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Question

 

Gramps,

What position did Talmage hold in the church before he was called to be an an Apostle Dec. 8, 1911?

Robert

 

Answer

 

Robert,

Brother Talmage was one of the shining examples of a Latter-day Saint near the turn of the century.  He was not only a certified genius, but he was truly a man of God. There were many accomplishments and awards he received.  But here are some highlights of his educational/professional career and church service.

  • In 1884, at the age of 22, he was ordained a high priest and called to serve as an alternate High Councilor for the Utah Stake of Zion.
  • In 1888 he was married to Mary May Booth in the Manti Temple, after having fasted and prayed about finding a woman to marry.  He seemed too intent on his work and studies to “go-a-courting”.  So he felt he needed help to get the job done quickly.
  • In 1889 he was called to serve as the Principal of Salt Lake Academy.  This was a Church run school that later became LDS University.
  • In 1891 he also took over as what would be the curator today of the Deseret Museum.  And he received a Bachelor of Science degree in many disciplines.  In fact he was given an honorary doctorate as well from Lehigh University on that same year.
  • In 1894, at age 32, he was appointed as President of the University of Utah.
  • In 1907, he retired from education and pursued a profession as a mining Geologist.  It was during this period that he investigated the John Koyle “Dream Mine.”
  • It was in 1911 at the age of 49 that he was called to be an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became the Elder James E. Talmage that would forever be known in the annals of Church History.
  • While he wrote many books in the realm of both science and religion, most people remember him from his magnum opus Jesus the Christ which was written in a room of the Salt Lake Temple especially set aside for him to complete the work in 1915.

So, if you were wondering what did he do to catch the attention of the Lord or the First Presidency that warranted him being called to the Apostleship, it was both civic and private life as well as his faithfulness and church service.  In all fields he excelled beyond his years.  And throughout it all he let the Lord guide his life and maintained the humility to always put the Lord first in his life.

 

Gramps

 

 

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