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25 years ago
A historic meetinghouse in Farmington, Utah, was rededicated on June 22, 1980, by President Ezra Taft Benson, then president of the Quorum of the Twelve.
"More and more children will be taught in the old rock chapel here, where the first Primary of the Church was held Aug. 25, 1878," reported an article in the June 28, 1980, Church News. "The building got an extended lease on its usefulness with a new wing and remodeling."
The meetinghouse, which was 117 years old at the time, was filled with about a thousand people for the rededication. Some were in the new chapel that was added while others were in the old chapel "where Aurelia Spencer Rogers conducted the first Primary, teaching boys and girls domestic skills and gospel principles." The proceedings were viewed in the old chapel via closed-circuit TV.
The article stated: "President Benson commended members for their sacrifice in completing the building. 'Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments,' he said, 'and you are doing this in a large measure as you support buildings like this.' "
The remodeling made use of native stone, matching the original building which was dedicated in 1864 by a future president of the Church, then Elder Wilford Woodruff of the Quorum of the Twelve.
