"We have had long experience in constructing houses of worship, and out of that vast experience we are producing better buildings than have ever previously constructed in this church. They combine beauty with great utility. If they look much the same, it is because that is intended. By following tried and tested patterns, we save millions of dollars while meeting the needs of our people."

Speaking from a seated position due to a pinched nerve in his back, President James E. Faust joined his fellow church leaders in addressing more than 20,000 Latter-day Saints seated in the Conference Center and countless other members around the world via satellite. During his Saturday morning remarks, the second counselor in the church's First Presidency urged members to stand strong with God.

"In an increasingly unjust world to survive and even to find happiness and joy, no matter what comes, we must stand unequivocally with the Lord," he said. "We need to try to be faithful every hour of every day so that our foundation of trust in the Lord will never be shaken."

Elder L. Tom Perry welcomed the two apostles during the Saturday afternoon session, saying the Quorum of the Twelve is a tight-knit group who guide and support each other. Apostles study the gospel together and proclaim it to all who will hear.

"I wish the feeling and respect we have for our council could be transported to every quorum of the church," he said.

Jesus Christ has called prophets, seers and revelators to direct his church in ancient and modern times, said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

"Thus the apostolic and prophetic foundation of the church was to bless in all times but especially in times of adversity or danger, in times when we might feel like children, confused or disoriented, perhaps a little fearful, times in which the devious hand of men or the maliciousness of the devil would attempt to unsettle or mislead."

Elder M. Russell Ballard taught that every member of the church must have a personal testimony built upon the foundation of Christ.

Monthly testimony meetings should be more centered on the Savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures, Ballard said.

"The profound blessing of having a testimony of these truths cannot be measured or ever taken for granted."

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Contributing: Leigh Dethman

E-mail: romboy@desnews.com