Elder Joseph Anderson Celebrates 100th Birthday

“I feel that I’m one of the most fortunate men in the world,” said Elder Joseph Anderson, an emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, who was honored at a celebration for his one-hundredth birthday given by the First Presidency in the Church Administration Building on November 17. “I have had the pleasure of knowing and associating with prophets of a living God, and all you Brethren. I’ve loved every one of you, and I still do.”

As the oldest living General Authority in the history of the Church, Elder Anderson has served with seven Presidents of the Church. To commemorate this unusual opportunity, Elder Anderson received a special gift—a picture with his photograph centered amid the photographs of each of the seven Presidents of the Church with whom he has served. Under this photo grouping were the words: “Joseph Anderson, One with the Prophets.”

Upon receiving this gift, Elder Anderson, whose healthy glow belies his one hundred years, responded: “I’m not worthy of this honor, but I do give my best thanks to you for it. What a glorious occasion it is for me!” Then he continued with a smile, “I’ll try to remember it the rest of my life.”

Elder Anderson, born 20 November 1889, served as personal secretary to President Heber J. Grant from 1922 to 1943. This service coincided with his job as secretary to the First Presidency from 1923 to 1972. He was called as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve in April 1970 and to the first Quorum of the Seventy in October 1976. Elder Anderson was given emeritus status in October 1978.

President Ezra Taft Benson greets Elder Joseph Anderson. Elder Anderson’s daughters, Elaine Card, center, and Betty Lloyd, right, attended his birthday reception, along with his son, J. Robert Anderson (not shown). (Photo by Jed Clark.)