Thomas S. Monson

Thomas S. Monson is the First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church. He is known for his excellent memory and his love of poetry, which he frequently quotes in his talks. He frequently tells personal stories of how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has helped him in his life and blessed those whom he has met.

Thomas Spencer Monson was born on August 21, 1927 in Salt Lake City. He was compassionate even as a young boy. When he found out that one of his friends would be eating only cereal with water for Christmas dinner he took his two prized rabbits to them and told them that while it wasn't turkey, they would still make a fine Christmas dinner.

Monson served in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II. He was only 17, and the armistice had just been signed a few weeks after he joined. Pres. Monson served a full year of active duty before returning home.

In 1948, he graduated cum laude from the University of Utah with a degree in business management. On October 7 of that same year, he married Frances Beverly Johnson in the Salt Lake Temple. They eventually had three children, two boys and a girl. Pres. Monson continued studying for his graduate degree while teaching at the University of Utah. He later received his MBA from Brigham Young University.

In his career, Thomas S. Monson did well in publishing and printing. He worked for the advertising division of the Deseret News beginning in 1948. He then became sales manager for the Deseret News Press, then general manager. From 1959 to 1962, Thomas S. Monson served as president of the Canadian Mission of the Mormon Church in Toronto, Canada. He serveded in this position until he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 4, 1963. In 1969 he began service on the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America. He has also served on the Utah State Board of Regents, which runs higher education in Utah. In 1981, Thomas S. Monson was asked by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to serve on a President’s Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives. He fulfilled this role on the task force until 1982 when the task force completed its work.

On November 10, 1985, Elder Monson was called to be the Second Counselor in the First Presidency under President Ezra Taft Benson. On June 5, 1994, he was called to serve as Second Counselor under President Howard W. Hunter. Then, on March 12, 1995 he was called to his current position as First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. In addition to his responsibilities as First Counselor he also serves as trustee of Brigham Young University and the Church Board of Education. While he is currently serving as First Counselor, he is also the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, though Boyd K. Packer serves as acting president. As President of the Quorum, President Monson is next in line to become President of the Mormon Church.

Quotes from President Thomas S. Monson

• "Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, “You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven’t time to be concerned for others.” Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord. In moments when the light of resolution dims and when the heart grows faint, we can take comfort from His promise: 'Be not weary in well-doing. … Out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.'”

“Finding Peace,” Ensign, Mar. 2004

• "It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. The choices we make determine our destiny."

"Choose You This Day," Ensign, Nov. 2004