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50 years ago
About 170 LDS servicemen in the Pacific Theater gathered for a special conference in the Philippines, it was reported in the March 31, 1945, issue of the Church News.
The servicemen, along with three LDS sisters, traveled from up to 30 miles away to attend the Sunday meeting. "The weather was ideal, it being the first Sunday in six weeks without rain."
The day before the conference, Chaplain Reuben E. Curtis had received 150 copies of The Improvement Era. "Just why so many happened to arrive at this providential time perhaps I shall never know," he said. "I have never received more than two dozen at a time before. They were distributed and much appreciated."
Five group leaders from among the servicemen's groups represented were asked to speak at the meeting.
"I don't believe there is another church in the world from which you could select at random young men who could stand before a congregation and deliver such sincere and inspirational talks as we listened to that day," said Brother Curtis. "The conference was a spiritual feast, and we felt strongly the presence of the Spirit of the Lord. Many old friendships were renewed, and we left feeling well repaid for our efforts and carrying within our hearts a renewed determination to live the gospel to the best of our ability. If the parents and loved ones of these fine men could have been present, I am sure their eyes would have filled and their hearts swelled with pride and thanksgiving for the way their sons are living the gospel."
Quote from the past
"To the very end of His mortal life, Jesus was demonstrating the grandeur of His spirit and the magnitude of His strength. He was not, even at this late hour, selfishly engrossed with His own sorrows or contemplating the impending pain. He was anxiously attending to the present and future needs of His beloved followers." - Elder Howard W. Hunter, in an address given in general conference, April 5, 1974.
