Tribute to President Monson

President Thomas S. Monson, sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died January 2, 2018, at age 90. He had served as President since 2008, as a counselor in the First Presidency since 1985, and as an Apostle since 1963. He was no stranger to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the entire Choir organization mourns his passing.

Fifty-four years ago, October 4, 1963, Thomas Spencer Monson, age 36, took the long walk from the congregation in the Salt Lake Tabernacle to his seat on the stand as the newly called member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Behind him in the Choir loft sat the hundreds of members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. One of his relatives, Richard P. Condie, was the music director. Over the years, the faces have changed, four Choir directors have come and gone, and four Choir presidents. These many years President Monson has listened to the Choir sing the songs of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in general conference sessions and thanked them for providing “truly heavenly music.”

photo grid
20251President Monson at Choir retirements in April 2009
retirementsundayChoir organist Linda Margetts assists President Monson at the organ
retirement sundayPresident Monson addresses Choir retirees at April 2009 ceremony
denverPresident Monson, Elder and Sister Craig Christensen, Choir President Mac Christensen at Denver Red Rocks tour concert in 2009
april27President Monson poses with Choir member Risa Jorgensen and Choir leaders at retirements in April 2014
retirementsunday20178President Monson favored the Choir with a selection on the piano
20210President Monson addresses Choir retirees at April 2009 ceremony
203President Monson poses with the Choir in the Tabernacle

x
20251
President Monson at Choir retirements in April 2009
20247
Choir organist Linda Margetts assists President Monson at the organ
20395
President Monson addresses Choir retirees at April 2009 ceremony
20285
President Monson, Elder and Sister Craig Christensen, Choir President Mac Christensen at Denver Red Rocks tour concert in 2009
20062
President Monson poses with Choir member Risa Jorgensen and Choir leaders at retirements in April 2014
20178
President Monson favored the Choir with a selection on the piano
20210
President Monson addresses Choir retirees at April 2009 ceremony
203
President Monson poses with the Choir in the Tabernacle
« »

Among all his many responsibilities, President Monson served as the adviser to the Choir, with the president of the Choir reporting directly to him. It was an assignment that he was particularly fond of, and he loved the music of the Choir. President Monson frequently quoted latter-day scripture when talking about the Choir: “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12).

President Monson also loved Broadway show tunes and was delighted when programs included some of his favorites. His 85th birthday celebration in August 2012 was replete with this music he loved performed by renowned guest artists. He was known to sit down at the organ or piano with the Choir watching and plunk out a tune from his early piano lesson days. He attended concerts and Music & the Spoken Word, joined the Choir for concerts on tour, met with guest artists, and for as long as he was able shook hands with members at the once-a-year retirement ceremony. He was a hands-on adviser, typical of his ministry.

When the Choir leadership proposed a European tour, the first in more than 18 years, President Monson gave encouragement: “I am delighted that these noted ensembles will have the opportunity to touch the hearts of people in multiple nations through their magnificent music. This tour will be an important step forward as the Choir and Orchestra continue to build bridges of friendship and understanding across the globe as ambassadors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Watch the replay of President Monson's funeral services here
Select your viewing language ▼
Cantonese Mandarin English German French Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Russian Spanish

For further information about the life and accomplishments of President Thomas S. Monson, please see:

Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Spoken Word  for January 7, 2018: “President Thomas S. Monson—beloved adviser and friend.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website (www.lds.org)

The Church Public Affairs website (www.mormonenewsroom.org)