Joseph F. Merrill

Joseph F. Merrill

Joseph Francis Merrill (born August 24, 1868 in Richmond – died February 3, 1952) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from October 8, 1931 until his death.

Merrill was a key figure in the development of the Church Educational System in the early twentieth century. He served as the sixth Commissioner of Church Education from 1928 to 1933. Prior to his service as commissioner, he played a significant role in the creation of the released time LDS Church seminary system. His tenure as commissioner saw the creation of the Institutes of Religion and the transfer of nearly all the remaining church schools to control of the states they resided in. He also faced a crisis in 1930 and 1931 which threatened to end the released time seminary. His leadership and fiscal wisdom ensured the continued survival of LDS Church education through the Great Depression. In 1931, while still serving as commissioner, he was called to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.