Joseph F. Smith

Joseph F. Smith was seven years old when he drove his family’s team of oxen from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah. When he was 15, he served a mission in Hawaii. Later, as President of the Church, he dedicated the place where the Laie Hawaii Temple was built. Joseph believed people would persecute the Church less if they understood the Latter-day Saint faith. Some of his teachings that explained the Church’s beliefs were compiled in a book called Gospel Doctrine.

Illustration by Robert T. Barrett