President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, observed his 72nd birthday Aug. 21. Since he was traveling outside Utah on his birthday, the occasion was celebrated later as several colleagues in the Church Administration Building and members of the office staff gathered to extend birthday wishes to him.
His birthday was also commemorated at a special gathering with his wife, Frances, and their children and grandchildren.
President Monson was born Aug. 21, 1927, in Salt Lake City to G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson. President Monson has served as first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley since March 12, 1995. Prior to that, he was second counselor to President Howard W. Hunter and President Ezra Taft Benson. He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Oct. 4, 1963, and ordained an apostle Oct. 10, 1963, at age 36.
Before he was called as a General Authority, he was general manager of Deseret Press. For 19 years he was chairman of the board of the Deseret News.
