LDS Apostles That Called Cache Valley "Home"

Mariner W. Merrill, President Ezra Taft Benson, Quentin L. Cook

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather worldwide on Oct 5 & 6, many can recall members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Presidents of the Chruch who were born or raised in Cache Valley (Cache County and Franklin County). To make things easier for you to share your fun facts during General Conference, I put together this article of all Apostles and Presidents who called Cache Valley "Home." 

Martin Harris

Born on May 18, 1783, in Easton, New York, Harris grew up in a relatively rural setting, with little known about his youth. In 1808, he married his first cousin, Lucy Harris, and later served in the War of 1812 with the New York State Militia. Harris was a prosperous farmer in Palmyra, New York, where he lived until 1831. Described as both honest and superstitious, Harris had a reputation for believing in visions and supernatural events.

Harris’s involvement with Joseph Smith began when Smith’s father worked for him in 1824, during which Harris first heard about the golden plates. Harris later provided financial support to Joseph Smith, acting as a scribe for Smith during the translation of the Book of Mormon. He took the so-called "Anthon transcript" to Charles Anthon, a linguistics professor, seeking validation of the characters from the golden plates. Accounts of their interaction differ, but Harris ultimately believed the encounter supported the Book of Mormon's authenticity.

Harris famously lost the first 116 pages of the translated manuscript after persuading Smith to let him take them home, a setback that halted the translation process temporarily. Despite this, he remained a devoted follower and mortgaged his farm to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon.

Harris, along with Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, became one of the Three Witnesses who testified that they had seen the golden plates. They described a spiritual experience where an angel presented the plates to them, and their joint testimony was included in the first edition of the Book of Mormon. Though some accounts suggest Harris may have later described his vision as being seen through "spiritual eyes," he maintained his belief in the divine origin of the Book of Mormon throughout his life.

Harris’s relationship with his wife, Lucy, became strained, largely due to her opposition to his involvement with Joseph Smith and the loss of their farm to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon. The couple eventually separated, and Harris was accused of abusing Lucy and engaging in extramarital affairs.

Despite his dedication to the early Mormon movement, Harris eventually broke with Joseph Smith over disagreements about church leadership and finances. He was excommunicated in 1837 and spent the next several decades aligning himself with various factions of the Latter Day Saint movement, including the Strangites and Whitmerites. He also briefly joined other religious groups, such as the Shakers, though he later distanced himself from them.

In 1870, at the age of 87, Harris moved to Clarkston, Utah, where he was rebaptized into the LDS Church and lived out his final years. Despite his earlier estrangement, Harris never wavered in his testimony about the Book of Mormon. On his deathbed in 1875, he reaffirmed his belief in the Book of Mormon and his testimony of the angelic visitation and the golden plates.

Marriner W. Merrill

Marriner Wood Merrill was born on September 25, 1832, in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. He had a series of significant spiritual experiences from a young age, including a vision at the age of nine where he saw figures like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and pioneers traveling to Utah in covered wagons, as well as friends with multiple wives.

In 1852, at the age of nineteen, Marriner was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by missionaries in New Brunswick. He embarked on a journey to Utah and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in September 1853. During his journey, he experienced a life-saving miracle when he was caught in the Platte River's current while trying to recover cattle but miraculously found himself stabilized on a sandbar before being rescued by a fellow traveler.

Marriner Merrill's life was again miraculously spared when he had an accident while working in North Mill Creek canyon. He was pinned by a heavy log against the ice, lost consciousness, and awoke about half a mile downstream, unharmed, with his oxen and belongings in order. He attributed his rescue to divine intervention.

Throughout his life, Marriner Merrill continued to experience moments of divine guidance and protection. He moved to Richmond in 1860 and served as bishop of Richmond for eighteen years, where he successfully engaged in farming, stock raising, and milling. He even had a family of forty-five children.

In 1884, Marriner became the president of the Logan Temple. During this time, he received a visitation from his deceased son, Marriner W. Merrill Jr., who comforted him and explained his mission on the other side. Marriner found great solace in this experience.

In 1889, he was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. His life was marked by a balance of worldly wisdom and deep spirituality. He was known for his faith in God and his ability to provide guidance and direction in both religious and practical matters. Marriner Wood Merrill passed away on February 6, 1906, in Richmond, Utah, leaving a legacy of faith and service.

