Hospital Ship Staffed by Hundreds of Volunteer Medical Professionals Provides “Comfort” in Seven Countries
Volunteers from the Church are working alongside the United States Navy and other relief organizations as part of a humanitarian and medical training mission that is blessing the lives of thousands.

Sixth Year for “This is Kirtland!” Production Brings Changes
Kirtland musical adds color and fun to your visit to this sacred place in our history.
By Brenda Jackson

News Coverage of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 2009 Summer Tour
A cast of 500 musicians, performers and support personnel have put on a show to remember for thousands — in venues from Cincinnati to Kansas City.

Temple Square Performances for July 2009
July continues Temple Square’s well-known outdoor Concerts in the Park summer series at the Brigham Young Historic Park where seven are scheduled for this month.
By Rosemary G. Palmer

Nauvoo was Restored Because of “a Little Help from Our Friends”
Two attorneys stepped forward to help make Nauvoo restoration a reality.
By Rosemary G. Palmer

Mormon Channel iPhone Application Now Available
A new application for the iPhone allows users to tune into content being broadcast on the Mormon Channel and listen to audio recordings of General Conference.
By David Nielson

An Interview with John Whitmer’s Great-Great-Granddaughter
Lorene Pollard was actually the first of John Whitmer’s descendants to finally enter the waters of baptism and she was kind enough to answer all of my questions.
By Becky Cardon Smith

President Monson Dedicates New Church History Library
After fifteen years of planning and nearly four years of construction, the new Church History Library was dedicated by President Thomas S. Monson on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
By Becky Cardon Smith

Behold, There Shall Be a Record Kept Among You
New Church History Library to Open
In a new season of preservation and archiving, the Church has built a state-of-the-art library where its precious records will be kept and made available for historians and researchers.  The library is about to be opened to the public.  Come and get a sneak preview today.

Nauvoo University to Open Fall, 2009
Nauvoo University will open its doors to freshman students for its inaugural semester during the Fall of 2009.

"A Vision of Nauvoo University"
When Joseph Smith laid the foundation of Nauvoo, he had plans for a temple and a university.  Now the time has come for the university.
By Seth Adam Smith

Apostles Visit UK and Ireland Saints, Build Faith
“Reach out to others” was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's message to thousands of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in meetinghouses across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Apostles Recall Historic Sermon by Ezra Taft Benson at a Moscow Baptist Church
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles paused for a tour of a historic Baptist church in Moscow that hosted another senior Church leader nearly 50 years ago.

Senator Hatch to Speak at Washington DC Visitors' Center
Senator Orrin G. Hatch and his wife, Elaine, will speak at the Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center on Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Missionary Training Center Takes Precautions Regarding Swine Flu
Parents of missionaries entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, are being asked to pay particular attention to the physical condition of their missionary sons and daughters and to delay their arrival at the training center if they show any signs of illness.

Church Leaders Visit Growing Church Membership in Eastern Europe
Thousands of Mormons in Ukraine and Russia traveled from throughout eastern Europe this week to welcome President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' First Presidency and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  

Online Games from the Friend
The Friend magazine has launched four new matching games for children.

Truman Madsen's Life Celebrated at Funeral
If you didn't get to come to Truman Madsen's funeral, here is a brief report with some photos that you'll want to see as we say goodbye to our dear friend.  
Photos and text by Kjirstin Youngberg

Come Up to the Mountain of the Lord
Draper Temple and Oquirrh Mountain Temple Youth Celebration
In an unprecedented event, youth from 51 stakes in the Salt Lake Valley gathered to celebrate in lively song and dance the arrival of not just one temple, but two!  The energy and magnificence of these youth were captured in this beautiful photo essay by Meridian's correspondent, Kevin Raff.  Come and see.  
Photo Essay
Text and Photography by Kevin Raff

MTC Takes Precautions Regarding Swine Flu
Parents of missionaries entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah are being asked to pay particular attention to the physical condition of their missionary sons and daughters and to delay their arrival at the training center if they show any signs of illness. 

Temple Square a Popular Destination
With millions of visitors each year, Temple Square was recently recognized by Forbes magazine as the 16th most visited attraction in America.

Mountain Meadows Activities Planned
Activities will be held at the site of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, near Enterprise, Utah today, Friday May 29, 2009 and Saturday, May 30, 2009.  Click for the details.

Mormon Orchestra of Washington, D.C. to Present Concert
The Mormon Orchestra of Washington D.C. will present a free concert for children and their families on Sunday, June 7, 6:30 p.m., at the Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center.

Church Response to California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes the deeply held feelings on both sides, but strongly affirms its belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman.  The bedrock institution of marriage between a man and a woman has profound implications for our society.

Dedication and Open House Dates Announced for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced dates for a public open house prior to the dedication of the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.  

LDS General Counsel Receives Scouting's Highest Honor
Lance Wickman to Receive Silver Buffalo Award From Boy Scouts of America.  

New Mormon Radio Features Inspiration
BYU, Deseret Book, Bonneville and more contribute content to new station. 

David McCullough, Award-Winning Historian and Author, Visits Church History Library
Two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning author David McCullough told Church History Library employees recently that “history doesn't stay alive unless it's looked after.” 

Faith & Football 2009 Scheduled For Saturday, May 16th
An incredible line-up of coaches and athletes, including LaVell Edwards and Andy Reid, will speak to members of the greater Baltimore community.

Elder Marlin K. Jensen Counsels SVU Grads to Prepare for the Ultimate Final
Speaking to the graduating class of Southern Virginia University, Elder Marlin K. Jensen told the students that their ultimate final would come in 60 or 70 years.  
Written by Burke Olsen and Kaitlyn Smith

Church Teams With Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital
In the Congo, the Church is bringing clean water to a needy hospital.

Elder David A. Bednar to deliver CES fireside address May 3
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present a Church Educational System fireside Sunday, May 3, that will be broadcast at 6 p.m. The broadcast will originate from the Brigham Young University-Idaho campus in Rexburg, Idaho.

Thousands of South Floridians Forgo the Beach to Give Back to their Community in a Day of Service
Instead of heading to the beach on a sunny Saturday morning, more than two thousand members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) from the South Florida area along with community volunteers worked over 10,000 hours on Saturday, April 25th, in a Day of Service.  
By Jennifer Samuels

Massive Service Day Benefits Thousands
From coast to coast, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined hands with friends and neighbors to clean up and serve their communities in a far-reaching day of service. 

Volunteers Transcribe 250 Million Historical Records
FamilySearch volunteers reached a monumental milestone this week, transcribing their 250 millionth historical record.  The incredible online initiative started in January 2006 with a few thousand volunteers and has now grown to be the largest Web-based initiative of its kind with over 100,000 volunteers worldwide.

Church History Library Goes “Green” With LEED Certification
The innovative design and construction of the new Church History Library was designed and constructed to meet the high standards for certification as a “green” building through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, putting it on track to receive the prestigious Silver designation.

Temple Square Performances for May 2009
A musical feast is scheduled for May's performances on Temple Square, with eight concerts in the Assembly Hall all beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free but limited to those eight years of age and older.

Hundreds of Thousands of Volunteers to Provide Day of Service in Eleven Southern States
Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from community and faith-based organizations will strengthen communities and bring relief to those struggling because of the economic downturn in an unprecedented single day of service across 11 southern states on 25 April 2009.

General Conference Highlights, April 2009
An 11-minute video of highlights of the April general conference is now online in English.
By Larry Richman

Anti-Pornography Conference in Rexburg, Idaho
The Idaho Anti-Pornography Conference will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Rexburg Tabernacle. For more information and to register, go to http://www.citizensfordecency.org/.
By Larry Richman

President Henry B. Eyring Teaches Leadership Principles to BYU Management Society
“I have searched for years for an answer to the question, why do people decide to follow a leader?”
By Maurine Proctor

Church Helps Bring Water to African Community
Residents of the town of Luputa in Africa's Democratic Republic of the Congo are celebrating the arrival of clean, fresh water to a region which has known only scarce water from shallow wells since the 1950's.

BYU named No. 1 Producer of Family Therapy Research in the Nation
An independent analysis crowns Brigham Young University as the nation's top producer of marriage and family therapy research.

BYU to host annual Women's Conference, "In the Strength of the Lord," April 30-May 1
The Brigham Young University Women's Conference, co-sponsored by the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will feature instructional sessions and a service event for women Thursday and Friday, April 30-May 1.

Word Cloud from April 2009 General Conference
What words were used most frequently in General Conference?  Some people figured it out statistically and others made a picture of it.
By Larry Richman

Mormon Apostle's Easter Message Becomes Top Internet Video
A short Easter video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quickly spread over the weekend to become the top “viral” video on the Internet, according to the Viral Video Chart.

First Presidency Shares Easter Message
In recognition of the Easter season, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following Easter message today.

Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant Celebrates the Savior's Life and Ministry
The Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant, recognized as the world's largest annual outdoor pageant, is expected to attract more than 100,000 people this year.
By Cecily Marklund

Fargo, Flooding, and Faith – Part 4
The Eye of the Storm
As the floodwaters of the Red River broke their all-time record high, Latter-day Saints joined with the community to race against the clock and build sandbag dikes.
By Sean E. Brotherson

179th Annual General Conference — Sunday Afternoon Session, April 5, 2009
Talk excerpts from Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder L. Tom Perry, President Thomas S. Monson and more.

179th Annual General Conference — Sunday Morning Session, April 5, 2009
Read excerpts from the talks in the first session of conference.

179th Annual General Conference — Priesthood Session, April 4, 2009
Here are excerpts from the talks of President Boyd K. Packer, Bishop Richard C. Edgley, Elder Claudio R.M. Costa, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, President Henry B. Eyring and President Thomas S. Monson.

Elder Neil L. Andersen Humbled, Overwhelmed by New Calling as Apostle
New apostle has this solace amidst his feelings of inadequacy:  He as a witness that Jesus is the Christ.
By Maurine Proctor

179th Annual General Conference — Saturday Morning Session, April 4, 2009
Read excerpts from the talks in the first session of conference.

179th Annual General Conference — Saturday Afternoon Session, April 4, 2009
Read excerpts from the talks in the second session of conference.

New General Authorities and Auxiliary Leaders Called
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the calling of a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a new member of the Presidency of the Seventy, new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy, new members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and 40 Area Seventies at the Saturday afternoon session of the Church's 179th Annual General Conference.

When Conference Materials Will Be Available
Here is a list of when all the conference talks will be available including all online formats and print forms.

Church Statistics—2008
The following statistics were reported at the Saturday afternoon session of the 179th Annual General Conference.

Fargo, Flooding, and Faith – Part 3
On the Front Lines of Service
With the floodwaters rising to a record level, Latter-day Saints in Fargo, North Dakota, found out first hand the spirit of discipleship that accompanies crisis.
By Sean E. Brotherson

Thousands to Attend 179th Annual General Conference
More than one hundred thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 179th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Fargo, Flooding, and Faith – Part 2
The Gathering Waters
Were we ready for a flood of historic proportions that could spill over the banks, break the levees, and devastate a large portion of two cities?
By Sean E. Brotherson

Fargo, Flooding, and Faith – Part 1
If you are a church member with children, your help is requested in answering a survey on LDS parenthood.
By Sean E. Brotherson

Spanish Bible to Benefit Millions of Mormons
In a letter to congregations of Spanish-speaking Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the forthcoming Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish. 

Draper Utah Temple: 'This, Thy Holy House'
The Church News, Saturday, March 28, published the text of the prayer that President Monson gave in the 12 dedicatory sessions of the Draper Temple. Link found here.

A Time Capsule is Placed in the New Church History Library
The Church History Library has been designed from the ground up as a state-of-the-art archival building, which would compare favorably with any archival library in the country.
By Deena Campanile

2009 BYU Conference on Family Life: If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear (D&C 38:30)
The School of Family Life and the Division of Continuing Education have combined the two family conferences (Family Expo and Families Under Fire) into one annual conference called The BYU Conference on Family Life: If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear (D&C 38:30).

Summertime in Old Nauvoo
If you come to Nauvoo this summer you'll see historic sites, a pageant, plays, historical vignettes and more to make the city come alive.
By Rosemary G. Palmer

The Church Responds to the Big Love Temple Depictions
A viral campaign has been urging  Latter-day Saints to respond to HBO's “Big Love” which claims to be showing the LDS temple ceremonies in an upcoming episode.  Here's how the Church responds.

Is Something Sacred? Meridian's Response to Big Love
“My experience has been that those who respect another's beliefs, especially beliefs about what is sacred, usually hold some things sacred themselves.”
By Terrance D. Olson

Family Values Award Presented at British Parliament
The United Kingdom Parliament provided a prestigious backdrop for the presentation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Family Values Award — the first time the honor has been awarded at the UK House of Commons.

Mormon Mompreneurs Make their Mark in Literature and Beyond
It was reported in the Boston Globe that LDS (Mormon) women, many moms among them, are making their mark in young adult literature.
By Dana King

Registration Now Available for BYU Women's Conference April 30-May 1
Registration for Brigham Young University faculty, staff and students is now available for the 2009 BYU Women's Conference, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 30–May 1.

Microfarming Project Helps Families in Ecuador Become Self-Reliant
Representatives of the Benson Institute are helping Ecuadorian families to become self-sufficient by providing training for growing crops and raising animals.

Mormons Support Australian Bushfire Victims with Prayers and Fast Offering Aid
Thousands of Australian members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) participated in the Australia National Day of Mourning on Sunday, 22nd February. Prayers were offered in more than 300 Latter-day Saint congregations across the country, remembering the victims of the recent Victoria bushfires and expressing thanks to the many emergency workers.

LDS Employment Resource Services Keeps People on the Job
Recognizing the value of meaningful employment, Church leaders established LDS Employment Resource Services — to provide opportunities to those who are unemployed or who desire to learn job skills.

An Invitation to Participate in a Research Study of Latter-day Saint Parents
If you are a church member with children, your help is requested in answering a survey on LDS parenthood.
By Steven Behling

Weekend Retreat is Bringing Women to Nauvoo
Women needing a break from their routines and an opportunity to fill their cups will converge on Nauvoo, Illinois, on March 26-27 for the 4 th annual Nauvoo Women's Retreat, to be held this year in the Camp Nauvoo Lodge.

African AIDs Orphans to Sing at Washington DC Visitors' Center
The Watoto Children's Choir will be singing at the Washington DC Visitors' Center on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Construction Begins on The Gila Valley Temple
Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided at groundbreaking services for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple,  held on Saturday, 14 February 2009.

2009 FamilySearch Developers Conference and Software Awards
Platform expands with Family Tree Version 2 and other new Web services
FamilySearch announced today its second annual conference for software and Web application developers and its inaugural FamilySearch Software Awards.

Faiths Join for Musical Tribute in Salt Lake Tabernacle
A children's choir representing both the Jewish and Muslim faiths joined other performers in sharing their common beliefs during the Interfaith Musical Tribute to the Human Spirit held at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Church Provides Aid in Aftermath of Southeast Ice Storms
As snow, ice and chilling winds continue to batter the southeast region of the United States, supplies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are on the ground in Kentucky and Arkansas.

Media Reports on Proposition 8 Filing Uninformed
Claims that the Church filed only one report of its contributions before January 2009, or did not report all its contributions to the Protect Marriage Coalition, are erroneous.  The Church filed all necessary reports over the course of the campaign in compliance with California state law.

Mark H. Willes Named President and CEO of Deseret Management Corporation— Rodney H. Brady Announces Retirement
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Deseret Management Corporation, comprised of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, named Mark H. Willes, 67, of Provo, Utah as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Deseret Management Corporation in a board meeting today.

Church Clarifies Proposition 8 Filing, Corrects Erroneous News Reports
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints clarified erroneous news reports following the filing of its final report on donations to the ProtectMarriage.com coalition.

New DVD about President Thomas S. Monson
The Church has just released a new DVD which is a  biographical overview of President Thomas S. Monson's life and service in the Church.
By Larry Richman
Director of the Church Publications and Media Project Office

Scripture Stories Available Online and on DVD
The illustrated Scripture Stories series which have been used for years to help young children understand the gospel are now available online and on DVD in text, audio, and video format.

Volunteers Rally to Bring Last National Census Online
1875 Norway Census Transcription Initiative Is Underway
FamilySearch International, the University of Tromsø, and DIS-Norge announced today a joint initiative to transcribe the 1875 Norway Census for free online access. It is the only Norway census that has not been indexed and the first to be tackled as a global, Internet-based effort.

Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Saturday the open house and dedication dates for the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.

Joseph Smith Manual Online in More Languages
The Church Curriculum Department has expanded the online availability of the manual   Teachings of Presidents of the Church:  Joseph Smith to 11 languages.

Director of FamilySearch to Speak at Genealogy Fair
The South Davis Family History Fair—possibly the largest genealogy convention in the country—will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009, in Bountiful, Utah.

At-Home Indexing Rapidly Increasing Genealogical Records Access
“In 30 minutes you can help people find their ancestors.” That's the promise prominently displayed on the front page of the familysearchindexing.org Web site.

President Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard at the National Prayer Service
A Photo Essay
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve attended, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Photography By Scot Facer Proctor, Text By Maurine Proctor

Church Leaders Attend President Obama's Inauguration
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was represented at inaugural events for President Barack Obama by President Dieter F. Uchtdor, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Historian to Celebrate Lincoln at Washington D.C. Visitors' Center
Chris Brewer, outstanding historian and sought after national speaker, will discuss the topic “Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass” at the Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center, Sunday, February 8, at 7 p.m.

Temple Square Performances for February 2009
An exciting offering of concerts on Temple Square will take place in February with a wide array of musical events.

The Friend Magazine's New Internet Pages for Kids
The Friend Magazine has a new online, interactive page for children with puzzles, stories, coloring and lots of fun.
By Larry Richman
Director of the Church Publications and Media Project Office

A Tour of the Draper Utah Temple
Here's a tour of the new Draper Utah Temple with its towering spires sitting among the mountains of the Salt Lake valley.
By Maurine Proctor

One Million to Visit Draper Temple Open House
A temple open house gives the public—and the press—a rare opportunity to see who the Latter-day Saints really are, and when Elder M. Russell Ballard took the press through the temple, he was spiritually bold.
By Maurine Proctor

ABC Features Draper Temple On Nightline
In conjunction with the Draper Temple Open House, the Church issued invitations to several national news outlets to come and see inside the temple which they so often label as secret or suspicious.  Dan Harris from ABC News took the Church up on the offer.
By Maurine Proctor

Popular Turn-of-the-Century Census Now Free Online
FamilySearch International continues to feed the growing appetite of family historians and researchers worldwide with the release of its free 1900 U.S. Census online.

News Article Highlights Church's Preparedness for Hard Economic Times
An Associated Press article that ran this past week highlighted the Church's system for taking care of its poor and needy.

Latter-day Saint Youth Celebrate “A Brand New Year”
The onset of 2009 brings an opportunity for young people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to renew their commitment to their faith while participating in a program of instruction, song and dance that reviews the activities of 2008. The program also introduces their theme as Mormon youth for the new year: “Be thou an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Featuring The King's Singers — Comes to PBS
The world's most famous choir and one of the world's most soft-after and acclaimed vocal ensembles come together in a magnificent Christmas celebration that will be aired this year on PBS stations Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  This is typically one of the most-watched holiday shows on PBS.  Come and get all the details.

