This week in Church history
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
25 years ago
Having missed the previous general conference while recovering from cranial surgery, President Spencer W. Kimball returned to preside over the April 1982 annual general conference of the Church on April 3-4, according to the April 10, 1982, Church News.
An article stated: "President Kimball's attendance at the (Saturday morning) session marked his first conference appearance in a year, creating a poignant moment as he clasped hands and whispered greetings while being seated on the stand."
President Kimball sat with his counselors — President N. Eldon Tanner, President Marion G. Romney and President Gordon B. Hinckley — as his secretary, D. Arthur Haycock, read his opening address.
Another article added, "A murmur of surprise and delight swept through the Tabernacle Sunday afternoon when the announcement was made that President Spencer W. Kimball would be the final speaker of the conference.
"Although still weak from operations that he has undergone, President Kimball spoke with clarity and conviction: 'I bear my testimony that the Lord is at the helm, the Church is true and all is well. God bless you, my brothers and sisters,' he concluded."
The article recorded: "A feeling that this was a special moment permeated the Tabernacle as the president spoke briefly to the hushed congregation. After the meeting closed, all stood quietly as a token of respect while he was assisted from the stand."
