Such a giant was Mark E. Petersen, writer, editor, apostle and special witness, missionary, speaker, husband and father, friend. In all these many roles, he excelled.
With warmth and love, wit and insight, Peggy Petersen Barton has written a moving and memorable biography of her father, one that captures well, through anecdotes and deeds, his personality and accomplishments.
Few men in any dispensation have had greater influence on the lives of people than has Mark E. Petersen. For more than five decades his influence was felt through the thousands of articles and editorials he wrote for the Deseret News, particularly the weekly Church News. He rose through the ranks of reporter, copyeditor, news editor, managing editor, editor, and president and general manager of the newspaper. He was also the author of more than fourscore books on doctrinal and scriptural subjects.
For nearly half of his life, form 1944 until his death in 1984, Mark Petersen was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a special witness, he bore testimony to the Saints throughout the world.
One of his fellow apostles, Elder Thomas S. Monson, has written: “Those who heard Mark E. Petersen’s voice and those who read his words could readily see that here was a fearless defender and testifier of truth, intelligent in thought, radiant and warm in personality, succinct and powerful in expression, unwavering and unflinching in commitment and belief.”
Despite the recognition he received as a public and church servant, Mark E. Petersen was a private person, a humble and modest man who sought no honors or glory. Mark E. Petersen: A Biography captures those special times in his life that few saws or knew about: his devotion to and love for his beloved Emma Marr and their daughters, Marian and Peggy; his mission to Canada, where he labored for over two years without performing a single baptism; his kindnesses to many persons whom he befriended; his home life and hobbies; his gentleness and keen sense of humor. It is a fitting tribute to this “giant among men,” this special witness of the Savior.
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