Moses Thatcher

Moses Thatcher was born on February 2, 1842, in Springfield, Illinois. Despite being only four years old when the Latter-day Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo, he carried vivid memories of the exodus and the challenges of crossing the plains and enduring hunger in Salt Lake Valley.

In 1849, Moses and his family, consisting of eight sons and a daughter, moved to the gold fields of California, where he worked as a shepherd and tried his hand at gold mining. He was baptized at the age of fifteen when Mormon missionaries visited the area and was soon called to serve as a missionary himself. Although initially timid and unable to speak or pray in public, he gained confidence and eloquence through a powerful sermon defending Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and the Mormon people.

In 1857, the Thatchers, like other Saints in outlying areas, were called back to Utah in anticipation of the arrival of the United States Army. Moses served as a member of the police force guarding Salt Lake City.

In 1861, Moses married Lettie Farr, the first of his three wives, and settled in Logan. He spent the next fifty years serving the Church, engaging in various business ventures, including merchandising, banking, and railroads.

Moses Thatcher's significant Church service was related to Mexico. He opened the Mexican Mission in 1879 as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and made numerous journeys to Mexico, covering over a quarter of a million miles on behalf of the Church. In 1886, he played a role in the purchase of the "Corrales Basin" and the dedication of the townsite of Juarez.

In addition to his Church service, he served in the territorial legislature, lobbied in Washington, D.C. for plural marriage and statehood, and participated in drafting Utah's constitution for statehood in 1896.

However, due to his political involvement, including running for the Senate, the First Presidency issued the "Political Manifesto" in 1896, requesting that general authorities seek approval before accepting positions that might interfere with their ecclesiastical duties. Most general authorities signed it, but Moses Thatcher and Anthon H. Lund did not. Consequently, Moses was removed from the Quorum of the Twelve but remained an active member of the Church until his passing in 1909.

Joseph F. Merrill

Joseph F. Merrill was the earliest apostle born in Cache Valley. Born on August 24, 1868, in Richmond, Utah, the son of Apostle Marriner W. Merrill. Joseph was a dedicated and frugal man known for his scientific pursuits and his deep devotion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He held various degrees, including ones from the University of Utah, the University of Michigan, and the Johns Hopkins University. He was a faculty member in the physics and chemistry department at the University of Utah and later became the dean of the School of Mines and Engineering. Despite his scientific career, he remained devoted to the Church and served as a branch president in Ann Arbor, Michigan, during his student years.

Joseph F. Merrill's contributions to the Church extended to education as well. While serving in the Granite Stake presidency in Salt Lake City, he proposed the concept of a released-time seminary at Granite High School, a precursor to the seminary program of the Church. Later, as the Church Commissioner of Education, he expanded and promoted the seminary program.

In 1931, Joseph F. Merrill was ordained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was known for his disciplined and frugal lifestyle, living in a modest apartment and practicing healthful habits. Despite his austere appearance, he was generous with Church funds and his own means, often providing assistance to those in need.

Joseph F. Merrill was born into humble circumstances and learned the value of hard work at a young age. He married Annie Laura Hyde in 1898, and they had seven children before her passing in 1917. He maintained a strong work ethic throughout his life, rarely missing a day's work due to illness.

He was known for his dedication, faith, and courage, never shying away from denouncing evil and advocating for righteousness. Joseph F. Merrill passed away on February 3, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and left behind a legacy of unwavering service and devotion to the Church.

Ezra T. Benson (Apostle)

Ezra Taft Benson, born on February 22, 1811, in Mendon, Massachusetts, had a strong feeling from a young age that he needed to move westward, even though he had every reason to stay in Massachusetts. Despite his successes as a farmer, postmaster, hotel keeper, and cotton miller, he couldn't find contentment. In 1837, he moved to Pennsylvania, then to St. Louis, and later to Quincy, Illinois.

In Quincy, Illinois, he encountered many Mormons who had been expelled from Missouri, and he became sympathetic to their plight. In 1840, Ezra and his wife, Pamela Andrus, were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hyrum Smith appointed him as the second counselor in the Quincy Stake presidency.

Ezra and his family moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, where he worked on the construction of the Nauvoo Temple and guarded it at night. He had a deep conviction of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Mormons.

