It was in this same church in 1959 that Ezra Taft Benson, then the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and a member of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke to a standing-room only crowd of worshippers. Elder Benson would eventually become president of the Church, serving from 1985 to 1994. “Fifty years go fast, and lots of things have changed.

News Releases & Stories

Gordon B. Hinckley

Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign September 1991 In the Church we sing a stirring hymn, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” It is distinctive with us. As a people we sing some hymns that have come from other churches, and others sing some of ours. But

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > September 1991

Gordon B. Hinckley

I am sure it would have a sobering effect upon us if we realized what is before us.” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, p. 19.) “God bless all of us that we may follow the course laid out for us by our Heavenly Father and our greatest example—the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is now up to you.” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 26.) Such have been the declarations of this man who stands today as the Lord’s prophet and our President.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > November 1992

Mark E. Petersen

This is the concept of liberty—the very basis of patriotism—that burns in the heart of President Ezra Taft Benson. President Ezra Taft Benson was the speaker of the evening, and before giving his address, he paid further tribute to the recipient of the award.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > October 1974

Gordon B. Hinckley

Gordon B. Hinckley Tambuli October 1992 In the Church we sing a stirring hymn, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” It is distinctive with us. As a people we sing some hymns that have come from other churches, and others sing some of ours. But

Gospel Library > Magazines > Liahona > October 1992

David B. Haight

Present in that meeting was Ezra T. Benson, great-grandfather of President Ezra Taft Benson. After much fasting and prayer, and the seeking of personal revelation to know the mind and will of God, it was confirmed to our souls who should be called—even Ezra Taft Benson.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > May 1986

Thomas S. Monson

However, President Benson, we are pleased and grateful that you have been a part of the conference through television. Ezra Taft Benson is a prophet of God.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > November 1992

Gordon B. Hinckley

The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, p. 10.) I urge you to accept and ponder that testimony from him whom we sustain as prophet, seer, and revelator. President Benson, we know that you can see us.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > May 1993

Helvécio Martins

In previous callings I have always been released, but this first stewardship has been kept untouched. “There is no greater Church calling than that of a home teacher,” taught President Ezra Taft Benson. “There is no greater Church service rendered to our Father in Heaven’s children than the service rendered by a humble, dedicated, committed home teacher” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, M... As President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “[Home teaching is] a program so vital that, if faithfully followed, it will help to spiritually renew the Church and exalt its individual members and families” (Ensign, May 1987, p. 48).

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > May 1995

Friend May 2001 During the April 1986 General Conference, in a talk to the young men of the Church, President Ezra Taft Benson, thirteenth President of the Church, promised blessings to youth who help keep their families close and who study the Book of Mormon. Photo of President Benson by Jed Clark.) With all my heart I love the youth of the Church … , and their well-being and happiness are among my greatest concerns.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Friend > May 2001

Thomas S. Monson

Ezra Taft Benson, address at the Nauvoo Monument dedicatory services, “To the Elect Women of the Kingdom of God,” 20 June 1978. 2. Ezra Taft Benson, To the Mothers in Zion, pamphlet, 1987, pp. 8–12; see also Ezra Taft Benson, Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1990, pp. 32–36. 5.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > May 1992

The Presidents of the Church: Teacher’s Manual

Prepare to show the picture of Ezra Taft Benson in the color section.2. If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Ezra Taft Benson.”Suggested Lesson DevelopmentIntroductionScripture index search(Scriptures in some languages do not have an index in their Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants study aids.

Gospel Library > Lessons > Sunday School

The Presidents of the Church: Teacher’s Manual

Prepare to show the picture of Ezra Taft Benson in the color section.2. This Secretary Benson did” (“President Ezra Taft Benson,” Ensign, Jan. 1986, p. 7).

Gospel Library > Lessons > Sunday School

Gospel Art Picture Kit

President of the Church, 1985–1994Click to View Larger FormatPresident Ezra Taft Benson placed renewed emphasis on the Book of Mormon: “The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to ‘sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect’ (Moses 7:62). Elder Mark E. Petersen wrote this tribute to President Benson: “ ‘What is best for the kingdom?

Gospel Library > Lessons > Primary

Boyd K. Packer

Boyd K. Packer Ensign May 1995 Ten months ago President Ezra Taft Benson passed away, and without a pause the brief and memorable administration of President Howard W. Hunter began. President Ezra Taft Benson did not ordain Howard W. Hunter as President of the Church, nor did President Howard W. Hunter ordain Gordon B. Hinckley as President of the Church.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > May 1995

Thomas S. Monson

Another pioneer in Church welfare, Walter Stover, who died some months ago at the same age as President Ezra Taft Benson, was one who understood the worth of a human soul. From an earlier period, following the carnage of World War II, Elder Ezra Taft Benson led Church response in providing food, medicine, and clothing—totaling two million in 1940s dollars and requiring 133 boxcars to transport it—to the cold and starving members in Europe.

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > November 1994

Ensign May 1974 This, brothers and sisters, is a very solemn occasion. We so approach it and should so conduct it. It will take quite a time; but if we are in the frame of mind and spirit which we should be in, I am sure it will not be tedious. We

Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > May 1974

Melvin Leavitt

President Ezra Taft Benson is also a boy from Whitney. “I shall never forget life in an ideal family on a farm, in a choice little community,” President Benson has said. George T. Benson was known for his industry and honesty.

Gospel Library > Magazines > New Era > November 1986

Because of that, he was asking Ezra Taft Benson to open the cabinet meeting with prayer. Ezra Taft Benson was born in Whitney, Idaho, on August 4, 1899.

Gospel Library > Magazines > New Era > January 1986

Sheri Dew

First there was a mission for “Elder” Ezra Taft Benson to serve in Great Britain, and before he knew it he was saying good-bye to Flora at the train station and heading for Europe. There was no bitterness or anger but a sweet … expression of faith in the gospel.” Elder Ezra Taft Benson was a strong, determined man.

Gospel Library > Magazines > New Era > August 1989