When Elder Robert B. Harbertson took over as director of Temple Square Visitors Center on Feb. 2, he felt his experiences as a General Authority for five years would have made him well aware of the purpose and responsibilities of directing the "crown jewel" of the Church.

He found himself pleasantly surprised, however, when he discovered "how vast our responsibilities are and how vitally important Temple Square is to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessing it is to so many wonderful people who visit here.""I'm really humbled by this opportunity," said Elder Harbertson. "I feel to be the director of such a sacred plot of ground that has been dedicated to the work of the Lord and where millions from all over the world come to be taught and learn is an overwhelming responsibility for me."

Elder Harbertson's past positions and callings have prepared him for his current role as director of Temple Square Visitors Center. A native of Utah, he was released in October 1989 from the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He served from 1984 to 1987 as a managing director of the Missionary Department, during which time he helped organize the department's media program and helped in the creation of a new missionary guidebook and new discussions. While a Seventy, he also served as a managing director of the Correlation Department and as second counselor in the Young Men general presidency. He also served in the Asia and North America Northwest area presidencies.

His previous callings include serving as a regional representative, president of the California Fresno Mission, a member of the General Aaronic Priesthood Committee, and a bishop. He was a Gospel Doctrine teacher at the time he was called to be director of Temple Square.

Elder Harbertson told the Church News that his experiences as managing director for the Missionary Department and as mission president best prepared him for his leadership on Temple Square.

Much of the sustaining influence in his life, he said, has come from his wife, the former Norma Creer. "Sister Harbertson couldn't be happier with the opportunity once again to be a full-time missionary and serve the Lord," Elder Harbertson related. "She will assume a very needed and critical role of working with the sister missionaries."

Elder Harbertson and his counselors, John M. Bevan of Salt Lake City and Russell L. Herrscher of Bountiful, Utah, don't plan any major changes during their tenure. "We feel the programs that are in place are inspired and all we hope to do is continue the success of what's taking place," he emphasized.

Elder Harbertson's new executive secretary is Derald A. Tilley of Farmington, Utah, who is serving on Temple Square with his wife, Berwyn. Elder Bevan's wife, Pat, and Elder Herrscher's wife, JoAnn, are also serving with their husbands.

"Our hope is that . . . we can give visitors the opportunity to come and experience the feelings that are here for them on Temple Square," Elder Harbertson added.

He explained that his major responsibilities will be to increase the number of visitors to Temple Square and to ensure that each missionary serving on Temple Square has a successful and fulfilling mission.

Elder Harbertson described the missionaries on Temple Square as the key to accomplishing the purpose of Temple Square. He reported that there are currently 40 full-time sister missionaries and 19 full-time Church service couples. During the summer months, the number of sister missionaries on Temple Square will increase to 70. He noted the sisters assume the major responsibility of conducting tours, but he said that couples can also conduct tours.

Tours are available in eight languages, explained Elder Harbertson. He said he has 20 sisters who speak more than one language. Tours are offered in Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, German, Swiss-German, Spanish, French and English.

"We have a responsibility to provide opportunities for members to bring their non-member and less-active friends here and let our missionaries take them on a tour," he noted. "We would desire that all who visit us feel the love we have for Jesus Christ and that He is our Redeemer," he added.

Elder Harbertson noted a parallel in the growth of the Church and the increased number of visitors who visit Temple Square each year. "As the Church grows throughout the world and as more wonderful people throughout the world become members of the Church, their friends are affected and they want to know more. As a result, they [the friendsT are drawn to Temple Square."