The Joseph Smith Papers
The Survival Story of Joseph Smith's First Journal
Joseph Smith's first journal, a pocket memory book he purchased in 1832, bears distinguishing markers of the mileage accrued in the journey from Ohio to Salt Lake City.  The pocket journal also contains the handwriting of other Church leaders, including Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams.

The Joseph Smith Papers
Joseph Smith Papers Reveal Personality of Church Founder
This keepsake first volume in the series is already sold out in stores for Christmas.  According to Dean Jessee the expansive papers in the entire collection reveals a man of considerable accomplishment.

Prop 8 Backlash Is “An Outrage That Must Stop”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed appreciation on Friday for a full-page advertisement in The New York Times that decries the “violence and intimidation” directed toward the Church because of its support of Proposition 8.

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional
The First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM MST and originate from the Conference Center Auditorium.  Included here are all the rebroadcast times as well.

Funeral Arrangements for Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Funeral services for Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Friday, 5 December 2008, at 12 noon.  Read story for details.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: A Daughter Remembers
Madeline Wirthlin Stover reminisces about her father and gives us insight into the man who said of his calling in the Twelve:  “I don't know why I'm here, because I am the least of the apostles.”
By Maurine Proctor

Beloved Apostle, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Dies
The oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday night, at age 91.  Elder Wirthlin constantly turned our minds and our hearts to the Savior Jesus Christ:  “ Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces… But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come.”
By Maurine Proctor

Christmastime in Today's Nauvoo
For us, the facts and folklore of Nauvoo live large in our minds and hearts.  In those few legendary years of the 1840s, Nauvoo was our Camelot, “for one, brief shining moment” a Zion society of love and joy that we hope will someday, somewhere be duplicated.
By Marjorie H. Rice

Church Releases Report on 2008 Hurricane Relief
Since last August, the Church has sent dozens of semi-truck loads of supplies to the Gulf Coast  to aid those affected by Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike.

Draper Utah Temple Open House Reservations Available to Public
Tours of the twelfth temple in Utah of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the Draper Utah Temple – can be reserved by the general public beginning 1 December 2008, at 10 a.m.

Gulf Coast State Histories Slated for Online Access
Houston Public Library Joins FamilySearch in Digitization Effort
Thousands of publications that capture the diverse histories of Gulf Coast states will be accessible for free online.  Come and read all about the exciting details.

Church Donates Fruit to U.S. Food Pantries
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experienced a bumper peach crop this year from its orchards in northern and southern Utah.   Peaches and apricots have been delivered to people in need throughout the United States.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple
Community Groups Share the Holiday Spirit
Performers from a variety of community groups throughout the Metro region perform free holiday concerts nightly at the 31 st annual Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse
The First Presidency has issued a statement saying that efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of good will everywhere.

Temple Square Concert Rescheduled
The Elizabeth Ballantyne piano concert originally scheduled for last Friday has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square.  Details here.

Church Responds to Jewish News Statements
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are very disappointed over statements made in a media advisory from Mr. Ernest Michel, honorary chairman of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors.

Internationally Renowned Artists to Perform at Washington D.C Temple Visitors Center
International artists, Allison Eldredge, cellist, and pianist, Yoshie Akimoto, will present a concert at the Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center, Saturday, November 22, at 7 pm. Free to the public.

Church Responds to Same-Sex Marriage Votes
The Church has published a plea for parties who have been involved in the highly charged emotional debate over same-sex marriage to act with mutual respect and civility toward each other.

Nauvoo Pumpkin Walk
This small city on the bend of the Mississippi River is known for its historic sites and inhabitants, beautiful temple, and Nauvoo Pageant.  Now word has spread about Nauvoo's annual “Pumpkin Walk”  Come and visit the event on the pages of Meridian.

President Uchtdorf Counsels Aviators, Then Pilots Flight
President Uchtdorf took to a real cockpit and piloted an airplane for a short flight recently, the first he has flown since retiring as a commercial pilot 12 years ago.

Celebrate the Spirit and History of Christmas at the Church History Museum
For the first time in the history of the Museum of Church History and Art, they will exhibit a world class collection of fifty hand-crafted Polish nativity scenes through the Christmas season.  This will be a must-see display.  Come and get all the details.

“Mormon Helping Hands” Program—A Decade of Service
Perhaps one of the keys to the growth of Mormon Helping Hands is that it is not a program that was pushed. It was allowed to grow at its own pace.

Singer, Actor Join Tabernacle Choir for Christmas Concerts
Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell and actor Edward Herrmann will be the featured guest artists for Ring, Christmas Bells, this year's Christmas concerts by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Mexico City Temple Opens Its Doors to the Public
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened the doors of the Mexico City Temple and is inviting the public to experience a guided tour of its interior.

A Second Chance at a Future through Deseret Industries
When Jennifer was released from prison she thought everyone knew her past. “It was like I had ‘felon' tattooed across my forehead,” she said.  But after she interviewed at the manufacturing plant at Deseret Industries, an agency sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her life started to change.

Relief Trip Helps Hurricane Victims
On a clear fall morning in Houma, Louisiana, 1,400 men, women, and children clad in yellow t-shirts assembled from Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee to serve the people of Houma, who had been devastated by Hurricane Gustav and then by Hurricane Ike.
By Brent Hales, Hattiesburg Mississippi Stake

Church Readies Members on Proposition 8
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are California citizens currently living out of the state are being organized to make phone calls in support of Proposition 8, if needed.

LDS Young Adults in Ghana Participate in Interreligious Dialogue Program
With a national election coming in Ghana, young adults from several met in Accra at Christ the King Catholic Church Hall to participate in the Second Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue Program for the Youth of Ghana.
Story and Photos by Elder John Bingham and Sister Jo Bingham — Africa Area West Public Affairs Missionaries

178th Semi-Annual General Conference —Sunday Afternoon Session
October 5, 2008
Enjoy the talk excerpts from President Boyd K. Packer, Elder Russell M. Nelson, Brother William D. Oswald, Elder Eduado Gavareet, Elder Carlos A. Godoy, Elder Quentin L. Cook and President Thomas S. Monson.

Sisters Unite to Help Those in Need
Relief Society sisters joined hands to help a shelter for homeless women and children.

Distinguished British Genealogist to Lecture at the Family History Library
Colin R. Chapman, one of the foremost British genealogists today, has lectured on British and Irish genealogy throughout the world. Now, family history enthusiasts in Utah will have an opportunity to hear him speak.

178th Semi-Annual General Conference —Sunday Morning Session
October 5, 2008
Here are excerpts from talks by President Henry B. Eyring, Elder Robert D. Hales, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Sister Elaine Dalton, Elder M. Russell Ballard, and President Thomas S. Monson.

178th Semi-Annual General Conference —Priesthood Session
October 4, 2008
Talk excerpts from Elder Richard G. Scott, Elder Jay E. Jensen, Elder James J. Hamula, President  Dieter F.  Uchtdorf, President Henry B. Eyring, and President Thomas S. Monson.

178th Semi-Annual General Conference —Saturday Morning Session
October 4, 2008
Excerpts from all the speakers at the Saturday morning conference are included here, including Elder L. Tom Perry, Sister Silvia Allred, Elder Neil L. Andersen, Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  We include  President Monson's plea to us to pray that the nations of the world may be open to preaching the gospel.

178th Semi-Annual General Conference —Saturday Afternoon Session
October 4, 2008
Read talk excerpts from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Gerald Causse, Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, Elder D. Todd Christofferson,  and Elder David A. Bednar.

Five New Temples Announced at Conference
Not since April 2000 have so many new temples been announced at one conference.

Temple Announced for Greater Kansas City Area
One of five new temples announced this weekend by President Thomas S. Monson will be built in the greater Kansas City area.  Here's some background and context of the area where the new temple will be built.
By Scot Facer Proctor

A Trip Down the Bayou with Mormon Helping Hands
Mormon Helping Hands just helped St. Andrews Episcopal Church after it was devastated by the hurricane.
By Nayda Easley
Photography by Aurene Mallory & Jane Horacek

Thousands to Attend 178th Semiannual General Conference
More than one hundred thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 178 th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dedication and Open House Dates Are Announced for the Draper Utah Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced dates for a public open house prior to the dedication of the new Draper Utah Temple.

Arnold Friberg Book of Mormon Art Collection Displayed at LDS Mesa Temple Visitor's Center
The complete 12 piece collection of Arnold Friberg's Book of Mormon artwork is on display at the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitor's Center for a six week run. Friberg is recognized as one of the greatest master painters of modern times.

Church Welfare Program Helps People Help Themselves During Tough Economic Times
Americans are struggling with stagnant wages, rising debts and increased expenses during these tough economic times.  How does the Church help?

Temple Square Performances for October 2008
Fall is a wonderful time to come to Temple Square and enjoy the beauty of the fall colors, as well as to listen to beautiful music.

Church Assists Hurricane Victims in Haiti, Prepares to Render Aid in Texas
Two planes carrying over 47,000 pounds of supplies took to the air from Salt Lake City last  Wednesday bound for the Caribbean nation of Haiti.

Adrian Andrews Hero for Special Need Gustav Evacuees
When hospitals were evacuating for Gustav, some people had such special needs that not even the Red Cross could care for them.  Instead, one man with a vision did.
By Jileen Pratt

Recipient of Service Turns Into Service Worker
Wanda Blanton looked out into her backyard at the huge limb broken over her neighbor's fence and wondered, “What am I going to do? My deductible is too high to cover this, and I don't have the money to have it removed.”
By Nayda Easley

Membership in Utah Grows
The net growth in Utah among members of the Church is growing steadily, approaching 1.8 million or 72 percent of the population according to end-of-year 2006 statistics.

Church Focuses Aid on Next Approaching Hurricane
Each year, millions of men, women and children are impacted by war, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters.  In these desperate circumstances, quick response is often the difference between life and death.

Book of Mormon Reaches 140 Million Milestone
The 140 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon:  Another Testament of Jesus Christ  was recently distributed, passing another milestone in the book's history.

Family History Library Offers Free Classes
In the upcoming weeks, the Family History Library is offering three new series of classes to help with your family history research.  They are Capturing Your Family History, FamilySearch Indexing, and a research series on LDS resources.

BYU Study Finds Trauma Reduces Brain and Memory
While debate continues over the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study indicates traumatic events and PTSD symptoms may be followed in some cases by a size reduction in a part of the brain called the hippocampus.

Mine Eyes and Mine Heart are in the Temple
A Twin Falls Temple Story
After a debilitating stroke, Bob King wasn't sure he would be able to serve in the temple again, let alone become a counselor in the new Twin Falls Temple presidency.
By Dana King

What You Will Find When You Step Inside a Mormon Chapel
Most first-time visitors to a Mormon church building comment on the number of rooms. Many expect to find one large interior space, such as in many other Christian denominations' buildings of worship.

Young Single Adult Conference in Siberia
In an area of the world known for cold, 225 young members of the Russia Novosibirsk and Russia Yekaterinburg Missions, with a group from the Russia Vladivostok Mission, found the warmth of special friendships and activities that they were seeking.
By Elder Lloyd and Sister Mary Royer

President Thomas S. Monson Meets with Panamanian President and First Lady
Following the Sunday dedicatory service of the Panama City Panama Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church President Thomas S. Monson joined with other Church leaders in a Monday meeting with Panamanian President Martín Torrijos and his wife, Vivian Fernández de Torrijos.

Commentary from the Church: The Divine Institution of Marriage
In this must-read article, the official voice of the Church explains why it is so important to pass marriage protection amendments and what the implications are for society if we fail.

What Moves Mormons During Emergencies
If there is a disaster around the world—whether it be tsunami, earthquake or flood, a semi-truck or planeload of help from the LDS church will soon be on its way.

Tennis Champion and Accomplished Tenor, Jesse Holt, to perform at Washington DC Visitors' Center
Who would think that an athlete, who competed in two U.S. Open tennis championships, would also be an accomplished lyric tenor?

Mormon Olympians Ready to Compete in Beijing
Roach is a Mormon and will join a number of other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Beijing to compete at the 2008 Olympics Games.

Individuals With Addictions Find Hope and Help
The idea for a Church-sponsored addiction-recovery program was first suggested in the 70s and 80s when substance abuse began to make headlines.  Now there are nearly 1,000 groups meeting in the United States and Canada and others in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England, Germany and Mongolia with about 25% of these focusing solely on pornography addiction.  Come and read more.

Family History Library to Hold Free Classes on Understanding Technology
The Family History Library in Salt Lake will be holding a series of free classes in August.  Topics include:  Understanding Technology; Netherlands (Dutch) Research; and, a free research series on Italy.  Come and read about the details.

Temple Open House — Guests See Beauty, Feel Hope
One of the more than 32,000 people who have visited the new Mormon temple in Panama City over the past three weeks, Luis Farias, says that his experience has allowed him “to renew hope.”

Benefits Trickle Down from Clean Water Project
For the children of the central African city of Luputa and nearby villages, an 18-mile-long pipe being laid near their homes means a lot more than access to clean water for their families.

Mexico City Temple Reopens after Renovation
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Saturday that a public open house prior to the rededication of the Mexico City Mexico Temple will take place in October and November.

Mormons Tell Their Part of Western Expansion Story
Every Wednesday afternoon, 91-year-old Katherine Kercher dons a vintage skirt and joins her neighbor Lois Roos to tell the Mormon pioneer migration story at the Museum of Western Expansion in St. Louis, Missouri.

Internet Apologetics to be Focus of FAIR Conference
FAIR President Scott Gordon will address the upcoming Mormon Apologetics conference on the vital topic of responding to critics on the Internet.  His presentation will include a brief history of Internet interaction with critics, lessons we have learned and the future of online apologetics.

The Spirit of Mormon Pioneering Lives On
Out of curiosity, Andrew Zillale stopped an American couple on a street in Tanzania, inquiring why they were in Africa. Little did he know then that this chance meeting with missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1993 would lead to him becoming a modern-day Mormon pioneer.

BYU Television to Air Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert
If you want to commemorate the anniversary of the day the Mormon Pioneers first overlooked the Salt Lake Valley, you can do so from anywhere in the world. Stay at home and celebrate it with BYU Television, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Osmonds.

Church Records Lead to Groundbreaking Genetic Research
Utah is leading the world in genetic research because of the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), a unique combination of state vital statistics, other medical profiles and genealogical records from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Church Members Mentor in Many Fields
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a church of mentors, with every member learning and teaching as wards and stakes grow together.

Noted Expert to Speak on Book of Mormon Geography
Larry Poulsen, a noted biochemist recently retired from the University of Texas at Austin, will address attendees at the 10 th Annual Mormon Apologetics Conference Aug 7-8 in Sandy, Utah.

New Temples to Open in Panama and Idaho
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will dedicate new temples in Panama City, Panama, and Twin Falls, Idaho, this summer, bringing the number of operating temples worldwide to 128.

California Wildfires Touch Church Members' Lives
As wildfires rage through California, an LDS family sees their prayers answered even as their home goes up in smoke.
By Lisa West, Sacramento Multi-Stake Public Affairs

Geneticist to Address Joseph Smith's DNA at FAIR Conference
Ugo Perego, Director of Operations and Study Research Coordinator for the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, will present “Joseph Smith's DNA Revealed: New Clues from the Prophet's Genes” at the Annual Mormon Apologetics conference next month.

Mormons Encouraged to Share Personal Perspectives Online
The July edition of the Ensign features an address given by Elder M. Russell Ballard, who encourages Church members to participate in the growing online discussion about the Church.

FAIR Conference to Address LDS Issues
Leading scholars and popular authors and speakers will address issues of interest to LDS faithful at the annual Mormon Apologetics Conference, set for August 7-8.

Faith Matters to NBA Champions' General Manager
The fairytale season for Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics ended in June in the best possible way — a drubbing of the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA championship, Boston's 17th overall, ending a 20-plus-year championship drought.

Church Addresses Polygamy Issue
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken steps to better inform the public about differences between the Salt Lake City-based church and the polygamous group in Texas that calls itself the FLDS.

Ground Broken for Brazil's Sixth Temple
Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground on Friday at the site of what will be the faith's sixth temple in the country.

Conservation Group Hails Church for Salt Lake City Facelift
A new report highlighting environmentally friendly projects by U.S. faith-based organizations praises The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its City Creek Center initiative in downtown Salt Lake City.

Young Mormons Bring Relief to Hong Kong Elderly
Eighty volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worked with others in the community to take fresh bread and bottled water to residents of the village of Tai O after recent flooding and mudslides.

Missionaries Fill Sandbags as Mississippi Rises
QUINCY , Illinois — More than 130 missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are saying thank you to the people of Quincy, Illinois, by filling sandbags to protect the city that once protected Mormon pioneers.

Helping Hands Spare Nauvoo Sites in Record Midwest Flooding
As soon as the call went out that historic Nauvoo was flooding, helping hands pitched in to avert disaster.
By Marjorie H. Rice

Mormons Help Flood Victims in Three States
Hundreds of volunteers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adorned in yellow “Mormon Helping Hands” T-shirts spent this past weekend rendering aid to flood victims throughout southern Indiana.

Famous Art Coming Your Way
Here's a question for you: What do Queen Elizabeth, Charlton Heston, Prince Charles, and Captain Moroni have in common? The answer may surprise you.

Family History Library Offers Free Classes on FamilySearch Indexing
The Family History Library offers classes on how to do indexing. The next series of classes will be taught on Saturday, July 12, 2008.

Mormon Youth Make Helping Others a Big Part of Social Gatherings
Forty young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service to upgrade a home in North Ogden, Utah.

BYU Television and KBYU-TV to air Priesthood Commemoration Fireside
BYU Television and KBYU-TV, Channel 11, will air the special fireside, "Church Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Priesthood Revelation," on June 11 at 6:00 p.m. and June 15 at 1:00 p.m., respectively.

Defending Mormonism — Topic of New Book
As increased anti-Mormon Internet activity causes some Mormons to doubt their faith, but a grassroots volunteer group fights back.

Changes in Presidency of the Seventy Announced
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced change in the Presidency of the Seventy.

Elder Paul V. Johnson Appointed As Commissioner of Church Educational System
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the appointment of Elder Paul V. Johnson as commissioner of the Church Educational System, succeeding Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, who has been called as the Logan, Utah temple president.

Mormons Make Their Voices Heard — Digitally
In an age when the Internet has become a primary way that people communicate, three young Latter-day Saint women endeavor to discuss their faith. They don't do it in their Sunday best sitting in a church house; they do it sitting in front of a Web cam with a high-speed connection.

Two Musical Headliners to Entertain
Two internationally acclaimed musical artists, Marvin Goldstein and Sam Payne, will emcee a summer evening of humor and music, which will appeal to the whole family, at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center, Friday, June 20, 7:30 pm.

President Uchtdorf Meets with European Saints in Three Cities
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with members of the Church and guests last week in Versailles.

Hong Kong Mormons Aid Earthquake Victims
Within days of the massive earthquake that rocked the Chinese province of Sichuan earlier this month, more than 600 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Hong Kong traveled to a factory in Shenzhen, China, to assemble 10,000 emergency kits for victims.

President Bush Meets with First Presidency
President George W. Bush met with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday morning at the Church’s headquarters in Salt Lake City.

