From Deseret News archives:
Conference Center is prophet's legacy
In 2000, he introduced the hall as an oasis in the middle of city
But crowds have exceeded expectations ever since that "great hall," the LDS Conference Center, was opened in April 2000. When it was dedicated on Oct. 8, 2000, more than 30,000 people filled the 21,000-seat hall, according to Deseret Morning News archives.
During a prayer to dedicate the center, President Hinckley said the building and other surrounding church properties were a "testimony of the strength and vitality of (God's) work."
"May this area be looked upon as a place of peace, an oasis in the midst of this bustling city," he said. "May it be a place where the weary may sit and contemplate the things of God and the beauties of nature."
Later, President Hinckley noted, "It is not a museum piece, although the architecture is superb. It is a place to be used in honor to the Almighty and for the accomplishment of his eternal purposes."
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the building. It is not, however, set aside as a place for proselyting like the adjoining Temple Square.
President Hinckley told the Deseret Morning News in 2000: "It is a bold step we are taking. But this boldness is in harmony with the tremendous outreach of the church across the world."
The Conference Center has been said to be the largest auditorium in the world dedicated to religious worship and a legacy of President Hinckley's tenure as leader of the LDS Church. It has a 7,667-pipe organ, was built with 116,000 cubic yards of concrete, has a 92-foot spire and four-acre meadow on top. It was built from the same granite with which the Salt Lake Temple was constructed in the 19th century.
The building's pulpit has a unique connection to President Hinckley. It was made from a walnut tree that grew in the back yard of his Salt Lake home a place where his children "played and also grew," he said during the April 2000 LDS General Conference.
Those who volunteer at the Conference Center say it's a place where the spirit of God is present. During a prayer dedicating the building, President Hinckley prayed that it would be a gathering place and "a thing of beauty to the beholder both inside and out."
"May it be a house of many uses," he prayed, "a house of culture, a house of art, a house of faith, a house of God. May it give expression to the declaration of the people that if 'there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."'
He continued, "From this pulpit may thy name (God) be spoken with reverence and love. May the name of thy Son be constantly remembered with sacred declaration. May testimony of thy divine work ring forth from here to all the world. May righteousness be proclaimed and evil denounced. May words of faith be spoken with boldness and conviction. May proclamations and declarations of doctrine ring forth to the nations."
Recent comments
While construction of the Conference Center was a monumental...
Jon S. | Jan. 28, 2008 at 12:28 p.m.
Let's not forget Pres. Hinckley's establishment of BYU-Idaho, now one...
Robb | Jan. 28, 2008 at 10:29 a.m.
- Utah's high court has rich history 11:42 p.m.
- Children's choir delivers cheer 11:38 p.m.
- Dungy wants more Black coaches 11:29 p.m.
- Ute women fall to 25th Louisville 11:28 p.m.
- Flash open home season tonight 11:26 p.m.
- Davis wins men's 1,000 11:20 p.m.
- Teachers link art, core curriculum 11:13 p.m.
- Weber State overcame adversity 11:10 p.m.
- NFL roundup: Dolphins upset Pats 10:58 p.m.
- Event briefs 10:57 p.m.
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- BYU and Utah's bowl games
- BYU professor remembered
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Branch president without a congregation
- Utahns want health care reform bills
- BYU basketball: Cougars crush Dons
- Kurt Bestor: Joy for the world
- Tiger's SUV, personal life are a wreck
- Jazz upset by Wolves
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
317 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
257 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
214 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
189 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
130 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
113 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
105 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
105 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
97
Trolley Square's annual Holiday Open House will feature visits with...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
All I want for Christmas is a good health care bill. From either party - I...
As a BYU fan after seeing Tim Tebow react after he did playing in the Bama...
mark | 11:17 p.m Obama never said that. Obama did say he would take advice...
BCS crazy, you don't know what you are talking about. Go hawks!!!
I don't know Mr. Valdez, but I do know a couple members of his family. If I...
I want one thing explained to me before I will consider any of your...
"The U.K. Met Office says it will release weather data next week for the...
Have any of you (2009, stop grazing, perfect solution,perfect mess,...
Why hasn't BYU practiced this week? Well ... it might be so some players...
I guess fair and balanced reporting by conservative shills as omitted that...



