"Today at this solemn assembly, we have complied with the will of the Lord," said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was first to address the congregation after the assembly. The "law of common consent has been invoked and the church will move forward on its prescribed course."

Sustaining proceeded from the the three members of the First Presidency itself through the ranks of leadership, priesthood quorums, auxiliary membership and then to the general membership of the church, with each group rising to make its support known. The vote in the Conference Center appeared to be unanimous, although it was announced that dissenting votes could be noted and passed along to authorities.

It was an emotional moment for many, including members who had traveled long distances to be present for the conference.

"Ohhh," said Maria Ofer Sanabria, her hand on her heart. "It was so special. It was the only (such moment) in my life. I raised my hand high. I feel very happy." She traveled from Florida with two daughters to take part in the special day.

Her friend Victor Cardozo of Salt Lake City then expressed the obligation his show of support entailed. "Now I will support him (President Monson) and follow his instructions," he said.

The solemn assembly was a common thread that wove itself into several of the Saturday talks.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve paid tribute to the new presidency based on his long experience with them. "I have known President Monson for a long time. He is a mighty man of Israel who was foreordained to preside over this church. He is well-known for his captivating stories and parables, but we who know him best understand that his life is a practical and exemplary model of the application of those stories."

Elder Wirthlin described President Eyring as a "wise, learned and spiritual man. He is known and respected not only in the church, but by those not of our faith. He is a kind man who, when he speaks everyone listens."

Elder Wirthlin, then area president of the church in Europe, extended a call to President Uchtdorf to be a stake president in Frankfurt, Germany, 23 years ago, he said. "As I have watched him over the years, I have noticed that everything under his direction has succeeded. The Lord is with him." Elder Wirthlin, who is 90 and has experienced some health problems in recent years, remained seated while giving his remarks, which centered on the great value of each individual and the need to be all-inclusive in church activity.

President Eyring, on the morning roster of speakers, bore witness that the LDS Church is "true and living."

"This is the true church, the only true church, because in it are the keys of the priesthood. Only in this church has the Lord lodged the power to seal on earth and to seal in heaven as he did in the time of the Apostle Peter."