Believers in God Need to Work Together, Apostle Says
A senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told Bloomberg Television's Mike Schneider recently that “there should be a wonderful relationship with all people of all religious persuasions.”

New Phoenix Arizona Temple Announced
President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Saturday, May 28, that the Church plans to build a new temple in Phoenix, Arizona. This will bring the worldwide total number of temples built or under construction to 140, including five in Arizona.

Remembering Gordon B. Hinckley Event at Washington D.C. Visitors' Center
Maurine and Scot Proctor, founders of Meridian Magazine, will be speaking at 7:00 p.m., Sunday night, June 1, at the Washington D.C. Visitors' Center and showing a DVD, Gordon B. Hinckley, Temple Builder: Upfront and Personal.

100th Mormon Congregation Organized in Taiwan
The Pacific island of Taiwan now has 100 congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last month Mormon officials organized the new Mingchien Branch by dividing the larger Nantou Ward.

Aren't You Too Young to be Doing Genealogy?
Family history research, or genealogy, has traditionally been a hobby pursued mostly by middle-age adults and seniors. Formal college courses and advances in technology are now attracting teenagers and young adults to the pastime.

Missionaries Help Save Homes from Fires
Four Mormon missionaries helped save homes in their neighborhood when fires threatened the area last week.

Church Aid Sent to Myanmar
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the United Parcel Service, and Atlanta-based CARE International shipped 142,000 pounds of medical and other supplies to Myanmar on Monday, to aid those affected by a recent cyclone.

Elder J. Thomas Fyans Dies
Elder J. Thomas Fyans, an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died May 18, 2008, at his home after celebrating his much anticipated 90 th birthday with family members on Saturday.

FamilySearch Publishes Civil War Updates
FamilySearch genealogy website has announced its agreement with Footnote.com to publish two Civil War-era databases online.

How Mormons Deal with Fame
Seventeen-year-old Utah Mormon David Archuleta, one of two finalists in the singing contest American Idol, is the most recent example of high-profile Mormons who have had to reconcile their faith with their fame. 

Church Education Conference Set for June 6-7 at SVU
Registrations are now being taken for the annual Southern Virginia University Education Conference, which will be held on June 6-7 at the SVU campus. This year's theme is, “Living after the Manner of Happiness.”

Art Percussion Group at D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center
An award winning professional performance team from Taiwan is great entertainment that will appeal to all ages.

Curitiba Brazil Temple Opens its Doors to Public
The doors of the new Curitiba Brazil Temple are now open for public tours. The open house for members of the public will continue through 24 May, excluding Sundays.

Church Responds to Myanmar Disaster
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends its sympathy and assistance to the citizens of Myanmar following the recent devastating cyclone.

BYU-Idaho’s Three-Semester System is Working
Enrollment statistics released for summer semester 2008 at Brigham Young University-Idaho show that the goal of fully implementing the three-semester system is becoming a reality.

New Genealogy Guides for England and Scotland
FamilySearch has announced the release of two new free research tools that will help those with British and Scottish roots to find their ancestors.

LDS Women Reach Out to Serve
Why do these three Mormon women and thousands of others of their faith reach beyond the boundaries of their own homes, even their own communities, to provide relief to people in need?

Mormon Youth Put Life on Hold to Serve as Missionaries
Each of the more than 53,000 young Mormon missionaries serving as volunteers for the Church has a different story to tell about leaving behind career and studies to serve missions.

Osmonds to Join Tabernacle Choir for Concert
The entire Osmond family, including the Osmond Brothers, Donny, Marie and Jimmy, will be featured as guest artists for this year's Pioneer Day Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Church Works with Governments to Strengthen Families
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and government officials in the Philippines are joining together to provide resources to help strengthen families and communities.

President Thomas S. Monson to Give Closing Address at BYU Women's Conference
President Thomas S. Monson will be the concluding speaker during this year's Brigham Young University Women's Conference. He will address the attendees at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the Marriott Center.

McKay School of Education at BYU to Offer New Doctoral Program
The David O. McKay School of Education at Brigham Young University will initiate a newly designed doctoral degree program beginning fall semester 2008 titled Educational Inquiry, Measurement and Evaluation (EIME).

President Monson Announces Two New Temples in Arizona
Plans to build two new temples in Gila Valley and Gilbert, Arizona, were announced today by Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This will bring the total number of temples to 134 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases.

A Week in the Life of a Mormon Family
It’s early morning, and Hilary and Patience Ekpo are going over the day’s plans. After reading scriptures and praying together, they gather their five children together and go through a similar exercise, this time with the whole family.

Church Collaborates on Emma Smith Movie
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collaborated with the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society on the new movie, Emma Smith: My Story, which was released in theaters across Utah on 11 April.

New Zealand Temple Celebrates 50 Years
April 20 marks the dedication of the first temple in the South Pacific by President David O. McKay.
A photo essay by Laurie Williams Sowby

Apostle Urges Grads to Influence the Digital World
More than 1,400 Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates were urged to make their influence felt in the digital world in an address given by Elder M. Russell Ballard at winter commencement exercises held Friday, April 11.

Mormon Grandmother Helps Australian Prime Minister Say “Sorry”
As Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave a historic apology to indigenous Australians earlier this year, Latter-day Saint woman Lorna Fejo watched the televised speech with great interest.

BYU to Host Annual Women's Conference
On Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, the 2008 Brigham Young University Women's Conference, co-sponsored by the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will help women "Awake, Arise, and Come unto Him" through a broad range of instructional sessions and a service event that will "Make the Pathway Bright."

BYU–Idaho Introduces Laptop Computer Initiative
In an effort to further increase the quality of the student experience, Brigham Young University-Idaho is introducing a new initiative strongly encouraging students to obtain and use a laptop computer.

178th Annual General Conference
Sunday Afternoon, April 6, 2008
Talk Excerpts
Read excerpts of the last inspiring session of the 178th Annual General Conference. Speakers include Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder W. Craig Zwick, Elder Robert R. Steuer, Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Elder Lance B. Wickman, Elder Craig C. Christensen, and Elder M. Russell Ballard.

178th Annual General Conference
Sunday Morning Session, April 6, 2008
Talk Excerpts
Sunday morning conference speakers included President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder Sheldon F. Child, Sister Susan W. Tanner, President Boyd K. Packer, President Thomas S. Monson. Read excerpts from their inspiring messages here.

178th Annual General Conference
Priesthood Session
Young and old priesthood holders were inspired by church leaders, including talks by Elder Quentin L. Cook, Bishop H. David Burton, President Dean R. Burgess, Elder John M. Madsen, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and President Thomas S. Monson.

178th Annual General Conference
Saturday Afternoon Session, April 5, 2008
Talk Excerpts
The Saturday afternoon session o the 178th annual general conference included messages from Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder Robert D. Hales, Elder Gerald N. Lund, Elder Carlos H. Amado, Elder William R. Walker, Elder Richard G. Scott, and Elder L. Tom Perry.

First Presidency and New Apostle Sustained in Solemn Assembly
Thomas S. Monson was sustained Saturday as prophet, seer, revelator and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a solemn assembly of Church members worldwide.

178th Annual General Conference
Saturday Morning Session, April 5, 2008
Talk Excerpts
Refresh your memories of the Saturday morning conference session. Read excerpts of talks by Elder Russell M. Nelson, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Elder Kenneth Johnson, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, and President Henry B. Eyring.

Former Dean of Harvard Business School to Speak at DC Temple Visitors’ Center
Kim B. Clark, the 15th president of Brigham Young University-Idaho, will speak about “Becoming a Disciple Leader,” Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Washington DC Temple Visitors’ Center.

Thousands to Attend 178th Annual General Conference
More than one hundred thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 178th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Question-and-Answer Session Headlines Australian Broadcast
Thousands of Australians from many faiths gathered in 38 chapels recently to interact with an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a historic countrywide broadcast.

Taiwan Mayor Seeks Missionary Help
The mayor of Taichung has called on Mormon missionaries to assist with a project aimed at helping his city (population 1 million) become an inviting location for international business and tourism.

Leaders Urge Young Women to Make Good Choices
A Church leader told 20,000 young Latter-day Saint women on Saturday night that choices made at a young age can ultimately determine the course of a person's life.

Mack Wilberg Named Director of Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Dr. Mack Wilberg was officially named Friday as the new music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir by Mac Christensen, president of the choir.

Church Seeks National Landmark Historic Designation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced several developments in its efforts to memorialize the victims who were killed at Mountain Meadows more than 150 years ago in southern Utah.

Missionaries Help Protect Flooded Communities
The people of Fenton and Valley Park, Missouri, saw a different side of their local Mormon missionaries over the weekend. As floodwaters rose and homes and businesses were threatened, 50 young Latter-day Saints serving as missionaries for their church loosened their ties, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Visitors to Rembrandt Exhibit Find Common Ground
Educators, artists, art lovers and government officials are among the 30,000 guests who have seen 200-plus original works depicting the life of Christ by Rembrandt and other masters, all of which have been made available to Denver residents by art collector Shawn Merriman, a member of the Church.

Open House, Dedication Dates Announced for Twin Falls Idaho Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the open house and dedication dates for the new Twin Falls Idaho Temple.

Claims Regarding Purported Image of Joseph Smith Explained
A purported image of Joseph Smith is circulating widely on the Internet. Some persons have mistakenly claimed that this image belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that Church officials have verified or are verifying its authenticity. These claims are not true.

Emotions Surface as New Museum Opens
When Lynn Stowell, a volunteer guide at Saturday’s opening of the new Northwest African American Museum, helped a man find information about his grandfather, the man wept. Such was the very personal response among some of the guests.

New Zealanders Spruce Up Neighborhoods
More than 5,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their neighbors joined together on Saturday in a nationwide day of service to improve and beautify neighborhoods.

Young Australian Mormons Clean Up Sydney Park
For 150 young Latter-day Saints, cleaning up Sydney’s Centennial Parklands was their preferred activity for the first day of the Australian autumn, or fall.

Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Panama City and Brazil Temples
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the dates for public open houses prior to the dedications of new temples in Curitiba, Brazil, and Panama City, Panama.

Richard E. Turley Jr. Named Assistant Church Historian and Recorder
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has named Richard E. Turley Jr. as the new assistant Church historian and recorder, signaling another step forward in its commitment to collect, preserve and publish Church historical records.

Network Founder Tells NPR Parents Should Do More
In an interview with National Public Radio recently, philanthropist Sheila Johnson said that moral standards in the media were declining and that parents needed to step up.

Church Releases New Official Portrait of First Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the official portrait of the new First Presidency.

Volunteers Help Restore Earthquake-Damaged Town
More than 300 Latter-day Saint volunteers endured a whiteout snowstorm a week ago as they helped residents repair their town following a series of earthquakes. After an initial 6.0 quake on February 21, several aftershocks have hit the town, damaging homes and other buildings.

New Website Focuses on Life and Teachings of Christ
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched a new multimedia website about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The site, JesusChrist.lds.org, was almost a year in the making.

New Publishing Imprint Set to Boost Mormon Scholarship
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the establishment of The Church Historian’s Press, a new imprint for publishing works related to the Church’s origin and growth.

Two Hymns Inspired by President Gordon B. Hinckley
In the wake of the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, two stories have been circulating about hymns that have been written that have connections to the Prophet. Although many “true stories” that circulate on the internet are nothing more than fabrications, both these stories are based in truth.

San Diego Stakes Stage Annual Mormon Battalion Day
Fourteen Southern California stakes join forces to commemorate the longest infantry march in U.S. history with displays, music, cannon fire, and hands-on activities in Old Town State Park.
Photos and text by Laurie Williams Sowby

Church Will Work to Increase Understanding, Apostles Say
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will increase its efforts to ensure that the public better understands its beliefs and the values it represents, two apostles of the Church said this week.

President Monson Keeps Close Ties to Canada
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embrace President Thomas S. Monson as their new president, Canadian Mormons claim especially close ties to him.

President Monson Dedicates Rexburg Temple
Despite record snowfall, fog, and customary winds, the Rexburg Temple was dedicated Sunday, February 10, and the heavens smiled.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

Color, Culture, Energy Abound in Youthful Celebration
Some 2,000 youths blend serious reflection with entertainment on the eve of the Rexburg Temple dedication.
Photos and text by Laurie Williams Sowby

Rexburg Temple to be Dedicated
The Rexburg Idaho Temple will be dedicated Sunday, February 10th, by President Thomas S. Monson. The dedication was postponed a week from its original date, due to the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Non-Americans in the First Presidency
At the press conference held to announce the new First Presidency this week, one of the reporters noted that there seems to be a new direction, with second counselor Dieter F. Uchtdorf being German rather than a Utah-born American. Although he is a welcome addition to the presiding quorum, President Uchtdorf is not the first non-American to serve in the First Presidency.
By John A. Tvedtnes

President Thomas S. Monson — The Pure Love of Christ
Whether reaching out to a tender heart in a bed of sickness or to an entire nation bereft of the full blessings of the gospel, Thomas S. Monson has the touch that blesses and changes lives.
By Maurine Proctor

The Mantle of the Prophet Falls on Thomas S. Monson
Despite the noise and upheaval in the world, the succession of the presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday morning was calm and even joyful. Meridian Magazine was there for the press conference. Come see history unfold through our eyes.
Text by Maurine Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

President Hinckley’s Death Prompts International Media Attention
Media organizations from China to Britain and Australia to Turkey have covered the news of the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Our Last Respects for President Hinckley
How can we possibly say good-bye to President Gordon B. Hinckley? Thousands came to pay their last respects in the Hall of the Prophets at the Conference Center. We talked to some of them and took some pictures. Come on this emotional journey with us.
Text by Maurine Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

A Visit to President Hinckley’s Grave Alone
In the brief twenty minutes we visited President Hinckley's grave in the bitter cold, we were there alone. I wanted to share a few pictures with you of this very familiar place to us. Maurine and I know this hillside very intimately. Come and see.
By Scot Facer Proctor

Church Leaders Pay Tribute to President Hinckley
With arrangements for the funeral of President Gordon B. Hinckley underway, church leaders who worked with the Prophet paid tribute to him in statements released this week.

Gordon B. Hinckley — In His Own Words
Here are some of our favorite quotes from President Hinckley in the last few years.

New Venue for President Hinckley's Viewing Announced
Funeral Seating Outlined
The venue for President Gordon B. Hinckley's viewing has been changed.

LDS Missions have Lifelong Impact
Instantly recognizable and seemingly ubiquitous, Mormon missionaries are hard to miss. Although thousands of news articles have been written over the years about missionaries and their work, few people realize the impact their missions have on the rest of their lives.

Readers Share Experiences with President Hinckley
Meridian readers who rubbed shoulders with President Hinckley during the Prophet's ministry recall their encounters with this great man.

Talks to Lift, Bless, Inspire and Guide Us
from President Gordon B. Hinckley
Come and contemplate the numerous ways your life has been blessed by the teachings, doctrines and principles taught us by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the past nearly 13 years.
By Scot Facer Proctor

Meridian Readers across the World Mourn President Hinckley
From Canada to Australia, from Lithuania to Sri Lanka, Meridian readers are saddened by the death of President Hinckley. Here are more of their tributes and recollections, demonstrating the greatness of this prophet of God.

God be with You ‘til We Meet Again
We, who have come so much to rely on President Hinckley’s goodness and vision, pretended that he could continue to defy time. We wanted him to, because we would never be ready to let him go.
By Maurine and Scot Proctor

Funeral Services for President Hinckley Announced
Funeral services for President Gordon B. Hinckley, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who died Sunday evening, will be held this Saturday, February 2, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Cane Wave Tribute to President Hinckley
In honor of President Gordon B. Hinckley, a unique tribute to this beloved prophet is being organized for his funeral. All who loved President Hinckley and who will be in Salt Lake City on the day of the funeral are invited to participate.

Meridian Readers Remember President Hinckley
As church members learned of President Gordon B. Hinckley’s passing, many of them sent their thoughts to Meridian Magazine. We published some of these poignant memories on Monday. Here are some more tributes to our beloved prophet.

Beloved Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley Passes Away
Our beloved President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died Sunday evening at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake at 7:00 p.m. at the age of 97 of causes incident to age.
By Maurine Proctor with information from the LDS Newsroom

Meridian Readers Respond to President Hinckley’s Death
Meridian readers have been flooding our inbox with their loving and tender responses to the passing of President Hinckley. Here is a small sample of the emails sent by Meridian readers.

Time line of Significant Events as President
Year by year events during President Hinckley's administration.

Testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley
"I leave you my testimony, my witness and my love for each of you."

Succession in the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
When the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passes away, the following events take place.

Official Numbers Attract Media Interest
Church Public Affairs reports that membership numbers have become particularly important to journalists writing about the Church during the current U.S. presidential campaign.

Video Challenges Mormon Myths, Explains Reality
A 10-minute video originally produced for the large number of journalists visiting Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics has been updated and posted online to help counter persistent myths about the Church.

Church Finds Ways to Help Members with Disabilities
A new website sponsored by lds.org shows church members how to assist members of their wards and stakes in being active participants in their home congregations despite physical disabilities.

Rexburg Idaho Temple Open to Public
The public is invited to tour the newly completed Rexburg Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Family History Library Offers Free Classes on FamilySearch Indexing
The Family History Library in Salt Lake City is offering classes on how to do FamilySearch indexing. The next classes will be held on two Fridays, January 18 and January 25, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.

Apostle Urges Students to Use New Media
Two hundred graduating students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii were urged last week to use the Internet — including blogs and other forms of “new media” — to contribute to a national conversation about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

New Study Shows Health Benefit of Fasting
A study presented to the American Heart Association indicates that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who regularly fast are less likely to have coronary heart disease.

BYU's Lee Library Places Missionary Diary Collection Online
Hyrum Smith's missionary diary is the oldest of 575 diaries written by early missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are now housed in BYU's Harold B. Lee Library. After an enormous, five-year project, 376 of these diaries — including Smith's — are now available for patrons around the world to access online.

Festival of Lights Schedule for D.C. Temple
Here is a schedule of events for the 2007 Festival of Lights, being held through January 1st at the Washington D.C. Temple.

Primary Organization Serves as Parental Support
Working as a support to parents, the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ has become a significant resource for Latter-day Saint parents worldwide.

Interfaith Crèche Display Strengthens Community Ties
Combine nearly 1,000 crèches and 700 volunteers from various religious denominations in one LDS stake center, and what do you get? A powerful spirit of community as well as an amazingly well-organized and beautiful exhibit that’s the perfect way to start the Christmas season.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

Missionaries Found Unharmed in Martinique
Two Mormon missionaries missing since Monday on the Island of Martinique have been found unharmed.

BYU Television to Air Michigan State vs. BYU B-ball Game Live
On Saturday, Dec. 8, BYU Television will provide live coverage of the BYU men’s basketball team’s match-up against Michigan State.

Brazilian Senate Honors Church and Its Members
At a time when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States faces heightened interest from American media and public forums about its history, beliefs and practices, the Brazilian Senate has just held a special session to honor the 80-year presence of the Church in Brazil.

BYU Accounting Teams Excel at National Competition
A team of Marriott School undergraduate accounting students placed first and a team of graduate accounting students placed second at the 2007 Deloitte Tax Case Study National Competition, marking BYU's seventh consecutive first- or second-place finish in the undergraduate division.
By Irasema Romero

Temple Square Shines to Commemorate Birth of Christ
During the Christmas season, 10 acres in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City will sparkle with millions of lights, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will sing for 100,000 people and a Christmas devotional will be broadcast throughout the world from the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Church to Hold Latino Christmas Program
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced this year’s Latino Christmas program, to be held 6–8 December in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. The program, titled “El regalo de navidad,” will be presented entirely in Spanish.

