| George Albert Smith | George Albert Smith Sr. (April 4, 1870 – April 4, 1951) was an American religious leader who served as the eighth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Smith helped send supplies to Europe and was also known for his efforts to revitalize missionary work. He publicly denounced the activities and political influence of the American Ku Klux Klan. Smith dedicated the Idaho Falls Temple on September 23, 1945. Over his lifetime, he traveled approximately a million miles fulfilling church assignments. Despite fragile health and impaired eyesight, he had a distinguished career as a Church leader. He became president of the Church on 21 May 1945. He organized the Church’s massive humanitarian assistance to Europe following World War II and championed Scouting among Latter-day Saints. |
