Patriarch turns 106
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Long-time friends and General Authority associates, President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Eldred G. Smith spent an hour visiting together, reminiscing about "old times," on Jan. 9 in Elder Smith's home in Salt Lake City. The occasion was Elder Smith's 106th birthday.
After presenting a birthday card and a gift, a box of chocolates, President Monson placed a hand on Elder Smith's shoulder and declared, "Eldred Smith is my good friend. We have traveled many miles together. I love and respect this man."
Elder Smith served as Patriarch to the Church from April 10, 1947, until Oct. 6, 1979. In 1966, then Elder Monson asked Church President David O. McKay for permission to invite the Church Patriarch to travel with him on an assignment to the South Pacific, the area that Elder Monson supervised, in order for Elder Smith to provide patriarchal blessings to members in areas where there was no patriarch. "I left him in Australia," President Monson said, and then explained that as he continued on with his travels, Elder Smith remained behind and gave many patriarchal blessings to members in Australia and other areas of the South Pacific.
Elder Smith also traveled to other areas, including Europe, to give patriarchal blessings.
Believed to be the oldest man in Utah, Elder Smith has lived longer than any former General Authority.
He is the great-great-great-grandson of Joseph Smith Sr., who was called in 1833 as the first Patriarch to the Church, and the great-great-grandson of Hyrum Smith, a brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Elder Smith said he has given more than 18,000 blessings.
