Joseph F. Merrill
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Joseph Francis Merrill (1868–1952) was born August 24, 1868 in Richmond, Utah. He was ordained into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 8, 1931. He served until his death on February 3, 1952.
He was the son of Marriner W. Merrill, an apostle. He studied at the University of Michigan, Cornell University, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University and taught physics and electrical engineering at the University of Utah.
He oversaw the implementation of "released-time" seminary in the Granite Stake in 1912, and later served as Church Commissioner of Education and President of the European Mission. In 1935, he chose Gordon B. Hinckley as an assistant to oversee Church publicity. He also supervised Hinckley's production of three filmstrips and recommended to the First Presidency that they implement a systemized publicity effort and hire Hinckley to oversee this effort.
He also preached several sermons about the benefits of the Word of Wisdom, prohibitioning the use of tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco. He was a strong advocate of Prohibition.
| Preceded by: John A. Widtsoe |
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles October 8, 1931–February 3, 1952 |
Succeeded by: Charles A. Callis |
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