Some 110 people, mostly stake and mission presidencies and their wives from the vicinity, assembled on the temple grounds on the chilly, overcast day. Attending were Elder Ashton and his wife, Norma, and Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Council of the Twelve and his wife, Dantzel. Also attending were the Central America Area presidency and members of the Seventy, Elder Ted E. Brewerton, president; and his counselors, Elder Carlos H. Amado and his wife, Mayavel; and Elder Jorge A. Rojas and his wife, Marcela.

The service was part of a continuing effort to individually dedicate each of the countries in Central America that were dedicated as a whole in 1952. Five of the seven Central American countries have been dedicated in the past two years.

The Central American dedication in 1952 took place on a site in Guatemala City not far from where the temple now stands. It was performed by Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then of the Council of the Twelve.

In the recent dedicatory prayer, Elder Ashton noted: "We stand . . . on ground which was once sanctified by the presence of prophets. We are reminded of the Savior's repeated visitations to the lands of this region. . . ."

In the prayer, Elder Ashton expressed gratitude for the fortitude of those who pioneered missionary work in the area. He acknowledged the dedicatory prayer offered by then-Elder Kimball, who petitioned that the way might be opened for free, undisturbed and unlimited missionary work among the citizens.

"We renew this prayer and ask this blessing again for this nation and its surrounding countries."

In brief remarks, Elder Nelson commented that remarkable things happen following the prayer of dedication of a country.

"It is recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants that `whomsoever you bless I will bless,' " said Elder Nelson in reference to D&C 132:47.

"We have seen remarkable things happen in Eastern European countries following apostolic prayers of dedication. Where once there was no welcome and no established Church in those countries, following dedicatory prayers, missions have been established, recognition has been given to the work, and now it is underway.

"In the country of Guatemala the challenges are different. But just as certainly following this prayer of dedication the country and its people will be blessed in a real way."

In his remarks, Elder Brewerton noted that Guatemala became the third Central American country this year to be dedicated, following Honduras on June 1 and Panama on Aug. 25. Previously dedicated were El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Elder Amado, first counselor in the area presidency and a native of Guatemala City, related with tear-filled eyes how moving it was for him to see the dedication. He expressed appreciation for himself and others of Guatemala - including many missionaries who have served here.

He noted that there are currently 47 stakes and 250,000 members in Central America, including some 22 stakes and 125,000 members in Guatemala.

Elder Rojas, second counselor in the area presidency, interpreted the dedicatory prayer for those present who do not speak English.

Immediately after the dedication, Elder Ashton and Elder Nelson left for a regional conference held in Quetzaltenango. Some 6,000 members attended the meetings held at Quetzaltenango's Salon de Feria.

A mission presidents' seminar for the area presidency and 11 mission presidents and their wives who serve in the Central America Area was held the next day in Antigua, Guatemala.