Harold B. Lee was the eleventh president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was known for overseeing the growth of the Church internationally, increasing the Church’s welfare services, and correlating the curriculum of the Church.
Harold B. Lee was born on March 28, 1899, in Clifton, Idaho. He was baptized into the Church at eight years old in a pond near his home. As a child, he developed a love for music and learned to play the piano. At seventeen years old, Harold B. Lee earned his teaching license and obtained a job as a teacher. The next year he was appointed as a principal.
Harold B. Lee was called to serve a mission to Denver, Colorado, in 1920. While there he met a young woman named Fern Lucinda Tanner, whom he married in 1923 after his mission. They had two daughters, Helen and Maurine. Harold B. Lee was offered another job as a principal. When he was 31 years old he was called to be a stake president. He was the youngest stake president in the Church. Just after his call to stake president, the Great Depression hit. President Lee was desperate to find a way to help the many who were in need. He came up with an idea for a storehouse. Families in need were put to work on projects to build up the community in return for items from the storehouse.
The president of the Church at the time was Heber J. Grant. He learned of Harold B. Lee’s success in the area of welfare and called him to get a welfare program running for the Church. His efforts became the basis of the Church’s welfare program today, which has been the source of help for millions in need.
To read more about him: MormonWiki
