Apostle Presents 12 US Governors with Family Histories

On an invitation from the National Governors Association, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with a group of U.S. governors on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. During his remarks, Elder Stevenson underscored the importance of community service, families and family history. 

Joined by Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Quorum of the Seventy, he then presented the 12 governors — including the chair of the National Governors Association, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, and vice-chair, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis — with individual family pedigree charts. 

“Family history and genealogy and the ability to be able to find our roots... strengthens communities and societies and states in a nation,” said Elder Stevenson. 

Elder Johnson gave an overview of the family history documents and invited the governors to explore their family histories and utilize resources, including local family history libraries’ online tools, that are available to everyone. 

At the conclusion of the presentation, Delaware Gov. John Carney thanked the Church leaders for the gift. “You know, we’ve received some extraordinary gifts coming to this conference each year, but this is really special,” he said.