David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism

David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism chronicles the presidency of the ninth leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, drawing from previously unreleased personal papers and extensive interviews. The book covers McKay's tenure from 1951-1970, a period of significant expansion and change for the Mormon church. The narrative examines McKay's leadership during pivotal moments in American and church history, including the Civil Rights Movement, the spread of communism, and the church's international growth. Prince's research relies heavily on detailed records kept by McKay's secretary Clare Middlemiss, providing unprecedented access to internal church discussions and decision-making processes. The book explores key challenges faced by the LDS Church during McKay's presidency, including questions of racial doctrine, political involvement, and adaptation to rapid worldwide expansion. Prince documents how McKay navigated these complex issues while maintaining the church's traditional values and beliefs. This biography illuminates a transformative period when the Mormon church evolved from a regional organization into a global religious institution. The work stands as both a leadership study and an examination of how religious institutions adapt to social change while preserving their core identity.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed research and extensive use of primary sources, particularly the McKay diaries and oral histories. Many note it provides an honest look at both McKay's accomplishments and struggles during Mormonism's mid-20th century transformation. Liked: - Balanced treatment of controversial topics like race and the priesthood ban - Behind-the-scenes insights into church leadership dynamics - Clear writing style that maintains reader interest - Inclusion of previously unpublished materials Disliked: - Some found it too sympathetic to McKay - A few readers wanted more analysis of theological developments - Questions about potential bias due to author's church membership Ratings: Goodreads: 4.28/5 (386 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (85 ratings) Notable review: "Prince doesn't shy away from difficult topics but maintains respect for his subject while being honest about shortcomings" - Goodreads reviewer Several Mormon history scholars cite it as one of the most thorough presidential biographies in LDS literature.

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📚 President McKay was the first LDS Church president to travel extensively internationally, visiting missions and members across Europe, South Africa, South America, and the South Pacific. 🏛️ The distinctive six-spired design of the Oakland California Temple, dedicated in 1964 under McKay's presidency, was personally approved by him to represent the six main ordinances performed in LDS temples. 📝 Author Gregory Prince conducted over 200 interviews and spent nearly a decade researching this book, gaining unprecedented access to McKay's personal secretary's detailed daily records. 🌍 During McKay's presidency (1951-1970), LDS Church membership more than tripled from about 1.1 million to 2.9 million members, with dramatic growth outside North America. 🎓 McKay was the first LDS Church president to hold a college degree and strongly emphasized education, coining the phrase "the glory of God is intelligence" as a motto for the Church Educational System.