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David O. McKay Diaries – “Marion D. Hanks”

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Tues., 27 May, 1958:

“Telephone conversation with Elder Marion D. Hanks, Tuesday, May 27, 1958.  Brother Hanks called from Vancouver, B.C.  He is touring the Western Canadian Mission.

Brother Hanks:  President McKay, this is Marion Hanks.  How are you this morning?

President McKay:  Very well.

Brother Hanks:  I am in Vancouver.  I called about the note I wrote to you.

President McKay:  I have your note here in my office now.  Tell me briefly about it.

Brother Hanks:  It is an invitation, President McKay, from President Eisenhower through the President’s Citizens Advisory Committee on Fitness of American Youth, to serve on the Advisory Committee.  This is a Committee of about 100 citizens.  My duties on this Committee are to represent the Church, the State and the Nation through this Council the President has set up for a one year term.  This is quite an honor and came as a result of the talk I gave in Kansas City about the youth program of the Church.  This address was given to the State and National directors of Physical Health, Education and Recreation in Kansas City in March.

I will have to send a reply today.

President McKay:  Accept it.  Take advantage of this opportunity.  You can do some good.

Brother Hanks:  On a national scale, I think so.  I will write my acceptance to them.

President McKay:  Success to you.

Greetings to the people in the mission.

Brother Hanks:  Thank you.  I will give your greetings to the people.”

Tues., 14 Mar. 1961:

“8:15 a.m.

Elder Marion Hanks of the First Council of Seventy came in by appointment at his request.  He reported that he has received an invitation to become the number one man in the Youth Program of the United States government.  However, if he accepted, it would mean moving to Washington and devoting all his time to this work.  He, of course, would not accept such an appointment, and feels it would be best for him to continue with the assignments he already has with the government in the youth program.  If he resigned from the appointments he now has, it is doubtful that a member of the Church would be reappointed.  I told Brother Hanks that for the present he should continue with his work on the national committee.”

July 10, 1962

President David O. McKay

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear President McKay:

As I sit at my desk this Sabbath morning I am constrained to write a simple note of appreciation and affection to you.  I have been thinking of you this morning.

Last night at a meeting with some new converts and perspective members in Stevenage, Hertford County, we bore witness of your great leadership and listened to some recent converts bear their testimony.  One of them, a man of strength and character who will be a fine leader, said through his tears that the one thing he wanted most in this world was to see the living prophet of God.  We hear this often, and yet last night I was touched as I never have been before with the great pressures and responsibilities of your sacred calling.  As we drove home in the late hours we talked humbly of the great contribution and marvelous strength you have given to the work.

We are thankful for you, that you are what you are and all that you are, and that we are privileged to serve with you in the Sacred Cause.

May God grant you peace and happiness and continued strength, that you may live long to bless many.

Very sincerely,

Marion D. Hanks

Tuesday, July 10, 1962

July 19, 1962

My dear Friend and Brother:

It is the unanticipated favor that awakens the deepest appreciation — It is the unexpected, spontaneous expression of true friendship that brightens reciprocal feelings.

Your highly-prized letter of July 10, 1962, is one of these cherished experiences of true Brotherhood which enable us at least to glimpse what John the Apostle felt in his soul when he wrote:  ‘I know I have passed from death unto life because I love the Brethren.’

Thank you for your spontaneous expression of true fellowship and loyalty!

I am happy in your Presidency of the British Mission, and rejoice in the credit and dignity that you bring to this important office in the Church.

Sister McKay also appreciates your prayerful wishes and blessings.

With kindest personal regards and my assurance of friendship and brotherhood, I remain

Affectionately,

David O. McKay

(President)

President Marion D. Hanks

British Mission

50, Princes Gate, Exhibition Road

London, S.W.7, England”