Spencer W. Kimball Home, Thatcher, Arizona

Born in Salt Lake City in 1895, Spencer W. Kimball was the grandson of Church leaders Heber C. Kimball (paternal) and Edwin D. Woolley (maternal). His parents were Andrew and Olive Kimball. Young Spencer moved with his family to Thatcher, Arizona when he was two years old. His father was called to serve as stake president there.

The Spencer W. Kimball childhood home. Photo by Kenneth Mays
The Spencer W. Kimball childhood home, Thatcher, AZ. Photo (2007) by Kenneth Mays.

The home seen in the image above is the home in which Spencer W. Kimball lived from about the age of seven until his marriage at age twenty-two except the time he was away serving a mission. Young Spencer was living there when he received the devastating news that his mother had passed away. He was baptized in a nearby canal which is still in use today.

This interpretive plaque gives information about the Spencer W. Kimball childhood home, Thatcher, Arizona. Photo by Kenneth Mays
This interpretive plaque gives information about the Spencer W. Kimball childhood home, Thatcher, Arizona. Photo (2007) by Kenneth Mays.

Spencer W. Kimball began married life in the Gila Valley where, over time, he became successful in business. H was eventually called to serve as stake president of the Mt. Graham Stake in 1938. He and his family left Arizona when he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1943. Elder Kimball was called at the same time as Ezra Taft Benson who would eventually succeed him as president of the Church. Given seniority, President Kimball served as the twelfth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1973-1985.

His mother, father and step-mother are buried in a family plot in Thatcher.

Graves of Spencer W. Kimball’s parents, Thatcher, AZ. Photo (2007) by Kenneth Mays.

Ownership Status

The Spencer W. Kimball childhood home, Thatcher, Arizona, is extant and privately owned. The owners appreciate their privacy.

Map & Directions

The address of the home is 3513 West Church Street, Thatcher, Arizona.

Visitors are reminded that the home is privately owned and the occupants are not to be disturbed.

Photos

Side view of the Kimball childhood home, Thatcher, Arizona. Photo by Kenneth Mays.
Spencer W. Kimball childhood home, Thatcher, Arizona. Photo (2007) by Kenneth Mays.
This canal near the Kimball childhood home is the site where Spencer W. Kimball was baptized. Photo by Kenneth Mays
This canal near the Kimball childhood home is the site where Spencer W. Kimball was baptized. Photo (2007) by Kenneth Mays.

Articles & Resources

Readings

Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball, 14-71.

Francis M. Gibbons, Spencer W. Kimball: Resolute Disciple, Prophet of God, 1-68.

Edward L. Kimball in Leonard J. Arrington, ed., The Presidents of the Church, 373-379.