President Thomas S. Monson

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

It is difficult to think of anyone better prepared to assume leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at this particular time than President Thomas S. Monson.

He comes to the presidency after a lifetime literally devoted to the service of others. Now 80, he has served as one of the Church's apostles since the age of 36. Prior to that, he juggled a successful business career with volunteer church-related assignments and callings at the local level.

As one who sat at the side of three Church presidents as a counselor and confidant, President Monson certainly understands the challenging dynamics of the organization he now leads.

Although he has mingled with royalty and seems comfortable in formal settings, his character is best illustrated by his quiet and very personal lifelong ministry to the downtrodden, the invalid, and the widow down the street. As well, his gifted capacity for remembering names, places and events has endeared him to thousands worldwide who have cherished their personal encounters with him over the years.

With the uncertainty of what lies ahead in a world that seems in perpetual commotion, it will be good for Latter-day Saints to have the stability of this leader who has proven his mettle through a lifetime of selfless service.