Matthew Cowley

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Matthew Cowley

Matthew Cowley (August 2, 1897—December 13, 1953) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1945 until his death. He was affectionately known as the "Polynesian Apostle" because of his intimate knowledge of the Polynesian culture and the Māori language.

Matthew Cowley was the son of Matthias F. Cowley and Abbie Hyde, born August 2, 1897. After his birth, in the same year, his father was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and they moved from Preston, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah. When Matthew was eight years of age, his father resigned the quorum over plural marriage. In 1911, when Matthew was 14, his father was disciplined and had his priesthood powers temporarily rescinded. This did not stop Matthew from growing strong in the church.

He attended Latter-day Saints University in Salt Lake City, Utah, until his call as a missionary.

As a young adult, he was called to serve as a missionary in New Zealand in 1914. There he developed an unusual talent with the Māori language and people. He was called upon to revise the translation of the Book of Mormon in that language. The second edition appeared in 1917. He was also called to translate the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price to the same language, with the assistance of Wiremu Duncan and Stuart Meha. The translated version of these sacred texts appeared in 1919. His mission was extended two years beyond the typical three to complete these tasks.

After returning from his mission, he attended The George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C.. Upon graduating, he worked for a short period under Senator Reed Smoot. Afterwards he started his own practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Elva Eleanor Taylor there on July 13, 1922. They had one daughter.

In 1938, he was called to serve as a mission president over the New Zealand Mission. As World War II began, the church called the missionaries serving overseas back home to the United States. President Cowley remained throughout the war, for more than seven years. During his service, he adopted a Māori boy. He was known by both members and non-members alike for his dedication to the Māori people.

He was released from his mission presidency in September of 1945, and that October, in General Conference, he was called to serve as an apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling the vacancy caused by the passing of President Heber J. Grant. He was ordained on October 11, 1945 by President George Albert Smith.

In the quorum, he was affectionately known by the Polynesian members as the "Polynesian Apostle." He was also known for being exceptionally compassionate. He encouraged the members of the church to openly welcome sinners rather than ostracize them. He was also known for being an eloquent speaker and writer. He compiled his several discourses into Matthew Cowley Speaks, which was published after his passing.

His contributions to the Māori and New Zealand continued during his service as an apostle. He presided over all of the Pacific missions. He played a crucial role in the building of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. He also worked in constructing a church school there as well.

Elder Cowley died suddenly in Los Angeles, California on December 13, 1953. He is interred in Salt Lake City, Utah. George Q. Morris was called to fill the void in the quorum.

Grave marker of Matthew Cowley.

[edit] Published works

Cowley, Matthew (1954). Matthew Cowley speaks: Discourses of Elder Matthew Cowley of the Quorum of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Deseret Book Company. ISBN 0-87747-167-3.
--- (1946). Religion and moral reconstruction: Address delivered Sunday, January 6, 1946, at 9 p.m. over Radio station KSL. s.n.. ISBN B0007J4GLS.