Before the end of this century it is the desire of President Gordon B. Hinckley to have up to 100 temples throughout the world.

What a lofty goal he set in closing the 168th Annual Conference of the Church.But such extensive vision has become a hallmark of his leadership as prophet and president of the Church.

There reposes in him a unique blend of spirituality and practicality. He is a product of the American Depression years when frugality and prudent use of resources were absolutely essential. But now he leads the Church when the resources are available to move ahead in very significant ways. Yet he is wise and thoughtful about new projects, and only moves ahead when the means are at hand.

What a glorious announcement he made to undertake 30 new, smaller temples throughout the world. These will complement the 17 temples already under construction or announced and the 51 now in operation, thus bringing celestial blessings to as many of God's children as possible.

When the great prophet and patriarch Abraham saw in vision the eternities of God and man he viewed at one point Jehovah as He said to those with Him: ". . . We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will build an earth whereon these may dwell;

"And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." (Abr. 3:24-25.)

The process of proving ourselves really centers around the temple and the celestial covenants and ordinances to be received therein.

We, as Church members, have long been taught that we are to perfect our lives spiritually, that we are to preach the gospel to those who do not yet have it, and that we are to redeem our ancestors who have gone before us. Each of these responsibilities focuses our efforts on the temple.

As we strive to perfect our lives we come to understand that worthiness to enter the temple represents a measure of righteousness that brings strength to our souls.

As we teach the gospel to others, we yearn for them to gain testimonies so they can receive in the temple the promises of the celestial kingdom.

Regular temple service also enables us to bring the gifts of the endowment and sealing blessings to those who have made it possible for us to be here now, but in whose days and times the ordinances were not available. The entire effort of the Church's Family History Department centers around our being able to identify our ancestors and present their names and their family units before the Lord in the sacred ceremonies of the temple.

Many around the world have sacrificed and struggled to attend at least once a temple far from where they live. But even more have not been able to receive temple blessings. Thus, President Hinckley has felt to use the means the Lord has provided the Church in these times to bring temples closer to those who so much desire these eternal promises.

At the same time, through modern technological developments, there are greater and more extensive research tools to help us in our ancestral research. Compact discs make available at one's personal computer thousands and thousands of records. The Lord will continue to pour down more technological developments so His work to exalt all of His children can be accelerated.

As in past general conferences, each of the speakers brought wisdom and inspiration to us about the challenging task of spiritual perfection. Fervent testimonies were borne of Jesus Christ at this Easter season. We were reminded of the basic commandments that need to be kept daily. The importance of family solidarity was frequently emphasized. Missionary service, searching the scriptures, working hard, and preparing for worthy temple marriages were recurring themes.

There came also renewed counsel to live peaceably with our friends and neighbors who do not believe as we do, and to let our Christianity be reflected by our deeds as well as our words.

The great spiritual feast laid before us in this wonderful conference is now to be savored and consumed in our lives as we read and re-read the messages given.

God bless those who gave us such inspired messages, and God bless this great latter-day work as the kingdom of God rolls forward to fill the earth so that the kingdom of heaven can come with the triumphant return of the Lord of lords, the Great Jehovah, even Jesus Christ, the head of the Church.