Facts about President Spencer W. Kimball
How blessed we are to be led by inspired prophets in these latter-days. We mourned 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 from Prophet Joseph Smith to our current inspired leader. 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 Spencer W. Kimball, as presented by Trent Toone.
Spencer Woolley Kimball was born on March 28, 1895, in Salt Lake City, the last of six children. From a young age, he was instilled with a strong work ethic and faith, influenced by his family’s move to Thatcher, Arizona, where his father served as a stake president. As a youth, he participated in his ward and demonstrated leadership qualities. He also had challenging experiences, such as surviving near-drowning and illnesses, which deepened his spiritual devotion and resilience. After high school and serving in the Central States Mission, he married Camilla Eyring in 1917, having seen her picture in a newspaper and declaring his intention to wed her. They had four children. He pursued various careers, from working as a bank clerk to forming an insurance company, while remaining civically active on several councils and boards. From 1938 to 1943 he presided over the Mount Graham Arizona Stake. In 1943 Elder Kimball was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where he championed missionary work and developed programs for Native American education. During this part of his life, Elder Kimball endured boils, ulcers, heart attacks, open heart surgery, impaired hearing and cancer of the larynx. Because of the throat cancer, surgeons removed most of his vocal cords, leaving him with a quiet but raspy voice. Despite his health challenges, he served faithfully. He became the Church’s 12th President in 1973 and introduced the phrase, ‘Lengthen Your Stride’, inspiring a rapid expansion of missionary work and Church membership. During his presidency, President Kimball emphasized family, moral standards and provident living. He encouraged all members to plant a garden and to harvest produce. In 1978, he announced a revelation extending the priesthood to all worthy males, a significant moment in Church history. President Kimball died on November 5, 1985, at the age of 90.
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