Quentin L. Cook
Quentin L. Cook is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sustained on October 6, 2007, filling the vacancy left by Henry B. Eyring's call to serve in the First Presidency. He had been serving in the Presidency of the Seventy since August 1, 2007. Since April 5, 1998, he had served In the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was called to serve in the Second Quorum of the Seventy on April 6, 1996. Prior to that he was an Area Authority and regional representative.
He was born on September 8, 1940 in Logan, Utah, and although born and raised in Logan, Elder Cook spent 27 years living and working in northern California. He spent a number of years working as a managing partner at Carr, McClellan, Ingersoll, Thompson and Horn, a law firm in the San Francisco area. He then went on to serve as CEO of a California healthcare system and vice chairman of Sutter Health System.
In 1960, Elder Cook was called to serve as a full-time missionary in the British Mission. One of his companions was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. After returning from his mission, Elder Cook went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from Utah State University in 1963 and then a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford University. Later, Utah State University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Elder Cook met his wife, Mary Gaddie Cook, while in high school. After his return from his mission to England, they were married and together they raised their three children.
Cook served as executive director of the Missionary Department, where he was managed the Church's missionary program. It was in February 2007, while he was serving in this capacity, that four missionaries in Nigeria were abducted. Elder Cook played an important and notable role, coordinating with local Nigerian leaders to facilitate the release of the four Elders.
Elder Cook has pioneer heritage; he is a great, great-grandson of Church apostle Heber C. Kimball and a great-grandson of David Patten Kimball, who was one of the three young men who carried handcart pioneers over the Sweetwater River.[1] [2]
Contents
Apostleship
Temples dedicated by Elder Cook
Quito Ecuador Temple · Moses Lake Washington Temple
Quotes from Elder Cook
- "Comparing [our] blessings [with others] is almost certain to drive out joy. We cannot be grateful and envious at the same time. If we truly want to have the Spirit of the Lord and experience joy and happiness, we should rejoice in our blessings and be grateful. The need for civility in society has never been more important. The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes." October 1996 General Conference, "Rejoice!"
- “Much of what we accomplish in the church is due to the selfless service of women.” April 2011 General Conference, "LDS Women Are Incredible!"
Videos with Elder Cook
More on Elder Quentin L. Cook
- Quentin L. Cook
- "Elder Quentin L. Cook: A Willing Heart and Mind," by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
- Special Witness of Christ, history of missionary work
- All General Conference Talks by Quentin L. Cook
- All Talks by Quentin L. Cook