Washington Post Article Describes "Global Mormonism"
An article by Washington Post London bureau Chief Mary Jordan explores the reasons behind the 10% annual growth rate of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria. Jordan spent a week in Lagos, charting the lives of members of the Church who had recently converted to Mormonism.

AML Issues Call for Papers
The Association for Mormon Letters announces a call for papers for the AML Annual Meeting, to be held Saturday, February 23 in the Wilkinson Center on the campus of Brigham Young University.

Joseph Smith Descendants Host 1840s Christmas Celebration in Nauvoo
Some 164 years after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, descendants of Joseph and Emma will host for the first time a commemorative Christmas weekend in Nauvoo, Illinois, Thursday December 6th through Saturday the 8th, 2007. The planned events are open to the first 100 who register.
By Marjorie H. Rice

Native Atlanta Artist Unveils African American Pioneer Painting
A painting depicting the western migration of the African-American Mormon pioneer Jane Manning James will be unveiled in Suwanee, Georgia, this Saturday.

Temple in Tonga Attracts 40,000 Visitors
Some 40,000 visitors attended the recent month-long open house for the newly renovated Tonga temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The number constitutes forty percent of the island nation.

BYU-Idaho Admissions Office Reaches Out to Returning Missionaries
In an effort to better serve returning missionaries, the Brigham Young University-Idaho Admissions Office has announced the new Returning Missionary Program. This program exists to help returning missionaries preserve the spiritual momentum and dedication of the mission field by enrolling in the first semester after their return.

Apostles Address Misconceptions with Editorial Boards
Two apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have completed a first round of visits to the Washington, D.C., editorial boards of major American newspapers and magazines.

Mormons Continue Helping Neighbors after California Fires
To date, the Church has delivered five truckloads of supplies to evacuees in the San Diego area. Blankets and hygiene kits were given to evacuees in the Lake Arrowhead/Running Springs area. Some 13 chapels have been used as temporary shelters over the past two weeks.

BYU Announces Tuition Increase for 2008-2009 Academic Year
Brigham Young University announced that it will raise undergraduate tuition 6.3 percent for the 2008-2009 academic year, bringing the undergraduate rate per semester to $2,040, up $120 from last year's tuition of $1,920.

Church Members Ask Soul-Searching Questions in Media Campaign
The religion known in the past 30 years for its cutting-edge public service ads on the family has now redefined ways to share its message in a major multimedia campaign. In ads being run in three test areas throughout the United States, recent converts to the Church share their experiences unscripted and in their own words.

Family History Library To Hold Free Classes on Native American Research
If you are struggling with research on your Native American ancestry, here is an opportunity to learn from experts. On Saturday, 17 November, 2007, the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, is offering classes on Native American research.

Whitney Awards Committee Announces Awards for Authors
The Whitney Awards Committee announced this week that it is offering seven large cash awards to be presented to outstanding LDS authors.

LDS Church Providing Emergency Relief to California Fire Victims
Six semi-trucks have been dispatched to various evacuee shelters carrying a total of more than 28,000 blankets, 26,000 hygiene kits, processed foods, cots and other supplies to provide relief to the fire victims in California.

BYU Museum of Art Offers Monday Night Presentation on Minerva Teichert
The Brigham Young University Museum of Art is offering a new Monday night program that provides unique insights into the museum's exhibition “Minerva Teichert: Pageants in Paint.”

Church Responds to California Wildfires
So far, all the missionaries are safe and the Church has stepped up to help in California's wildfires.

LDS Church Recognizes Community Leaders for Commitment to Family
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has honored a Catholic archbishop for his work to protect traditional marriage and an adoption agency for their efforts to help abused, neglected and abandoned children.

Richard L. Bushman Named as Hunter Visiting Professor in Mormon Studies at Claremont
Claremont Graduate University has appointed distinguished Latter-day Saint scholar Richard Lyman Bushman as the Howard W. Hunter Visiting Professor in Mormon Studies in its School of Religion. Dr. Bushman will play a key role in establishing at Claremont the first permanent, graduate-level study of Mormonism at a secular university.

Funeral Set for Sister Inis Egan Hunter
Funeral services for Inis Egan Hunter, wife of Howard W. Hunter, the 14th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be held at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A. Street in Salt Lake City on Monday, 22 October 2007, at 12 noon. The funeral will be open to the public.

Book of Mormon Lands Conference this Weekend
The Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum (BMAF) will hold its fifth annual Book of Mormon Lands Conference on Saturday, October 20, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Registration begins at 8:30 AM.

Mormon Helping Hands Project Benefits Brazilian Schools
More than 60,000 Brazilians worked together on Brazil's Independence Day under the banner of "Mormon Helping Hands" — a service program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — to make much-needed repairs at 284 schools throughout the country.

10,000 Volunteers Needed to Put Latin American Family History on the Web
FamilySearch, the world's largest repository of genealogical records, is calling for 10,000 volunteers who can read both English and Spanish to help index Mexican, Argentine and other Latin American records for the Internet.

President Howard W. Hunter's Wife Dies
Inis Egan Hunter, 93, wife of Howard W. Hunter, the 14th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away peacefully this morning 14 October 2007 at her home in Laguna Hills, CA from causes incident to age.

Artwork from the Museum of Church History and Art Now Available Online
For the first time, artwork from the Museum of Church History and Art is now available online. A new partnership between the Museum and LDS Church Distribution Services makes it possible for anyone in the United States and Canada to view prints available for purchase and order over the Internet.

Old Agriculture Books Can Enrich a Family History
Old cattle brands and markings are one way to track down family history, and a collection of Utah cattle brands and markings is now available online.

177th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Afternoon Session October 7, 2007
The closing session of conference covered such wide-ranging topics as how to lure a horse with food, how to serve by giving an example of love, and how to choose between good activities and better ones. Read these talk excerpts and be inspired by what your church leaders have to say.

177th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Morning Session October 7, 2007
Sunday morning's conference talks focused on keeping a record of spiritual experiences, the conversion of even wayward souls, and the importance of following the Prophet. Read here for excerpts of these inspirational addresses.

177th Semi-Annual General Conference
Priesthood Session October 6, 2007
General authorities of the Church inspired priesthood holders to cling to the gospel and avoid the snares of the outside world.

177th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Afternoon Session October 6, 2007
This October General Conference was one never to be forgotten. Meridian has prepared excerpts from the talks from each session of conference. Come and be reminded of the wonderful talks you have just heard this past weekend. These are excerpts from the Saturday afternoon session.

New Calls: President Elder Henry B. Eyring, Elder Quentin L. Cook
The new member of the First Presidency and the new member of the Twelve went to the Church Office Building between sessions of conference to meet the press.  Meridian was there.  Come and see and read about this up-front-and-personal meeting.
By Scot Facer Proctor

177th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Morning Session October 6, 2007
Refresh your memories of the wonderful conference sessions this past weekend. Come and review Saturday morning's session with talks from President Boyd K. Packer, Bishop Richard C. Edgley, Sister Mary N. Cook, Elder Enrique R. Falabella, Elder Spencer J. Condie, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and President Thomas S. Monson.

New Presidency of the Seventy Sustained
Elder Claudio R.M. Costa, Elder Steven E. Snow and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez were all sustained by members of the Church as new members of the Presidency of the Seventy, the third highest governing body of the Church, in the Saturday morning session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference.

Pakistani Supreme Court Justice to Receive Honorary Doctorate from Southern Virginia University
Southern Virginia University will award the Honorable Mr. Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani with an honorary doctorate for his efforts to promote constitutionalism and the rule of law in Pakistan, as well as increased understanding among people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Companies, Church Team Up to Transport Goods to Peru
ASTAR Air Cargo, Inc., has teamed up with its largest customer, DHL, to provide air transport services for humanitarian goods provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help those injured or displaced by the recent 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Peru.

Elder Ballard Answers Frequently Asked Questions
A series of video clips in which an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addresses some of the questions most frequently asked by the news media were made public by the Church this week.

Tabernacle Choir Exhibit Now Showing at Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Exhibit is now showing at the Washington D. C. Temple Visitors’ Center in Kensington, Maryland. Displays include wardrobe, awards, history, leadership, tour highlights, and “Music and the Spoken Word.”

Passage to Zarahemla Shoe Drive Announced
A drive being throughout Utah from now through Friday, October 12th, is set to collect shoes for those in need in Iraq.
By Bettyanne Bruin

Family History Library to Hold Series of Free Classes on Emigration/Immigration
On Saturday, 29 September 2007, the Family History Library is offering an all-day series of classes on Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors.

BYU Homecoming Spectacular to feature Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square appear as guest artists for the 2007 Homecoming festivities at BYU.

“True Blue” to Air on BYU Television
BYU Broadcasting is launching an all new, weekly sports television show.

Hundreds Gather to Honor Mountain Meadows Victims
Elder Henry B. Eyring addressed a memorial service honor those who died at Mountain Meadows.

Family History Library to Offer Free Classes on Research in Sweden
On Saturday, 22 September 2007, the Family History Library will offer a series of classes on researching your Swedish ancestry.

Temple Open Houses Scheduled in Rexburg and Tonga
The nearly completed temple in Rexburg, Idaho –the 125th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—will be open to the public 29 Dec. 2007 and continuing through 26 Jan, 2008.

Church Donation Helps Youth Rise beyond Ghetto
Playing the violin in a children's orchestra may have saved 7-year-old Daniel's life. The youngster, orphaned after witnessing his mother's murder in his slum neighborhood, found safety, comfort and future direction in the orchestra sponsored by the Child-Citizen Project.

Temples Rising in Remote Locations
Temples, which are considered the most sacred places on earth, are rising in the remotest corners of the earth.

Church Welfare System Draws Media Attention
News media reports show that the Church's humanitarian aid program goes well beyond caring only for its own members. It also feeds a global humanitarian program.

Church Emergency Response Shows Speed, Flexibility
An earthquake in Peru and a hurricane in Mexico within a few days of each other demonstrated the speed and flexibility of the emergency response procedures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

African-American Family History Conference Takes Place Next Week
In honor of the Dred Scott 150th anniversary, an unprecedented African-American Family History Conference will be held in St. Louis on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Discover Your Roots includes ten classes and two featured speakers and is expected to attract persons from the Midwest region and beyond.

Church Responds to Peruvian Earthquake Disaster
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is loading supplies, surgical instruments, family food boxes, hygiene kits and tarps into a 747 cargo plane to be flown directly from Salt Lake City into the area affected by a major earthquake in Peru.

Meridian Readers Remember President Faust
Meridian readers were asked to share their memories of President James E. Faust. They remembered him as a kind and gentle man who touched their lives in an individual way. Here is what they had to say.
Edited and compiled by Kathryn H. Kidd

Thousands Bid Farewell to President Faust
Thousands of Latter-day Saints gathered in Salt Lake City on Tuesday to celebrate the life of a man who had been a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and an inspiration to members of the Church throughout the world.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

Mormon Youth Motivated by Principles of Service
Young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints learn to recognize and respond to the needs of other people as a part of their age-appropriate Church programs.

Let Church Members Define Their Beliefs
Using the backdrop of the Hill Cumorah Pageant held each July in upstate New York, ABC's Dan Harris reported last week in a story for Nightline on the attention and scrutiny the Church is receiving.

Funeral Services for President James E. Faust
Funeral services for President James E. Faust of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Tuesday, 14 August 2007, at 12:00 noon. The funeral will be open to the public.

Teachings of President James E. Faust
President James E. Faust was a humble man who displayed great intelligence and compassion. Although recent years found him delivering his general conference addresses from a big red chair, he never had the need of an intellectual or spiritual "red chair." Here are a few of the messages he gave that displayed this insight and inspiration.
By Kathryn H. Kidd

President James E. Faust: July 31, 1920-August 10, 2007
President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at his home Friday morning of causes incident to age. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

Church Helps Michigan Teen Honor Public Servants
Despite its broad global focus, Humanitarian Services of the Church recently responded to an unusual request, a request to build hope in the life of a seriously ill 17-year-old young man from Roseville, Michigan.

Church Cleanup Initiative Brings Tongans Together
An initiative to clean up the nation, paint schools and make other improvements to the community is helping to bring Tongans together after a period of unprecedented rioting in which eight Tongans lost their lives.

Inner City Missionaries Teach the World
Missionaries to the inner city teach church members who come from villages whose names we can't pronounce, and who speak languages we've never heard of.
By Darla Isackson

Colorado Saints Receive National Service Award
After reviewing hundreds of deserving nominations submitted for a national service award, a panel of judges selected 18 winners in 12 categories. The Aurora and Arapahoe stakes of the Church were the sole recipients of the award in the faith-based group category.

Former Missionaries Connect with People They Served
Responding to the visible needs of their associates becomes second nature to most full-time missionaries. After their missions, many of them return to the countries where they served to help the people with medical or basic necessities.

Florida Youth Service Project Exemplifies Mormon Core Values
More than 600 Central Florida Mormon youth recently gathered in eight locations to work on much-needed community conservation projects. From weed pulling and tree planting to building demolition, the volunteers pooled their efforts to tidy several parks as a part of their two-day youth conference.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks Interview Transcript from PBS Documentary
In this forthright interview, Elder Dallin H. Oaks talks about controversial historical and doctrinal aspects of the Church, as part of the background information that was used in the PBS documentary, The Mormons. Among his topics are polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and dissent within the Church.

Southern Virginia University Welcomes Mormon Business Author as Distinguished Professor
When acclaimed author Jeff Benedict starts teaching at Southern Virginia University this fall, his students may wish that instead of writing a book about Latter-day Saint business practices he had written “The Mormon Way to Get an A.”

President Boyd K. Packer Interview Transcript from PBS Documentary
This fascinating interview with President Boyd K. Packer was given as background information for the PBS documentary, The Mormons. It tells of President Packer's childhood experiences with polio, the inspiration he received from pioneer ancestors, and his experiences with revelation.

Tongan Family’s Roots of Faith
With one son finishing a mission in Hawaii for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and another son preparing to leave for a mission in Hong Kong, Vai Sikahema — former Philadelphia Eagles football player and current sports director for NBC 10 News in Philadelphia —  felt it was time for his children to see firsthand their Tongan family roots.

Public to Tour Renovated Temple in Nuku’alofa, Tonga
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a public open house for the Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple, which is under renovation.

Church Members Work with Communities to Prepare for Hurricanes
As the National Hurricane Center predicted a 75 percent chance that the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will be more active than normal, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in hurricane areas have spent the past few months preparing.

SVU Begins Politics Major
Southern Virginia University announces the addition of a politics major, with classes beginning this fall.
By Bryan Gentry

"Small and Simple Things" taught at 2007 SVU Conference
Southern Virginia University's Education Conference taught participants the power of small and simple things.
By Bryan Gentry

Mormon Volunteers Clean Up Mongolian Landmark
More than one thousand members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mongolia recently joined with touring members of the Brigham Young University-Hawaii Concert Choir to remove debris from a World War II site that honors soldiers who fell in defense of Mongolia.

One Million Missionaries — Thirteen Million Members
They are as much a symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Salt Lake Temple and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, clean-cut suit-clad young men on bikes or on foot going door to door with a gospel message. Mormon missionaries have fanned across the globe since the earliest days of the Church and in the process have reached a major milestone.

Kiev Temple Groundbreaking Coincides with Prophet's Birthday
Nearly nine years since its announcement, ground was broken for the Kiev Ukraine Temple on Saturday, June 23, 2007, coinciding with the 97th birthday of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Washington D.C. Visitors' Center Offers “Night of Music”
Several of the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will perform sacred music surrounding the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The performance on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington D. C. Temple Visitors' Center in Kensington.

Choir Tour Requires Tricky Logistics
All last week, heavily loaded semi-trailers and smaller trucks headed out of Salt Lake City moving east to Toronto and Cleveland with three wide-body jets following on Thursday in order to meet up with 11 large buses as part of a carefully developed logistics plan that had been two years in the making.

Marriage Network Seminar to be Held in Denver
The LDS Marriage Network will hold its 2^nd annual LDS Marriage Network Smart Marriages pre-conference in Denver, Colorado, this week.  Latter-day Saint scholars, educators, practitioners and members are coming together to share their knowledge and resources on strengthening marriage.

Media Focus Attention on Mormonism
News media interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has hit new highs in the past 10 days as major television networks, news agencies, newspapers and even a radio program run by bloggers have tried to answer questions about a religion many people still do not understand.

Remembering the Mountain Meadows Massacre
This September marks the 150th anniversary of a terrible episode in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On September 11, 1857, some 50 to 60 local militiamen in southern Utah, aided by American Indian allies, massacred about 120 emigrants who were traveling by wagon to California. The horrific crime, which spared only 17 children age six and under, occurred roughly 35 miles southwest of Cedar City. The victims were on their way to California with dreams of a bright future.
By Richard E. Turley, Jr., Managing Director, Family and Church History Department

Writing Group Announces Prestigious New LDS Fiction Award
A new writing award has been announced to honor the "Miltons and Shakespeares" of LDS fiction. Readers can nominate their favorite LDS novels to receive the 2007 Whitney Award.

The Real God’s Army at Work
Missionaries in Washington D.C. have become known and trusted thanks to President Bill and Sister Sid Price's unique take on Outreach.
By Maurine Proctor

Religious Involvement Linked to Marital Fidelity
A recent Brigham Young University study shows how couples from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religious traditions draw on their beliefs to stay faithful to each other.

A Service Project that Reached the World
Seventeen years ago, RoseAnn Gunther decided to teach a group of Mormon teenage girls the importance of sacrifice and service. She had no idea that the girls' service project to help the homeless in their city would turn into a community effort that would change the lives of people all over the world.

Final Fireside for Mission President William and Sister Sidney Price
Retiring Washington D.C. North Mission President William D. Price and his companion Sister Sidney Price will be the featured speakers at the Why I Believe Fireside June 17, 2007, at 7 p.m. at the Washington D. C. Temple Visitors' Center.

Family History Library to Hold Free Research Series on Germany
The Family History Library is offering an all-day series of classes on German research.

Renowned Harvard Scholar Named as New BYU-Hawaii President
A man internationally known for his ability to solve complex managerial problems and foresee future business trends will be taking his expertise to the Pacific as the new president of Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

Galena Street East to Perform at Washington D.C. Visitors' Center
Galena Street East, will perform a high energy song and dance production at the Washington D. C. Temple Visitors' Center on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Revered Statue is Background for European Mormon Choir Performance
LDS choir performs before original Christus statue in Denmark.

India Greets LDS Missionaries with Love
A Utah couple's humanitarian service mission in India sent them to a boarding school where they taught music and English as they learned the meaning of love.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the St. Louis Missouri Temple
A Photographic Essay
Come celebrate with the Saints of St. Louis as we mark the 10th Anniversary of the Dedication of their Temple.
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor
With reporting from Dana King
(Cover photo by Bryan Highfill)

Saints Accept an Invitation to Celebrate in St. Louis
Come and see how an entire stake not only tries to live the gospel but how they celebrate it centered on the tenth anniversary of the temple in St. Louis.
By Dana King, Bureau Chief, Meridian Magazine
Photographs by Clain Petersen and Dana King

Exhibit Featuring Works by DC Area Artist to Open June 9
"Engraven Upon the Hearts, A Celebration of Filipino Heritage," will be commemorated from June 9- July 15, 2007 at the Washington Temple Visitors' Center in Kensington, Maryland.

