Having recently read all the public biographical material on the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I thought I would share a few interesting tidbits I learned. Since this is a missionary-oriented blog I will start with the missionary information first then share a few other factoids.

Eight out of the fifteen Apostles served a full-time mission: L. Tom Perry, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, and D. Todd Christofferson.

Seven out of the fifteen Apostles did not serve a full-time mission because of restrictions due to war: Thomas S. Monson, Henry D. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Boyd K. Packer, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, and Robert D. Hales.

The five men served as mission president: Thomas S. Monson, Boyd K. Packer, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, and Robert D. Hales.

Only two men served both as a mission president and as a full-time missionary: M. Russell Ballard and Richard G. Scott.

Two members of the Twelve served as missionary companions: Jeffrey R. Holland and Quentin L. Cook.

One member of the Twelve Richard G. Scott was the mission president of another member D. Todd Christofferson.

One member Jeffrey R. Holland served in the British Mission at the same time as his parents Frank and Alice Holland.

Two men Thomas S. Monson and M. Russell Ballard were mission presidents in the Toronto Canada Mission.

Three men served in the British Mission as full-time missionaries: M. Russell Ballard, Jeffrey R. Holland and Quentin L. Cook.

Four men did not serve on a mission or as a mission president: Henry D. Eyring, Dieter Uchdorf, Russell M. Nelson and Dallin H. Oaks.

Two men Boyd K. Packer and Robert D. Hales served as a mission president while also serving as general authorities.

Richard G. Scott's girlfriend wouldn't marry him unless he went on a mission which he did to Uruguay. She also served a mission while he was gone.

One member L. Tom Perry served a full-time mission during World War II and then served in the military in the marine corp.

One member Dallin H. Oaks never served as a full-time missionary, bishop, stake president, mission president, seventy, or member of the presiding bishopric before being called. Although he did serve as a stake president's counselor and regional representative of the Twelve.

Nine of the apostles Henry D. Eyring, Russell M. Nelson, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dallin H. Oaks,Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, David A. Bednar, and D. Todd Christoffer served as a regional representatives of the Twelve.

Two apostles Russell M. Nelson and Joseph B. Wirthlin served together for many years first on a high council in Salt Lake City, then in a stake presidency, and in the general Sunday School presidency before finally serving together in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles so most of their adult lives they have associated in church assignments.

Family Life

Two members of the Twelve Jeffrey R. Holland and Russell M. Nelson grew up in homes where there father were inactive when they were young. A third member David A. Bednar baptized his own father in to the Church when he was a student at Purdue University in 1979.

In terms of family size there are 75 children among the 15 Apostles so they average five children per family. The first presidency has eleven children or nearly four children per family.

Four apostles L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Joseph B. Wirthlin, and Richard G. Scott had wives pass away. Three of them remarried L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson and Dallin H. Oaks. Two of them Joseph B. Wirthlin and Richard G. Scott have not remarried so far.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf is the only apostle who was born outside the United States.

Henry B. Eyring is the only member of the Twelve whose home was used for Church worship. His kitchen table was used as the rostrum and sacrament table for church services.

Two apostles Quentin L. Cook and L. Tom Perry grew up in Logan.

Dallin H. Oaks was born at home in Provo at 242 West 400 North. When I was a student I rented one of three apartments from Argene Olson who pointed out the spot where a television now stood so I can say I lived where Dallin H. Oaks was born.

L. Tom Perry's dad had him milk a cow even though they lived in the city of Logan so he could teach him hard work on a farm.

M. Russell Ballard is the grandson of two apostles Melvin J. Ballard (father side) and Hyrum Mack Smith (mother's side).

A mission is so important to me. It changed my life significantly but it is clear from this description that a mission does not determine one's forever faithfulness. I love missionary work however and one of my dreams is to be the wife of a mission president. Several served as presidents without serving full time missions themselves. I think it depends on why they didn't serve. I know people can change. The gospel is completely based on this truth. If we could not improve we would have no need of the atonement and all would be lost. 

2 Apostles are from Logan, wow!!! 

Is Curtis temple worthy? If he is does he have a current recommend? Why or why not? EVERYONE in my ward should have one. If you are at least 31 and haven't figured that out yet you need to do it fast. 

I really shouldn't dog my ward. The best-looking guy I've EVER seen in Cache Valley is not only old enough to be in my ward, he also lives in my ward boundaries. He is a local farm boy from Wellsville. How the hell did that happen?

The apostles are the world standard in men to me. I am going to be a light, NOT a judge.

Alma 17

 2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angelfirst appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

 3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with powerand authority of God.

I love meeting up with my friends who are still valiant. It truly is the best. My friend Leialoha is so amazing. I am so grateful for her example. She deserves any good thing she enjoys. She is confronted with challenge after challenge but she still remains a beacon of light and hope despite that. I am happy to be in contact with her on Facebook and have the chance to read her uplifting remarks.

I am so blessed. Life is amazing and I love mine!!!