Stephen L. Richards

Stephen L. Richards

1879–1959 (79 years)

Hometown: Mendon, Utah

Biography

Stephen L. Richards was an apostle from 1917 until his death in 1959 and served in the First Presidency as First Counselor to David O. McKay. A lawyer by training, Richards brought legal expertise to church leadership.

Richards was known for his thoughtful, intellectual approach to church administration. He helped modernize church organization and processes during his service.

His 42-year apostolic career included significant administrative innovations. He served in the First Presidency during a period of significant church growth.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Joseph F. Smith
Joseph F. Smith
Heber J. Grant
Heber J. Grant
George Albert Smith
George Albert Smith
David O. McKay
David O. McKay

Wives (1)

1 wives · Lifespan: 1879–1959

Irene Smith Merrill
1900–1959 (59 yrs)
1879 (born) 1899 1919 1939 1959 (died)
Wife

9 children from 1 wives · Lifespan: 1879–1959

Irene Smith Merrill
9 children
1879 (born) 1899 1919 1939 1959 (died)
Wife Child born
#NameBornDiedMarriedHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1
Irene Smith Merrill Irene Smith Merrill
Jun 4, 1876Nov 25, 1969 Feb 21, 1900 232039

Children (9)

With Irene Smith Merrill Irene Smith Merrill  (9 children)

  1. Lynn Stephen Richards (b. Jan 1, 1901)
  2. Irene Louise Richards (b. Jan 1, 1902)
  3. Lois Bathsheba Richards (b. Jan 1, 1903)
  4. Alice Leila Richards (b. Jan 1, 1907)
  5. Helen Merle Richards (b. Jan 1, 1908)
  6. Georgia Gill Richards (b. Jan 1, 1910)
  7. Joseph Albert Richards (b. Jan 1, 1912)
  8. Philip Longstroth Richards (b. Jan 1, 1917)
  9. Richard Merrill Richards (b. Jan 1, 1919)

Images Related to Stephen L. Richards

"By the late 1940s and 1950s, racial integration was becoming more common in American life. Church President David O. McKay emphasized that the restriction extended only to men of black African descent... Given the long history of withholding the priesthood from men of black African descent, Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter the policy, and they made ongoing efforts to understand what should be done. After praying for guidance, President McKay did not feel impressed to lift the ban." - President McKay with his counselors, President Stephen L Richards (left) and President J Reuben Clark Jr. (right) | wasmormon.org Stephen L. Richards