181st Semiannual General Conference: First day features new temples, sermons

Published: Saturday, Oct. 1 2011 11:52 p.m. MDT

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Summary

SALT LAKE CITY — The 181st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened Saturday morning under blue skies and balmy temperatures, with a full house of 20,000-plus conference-goers anxious to hear from their church leaders — especially their prophet.

President Monson concluded the day of conference sessions with a priesthood meeting sermon in which he taught that "as holders of the priesthood of God it is essential that we are able to face — with courage— whatever challenges come our way." He reminded his listeners that living church standards often places them at odds with the rest of the world, and urged them to develop the spiritual strength required to be able to stand alone against the world.

"With all my heart and soul I pray that every man who holds the priesthood will honor that priesthood and be true to the trust which was conveyed when it was conferred," President Monson said. "May each of us who holds the priesthood of God know when he believes. May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe, and if we must stand alone in the process, may we do so courageously, strengthened by the knowledge that in reality we are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven."

The 181st Semiannual General Conference of the church will conclude Sunday with sessions at 10 a.m and 2 p.m. at the Conference Center.

EMAIL: jwalker@desnews.com

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Serenity

Manti, UT

It was a wonderful conference. I wasn't sure why President Monson got up to the podium with a smile and a "hello" until this article explained he was a little late. But it was so charming the way he did it. I also didn't understand Pres. More..

8:22 a.m. Oct. 2, 2011
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bluecoug89

Highland, UT

Conference was inspiring. It seemed like I got something from every talk that was personal and just for me. I am so grateful for a living prophet and 12 apostles who are Christ's spokesmen on the earth to guide and direct his church. I am also More..

4:06 p.m. Oct. 2, 2011
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mightymite

DRAPER, UT

Why was attendence and viewership down so much this year? Is it a sign of the times or just the economy. I would be interested in hearing the opinions of others.

6:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 2011
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