History of Mormonism- Latter-day Prophets, Part II

The history of Mormonism is a long and storied one, and one that has been influenced by the hands of many amazing men and women. Since the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, there have been sixteen Prophets who have led the Church. Below is a handy list of each of these great men, along with a brief bio and some major accomplishments they made in their ministry.

5.Lorenzo Snow Lorenzo Snow was grew up in a family that valued hard work and a good education. As a result, Snow was well-educated, a graduate of Oberlin College. He was very involved in his community, serving in several leadership positions in both the Mormon Church and also the Utah government. As President of the Church, Lorenzo Snow championed the LDS practice of tithing. At a time when the Church was struggling financially, the practice was indeed divinely inspired, and allows the Church to do much more in regards to philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, as well as streamlining the efficiency of the Church in general.

6. Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith has the distinction of being the last Prophet of the Church to have known Joseph Smith, the founding Prophet. Joseph F. Smith was indeed related to Joseph Smith, a nephew of the founder. As President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith did much in the way of acquiring historical landmarks, such as the birthplace of Joseph Smith in Vermont, and the Seagull Monument in Temple Square. He strove to improve public relations of the Church. Smith oversaw the construction of many new meetinghouses and the improvement of the Church's educational programs at colleges and universities.

7. Heber J. Grant In 1856, when President Grant was only nine days old, his father died died of pneumonia. Raised primarily by his mother, Grant learned earlier on the value of hard work and perfecting one's talents. As a boy, he desired to join the local little league baseball team, but was too fumbling and awkward to have any real chance of doing so. Determined, he practiced for hours by himself until he eventually was skilled enough to join a team that would go on to win the Utah Territorial Championship. In another case, he found in business that his penmanship was less than desirable. Once again practicing the skill tirelessly, he became so skilled that he was invited to teach penmanship at a local academy. One of President grants greatest achievements was that of the institution of the Church welfare program in 1936 during the heat of the Great Depression. The welfare program was, and still is today, essentially a tool to help struggling members get back on their feet, and to promote industry and charitable service among members and non-members alike. The welfare program remains to this day a strong force for good in philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.

8.George Albert Smith Not one to let adversity hold him back, George Albert Smith overcame many obstacles to achieve success in his life. While working as a railroad surveyor as a young man, his eyes were permanently damaged by the glare of the sun. Over time, Smith found that his travels were exacerbating issues of severe physical weakness. This was eventually diagnosed as a severe autoimmune disease, known as lupus erythematosus. Smith was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1903, and in the early 1920's he served in the capacity of President of the British and European Missions of the Church. At this time, he preached all over Europe. As Prophet, George Albert Smith sent supplies to Europe at the end of the Second World War, and made considerable efforts to revive the LDS Church's missionary efforts. All told, it is surmised that in his lifetime, he traveled nearly one million miles traveling in service of the Church.

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Other articles in this series:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV