Cornerstone sealed amid mild sunshine
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SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH
President Thomas S. Monson celebrated his 82nd birthday Aug. 21 by enjoying two of his favorite activities: interacting with thousands of Church members and opening a new temple.
President Monson and several other Church leaders began three days of dedication activities at the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple by participating in the traditional outdoor cornerstone ceremony on the southeast corner of the edifice. A 187-voice choir greeted the Brethren as they exited the temple with a spirited rendition of "How Great Thou Art."
A veteran of dozens of temple cornerstone ceremonies in locations and climes throughout the world, President Monson clearly appreciated the morning's mild Utah temperatures.
"We prayed for a lovely day and the Lord has given us an abundance of sunshine," he said before placing the first ceremonial clump of mortar used to seal the temple's cornerstone. He then passed the trowel to his second counselor in the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The Church leader commented on his counselor's proficiency with the tool: "For an airline pilot, that's perfect."
They were joined at the ceremonial cornerstone duties by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve, and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, along with Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy, and members of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah temple presidency and the temple matron and assistants to the matron.
Several young children were also called forward to place a bit of mortar around the cornerstone. Michael Branan, 6, was raising his hand high in the air at the back of the crowd. President Monson called on him, saying, "Make way for the redhead." After the ceremony, Michael said he was happy to have red hair because that, he was sure, was why President Monson singled him out.
As the cornerstone ceremony concluded, the hundreds of members gathered outside for the event serenaded President Monson with an impromptu version of "Happy Birthday to You." President Uchtdorf concluded the song by singing, "And many more!"
"That's what I was waiting to hear," replied a smiling President Monson.
The Church president shook hands with several people as he returned to the temple to continue with the formal dedication. He stopped to greet one man in a wheelchair, Jose L. de Pando of Spain.
When President Monson learned Brother de Pando was a Spanish speaker, he broke out a few "espanol" lines of his own, delighting the crowd.
Many who participated in the cornerstone activities said their morning with President Monson and the other leaders would never be forgotten.
"You feel the spirit of the temple in everything you do," said South Jordan resident and choir member Ted Wagner.
Nadine Troxel spoke of the special responsibility the new temple represents.
"We all have to do our part and strengthen our children so they can attend the temple."
Several young people living in the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple district gathered outside the temple hours before the cornerstone ceremony in hopes of catching a glimpse of President Monson and the other leaders. They were thrilled to have witnessed a moment in Church history and to have a new temple in their midst.
"Having a temple within walking distance makes me very happy," said 12-year-old Josh Avery.
Brianna Bennett, a 14-year-old South Jordan girl, added she felt honored to have spent the morning with President Monson on his birthday.
"You can tell he has so much love for us," she said.
