Thomas S. Monson
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Thomas Spencer Monson (born August 21, 1927) holds two of the most senior positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he is heir apparent to Church president Gordon B. Hinckley; as First Counselor in the First Presidency he is Hinckley's top deputy. Because he serves in the First Presidency, Apostle Boyd K. Packer (born 1924) serves as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Monson was aged only 36 when ordained an Apostle in 1963, which made him the youngest Apostle since 1910. He had already held many Church positions at remarkably young ages, a ward bishop at 22 and mission president at 32.
Given the LDS Church tradition of the living Apostle with the longest term of service as an Apostle succeeding as Church President, this has led to speculation that he would become a remarkably young Church President in turn. Even now at age 77 he would be the youngest since Harold B. Lee, who died in 1973.
On the death of Church President Spencer W. Kimball in 1985, Monson was chosen as Second Counselor in the First Presidency by new Church President Ezra Taft Benson, at age 58 the youngest Counselor since 1901. Serving in this position under Benson and Howard W. Hunter, he was named First Counselor on Hinckley's accession in 1995, simultaneously becoming President of the Twelve by seniority.
Thomas S. Monson, affectionately known as "Tommy Monson" by his elders, is known for his photographic memory and his ability to quote scriptures extensively without assistance. His talks are poetic, and his delivery style is exceptional. He often speaks about his childhood experiences, as well as the remarkable influence people can have on one another.
| Preceded by: Gordon B. Hinckley | President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles March 3, 1995— | Succeeded by: — Template:Series box Template:End box External links
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