Paul L. Anderson

Paul L. Anderson was an educator, curator, architect, composer, and artist.

Anderson was born on June 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California. He graduated with honors in architecture from Stanford University. He then earned a master’s degree in architecture from Princeton University. Following graduate school, he spent the summer with a fellowship on Mormon architecture with Church Historian Leonard J. Arrington. He worked at Pasadena Design Associates before moving to Utah where he collaborated on plans for building the Museum of Church History and Art and was senior exhibits designer there for seven years. He also restored historic LDS buildings and designed and remodeled private homes on the side. He then went to Brigham Young University where he served as the first Head of Design and then Curator of Southwestern Art in the Museum of Art. He also taught undergraduate courses and honors seminars.

He was also musical and sang for several years in the Utah Symphony Chorus. He wrote the text for four hymns that appear in the 1985 Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "In Fasting We Approach Thee" (139), "Sabbath Day" (148), "Turn Your Hearts" (291), and "We Meet Again as Sisters" (311).

Anderson sketched throughout his life and then developed his talent as an oil painter after he retired.

He also was a member of the Mormon History Association where he served twice as president.

He and his wife, Lavina Fielding, were the parents of one son.

Anderson was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission to southern Japan.

He died suddenly March 23, 2018, from a heart attack.