David O. McKay

David O. McKay – Life, Ministry, and Famous Quotes

Learn about David O. McKay (1873–1970), the ninth president of the LDS Church: his life journey, contributions to education and global missionary work, influential teachings, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

David Oman McKay (September 8, 1873 – January 18, 1970) was an influential American religious leader, educator, and the ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Early Life and Family

• David O. McKay was born on a farm in Huntsville, Utah Territory, to David McKay (originally from Scotland) and Jennette E. Evans (a Welsh immigrant) .

• When McKay was about eight years old, his father was called on a mission to Scotland, leaving young David to help his mother manage farm responsibilities and care for younger siblings.

• His upbringing on that farm, with significant responsibilities and self-reliance, helped shape his character and work ethic.

• A bequest from his grandmother provided resources for the education of McKay and his siblings, enabling them to attend higher education.

Youth and Education

• McKay attended Weber Stake Academy (which later evolved into Weber State) and subsequently the University of Utah.

• He graduated in 1897, where he was recognized as class valedictorian and president of his class.

• Immediately after, he served a mission in Scotland, from 1897 to 1899, and his missionary service influenced his lifelong motto and mission-driven approach.

• While in Scotland, McKay encountered an inscription on a building in Stirling: “What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.” That phrase deeply affected him and became a guiding maxim throughout his life.

Career and Ministry

Early Work in Education & Church Service

• After his mission, McKay returned to teach at Weber Stake Academy, eventually becoming principal (around 1902) and helping to expand academic programs and student life (including athletics).

• He remained active in the school’s board and, later, on the University of Utah Board of Regents.

• In April 1906, McKay was called to serve as an Apostle (member of the Quorum of the Twelve) of the LDS Church, a position he would hold for much of his life.

Leadership Roles & Emphasis on Education

• McKay also served as general superintendent of the Church’s Sunday School from 1918 to 1934, during which he helped institutionalize religious education, particularly for youth.

• He traveled extensively on a worldwide mission tour in 1920–1921, visiting mission fields, dedicating lands, and strengthening global church leadership.

• In 1934, he was called as a Second Counselor in the First Presidency, a senior administrative position in church governance, serving under Presidents Heber J. Grant and later George Albert Smith.

Presidency of the Church (1951–1970)

• On April 9, 1951, McKay became the ninth President of the LDS Church, at age 77, succeeding George Albert Smith.

• During his presidency, the Church saw considerable membership growth, establishment of new stakes internationally, and greater global outreach.

• McKay placed strong emphasis on education, including expanding church educational programs, affirming colleges, and promoting missionary training.

• He also championed the principle “Every Member a Missionary,” encouraging all church members to participate in missionary efforts, not only full-time missionaries.

• His tenure coincided with global socio-political challenges (e.g. Cold War, rise of communism), and he frequently emphasized freedom of agency and opposition to totalitarian ideologies.

• McKay’s leadership style combined spiritual emphasis, institutional growth, and personal influence — he was often described as having an imposing, prophetic presence.

Historical Context & Significance

• McKay’s presidency came during a period when the LDS Church transitioned more fully from a regionally concentrated religion to an international faith.

• The Cold War era added urgency to his teachings on agency, moral responsibility, and opposition to atheistic systems.

• His focus on education and missionary work aligned with broader mid-20th century religious expansion, institutional professionalization, and global outreach among many faiths.

• Under McKay’s leadership, the Church also navigated internal change: administrative alignment (e.g. priesthood correlation), and evolving policies relevant to race and membership (though some of these developments happened after or at the edges of his tenure).

Legacy and Influence

• McKay is remembered as one of the longest-serving and most respected prophets/presidents in LDS history.

• His emphasis on education has had lasting impact; the McKay School of Education at Brigham Young University (BYU) is named in his honor.

• His call for every member to be involved in missionary work influenced church culture, making lay participation central rather than peripheral.

• The growth and internationalization of the LDS Church during and after his presidency are part of his institutional legacy.

• His teachings on character, home, and personal responsibility remain widely quoted among Latter-day Saints.

Personality, Talents & Character

• McKay was known for his personal warmth, eloquence, and strong moral conviction.

• He placed enormous value on character development, believing that education should not merely transfer knowledge but cultivate virtue.

• He had a prophetic presence, often described in church sources as looking and speaking like a prophet.

• He balanced institutional leadership with personal example; even in his late years, he traveled internationally and maintained active engagement in church affairs.

Famous Quotes of David O. McKay

Below are well-known quotes attributed to McKay that reflect his values:

• “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.”

• “Your thoughts are the architects of your destiny.”

• “The home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self control, the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life.”

• “True education does not consist merely in the acquiring of a few facts … but in the development of character.”

• “Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.”

• “Men may yearn for peace, cry for peace, and work for peace, but there will be no peace until they follow the path pointed out by the Living Christ.”

• “Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give.”

These quotations encapsulate McKay’s priorities of home, education, agency, duty, and faith.

Lessons from David O. McKay

1. Character over intellect. McKay insisted that education without virtue is incomplete.

2. True success begins at home. For McKay, personal and familial strength were the foundation of societal well-being.

3. Agency is sacred. He advocated freedom of choice as a divine gift and resisted ideologies that suppressed it.

4. Lay participation matters. His motto that every member is a missionary invites each person to contribute to communal purpose, not just clergy.

5. Global vision with personal touch. Though leading a global religion, McKay placed importance on personal relationships, moral example, and direct influence.

Conclusion

David O. McKay’s life bridges education, faith, and institutional growth. As a prophet and president of the LDS Church for nearly two decades, he left an imprint on how church members think about home, service, learning, and spiritual agency. His teachings continue to inspire many within and outside the LDS tradition, especially around the cultivation of character, the sanctity of home, and the value of duty.