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SALT LAKE CITY — The 181st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened without church President Thomas S. Monson in his usual place on the Conference Center podium. He arrived during the congregation hymn, "Redeemer of Israel," around 11 a.m. and when he spoke, Church security remained behind him.
According to church spokesman Cody Craynor, the 84-year- old church leader was "delayed en route" to the conference.
Shortly after, he took the podium and joked briefly about his tardiness, and he announced that the Provo Tabernacle, which was badly damaged by a fire late last year, will be restored as a second temple in Provo to "facilitate the increasing numbers of faithful church members who are attending the temple from Provo."
Built between 1883 and 1898, the Provo Tabernacle had been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 until it burned last December. A three-month investigation found the fire began in the attic and was caused largely by human error.
A lamp on a wood speaker was left on after a dress rehearsal for a choir concert, and then a security guard turned off a fire alarm instead of calling authorities. Investigators also found that smoke detectors weren't properly placed around the building.
The rendering released by the Church shows the restored Tabernacle will have a center steeple, with the traditional statue of the Angel Moroni. It will give the Tabernacle a similar look to its early history of the late 1800's, before the large steeple was removed from the roof.
Temples are places where relationships are sealed to last through the eternities.
–- Thomas S. Monson, president of the LDS Church
The church recently purchased property on the block, just south of the Tabernacle property. No specifics about the timeline for construction have been released so far, but city officials believe work will begin soon, though they have not been given a target date for completion.
When completed, the facility will be the second temple in Provo. It would relieve strain on Provo's hillside LDS Temple, which Monson described as the church's busiest worldwide.
He also announced five other future temples worldwide, including two in Africa.
The plans call for temples to be built in Barranquilla, Colombia; Durban, South Africa; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Paris, France; and Star Valley, Wyo.
"I think I'll dedicate that one --it's good fishing up there," said President Monson of Star Valley.
Monson says temples are the church's most important buildings.
"Temples are places where relationships are sealed to last through the eternities," he said.
Temples are used for the most sacred church rituals.
The towering white buildings differ from the church meeting houses used for regular Sunday services. Temples are closed on Sundays and open only to church members considered worthy - a designation achieved through tithe paying and a faithful adherence to the standards of conduct expected by the church.
The 14.1 million-member church has 135 operating temples. Another 31 are planned or under construction.
President Monson also announced a new church program called the General Temple Patron Assistance Fund for those members who live long distances from temples and cannot afford to travel to them.
"This fund provides a one-time visit to the temple for those who otherwise would not be able to go to the temple and yet who long desperately for that opportunity," President Monson said.
This fund provides a one-time visit to the temple for those who otherwise would not be able to go to the temple and yet who long desperately for that opportunity.
–- President Monson
President Monson left the morning session, hugged his daughter, Sister Ann Dibb, waved and saluted the audience, as security escorted him. Latter-day Saints, some who traveled thousands of miles, expressed joy at simply being in attendance.
"It's a blessing to me. I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity," said Francisca Monkurai, of Nigeria. "I've learned so much today."
"Wonderful to be here, to experience these things firsthand, to see the leaders of the Church, because sometimes we look at them so far away, but it is great for us and our family," said Ebi Williams Monkurai, also of Nigeria.
On Saturday, speakers encouraged members to study and memorize the scriptures, including passages from the faith's central text, the Book of Mormon.
"Great power can come from memorizing the scriptures," church Elder Richard G. Scott said. "To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It's like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change."
Written by Carole Mikita and Sam Penrod, with contributions from Jennifer Dobner, Associated Press.
