school publication, and a member of the debating team. His business career began in 1912 as an employee of the Utah Light and Railway Company, Ogden, Utah, Within a short time he was elevated to the position of chief clerk with the Utah Light and Traction Company, the successors of his former employers. In due course he became the Credit Manager of the Utah Power and Light Company, a successor company, and soon rose to the position of Sales Manager and later Business Development Manager, a position which he now holds. He will retire from this position on November 1, 1958, and devote his time to his Church as an Assistant to the Twelve. His record of achievement and recognition are reassuring to those who will look forward to meeting him in his new position of leadership. Elder Critchlow was married to Anna Maria Taylor, a daughter of Patriarch Charles Hyde Taylor, on August 20, 1924. They are the parents of three children, Patricia (Mrs. Datus H. Maughan), William James Critchlow III, and Robert Taylor Critchlow. Patricia is a graduate of the Brigham Young University as a music major; William J., Ill, after filling a mission to Sweden, studied law at the University of Utah and the George Washington University. He graduated from the latter University with a Juris Doctor Law Degree. Robert Taylor graduated from the Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Business Administration. Eight grandchildren have now been added to the Critchlow family. Sister Critchlow, like her husband, has held many positions of leadership and responsibility in the Church. A union of interests and responsibilities has characterized the Critchlow family. Activity has been their watchword. Sister Critchlow's Church work has taken her into all the auxiliary organizations. Positions in the Sunday School, the YWMIA, and Relief Society, the Primary, and the genealogical class have enriched her life and given her a full knowledge of the aims and purposes of the over-all program as it affects the individual, the home and the family. |
ELDER WILLIAM J. CRITCHLOW, JR.
ELDER WILLIAM J. CRITCHLOW JR. AND HIS FAMILY
Children in the front row: William J. Critchlow IV (son of William J. Critchlow III); Kent Taylor Critchlow (son of Robert Taylor Critchlow); Terri Maughan; Sidney Marie Critchlow (daughter of William J. Critchlow III). Seated in the second row, left to right: Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr.; Anna Taylor Critchlow; Peggy Wood Critchlow (wife of William J. Critchlow III), holding baby Sherry; Clarene Clifton Critchlow (wife of Robert Taylor Critchlow), holding baby Ann Critchlow; Clifton Robert Critchlow, son of Robert Taylor Critchlow. Standing in the back row, left to right: Datus H. Maughan; his wife, Patricia Critchlow Maughan, holding son Dennis Maughan; William J. Critchlow III; Robert Taylor Critchlow. |
"Theirs Was Added Upon." Instructor. January 1959. pg. 12-13.
Theirs Was Added Upon During the October semi-annual general conference, two Church leaders were sustained to new callings. Becoming General Authorities as Assistants to the Council of the Twelve are: William James Critchlow, Jr., and Alvin R. Dyer. That Gospel teachers may know more to tell their students concerning these splendid personalities, here are a few glimpses of them as told by those who knew them well. HE TAUGHT THREE "Fs" WILLIAM J. CRITCHLOW, JR., is a very prayerful and spiritual servant of our Father in heaven. He has said many times that all who are called are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. To all teachers he gives advice when they accept a teaching position. He defines these as "The Three Fs in Teaching." First, "Find them"—meaning the teacher should find all those who come under his jurisdiction, whether he is called as a ward teacher or as a teacher in an auxiliary organization. After he has found the students, the second F is "Feed them": to teach them the Gospel of our Father in heaven so they can understand the principles and blessings which are theirs. Third, "Follow up," After the students have been found and the teacher has fed them, he follows up to see that everything he has taught them is understood properly; The teacher then checks to see if there are problems, and if the students are living the Gospel of Jesus Christ to insure them happiness here and salvation in our Father's kingdom. —Joseph H. Ray, Chairman, Agriculture Committee, South Ogden Stake. # # # A UNANIMOUS DECISION A BISHOP was being selected for a ward in the South Ogden (Utah) Stake. A discussion among the stake presidency and high council had narrowed the list to three men, but it appeared that a unanimous decision was not going to be reached — each man having about equal support. Stake President William J. Critchlow, Jr., in his usual forthright manner, said, "Now let us see what the Lord thinks about it." As the group knelt in prayer, the one who had been chosen to lead