THOMAS S. MONSON NAMED 16th PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH

It was announced on February 4th, thatThomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor.

It is wonderful to see our church go forward. We are so privilegded to be led by a living prophet in our days. It is wonderful to be a part of this church in these latter days.

Responding to a reporter’s question about the Church’s openness in working with other churches and groups, President Monson said: “We should not be sequestered in a little cage. We should eliminate the weakness of the one standing alone and substitute it with the strength of working together to make this a better world.”

TEMPLE SQUARE MISSION TODAY

PAST TEMPLES SQUARE MISSION PRESIDENTS

1989 - Ralph Bradley
1991 - Robert B Harbertson
1993 - Joseph M. McPhie
1995 - Robert C. Witt
1997 - Lowell M. Snow
1999 - Richard I Winwood
2001 - M. Garfield Cook
2003 - Arlen Crouch
2005 - Milo LeBaron

WHAT MISSION PRESIDENTS SAID ABOUT TEMPLE SQUARE MISSION

President Joseph M. McPhie: "... In a year so full of historic, dramatic milestones it would be difficult to say which miracle was the greatest, there were so many. But, probably the greatest of all miracles was the magnificent spirit of the special missionaries called to Temple Square for this particular year, to meet these incredible challenges and do the things the Lord wanted done. As always, when in the service of the Lord the blessings far surpass the challenges. We, who had the privilege of serving on Temple Square in 1993 have been rewarded with possibly the most memorable year of our lives..."

President Robert C. Witt: "...The Temple Square Mission is absolutely unique and wonderful. It is the smallest mission in the Church geographically, and probably the largest, in terms of missionaries. And it is so unique, in that virtually all of the missionaries see each other every day. And they see their mission president every day. Temple Square is known for its beautiful buildings, gardens, and music. But in our minds and heart, and in our memories, it is the missionary association that made it so special for us..."

President Lowell M. Snow: "...Sometimes we find ourselves in a place that doesn't seem to be a part of this world...a place where our thoughts are clearer, reality easier to grasp, and heaven a little bit closer. For many, Temple Square is such a place. We have always stood in awe of this marvelous place. It is a bit of heaven on earth. We thank God for the privilege of serving His children here for a season. We were so grateful to be asked to serve in this little corner of His vineyard, working daily in the shadow of the Great Temple that represents His love and the way back to Him..."

President Richard I. Winwood: "...What a pleasure it was to serve with the sister missionaries on Temple Square. Each of them were sent at this time for a divine purpose with their own Divine Magnetism for those who they could teach. We were amazed at the rich and sacred trust placed in us. How we loved those sisters! We claimed them as our daughters. We were not immune to their Divine Magnetism. We were honored to be in the service of our Heavenly Father with them..."

President M. Garfield Cook: "...For Sister Cook and me, Temple Square is the realization of our ancestors dreams, sacrifice and hard work. We both have pioneer grandparents who left all they had to settle here. They were part of the generation that made the desert blossom as the rose. Our primary focus is to discuss the history of Temple Square and to share some of our basic beliefs as members of the Church. We know that many will leave here with a desire to learn more and there will continue to those whose lives will be forever changed and blessed as a result of their visit to Temple Square. How grateful we are to be a part of this great work..."

For full interviews with the Past Mission Presidents please refer to "Angels on Temple Square" by Joyce K. Goodrich and Maurine E. Winters.

Here is what Glenn Beck had to say about Gordon B. Hinckley

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Our prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley has passed on.

This month we ponder the influence of a great man. He was such a humble, sweet, kind man. He never drew attention to himself, but was always hard at work to extend a helping hand to improve the station of all men. He worked tirelessly to further the teachings of Jesus Christ and to make it possible for men everywhere to enjoy the blessings of the gospel. He was certainly a worthy example to each of us of what one man can be when he dedicates his life to doing good.

We are saddened at his passing, but so grateful for life's lessons he passed on to us during his time here on earth. President Hinckley was sustained as member of the twelve apostles in 1961. In 1995 he was sustained the prophet and seer of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

During the years of being a general authority he visited wards and branches around the world. He directed the building of numerous ward and stake buildings throughout the earth. He dedicated the remodeled Hotel Utah into the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and several other buildings at the campuses of BYU in Provo, Utah, BYUI in Rexburg, Idaho, and BYUH in Laie, Hawaii. President Hinckley has directed the building of and dedication of 85 new temples. He directed and dedicated the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah to house church conferences and other special programs offering seating for 21,000 people to attend.

His vision inspired the creation of LDS Charities, the humanitarian effort for the church, and set up the Perpetual Education Fund which helps students in poorer countries or circumstances to obtain an education. He directed the translation of the Book of Mormon into many languages and the temple ceremonies for use in the new temples that dot the earth.

He was honored at the White House and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bush in June of 2005. He has received nine honorary Doctorate degrees from universities and has written the books: "Standing for Something", "Stand a Little Taller", and "Way to Be". There have been several books written about his teachings including his biography. He has indeed been a wonderful prophet, a man who we would all do well to follow and live according to his teachings so we can return with honor ourselves to our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Following is a poem tribute to our beloved prophet:

A funeral is a special time, a meeting of the heart.

We feel closer to the one now gone and desire to remember their part.

President Hinckley has gone home to dwell with our Father in Heaven dear.

But, today our thoughts are drawn to him, for surely we'll miss him here.

He was a prophet, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

We've traveled along thinking that his time with us would never end.

President Hinckley worked hard to achieve his goals, to meet the challenge of earth,the things he stood for and cared for, are proof of his great worth.

He was quiet and gentle, so considerate and kind,a better friend and associate would be very hard to find.

We enjoyed so many blessings because of him, appreciated them every one.

Did we tell him how much he meant to us, how grateful we are for what he has done?

Our memories are clear today and if they should ever grow dim.

We'll go to our nearby temple and focus them right back in.

We wouldn't have one so close and be able to go so easily during the year, if it weren't for his vision and working to provide for them here.

The 'Proclamation to the Family'came out at just the right time,when families were being attacked, his wisdom helped clarify and define.

Yes, we knew the debate was over, whenever the Prophet spoke.

He taught great truths in simplified language easily understood by all folk.

Because of him and other modern prophets, we know revelation is not dead.

He counseled us as he received inspiration from Jesus Christ, our living head.

We're so grateful for all he said and did, his life we'll truly treasure,and hope to draw closer to our Savior, as we live out our life's measure.

President Hinckley traveled the world over, for encouragement and succor to give,and his influence will be felt on this earth for as long as man shall live.

He now stands in the courts on high with prophets of old and modern day.

Our own Sister Samoa is probably singing with the angels to welcome him today.

Heavenly Father today we entrust our beloved prophet to you to receive peace and rest.

We miss him already and love him so much, we pray he'll be eternally blessed.

We thank Heavenly Father for Gordon B. Hinckley's life and for the memories we treasure still clear.

We pray that he will know of our special love for him as our prophet through these past years.

The funeral for President Hinckley will be broadcst Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 at 11:00 am mountain standard time from the BYU channel and from all church satellite systems. I hope you can all participate.

WHAT PEOPLE SAID AFTER A TOUR

The motto of the Temple Square Mission is "...to prepare their hearts to receive the word."
Here are some comments that visitors wrote after having a tour with sister missionaries:

TEXAS (Presbyterian) The tour was wonderful. It stirred up all my emotions and love of Christ.

ILLINOIS (Unitarian) Temple Square is very impressive: facilities, films, buildings and the friendliness and hospitality shown by all the guides. The enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you so much. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my family to Salt Lake City.

ISRAEL (Jewish) It was a very interesting presentation. It is the first time for me to hear about Jesus Christ, his beliefs and his actions.

NEW ZEALAND (Ratana) Fascinating and a tribute to the commitment and faith of the early pioneers, It has been an honor to visit.

NEW MEXICO (Methodist) Thank you! Your sincere love for Jesus Christ is very evident. You radiate the peace and love of his teachings.

ALABAMA (Baptist) I appreciate having had the opportunity to take this tour. I commend the young ladies who gave us the information, but most of all their sweet spirit which comes from Jesus Christ.

TEXAS (Atheist) Very interesting and touching tour.

CALIFORNIA (Catholic) Excellent tour, beautiful facility, the sister missionary did an outstanding job and it does make me want to learn more...

GERMANY (Evangelist) We were really pleased by the tour. It was a big bonus that the Sister was able to speak German.For more detailed information on the History of Temple Square please refer to "Angels on Temple Square" by Joyce K. Goodrich and Maurine E. Winters.

TEMPLE SQUARE ORGANIZED INTO A MISSION

It became apparent that Temple Square was one of the most effective ways to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to many people from around the world. In 1981 the first five couples were assigned as full time missionaries to Temple Square. For the next few years, missionaries from the Salt Lake City Mission were handling all of the foreign language tours. In 1987 it was the first time when 16 young sister missionaries were assigned as visitors' center missionaries.

By 1989 all volunteers then reaching 1,200 were released and Temple Square was fully staffed with full-time young sister missionaries.On March 23rd, 1995, Temple Square became officially a mission of it's own called Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Misison. It is the smallest mission in the Church geographically. R. Witt was the president of the mission at the time with about 175 sister missionaries and about 35 couples(senior missionry couples). The sister missionaries were from around the world with a language capability with over 30 languages spoken. The major goal of the mission was to "find" people that want to learn more,rather than "teach" people the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words the mission would gather referrals and those who visited Temple Square and had a desire to learn more would be taught by local missionaries wherever they lived.

Since 1988 visitor attendance on Temple Square has fluctuated between 4 and 5 million people a year. Referrals to missions around the world have progressively grown in number each year. More and more visitors coming are feeling the spirit of God there and have a desire to learn more about the church.

HISTORY OF TEMPLE SQUARE MISSION

IN THE BEGINNING

Within days of the arrival of the first wagons of Latter-day Saint settlers to this territory on July 28, 1847 Brigham Young, who was the President of the Church at the time, struck his cane to the ground and said. "Here we will build a Temple to our God."

It took the pioneers 40 years to finish the Salt LakeTemple, but while still under the construction in 1875 Charles J. Thomas was appointed to be the official guide for Temple Square. Visitors could enjoy a demonstration of a dropping of a pin at the pulpit of the Tabernacle to demonstrate it's acoustics (it is still being done today) and they could also sign a guest book. Over 4,000 visitors came through Temple Square during 1876.President Wilford Woodruff dedicated the Salt Lake Temple on April 6th, 1893.

As more and more visitors came through Temple Square it was important to make sure they would receive accurate information about the church. To eliminate rumors and myths James Dwyer, a local book seller, printed small cards with The Articles of Faith on one side and a picture of the Temple on the other. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints still uses these cards on Temple Square and in various Visitor Centers. Missionaries and members of the church also pass them along.In 1888, Ben Goddard suggested that the church will need a Bureau of Information in effort to welcome and inform visitors. A few years later on August 4th, 1902 it became a reality and Ben became the first director. He worked in this capacity until his retirement in 1929. During the Bureau's first year there were 105 volunteers that greeted about 150,000 visitors.

By 1968 there were 250 volunteers serving as guides.To accommodate the growing number of visitors, two buildings were added to Temple Square. The Church erected the North Visitors' Center on Temple Square and dedicated it in October of 1963. In 1976, the 1904 Bureau was razed and a second visitors' center was subsequently erected in its place. This South Visitors' Center was dedicated in June of 1978. Originally the Church opened the North Visitor Center, with magnificent replica of Christus Statue and beautiful murals depicting stories from the Bible, and South Visitor Center, with focus on the Book of Mormon.

Right before the 2002 Winter Olympics both Visitor Centers were remodeled, modernized and changed and reopened in October 2001 . The North Visistor Center's upstairs area is still the same, but the main and lower level were completely redesigned. the whole area focuses on the Bible and Book of Mormon Prophets, Living Prophet and the mission of the church in general with plasma displays, movie clips and other media information to answer various questions. The South Visitor Center carries the themes of Eternal Familes, Temples and the Pionieer's Legacy.

WHAT OTHERS SAID

COLORADO (Catholic) I felt very much welcomed from the moment I entered. The place is full of peace.

CALIFORNIA (No Religion Listed) We appreciate the individual attention and friendly reception that Temple Square gives its visitors regardless of faith.

SOUTH CAROLINA (Episcopal) I enjoyed being your guest today. The square is a beautiful example of the workings of your faith.

UNITED KINGDOM (No Religion Listed) Our guides gave us a great tour of Temple Square and brought light to our day and smile to our faces.

WASHINGTON (Catholic) Sister Lim was our tour guide this afternoon. We got a very thorough and thoughtful tour from her. This is a spectacular center for the Mormon religion.

TEXAS (Baptist) I enjoyed learning more about the Mormon Church and its scriptures. Our guide was most pleasant and inspiring.

WISCONSIN (Episcopal) Wonderful architecture, delightful tour.

NORTH CAROLINA (No Religion Listed) This place was beautiful and very Christ oriented. The missionaries were very helpful and had great information.

HISTORIC TEMPLE SQUARE

The historic Temple Square and it's surroundings in Salt Lake City, is one of the best tourist attractions in UT. While visitors each year are in the millions, tourists who visit are not just members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Majority of visitors are people from different religious backgrounds and nationalities. Most of them are curious about LDS religion and history of the church. For that purpose Temple Square Mission has sister missionaries as guides from various nations to accommodate visitors and offer them tours of Temple Square in their own native language.

Other visitors come because of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir to enjoy their performances, especially Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. Among many other cultural events that draw people to Temple Square are: daily organ recitals, movies in the Legacy Theater, performances in the Conference Building, concerts on Temple Square.

Originally Temple Square was the Salt Lake Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle and Assembly Hall, as well as various monuments, statuary and North and South visitor centers. Recently The Church Office Building, The Relief Society Building, The Church Administration Building, The Conference Center, The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, The Lion House and The Beehive House, The Brigham Young Historic Park, The Family History Library, The Museum of Church History and Art were added and are included as a part of Temple Square Mission today. All together it is thirty-five acres of Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

The Salt Lake Temple is not opened to public. Exhibits and presentations in the South Visitors' Center explain why. You can stroll past meticulously maintained gardens and visit the rest of unique historical buildings There are many other places to visit from within walk distance of Temple Square itself. The Family History Library offers the largest collection of genealogy records in the world. The Museum of Church History and Art has four rotating exhibits and several permanent displays, the Eagle Gate are the main attractions.

This blog will unfold a unique character and history of this place and describe many experiences that people enjoyed here. That way you too will experience, in part, what is experienced be visitors to beautiful Temple Square.