In 1846, when the Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo, Ezra T. Benson was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and joined the first pioneer company headed to the Rocky Mountains. He played a significant role in the westward migration and colonization efforts.

He was appointed to help organize the companies moving west, and he returned to western Iowa twice to preside over the Saints waiting to join the journey to the Salt Lake Valley. In Utah, he helped establish several communities, presided over the Saints in Cache Valley for ten years, served in the territorial legislature, and worked as a contractor for the Central Pacific Railroad. He also served as a missionary in Europe from 1856 to 1858.

In 1864, Ezra Taft Benson, along with other missionaries, undertook a special mission to the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands. There, their lives were miraculously spared when their boat capsized.

Ezra Taft Benson passed away at the age of fifty-eight in Ogden, Utah, in 1869 due to a heart attack, and was buried in the Logan, Utah Cemetery. Despite his relatively short life, he had a rich and impactful ministry. His powerful testimony and dedication to the Church were inspirational. His legacy lived on when his grandson, also named Ezra Taft Benson, became the thirteenth president of the Church in 1985, demonstrating the enduring influence of his faithful life.

President Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson, born on August 4, 1899, in Whitney, Franklin County, Idaho.

Ezra Taft Benson was born prematurely and faced a challenging start to life, but through the faith and efforts of his grandmothers and the priesthood blessings, he survived. He came from a strong pioneer heritage within the Church, with his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father all being active members.

As a young boy, Ezra worked hard on his family's farm, becoming proficient in various farming tasks from a very young age. His dedication to hard work and his family's faith and values played a significant role in shaping his character.

Ezra Taft Benson pursued higher education at Utah State Agricultural College and Brigham Young University. He met Flora Amussen during his college years, and despite the differences in their backgrounds, they eventually married in 1926. They had six children together.

After his marriage, Ezra continued his education and took various positions related to agriculture. He eventually moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as the executive secretary of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. His dedication to the Church and his strong work ethic stood out during his time in Washington.

In 1946, Ezra Taft Benson was called to serve as the president of the European Mission, where he played a crucial role in reviving missionary work and providing aid to Saints in war-torn Europe. He traveled extensively to fulfill his responsibilities during his ten-month service.

In 1953, he took a leave from his apostolic duties to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. During his tenure, he advocated for farm policies and programs that were sometimes controversial but were later recognized as sound.

Ezra Taft Benson returned to full activity in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1961, continuing his service within the Church. He became known for his strong patriotism and defense of the Constitution. He was a firm believer in freedom as a God-given principle.

In 1985, following the death of President Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson became the thirteenth president of the LDS Church. During his presidency, the Church experienced significant growth, with new temples, stakes, and missions established worldwide. He also emphasized the importance of the Book of Mormon in the lives of Latter-day Saints and delivered a powerful discourse on the dangers of pride.

President Benson's health began to decline in the early 1990s, and he passed away on May 30, 1994, at the age of 94. His legacy is marked by his unwavering faith, dedication to freedom, and service to both the Church and the United States government.

Steven L. Richards

Stephen L. Richards was a prominent figure in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for his service as a leader, attorney, businessman, and educator. Here is an overview of his life and contributions:

Stephen L. Richards was born on June 18, 1879, in Mendon, Cache County, Utah, to a family deeply rooted in the LDS Church. His upbringing was influenced by his father, who was a dedicated country doctor, and his mother, a pioneer woman of culture and refinement. His grandfather, Willard Richards, was an apostle who served as a counselor to Brigham Young and was with Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail.

After attending the University of Utah, Stephen L. Richards married Irene Smith Merrill, and together they had nine children. They initially lived in Malad Valley, Idaho, in a one-room cabin on a ranch. This experience instilled in him a love for the outdoors and nature, which stayed with him throughout his life.

Despite his love for the outdoors, Stephen L. Richards pursued a career in law and attended the University of Chicago law school, where he graduated cum laude in 1904. He returned to Utah, where he began his legal career. He served as the Murray City attorney and eventually established a successful law practice, which he maintained until he received a call to serve as an apostle.

On January 17, 1917, Joseph F. Smith, the president of the LDS Church at the time, called Stephen L. Richards to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He immediately closed his law office and devoted himself to his new role as an apostle.