Mormon Youth Help Eradicate Measles in Guatemala
Twenty thousand young adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are working with the Pan American Health Organization and the Guatemalan Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance to help eradicate measles and rubella.

Pew Forum Interviews LDS Leaders
Among the more serious recent attempts to get at the essence of the Church's beliefs and practices is a report by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, which recently interviewed two prominent leaders of the Church.

Elder Eyring Meets Shinto Priests at Meiji Shrine
Katsushi Toyama, chief priest at Tokyo's historic Meiji Shrine, met with Elder Henry B. Eyring during a special event that was part of Elder Eyring's tour of Church areas in Asia and the Pacific islands.

Religion Instructor Teaches Old Testament in Hebrew
Some Brigham Young University-Idaho students are learning about the Old Testament a little differently from their peers: they are studying it in Hebrew.

Irreantum Contest Deadline Approaching
Irreantum magazine is currently accepting manuscripts for its seventh annual fiction contest.  All contest entries must relate to the Mormon experience in some way, but authors need not be LDS. Any fictional form up to 8,500 words will be considered, including short stories and excerpts from novels.

BYU-Idaho Students Nationally Recognized
Two Brigham Young University-Idaho students received awards at the National Kitchen & Bath Association/General Electric Student Charette competition last week. The national winners were announced at the annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show held in Las Vegas.

The Rev. Al Sharpton Visits Church Headquarters
Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — the second-highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — hosted the Rev. Al Sharpton and his associates at a dinner Monday night, concluding Sharpton's visit to Church headquarters.

FamilySearch Unveils Genealogical Program
FamilySearch announced today its Records Access program to increase public access to vast genealogy collections worldwide. For the first time ever, FamilySearch will join with others to provide free services to archives and other records custodians who wish to digitize, index, publish, and preserve their collections.

New Record Services Program Releases Revolutionary War Records
FamilySearch and Footnote has announced the first project of the new Records Access program — to digitize and index the historic U.S. Revolutionary War Pension records.

Relationships Started from a Can
Across the United States, local food banks are partnering with canneries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to tackle hunger in their communities.

60,000 Mormon Volunteers Help 300 Brazilian Hospitals
At the end of the day, 300 Brazilian hospitals in 190 cities received 200,000 donated bedsheets, slippers and pillowcases from an army of volunteer members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Nine Popular Speakers and Performers to Headline SVU Conference
An annual eastern education conference designed for Latter-day Saints will bring nine popular speakers and performers to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in June.
By Bryan Gentry

Local Churches Teach How to Plan for Disasters
Days before a category F-5 tornado touched down in Greensburg, Kansas, destroying 95 percent of the city, residents of Orlando, Florida, were taking part in an emergency preparedness fair, hoping to learn what they could do to help themselves and their family in the event a disaster struck.

Balancing Interest and Good Taste
Dealing sensitively with differences, especially in matters of religious faith, is no easy task. What for one person may be a curiosity is for another a possible intrusion into what is sacred and very personal. Curiosity, good taste and accuracy are all factors in the discussion.

Latter-day Saints Respond to Media Attention
Although the amount of public and news media attention paid to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has increased steadily over the past few months, the past week has seen the appearance of another factor.

Crossroads Demolition Moves Ahead
City Creek Center representatives have met with the Utah Air Quality Board to set a tentative date for implosion of the office tower at 50 South Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City. The office building is the last remaining structure slated for demolition on the Crossroads Plaza block.

Church Reaction to PBS Documentary
In the wake of the PBS documentary The Mormons, the Church has issued its reaction to the four-hour documentary presentation. Read it here.

Church Members Under Scrutiny
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received national scrutiny this week, when the first of a two-part series called "The Mormons" aired on PBS television across the United States Monday night.

LDS Water Project Benefits Malaysian Villages
Fifteen Malaysian villages in the outlying Simunjan Junction area of Sarawak now have a reliable supply of clean water, thanks to help from Latter-day Saint Charities, a humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Personal Convictions and Actions Strengthen the Church
At first glance, an organization that makes big demands on its members would appear doomed to failure. But a significant characteristic of millions of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a willingness to devote extraordinary amounts of time and energy to their church.

Pamphlets Help Families Prepare for Adversity
Ten million copies of two new publications, Family Finances and Family Home Storage, by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being distributed worldwide to teach basic family finance and food storage principles. They have been prepared in 23 languages.

Mormons Reflect Christianity in Lifestyle
Among several questions being asked with increasing frequency in the public square about "Mormon" beliefs is whether those who embrace the religion are really Christian. This article will help answer the question for nonmember friends and family members who may be concerned.

First Class to Graduate from LDSBC Triad Campus
LDS Business College's 120th commencement marks the graduation of the transitional students who began their education in the former Mansion Campus and will finish it at the new Triad Campus.

Two First Ladies See Church Humanitarian Efforts
On a visit to Salt Lake City, the first ladies of Peru and Paraguay saw firsthand The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' humanitarian and welfare programs.

Family History Library to Hold Free Series on England Research
On Saturday, 21 April 2007, the Family History Library will offer an all-day series of free classes on genealogical research using records from England.

New Full-time Tabernacle Organist Appointed
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir announced today that Andrew E. Unsworth has been appointed a Tabernacle organist. Unsworth will become the 13th full-time organist to serve on Temple Square.

Washington D.C. Temple Sets Program Schedule
The Washington D.C. Temple visitors' center has announced its schedule of cultural programs for the month of April.

Choir Members Needed for European Tour
Now is your chance to recapture for a few weeks that magic of performing challenging music with a large group on a fabulous stage for a meaningful and appreciative audience. The top choral directors from BYU, BYU-Idaho, and the University of Utah are going to Europe, and you can be part of the choir.
By Gregor K. McHardy

BYU to Host Annual Women's Conference May 3 - 4
Womanhood will be celebrated during this year's Brigham Young University Women's Conference Thursday and Friday, May 3-4, at various locations on the BYU campus. It will be co-sponsored by the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Church Helps Filipinos Find a New Lease on Life
Filipinos who previously had to resort to begging because disabilities kept them from going from place to place are now able to work due to Church-supplied wheelchairs.

PBS Film Likely to Cause Debate
PBS is keeping a tight lid on the forthcoming four hours of documentary television that it is calling "The Mormons" — due to air on April 30 and May 1 on the PBS network.  Very few people outside of PBS itself have seen excerpts, and their reactions vary depending on what they have seen as well as their prior expectations.

177th Annual General Conference
Sunday Morning Session, April 1, 2007
Refresh your memories of the wonderful conference sessions this past weekend. Come and review Sunday morning's session with talks from President James E. Faust, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder Neil L. Andersen, Sister Vicki P. Matsumori, Elder Glenn L. Pace, Elder M. Russell Ballard and President Gordon B. Hinckley.

177th Annual General Conference
Sunday Afternoon Session, April 1, 2007
Review and enjoy the excerpts from the talks of Sunday afternoon, including from Elder L. Tom Perry, Elder Henry B. Eyring, Elder Gary J. Coleman, Brother Charles W. Dahlquist, Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder Russell M. Nelson and President Gordon B. Hinckley.

177th Annual General Conference
Saturday Priesthood Session, March 31, 2007
Review excerpts from the Priesthood Session of Conference here, including talks from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Elder Robert D. Hales, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, President James E. Faust, President Thomas S. Monson and President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Church Issues Invitation to Journalists
Commenting in a recent article in the New York Sun, Abraham Foxman, national director of the Jewish Anti-Defamation League, objected to the way the "Mormon" faith is being discussed in the public square.

177th Annual General Conference
Saturday Morning Session, March 31, 2007
Come and review the talks from the Saturday morning session of General Conference, including Elder Richard G. Scott, Elder Jay E. Jensen, Elder John B. Dickson, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder David A. Bednar and President Thomas S. Monson.

177th Annual General Conference
Saturday Afternoon Session, March 31, 2007
Come and review the talks from this special session of conference, the Rededication of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, on Saturday afternoon, including talks from President Boyd K. Packer, Elder Earl C. Tingey, Bishop H. David Burton, Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, Elder Marlin K. Jensen, President James E. Faust, President Thomas S. Monson and President Gordon B. Hinckley.

New General Authorities, General Relief Society Leaders Called
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced five new General Authorities, 46 Area Seventies, a new Relief Society general presidency, and a change in the Young Women general presidency at the Saturday morning session of the Church's 177 th Annual General Conference.

Salt Lake Tabernacle Re-Opens
After being closed for two years for a seismic upgrade and building restoration, the Salt Lake Tabernacle officially reopened on Saturday.

Statistical Report 2006
In the Saturday morning session of the Church's 177th Annual General Conference, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a report concerning the growth and status of the Church as of 31 December 2006.

Invitation to Cheney Sparks Debate
An invitation by Brigham Young University to the vice president of the United States to be the commencement speaker next month has triggered discussion and some controversy over the issue of political neutrality.

Anti-Mormon DVD Being Distributed Nationwide
Evangelical Christians are distributing a new anti-Mormon DVD to thousands of homes across the United States. The video asks viewers to compare Joseph Smith with Jesus Christ and Christianity with Mormonism. The video has excellent production values but, unfortunately, its contents are not of a similar quality.

Thousands to Attend 177th Annual General Conference
More than one hundred thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 177th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend. Millions will watch or listen to conference proceedings via television, radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts.

One Million Historical Names from Canada Go Online
Early vital records of Nova Scotia, Canada, are viewable over the Internet for the first time and for free, thanks to a joint project by the Genealogical Society of Utah, FamilySearch™ and the Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management (NSARM).

New Salt Lake Tabernacle Exhibition opens at the LDS Museum
The Salt Lake Tabernacle: Gathering the Saints under One Roof, a new exhibition at the Museum of Church History and Art, will open to the public on Saturday, 31 March 2007, and run through Sunday, 11 January 2009.

Martin Harris Wallet Donated to Church
The original wallet used by Martin Harris was donated to the Church this week by Mr. Harris' great-great-grandson, Russell Martin Harris, at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City. It was received by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Humanitarian Service Aids Non-LDS in Chile
Senior missionaries serving as welfare specialists see how individuals are making a difference.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

Service Missionaries, Volunteers Keep Church Headquarters Beautiful
Service missionaries and volunteers work at their own expense to maintain more than 200 flower beds that surround Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arizona Easter Pageant Marks Historic Firsts
In this sixty-ninth year of the world's largest outdoor Easter pageant, an NFL star joins the cast, and two father-son teams portray the role of Jesus Christ.

Free Online Genealogy Database Hits 150 Million Names
FamilySearch™ announced today that the Pedigree Resource File database has exceeded 150 million searchable names. Along with the milestone achievement, a new feature has been added that allows users to view genealogical and extended information for deceased individuals in a familiar pedigree format.

Relief Society Organization Reenacted in the Red Brick Store
This week in Nauvoo, a reenactment of the organization of the Relief Society will bring the event alive for modern-day Relief Society members and Nauvoo visitors.
By Marjorie H. Rice

New TV Channel Extends Church’s International Reach
With more than a third of the world's Mormons now living in Central and South America and the Caribbean, new Spanish-language and Portuguese-language television programming is being launched from the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

LDS Writer’s Guide on the Way
Due this summer, the 2007 LDS Writer's Market Guide by WindRiver Publishing will connect Mormon writers with publishers, professional services, and much more.

Fablehaven Wins Top Fiction Award
Fablehaven was selected as the Young Adult Fiction title of 2006 by the Association for Mormon Letters. The award will be presented Saturday, April 7, at Utah Valley State College.

Mormon Helping Hands Aid Tornado-Stricken Areas
Wielding chain saws and moving tons of debris, more than 200 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — many dressed in the Church’s familiar “Mormon Helping Hands” T-shirts — helped clean up areas in Alabama and Georgia affected by last week’s tornadoes that left a trail of death and devastation.

Missionary Safety
Tragedies and dangerous situations do periodically occur among the 52,000 full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but missionaries are generally safer on their missions than they would be if they stayed at home.

African Members Strengthen International Church
Many recent converts to the Church who live in Africa signify the ever-increasing Church population in isolated areas across the globe, and the strength of this new membership.

Family Services Helps Domestic Violence Victims
The statistics are startling. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 960,000 incidents of domestic violence each year. But LDS Family Services offers hope to families who struggle with this pervasive problem. And the help is free of charge.

Missionaries Released in Nigeria
Bruce Olsen, managing director of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has announced that four missionaries who were abducted in Nigeria last Saturday have been released.

BYU to Host Family Outreach Conference March 9
The Brigham Young University School of Family Life and the Family Life Education Institute will sponsor the 2007 Family Outreach Conference Friday, March 9, at the BYU Conference Center.

Church Offers Condolences to Victims of Salt Lake Shooting Tragedy
On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Merrill J. Bateman has issued a statement regarding the shootings that occurred Monday night at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City.

Mormons Descend on Tornado-Hit Areas in Florida
Within 24 hours after three tornados touched down in central Florida, 400 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered at an Orlando church building to receive instructions on where they would spend the day cleaning and removing debris.

The Smallest Mission in the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more than 300 missions worldwide, but the smallest mission geographically "literally one square block" is found in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Church Works to Eradicate Measles in Africa
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is seeing success from its partnership with several organizations — including UNICEF and the American Red Cross — to help eradicate measles in Africa.

More than 250,000 Utah Death Certificates now Viewable Online
Church members and others who want to do family history research for Utah ancestors can now access a free online index to death certificates that is now linked to original images of the historic documents.

Benefit Concert and CD to Aid Stricken Family
Lightstone Pictures is spearheading several fundraising campaigns to help a Utah family that lost three family members on Christmas Eve, and whose story of love and forgiveness has touched a nation.
By Dennis Agle Jr.

Scriptures in German, French, and Italian Available Online
An estimated 125,000 native French-, German-, and Italian-speaking members are now able to study the scriptures in their native tongue by accessing the LDS scriptures online.
By Stephanie Long, Church Magazines

“Beholding Salvation” Lecture Series Schedule
A series of 14 lectures presented by the Brigham Young University Museum of Art and the BYU Religious Education Department will be held Wednesday evenings beginning January 10, 2007 in conjunction with the Museum of Art exhibition "Beholding Salvation: Images of Christ."

Photos of President Gerald R. Ford and the First Presidency
Thanks to Bill Slaughter of the Church Archives who responded to a phone call from Meridian to see if he could find any pictures of President Gerald R. Ford with any of the Brethren. He told us that they have about 200 pictures of various U.S. Presidents with the First Presidency and he was able to find three of President Ford. Please come and see!

The Springville Museum of Art: Celebrating a Century
The museum that boasts the largest collection of Russian art in North America is not in the Smithsonian or even in New York, but in the little town of Springville, Utah.
By Kimberly Millsap-Brown, BYU Meridian Correspondent

Meridian Picks Top Ten LDS Stories of 2006
If you want to be genuinely cheered at year's end, take a few minutes to contemplate just a few of the top LDS stories of 2006.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

BYU Fine Arts and Communications Offers Free Download of Christmas Video Card
Brigham Young University's College of Fine Arts and Communications is making available three free moving image and music videos online from its 2006 Christmas greeting card. The images are taken from the current exhibit at BYU's Museum of Art, "Beholding Salvation: Images of Christ."

LDS History of Ohio and Upper Canada Released
The Religious Studies Center at BYU Provo has released its final publication of the year: Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History: Ohio and Upper Canada (Religious Studies Center, BYU, Provo, UT, 2006).

Mormon Women Work to Save Premature Babies
Mormon women in Singapore have come together to knit 1,700 beanies that will help save the lives of vulnerable premature babies.

Family History Library Celebrates Holiday Traditions
The Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will celebrate holiday traditions from around the world through special classes and activities running today through 22 December.

Tabernacle Choir Honored
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has been honored as a Laureate of the Mother Teresa Award for edifying the world through inspirational choral performances and recordings.

Church Announces Tabernacle Choir US-Canada Tour
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will conduct its 2007 Canada–Midwest United States tour from 21 June through 3 July 2007.

BYU Homecoming Spectacular 2006: A Shining Light
This year's homecoming spectacular at BYU was "A Shining Light," and the shining lights who performed will be featured on BYU television later this month.
By Sofia Markee and Nicole Taylor, BYU Meridian correspondents

BYU Raises Tuition for All Programs
Brigham Young University will raise tuition in all its programs 6.1 percent for the 2007-2008 academic year, which will bring the undergraduate rate per semester to $1,920, up $110 from the previous year's tuition of $1,810.

LDS Mom Shares Expertise through Online Community
Arizona's Young Mother of the year for 2006 admits that motherhood isn't always a bowl of cherries, but she has learned the rewards of being the glue that holds a family together.
By Cecily Markland

A Promised Day Arrived
The Helsinki Finland Temple Dedication
It was the most important day in the history of the country, and on this day, a woman remembered her grandmother, a little boy had his prayer answered and a patriarch summed it up, "We know and we believe that something great is happening in Finland."
Text by Maurine Jensen Proctor
Photos by Scot Facer Proctor

2006 "Final Cut" to showcase BYU student films Nov. 7-11
This is the film festival that has been a springboard for young film makers like Jared Hess of Napolean Dynamite.

Helsinki Finland Temple: Diamond of the North
Come with us and take a good look at the Helsinki Temple in this beautiful photo essay taken the day of dedication. We know most of you could not be there but if you click through to see this photo essay it will be as if you had been.
A Photographic Essay by Scot Facer Proctor

“We are One, Big Family”
The Finnish Temple Cultural Celebration
When President Gordon B. Hinckley asked that youth cultural celebrations be part of all future temple dedications, he hoped that working hard to create these festive events would connect the members — and particularly the youth — to the temple, tie their hearts to the House of the Lord. Yet, these celebrations have done something else as well. They have given members a sense of being a part of something big, that the Church isn't just an isolated few members in a branch in Lithuania or a leased building in Moscow. Come and see!
Text by Maurine Jensen Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

Out of Many, One
The Prophet Greets the People in Helsinki
Finland has never hosted a meeting quite like this one. On October 21, in a suburb of Helsinki, 3500 Latter-day Saints, chatting to each other in Russian, Finnish, English, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian, were brought together as one to see their prophet and celebrate their temple. Though the languages floating across the arena were many, one voice united them all — the voice of the Spirit — and somehow all differences were erased.
Written by Maurine Jensen Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

A Temple Open House
“The Spirit of the Lord was upon Finland”
Something wonderful has happened here in Finland, and it's nothing short of a miracle. With the arrival of the Helsinki Finland Temple there is a feeling in the air, but more importantly there is a feeling in the hearts of the people — member of the Church or not. Come and read about the blessings that are flowing to this great nation.
Text by Maurine Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

Fishermen Return to the Sea after Church Donation
Fishermen who lost their boats and supplies after the devastating 2004 tsunami have been able to return to the seas after Latter-day Saint Charities donated fishing nets and funded the repair of boats.

