Early Life and Education
Leonard James Arrington was born on July 2, 1917, in Twin Falls, Idaho, United States. He grew up in a devout Mormon family and was deeply influenced by his faith from a young age. Arrington attended the University of Idaho, where he received his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1939. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Professional Career
Arrington began his career as an economist, working for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and later as an economic analyst for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, his true passion lay in history, particularly Mormon history. In 1958, he returned to the University of Idaho to pursue a Ph.D. in history, which he completed in 1959.
University of Idaho
After completing his Ph.D., Arrington joined the faculty at the University of Idaho as a professor of history. He quickly gained recognition for his groundbreaking research on Mormon history, challenging traditional narratives and shedding new light on the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brigham Young University
In 1972, Arrington was appointed as the official historian of the LDS Church and director of the Church Historical Department. He moved to Brigham Young University to take up this new role, where he continued to publish prolifically and contribute to the field of Mormon studies.
Legacy
Arrington’s work had a lasting impact on the field of Mormon history. He was instrumental in establishing a more scholarly approach to studying the history of the LDS Church, moving away from hagiography and myth-making towards a more critical and nuanced understanding of its past.
Personal Life
Arrington was married to his wife Grace for over 50 years, and they had four children together. He was known for his gentle and kind demeanor, as well as his deep commitment to his faith and his family.
James Arrington
One of Leonard J. Arrington’s sons, James Arrington, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a renowned historian in his own right. James has continued his father’s work in Mormon studies and has made significant contributions to the field.
Death
Leonard J. Arrington passed away on February 11, 1999, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He left behind a rich legacy of scholarship and a lasting impact on the field of Mormon history.
Conclusion
Leonard J. Arrington was a pioneer in the field of Mormon history, challenging traditional narratives and bringing a more scholarly approach to the study of the LDS Church’s past. His work continues to influence scholars and historians today, shaping our understanding of Mormonism and its place in American history.
