Gospel Art Picture Kit
President of the Church, 1973–1985
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Because of surgery on his vocal cords, President Kimball had a quiet voice, but his life spoke loudly of good works. He inspired Church members worldwide: “Put your shoulders to the wheel, lengthen your stride, heighten your reach, increase your devotion” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 564). He was an example of action. On his desk was a plaque with the motto “Do It.”
“The Lord will not translate one’s good hopes and desires and intentions into works,” he wrote. “Each of us must do that for himself” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 8).
On Sabbath worship, he instructed: “We do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. If the service is a failure to you, you must have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord” (“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign, Jan. 1978, 4–5).
Under his direction, temple work expanded rapidly worldwide. The Church dedicated temples in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States (five locations), South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, and Japan. New temples were announced for Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South Korea, and the United States (three locations).
Summary
Spencer W. Kimball, 12th President of the Church, told the members of the Church, “Lengthen your stride.” His life was an example of good works and action. On his desk was a plaque with the motto “Do It.” Under his direction, temples were built in many areas of the world.
© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
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