Man, 97, Is Oldest Ever in Mormon Leadership

David B. Haight became the oldest Mormon apostle or prophet in the church’s history this week when he turned 97.

Former President David O. McKay of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Apostle LeGrand Richards had held the record at 96. Haight is four years older than the current president, Gordon B. Hinckley.

The president is regarded as God’s unique prophet, able to receive and teach divine revelations. The church’s 12 apostles do not hold that status but govern collectively with the prophet and hold high religious authority.

Haight became an apostle at age 69. Until recently, he oversaw the church’s global missionary effort, which places more than 60,000 volunteers in more than 100 countries.