In commemoration of his 100th birthday, Elder Joseph Anderson was honored at a reception Nov. 17 by the General Authorities of the Church, who praised him as a man who has been "true blue to the Lord and the Church."

Elder Anderson, an emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, was born Nov. 20, 1889, in Salt Lake City. He is the oldest living General Authority in the history of the Church. (See Nov. 18 Church News.)"You're steady, steady, steady," President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, said to Elder Anderson. "You've always ascribed to Heavenly Father the glory and honor of all your accomplishments. I've known you since I was a young bishop, and you've always had a remarkable ability to put everyone at ease. We love you with all our hearts.

"Let's go for another 100!" President Monson exclaimed.

Relating a conversation between the centenarian and President Ezra Taft Benson, who attended the reception in the Church Administration Building, President Monson quoted Elder Anderson as saying he had "no aches and pains." President Benson responded, "You're a blessed man!"

For years, Elder Anderson swam some 30 laps a day at the Deseret Gym swimming pool, and on his 90th birthday, a plaque was installed there in his honor.

Past birthday gifts from the General Authorities have included swimming trunks and snorkeling equipment, said Elder Marion D. Hanks of the Presidency of the Seventy. For this year's birthday, his fellow quorum members presented him with a sweatshirt reading "Joseph Anderson, winner of the 100-year splash." He also received a beautiful picture of himself, surrounded by a portrait of each of the seven prophets with whom he has personally associated.

Insisting on standing to respond to the tributes paid him at the hour-long reception, Elder Anderson, looking fit and healthy, said: "This is a wonderful occasion. I feel I'm one of the most fortunate men in the world, having had this association with all these prophets of the living God, and all you brethren. I've loved each of you, and I still do.

"I'm not worthy of this honor, but I give you my best thanks. I'll remember it the rest of my life!" he said, as the guests laughed and clapped, and sang "Happy Birthday."

"Joseph Anderson is a true model to follow," said President Monson.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, was in Australia on Church business and unable to attend the reception. He sent a letter of congratulations to Elder Anderson with whom he has worked and served for many years.