"WITNESSES OF CHRIST: Prophets and Apostles of Our Dispensation” by Jerry H. Houck, Cedar Fort, $22.99, 356 pages (nf)
“Witnesses of Christ: Prophets and Apostles of Our Dispensation” by Jerry H. Houck is a collection of concise biographical portraits of apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the present day.
Beginning with Thomas B. Marsh and ending with Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the major life events and achievements of each of the deceased latter-day apostles — 82 in all at the time of publication — are presented in a three- to four-page format that includes a photo of the man, his birth and death dates, apostolic ordination date and dates of tenure in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President Boyd K. Packer and Elder L. Tom Perry died after the book’s publication earlier this summer.
The author shares stories, quotations, visions, dreams and little-known facts to paint a unique picture of the personality of each man. Some of the names will be very familiar to members of the LDS Church, such as Elder David W. Patten, Elder Heber C. Kimball, President Brigham Young, Elder Parley P. Pratt, President David O. McKay, President Howard W. Hunter and President Gordon B. Hinckley. Other names that may not be as well known include President Anthony W. Ivins and President Rudger Clawson and Elder John F. Boynton, Elder Albert Carrington and Elder Marriner W. Merrill.
Houck researched and wrote the book as a reference aid for the tour guides he and his wife worked with as supervisors of the LDS Conference Center Hosting Services in Salt Lake City. His extensive research is reflected in his writing and in the book’s 27 pages of endnotes.
This is an inspiring and well-written book that would be an excellent reference and teaching aid in church settings such as Sunday School and family home evening or for personal study.
Houck is a retired Church Education System educator who has written its curriculum. He also chaired the LDS Church Writing Committee that wrote the manual “Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay.” He and his wife, Wendy, live in the Salt Lake City area.
Rosemarie Howard lives in a 100-year-old house on Main Street in Springville, Utah. She enjoys creating multimedia projects. Her website is at dramaticdimensions.com.