William D. Oswald

Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

William Duncan Oswald says that “spending time in the scriptures” has been a powerful influence for good in his life.

He counts his service as Gospel Doctrine teacher, a calling he has filled four different times, as being among his most enjoyable experiences in the Church. His love for teaching the gospel and his Church service have prepared him for his new calling, which he will assume when he finishes his service as president of the Russia Vladivostok Mission in July.

In the 1970s, Brother Oswald served on the Sunday School general board and later as first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency to Russell M. Nelson, who is now a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. With his new call to the Sunday School general presidency, Brother Oswald is excited for the opportunity to finish what he started more than 25 years ago.

In the interim, he was privileged to preside as bishop over President Spencer W. and Sister Camilla Kimball’s ward, an experience Brother Oswald describes as a “wonderful training ground” for learning to love others.

“It was a wonderful experience that has had a lifetime impression on me as to what a good man he was. His ability to express and show love to others had a great effect on me. Because of that experience, I’ve tried to express love and appreciation to others around me more than I might have otherwise done.”

Brother Oswald, 68, was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. He served a mission to England and Scotland. In 1961, he married Mavis Morris in the Salt Lake Temple. They have six children.