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Christiansen, ElRay L. (ElRay Lavar), 1897-1975

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1897 - 1975

Biography

ElRay L. Christiansen (1897-1975) was a general authority for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

ElRay L. Christiansen was born July 13, 1897 in Mayfield, Utah to Parley Christiansen and Dorthea Christine Jensen Scow. ElRay studied at Utah State Agricultural College, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah. He worked as a high school teacher and principal, as well as for the seminary program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ElRay married Lewella Ann Reese in 1922. They had three children. ElRay and Lewella presided over the Texas-Louisiana mission, and served as the president and matron of the Salt Lake Temple. ElRay was called to be a general authority as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1951. He eventually became the coordinator for all the Latter-day Saint temples. ElRay died on December 2, 1975, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lewella passed away the following year.

Citation:
Lewella Rees Christiansen autobiography, November 12, 1990 (ElRay taught in the seminary program and became a general authority of the church; President of Salt Lake Temple and in 1964 became coordinator of all temples)

FamilySearch, May 1, 2024 (ElRay married Lewella Ann Reese in 1922; Lewella died in 1976. )https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/about/KWCN-W49

Man, 1972:cover (ElRay L Christiansen) Introduction (Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1951)

Wikipedia, website viewed 23 August 2011(ElRay L. Christiansen; ElRay LaVar Christiansen; born July 13, 1897, Mayfield, Utah; died December 2, 1975, Salt Lake City, Utah; general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 6, 1951-December 2, 1975; studied at Utah State Agricultural College, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah; high school teacher; principal; worked for the United States Forest Service; cellist and played with the Utah Symphony Orchestra)

UPB files, viewed 23 August 2011(Christiansen, ElRay L. (ElRay LaVar), 1897-1975)

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

A history of Lewella Rees Christiansen / by Lewella R. Christiansen

 Item — Folder 1
Identifier: MSS SC 1494
Scope and Contents A typed autobiography titled, "A history of Lewella Rees Christiansen" by Lewella R. Christiansen, edited by John R. Christiansen, dated November 12, 1990. Lewella Rees Christiansen was the wife of ElRay L. Christiansen, who worked in the seminary program and was a general authority for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lewella discusses ElRay's career and callings within the church, living in Logan, Utah, presiding over the Texas-Louisiana mission and serving in the Salt Lake...
Dates: 1990 November 12
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / A history of Lewella Rees Christiansen / by Lewella R. Christiansen

Mormon colonies in Texas

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS SC 162
Scope and Contents

Photocopies of published and unpublished articles dealing with Mormon settlements in three counties of Texas led by Lyman Wight. Also included are letters of enquiry by Elray L. Christiansen, the mission president for the Mormon Church in Texas.

Dates: 1845-1858, 1896-1974
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Mormon colonies in Texas

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