Each of the Saturday afternoon speakers commented either briefly or at length on the influence the Tabernacle has had in their lives. Bishop H. David Burton, who as presiding bishop of the church was assigned to oversee the building's retrofit, said it now is "revitalized and ready for another period of distinguished service."

More than 2,000 craftsmen were involved in the restoration project, he said, and they have "proudly returned the old original Tabernacle along with a 100-year-warranty," to the church.

"These old walls, if they could talk, would shout, 'We were here!"' he said. Many historic events occurred within its walls, Bishop Burton said, including countless talks by church authorities, the sharing of prophetic announcements and the sharing of new church programs and policies.

In October 1918, President Joseph F. Smith alluded to a revelation that church members later learned he had experienced shortly before he spoke. His account of that event was later incorporated as Section 138 in the Doctrine and Covenants, disclosing particulars of what church members refer to as "the redemption of the dead." President Heber J. Grant, during the Great Depression that afflicted the United States, announced creation of the church "Security Plan," which evolved into the the much-admired Church Welfare Plan.

Then-Elder Harold B. Lee reaffirmed a program that had been proposed years before, dubbed "Family Home Evening." Elder Bruce R. McConkie, very near to death at the time, bore strong testimony to the reality of continued existence beyond death.

Those and countless other profound components of the faith either buoyed or admonished members of the church through long years, Bishop Burton said. "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."

The Tabernacle has witnessed significant church events, said President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve, including the initial sustaining of every president except Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. The Pearl of Great Price was accepted there as one of the church's standard works; Sections 137 and 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants were presented to the church membership; the LDS version of the King James Bible, copiously cross-referenced and annotated, as well as new editions of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, were announced; and in the early 20th century, the Word of Wisdom was accepted as binding on church members after many years of being optional.

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, delivered what he said was his 102nd conference address in the Tabernacle. Many of the significant events of his life, including his baptism and his call to be a general authority, were associated with the building, he said.