Come with Us to Finland!
We are going to be talking a lot about Finland in the next little while on Meridian. We're here for the Helsinki Temple dedication and we're thrilled to be bringing Meridian's coverage of it to you. We are also here getting to know the land, the people, the culture and the Church. It is a wondrous experience. We have already met some delightful, amazing members — and we are going to introduce you to them in coming issues this next week on Meridian. First, come and see Finland, perhaps for the first time. You're going to love it.
A Photographic Essay by Scot Facer Proctor

Earthquake in Paradise
For two elders in South Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, September 15 started out as another beautiful Sabbath morning in paradise. That changed abruptly at seven minutes after seven, when their world literally began to shake apart.
Story and photos by Thom Curtis, Ph.D.

Conference Center Will Host Latino Celebration
Tesoros de las Américas (Treasures of the Americas), a multicultural celebration, will be held in the Conference Center on Saturday, 21 October 2006, at 7:30 p.m.

BYU Business School Gets National Ranking
Entrepreneur magazine recently ranked Brigham Young University's Marriott School 12th in the nation in its annual "Top Entrepreneurial Colleges" undergraduate program review.

A Temple Rises on a Hill in Idaho
A Photographic Essay
As you well know, we love to follow the temples as they are being built around the world. Next week we will journey to Finland to bring you first-hand accounts of the people, the cultural celebration and the temple dedication in Helsinki. Curious to get an update on the Rexburg Idaho Temple, we asked our son, Lucas, and daughter-in-law, Janette, in Rexburg, to keep a photographic eye out as they have watched the temple rise on the hill above them. Come and see this magnificent structure just above the Brigham Young University-Idaho campus.
Text and Photography by Janette Dahle Proctor and Lucas Henry Proctor

176^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Afternoon Talk Excerpts
Speakers in the last session of general conference counseled church members to remain strong in these latter days, holding fast to the rod and refusing to be swayed from the narrow path.

Handcart Exhibit Opens at Church Museum
Willie & Martin Remembered: A Tribute to the Mormon Handcart Pioneers, a new exhibition at the Museum of Church History and Art, will run through Tuesday, 2 January 2007.

176^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Priesthood Session:  Talk Excerpts
Priesthood holders of all ages were admonished by Church leaders, who used stories and scripture to vividly illustrate what it means to be men.

176^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Morning Talk Excerpts
General authorities and other officers of the Church inspired members to cling to the gospel and lead lives of purity and happiness before God.

176^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Morning Session Talk Excerpts
This October General Conference was one never to be forgotten. Meridian has prepared excerpts from the talks from each session of conference. Come and be reminded of the wonderful talks you have just heard this past weekend. We will publish the excerpts from the Saturday morning and afternoon sessions today.

176^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Afternoon Session:  Talk Excerpts
Talk excerpts from Saturday afternoon's session give lots of material that could be discussed for tonight's Family Home Evening.

Leader in American Religious Studies to Speak at UW
A recognized leader in the field of American religious studies will discuss "Locating Mormonism on the American Religious Landscape" on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the University of Wyoming College of Education auditorium.

Eight General Authorities Released
In the Saturday afternoon session of the 176th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eight members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy were released from full-time service as general authorities of the Church.

Documentary Chronicles Converts' Struggles
The new documentary Sisterz in Zion will premiere Oct. 1 at noon, Mountain Standard Time, on BYU Television.

Annual Book of Mormon Lands Conference Set
The Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum has announced their 4th annual conference for Friday and Saturday, October 13-14, 2006. This year's theme is "The Jaredite/Olmec Lands, The Nephite Lands and the Hill Cumorah."

Casting Call for Another Singles Ward
Singled Out LLC announces the open casting call for video auditions to be submitted in consideration for the upcoming feature film Another Singles Ward.

Helsinki Finland Temple Opens Its Doors to the Public
The public is invited to tour the newly completed Helsinki Finland Temple. An open house continues through Saturday, 7 October 2006, excluding Sundays. Reservations are not required.

President Hinckley Dedicates Business College
The new LDS Business College extension center was dedicated yesterday by Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sacramento Outtakes Two: Who Attended the Temple Dedication?
We worked together captioning 40 photographs of the youth of the Sacramento Temple District. Can we work together again and figure out who the people are in these twenty photographs taken the day of the dedication? These are of adults, youth and children. Who knows — you may see yourself in these pictures, or you may see someone you know and love. Come and see.
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

General Authority to Address Conference on Homosexuality
Elder Rex D. Pinegar will offer the keynote address at a meeting aimed at reaching hundreds of local unit leaders with information about the Church's resources for same sex-attracted members.

Who are These Amazing Youth, Anyway?
Sacramento Outtakes One
We have received great help captioning the pictures of the youth in the Sacramento Temple District in these 40 pictures. Thank you! We still need help identifying the names of a few more youth. Will you look over these (leaders, directors, youth, stage crew — come one, come all) and help us? More outtakes will be coming.
By Scot Facer Proctor

Norwegian Political Leader to Present BYU Lectures Sept. 20
Dagfinn Høybråten, a member of the Norwegian Parliament and national leader of the Christian Democrat Party, will present Brigham Young University's Annual Norwegian Distinguished Person lecture to political science and international relations students.

Sacramento Temple Dedication
More than Meets the Eye
When Meridian goes to a temple dedication, we are looking not just for the facts, but for far more. Knowing that we are the eyes and ears of so many Latter-day Saints —Meridian readers — who would like to feel the spirit of a temple dedication, we begin a quest from the moment we arrive on the temple grounds. It is as if for a few days, all the bands and shackles of mortality have been thrown off, and we are all in touch with a flood of light from the heavens.
Text by Maurine Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

Reporters Sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Twenty-three religion reporters had a rare opportunity to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Thursday night.

6th Annual Irreantum Fiction Contest Winners Announced
The Association for Mormon Letters (AML) is pleased to announce the winners of the sixth annual Irreantum fiction contest. The judges considered 57 entries, and four cash prizes as well as three honorable mentions have been awarded.

The Dawning of a New Day in Sacramento
I love bringing you along with me, side by side, as I shoot pictures of the holiest places on earth. Are you willing to get up very early? And move very quickly? Come with me to the morning of the dedication of the Sacramento California Temple. I want you to bask in the early morning light and the magnificence of this holy edifice.
A Photographic Essay by Scot Facer Proctor

Poignant Cornerstone Ceremony
As President Hinckley stood outside the Sacramento Temple at the cornerstone ceremony in his all-white temple suit, he joked when some of the mortar fell to the ground: "We have a lot of experience, but we haven't learned much." Come with us to a tender and moving ceremony at the southeast corner of the newest temple in California.
By Maurine Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

President Hinckley Addresses Sacramento Temple Member Meeting
When President Hinckley entered the Arco Arena in Sacramento for the member meeting preceding the youth cultural celebration, 17,000 people leaped to their feet, clapped and cheered — many of them teenagers. Come and join us in that meeting.
Text by Maurine Proctor
Photographs by Scot Facer Proctor

“More Precious than Gold”
The Sacramento California Temple Youth Cultural Celebration
When the Prophet asked leaders of the Sacramento California Temple District to create a grand event celebrating the dedication of the new temple, 5,000 youth responded and miracles came so fast it was hard to keep up. Come and experience this event with us through photography and moving stories. And for all our Sacramento Temple district readers, please pass this article along and let people know that many more articles and photo essays are coming.
By Maurine Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

Mormons Continue Rebuilding in Katrina-Hit Areas
A year after devastating hurricanes hit the southeast part of the United States, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to help rebuild communities.

Northwest Singles' Conference to Feature Lundbergs, Perrys
The Great Pacific Northwest LDS Adult Singles' Conference, which will be held September 15-16 in Spokane, will draw participants from four Northwestern states and two Canadian provinces.

Polygamist Sects are “Not Mormons,” Church Says
Many news outlets are reporting on the recent arrest of fugitive polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, who is on the FBI's Most Wanted list. But news outlets that refer to Mr. Jeffs as a "Mormon" or even as the leader of a "Mormon sect" are in error.

BYU Chemists Create Chemical Similar to Morphine
Brigham Young University chemists have developed the synthetic, mirror-image version of a molecule derived from the "Stephania japonica," or Japanese tape vine, which has a molecular structure that closely resembles that of the addictive painkiller morphine.

BYU Ranks 70th in New Survey
PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University is ranked 70th in U.S.News & World Report's annual survey, "America's Best Colleges," with the Marriott School of Management's undergraduate program ranked among the top 50 in "Best Business Programs," coming in at 37th.

Tenth European Temple to Open
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has completed the construction of a temple in Helsinki, Finland, to become the tenth operating temple in Europe.

Mormons in Peru Celebrate 50 Years
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peru have celebrated the Church's 50-year anniversary by participating in a countrywide day of service.

A Salute to the Armed Forces — Christmas in August
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square and Feed The Children combined efforts in presenting “A Salute to the Armed Forces — Christmas in August” in a broadcast that will reach U.S. military troops both in the United States and on overseas assignment.
By Janet Brimhall Siler, Meridian Correspondent

Museum Visitors Select Favorite Entries in Art Competition
Three artists have been selected as winners of Visitors Choice Awards in an art exhibition at the Museum of Church History and Art.

BYU Student Wins Gold at International Martial Arts Competition
A Brigham Young University coed won a gold medal in the 2006 Haidong Gumdo World Championships in Seoul, South Korea

7th Annual LDS Music Fest to be Held this Weekend
LDS musicians and their fans from around the world will gather in American Fork this weekend for the 7th annual LDS Music Fest.

Sacramento Temple Open House Nears End
More than 121,000 visitors have toured the new Sacramento California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but there are only five days left before the temple is closed to the general public.

BYU Business Professor to Testify
SALT LAKE CITY — Brigham Young University professor Scott Smith will testify as an expert witness in the federal court case of ACLU v. Gonzalez, a case addressing the negative effects of Internet pornography.

Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin Dies
SALT LAKE CITY — Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, wife of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Wednesday night at the LDS Hospital of causes incident to age.

LDS Dancer Wins National Competition
Recently returned missionary Benji Schwimmer, a 22-year-old California native, was named "America's favorite dancer" last night in the season finale of the FOX television series "So You Think You Can Dance."

More than 4,000 LDS Volunteers Commemorate Colorado Statehood Day
COLORADO — More than 4,000 Mormon volunteers contributed to Colorado Cares Day last week, commemorating the statehood of Colorado by being involved in community service projects.

Groundbreaking Held for Draper Utah Temple
President Gordon B. Hinckley presided Saturday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Draper Utah Temple. His counselors in the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust, also participated.

BYU Professor Installed as Honorary Consul for Chile
Thomas E. "Ted" Lyon, a professor of Spanish at Brigham Young University, has been installed as Honorary Consul of Chile, in a ceremony that took place in the Governor's Boardroom in Salt Lake City.

Seminar Set to Explore Book of Mormon
"Rediscovering an American Bible: An Invitation to Explore the Book of Mormon from New Perspectives" will bring together respected scholars from a variety of religious and academic backgrounds to share their insights on the Book of Mormon.

Education Week Will Bring Thousands to BYU Campus
Brigham Young University will host the 84th annual Campus Education Week, "Seek Learning," Aug. 21-25 at locations throughout the BYU campus.

New BYU Study Helps Parents Cope with Teens
Parents who want to communicate with their teens should use more praise and less criticism, especially in the case of issues that aren't related to morals, a recent BYU study has shown.

Latter-day Saints Send Aid to Middle East
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is responding to a United Nations appeal for humanitarian aid to help civilians caught in the conflict between Israeli and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and Israel.

Mormon Apologetics Group to Meet
The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), will be sponsoring its annual conference in Sandy, Utah, on August 3-4, 2006.

Sacramento California Temple Open House to Begin
The public is invited to tour the newly completed Sacramento California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The First Presidency of the Church has announced that an open house will begin on Saturday, 29 July, 2006.

Pioneer Day, Lithuanian Style
Pioneer Day is not just a Utah tradition. The Utah pioneers were celebrated on Saturday in Vilnius, Lithuania, with pioneer food that was a little offputting for the members of the two participating branches.
By Boyd J. Hale

Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square and the Brett Family Singers will be the featured guests at the Pioneer Day commemorative concert on Friday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m.

BYU Vocalists Visit Peru and Chile
Members of the Church as well as university students in South America were able to experience prayer in song as they attended performances by a trio of vocalists from Brigham Young University in early July.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

Groundbreaking Scheduled for Draper Utah Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Draper Utah Temple will be held on Saturday, 5 August 2006, at 10 a.m.

BYU to Raze Two Buildings in Deseret Towers Housing Complex
Brigham Young University has announced plans to raze two of the buildings in the Deseret Towers housing complex on campus. Out of the seven residence halls in the complex, two of the buildings will be unoccupied in September.

Handcart Days Packed With Family Fun
Organizers of the 56th annual Bountiful Handcart Days have announced a celebration schedule that includes a grand parade, fireworks, popular entertainers, a chuck wagon breakfast, games, food and an arts and crafts exhibit.

New Temple Will Be Built in Honduras
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the construction of a new temple in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

BYU Professor's Film Honored
A new comedy by Brigham Young University theatre and media arts professor Tom Russell was recently named runner-up in the feature film category at the Mendocino Film Festival in Mendocino, Calif.

Annual BYU Management Conference Set
PROVO, Utah - The Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University will host its 11th Annual BYU Management Conference June 29-July 1.

Historians Gather at Casper
The arid prairie of Wyoming served as site for the annual meeting of the Mormon History Association this year as more than six hundred historians and history buffs converged on Casper, Wyoming's second largest city, May 25 to 28.

Public to Tour Latter-day Saint Temple in Papeete, Tahiti
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a public open house for the newly remodeled Papeete Tahiti Temple.

LDS Smart Marriages Pre-conference Announced
ATLANTA, Georgia - With a passion for strengthening marriages, LDS marriage leaders from around the world are coming together here in June to organize their efforts to help build stronger and more fulfilling marriage relationships within the LDS community.

Southern Virginia University Education Conference will Focus on Miracles
Southern Virginia University is nestled in the picturesque small town of Buena Vista, Virginia, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1997, Sister Kathleen Knight, wife of SVU’s Chairman of the Board, Glade Knight, organized and hosted the school’s first Education Conference, a series of lectures and performances by prominent LDS speakers, scholars, authors, and artists.

U.S. Department of Education Gives BYU $1.4 Million
The U.S. Department of Education awarded Brigham Young University a four-year grant worth $1.4 million to continue its work as a Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER).

Independence, Missouri Mormon Visitors Center Re-Opens
The story of the Mormons in Independence, Missouri, is colorfully brought to life in the totally remodeled Mormon Visitors Center, which has just reopened after a year-long renovation.

BYU-Idaho Wind Ensemble to Perform
An all-American night of rousing band music will be performed by the Brigham Young University-Idaho Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

New PAF Genealogical Tutorial available Online from BYU
A team of Brigham Young University students and faculty members recently created a new free online tutorial for the Personal Ancestral File program that is available to anyone interested in family history.

Church Urges Alternatives for Nuclear Waste
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today asked the federal government to look for alternative options for the disposal of nuclear waste.

BYU Business Program makes BusinessWeek Top 10
BusinessWeek magazine ranked Brigham Young University's undergraduate management program eighth overall and first among recruiters in the most comprehensive ranking of U.S. undergraduate business programs to date.

BYU Vocal Group Wins World Championship
Performing before a sold-out audience at the Lincoln Center in New York City, Brigham Young University's premiere contemporary a cappella ensemble Vocal Point took first place at the finals of the 2006 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.

New Temple Announced in Cebu, Philippines
A new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be built in Cebu, Philippines, it was announced this week.

Mormon Suffragist Emmeline B. Wells Gets Book Treatment
Emmeline B. Wells, one of the first Mormon women to take a prominent role in society, is the subject of a book that tells of her struggles to establish a respected Mormon presence in American life.

Missionary Killed by Drunk Driver
Elder Matthew S. Turley of Ridgefield, Connecticut, has been killed while walking on a path beside a street in San Luis, Argentina. Elder Turley was struck from behind by a drunk driver driving on the wrong side of the road.

Elder Merrill J. Bateman to Receive Honorary Doctorate at BYU Commencement
PROVO, Utah ― Elder Merrill J. Bateman, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former president of Brigham Young University, will receive an honorary Doctorate of Christian Service during BYU's April 2006 Commencement Exercises Thursday, April 27, at 4 p.m. in the Marriott Center.

Temple Square Performances for May 2006
A musical feast is scheduled for May's 2006 Temple Square performances, with nine concerts in the Assembly Hall all beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free but limited to those eight years of age and older.

BYU Religious Education will Host Free Easter Conference
Religious Education and the Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University will host "The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ: An Easter Conference" Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. in the Joseph Smith Building auditorium.
By Brian Rust

Twin Falls Temple Construction to Begin
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will preside at groundbreaking services for the Twin Falls Idaho Temple to be held on Saturday, 15 April 2006.

176^th Annual General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session Talk Excerpts
A gospel-sharing home is not a program. It is a way of life. Creating a gospel-sharing home means inviting our friends and neighbors into the ongoing flow of family and Church activities. As we invite our friends to join us for these activities, they will also feel the Spirit.

176th Annual General Conference Sunday Morning Session Talk Excerpts
President Hinckley said that his patriarchal blessing had said that the nations of the world would hear his voice — and he first thought that had been fulfilled as he bore his testimony in several foreign cities as he returned from his mission.

176th Annual General Conference Priesthood Session Talk Excerpts
A report of the General Priesthood Session including talks from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Richard G. Hinckley, President James E. Faust, President Thomas S. Monson and President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Saturday Afternoon Session of Conference
Brief Excerpts of Talks
Following are some brief excerpts from talks given by President Boyd K. Packer, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder David F. Evans, Elder Wolfgang H. Paul, Elder Russell M. Nelson and Elder L. Tom Perry in the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference.

Management Society Dinner
The Annual Gala Dinner of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Brigham Young University Management Society will be held Saturday, April 8, 2006, at the Georgetown University Conference Center. Kevin Rollins, President and CEO of Dell, Inc., will receive the Society's Distinguished Business Leader Award.

Norway's Princess Märtha Louise to Lecture at BYU
Norway's Princess Märtha Louise will be the Harold B. Lee Library's guest at the Annual Featured Author of the Year Lecture Thursday, April 6, at 11 a.m. in the Harris Fine Arts Center's de Jong Concert Hall at Brigham Young University.

New Leaders Announced at Church Conference
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced 10 new General Authorities at the Saturday afternoon session of the Church’s 176th Annual General Conference being held here this weekend. Seventeen new Area Seventies were also named to serve as lay leaders in various parts of the world. Here are all the details.

Statistical Report 2005
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued the following report concerning the growth and status of the Church as of 31 December 2005.

The 176th Annual General Conference
General Conference is not only a wonderful time for filling our reservoirs and strengthening our testimonies, it is just a wonderful weekend filled with traditions and family love. Meridian will bring you brief excerpts of each of the talks of General Conference this week. Today we have excerpts from the Saturday morning session.

BYU Marriott School students treated to lunch — by billionaire Warren Buffet
Who picks up the tab when you go to lunch with a billionaire? Warren Buffett, the world's second-richest man, recently treated 22 Brigham Young University business students to lunch and a 90-minute Q&A session in Omaha, Nebraska. Come and see.

BYU Vocal Point Going to International Competition—Finally
For the third time in five years, Brigham Young University’s Vocal Point has qualified for the finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. Because BYU sports and performance groups do not compete on the Sabbath, they've never gone. This time they’re going. Read all about it.

