At every temple dedication there is a ceremony where the Prophet (or the one who is designated by him) directs the sealing of the coverstone, or in symbol form, the chief cornerstone of the temple.

President Hinckley often says something like this, “We’ve had a lot of practice at this, but we never really get very good at it.”  He always keeps things light and memorable.  He is a master at creating memories for the saints.

This particular cornerstone ceremony was very challenging for the photographers because it is inside the building and in a relatively small, tight space.  We are assigned to a small area or platform and will need to rotate positions so we each one can get some decent shots.  The following pictures are to give you the best view we could possibly give you for this event which happened at about 9:15 AM (EDT) on Sunday morning, June 13, 2004.

Detail of the trowels that will be used to seal the coverstone.  Carefully engraved on each one is:  Manhattan New York Temple June 13, 2004

Just moments before the Prophet arrives we are able to take a couple of pictures of the coverstone and table.

These children are among the invited guests to the cornerstone ceremony.

This young boy gets ready for the Prophet to arrive by putting his special invitation into his front pocket.

Children and other invited guests and members of the press await the arrival of the Prophet and company.

About 9:15AM President Hinckley arrives from the upper part of the temple.

President Hinckley is ever gracious and cheerful and pleasant.  Elder Hales and his wife, Mary, and others follow..

President Hinckley listens to the music of the small choir.

Click here to go to Part 9:  The Cornerstone Ceremony (continued)