Delbert L. Stapley

Delbert L. Stapley
Delbert L. Stapley
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
October 5, 1950 (1950-10-05) – August 19, 1978 (1978-08-19)
Called by George Albert Smith
LDS Church Apostle
October 5, 1950 (1950-10-05) – August 19, 1978 (1978-08-19)
Called by George Albert Smith
Reason Death of George F. Richards
Reorganization at end of term James E. Faust ordained
Personal details
Born Delbert Leon Stapley
December 11, 1896(1896-12-11)
Mesa, Arizona Territory
Died August 19, 1978(1978-08-19) (aged 81)
Salt Lake City, Utah


Delbert Leon Stapley (11 December 1896 – 19 August 1978) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1950 to 1978.

Contents

Early life

Stapley was born in Mesa, Arizona Territory. As a youth, he rejected a chance at playing Major League Baseball so he could serve a mission in the southern United States[1] and because he didn't want to play on Sunday[2], the day Latter-day Saints observe as the Sabbath. He remained active throughout his life, his favorite sport being golf.

Calling

He was a stake president for only three years before receiving a call to the apostleship on September 30, 1950. Stapley was sustained on October 5, 1950 at the October general conference of the church to fill the vacancy caused by the passing of George F. Richards. Stapley was notified of his new calling by Church President George Albert Smith in the elevator bank of the Hotel Utah.

Views on civil rights

A letter sent by Stapley is illustrative of his perspective regarding blacks of African descent, before they were more widely assimilated into the LDS Church. Dated January 23, 1964, the letter urges then-Michigan Governor George W. Romney to back away from certain positions favoring civil rights, calling a then-current civil rights bill "vicious legislation."[3] Romney is reported to have accelerated his engagement in the civil rights cause shortly after receiving the letter.

Like those of many, Stapley's views changed with time and, from his hospital bed, Stapley sustained the First Presidency's action on June 8, 1978 that all worthy men receive the priesthood, regardless of race.[citation needed]

Death

Stapley delivered his last conference address in October 1977. The following April conference he was too ill to attend.

Stapley died on August 19, 1978 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He suffered cardiac arrest at about noon while walking near his home.

At the time of his death, he was third apostle in line to the presidency of the church. His vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve was filled by James E. Faust.

See also

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona

Notes

External links

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints titles
Preceded by
Henry D. Moyle
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
October 5, 1950–August 19, 1978
Succeeded by
Marion G. Romney

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