On the morning the new Conference Center was dedicated, President Thomas S. Monson called upon members to rededicate "in a like manner" their lives and homes "as a symbol of our gratitude, as an expression of our love for the Lord."

President Thomas S. Monson

Speaking Sunday morning just before President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke and then offered the dedicatory prayer for the new building, President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, declared: "Thanks be to God for our noble prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley who, with the foresight of a seer, recognized the need for this magnificent facility and, with the help of many others, 'went to work.' The result is before us today and will be dedicated this morning."

With his customary warmth and yet without apology or equivocation, President Monson counseled members about the "disillusionment that engulfs countless thousands today."

"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.

"The family must hold its pre-eminent place in our way of life because it is the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the past. Happy homes come in a variety of appearances. Some feature families with father, mother, brothers and sisters living together in a spirit of love. Others consist of a single parent with one or two children, while other homes have but one occupant.

"There are, however, identifying features which are to be found in a happy home."

President Monson then identified these features as:

• A pattern of prayer.

• A library of learning.

• A legacy of love.

With regard to a pattern of prayer, President Monson related: "A prominent judge was asked what we, as citizens of the countries of the world, could do to reduce crime and disobedience to law and to bring peace and contentment into our lives and into our nations. He thoughtfully replied, 'I would suggest a return to the old-fashioned practice of family prayer.' "

Concerning making a home a "library of learning," President Monson repeated the Lord's counsel, "Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.' " (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118.)

Continuing, he reminded members that standard works offer the "library of learning of which I speak." He also admonished those listening to not underestimate the capacity of children to read and understand the word of God.

"As parents," President Monson emphasized, "we should remember that our lives may be the book from the family library which the children most treasure. Are our examples worthy of emulation? Do we live in such a way that a son or a daughter may say, 'I want to follow my dad,' or 'I want to be like my mother?' Unlike the book on the library shelf, the covers of which shield its contents, our lives cannot be closed. Parents, we truly are an open book in the library of learning of our homes."

Next, speaking of a legacy of love in the home, President Monson declared: "Our Lord and Savior's message was one of love. It can be as a light to our personal pathway to exaltation. Have we cultivated a spirit of love in our homes? Observed President David O. McKay, 'A true Mormon home is one in which if Christ should chance to enter, He would be pleased to linger and to rest.'

"What are we doing to ensure that our homes meet this description? Do we ourselves meet it?

"On the journey along the pathway of life, there are casualties. Some depart from the road markers which lead to life eternal, only to discover that the detour chosen ultimately leads to a dead end. There are those who, for unexplained reasons, march to the sound of a different drummer, later to learn they have followed the Pied Piper of sorrow and suffering."

President Monson, speaking warmly and directly, counseled: "Today, there goes forth from this pulpit an invitation to people throughout the world: Come from your wandering way, weary traveller. Come to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Come to that heavenly haven called home. Here you will discover the truth. Here you will learn the reality of the Godhead, the comfort of the plan of salvation, the sanctity of the marriage covenant, the power of personal prayer. Come home.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends forth to you an earnest appeal. Open your doors to the missionaries. Open your minds to the word of God. Open your hearts — even your very souls — to the sound of that still, small voice which testifies of truth."