This week in Church history
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25 years ago
President Joseph Fielding Smith was presented with the BYU Associated Men Students' 1972 Exemplary Manhood Award during ceremonies in the Marriott Center in April 1972, according to the April 22, 1972, edition of the Church News.
After receiving the award, President Smith spoke to the thousands of students gathered for the event. He thanked the students for the award and for their courtesy and consideration.
The article reported that he concluded his remarks by stating, "Now I rejoice in the great blessings we have received as members of the Church and kingdom of God on earth. I thank the Lord for all that He has so bounteously showered upon us."
Also attending the ceremonies were members of President Smith's family. One of his sons, Milton, offered the invocation and another, Douglas, "paid tribute to his father by comparing his ministry to that of Alma, of Book of Mormon times," according to the Church News.
The article continued its report of Douglas' comments: "He said his father was `a tenth child, and thus a tithing child.' And that the full tenth has been given to the Lord. In recalling prayers offered by President Smith, Douglas said, `Father, like earlier prophets, always prayed for the people that they will live up to their covenants.' "
D. Arthur Haycock, President Smith's secretary, also paid tribute during the ceremonies, tracing President Smith's heritage as a son of the sixth president of the Church, grandson of Hyrum Smith, and grand-nephew of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Associated Men Students president Mikel Whiting presented the award to President Smith and described him as "a beacon to the Church, and a light unto the world."
Quote from the past
"The Church teaches that life here is probationary. It is man's duty to become master, not the slave of nature. His appetites are to be controlled and used for the benefit of his health and the prolongation of his life; his passions mastered and controlled for the happiness and blessing of others." - President David O. McKay in the October 1963 general conference
