The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is mourning the loss of its President, Russell M. Nelson, who passed away peacefully on Sept. 27 at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 101 — the oldest president in the history of the Church.
Nelson was called as an Apostle as one of 15 men who help oversee the growth and development of the global Church on April 7, 1984. He became the leader of the Church on January 14, 2018.
Prior to full-time Church service, Nelson was a heart surgeon and performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955. He authored numerous chapters in medical textbooks and other publications, and was conversant in 11 languages.
His time as prophet will be remembered as one of global ministry; he visited 32 countries and U.S. territories and announced the construction of 200 new temples.
Elder Daniel Amato, a regional Church leader serving Central and Southern Florida, reflected that, “President Russell M. Nelson inspired countless people across Central Florida to become peacemakers and to center their lives in Jesus Christ. His example of faith and kindness touched hearts here and throughout the world, and his legacy will continue to guide us as we follow his prophetic counsel to ‘think celestial.’” Members of The Church in Central Florida recalled a spiritually-uplifting visit of Nelson to Orlando in June 2019. He brought his message of peace and purpose during his stop at the Amway Center, where over 15,000 Saints and friends of the faith gathered to hear his inspired words.
“All of us who have worked with Russell M. Nelson, and the many he has taught and associated with, have marveled at his extraordinary modesty for a man of his great accomplishments,” said President Dallin H. Oaks, who was called to serve as an Apostle on the same day as President Nelson in 1984 and who served as President Nelson’s First Counselor in the First Presidency. “We have marveled at his gentleness. He is just the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with. And he will always be remembered that way.”
As with the Apostles in New Testament times, Latter-day Saint Apostles are called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ. President Nelson was one of 15 men who help oversee the growth and development of the global Church, which now numbers more than 17 million members.
