By ASHLEY EYRIN
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will address students at Tuesday’s Devotional in the Marriott Center.
Elder Maxwell said he gained a testimony of the gospel in his early teenage years when his baby sister was near death. He witnessed his parents reverently praying over her and then watched her revive and begin breathing. At that moment, he knew God loved his family and answered prayers.
In a 1974 article in the Church News, referring to that incident, Elder Maxwell said, “It struck me forcibly then and many times since, that prayer is the means of communication to God. If we can pray deeply to him, our petitions will be heard.”
Elder Maxwell served as a soldier in World War II and served an LDS mission in Canada.
Graduating from the University of Utah in the field of Political Science, Elder Maxwell went on to earn a master’s degree in the same field.
He has since received three honorary degrees. One in law from University of Utah in 1969, another doctorate of letters from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, and another doctorate of laws from BYU.
Elder Maxwell met his wife, Colleen Hinckley, while attending an institute class. The Maxwells were married in the Salt Lake Temple on Nov. 22, 1950 and are the parents of one son and three daughters.
In a May 1974 Ensign article, Elder Maxwell said, “By no means least in my life is my need to succeed as the father of my children and to be an effective husband — these are callings as great as any that one could have.”
Elder Maxwell gained success in his professional career, prior to his calling as an apostle. He served as legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Wallace F. Bennett, and held teaching and administrative positions at the University of Utah.
Elder Maxwell has served as an apostle for the church since 1981. He served in various church capacities before his appointment, including LDS Church Commissioner of Education, President of the First Quorum of the Seventy and as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Maxwell recalls his youth as a humbling time, and he expresses gratitude for his gift with words.
Elder Maxwell has written 24 books on religious topics and is the 84th apostle called since the Church was organized in 1830.