Sacramento Temple Topped with Golden Angel
On the morning of March 15th, the construction crew was ready for action, the unseasonably heavy rains in Northern California had stopped and the golden angel was inspected, prepped and about to fly -but alas, all the best laid plans were halted when the metal steeple the angel Moroni would be placed on did not arrive as scheduled.

BYU Studies Sponsors Behind-the-Scenes Presentation of the Worlds of Joseph Smith Conference at the Library of Congress
The organizers of last year's Library of Congress event on Joseph Smith gather for a panel discussion this week at BYU.

Family Expo
Brigham Young University's annual Family Expo will be held Monday and Tuesday, April 3-4, in the BYU Conference Center on campus.

Families and Work Research Conference at BYU March 20-22
The Brigham Young University Family Studies Center is sponsoring a three-day "Families and Work Research Conference" today through Wednesday, March 20-22, in the BYU Conference Center.

Public to Tour New Temple in Sacramento, California
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a public open house for the Sacramento California Temple.

Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Helsinki Finland Temple
SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a public open house prior to the dedication of the nearly completed Helsinki Finland Temple.

President Hinckley Rededicates Santiago Temple
It was a bright Sunday morning as President Hinckley entered the remodeled Santiago Temple for its rededication. The event marked a renewal for the 95-year-old Prophet as well as for the temple, which had been closed for a year to be enlarged and refurbished.

Memories are Made as Temple Reopens its Doors
These photos capture the spirit of the Santiago Chile Temple rededication, which was held over the weekend of March 11, 2006.

President Hinckley to Rededicate Santiago Chile Temple
President Gordon B. Hinckley, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will preside this weekend over rededication events for the newly refurbished Santiago Chile Temple. This will be President Hinckley's first public activities since his recent surgery.

American Mormon Chorale & Symphony Orchestra Hold Open Auditions For 2006
Organizers for The American Mormon Chorale & Symphony Orchestra announced yesterday that the group would hold open auditions in April and May of 2006.

Church Responds to Questions on TV Series
As an HBO television series set in Salt Lake City makes headlines, Church spokesmen voice concerns over the polygamy-themed content.

Temple Dedication, Cultural Celebration Set for Chile
The "open doors" have closed as workers put the finishing touches on the Santiago Temple for its rededication Sunday, March 12.

BYU Renames ISPART to Neal. A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Brigham Young University's Board of Trustees recently approved the renaming of BYU's Institute for the Study and Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts (ISPART) to the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.

LDS Attorneys Gather for First J. Reuben Clark Law Society Conference
Where do you find a gathering of attorneys who, when they talk about contracts and obligations, they are talking about their relationship to God?

Elder Bateman to Speak at CES Fireside March 5
PROVO, Utah - Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will speak at a Church Educational System Fireside Sunday, March 5.

BYU TV Adds Gardening Show to Roster
Now, thanks to the help you can get from this new DIY show on the BYU channel, home gardens are an option for every family.

Don’t Be Left Out of an Extraordinary Weekend at the DC Temple Visitors Center
Two unusual events complete the Black Heritage Month programs at the Washington Temple Visitors' Center on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Come and see.

Temple Square Performances for March 2006
An appealing array of eight free-to-the-public instrumental and vocal performances is set for March 2006 on Temple Square; in addition, one performance is scheduled in nearby Abravanel Hall.

Local Churches, Universities, and Citizens Unite for Orchestral Performance
This week, community members will join students and staff of Southern Virginia University to perform "Requiem," by John Rutter. The full-orchestra version of Rutter's piece is now made possible through the collaboration of many local groups.
By Bryan Gentry

SVU Quiz Bowl Shocks the Big Guys at Sectional Tournament
The SVU quiz bowl team surprised competitors from large, prestigious schools by finishing 7-6 and taking eighth place out of nineteen teams.

Concert Features Extraordinary Line-Up of Inspirational Performers
PROVO, Utah — Sounds of Zion and The Inspirational Music Showcase will present An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration on Saturday February 25th, 7:00 PM at Provo's Timpview High School.

Santiago Chile Temple Rededication Rescheduled
President Hinckley hopes to preside at the rededication in Santiago. See details.

New BYU Study Shows how to Prevent Delinquents' Effects on Younger Siblings

SVU's Returned Missionaries Improve Bolivian Businesses
Two returned missionaries from Southern Virginia University have found a new mission: changing the world's economic future by helping one business at a time.
By Bryan Gentry

Health Status of President Gordon B. Hinckley
SALT LAKE CITY — President Gordon B. Hinckley continues to recuperate at home.

Utah Legislator to Keynote African American Family History Research Series
SALT LAKE CITY — In commemoration of Black History Month, the Family History Library announces its fourth annual African American Family History Research Series, to be held on Saturday, February 11.

Health Status of President Gordon B. Hinckley
SALT LAKE CITY — President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was discharged from the hospital Tuesday, according to a church spokesman.

BYU MBA Program Moves Up in Financial Times Rankings
The Marriott School of Management is solidly among the Financial Times rankings of the top 100 global MBA programs, ranking 45th this year.

Former Studio Executives Keynote Speakers at BYU Forum
Three former executives of Disney, FOX, DreamWorks, and Sony are the keynote speakers of BYU's February 2nd Film Forum entitled The Moving Image: Conversations about Film and Spirit at the Museum of Art Auditorium on the BYU campus

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Updates Roster
Was that your great-uncle Theron's face you saw in last week's Tabernacle Choir broadcast? Now you can find out.

Thousands See Santiago Temple during “Puertas Abiertas”
Said an atheist, "If God exists, today I found his house."
Story and photos by Laurie Williams Sowby

A Photographic Tour of the Santiago Chile Temple
The newly refurbished Santiago Temple is drawing thousands of visitors during its open house. Here are some close-ups of what the visitors are seeing.

Santiago Chile Temple Opens Doors to Public
SANTIAGO, Chile — The public is invited to tour the newly refurbished Santiago Chile Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Health Status of President Gordon B. Hinckley

Washington D.C. Temple Celebrates Black Heritage Month
KENSINGTON, Maryland — On three weekends during February's Black History Month, Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will speak, teach, and perform at the Washington, DC Temple Visitors' Center in Kensington, Maryland.

Media a Greater Threat than Peers, Parents Believe
Parents feel a greater threat to their adolescent child's values from the media than from peers, and are therefore more controlling in response to these influences than to peer influences, according to a new Brigham Young University study.
By Kelsey Hansen

Two Missionaries Killed in Head-on Collision
New Zealand — Two young United States church workers and an elderly woman were killed in a high-speed, head-on smash on a usually quiet South Canterbury road last night.
By John Keast

Statement from the Heidbrink Family
This statement has been released at the request of the Heidbrink family, in response to the shooting of their missionary son Joshua last week in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Public to Tour Refurbished Temple in Santiago, Chile
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a public open house for the newly remodeled Santiago Chile Temple.

Community Wins in Annual BYU/U of U Food Fight
More than 63 tons of food were donated to local food pantries last week, as two longtime rival schools channeled their competition into a collection for charity.

Book Examines Mormon Women in the Twentieth Century
New Scholarship on Latter-day Saint Women in the Twentieth Century demonstrates the response of Mormon women to cultural trends, politics, and religion.

BYU announces tuition hike for 2006-2007
PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University will raise tuition 6.2 percent for the 2006-2007 academic year, bringing the undergraduate rate per semester to $1,810, up $105 from the previous year.

Christmas Display to Attract One Million Spectators in Mesa
MESA, Arizona — Mesa will once again be home to one of the Southwest's largest holiday lights displays this Christmas season.

West Virginia Puts Free Database of Vital Records Online
Thanks to the help of FamilySearch Archive (Genealogy Society of Utah), searching those elusive ancestors with West Virginian origins or connections may now be just a mouse click away.

New Exhibit Explores Relationship of Nostalgia and Technology
The exhibition explores how ornamentation and design have been used to facilitate society’s acceptance of innovations such as electricity, sewing machines, typewriters, radios, televisions, automobiles, space exploration, atomic energy and wearable technology.

SVU Presents its First Opera
Opera makes its much-anticipated debut at Southern Virginia University with the Division of the Arts' production of The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti.

Saving Lives — One Loan at a Time
Thanks to Enterprise Mentors International, Mike Espinilla of the Philippines and thousands like him all over the world are supporting their families as owners and operators of small businesses.
By Erika Dahl Price

"Book of Gold" to Premiere Nov. 4
"Putting words into a historical figure's mouth is an uncomfortable job for a writer, and in writing about the Prophet, I sensed potential landmines all around."
By Brian Rust

Renowned Soprano Renée Fleming Joins Tabernacle Choir for Christmas Concerts

Joseph Smith Conference at Palmyra

Latin American Latter-day Saints Aid Hurricane Stan Victims
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala, El Salvador and southern Mexico are overcoming mudslides, washed-out bridges and blocked roads to deliver relief supplies to victims of Hurricane Stan.

School Supplies Help Hurricane Victims
Thousands of displaced young victims of Hurricane Katrina are getting back to the routine of school with the help of school supplies that have been donated by volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Savior of the World” to Be Performed this Christmas

Kim B. Clark inaugurated as BYU-Idaho’s fifteenth president

Sperry Symposium to Focus on Joseph Smith

Ground Broken for New Church History Library

SVU Celebrates 10th Anniversary With 2005 Homecoming

BYU Celebrates Homecoming This Week

Evergreen Fireside to Educate Local Members, Leaders

175th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Morning Session
President Hinckley said, "Age does something to a man. It seems to make him more aware of the need for kindness and goodness and forbearance."

175th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder Russell M. Nelson tells the marvelous story of President and Sister Kimball arising healed from their sick beds to attend a celebration in New Zealand.

175th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Morning Session
General Conference is a time to "refill our reservoirs" and to "strengthen our resolve." Today and tomorrow, Meridian brings you excerpts from each of the conference talks to remind you of the wonderful messages and inspiring words from the 175th Semi-Annual Conference.

175th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Afternoon Session
Excerpts from Saturday afternoon's session include Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's reference to the "great and spacious makeup kit."

175th Semi-Annual General Conference
Priesthood Session
The following are brief excerpts from the talks given at the General Priesthood Meeting, Saturday evening, October 1, 2005.

New Salt Lake Valley Temple Announced

New Leaders of the Seventy Sustained; Eleven General Authorities Released

Church Continues Relief Effort in Hurricane Mop-Up

New Office Building in Downtown Ogden

General Conference Draws Thousands to Utah

Missionaries Evacuate En Masse from Hurricane Rita
When 146 missionaries from the Texas Houston South mission found themselves in the path of Hurricane Rita, the Sequin Texas ward took them in.

Ramping Up for Rita and Cleaning Up From Katrina

KBYU and BYU TV Guide for September

Families under Fire Conference at BYU
Brigham Young University's Division of Continuing Education and School of Family Life will host the fifth annual "Families under Fire" conference Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 3-4.

Latter-day Saints to Mobilize Another 4,000 Volunteers
The buzz of chainsaws will again fill the air this weekend, as thousands of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints descend on the Gulf Coast to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Samoa Temple Dedicated
Last weekend, Samoans of all ages beamed at their new temple and anxiously awaited the coming of the Prophet to dedicate the new structure.
By Katie Lloyd

SVU Rallies to Help Katrina's Victims
SVU students will fast and give blood to help.

Broadcast of “Where the World Begins” on BYU TV
A moving short documentary demonstrating the "real world impact" of abiding by (or disregarding) the values in The Family: A Proclamation to the World will play several times on BYU TV.

Third Annual Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum Fall Conference
Register now for the Third Annual Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum Fall Conference Sept. 29-30.

Celebrate!  A Burned Temple is Rebuilt in Samoa
When you've known the bitter, the sweet is so sweet. Samoans celebrate with the prophet.
By Katie Lloyd

Operation Families for Katrina Aid:  Here’s How Your Children Can Help the Hurricane Victims
When tragedy strikes we all feel driven to help in some way. Not only do we want to give aid, but we also want our children to find the peace and joy that comes from helping others in distress
by Gary and Joy Lundberg

On a Mission of Mercy with Ladders, Chainsaws and Backhoes
They have never met but already recognize each other’s voices and distinct accents over the telephone — dozens of leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who get together for a nightly conference call on a mission of mercy.

A Louisiana Member’s Report on Katrina
Many are sleeping in the stake center, with each family calling a classroom their home.
By Narayne Rougeau
Alexandria, Louisiana

Church Providing Relief to Hurricane Katrina Victims
Advance preparation allows for rapid response      

Katrina’s Devastation and the Latter-day Saints
“It reminds me of the chaos in 3 Nephi.” Utter catastrophe. The face of the world changed.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

Convocation Ceremonies Begin SVU's 10th Year
Southern Virginia University is ringing in its tenth academic year.

Expedition Preps BYU Geology Students for Oil and Gas Industry
High prices at the pump this summer have Americans thinking about gasoline. So for a group of Brigham Young University geology students, the chance to ponder the particulars of petroleum was one they couldn’t pass up.

Newport Beach California Temple Opens Doors
One neighbor who had been among the protestors said, “Seeing the beauty of the temple and what it adds to the neighborhood, I’m sorry I ever opposed it.”
By Carolyn Sessions Allen of the Southern California Public Affairs Council

Hispanic Devotional Scheduled for Conference Center
SALT LAKE CITY — A devotional for Latino Latter-day Saints and their Spanish-speaking friends and neighbors will be held on Sunday, 18 September in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Nigerian People Revere Their Temple
"Since Solomon, there has been nothing like this. Many generations of my people have passed and have seen nothing of temples and of the Lord."
By Laura Hauck

Mykola Suk to Join in Concert with Orchestra at Temple Square
SALT LAKE CITY — The Orchestra att Temple Square will be joined by internationally acclaimed piano soloist Mykola Suk for its concert on Saturday, 27 August, at 7:30 p.m. at Abravanel Hall.

Days of Rejoicing in the Good Earth
When you have waited for years for the opportunity to go to the House of the Lord, waiting a little longer only increases the duration of the joy.
By Donna and Vern Whisenant

Cultural Night Shines Brightly in Korea
Hundreds of dancers of all ages, all wearing colorful costumes, celebrated Korea's heritage as part of President Hinckley's world tour.
By Kathy Rappleye, with photos by Lloyd and Kathy Rappleye

Prophet Blesses Korean Saints
The Prophet told Korean Saints that the welfare of the nation rests upon their shoulders. “If the Saints will live the gospel they will be spared from war and other afflictions.”

The Miracle of Building a Temple in Nigeria
When a temple for Nigeria was announced over five years ago, many shook their heads in bewilderment.
Captions and Story by Ben and Julie Markham
Photographs by Sister Donna and Elder Vern Whisenant

Public to Tour Reconstructed Temple in Apia, Samoa

The Morning Breaks in Nigeria
Like a tree of life that cannot be resisted, the gospel grew spontaneously in Nigeria, long before missionaries came. Now, this weekend a temple, is dedicated in Aba and the African Saints are rejoicing.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

FAIR Conference Available Online
The conference webcast represents an innovation to the way FAIR is publishing and sharing research online.

His Name is Temple
As the bus neared the temple ground the pains increased and she knew she was in labor.
By Donna and Vern Whisenant

FAIR Conference Marks 8 Years of Defending the Faith
The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, FAIR, will convene at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah, on August 4 and 5.
By Kathy Green

2005 Pearl Awards Announced
Awards given for Mormondom's best faith-based music of the year

New Photo Exhibit Features President Gordon B. Hinckley
SALT LAKE CITY — A new exhibit of photos from the life of President Gordon B.. Hinckley will be on display in the Conference Center and the North Visitors’ Center at Temple Square through the end of September.

Public to Tour New Temple in Newport Beach, California
NEWPORT BEACH, California — The public is invited to tour the newly completed Newport Beach California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Genetics and Professional Genealogy Seminar
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — The Utah Medical Association and Heritage Genealogical College are pleased to announce the Genetics and Professional Genealogy Seminar, "Grandpa’s Genes, the Ancestral File, and Current Genetic Research."

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Announces Auditions for Men
SALT LAKE CITY — The Mormon Tabernacle Choir needs more good men! The choir is announcing upcoming auditions for male singers. The choir has extended the deadline to request applications to 31 July 2005.

BYU Museum of Art to Display Photographic Dreamscapes of Rodney Smith
PROVO, Utah — An exhibition of photographer Rodney Smith’s work, “Adam’s Dream: The Photographs of Rodney Smith,” will be on view at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art from July 28, 2005 to January 16, 2006.

New Documentary Features Utah’s First African American Woman
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Jane Manning James, one of the first freeborn African Americans to migrate to Utah, is portrayed in the new documentary Jane Manning James: Your Sister in the Gospel.

Rexburg Temple Groundbreaking Set
REXBURG, Idaho — Elder John H. Groberg, of the Presidency of the Seventy, will preside at groundbreaking services for the Rexburg Idaho Temple, to be held on Saturday, 30 July 2005, at 10:30 a.m.

BYU Study:  Shyness Affects Even 4-year-olds
A new study by a Brigham Young University professor shows that shy behavior in children as young as age 4 hurts their developing self-perceptions. These shy children run greater risks of lower self-perceptions and decreased social acceptance by age seven.

"The Worlds of Joseph Smith" Conference to be Broadcast

58,000 Youth to Highlight Ogden Celebration

Joseph Smith Oratorio Premieres Tonight in Dallas

Day of Celebration Honors Legacy of Joseph Smith; A Thousand Lava-lavas for a Maori Haka

International Organist Diane Bish to Perform at BYU-Idaho

President Hinckley Honored on His 95^th Birthday

President Hinckley Reflects on 95 Years
President Gordon B. Hinckley is a man who doesn't know the meaning of the words "rocking chair". The prophet, who is the leader of nearly 12.3 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, used the occasion of his 95th birthday to announce a world tour.
By Kathryn H. Kidd

BYU Research Examines Genetic Factors in Cartilage Breakdown

Joseph Smith Staff will Collaborate in SL Vicinity

Temple Square Programs and “Concerts in the Park” for July

New Pageant to Premiere in Historic Nauvoo

Kim Clark
Dean of Harvard Business School to be New BYU-Idaho President
President Hinckley announced yesterday that Kim Clark, Dean of the Harvard Business School, will now take the reins as President of BYU-Idaho. Clark will travel to Rexburg to be formally introduced to faculty and speak with students at a devotional assembly today. Meridian interviewed Dean Clark and found that he a man who is as good as his word, whose life is a reflection of integrity and deeply-held standards.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

This is Kirtland!
Those who visit Historic Kirtland this summer during “pageant season” (June 30 – July 24) are in for a special treat--a musical theater presentation on the history of the Church in the area.

Looking into the Heart of Texas
A Photographic Essay of the People at the San Antonio Temple Dedication
What am I to do when we fly to San Antonio and in four days I shoot 1,256 pictures and after publishing three major cover stories I still have 1,181 shots left? (And this is the least I’ve ever shot due to my camera breaking. You can’t imagine how enormous our archives are from all these journeys). Well, the best thing to do is publish another photo essay (we work our webmaster to the bone). Ya'll come and see now, ya hear.
By Scot Facer Proctor

This Is The Place Heritage Park Launches Education Institute
This is the Place Heritage Park offers a full-range of entertaining and educational experiences this summer. Check here for the details.