humbly asked the Lord to guide the thinking of the group that the right man might be chosen. After the prayer, this wise stake president requested the stake clerk to pass a slip of paper to each man in the room on which he was to write the name of his choice. When the votes were counted, it was announced that each had voted for the same man. The man so chosen was soon recognized as one of the best bishops in the South Ogden Stake. —Richard J. Kingston, Second counselor, South Ogden Stake presidency. # # # BIRTH OF A PAGEANT DURING his later years as president of South Ogden (Utah) Stake, William J. Critchlow, Jr., became very much concerned about the Saints attending the Ogden Pioneer Days rodeo Sunday night performance. President David O. McKay, also concerned about the problem, asked Elder Critchlow to provide a suitable program to take the place of the Sunday night rodeo. After much thought and prayer, Elder Critchlow approached Roland Parry, music instructor at Weber College, and asked him to compose a suitable pageant portraying the migration of the Saints to Utah. As a result, the pageant, "All Faces West," was written. Since July, 1951, many thousands of people have attended its annual presentation. After no little effort, Igor Gorin, nationally known baritone, was signed to play the role of Brigham Young. Since then, Mr. Gorin many times has expressed his appreciation for the privilege of portraying such a noble character. He now includes such LDS hymns as "Come, Come Ye Saints" in concerts throughout the world, thereby glorifying our Mormon heritage wherever he goes. —Norman H. Anderson, Friend. # # # THE SPIRIT OF ELDER DYER PRIOR to the time the general superintendency of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association was reorganized in June of 1958, President David O. McKay had indicated that the very best men available be found for the important positions of assistant superintendents. Alvin R. Dyer, Central States Mission president, and G. Carlos Smith, president of Holladay (Utah) Stake, were selected. When Brother Dyer was called in to be interviewed regarding the position, he was asked the amount of time he would be able to dedicate to this work. His answer was immediate and definite: "Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week." "But you have to make a living. What will you live on?" he was asked. "The Lord has been good to me and my family; and we will get along; and I'll get something to do on the side," was his answer. The spirit of Alvin R. Dyer is contained in the scripture, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33.) -Joseph T, Bentley, General Superintendent, YMMIA. # # # MASTERFUL DIRECTION THE remarkable successes of Alvin R. Dyer as president of the Central States Mission will never be forgotten by the Saints in the "Center Place." The tremendous growth of the mission and the vigorous efforts put forth by those called to serve in various capacities can be attributed to his masterful leadership and direction. Having served as his counselor, I was acutely aware of his keen ability as an organizer. His precise planning and singleness of purpose guaranteed success. His great love of the Gospel and insatiable thirst for Church history will always serve as an inspiration. To begin the year 1956, he wrote a message to members of the mission board in which he said: "What is it that causes us to feel that tomorrow will always be better than today? . . . The nobilities of men's lives are seen in the manner in which they pick themselves up and go forward to success. The inherent urge in all good people is to look and work for the better, to meet the challenge of achievement." —Dr. Roland M. Watkins, Jr. First counselor, Central States Mission presidency. # # # PUT THE LORD'S WORK FIRST IN the early years of my parents' marriage, because of financial problems, they decided to move to California. The date for their departure had been set, and all the household effects were packed. Just a day or so before they were to leave, my father received a call to serve in the bishopric of the Fifteenth Ward, Salt Lake Stake. There were uneasy feelings about the matter because of the plans and packing that had been accomplished. Mother and Father talked it over; and, though they did not know at the time things would work out, Father told the brethren that he would accept the call. So they unpacked their things, determined to put the Lord's work first. When Father was set apart as first counselor in the bishopric, he was promised, in a special blessing, that he would never need to worry nor be concerned about employment again; and, that if he would serve the Lord, he would be blessed. Father has prospered in life and has always provided a wonderful home for our family. Since his acceptance of that calling, he has not worried about the physical means of life. —Gloria Dyer Klein. Daughter. |
WILLIAM J. CRITCHLOW, JR.
