F. Michael Watson
Encyclopedia
Frank Michael Watson served as the secretary to the First Presidency
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1986 until his call as a general authority
of the LDS Church in 2008.
Watson was born in Spring City
, Utah
. He received a bachelor's degree
in business and office administration from Utah State University
. He was in the United States Army
for three years and was awarded the Bronze Star
and Army Commendation Medals.
Prior to his service as secretary to the First Presidency, Watson served as assistant secretary to the First Presidency (1972–1986). He served as assistant secretary and secretary to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church (1970–1972). He has served as a president of the Bountiful Utah
South Stake of the church and a temple
sealer in the Bountiful Utah Temple
.
In April 2008, Watson was called as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the LDS Church.
Watson is married to Jolene Mann and is the father of 12 children.
First Presidency (LDS Church)
The First Presidency is the presiding or governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . It is composed of the President of the Church and his counselors. The First Presidency currently consists of President Thomas S. Monson and his two counselors, Henry B...
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1986 until his call as a general authority
General authority
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , a general authority is a member of certain leadership organizations who are given administrative and ecclesiastical authority over the church...
of the LDS Church in 2008.
Watson was born in Spring City
Spring City, Utah
Spring City is a city in Sanpete County, Utah, United States. The population was 956 at the 2000 census. Although it is still largely a farming town, Spring City is becoming increasingly known as an artist community. Many excellent examples of Mormon pioneer architecture exist throughout the town...
, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
. He received a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in business and office administration from Utah State University
Utah State University
Utah State University is a public university located in Logan, Utah. It is a land-grant and space-grant institution and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities....
. He was in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
for three years and was awarded the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
and Army Commendation Medals.
Prior to his service as secretary to the First Presidency, Watson served as assistant secretary to the First Presidency (1972–1986). He served as assistant secretary and secretary to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church (1970–1972). He has served as a president of the Bountiful Utah
Bountiful, Utah
Bountiful is a city in Davis County, Utah, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 42,552, a three percent increase over the 2000 figure of 41,301...
South Stake of the church and a temple
Temple (LDS Church)
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord, and they are considered by Church members to be the most sacred structures on earth. Upon completion, temples are usually open to the public for a short period of time...
sealer in the Bountiful Utah Temple
Bountiful Utah Temple
The Bountiful Utah Temple is the 47th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The Bountiful Temple is the eighth temple constructed in the state of Utah. The history of this temple site began back in 1897, when John Haven Barlow Sr. purchased of land from the United...
.
In April 2008, Watson was called as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the LDS Church.