16 Minutes of Glorious Light
A Photographic Essay of the San Antonio Temple
A photographer knows that two times of day, there is magic light—just as the sun rises and just as it sets. Things take on a golden glow that is as temporary as the vulnerable green of first spring. It's here and then gone. You have to work fast to capture what won't last. Today's photo essay of the San Antonio Texas Temple was captured in 16 Minutes of Glorious Light. Come and see.
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor
Story by Maurine Jensen Proctor

Rudolph Rosas and the San Antonio Temple Coverstone Ceremony
Five years ago Rudolph Rosas was a tough guy, who cussed like a sailor and prided himself on never crying. As a Marine Reconnaissance Ranger, he felt invincible, a hard-nosed rowdy who felt invincible in any situation—whether it was staring death in the face or parachuting into a danger zone. Rudoph was at the San Antonio Temple dedication on Sunday. Come with as at Meridian as we continue to search "the heart of Texas."
By Maurine Jensen Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

Deep in the Heart of Texas
Youth Jubilee Celebrates San Antonio Temple Dedication
They do everything big in Texas—even Church events. When President Hinckley said that he wanted the youth to celebrate and mark deep into their memories the dedication of the San Antonio Temple, the Texas Saints responded in Texas style with a youth jubilee of singing and dancing that was massively entertaining. Why don't ya'll come and see!
By Maurine Jensen Proctor
Photography by Scot Facer Proctor

Temple Square Performances for June 2005

Mean Girls Start in Preschool, BYU Study Shows
A new study out of Brigham Young University shows that relational aggression may be associated with social prominence as early as 4 and 5 years of age.

Westminster Concert Bell Choir Performs May 28 on Temple Square

6.24 Million Pounds of Potatoes Donated by Church and Idaho Farmers
Church Welfare Services and Idaho potato farmers are donating 1.6 million pounds of fresh potatoes to food banks in nine states, and an additional 600,000 pounds of potato flakes will be distributed internationally.

Joseph Smith to be Featured as ‘Great American’
This show will introduce the Prophet Joseph to thousands of viewers.  His placement on the roster of Greatest Americans may tempt viewers to learn for themselves why Joseph Smith made a difference in the world.

The Worlds of Joseph Smith
An International Academic Conference at the Library of Congress
That the Library of Congress would sponsor an unprecedented conference on Joseph Smith marks that the rise of the Latter-day Saints out of obscurity into prominence on the world stage is deemed worthy of distinguished scholarship.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

Advice to Graduates
Don't advance yourself through compromise. Don't feather your nest with what you've plucked dishonorably from another. Remember that in the end, surely God will be looking only for clean hands, not full ones.
By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

SVU Graduates Exhorted to be Leader-Servants

Elder Oaks to Speak at CES Fireside on Sunday
A Church Education System Fireside broadcast featuring Elder Dallin H. Oaks will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 1, in the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University.

BYU Ranked Third “Best Value” College

Women’s Conference Set for Thursday, Friday

Three Temple Dedications Set for Summer 2005

Temple Square Performances for May; SVU Holds 2^nd Annual Art Show

New Library Planned; First Presidency Congratulates Pope; SVU Announces Education Week

Award-Winning Soprano Performs in Salt Lake City Tonight

Journalists Preview San Antonio Texas Temple
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Reporters in south central Texas got an early look yesterday at the newly completed San Antonio Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormons, Jews Set Up Group to Study Concerns
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have acted not only with goodwill, but also with integrity and honesty in decade-long discussions over Jewish concerns about proxy baptisms, it was stated today.

20 Significant Milestones in 175 Years of Church History, Part 2
Significant events and trends pile up ever faster as the Church surges forward in growth and member committment. Here are our remaining candidates for the 20 significant milestones in Church history.
By Maurine Proctor

20 Significant Milestones in 175 Years of Church History
Today is the 175th anniversary of the Church's founding, April 6, 1830 and we celebrate by noting the amazing progress since then.
By Maurine Proctor

Choir’s 1959 Recording of Messiah to Be
Inducted Into the National Recording Registry

'Disenchanted Forest' Lures Viewers at BYU Museum of Art
Animatronics and duct tape are integral components of Foster's surreal world.

175th Annual General Conference
Sunday Session Talk Excerpts
Sunday's General Conference sessions were a time for the Lord to extend his "tender mercies" to the Latter-day Saints and be reminded of the great things restored through the prophet Joseph Smith
April 3, 2005

175th Annual General Conference
Saturday Session Talk Excerpts
The prophet told us that this had been a wonderful season in the Church, and these excerpts from Saturday's conference sessions remind us just how wonderful.

First Presidency Expresses Sympathy
"The Pope's voice remained firm in defense of freedom, family, and Christianity. On matters of principle and morality, he was uncompromising. On his compassion for the world's poor, he has been unwavering."

175^th Anniversary of the Church Sees Members United in Faith
A young bride, who left no name or address, dropped off a small wrapped package containing her two-carat diamond wedding ring at Church headquarters.

Leadership Changes at General Conference; Statistical Report 2004
12 General Authorities and New Primary General Presidency Called; Changes in Area Seventies

A Brief Report on General Priesthood Meeting
Saturday Evening, April 2, 2005
General Priesthood meeting is a time of rich traditions for the brethren of the Church. The following are brief excerpts from each of the six talks given in the Saturday evening session.

Temple Square Performances for April 2005
Ten diverse Temple Square performances beckon Wasatch Front residents and visitors during April 2005.

Public to Tour New San Antonio Texas Temple
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The public is invited to tour the newly completed San Antonio Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

New Faith-Based Musical Premieres Next Week
"Though Christ lived on the earth 2000 years ago, the story being told is still the same. Christ’s love is still powerful enough to encompass each one of us.”

Saints at War Project Devotional to Air Today

Curitiba Brazil Temple Groundbreaking
Ground has been broken for the Curitiba Brazil temple, and this report takes you to the event.
By President Craig Earnshaw

Gordon B. Hinckley
10^th Anniversary as President of the Church
A Giant Among Us
Only six times in the Church's one-hundred seventy-five year history has a President of the Church been in office for ten years or more-but on Saturday, March 12, it will be seven. Gordon B. Hinckley is now the fourth oldest man to hold the office of President of the Church, but age does not seem to matter much to him.
By Scot Facer Proctor

Other Prophets Who Have Led the Church for Ten Years
Only six others have led the Church for ten years or longer. Here is an interesting perspective.

3rd Annual Family Outreach Conference at BYU
The conference, which is geared for professionals and laypeople alike, will focus on the many ways that citizens can better strengthen the institutions of marriage and the family within their own communities.

Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square Under Renovation
For the duration of the renovation, all broadcasts, rehearsals and other performances of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be moved to the Conference Center, located on the adjacent block just north of Temple Square.

March Orchestra Concert to Feature 13-Year-Old Piano Prodigy
Rachel Cheung, a piano prodigy from Hong Kong, will be the featured guest soloist as the orchestra plays some of the most well known and best loved pieces in classical music.

Bells to Ring on Temple Square
A new group of volunteers, the Bells at Temple Square, will be organized under the umbrella of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Funeral Services for Sister Dantzel Nelson

Sister Dantzel Nelson, Wife of Elder Russell M. Nelson, Passes Away
Sister Dantzel Nelson, wife of Elder Russell M. Nelson, passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening at her home in Salt Lake City. Elder Nelson was with his wife at the time. In memory of Sister Nelson, Meridian shares some pictures taken while she and Elder Nelson visited the Saints in Warsaw, Poland on May 9, 2003.

Noted Historian to Keynote African American Family History Open House
The third annual African American Family History Open House, sponsored by the Family History Library, will feature keynote speaker Dr. Ronald G. Coleman from the University of Utah and a day-long series of classes and workshops.

American Red Cross Recognizes Church for Humanitarian Support of the Lifesaving Measles Initiative in Africa
The American Red Cross has awarded its Circle of Humanitarians award to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its worldwide support of measles vaccination campaigns.

New Exhibition of Women Artists to Open at BYU
“Thoroughly Modern: The ‘New Women’ Art Students of Robert Henri” will open at the Museum of Art on Feb. 25, 2005 and will be on view through Aug. 27, 2005.

Joseph Smith Bicentennial Exhibit at Church Museum
The Museum of Church History and Art kicks off this year's celebration of the bicentennial of Joseph Smith's birth with a new exhibit, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, that opens on Saturday.

Black History Month Festivities at Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center
The 4th annual celebration of Black History Month is in progress now at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

New Instructions to Help Tsunami Victims
Below are the new instructions for shipping your packages to Operation Give for free. Please follow them exactly.

Family History Library Celebrates 110-Year Roots
Public open house to show off new look
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will celebrate two family history milestones this month: the completion of extensive upgrades to its Family History Library, the world’s largest genealogical research facility, and the 110th anniversary of the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU). See inside for all the details.

82-Year-Old Indiana Woman Sings with
Tabernacle Choir to Fulfill Lifelong Dream
On Thursday night, 13 January, Virginia Spelbring, an 82-year-old Indiana resident, will sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr to Guide Church Educational System
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the appointment of Elder W. Rolfe Kerr as Church Commissioner of Education.

Key Events Mark Joseph Smith's Bicentennial Year
This year brings a series of firsts and significant acknowledgements that whether the world recognizes him as a prophet or not, Joseph Smith is to be reckoned with.

Jan Shipps to Speak in Texas Next Month
PLANO, Texas --“Explaining Mormonism to the Media-- and to to Everyone Else” will be the title of a fireside talk that will be given next month in Plano by Jan Shipps, Ph.D.

Meridian Picks Top Ten LDS Stories of the Year
It's that irresistible time of year again when no self-respecting editors can resist the urge to compile their top ten stories of the last year. We have given into the temptation—as we do every year—and make no promises that we'll ever resolve to do differently.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

Muslims and Mormons Flying Aid to Southern Asia
More than 70 tons of medical supplies, hygiene kits, clothing and shoes will be flown to Indonesia to aid tsunami disaster victims in a partnership effort by Islamic Relief Worldwide and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Celebrated British Organist to Give Recital
One of the world's foremost organists, Dr. Stephen Cleobury, will perform an organ recital on the Conference Center organ, Friday, 7 January 2005, at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Airs on PBS for Holidays
Mormon Tabernacle Choir special with noted soloists airs tonight on PBS.

LDS Capture First Place in City of Dallas Christmas Parade
The Dallas Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints won the best float award in the religious category and also the Mayors choice award for best overall float in the City of Dallas Annual Christmas Parade.

Tabernacle Choir Concerts on Video;
Mormon Choir of Washington to Perform on Sunday
Two Musical Events from LDS Choirs.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

BYU Museum of Art to Ring in Holiday Season with Annual Christmas Celebration
This year’s Christmas Celebration at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art will feature a variety of holiday activities for all ages, along with a delightful display of wood carvings by contemporary Polish folk artists.

Sister Ruby Haight Passes Away
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the passing of Sister Ruby Haight, widow of Elder David B. Haight, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who died this past summer on 31 July 2004.

Public Invited to Taping Session of Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert
The public is invited to attend a special taping session of this year's Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert.

Celebrating 30 Years of The Washington, D.C. Temple
The original Washington, D.C. Temple district extended from the North Pole to the South Pole and from the Mississippi to Bermuda. Now, 40 temples stand within those old boundaries. Within the Temple’s present boundaries there used to be only two stakes; now there are 40 stakes in the same area. This past week a celebration took place in the Temple.
By Steven Orton

First Night Youth Concert in Salt Lake Tabernacle
As part of Salt Lake City’s First Night 2005, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host A Great and Marvelous Work, a musical concert for the young and the young at heart to be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on New Year’s Eve.

South Florida Church Members Hand Out More than 1,000 Books of Mormon
Here is a missionary idea that can be duplicated in other areas.
By Geoffrey Biddulph

"America's Choir: The Story of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir"
Tribute Special to Air on PBS on Thanksgiving Day
President Ronald Reagan has called them "America's Choir." Their voices have honored kings and queens and been heard at Presidential inaugurations. This year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir can be part of your Thanksgiving celebration.

Deseret Book Acquires Entertainment Group
Deseret Book Acquires Entertainment Group; National Tabernacle Choir Broadcast

The Church in Israel: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Judaism and Mormonism are on different paths of the same gospel, the latter the modern fulfillment of the former.
By Ronan James Head

Artist Walter Rane to Lecture at Museum
Well-known Latter-day Saint artist Walter Rane will lecture about his art.

Temple Square Perfromances For November 2004
Musical performances of a wide variety are scheduled for Temple Square during November, with events scheduled for fourteen of November’s thirty days.  

Temple Square Youth Devotional Features Bishop H. David Burton
A youth devotional featuring Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be held on Wednesday, 3 November 2004

First Presidency Statement on Same-Gender Marriage
The Church accordingly favors measures that define marriage as the union of a man and a woman and that do not confer legal status on any other sexual relationship.

Tabernacle Choir Film and International Music at Washington D.C. Temple

John Chen, Extraordinary New Zealand Pianist, in Concert
Temple Square Performances announces a concert by John Chen, winner of the 2004 Sydney (Australia) International Piano Competition, in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square

How to Help with Hurricane Relief
In recent weeks we have seen the powers of nature buffeting the homes of millions of people. These storms have collectively created a disaster of unprecedented proportions. Many have asked the Church how they can help. LDS Foundation, a department of the Office of the Presiding Bishopbric, has the answer.

Angel Moroni Placed on Manhattan New York Temple
Photos take you there.

Helping Hurricane Victims in Central Florida
Thousands of Church members in Florida have spent nearly every weekend since August traveling over a hundred miles from home helping those hit by the hurricanes.
By Geoffrey Biddulph

174^th Semi-annual General Conference
Sunday Morning Session
Two new apostles bear their testimonies and President Hinckley speaks of "The Women in Our Lives."

174^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Sunday Afternoon
Excerpts from the talks at the concluding session of General Conference. President Hinckley reminds us to attend the temple.

Priesthood Session of General Conference
The following are excerpts from the talks given at the 174th Semi-Annual General Conference Priesthood Session.

174^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Morning Session
Two new temples were announced at the Saturday morning session.

174^th Semi-Annual General Conference
Saturday Afternoon Session
Here are excerpts and gems from talks from the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference.

Changes in the Quorums of the Seventy
Changes in the leadership and membership of the Quorums of the Seventy were announced today at the Saturday afternoon session of the 174th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Temple Square Chorale to Present Mendelssohn’s Elijah
The Temple Square Chorale and the Orchestra at Temple Square will present Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn on Friday, 15 October, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and on Saturday, 16 October, in the Libby Gardner Concert Hall at the University of Utah. Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. See details inside.

Thousands to Attend 174th Semiannual General Conference this Weekend
Twenty-one thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend each of the five sessions of the 174th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be held this Saturday and Sunday, 2-3 October 2004, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Details inside.

Temple Square Performances for October 2004
Eight Temple Square performances are scheduled for October 2004.

Fall Concert of Orchestra to Feature
Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
The Orchestra at Temple Square will kick off its 2004-05 season Saturday, 18 Sept.

Humanitarian Initiative Offers New Hope
Deseret Book and LDS Humanitarian Services partner to get books into the hands of children in developing nations.

Mormon Handicraft Opens New Store
Deseret Book Company, owner of Mormon Handicraft has announced that it will open a new Mormon Handicraft retail location, occupying existing space at This is the Place Heritage Park.

BYU Campus Education Week—Now in Progress
The 82nd Campus Education Week is in progress this week on the BYU campus in Provo.

BYU Museum of Art Offers Visitors a Glimpse of Ancient Greece during Summer Games
Two galleries full of ancient Greek sculpture and pottery will satisfy visitors’ curiosity about this classic civilization’s art, history and culture.

Auditions Scheduled for Christmas Cast of “Savior of the World”
Latter-day Saint actors and singers are invited to audition for the Church-produced musical “Savior of the World,” which will be presented in the Conference Center Theater during the Christmas season.

Dear Associate, Brother in Christ
Elder David B. Haight Remembered at Services
David B. Haight, 97, the oldest man to serve in the apostleship in this dispensation, was remembered Thursday at his funeral services as a warm and caring man with a testimony that influenced thousands upon thousands.
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

Funeral Services for Elder David B. Haight
For information on the funeral of Elder Haight, see inside.

The Basics Have Not Changed
April 1997 Conference Address
Learn to be . . . obedient above all things--that you might be able to carry out the Lord's work in the majestic way in which it must be done.
by Elder David B. Haight
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder David B. Haight Passes Away
Elder David B. Haight, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, passed away at 4:15 Saturday morning of causes incident to age. Family members were with him at his home at the time of his passing.

Fought a Good Fight, Finished the Course, Kept the Faith
Passing his 97th birthday in 2003, Elder Haight became the oldest living apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the oldest since the Church was organized in 1830.

Elder David B. Haight: Joy in Lifting Others
“He cannot be in a crowd, or even with an individual, without saying something that would build them collectively or individually,” describes Elder Haight.

First Presidency Statement on Passing of Elder Haight
“We deeply regret the passing of our beloved friend and associate, Elder David Bruce Haight."

Goodbye to Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Report of his Memorial Service
“I know of no other man of so much good can be said,” noted President Gordon B. Hinckley. "It's a miracle we've had him so long."
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

Funeral Arrangements for Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Funeral services for Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Tuesday, 27 July 2004, at 12:00 noon.

First Presidency Expresses Condolences to the Family of Elder Maxwell
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued the following statement regarding the passing of Elder Neal A. Maxwell.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell Dies After Long Battle With Leukemia
SALT LAKE CITY — Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died last night after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was 78 years of age.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell:Pursuing “A More Excellent Way”
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve will rise, step around the desk, and come forward to meet you as you enter his office. Then he will turn the time you spend with him into an unusual experience in love.

Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been
Come and reread Elder Maxwell's last conference talk. He said: "Please allow me to reminisce informally and gratefully. Hopefully this will be done in a relaxed, almost conversational way by citing a few remembrances, a few of life's little lessons—nothing spectacular."
Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Neal A. Maxwell: A Master of Words, a Disciple of God
To know Elder Neal A. Maxwell was to know a master of words, eloquent in speaking but able to make anyone, regardless of culture, faith or station in life, feel unconditionally accepted and important.

Temple Square Performances for August 2004
A summer fest of 14 widely-varied performances are set for August 2004 on Temple Square, nine at the Brigham Young Historic Park, four in the Assembly Hall, and one in the Tabernacle.

History Repeats Itself as Another Smoot Saves Brigham Young Academy
President Gordon B. Hinckley will dedicate Smoot Hall at Brigham Young Academy at This is the Place Heritage Park.

First Presidency Issues Statement on Marriage Amendment
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints favors a constitutional amendment preserving marriage as the lawful union of a man and a woman.”
By Maurine Jensen Proctor

Doubleday to Publish Book of Mormon in New Edition
The first commercial edition of the Book of Mormon by a major trade publisher will be available in bookstores on November, marking another milestone in the Church's widespread respect in America.

Going Inside the White House with President Hinckley
A Photo Essay and Celebration
To put it lightly, it was a birthday to remember. In fact, few people could imagine a better 94th birthday than President Gordon B. Hinckley had as he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House from George W. Bush. Come and see a Meridian Special--an insider's view of the event.
By Scot and Maurine Proctor