Facts about President David O. McKay, 9th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
How blessed we are to be led by inspired prophets in these latter-days. Though we mourn the passing of one of our beloved leaders, our sorrow is tempered by the assurance that we will be guided by yet another of the Lord’s chosen leaders. It is reassuring to know that our leaders are men of sound judgment, great spiritual insight, and that they have presided in the leading councils of our church for many years. Such has definitely been the case with all of our prophets through the history of the Church. We love and sustain these great leaders, having watched their remarkable service to the church, to its members, and to the Lord for many years.
Following are some interesting facts and insights into the leadership and experience of President David O. McKay, as presented by Trent Toone.
Remembered for his Christ-like character, tall physical stature, and wavy white hair, David Oman McKay served a the ninth President of the Church for nearly 20 years. Born on September 8, 1873, he grew up in Huntsville, Utah. He learned faith and resilience early in life when his two older sisters died just days apart from rheumatic fever and pneumonia, and his father was called on a mission to Scotland, leaving him and his mother to manage the family farm. He studied at the Weber Stake Academy (now Weber State University) and at the University of Utah to prepare for career in education. He served a mission to Great Britain, where he presided over missionaries in Scotland. Upon returning home, he married Emma ray Riggs in 1901. The following year, Elder McKay became the principal of the Weber Stake Academy. In 1906, at the age of 32, he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 1920, the First Presidency assigned Elder McKay to conduct a year-long tour of all Church missions and schools worldwide, covering 60,000 miles. Afterward, he presided over the European Mission and began to teach the concept of “every member a missionary”. President McKay served as a counselor in the First Presidency during the Great Depression and World War II, supporting the Church welfare program. After serving for 45 years as an Apostle, he became the Church President in 1951 and traveled more miles ministering to members than all of his predecessors combined. President McKay oversaw the construction of houses of the Lod outside the United States and dedicated overseas temples in Switzerland, England, and New Zealand and temples in Los Angeles, California and Oakland, California. After 19 years as Church President, he died on January 18, 1970, at the age of 96.
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