List of presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facts for kids

This article is about the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These special leaders are called the President of the Church. They are also seen as a prophet, seer, and revelator, which means they are believed to receive guidance from God for the Church.

Who Leads the Church?

The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the highest leader of the Church. People who follow the Church believe the President is a prophet, meaning they receive messages and guidance from God. This leader helps guide the Church members around the world.

The Presidents of the Church

Here is a list of the people who have served as President of the Church, from the first one to the current leader.

1. Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith, the first President of the Church.

• Born: December 23, 1805
• Served as President: April 6, 1830 – June 27, 1844
• Joseph Smith was the first President of the Church. He organized the Church in 1830.

Leadership After Joseph Smith

After Joseph Smith passed away, the Church was led for a time by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This group of twelve leaders guided the Church for about three and a half years.

2. Brigham Young

Brigham Young, the second President of the Church.

• Born: June 1, 1801
• Served as President: December 27, 1847 – August 29, 1877
• Brigham Young led the Church members on their journey to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah.

Leadership After Brigham Young

After Brigham Young passed away, the Church was again led by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for about three years.

3. John Taylor

John Taylor, the third President of the Church.

• Born: November 1, 1808
• Served as President: October 10, 1880 – July 25, 1887
• John Taylor was born in England and was a strong leader during a challenging time for the Church.

Leadership After John Taylor

The Church was led by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for about one year and eight months after John Taylor's passing.

4. Wilford Woodruff

Wilford Woodruff, the fourth President of the Church.

• Born: March 1, 1807
• Served as President: April 7, 1889 – September 2, 1898
• Wilford Woodruff is known for a very important revelation called the Manifesto.

5. Lorenzo Snow

Lorenzo Snow, the fifth President of the Church.

• Born: April 3, 1814
• Served as President: September 13, 1898 – October 10, 1901
• Lorenzo Snow helped the Church financially during his time as President.

6. Joseph F. Smith

Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church.

• Born: November 13, 1838
• Served as President: October 17, 1901 – November 19, 1918
• Joseph F. Smith was the nephew of Joseph Smith and helped the Church grow internationally.

7. Heber J. Grant

Heber J. Grant, the seventh President of the Church.

• Born: November 22, 1856
• Served as President: November 23, 1918 – May 14, 1945
• Heber J. Grant led the Church through the Great Depression and World War II.

8. George Albert Smith

George Albert Smith, the eighth President of the Church.

• Born: April 4, 1870
• Served as President: May 21, 1945 – April 4, 1951
• George Albert Smith led the Church right after World War II.

9. David O. McKay

David O. McKay, the ninth President of the Church.

• Born: September 8, 1873
• Served as President: April 9, 1951 – January 18, 1970
• David O. McKay traveled a lot and helped the Church become more global.

10. Joseph Fielding Smith

Joseph Fielding Smith, the tenth President of the Church.

• Born: July 19, 1876
• Served as President: January 23, 1970 – July 2, 1972
• Joseph Fielding Smith was a well-known writer and scholar of Church history.

11. Harold B. Lee

Harold B. Lee, the eleventh President of the Church.

• Born: March 28, 1899
• Served as President: July 7, 1972 – December 26, 1973
• Harold B. Lee served as President for a short time but made important changes to Church organization.

12. Spencer W. Kimball

Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth President of the Church.

• Born: March 28, 1895
• Served as President: December 30, 1973 – November 5, 1985
• Spencer W. Kimball was known for his focus on missionary work and expanding the Church worldwide.

13. Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson, the thirteenth President of the Church.

• Born: August 4, 1899
• Served as President: November 10, 1985 – May 30, 1994
• Ezra Taft Benson emphasized the importance of the Book of Mormon.

14. Howard W. Hunter

Howard W. Hunter, the fourteenth President of the Church.

• Born: November 14, 1907
• Served as President: June 5, 1994 – March 3, 1995
• Howard W. Hunter served as President for a short period.

15. Gordon B. Hinckley

Gordon B. Hinckley, the fifteenth President of the Church.

• Born: June 23, 1910
• Served as President: March 12, 1995 – January 27, 2008
• Gordon B. Hinckley was a very visible leader who helped build many temples.

16. Thomas S. Monson

Thomas S. Monson, the sixteenth President of the Church.

• Born: August 21, 1927
• Served as President: February 3, 2008 – January 2, 2018
• Thomas S. Monson was known for his kindness and service to others.

17. Russell M. Nelson

Russell M. Nelson, the current President of the Church.

• Born: September 9, 1924
• Served as President: January 14, 2018 – Present
• Russell M. Nelson is the current President of the Church. He was a heart surgeon before becoming a full-time Church leader.

Timeline of Leadership

This timeline shows when each President of the Church lived and when they served as President.

More to Explore

• Chronology of the First Presidency (LDS Church)
• Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church)
• List of members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church)