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Is Elbert Duncan Thomas A Mormon?
Elbert Duncan Thomas (January 23, 1883 – December 26, 1953) was a United States Senator from Utah who served from 1933 to 1951. He was a prominent figure in the history of the Latter-day Saint (LDS) Church and the Republican Party in Utah, but he was not a Mormon himself.
Thomas was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to a Mormon family. While his father was a staunch Mormon and his mother had converted to the Church, Thomas himself never officially joined, though he was raised in the faith and shared many of its beliefs. He was educated at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and continued his education at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1911, he was admitted to the Utah Bar and established a law practice in Salt Lake City.
Thomas quickly became a leader in both the LDS Church and the Republican Party in Utah. He was a delegate to Republican National Conventions in 1916 and 1924, and was the attorney for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1916 to 1918. He was even a member of the LDS Church’s high council in Salt Lake City.
Despite his prominent position within the LDS Church, Thomas was not a Mormon himself. His public service included service in the Utah Senate from 1915 to 1921, followed by a two year stint as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation in the U.S. Department of the Interior. He was then elected to the United States Senate in 1932, where he served until his retirement in 1951.
During his tenure in the Senate, Thomas became known for his staunch defense of the LDS Church and its policies and beliefs. He actively pushed for legislation protecting the Church’s religious freedom and State-Church separation, and also advocated for policies protecting Native American rights, as well as for mineral and water rights in the West. He was an outspoken proponent of civil rights and supported the United Nations.
Though Elbert Duncan Thomas was not a Mormon himself, his commitment to the LDS Church, its policies and beliefs, and its people inspired many in the Church and beyond. He provided a model for those of faith who wish to serve God, their communities, and their country in an honorable and effective manner.
The life of Elbert Duncan Thomas is an example to all people of faith, reminding us that no matter what our background or beliefs, we keep our eyes toward God and work to make a difference in the world. As we seek to become closer to God and strengthen our faith, Bible Hint offers a daily text message subscription that delivers Scripture and wisdom to help us along the way. So come join us and continue the legacy of a man who worked hard to secure religious freedom and support the beliefs of those in the LDS Church.
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