Relies on the Lord. WILLIAM JAMES CRITCHLOW, JR.
IN both business and church affairs, William J. Critchlow, Jr., has worked his way up "from the bottom." On Oct. 11, 1958, he was sustained as an assistant to the Council of the Twelve. A native of Brigham City, Utah, he was born Apr. 21, 1892, to William James and Anna Gregerson Critchlow. He attended Ogden, Utah, public schools; Weber Academy in Ogden, and did extension work at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He married Anna Marie Taylor of Ogden on Aug. 20, 1924, in the Salt Lake Temple. After several years in superintendencies of ward Sunday Schools and Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations in Ogden, Elder Critchlow in 1932 became YMMIA second assistant superintendent for Mt. Ogden Stake. From 1935 to 1941 he was a counselor in the Mt. Ogden Stake presidency and on Dec. 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day), he was sustained as the first president of South Ogden Stake, a position he still held at the time he was named one of the Church's General Authorities. With Utah Power and Light Company, Elder Critchlow began in 1912 as a meter reader in Ogden, became chief clerk of the old Utah Light and Traction Company in 1916, served from 1920-30 as credit manager of the utility's Ogden division, was sales manager from 1930-52 and since then has been manager of the firm's business development department in Ogden. Elder Critchlow also has been president of the Ogden Lions Club and vice president of the Credit Bureau of Ogden. He is a member of the Ogden Chamber of Commerce and member of the board of trustees of Dee LDS Hospital in Ogden. He also has held positions in the Ogden Gateway Council, Boy Scouts of America, and with the American Red Cross. Elder and Sister Critchlow have two sons and a daughter: Robert T. and William J. Critchlow III, both residing in Ogden, and Mrs. Datus H. (Patricia) Maughan, Salt Lake City. They also have eight grandchildren. ALVIN R. DYER
Puts Lord's work first. ALVIN R. DYER
ONLY five months a member of the Church's Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association general superintendency, Alvin R. Dyer on Oct. 11, 1958, was sustained as an assistant to the Council of the Twelve. He had been president of the Central States Mission four and one-half years when he was called to the YMMIA position. Previously, from 1949 to 1954, he was bishop of Monument Park Ward in Salt Lake City and for five years prior to that was counselor in the bishopric. He has been a high councilman in Salt Lake Stake, 1933-40, arid Riverside (Salt Lake City) Stake, 1940-41. For seven years he was a counselor in the Fifteenth Ward bishopric of Salt Lake Stake and formerly was Sixteenth Ward (Salt Lake City ) YMMIA superintendent. Elder Dyer was born Jan. 1, 1904, in Salt Lake City to Alfred Robert and Harriet Walsh Dyer. He married May Elizabeth Jackson of Salt Lake City June 2, 1926, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have a daughter, Mrs. Reed (Gloria May) Klein; a son, Brent Rulon Dyer, and one grandson. While on an Eastern States Mission from 1922 to 1924, Elder Dyer for a time was supervising elder of the New York District. After his mission, he completed a correspondence course in mechanical drafting and technical engineering. He was a sheet metal journeyman from 1925 to 1933 and then became manager of the Utah Builder Supply Company's heating and air conditioning department. He organized Dyer Distributing Company in 1949 and continued in business until his call as mission president in 1954. He is a former member of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, serving as a consultant with the latter during World War II. A sports enthusiast, he was pitcher on the West High School baseball team in Salt Lake City and previously pitched the Jackson Junior High School team in Salt Lake City to two championships. |
"William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. November 1967. pg. 48.
WILLIAM J. CRITCHLOW, JR, Assistant to Council of the Twelve
During World War I, William ' James Critchlow, Jr. in service with the U.S. Coast and Geodedic Survey, found himself posted alone for weeks on a mountain peak, where he found time to read the Book of Mormon. "I had 'inherited' the gospel," he recalls, "and my Church membership had come routinely when I was old enough to be baptized. But my conversion —that 'I-know-beyond-any-doubt' feeling—came to me atop a mountain as I read the Book of Mormon and asked God about its truthfulness."
