ElRay L. Christiansen

ElRay L. Christiansen was a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve in October 1951.

He was born in Mayfield, Utah, on July 13, 1897. He graduated from Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) and did graduate work at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. He was a teacher and school administrator.

He served as a full-time missionary with his wife following their marriage and later presided over the Texas-Louisiana Mission. He was also a bishop, stake president, stake high councilor, and Seminary teacher. He was president of the Salt Lake Temple from 1954 to 1961 and president of the Logan Utah Temple from 1943 to 1951. He was appointed coordinator of temples throughout the world in 1964.

Christiansen was a gifted cellist and played with the Utah Symphony Orchestra and string ensembles.

He died on December 2, 1975. He and his wife, Luella, had three children.