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Birth of Brigham Young
(lived to be 76)
(president for 29 years, 8 months) -
Birth of Joseph Smith Jr.
(Martyred while in jail at just 38)
(was president for 12 years, 2 months) -
Birth of Wilford Woodruff Sr.
(lived to be 91)
(president for 9 years, 4 months) -
Birth of John Taylor
(lived to be 78)
(president for 6 years, 9 months) -
Birth of Lorenzo Snow
(lived to be 87)
(president for 3 years, 1 month) -
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1. President Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith Jr. was the Prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as it is more colloquially know as, The Mormons. Born in 1805, Smith claimed to have many visions with the divine, including both God the Father, God the Son, and many angels. Together they led Smith to restore the true church of Jesus Christ. He found and translated the Book of Mormon, considered an additional Testament of Jesus Christ. Joseph and his revelations are still revered to this day. -
Birth of Joseph Fielder Smith Sr.
(lived to be 80)
(president 17 years, 1 month) -
Intermit Period (1844-1847)
The Church was ran by Brigham Young as President of The Quorum of The Twelve Apostles -
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2. President Brigham Young
Although controversial in todays time, Brigham Young was one of the most influential leaders in LDS history. He is best remembered for moving The Church from its then base in Nauvoo, Illinois, to where it stands today in Salt Lake City, Utah. He served as the first ever governor of The Utah Territory and was the longest serving LDS president at 29 years. -
Birth of Heber Jeddy Grant
(lived to be 88)
(president for 26 years, 5 months) -
Birth of George Albert Smith Sr.
(lived to be 81)
(president for 5 years, 10 months) -
Birth of David Oman McKay
(lived to be 96)
(President for 18 years, 9 months) -
Birth of Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.
(lived to be 95)
(president for 2 years, 5 months) -
Intermit Period (1877-1880)
Church ran by John Taylor as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. -
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3. President John Taylor
After following Brigham Young in 1880, President John Taylor began to face many challenges to the church. Chief amongst these was the issue of polygamy, which was still widely practiced by church members, yet illegal according to U.S Law. This led to increased scrutiny by the U.S Government. He is also the only President to have been born outside of the U.S, having been born in England. -
Intermit Period (1887-1889)
Church was ran by Wilford Woodruff as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. -
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4. President Wilford Woodruff
Most famous for The Manifesto of 1890, which led to the official end of polygamy by The Church due to outside pressure from the U.S government. Many Church members would still go on to practice polygamy illegally, especially groups that would become the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints. -
Birth of Spencer Woolley Kimball
(lived to be 90)
(president for 11 years, 10 months) -
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5. President Lorenzo Snow
The last president of the 19th century and the last president to personally experienced the practice of polygamy. He is most remembered for emphasizing the practice of tithing. -
Birth of Harold Bingham Lee
(lived to be 74)
(president for 1 year, 5 months) -
Birth of Ezra Taft Benson
(lived to be 94)
(President for 8 years, 6 months) -
Period: to
6. President Joseph F. Smith
The nephew of the first president and founder Joseph Smith, he was also the last president to know Joseph Smith personally. He also served as the president during World War I and witnessed the impact it had on the world. -
Birth of Howard William Hunter
(lived to be 87)
(President for 9 months) -
Birth of Gordan Bitner Hinckley
(lived to be 97)
(President for 12 years, 10 months) -
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7. President Heber J. Grant
The President of The Church during World War II and The Depression. Is best remembered for emphasizing financial responsibility for church members during the depression. -
Birth of Russell Marion Nelson
(Current President)
(Has served for 5 years) -
Birth of Thomas Spencer Monson
(lived to be 90)
(President for 9 years, 11 months) -
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8. President Albert Smith
A distant relative of founder Joseph Smith, President George Smith is best remembered for expanding The Church's humanitarian efforts during his relatively short time in office. -
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9. President David O. McKay
His presidency focused on education and emphasizing the importance of responsibility within The Church. During his tenure, the controversial priesthood ban had become prevalent due to the Civil Rights Movement. -
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10. President Joseph Fielding Smith
The son of former president Joseph F. Smith Sr., his brief tenure continued the emphasis on doctrinal teachings and leadership within the faith. -
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11. President Harold B. Lee
Also had a short presidency but was known to emphasize the importance of individual spirituality, family, and leadership within the LDS Church. -
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12. President Spencer W. Kimball
Was the president to finally end the priesthood ban after increasing pressure from both the public as well as the U.S government. From this point priesthood and temple blessings would be aloud for all worthy LDS males, regardless of race. -
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13. President Ezra Taft Benson
The only Church president to have a significant career in the U.S government, being U.S Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower. -
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14. President Howard W. Hunter
Shortest presidential tenure in Church history at just nine months. -
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15. Presidential Gordon B. Hinckley
Is best remembered for his emphasis on outreach programs and humanitarian efforts. Under his leadership substantial growth and increased visibility. He was also known to bring a sense of hope amongst LDS members, especially at the turn of the century. -
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16. President Thomas M. Monson
Was best remembered for his humble approach to leadership and dedication to humanitarian aid. Under his presidency, there was an increased emphasis on simplifying church meetings and programs. -
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17. President Russell M. Nelson
A former heart surgeon, President Nelsons main focusses as Church president have included humanitarian aid and temple building. He is the oldest person to ever become president of the Church.