George Albert Smith

Prophets of the Restoration

George Albert Smith, Eighth President of the Church

George Albert Smith was born on April 4, 1870, in Salt Lake City. His father, John Henry Smith, and grandfather, George A. Smith, had both been counselors to Church Presidents. While employed in the Federal Land Office for Utah, he was called at the age of 33 to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Despite fragile health and impaired eyesight, he had a distinguished career as a Church leader. He became President of the Church on May 21, 1945. He organized the Church’s massive welfare assistance to Europe following World War II. He also championed Scouting among Latter-day Saints. Through numerous other civic and Church responsibilities, President Smith lived that portion of his personal creed that declared, "I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor" (in Bryant S. Hinckley, “Greateness in Men: Superintendent George Albert Smith,” Improvement Era, Mar. 1932, 295). After six years as President, George Albert Smith died in Salt Lake City on his 81st birthday, April 4, 1951.

George Albert Smith Videos

Testimony of George Albert Smith
In his own voice, George Albert Smith bears testimony of the unique blessings we claim as members of the Church and that the Lord will reign as Lord and King. (1:26)
Preparation of George Albert Smith: Blessings upon a Faithful Servant
George Albert Smith learns to trust in Heavenly Father, despite the challenges and obstacles of life. (2:20)
Preparation of George Albert Smith: What Have You Done with My Name?
George Albert Smith has a dream in which his grandfather asks him what he has done with the Smith family name. (1:13)
Preparation of George Albert Smith: A Patriarchal Blessing
George Albert Smith’s patriarchal blessing prophesies of future leadership roles in the Church. (1:33)
Ministry of George Albert Smith: Building Peace in a War-torn World
Despite the conflicts and tragedy of two World Wars, George Albert Smith teaches of peace through obedience to God’s commandments. (2:22)
Ministry of George Albert Smith: Love for His Fellowmen
George Albert Smith is an example of peace and love to the downtrodden, the minority, the apostate. (1:40)
Ministry of George Albert Smith: Preserving Church Heritage
George Albert Smith celebrates the history of the Church and educates its members by erecting monuments, marking trails, and identifying meaningful landmarks. (1:09)
Teachings of George Albert Smith: A Personal Creed: The Praise of Men or the Praise of God
George Albert Smith pens a personal creed to guide the actions of his life. One element of this creed reminds him to value the praise of God over that of men. (0:53)
Teachings of George Albert Smith: A Personal Creed: Care for the Needy
George Albert Smith pens a personal creed to guide the actions of his life. One element of this creed reminds him to care for those less fortunate. (2:04)
Teachings of George Albert Smith: A Personal Creed: Be a Missionary
George Albert Smith pens a personal creed to guide the actions of his life. One element of this creed reminds him to be a missionary of the Lord’s gospel. (1:42)

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Prophets of the Restoration