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50 years ago
Elder Harold B. Lee, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, arrived in Yokohama, Japan, on Aug. 20, 1954, to begin an extensive tour, according to the Aug. 28, 1954, Church News.
During his tour, he would "contact members of the Church and LDS servicemen stationed in Japan, Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Guam and Wake," according to the article. "It is expected that contact with outlying Church units will be made by plane."
Elder Lee and his wife, Fern, the article stated, arrived in Yokohama "aboard the 'SS President Cleveland,' a day late because of rough water occasioned by the last flourishes of the typhoon 'Grace' which hit the Tokyo area."
During the remainder of August, the article reported, the Church leader would hold meetings at branches of the Church in Japan and interview missionaries in the Japanese Mission.
It continued, "A mission-wide conference scheduled for September 18-19 to be held in Tokyo, has been approved by the First Presidency."
There were also arrangements made for meetings with local officials as well as public meetings in other areas where Elder Lee was scheduled to visit.
The tour was scheduled to end on Sept. 29, allowing Elder Lee to return to Salt Lake City in time for October general conference.
