Sunday, January 20, 2008

A Big Day for Closes, Hansens, and Hinckleys

Think of a cross between Bonneville Stake Conference and a temple dedication. Music arranged by Bill Evans and played by the strings; the President of the Church, two members of the Twelve and a Seventy; chairs and television monitors in every room; an office for the General Authorities to wait in, complete with snacks and drinks on starched table cloths and flowers.


Bishop and Dolly Close had a big weekend getting everything ready. Kathleen and Clark went over about to the building about 3:30 to help with final arrangements. It was flurry of activity - chairs being set up, video cabling being connected, furniture being re-arranged, and the the chapel beginning to fill.

There was some question about whether or not President Hinckley would actually make it as he was not feeling very well well. But the security men arrived about 4:00 p.m. to do final arrangements and setup. Elder Oaks and Elder Wirthlin arrived about 4:45, and President Hinckley arrived with Richard Hinckley about 4:50. They brought him in the the far east door (where a red carpet runner had been laid from the door to the parking lot) in a wheelchair and rolled him all the way down the hall to the front of the chapel; a security man on each side helped him up the two steps to the stand.

The meeting began with the congregation singing "The Spirit of God" accompanied by Elaine Sharp at the organ (who sat on the front row 69 years ago when Pres. Heber J. Grant dedicated the building) and the Garden Park Strings. Ted Evans, twice bishop of the ward, offered the invocation, after which the choir and strings performed Bill Evans' arrangement of Bless this House (arranged for the occasion). President Clark Hinckley spoke, followed by Elder Wirthlin and then Elder Oaks, all of whom were brief. President Hinckley then gave a beautiful dedicatory prayer . Following the prayer the choir, strings, and Primary children sang a special arrangement (by Bill Evans) of "We Ever Pray For Thee". There were few dry eyes. Bishop Close gave the benediction, and it was all over by 5:35.

1 comment:

Sami Volcansek said...

What a special day! Thanks for summary. Glad you could all be together! Love you all! (and see you this weekend!!!)