Get to Know President Jeffrey R. Holland

General Conference

Aug 29

How much do you know about the well-loved apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland? Come get to know him a little better before you hear him speak at General Conference. Watch a video, discover fun facts, and make a paper puppet.

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Did you know these fun facts about President Jeffrey R. Holland?

How much do you know about President Holland? Help your family get to know him better and look forward to hearing from him at Conference with these fun facts:

The R stands for Roy.
At first, he wanted to become a doctor but after his mission, he knew that teaching was the path for him instead.
He loves people! Growing up, he probably knew everyone in town (St. George, Utah).
He was quite the athlete in his younger years, lettering in football, basketball, track, and baseball! He was voted “Outstanding Athlete” in high school. He also played sports at Dixie College.
Thanks to the encouragement of his high school girlfriend, Patricia Terry, he went on to serve a mission in the British Mission. He proposed to Patricia shortly after he returned but the very next day, she flew to to New York where she studied music at The Juilliard School.
Sister Holland’s first impression of President Holland was a mixed review. She thought he was the smartest boy in school, a terrible tease, and couldn’t stand him. However, she also knew he would be in her future. They had three kids together.
President Holland is the author of at least eight books including one which he wrote with his late wife, Patricia Holland.
He has been the Church commissioner of education, the dean of the College of Religious Education at BYU, and the ninth president of BYU (1980-1989). The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies was established during his tenure.
As a youth, he worked as a paperboy, grocery bagger, and as a service station attendant.
President Holland and Elder Quentin L. Cook were mission companions! Elder Holland’s parents were also called to the same mission. They served together for a few weeks before President Holland returned home.

Did you know that Sister Holland was also a counselor in the Young Women’s general presidency of the Church?

Print Elder Holland Puppet

Make a fun puppet in President Jeffrey R. Holland’s likeness as you learn more about him. Then read some of his General Conference talks and get to his testimony of our Savior too.