Historical Stories

Saturday, April 17
We Share…a Mission

After leading the church 54 years, Joseph Smith III passed away in 1914. Tributes poured in from throughout the church and from outside, too. The following came from the Kansas City Journal:

He was the Prophet, but first of all he was the Christian gentleman and the good citizen. As such he lived; as such he died; as such he will be remembered by all outside the household of his faith. His followers themselves can have no legacy of remembrance more honorable than this appraisement of the people among whom he lived and labored so many years.

Kindly, cheerful, loyal to his own creed, tolerant of those of others, standing for modesty, simplicity, good citizenship, embodying in his private and public life all the virtues which adorn a character worthy of emulation—such is the revelation which Joseph Smith leaves to the world. …

Joseph III lived his discipleship. He worked to evangelize the world and build Zion. In contemporary language, through word and deed, he proclaimed Jesus Christ and promoted communities of joy, hope, love and peace.

Our mission, shared with spiritual ancestors, binds us to those who have gone before. Our mission, shared with our brothers and sisters around the globe, binds us together as we move into the world.