The genius of Brigham Young's leadership was his absolute belief he was doing the will of God — all the while expending the energy and effort necessary to get the job done, President James E. Faust told those gathered for the Days of '47 Committee luncheon July 24.

Photo by Julie Dockstader Heaps

President James E. Faust greets Sharon Belnap, second attendant in 2001 Days of '47 royalty, during lunchheon. President Faust represented the Church during the morning's parade.

In a crowded room in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke of the recent 200th birthday anniversary of President Young. "Brigham Young was a great leader in faith and works. He believed [goals were accomplished] by his faith and expending every energy before going to God for assistance," President Faust added.

In his brief remarks at the luncheon after representing the Church during that morning's Days of '47 Parade, President Faust brought a chuckle from everyone when he spoke of his boyhood working in the alfalfa fields driving teams of horses. "I learned there were two kinds of horses — work horses and show horses. I'm afraid today I was a show horse, and I'm happy to meet the work horses," he added, speaking to members of the Days of '47 Committee. "Please accept the gratitude of the First Presidency for the success of this occasion."

President Faust expressed his appreciation for Days of '47 activities that "perpetuate the legacy of the history and faith of this state."

Just before speaking, President Faust was presented a bust of President David O. McKay by Ortho Fairbanks, the featured artist this year for the Days of '47 Fine Arts Show.

Also present at the luncheon and giving brief remarks were Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt, who was accompanied by his wife, Jackie. Gov. Leavitt spoke of the coming time when the Olympic flame will be brought into the Salt Lake Valley, "symbolizing as an affirmation and as a tribute to the pioneers who entered this valley."

He said that at that moment, some 3.6 billion people throughout the world will be watching that flame enter a modern city where the pioneers once settled. "In 200 days [when the Olympics begin], may we all recognize the affirmation and tribute we will pay to the pioneers."

During the annual luncheon, tributes were paid — called the Legacy Recognition — to Ned Winder, who for more than 30 years has narrated the Days of '47 Parade, and Joe Venue, an artist who champions artists in Utah and who is chairing the fine arts works for the upcoming Utah State Fair.