Conference - a 'glorious' event
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The 161st Semiannual General Conference - described as "a glorious conference" - convened on Temple Square on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6, under the direction of the First Presidency.
The conference opened with President Ezra Taft Benson seated on the stand in the Tabernacle between his counselors, President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson.President Benson, 92, attended the first hour of the Saturday morning and Sunday morning sessions of conference. Seemingly buoyed to attend conference again, he smiled at and waved to the congregation as he entered and left the podium area.
During the Saturday afternoon session, four members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy were given honorable releases after 51/2 years of service. New counselors were also sustained in the general presidencies of the Sunday School and the Young Men. (Please see separate articles on page 4.)
President Hinckley and President Monson took turns conducting sessions during the two-day gathering. President Hinckley extended welcoming remarks in the opening session Saturday morning. He expressed gratitude for the presence of President Benson and read excerpts from earlier addresses in which the prophet bore testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. (Please see report on page 12.)
President Monson, in offering concluding remarks Sunday afternoon, reminded the congregation of President Benson's emphasis on the importance of the family, and his counsel regarding the youth of the Church. (Please see report on page 19.)
Twenty-nine speakers gave 33 addresses, filled with timely counsel and direction for today's living in a troubled world.
The conference was telecast to more than 3,000 meetinghouses equipped with satellite receivers throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Haiti, the West Indies and the Dominican Republic. In addition, some 850 cable systems and a number of commercial television and radio stations carried the conference.
With the Tabernacle filled during each session, hundreds listened to conference proceedings on the grounds of Temple Square. There they enjoyed not only the warmth of spirit that comes from gathering with fellow members but also the warmth of a weekend favored with sunshine.
Near-ideal weather conditions prevailed throughout conference weekend. Temperatures for both days remained around a pleasant 70 F. Sunshine brought added brilliance to Temple Square, adding to the brightness of colorful late summer and early autumn flowers that adorned the Square.
