Monson ordained as Mormon president

President Thomas S. Monson has been ordained and set apart as the new President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The announcement was made Monday morning, February 4, 2008, at the Church Office Building.{{more}}

Along with President Monson being named as the new president of the Church, his two counselors in the First Presidency were also named: as first counselor, President Henry B. Eyring, the former second counselor to President Hinckley; and the new second counselor is Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

President Monson is well known and probably will continue to be well known, for a couple of things: his great care of people who are in need, whether at home or abroad, and also his connection with people of other faiths.

“We will continue the commitment of those who have gone before us in teaching the gospel and promoting cooperation with people throughout the world and in bearing witness to the life and mission of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Chirst”, President Monson said.

He added, “As a church, we reach out not only to our own people but also to those people of goodwill throughout the world in the spirit of brotherhood, which comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. I express my deep gratitude for these two men who will serve as my counselors. They’re tireless and innovative workers, completely dedicated to the Lord.”

President Monson will serve as the 16th leader of the Church. He has served in the leadership of the Church for more than 44 years, including 22 years as part of the Church’s governing First Presidency. President Monson has been married to his wife, Frances, for almost 60 years. The couple has three children and eight grandchildren. He will turn 81 years old in August.

The two men called as counselors in the First Presidency also have served in the Church for many years. First Counselor Henry B. Eyring was first called as an apostle in the Church in 1995. Before being called by the Church, Eyring worked in education and served as president of Ricks College. He has been married to his wife, Kathleen, for 46 years and is father to six children. He is 74 years old.

Second counselor Dieter F. Uchtdorf was born in Germany in 1940. He was called to the First Quorum of Seventy in 1995 and to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 2004. Uchtdorf is only the 11th apostle in the Church born outside of the United States. He and his wife, Harriet, have been married for 45 years and have two children.

A spokesman for the church said, “Church members are grateful the Church is prepared for occasions such as this. There is no politicking or jockeying for position. We believe the Lord calls his prophets and we support them. We look forward to moving on under President Monson’s direction.”

There are over 300 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in St. Vincent. The Kingstown Branch is under the direction of Cotbert Sutherland and the Calliaqua Branch is led by Verrol Young. Both branches meet at 9 a.m. Sunday morning and visitors are welcome.