Throughout his life, Stephen L. Richards balanced his duties as an apostle with his business interests. He had investments in various Utah firms, including banks, a sugar company, a cemetery corporation, a hotel company, a radio-TV station, and an oil refinery. He also served in civic roles, such as on the State Board of Corrections, and was active in organizations like Rotary and Sons of the American Revolution.

One of Stephen L. Richards' most notable contributions was his service as a leader in the Sunday School organization of the LDS Church. He served on the general board of the Sunday School in 1906 and became a counselor in the superintendency in 1909, working closely with David O. McKay. This close association led to a lasting friendship between the two men.

In 1951, when David O. McKay became the president of the LDS Church, he selected Stephen L. Richards as his first counselor in the First Presidency. During his time in the presidency, President Richards played a significant role in addressing legal issues related to the missionary program, ensuring the continued success of missionary work. Under his leadership, nearly eighteen thousand full-time missionaries were sent into the field.

President Stephen L. Richards passed away on May 19, 1959, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service, leadership, and diplomacy. His contributions to the Church, both in legal matters and missionary work, are remembered and celebrated by Latter-day Saints.

Melvin J. Ballard

Melvin Joseph Ballard was born on February 9, 1873, in Logan, Utah, to a faithful Latter-day Saint family. He came from a long line of devoted Church members, including his parents and grandparents, who played significant roles in the early history of the LDS Church.

As a young man, Melvin Ballard developed a love for music and earned a degree in music from Brigham Young College in Logan. He had aspirations of furthering his talents at Harvard University but chose to serve a mission for the LDS Church first.

In 1896, Melvin J. Ballard married Martha A. Jones, and shortly thereafter, he was called to serve as a missionary in various cities in the United States, initially alongside Elders B. H. Roberts and George D. Pyper. However, he was later reassigned to serve as a traveling elder in the Northern States Mission, which was a significant sacrifice for him, as he deeply longed to be with his wife Martha, who was expecting their first child.

During a particularly challenging time on his mission, Melvin J. Ballard found comfort and strength in a poem that would later become a beloved hymn in the LDS Church, titled "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go." This experience foreshadowed his future as a dedicated servant of the Lord.

Upon his return from his mission, Elder Ballard joined his family in Logan and became involved in business, including the establishment of the Logan Knitting Factory and the Logan Commercial Club.

In 1909, Elder Ballard was called to serve as the president of the Northwestern States Mission, a position he held for nearly ten years. During this time, he experienced numerous spiritual manifestations and acted as an instrument in performing healings.

In 1919, Melvin J. Ballard was called to be one of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church, marking the beginning of his service as a general authority. He played key roles in the Church's Music Committee, the Boy Scout program, and the development of the Church's welfare program.

One of his significant assignments was to open the missionary work in South America in 1925, a region where no missionaries had been sent for seventy years. Despite challenges, Elder Ballard prophesied of the growth of the Church in South America, a prophecy that has since been realized.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard was known for his deep spirituality and personal experiences with the divine. One of the most profound experiences he shared was a dream in which he saw and interacted with the Savior in the temple, an event that left a lasting impact on him and the Church.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard passed away on July 30, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 66. His life was marked by dedicated service, spiritual experiences, and a profound love for the Savior and the Church.

John A. Widstoe

John Andreas Widtsoe was born on January 31, 1872, on the Isle of Froyen, Norway, to humble beginnings. He faced early disadvantages, including being born with his hand attached to his head and losing his father at the age of six. His mother, who had embraced the LDS faith, took him and his brother to America in search of better opportunities.

At the age of eleven, while waiting to embark for America in Liverpool, England, young John displayed his thirst for knowledge by visiting a museum. This love for learning would become a defining trait throughout his life.

After arriving in Logan, Utah, John attended Brigham Young College and graduated in 1891. His mother's dedication and sacrifice allowed him to attend Harvard University, where he graduated in 1894 with the highest honors.

While at Harvard, John Widtsoe underwent a deep religious and spiritual conversion, confirming his belief in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. This experience would shape his lifelong commitment to the LDS Church.

After returning from Harvard, John A. Widtsoe became a faculty member at the Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University), where he made significant contributions to agricultural science. He authored influential books on dry farming and irrigation.

In 1907, he reluctantly accepted the presidency of Utah Agricultural College but later served as the president of the University of Utah.