This witness has been born with great fervency and conviction, particularly in the years since Elder Critchlow was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve in October 1958.
Born August 12, 1892, a son of William J. and Anna Gregerson Critchlow, Elder Critchlow has lived all his life in Ogden, Utah. After high school graduation, he entered Weber Academy where, as student body president in 1911, he spearheaded a campaign for a gymnasium, setting the stage for lifelong service to the community. Many years later his dream materialized and the gymnasium was built. When it was returned to the Church and remodeled as a Deseret Gymnasium in June 1967, William J. Critchlow, Jr., the man who had initiated the drive in 1911, was asked to offer the dedicatory prayer.
To prepare for a career in business administration, he enrolled in LaSalle Extension University, Chicago, and also took classes through the University of Utah extension division.
Elder Critchlow entered the electric utility field in 1912 and, except for temporary government assignments, he filled various executive positions with Utah Power & Light Company until his retirement, when he was serving as business development manager.
"The measure of a man's real success in life is his family," he has said. He married Anna Maria Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple in 1924, and they have two sons and a daughter.
Elder Critchlow's influence in Ogden community affairs has been profound, with service on a number of committees and in civic clubs. He was a founder of the All Faces West pageant, which each year re-enacts the pioneer trek to Great Salt Lake Valley. This project has particular significance for him, since his great-grandfather James Brown was a Mormon Battalion leader and founder of Ogden.
Much of the joy in life. Elder Critchlow believes, is a by-product of service, particularly to the Church. He held many positions in the auxiliaries and served 17 years as first president of South Ogden Stake before his call as an Assistant to the Twelve in October 1958.
WILLIAM J. CRITCHLOW, JR, Assistant to Council of the Twelve
During World War I, William ' James Critchlow, Jr. in service with the U.S. Coast and Geodedic Survey, found himself posted alone for weeks on a mountain peak, where he found time to read the Book of Mormon. "I had 'inherited' the gospel," he recalls, "and my Church membership had come routinely when I was old enough to be baptized. But my conversion —that 'I-know-beyond-any-doubt' feeling—came to me atop a mountain as I read the Book of Mormon and asked God about its truthfulness."
This witness has been born with great fervency and conviction, particularly in the years since Elder Critchlow was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve in October 1958.
Born August 12, 1892, a son of William J. and Anna Gregerson Critchlow, Elder Critchlow has lived all his life in Ogden, Utah. After high school graduation, he entered Weber Academy where, as student body president in 1911, he spearheaded a campaign for a gymnasium, setting the stage for lifelong service to the community. Many years later his dream materialized and the gymnasium was built. When it was returned to the Church and remodeled as a Deseret Gymnasium in June 1967, William J. Critchlow, Jr., the man who had initiated the drive in 1911, was asked to offer the dedicatory prayer.
To prepare for a career in business administration, he enrolled in LaSalle Extension University, Chicago, and also took classes through the University of Utah extension division.
Elder Critchlow entered the electric utility field in 1912 and, except for temporary government assignments, he filled various executive positions with Utah Power & Light Company until his retirement, when he was serving as business development manager.
"The measure of a man's real success in life is his family," he has said. He married Anna Maria Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple in 1924, and they have two sons and a daughter.
Elder Critchlow's influence in Ogden community affairs has been profound, with service on a number of committees and in civic clubs. He was a founder of the All Faces West pageant, which each year re-enacts the pioneer trek to Great Salt Lake Valley. This project has particular significance for him, since his great-grandfather James Brown was a Mormon Battalion leader and founder of Ogden.
Much of the joy in life. Elder Critchlow believes, is a by-product of service, particularly to the Church. He held many positions in the auxiliaries and served 17 years as first president of South Ogden Stake before his call as an Assistant to the Twelve in October 1958.
"Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr. 1892-1968." Improvement Era. October 1968. pg. 66-67.
Elder William J. Critchlow Jr. 1892-1968 Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr. often told gatherings of the Saints, "Happiness is a by-product of service." He knew whereof he spoke, for he himself was a happy man, and his spirit of joy in living radiated to all who knew him and who felt his influence. He had a perpetual twinkle, a ready word of encouragement for friend or stranger, a warm smile for all. To Elder Critchlow, happiness came from living fully the principles of the gospel. In a general conference address some six months after he was called to be an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, he said: "I thought the people in my stake [South Ogden] were the best and the happiest people in the world. I still think so, but in my travels I have found thousands of people just like them. "These people have certain characteristics in common. Friendliness is one of them; humility is another; the hospitality of their leaders is another which I have greatly enjoyed. But the outstanding characteristic, it seems to me, is happiness. Their countenances literally radiate happiness. They seem to have left all of their worries and troubles at home. They obviously came to conference to feast, spiritually, of course, and they seem to delight in paying their devotions. “They should be happy. They should be the happiest people in the world because they observe our Father's law of happiness." The source of happiness—service to man and God—was deeply ingrained in Elder Critchlow. Throughout his life he served others; it was not enough for him just to belong to an organization: he was a born leader, and positions of great responsibility were entrusted to him. He threw his heart and energy and enthusiasm into every position: student body president at Weber State College, college alumni president, business executive, hospital trustee, Scouting executive, Chamber of Commerce committee chairman, Lions Club president, and many others. But his first love was the Church of Christ (on one occasion he said from the Tabernacle pulpit: "Speaking for myself, I have accepted him as the Son of God"), and here again he served faithfully and well, magnifying each calling: as priesthood organist at the age of 12, teacher in the priesthood quorums and auxiliaries, ward and stake MIA executive, ward Sunday School superintendent, stake high councilor, stake president, and General Authority. He bore fervent testimony and witness to member and nonmember alike as to the divinity of the Savior, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. In all his own actions and in his relationships with the Saints, Elder Critchlow was, as one friend characterized him, a "stickler for things that were right and proper." He didn't hesitate to call attention to areas in which he felt the Saints, whether as members of his stake flock or as members of the Church in general, needed to be chastened. However, he did it with kindness and love, always exemplifying the spirit of the priesthood that he held so proudly: "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy." (D&C 121:43.) A popular and gifted speaker, Elder Critchlow had a flair for drama, and his talks were full of stories that dramatically and effectively made the principles of the gospel live. Young people particularly enjoyed hearing him speak, and it was not unusual in a stake conference for squirming children and restless teenagers to sit up and listen intently when his turn came to speak. Along with the gospel, Elder Critchlow's family ranked first in his life. At his funeral in the Ogden Tabernacle on September 3, Bishop Lewis J. Wallace, a lifelong friend, told how he would admonish each priesthood bearer who was being called to a position of leadership: "Your first obligation is to your family—then to your calling." In setting apart missionaries, he would tell them, "Write to your parents often—at least once a week—and tell them how much you love and appreciate them." These were admonitions he himself took seriously. He and Sister Critchlow had a warm, loving, mutually respectful relationship that was immediately apparent to Saints all over the world, wherever she accompanied him on his many travels. He delighted in the successes and accomplishments of his two sons, his daughter, and his 15 grandchildren. He loved all children, and he had a special way with them. One of the greatest tributes that could be paid to this great man came during his funeral service, when 200 Primary children from the Weber Heights Stake, all dressed in white, sat quietly, reverently, and respectfully through a 90- minute service and then rose to sing one of his favorite songs, "I Am a Child of God." As their sweet voices softly chimed through the Tabernacle, one couldn't help feeling that here indeed was testimony to the words given in tribute to Elder Critchlow by President N. Eldon Tanner: "His life was his message to the world." |
Highlights in Elder Critchlow's Life:
August 21, 1892: Born in Brigham City, Utah, a son of William J. and Anna Gregerson Critchlow August 20, 1924: Married Anna Maria Taylor in the Salt Lake Temple December 7, 1941: Sustained as first president of the South Ogden Stake October 16, 1958: Set apart as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve August 29, 1968: Died in Ogden, Utah, at the age of 76. |
"In Memoriam - Elder William James Critchlow, Jr." Relief Society Magazine. November 1968. pg. 818.
