LAIE, Hawaii — In Old Testament times, a 50th anniversary was a cause for celebration — a jubilee. Here on the north shore of Oahu, a jubilee has been going on for the past week.

Last Sunday, events began in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, born in 1955 as the Church College of Hawaii, owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joining in the golden anniversary celebration, President Thomas S. Monson addressed a devotional assembly on the campus Friday morning. He then served as grand marshal of a commemorative parade Saturday morning, which was held as planned despite intermittent rain.

President Monson, first counselor in the church's First Presidency, recounted some of the school's history in his devotional address. He spoke of a visit 84 years ago that Elder David O. McKay, then a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve, made to Laie. He attended a flag-raising ceremony and devotional exercises at the Laie Mission School, where 127 children of many races were enrolled, recounted President Monson.

"Elder McKay was deeply touched as he watched these children singing, praying and pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States. As he watched the proceedings, he envisioned a church school of higher learning for Laie, which would eventually complement the recently dedicated Hawaii Temple. That vision, which endured for many years — including the years of World War II — culminated in what became The Church College of Hawaii, later renamed BYU-Hawaii.

"In February of 1955, the man who by then had become president of the church presided at the groundbreaking services. In September of that year, the Church College of Hawaii officially commenced classes with a student body of 153. Today, on this beautiful campus, there are some 2,400 students from Asia, the Pacific Islands, the United States and other parts of the world."

President Monson said the students today, representing more than 70 countries, are fulfilling "the dream which President David O. McKay had for you and the thousands of others who have passed — and who will yet pass — through these hallowed halls. As he broke ground 50 years ago, President McKay declared that there were two purposes for the school: First, for things 'pertaining to God and his kingdom,' and second, 'to help develop . . . character, and make noble men and women.' For 50 years now, this institution has fulfilled these noble purposes. It will continue to do so."