Everybody loves a birthday party - and President Ezra Taft Benson, who commemorated his 89th birthday Aug. 4, is no different.

At a reception in the Church Administration Building, President Benson, his feelings "overflowing with love and appreciation," was honored by General Authorities and employees in the the building.President Benson and his wife of nearly 62 years, Flora, greeted well-wishers for an hour and half in the West Board Room, which was decorated with cards and remembrances from members of the Church throughout the world.

Many of the cards were made by Primary children and expressed in their own words the love and respect they have for the prophet.

"Oh my goodnes!" President Benson exclaimed as he and his wife walked into the room. It was a festive birthday scene, and President Benson was emotionally touched.

"There isn't anything I've done that entitles me to all of this," he modestly declared. "It's almost unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable," he exclaimed as he looked through several of the cards on the board room table.

Shortly after the reception began, the well-wishers sang "Happy Birthday" to the prophet. Then, with Beth S. Rasmussen, secretary to Elder Dean L. Larsen, at the piano, the group sang one of President Benson's favorite songs, "When It's Springtime in the Rockies." Both President Benson and Sister Benson joined in the singing.

But mostly the reception was a time of expressing thanks and birthday wishes to President Benson, who was born Aug. 4, 1899, in Whiitney, Idaho, the oldest of 11 children of George T. and Sarah Dunkley Benson.

"I can't imagine all this fanfare," President Benson said as he cut the first piece of cake and handed it to his wife, as he was photographed by cameramen.

Prior to the reception, President Benson, in an interview with the Church News, was asked his feelings about his birthdays.

"Each one," he replied, "seems to be busier with more to do." President Benson's birthday schedule usually is filled with his normal workload of meetings and activities, as he carries the heavy responsibility of leading the more than 6 million members of the Church.

He expressed gratitude to the members throughout the world, who have rallied to his admonition to read the Book of Mormon. "It is a real joy to witness the response," said President Benson, who has led the Church since Nov. 10, 1985. "I rejoice in the progress we're making in the Church. That's the best birthday present I could ever have."

When asked how he felt physically, the prophet replied, "I feel great!"

After the reception had ended and the work of the day completed, President and Sister Benson spent a quiet evening at a family dinner with their children and grandchildren - a birthday tradition they have enjoyed for the past 20 years.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Prophet expresses thanks for many birthday greetings

Bouquets of flowers - some real and some made of paper - arrived along with cards and letters for President Ezra Taft Benson's birthday Aug. 4. Some greetings were edible, such as a cookies made by Primary leaders and decorated by children.

One card from the "BOM" (Book of Mormon) Squad had names of members who had read the book. Another long, narrow greeting had the outline of a hand, with the message, "We raise our hands to sustain you."

Because President Benson received so many greetings he cannot answer each personally. He has asked the Church News to express his thanks to members who remembered him on his birthday.