David O. McKay Photo Album - Legacy as a Teacher and Prophet

David O. McKay was an educator during an era when American education was at a crossroads, changing from traditional educational practice to the "new Progressive educational ideas." He was in a position to influence Church educational ideas, policy, and practices.


He served sixty-four years in the capacity of General Authority, longer than any previous man had served. In addition, the very nature of McKay's unique educational assignments with the Quorum of the Twelve suggest the scope of his influence in Church educational policy. As General Superintendent of the Church Sunday School from 1918 to 1934, he exercised great influence on the teaching arm of the Church. He also became the first General Authority directly in charge of the Church's entire education program when he was named Church Commissioner of Education in 1919.