Bishop H. David Burton: If Tabernacle's walls could talk
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While the Salt Lake Tabernacle was strengthened and renovated, President Gordon B. Hinckley's charge that the historic character of the building be preserved as much as possible was realized, said Presiding Bishop H. David Burton.
Speaking in that setting during the Saturday afternoon session, Bishop Burton speculated, "If these walls could talk. ..."
They would:
- Express appreciation for all those involved in its recently completed
makeover, including architects, the Church project team and the many
skilled workers.
- Express appreciation for a new foundation, "delighted with their new
steel belt which holds them tall and erect," and that 14 layers of paint
were scraped off, replaced with a new coat.
- Express gratitude for "the protection and beauty of a shiny new
aluminum roof," benches with added knee room and the ability to better
accommodate the strains of inspirational music.
- Shout, "We were here" during momentous pronouncements and testimonies by apostles and prophets: President Joseph F. Smith speaking after a prolonged illness of his communication with the Spirit of the Lord and intimating the revelation on the Redemption of the Dead, now Doctrine and Covenants 138; President Harold B. Lee, as an apostle, reminding members of the long-standing command to hold weekly family home evenings and of the blessings that would accompany obedience; Elder Bruce R. McConkie's powerful testimony of the Savior; and President Hinckley's introduction of the Proclamation on the Family.
Bishop Burton concluded, "I'm grateful for this extraordinary building. It stands as a sacred monument to our past and a magnificent ensign of hope for the future."
