Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Categories: Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | 1870 births | 1951 deaths
George Albert Smith
- For others by this name, see George Albert Smith.
George Albert Smith (United States (4 April 1870 - 4 April 1951) was an influential member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and eventually became president of the Church.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Smith attended Brigham Young University and the University of Deseret (later the University of Utah). While surveying for a railroad, though, his eyesight was permanently impaired by glare from the sun. In 1896, he joined the Republican Party and campaigned for William McKinley, who became President. He was also favored by Theodore Roosevelt.
He received his apostleship in 1903, but his frequent travels caused prominent physical weakness, and it was eventually diagnosed as lupus erythematosus, which causes weakness. He was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts, and was very patriotic, joining various patriotic groups. He became president of the Church on May 21, 1945. When World War II ended, Smith helped send supplies to war-stricken Europe. He also helped revitalize missionary work. In that same year, he dedicated the Idaho Falls Temple. When he died at his hometown of Salt Lake City, he was one of the most prominent Mormons, being a popular example of "Christlike living", as one biography puts it.
Sources
| Preceded by: Heber J. Grant | President of the LDS Church 1945-1951 | Succeeded by: David O. McKay |
| Preceded by: Rudger Clawson | President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 1943–1945 | Succeeded by: George F. Richards |
| Previous: Hyrum Mack Smith | Quorum of the Twelve Apostles George Albert Smith | Next: Charles William Penrose |
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