Wilford Woodruff

Prophets of the Restoration

Wilford Woodruff, Fourth President of the Church

Born March 1, 1807, and raised in Connecticut, Wilford Woodruff was a miller by trade. He joined the Church in 1833 and served two missions before being ordained an Apostle in 1839. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, he completed four additional missions, presided over the temple in St. George, Utah, and served six years as Church Historian. He was sustained as Church President on April 7, 1889. As President of the Church, he dedicated temples in Salt Lake City and Manti, Utah, oversaw the organization of the Genealogical Society, and reemphasized the value of historical record keeping. After much pondering and prayer, he received a revelation that the Latter-day Saints should cease the practice of plural marriage. In 1890, he wrote the Manifesto, testifying that the Church had ceased teaching the practice of plural marriage. In addition to being the Lord’s mouthpiece for that revelation, President Woodruff also left a legacy that emphasized missionary and temple work. He died in San Francisco on September 2, 1898.

Wilford Woodruff Videos

Testimony of Wilford Woodruff
In his own recorded voice, Wilford Woodruff bears testimony of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the gospel. (1:07)
Preparation of Wilford Woodruff: A Devoted Missionary
Wilford Woodruff is led by the Spirit to Benbow Farm, where hundreds are baptized. (1:23)
Preparation of Wilford Woodruff: Personal Consecration
Wilford Woodruff witnesses of the truthfulness of consecrating all we have to God. (0:59)
Preparation of Wilford Woodruff: A Spiritual Quest
As a young man, Wilford Woodruff senses the coming of a Restoration and is convinced of his need to serve God. (1:54)
Ministry of Wilford Woodruff: A Church Historian
God allows Wilford Woodruff to remember the talks of Church leaders until they are written and recorded. (2:16)
Ministry of Wilford Woodruff: The Work of the Temple
President Woodruff bears testimony of the great importance of temple work. (1:51)
Ministry of Wilford Woodruff: The Manifesto of 1890
Wilford Woodruff defends the Manifesto that discontinues the practice of plural marriage. (1:30)
Teachings of Wilford Woodruff: The Importance of Record Keeping
President Woodruff bears testimony of the importance of journals and record keeping. (1:24)
Teachings of Wilford Woodruff: The Importance of Teaching Our Children
President Woodruff teaches of the importance of bringing up our children in the ways of the Lord. Our children will be the leaders of the next generation. (1:56)
Teachings of Wilford Woodruff: Gather Family Records
President Woodruff teaches the importance of finding the records of our ancestors and completing temple work for them. (1:46)

Read More

Prophets of the Restoration