John A. Widtsoe married Leah Dunford in 1898, and they had seven children. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of four infants and their only son, their marriage was a source of strength and support throughout his life.

In 1921, John A. Widtsoe was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. This marked the beginning of his service as a general authority and special witness of Jesus Christ.

Elder Widtsoe served as the president of the European missions and contributed to various church organizations and committees, including the Genealogical Society, the Church Board of Education, and the General Welfare Committee.

Beyond his ecclesiastical responsibilities, Elder Widtsoe also engaged in significant public service, including assisting with the exploration of the Colorado River for dam sites and helping design the Colorado River Compact.

Throughout his life, Elder Widtsoe was known for his dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ and his deep faith. He was a prolific writer and educator who combined his scientific knowledge with his testimony of the gospel in his teachings and writings.

Elder John A. Widtsoe passed away on November 29, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, leaving a legacy of faith, scholarship, and service. His most cherished knowledge was his testimony of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of the world, which he shared as a special witness throughout his life.

Albert E. Bowen

Albert Ernest Bowen was born on October 31, 1875, in Henderson Creek, Idaho, as the seventh child in a pioneer family. His parents were hardworking and instilled values of frugality and diligence in their children.

Growing up on a farm in southern Idaho, Albert had limited access to formal education until the age of twenty. Despite these challenges, he developed a strong desire for education and decided to attend Brigham Young College in Logan, Utah.

It took him seven years to complete both high school and college courses, but he graduated from Brigham Young College in 1902. Shortly after graduation, he was called to serve a two-year mission in Switzerland and Germany, where he further developed his leadership and communication skills.

Upon returning from his mission, Albert Bowen faced a personal tragedy when his young wife, Aletha Reeder, died in childbirth, leaving him with twin infants to care for.

Undeterred by this loss, he pursued a career in law, attending the University of Chicago and graduating with honors. He returned to Logan, Utah, where he practiced law successfully.

In addition to his legal career, Albert Bowen became involved in various business ventures, including the Utah Construction Company, the American Savings and Loan Association, and the Utah Fuel Company.

Albert E. Bowen married Emma Lucy Gates, a talented musician and companion who supported him in his endeavors. They moved to Salt Lake City, where he continued his legal practice and became deeply involved in church service.

Elder Bowen served faithfully in various church callings, including twelve years on the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union and as the general superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA).

In April 1937, Albert E. Bowen was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where he served the LDS Church diligently until his passing.

During his apostolic service, Elder Bowen made significant contributions to the welfare program, the Church Educational System, and various business and legal matters of the LDS Church.

Elder Bowen's life exemplified the qualities of hard work, tenacity for truth, and dedication to worthy objectives. His late start in formal education and the time it took to achieve his goals served as an inspiring example to others who were willing to work toward their aspirations, no matter when they began or how long it took to achieve them.

Elder Albert E. Bowen passed away on July 15, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah, leaving a legacy of faith, perseverance, and dedicated service to the LDS Church and its members.

President Harold B. Lee

Harold B. Lee was born on March 28, 1899, in Clifton, Franklin County, Idaho, on a small farm. He grew up learning the values of hard work and frugality from his parents. Despite limited formal education, he attended several educational institutions in his early years.

After completing his mission in the Western States, he worked as a schoolteacher, salesman, and manager for Foundation Press. He married Fern Lucinda Tanner in 1923, and they had two daughters. Elder Lee also served as a stake president, where he initiated an innovative welfare program during the Great Depression, which later became a model for the Church's broader welfare system.

In 1936, Harold B. Lee became the managing director of the Church-wide welfare system, playing a crucial role in its development. He was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1941, where he served faithfully and introduced various innovative programs.

During his time in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Lee introduced the Church correlation program, expanded the welfare system, reorganized Church departments, and improved leadership training. He was known for his profound spirituality and his ability to connect with and inspire people.

After the passing of President David O. McKay, Harold B. Lee became the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and first counselor to President Joseph Fielding Smith. On July 7, 1972, he was sustained as the President of the LDS Church, succeeding President Smith.

During his presidency, he implemented several changes, including the reorganization of the Mutual Improvement Association (MIA) and the construction of "stake-center sized" temples. President Harold B. Lee was known for his deep spirituality, powerful teaching, and love for the members of the Church.

