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

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article lists the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each of these men has served as the President of the Church. Members of the church believe the president is a prophet, seer, and revelator, which means he is a special spiritual leader who receives guidance for the church.

When a president passes away, there is a short time before a new one is named. During this period, a group of leaders called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leads the church. The next president is then chosen from this group, usually the apostle who has served the longest.

Presidents of the Church

Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
No. Portrait President Born Died Time as President
1 Joseph Smith, Jr. portrait owned by Joseph Smith III.jpg Joseph Smith December 23, 1805 June 27, 1844 14 years
2 BrighamYoung1.jpg Brigham Young June 1, 1801 August 29, 1877 29 years
3 John Taylor seated in chair.jpg John Taylor November 1, 1808 July 25, 1887 6 years
4 Wilford Woodruff 1889.jpg Wilford Woodruff March 1, 1807 September 2, 1898 9 years
5 Lorenzosnow.jpg Lorenzo Snow April 3, 1814 October 10, 1901 3 years
6 JFS First Presidency 1905 large.jpg Joseph F. Smith November 13, 1838 November 19, 1918 17 years
7 Heber J Grant.jpg Heber J. Grant November 22, 1856 May 14, 1945 26 years
8 George Albert Smith.jpg George Albert Smith April 4, 1870 April 4, 1951 5 years
9 David O. McKay.jpg David O. McKay September 8, 1873 January 18, 1970 18 years
10 Joseph Fielding Smith.jpg Joseph Fielding Smith July 19, 1876 July 2, 1972 2 years
11 Harold B. Lee2.jpg Harold B. Lee March 28, 1899 December 26, 1973 1 year
12 Spencer W. Kimball3.JPG Spencer W. Kimball March 28, 1895 November 5, 1985 11 years
13 Ezra Taft Benson.jpg Ezra Taft Benson August 4, 1899 May 30, 1994 8 years
14 Howard W. Hunter.JPG Howard W. Hunter November 14, 1907 March 3, 1995 9 months
15 Gordon B. Hinckley, 2007 (cropped3x4).png Gordon B. Hinckley June 23, 1910 January 27, 2008 12 years
16 Thomassmonson (crop3x4).jpg Thomas S. Monson August 21, 1927 January 2, 2018 9 years
17 Russell M Nelson (cropped2).jpg Russell M. Nelson September 9, 1924 September 27, 2025 7 years
18 Dallin Harris Oaks (cropped3x4).jpg Dallin H. Oaks August 12, 1932 Living Current President

Timeline

This timeline shows how long each person lived and the years they served as president.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Presidentes de La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días para niños

  • 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)
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List of presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.