In the 19th century, it was common for a couple years to pass before a new president was named. The last time a church president died just before a general conference was in April 1951, with the death of George Albert Smith. His funeral was folded into the conference and a new president was formally announced during the gathering. Today, it is not uncommon for a living president to miss a conference for health reasons, especially given their ages. In addition to Nelson’s death, the faithful have been reeling from the attack on one of their congregations in Michigan last weekend.