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LDS Church Presidents

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Explanation of LDS Church Prophets (called Presidents)

Jesus Christ called prophets to lead His church in our day, just as He did while on the earth. The first prophet (and LDS Church president) called to restore Christ's gospel in these Latter-days was Joseph Smith. To learn more about this restoration read the article, "What Do Mormons Believe?"

When the prophet dies, the senior apostle (the apostle who has been in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles for the longest) becomes the next LDS Church President. When Joseph Smith was martyred Brigham Young became the next prophet and LDS Church President. He led the saints to the Salt Lake Valley, which later became known as Salt Lake City, Utah.

When Brigham Young died, the senior Apostle was John Taylor and he became the third LDS Church President. Each new President selects two worthy men to be his counselors; together they form the First Presidency. See the "Organization of the LDS Church" to learn about the First Presidency, and living prophets and apostles.

LDS Church Presidents

1 Joseph Smith 1830-1844
2 Brigham Young 1847-1877
3 John Taylor 1880-1887
4 Wilford Woodruff 1887-1898
5 Lorenzo Snow 1898-1901
6 Joseph F. Smith 1901-1918
7 Heber J. Grant 1918-1945
8 George Albert Smith 1945-1951
9 David O. McKay 1951-1970
10 Joseph Fielding Smith 1970-1972
11 Harold B. Lee 1972-1973
12 Spencer W. Kimball 1973-1985
13 Ezra Taft Benson 1985-1994
14 Howard W. Hunter 1994-1995
15 Gordon B. Hinckley 1995-2008
16 Thomas S. Monson 2008-present
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