President Thomas S. Monson: 'Welcome to Conference'

President Thomas S. Monson began the 179th Semiannual General Conference of the Church by announcing construction of five new temples, highlighting the dedication of two others, and acclaiming the miracles of communication technology and the growth of the Church.

Following is the text of his remarks during the opening session of the conference on Saturday morning, Oct. 3:

"How grateful I am for the age in which we live — an age of such advanced technology that we are able to address you across the world. As the General Authorities and auxiliary leader stand here in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, our voices will be reaching you by various means, including radio, television, satellite transmission and the Internet. Although we will be speaking to you in English, you will be hearing us in some 92 languages.

"Since we last met in April of this year, we have dedicated the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah. Sandwiched between the Draper Utah Temple dedication in March and this most recent dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in August, a spectacular two-night cultural event was held featuring youth from both temple districts. The productions retraced the rich legacy of Utah through song and dance. All told, approximately 14,000 youth participated over the two nights.

"We continue to build temples. We desire that as many members as possible have an opportunity to attend the temple without having to travel inordinate distances. Worldwide, 83 percent of our members live within 200 miles of a temple. That percentage will continue to increase as we construct new temples around the world. Currently, there are 130 temples in operation, with 16 announced or under construction.

This morning, I'm pleased to announce five additional temples for which sites are being acquired and which, in coming months and years, will be built in the following locations: Brigham City, Utah; Concepcion, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Sapporo, Japan.

"Millions of ordinances are performed in the temples each year in behalf of our deceased loved ones. May we continue to be faithful in performing such ordinances for those who are unable to do so for themselves. I love the words of President Joseph F. Smith as he spoke of temple service and of the spirit world beyond mortality. Said he: 'Through our efforts in their behalf, their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their people here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.'