President Gordon B. Hinckley
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From the church's modest beginnings with six members 172 years ago, "something truly remarkable has happened. Great has been the history of this work. Our people have endured every kind of suffering. Indescribable have been their sacrifices. Immense beyond belief have been their labors. But out of all this fiery crucible has come something glorious."
The church, now with 11 million-plus members in 160 nations, has become fifth largest in the United States and has more members outside this country than in it. "It is a phenomenon without precedent."
Although a decision was made not to proselytize during the Olympics recently held here, "we were confident that out of this significant event would come a wonderful thing for the church . . . Well, it all worked out. The visitors came by the hundreds of thousands . . . They discovered not only the scenic wonder of this area, with its magnificent mountains and valleys, they found not only the wonderful spirit of the international games at their best, but they found beauty in this city."
Media representatives, "so often a tough and calloused group, with very few exceptions spoke and wrote in language both complimentary and accurately descriptive of a unique culture they found here, of the people they met and dealt with, of the spirit of hospitality which they felt."
Salt Lake City as it is today is a fulfillment of prophecy. "Needless to say, I am happy with what has happened."
The Perpetual Education Fund, established just a year ago, has already "demonstrated that vast good will come of this undertaking." Some 2,400 have benefited.
