GENERAL CONFERENCE

Documentary to feature life, legacy of President Russell M. Nelson

Oct 3, 2024, 6:30 PM | Updated: 7:12 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently celebrated his 100th birthday. His life and legacy are the focus of a conference special, airing this Sunday.

On Sept. 9, approximately 1,000 family, friends, and colleagues gathered in the Conference Center Little Theatre to mark a milestone for a prophet and to sing for him.
“Happy Birthday, President Nelson.”

Born in 1924, Russell Marion Nelson lived through the 1929 stock market crash, the Great Depression, and World War II and then served in the Korean War. Richard E. Turley, Jr., is the former Assistant Church Historian.

“He has a long vision from the past, because of his long life and because of his study of the past, and that gives him vision of the future, both from his own experience and from his prophetic role.”

Russell Marion Nelson became a world-renowned surgeon, performing Utah’s first open-heart surgery in 1955 after helping to develop an artificial heart and lung machine. In August 2023, he donated his medical journals to the University of Utah. Dr. Craig Selzman has President Nelson’s endowed chair.

“Whenever you start talking about like healthcare, with him, he gets a little twinkle on his eye,” Selzman said.

Russell M. Nelson was sustained as prophet and president of the Church in 2018. His grandson, Russell Irion said his desire to press forward increased when that happened.

“Everything he does is to build the Kingdom of God and he’s not wasting any time, and just totally focused on whatever the Lord wants him to do,” Irion said.

President Nelson’s daughter, Laurie Marsh cherishes memories of both her father and her mother, Dantzel Nelson. “That is my most pressure, precious lesson that I’ve learned from my parents is to love the Lord, put him first and watch miracles happen.”

As prophet, President Nelson has reached out to the NAACP and formed a partnership. The Rev. Theresa Dear is a member of the National Board.

“My life is richer and greater and sweeter as a result of our paths crossing,” Dear said.

There are now 350 Latter-day Saint temples operating, under construction or announced and President Nelson has announced 168 of them. Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who also oversees the Temple Department, has watched as President Nelson has focused on temple building and encouraging Church members to serve and make covenants in them.

“He is determined to do everything he can do to set this in order before his graduation comes, as he likes to call it.” Eldeer Andersen said.

One hundred days before his 100th birthday, President Nelson asked everyone to do as the Savior Jesus Christ does and to find ‘ the one,’ someone in need. Hundreds gathered at the South Jordan Stake Center for service projects in his honor on Sept. 11.

Alexa Ingleby said, ” Honestly, service projects are one of my favorite things to do. They’re just so much fun and you get to see all these nice people, that also want to do that same thing that you do.” Her friend, Maelyn Pendrey, added, ” I just love the feeling of helping others through their challenges, which I think is really fun.”

President Nelson’s closest associates believe he is a man for our time. Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “I know President Nelson as a prophet and seer, he can see the mind and heart of people, and they can see what they can become.”

And Elder David A. Bednar, also an Apostle, said, “There have been occasions when he and I have been walking together and he’ll just take me by the arm, and it’s so endearing it melts your heart because it’s not just the act, it’s the man, it’s the spirit of the man, it’s the essence of the man.”

Join us for ” A Century of Service: President Russell M. Nelson” Sunday, Oct . 6 at noon on KSL TV, and live streaming on the KSL+ app.

KSL 5 TV Live

General Conference

Audience members begin exiting after the Sunday afternoon session of the 194th Semiannual General C...

Daniel Woodruff

Latter-day Saints react after 17 new temples announced

It was a big finale to General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as President Russell M. Nelson announced 17 new temples. 

4 months ago

The new Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele is pictured on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. (Laura Seitz, Des...

Mark Jones

Church announces 17 new temples, including one in central Utah

President Russell M. Nelson announced 17 new temples during the Sunday afternoon session of the 194th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

4 months ago

These United States...

KSL TV

WATCH: ‘These United States: Stories that inspire and unite us’

In ‘These United States,’ we celebrate the remarkable strength of community and the transformative impact of collective action. Our nation, often divided, can find unity in these stories that reveal our shared humanity

4 months ago

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently celebrated ...

KSL TV

WATCH: ‘A Century of Service: President Russell M. Nelson’

As President Russell M. Nelson celebrates 100 years of life, we celebrate his remarkable example of dedicated service, leadership, and faith.

4 months ago

Conferencegoers exit the Conference Center after the afternoon session of the 194th Semiannual Gene...

Daniel Woodruff

Millions hear messages of hope and faith during first day of General Conference

The first day of the 194th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wrapped up Saturday evening as millions around the world heard messages of hope and faith.

4 months ago

The Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....

Amanda Dickson, KSL NewsRadio

Dickson: What inspires us in 2024?

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom. Tune in on Sunday at 8 a.m. for a special session of ‘A Woman’s View’ with show […]

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Documentary to feature life, legacy of President Russell M. Nelson