Ten new General Authorities, a new Relief Society general presidency and a new counselor in the Young Women general presidency were sustained during the 160th Annual General Conference. (See accompanying box on this page.)

In addition, David M. Kennedy, special representative of the First Presidency since 1974, was released.President Ezra Taft Benson attended all sessions of the conference, held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1. The conference consisted of four general sessions - two each day - and a priesthood session Saturday evening. President Benson also attended the Regional Representatives Seminar on Friday, March 30.

Although he did not give a conference address, he listened attentively to the speakers and enjoyed the spirit of the meetings. He joined in congregational singing, and delighted members by his very presence.

He gave special attention to members of the various choirs that provided music for the sessions, particularly in the Primary Children's Chorus Saturday afternoon. As he left the podium area after that session, many children in the chorus waved, and whenever one caught his attention, President Benson made it a point to wave back.

One little girl in particular seemed thrilled. An usher carried the physically disabled child from her choir seat to the balcony's banister, where she and President Benson exchanged waves and big smiles.

President Benson's counselors, President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson, took turns conducting the sessions.

In the Saturday afternoon session, President Thomas S. Monson presented the General Authorities and general officers of the Church for the members' sustaining vote.

The 10 new General Authorities were called to serve for five years in the Second Quorum of the Seventy. They come from three countries outside the United States - Brazil, Chile and England - and from four states - Arizona, California, Idaho and Utah.

With the new additions, the seven members of the Presidency of the Seventy preside over 26 members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and 38 members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy.

Of the new callings, President Hinckley, who conducted the Saturday afternoon session, said, "May I say that all of this is indicative of the tremendous vitality and growth of the Church across the world."

Also during the Saturday afternoon session, F. Michael Watson, secretary to the First Presidency, presented the statistical report of the Church for 1989. In that report, it was announced that membership was 7.3 million at the end of last year. (Information from the statistical report will be included in the April 14 Church News.)

Near-ideal weather prevailed during the conference weekend. Sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s F. were a bonus to conference-goers, particularly those who listened on the grounds to the conference proceedings.