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The Prophet of the Lord

Few would argue that, over the years, Ezra Taft Benson had been through a refining process-one unique in its intensity and scope to the select few who become president of the Church. His life had been a rigorous, intense schooling process. He had been in the Church's governing council for forty-two years. The difficulty and demands of some of his assignments had transcended the norm-particularly his eleven-month emergency mission to war-torn Europe in 1946 and his eight years as Eisenhower's Secretary of Agriculture. Perhaps no General Authority in the Church's history had achieved such depth and breadth of international prominence and respect.

Through it all, Ezra Taft Benson had become known as a man of integrity, a man who stood firm for principle-at all costs.

For several days prior to November 5, 1985, President Kimball's health had deteriorated substantially. Daily President Benson was apprised of the prophet's condition. He was emotional when he called one son to tell him it looked as though the prophet would not live long.

The evening of November 5, shortly after 10:00 P.M., the phone call announcing President Kimball's passing came. President Benson was overcome with emotion. He felt physically weak as the realization of the mantle, the burden that now fell on his shoulders, washed over him. In his journal he recorded, "I have never felt weaker and never before have I felt the influence of the Spirit in such great strength. . . . May the good Lord sustain me as I go forward humbly. I think it can be truthfully said, I will never acknowledge the Lord's hand as I have the last few hours."

How he loved Spencer W. Kimball! How often he and Flora had pleaded with the Lord to preserve the prophet's life! How he had marveled at the masterful spiritual leadership President Kimball had given, and at the Church's dramatic growth at his hand! And while it had been impossible to ignore the fact that he was next in the line of succession, in his heart President Benson had not expected the call to come.

But there was little time for reflection. Automatically the attention turned to him as responsibility for carrying the Church forward fell on his shoulders.

Shortly thereafter Mark talked with his father. The tone in President Benson's voice was different than Mark had ever heard-as though a tangible load had been placed on his shoulders.

Announcement of President Kimball's death made the late-evening news in the Salt Lake City area and within hours had traveled worldwide. That first night President Benson's telephone rang most of the night. "I got about two hours of sleep-[everyone] wanting to speak kind words on the matter. All of the children called and assured me they would be fasting and praying for me," he recorded.

The Brethren sought also to assure him of their support and love. And family members called and wrote letters filled with encouragement and love.