“New Appointments for Melchizedek Priesthood MIA,” Ensign, July 1974, 69
New Appointments for Melchizedek Priesthood MIA
Elder Robert L. Simpson, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, has been appointed to succeed Elder L. Tom Perry as an associate managing director of the Melchizedek Priesthood MIA. Elder Perry was sustained a member of the Council of the Twelve at April general conference and has received new assignments.
Elder Simpson
Elder Simpson, who was managing director of Church Social Services, joins Elder James E. Faust, managing director, and Elder Marion D. Hanks, associate managing director, of the Melchizedek Priesthood MIA.
In looking at his new assignment, Elder Simpson said that the challenges are many and “I still have a lot to learn. We need to help every person find maximum fulfillment in whatever calling he has in life. We need to exchange ideas and implement plans on activities and services to fulfill this goal.”
Although Elder Simpson is changing his assignment, Dr. Victor L. Brown, Jr., will continue under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric as commissioner for Social Services.
In other appointments, John M. Madsen succeeds Dr. Jeffrey R. Holland as manager of the Melchizedek Priesthood MIA. Brother Holland has been appointed dean of religious instruction at Brigham Young University (Ensign, March 1974).
Brother Madsen, currently pursuing a doctorate in educational psychology at BYU, returned in August 1973 from Great Britain where he was president of the England Southwest Mission. Prior to that assignment he introduced the seminary and institute program into the United Kingdom and was appointed England-Wales coordinator for the Department of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.
Born in Washington, D.C., Brother Madsen is married to the former Diane Dursteler of Pullman, Washington. They are the parents of three daughters, two of whom were born in England.