Monuments have been erected to some; others live on in the hearts of their posterity.
We are all born of fathers who, since the dawn of time, have in one way or another been influenced by their own fathers. One hundred years from now, what will it matter?
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that history matters — those who have gone before leave a legacy behind.
Our greatest exemplar, Jesus Christ, received His strength from an unwavering love and devotion to the will of His Heavenly Father.
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The role of father encompasses that of leader, teacher and temporal provider, according to former apostle Elder L. Tom Perry (1922–2015). He warned of increasing attacks by the adversary to destroy the family and diminish the role of fathers in the home (see April 2004 general conference).
Former president of the Church Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) said, “With few exceptions, righteous sons and daughters who have attained eternal blessings are not just physically begotten by their fathers. They are spiritually regenerated by the examples and teachings of their fathers. Great fathers lead their children to Christ. …
“Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters” (“Great Things Required of Their Fathers,” Ensign, May 1981, 36).
Prayers of righteous fathers through the ages have been answered according to their faith, and lives have been changed. One powerful example is found in the Book of Mormon, in which the rebellious, iniquitous son of Alma was redeemed through the heartfelt prayers of his father (see Mosiah 27:10–14).
The first official Father’s Day was marked 19 June 1910. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd introduced the idea to honour fatherhood and to pay tribute to her father, who single-handedly raised his six children after the loss of their mother.
The Mormon Newsroom team from Canada wishes a wonderful Father’s Day to all fathers.