For these youth, singing in choir was worth sacrifice
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When members of the Winnipeg Manitoba Stake presidency received word that President Gordon B. Hinckley would be speaking to members here on Aug. 4, they decided to organize a youth choir for the occasion. They had nine weeks to practice.
"We wanted [the youth] in some way to prepare for his coming," said Steven Diaczun, first counselor in the stake presidency.Approximately 177 youth, from the stake and the Fort Frances Ontario District, responded.
Stake Pres. George Spencer and his wife, Linda, explained that their daughter, Leanne, a Laurel, turned down two modeling jobs so she could sing in the choir.
During the member meeting, the youth were seated in the choir loft, which normally seats approximately 40 people, and the first four rows of the chapel in front of the podium from which President Hinckley spoke. Behind and in front of the podium were wall-to-wall youth.
President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, said to the youth, "When I see young people like you are, I am thrilled."
President Hinckley told the choir: "You are really very good." He added a comparison to the Tabernacle Choir, which brought some happy sounds from the congregation.
Then President Hinckley said, "I can't resist speaking to these young people tonight.
"You young people are very precious. [Your parents] love you." The Church president then asked parents to set an "example of righteousness so your young people can turn to you."