IN MEMORIAM ELDER WILLIAM JAMES CRITCHLOW, JR.
Assistant to the Council of the Twelve August 21, 1892-August 29, 1968
Elder William James Critchlow, Jr., Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, passed away in Ogden, Utah, August 29, 1968 at the age of seventy-six. Elder Critchlow was appointed an assistant to the Council of the Twelve in October 1958, and has since fulfilled many important assignments for the Church.
At the time of his death, he was an aid to Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve in supervising stakes and missions in the Southeastern United States. Prior to this, he had assisted Elder Ezra Taft Benson, also of the Council of the Twelve, in supervising stakes and missions in Europe. He served as an advisor to the Primary organization and on the Church personnel committee, while a General Authority.
Prior to his call to be a General Authority, Elder Critchlow served in many important Church positions, including seventeen years as president of the South Ogden Stake.
Elder Critchlow was born in Brigham City, Utah, August 21, 1892. He was the son of Anna Gregerson and William James Critchlow. He received his education in the Ogden public schools, and was graduated from Weber Academy and studied at the University of Utah.
His business career was one of hard-won success. Within ten years he had gone from office clerk to regional manager of the Utah Light and Railway Company, now Utah Power and Light Company.
In 1924, Elder Critchlow was married to Anna Marie Taylor of Ogden in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of three children, William James, III, Robert Taylor, and Patricia (Mrs. Datus H. Maughan). There are fifteen grandchildren.
Elder Critchlow was always dedicated and devoted to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a General Authority, he traveled extensively for the Church, attending stake conferences, touring missions, dedicating chapels, and preaching the gospel. Wherever he went he was a popular and inspirational speaker, and his enthusiastic testimony of the work in which he was engaged was infectious.
The General Board and members of Relief Society in all stakes and missions of the Church extend sympathy to the family and many friends of Elder Critchlow at his passing.
IN MEMORIAM ELDER WILLIAM JAMES CRITCHLOW, JR.
Assistant to the Council of the Twelve August 21, 1892-August 29, 1968
Elder William James Critchlow, Jr., Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, passed away in Ogden, Utah, August 29, 1968 at the age of seventy-six. Elder Critchlow was appointed an assistant to the Council of the Twelve in October 1958, and has since fulfilled many important assignments for the Church.
At the time of his death, he was an aid to Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve in supervising stakes and missions in the Southeastern United States. Prior to this, he had assisted Elder Ezra Taft Benson, also of the Council of the Twelve, in supervising stakes and missions in Europe. He served as an advisor to the Primary organization and on the Church personnel committee, while a General Authority.
Prior to his call to be a General Authority, Elder Critchlow served in many important Church positions, including seventeen years as president of the South Ogden Stake.
Elder Critchlow was born in Brigham City, Utah, August 21, 1892. He was the son of Anna Gregerson and William James Critchlow. He received his education in the Ogden public schools, and was graduated from Weber Academy and studied at the University of Utah.
His business career was one of hard-won success. Within ten years he had gone from office clerk to regional manager of the Utah Light and Railway Company, now Utah Power and Light Company.
In 1924, Elder Critchlow was married to Anna Marie Taylor of Ogden in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of three children, William James, III, Robert Taylor, and Patricia (Mrs. Datus H. Maughan). There are fifteen grandchildren.
Elder Critchlow was always dedicated and devoted to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a General Authority, he traveled extensively for the Church, attending stake conferences, touring missions, dedicating chapels, and preaching the gospel. Wherever he went he was a popular and inspirational speaker, and his enthusiastic testimony of the work in which he was engaged was infectious.
The General Board and members of Relief Society in all stakes and missions of the Church extend sympathy to the family and many friends of Elder Critchlow at his passing.