During a Church News interview in 1985, President Thomas S. Monson, then second counselor in the First Presidency, told of having been called at age 22 to serve as bishop of the Sixth-Seventh Ward, in which he had grown up in Salt Lake City.

"Why I was called as bishop, I can't tell you," he said during the interview. "Only the Lord would know that."

On Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, that former bishop was introduced at a news media briefing as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

No living person is more acquainted with the office of Church president. He has spent the past 22 years in the First Presidency, serving as a counselor to three presidents: second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson and President Howard W. Hunter and, for nearly 13 years, first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley.

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Stories displayed below are sorted by date, most recent at the top of the list and contain at least one reference to President Monson.

• First Presidency encourages increased contributions to the general missionary fund
  
  Published: Saturday, Dec. 24, 1988
• Choir honored for love of God, country
  
  Published: Saturday, Nov. 26, 1988
• Every person can give - shelter is proof
  
  Published: Saturday, Nov. 26, 1988
• Opportunities unfold in 'week of wonder'
  
  Published: Saturday, Nov. 12, 1988
• German Democratic Republic grants rights for missionary service
  
  Published: Saturday, Nov. 12, 1988
• Develop Christ-like character
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1988
• True happiness is found at home
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1988
• Conference capsules
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1988
• Saturday afternoon speakers
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1988
• Sunday morning speakers
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1988
• 'Never lose sight of celestial goal'
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 1, 1988
• A thought from the scriptures
  
  Published: Saturday, Oct. 1, 1988
• Conference time approaches
  
  Published: Saturday, Sept. 24, 1988
• Celebrating 62 years of marriage
  
  Published: Saturday, Sept. 17, 1988
• Conference is slated for Oct. 1-2
  
  Published: Saturday, Sept. 10, 1988
• Caption only: Candidate visits First Presidency
  
  Published: Saturday, Sept. 3, 1988
• Pres. Monson visits elderly on birthday
  
  Published: Saturday, Aug. 27, 1988
• Church's mission "all one great work" — 9 new temple presidents, matrons instructed by prophet, general authorities at seminar
  
  Published: Saturday, Aug. 27, 1988
• Construction to begin soon on Toronto temple: in area rich in Church history
  
  Published: Saturday, Aug. 13, 1988
• Exhibit sparks memories
  
  Published: Saturday, July 16, 1988
• Centennial looks to future as well as past
  
  Published: Saturday, July 9, 1988
• Prime minister talks on importance of family and Christian values
  
  Published: Saturday, July 9, 1988
• Valiant 'sons' of Helaman
  
  Published: Saturday, July 2, 1988
• Mission quest: bless lives
  
  Published: Saturday, July 2, 1988
• 100 years in Samoa: LDS celebrations span 3 islands
  
  Published: Saturday, July 2, 1988
• Vaccine to be provided for African children
  
  Published: Saturday, June 25, 1988
• LDS ward building given to Salvation Army
  
  Published: Saturday, June 25, 1988
• 'I love this work with all my heart'
  
  Published: Saturday, June 25, 1988
• Honoring a 47-year ministry
  
  Published: Saturday, May 28, 1988
• New 'first' for western Africa: stake is formed in Aba, Nigeria
  
  Published: Saturday, May 21, 1988
• 'Honorable marriage more important than wealth and position'
  
  Published: Saturday, April 9, 1988
• Events spark life's great questions
  
  Published: Saturday, April 9, 1988
• Worthy priesthood bearers 'can accomplish a miracle'
  
  Published: Saturday, April 9, 1988
• 'Be doers, not hearers only'
  
  Published: Saturday, April 9, 1988
• First Presidency announces new directors to lead Church hosting
  
  Published: Saturday, March 19, 1988
• 2 Church leaders earn Scouting honor
  
  Published: Saturday, March 5, 1988
• Pres. Benson starts 45th temple
  
  Published: Saturday, March 5, 1988
• Colorful salute for 75th year
  
  Published: Saturday, Feb. 20, 1988
• 75 years later, LDS Scouting is stronger than ever
  
  Published: Saturday, Feb. 13, 1988
• Church marks 75 years of Scouting
  
  Published: Saturday, Feb. 6, 1988