John Longden

Who was John Longden?

John Longden was a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 until his death.

Longden was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England. In 1909, he and his parents, who were Latter-day Saints, moved from England to the United States. Prior to their departure, he had the opportunity to meet LDS Church apostle Charles W. Penrose at the British Mission office.

From 1921 to 1924 Longden served as a LDS Church missionary in the Central States Mission. From 1925 to 1930 he served as bishop of the 19th Ward in Salt Lake City, Utah. For part of this time, Frank I. Kooyman was one of Longden's counselors.

Longden received his degree from the University of Utah. Longden worked in management with Westinghouse Electric Supply Company.

Longden married Frances Larue Carr. She served from 1948 to 1961 as a counselor in the general presidency of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association. John and Frances had three children. One of these, Sharon Longden, married Loren C. Dunn, who also became a general authority of the LDS Church.

In 1951, Longden became an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.