November 2005

Cannon family gives copies of book to First Presidency 

The descendants of Hugh J. Cannon, author of David O. McKay around the World, met with the First Presidency of the LDS Church, where they presented hardbound copies of the book to President Gordon B. Hinckley and his counselors, Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust.

President Hinckley expressed his gratitude for the book, and he also mentioned how Hugh Cannon had served as his stake president when he was a young man living in the Liberty Stake.

During the meeting with the Cannon family, President Hinckley commented on the importance of the book’s contents, and how wonderful it was that the manuscript had been found and published.

The book tells of the worldwide journey made by newly called apostle David O. McKay and his traveling companion High J. Cannon. From December 4, 1920 to December 23, 1921, they sought out Church members in remote areas, and they had numerous spiritual experiences that demonstrated the hand of the Lord in their efforts.

Their many accomplishments included the dedication of the land of China by Elder McKay for the preaching of the gospel, a powerful visit to the land of Palestine where the Savior once walked, an excursion to Egypt and the Great Pyramids, perilous journeys to Pacific islands where mighty miracles were performed, and inspiring meetings with missionaries throughout Europe.

Following their return to the United States, Elder McKay asked President Cannon to write down these experiences, which he did. A serialized travelogue of their journey was soon published in the Deseret News, but very few of the spiritual events were included.

The completed handwritten manuscript was later submitted for publication, but unfortunately the publisher misplaced it, and it was not found for many years. President McKay himself hoped for the day the manuscript would be found, so that these memorable experiences could “reach the young people of the Church, that their faith too might be increased.”

Now, more than eighty years later, the details of that historic journey have finally come forth.