Church history moments: Noble character
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"Life begins whenever you will it so," President Joseph Fielding Smith was known to say, which became a reflection of the way he lived life and served.
On the occasion of his 80th birthday in July 1956, the Church News printed a lengthy review and tribute of his life, noting that "behind a seeming brusqueness and severity of manner is a kind, sympathetic friendliness and understanding that wins the love and admiration of all who know him."
President Smith was born July 19, 1876, son of Joseph F. Smith, sixth president of the Church, son of Hyrum Smith.
"My father was the most tender-hearted man I ever knew," President Joseph Fielding Smith said. "His sympathy was perpetually drawn out towards little children. He loved them all and could not bear to see them wrongfully treated.
"Among my fondest memories are the hours I have spent by his side discussing principles of the gospel and receiving instruction as only he could give. In this way the foundation of my own knowledge was laid in truth, so that I, too, can say that my Redeemer lives, and that Joseph Smith is, was, and always will be a prophet of the living God."
President Smith was revered for his firm, unwavering devotion to the cause of the kingdom. Perhaps less known was his capacity for tenderness and compassion.
"His life has been one repeated instance after another of giving aid to the needy, comfort to the broken-hearted, counsel to the confused and in exemplifying that charity which is 'the pure love of Christ."'
A tribute written by members of the Quorum of the Twelve stated, "President Joseph Fielding Smith has inherited in rich measure the dauntless courage and the unswerving devotion to duty which have characterized the lives of his noble ancestors....
"We who labor ... under his leadership have occasion to glimpse the true nobility of his character."
At the time of his 80th birthday, President Smith was president of the Quorum of the Twelve. On Jan. 23, 1970, he became the 10th president of the Church, at age 93. He served 2 1/2 years, until his death on July 2, 1972, at age 95. — Shaun D. Stahle