Tragically, he passed away suddenly on December 26, 1973, at the age of 74. His legacy includes his contributions to the welfare program, his emphasis on the importance of listening to the Spirit, and his enduring impact on the LDS Church and its members.

Lowell Tom Perry (August 5, 1922 – May 30, 2015) was an influential leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and a successful businessman. He served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1974 until his death in 2015, contributing significantly to the church's leadership and administration.

L. Tom Perry

Born in Logan, Utah, Perry came from a family with deep LDS Church roots. His father, Leslie Thomas Perry, served as a bishop for most of Perry's childhood. Perry, Utah, was named for his ancestor, Gustavus Adolphus Perry, one of the area's first settlers. Between 1942 and 1944, Perry served an LDS mission in the Northern States Mission, working in cities such as Marion, Ohio, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After his mission, Perry joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He helped build a chapel on Saipan and contributed to rebuilding a Protestant church in Nagasaki, Japan, after the war.

After returning from the war, Perry earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Utah State University (USU) in 1949. During his time at USU, he was elected president of the Associated Students. His first job was with the USU Extension Service, but he soon shifted into retail, working for C.C. Anderson's Department Store (part of Allied Stores). Over time, Perry's career took him to several states, including Idaho, Washington, California, New York, and Massachusetts, where he gained prominence in the retail industry. While living in Boston, Perry became an avid Boston Red Sox fan and threw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game in 2004.

In addition to his full-time mission, Perry held various leadership roles within the LDS Church, including positions as a high councilor, seminary teacher, and president of the Boston Massachusetts Stake. He was also instrumental in the planning and implementation of the church's pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair, an assignment that strengthened his ties to the Eastern United States.

In 1972, Perry was called as a general authority and Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Following the death of LDS Church President Harold B. Lee in 1974, a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve led to Perry being ordained as an apostle on April 11, 1974. During his time as an apostle, Perry was known for his focus on family values and missionary work.

In 2004, Perry was appointed as president of the Europe Central Area, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. His proactive initiatives there included revamping programs for young single adults. He was one of the most senior LDS leaders to be stationed outside Salt Lake City. In 2015, he was part of a group of church leaders who met with Barack Obama in Salt Lake City.

Perry married Virginia C. Lee in 1947, and together they had three children. Virginia passed away from cancer in 1974, and their daughter, Barbara, died in 1983. Perry married Barbara Dayton in 1976. His son, Lee Tom Perry, became a prominent academic and served as dean of the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University.

In April 2015, Perry was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Despite aggressive treatment, his condition worsened, and he passed away on May 30, 2015, at the age of 92. At the time of his death, he was the third most senior apostle in the LDS Church. His funeral took place on June 5, 2015, and he was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, alongside his first wife and daughter.

Perry's life was marked by his commitment to both his faith and family, leaving a lasting legacy within the LDS Church and his community.

Quentin L. Cook

Born on September 8, 1940, in Logan, Utah, he is the son of Bernice Kimball and J. Vernon Cook. Cook has a significant family heritage within the LDS Church, being a great-great-grandson of LDS Church apostle Heber C. Kimball and a great-grandson of David Patten Kimball.

Raised in Logan, Cook attended Logan High School, where he actively participated in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track. During his youth, he was a teammate of future NFL great Merlin Olsen.

After graduating from high school, Cook served as an LDS Church missionary in England from 1960 to 1962. During his mission, he was companions with Jeffrey R. Holland and served under the leadership of Mission President Marion D. Hanks.

Upon returning from his mission, Cook married his high school sweetheart, Mary Gaddie, in the Logan Utah Temple on November 30, 1962. He pursued his education, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Utah State University in 1963. He continued his studies and obtained a law degree from Stanford Law School in 1966.

Cook embarked on a successful career as a corporate attorney, ultimately becoming the managing partner of the law firm Carr, McClellan, Ingersoll, Thompson, and Horn in the San Francisco Bay area. He also held leadership roles in healthcare organizations, serving as the president and CEO of California Healthcare System (CHS) for three years and as the vice chairman of Sutter Health System. Additionally, Cook dedicated 14 years to pro bono work as a city attorney.

Within the LDS Church, Quentin Cook served in various leadership and service roles, including as a bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, president of the San Francisco California Stake, regional representative, and area seventy. His service within the church led to his calling as a general authority.

