Lowell L. Bennion

Lowell Lindsey Bennion (July 26, 1908 – February 22, 1996) was an American educator and counselor. Early in his career, Bennion focused much of his efforts on fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), but he sought to benefit all people in his reach.

Bennion was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father was Milton Bennion. In 1928, Bennion graduated from the University of Utah, married Merle Colton and then left to serve in the Swiss–German Mission of the LDS Church. [Bradford, Mary Lythgoe, "Lowell L. Bennion" in Garr, Arnold K., Donald Q. Cannon and Richard O. Cowan, ed., "Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History". (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 2000) p. 90.] Bennion spent much of his mission in Zürich, where he served as branch president. [Bradford, Mary Lythgoe. "Lowell L. Bennion: Teacher, Counselor, Humanitarian". (Salt Lake City: Dialogue Foundation, 1995) p. 39] After serving two and a half years as a missionary Bennion began studies towards his Ph.D. at the University of Strasbourg. His wife came to France to live with him at about this point.

After earning his Ph.D., Bennion returned to Utah and founded the Institute of Religion adjacent to the University of Utah. [Garr. "LDS History". p. 90] Bennion later founded Teton Valley Boys Ranch and served as its director for many years. He served as a bishop in the LDS Church. The first food bank and homeless shelters in Utah were founded by Bennion. [Garr. "LDS History". p. 90]

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