Bruce R. McConkie was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1972 until his death in 1985. He was also a member of the First Council of the Seventy from 1946 to 1972. He was known for his doctrinal books and articles, as well as his chapter headings of the LDS Church’s editions of the standard works.
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Early Life and Education
Bruce R. McConkie was born on July 29, 1915, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Oscar Walter McConkie and Margaret Vivian Redd. His father was a lawyer and his mother was a homemaker. He had two brothers and two sisters.
He spent his childhood in Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated from LDS High School at the age of 15 and attended the University of Utah for three years before serving a mission in the Eastern States from 1934 to 1936. He returned to the University of Utah and earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor degree. He practiced law in Salt Lake City until he was called as a general authority of the LDS Church.
Marriage and Family
On October 13, 1937, he married Amelia Smith, a daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith, who later became the tenth president of the LDS Church. They had nine children, one of whom died in infancy. Their son Joseph Fielding McConkie also became a prominent LDS scholar and author.
Bruce and Amelia McConkie had a strong marriage and a deep love for each other. They read the scriptures together every day and supported each other in their church callings and responsibilities. They also enjoyed traveling, birdwatching, and fishing together.
Church Service and Publications
Bruce R. McConkie served in various church positions throughout his life, including bishop, stake president, mission president, and regional representative. He was called to the First Council of the Seventy in 1946 and to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972. He was a prolific writer and speaker, who authored several books on LDS doctrine, such as Mormon Doctrine, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, and The Messiah Series. He also wrote the chapter headings for the LDS Church’s editions of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. He was known for his bold and authoritative style, as well as his deep knowledge and testimony of the gospel.
Cancer Diagnosis and Death
In 1979, Bruce R. McConkie was diagnosed with cancer, which spread throughout his body. He underwent several surgeries and treatments, but the doctors could not cure him. He continued to serve in his apostolic calling and to write and speak until his health deteriorated. He delivered his last public address, titled “The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”, at the BYU devotional on March 31, 1985, where he bore a powerful witness of Jesus Christ and his atonement. He died on April 19, 1985, at the age of 69, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Legacy and Influence
Bruce R. McConkie left a lasting legacy and influence in the LDS Church and among its members. His writings and teachings have been widely read and quoted by church leaders and members, as well as by scholars and critics. His contributions to the understanding and interpretation of the scriptures and the doctrine have been significant and influential. His testimony and devotion to the Lord have inspired and strengthened many people. He was a faithful and fearless servant of God, who dedicated his life to the cause of Zion.