Cook was called as a general authority on April 6, 1996, and became a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He later transitioned to the First Quorum of the Seventy on April 5, 1998. On August 1, 2007, he was appointed as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. In these roles, Cook served in leadership positions in various geographical areas and as the executive director of the Missionary Department.

On October 6, 2007, Quentin L. Cook was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling a vacancy following the passing of James E. Faust. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, he holds a revered position within the LDS Church and is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator.

Neil L. Anderson

Neil Linden Andersen, born on August 9, 1951, in Logan, Utah. Neil L. Andersen was raised in the vicinity of Pocatello, Idaho, and his upbringing was characterized by strong family and religious values. As a young man, he embarked on a mission for the LDS Church, serving as a missionary in France. This experience deepened his faith and commitment to the church.

He pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in economics from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1975. During his time at BYU, he was elected student body vice president, reflecting his leadership abilities. In 1977, he furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Following his education, Neil Andersen worked as the vice president of the Morton Plant Health System in Tampa, Florida. He later transitioned to a career dedicated to church service, leaving behind his corporate role.

Neil Andersen's service within the LDS Church has been extensive and impactful. He began his church service as a missionary in France and later served as the president of the France Bordeaux Mission from 1989 to 1992. In 1993, he received a significant call to serve as a general authority, becoming a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. This marked the beginning of his full-time church service.

Throughout his tenure as a general authority, Neil Andersen held various leadership positions, including assistant executive director of the Priesthood Department.

He played a crucial role in church leadership across different geographical areas, including Utah North, Utah South, North America Southwest, North America Northeast, and Europe West. Additionally, he served as the president of the Brazil South Area. His leadership extended to overseeing the Church Audiovisual Department, where he managed significant projects such as the production of the film "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd" and the launch of the website Mormon.org. From 1997 to 2001, he served as a member of the general presidency of the church's Sunday School.

In April 2009, Neil L. Andersen received a sacred calling to become a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This significant appointment followed the passing of Joseph B. Wirthlin. Throughout his service as an apostle, he has taken on various responsibilities within the LDS Church and has been a prominent representative of its teachings and principles. In the April 2019 general conference, Neil Andersen reaffirmed the church's stance on marriage, emphasizing the importance of upholding traditional values.

Gary E. Stevenson

Gary E. Stevenson, born on August 6, 1955, in Ogden, Utah, has led a life dedicated to religious service and business. Here is an overview of his life and contributions: Gary E. Stevenson was born to Evan N. and Vera Jean Hall Stevenson and was raised in Cache Valley, Utah. In April 1979, Gary E. Stevenson married Lesa J. Higley. They are the parents of four sons. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Utah State University.

His previous Church service includes full-time missionary in the Japan Fukuoka Mission, ward Sunday School teacher, high councilor, bishop, stake presidency counselor, and president of the Japan Nagoya Mission (2004-2007).

Before dedicating himself to full-time church service, Gary E. Stevenson had a successful career in the business world. He worked as the chief operating officer of ICON Health & Fitness, showcasing his leadership and management skills. His professional background included roles on advisory councils and boards, such as the Marriott School of Management National Advisory Council and the Utah State University Foundation Board.

Stevenson's involvement in church service has been extensive and diverse. He has served as a ward Sunday School teacher, high councilor, bishop, and counselor in a stake presidency. His leadership abilities were further recognized when he became the president of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004 to 2007.

In April 2008, Stevenson was called as a general authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), becoming a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. During his time as a Seventy, he held significant responsibilities, including being a counselor and later president of the church's Asia North Area, based in Tokyo, Japan.

On March 31, 2012, Stevenson was released from the First Quorum of the Seventy and sustained as the church's Presiding Bishop. This role involved overseeing the church's temporal affairs.

In October 2015, he was sustained as an apostle and became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a position of great significance within the LDS Church. As an apostle, Gary E. Stevenson is recognized as a prophet, seer, and revelator, contributing to the church's leadership and guidance. His appointment as an apostle coincided with the callings of Ronald A. Rasband and Dale G. Renlund, marking a historic moment in church history as three new apostles were sustained simultaneously.

Gary E. Stevenson's life reflects a harmonious blend of faith, family, education, professional accomplishment, and dedicated church service. His leadership and contributions continue to impact the LDS Church and its members.