M. Russell Ballard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids M. Russell Ballard |
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Ballard speaking at the BYU Church History Symposium in 2012
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| Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| January 14, 2018 – November 12, 2023 | |
| Called by | Russell M. Nelson |
| Successor | Jeffrey R. Holland |
| Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| October 6, 1985 – November 12, 2023 | |
| Called by | Spencer W. Kimball |
| LDS Church Apostle | |
| October 10, 1985 – November 12, 2023 | |
| Called by | Spencer W. Kimball |
| Reason | Death of Bruce R. McConkie |
| Reorganization at end of term |
Patrick Kearon ordained |
| Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy | |
| February 22, 1980 – October 6, 1985 | |
| Called by | Spencer W. Kimball |
| End reason | Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| First Quorum of the Seventy | |
| April 3, 1976 – October 6, 1985 | |
| Called by | Spencer W. Kimball |
| End reason | Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| Military career | |
| Service/branch | United States Army Reserve |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Melvin Russell Ballard Jr. October 8, 1928 Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 2023 (aged 95) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Utah |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse(s) |
Barbara Bowen
(m. 1951; died 2018) |
| Children | 7 |
| Signature | |
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Melvin Russell Ballard Jr. (born October 8, 1928 – died November 12, 2023) was an American businessman and a respected religious leader. He served as the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2018 until his death. Before that, he was a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles starting in 1985. Members of the church saw him as a prophet, seer, and revelator. When he passed away, he was the third most senior apostle in the church.
Contents
Life and Church Service
M. Russell Ballard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents were Melvin Russell Ballard and Geraldine Smith. When he was a young man, he served as a missionary for his church in England from 1948 to 1950. During this time, he even helped lead the mission.
He met his future wife, Barbara Bowen, while they were both students at the University of Utah. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 28, 1951, and had seven children together. Barbara passed away on October 1, 2018.
Over the years, M. Russell Ballard held many important positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- He served twice as a bishop, which is a local church leader.
- In 1974, he became the president of the church's Canada Toronto Mission.
- In 1976, while still a mission president, he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy. This is a group of church leaders who help oversee the church worldwide.
- He also served in the Presidency of the Seventy from 1980 to 1985.
- He was the editor of the church's magazines for several years.
- He led the church's International Mission and was the executive director of the church's missionary department.
Becoming an Apostle
After another apostle, Bruce R. McConkie, passed away, M. Russell Ballard was chosen to join the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This happened on October 6, 1985, and he was officially ordained an apostle on October 10, 1985.
M. Russell Ballard had strong family ties to early church leaders. He was the grandson of two apostles, Melvin J. Ballard and Hyrum M. Smith. Through Hyrum M. Smith, he was also a direct descendant of Hyrum Smith, who was the brother of the church's founder, Joseph Smith.
As an apostle, M. Russell Ballard had many responsibilities. For example, he helped organize the church's celebration of the Pioneer Sesquicentennial in 1997. This event celebrated 150 years since the pioneers arrived in Utah.
Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve
In January 2018, after the death of church president Thomas S. Monson, the church's First Presidency was reorganized. Russell M. Nelson became the new president. President Nelson chose Dallin H. Oaks, who was the next most senior apostle, to be his First Counselor. Because Elder Oaks joined the First Presidency, M. Russell Ballard became the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This meant he was the senior apostle not serving in the First Presidency.
His Passing
In late October 2023, M. Russell Ballard was briefly in the hospital for breathing problems. He passed away less than a month later at his home in Salt Lake City on November 12, 2023. He was 95 years old.
Business Career
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Before becoming a full-time church leader, M. Russell Ballard was a successful businessman. He worked in several areas, including cars, real estate, and investments.
He was a top salesman for his father's Nash car dealership. In 1956, he took over the Ballard Motor Company from his father. During this time, he also served in the United States Army Reserve, leaving as a First Lieutenant in 1957.
In the late 1950s, the Ford Motor Company asked him to be the first dealer for their new Edsel car in Salt Lake City. M. Russell Ballard said he prayed about it and felt he should not sign the agreement. However, he decided to sign it anyway. This decision led to a big financial loss, which he called "without doubt the darkest period" of his business career.
One interesting part of his business life was when he was president of the Valley Music Hall in Bountiful, Utah. This place offered family-friendly entertainment. He worked with famous people like Art Linkletter, Danny Thomas, and Bob Cummings. Even though the music hall didn't succeed financially, the investors got their money back when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought the building.
Images for kids
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M. Russell Ballard speaking at a Church History Symposium.
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Signature of M. Russell Ballard.
See also
In Spanish: M. Russell Ballard para niños
