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9/11/74 - Washington, D.C. Mormon Temple
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9/11/74 - Washington, D.C. Mormon Temple
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
Sheila Weidenfeld's Daily Events Files
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President (1974-1977 : Ford). Office of the First Lady. 1974-1977
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "9/11/74 - Washington, D.C.
Mormon Temple" of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 1 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
For immediate release
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1974
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Mrs. Ford will tour the Washington Temple of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday,
Sept. 11. The Temple has just been completed and is located in
Kensington, Md.
Mrs. Ford will be greeted on her tour by Sen. and Mrs. Wallace F.
Bennett (R-Utah) and Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott, members
of the Church. Mrs. Bennett is the daughter of a former President
of the Church. Mr. Marriott is a former President of the Washington
Stake, the church's regional organization.
Mr. and Mrs. Marriott and Sen. and Mrs. Bennett will introduce
Mrs. Ford to President and Mrs. Spencer W. Kimball of Salt Lake
City, Utah. He is President of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (world-wide) and will lead Mrs. Ford on her tour.
Among Church officials accompanying Mrs. Ford on her tour will
be: President Marion G. Romney, Second Counselor in the First
Presidency of the Church; and Elders Gordon B. Hinckley and
Boyd K. Packer, both of the Council of the Twelve. All three
officials live in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The President of the Washington Temple, President Edward E. Drury, Jr.,
will help conduct the tour.
Mrs. Ford's tour is part of a preview period this week, following
the Temple's completion ceremonies Monday, Sept. 9. The Temple
will be dedicated Nov. 19 and 20, after which the building will be
open to church members only.
The Washington Temple is distinguished by six gold-leaf spires which
rise above a wooded 57-acre site. The church is 173, 000 square feet
and is done in Alabama white marble.
#
#
#
#
For immediate release
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1974
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Notice on press coverage of Mrs. Ford's visit to the Mormon
Temple Wedsnesday, Sept. 11.
Her tour has been tentatively set for 3:30 p.m.
Dignitaries of the Church have requested no reporters or
cameras on the tour with Mrs. Ford. However, they have
agreed to take members of the writing press on a tour at
2 p.m. If you are interested in going on that tour, please
notify Mrs. Ford's press office (x2164) by 11 a.m. Wednesday
so that arrangements can be made.
Cameras and reels may cover arrival and departure.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 10, 1974
TOUR OF THE WASHINGTON TEMPLE
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
KENSINGTON, MARYLAND
Wednesday - September 11, 1974
3:00 P.M.
From:
David C. Hoopes S.
BACKGROUND
Senator and Mrs. Wallace F. Bennett (R-Utah) and Mr. and Mrs.
J. Willard Marriott have invited you to tour the Washington Temple
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) in
Kensington, Maryland. They will greet you at the entrance upon
your arrival and introduce you to President Spencer W. Kimball,
President of the Church, and other Church officials.
Mrs. Frances Grant Bennett, the Senator's wife, is the daughter of
a former President of the Church. Bill Marriott is the Chairman
of the Marriott Corporation and was formerly President of the
Washington Stake, the Church's regional organization, for nine
years. His wife, Alice ("Allie") Marriott will join him.
While you will be introduced to a number of Church officials after
you enter the Annex enroute to the Temple, only a small party will
accompany you on the tour directed by President Kimball. You
were last with President Kimball and President Romney, his second
counselor, when you listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir earlier
this year in Salt Lake City.
SEQUENCE:
2:30 p.m.
Depart the Residence with Susan via automobile
from the South Drive en route to Kensington,
Maryland.
(Driving Time: 30 minutes)
3:00 p.m.
Arrive at Washington Temple, Kensington,
Maryland
You will be met by:
Senator and Mrs. Wallace F. Bennett and
Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott
POOL PRESS COVERAGE
3:05 p.m.
You proceed through the entrance to the "bridge
area" of the Annex where Senator Bennett will
introduce you to:
President Spencer W. Kimball and his wife,
Camilla Eyring Kimball (President Kimball and
Mrs. Kimball would be appropriate salutations.)
President Marion G. Romney, Second Counselor
in The First Presidency of the Church (President
Romney)
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Council of the
Twelve (Elder Hinckley)
Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve
(Elder Packer)
You will also be introduced to other key local
Church leaders and their wives listed at Tab A.
POOL PRESS COVERAGE
Note: Press will be permitted to
interview at the entrance. Pictures
will be permitted at the entrance and
in the Annex and on the "bridge area, "
but no press will accompany you on
the tour nor will pictures be permitted
in the Temple.
3:10 p.m.
President Kimball and his wife will lead you on an
elevator tour of the Temple, making such comments
and explanatory remarks as he feels appropriate.
Accompanying you and Susan on the tour will be:
President and Mrs. Spencer W. Kimball
President Marion G. Romney
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
Elder Boyd K. Packer
Senator and Mrs. Wallace F. Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott
President and Mrs. Julian C. Lowe
President and Mrs. Edward E. Drury, Jr.
3:40 p.m.
Tour ends and you return to the Annex and to
the walkway near the fountain where a series
of photographs will be taken on the group who
accompanied you on the tour.
POOL PRESS COVERAGE
Note: While the press will not have
accompanied you on the tour,
members of the press will have toured
the temple during a special media
preview of the temple on Monday,
September 9 following President
Kimball's laying of the cornerstone.
3:55 p.m.
You proceed to your automobile with Susan
in the company of Senator and Mrs. Bennett
and Mr. and Mrs. Marriott. Depart for Residence.
4:25 p.m.
Arrive South Grounds of the White House.
BACKGROUND OF VISITING CHURCH LEADERS
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Kimball, prior to becoming an Apostle in 1943, was an
Arizona business executive and Church leader. His wife has been
a professional teacher and has taught "Spiritual Living" in the
women's organization of her local Church and served in many
key capacities. Her brother, Dr. Henry Eyring, is a world
renowned physicist.
President Marion G. Romney
Prior to becoming a General Authority of the Church in 1941,
President Romney was a prominent Salt Lake City lawyer and
community leader.
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
Prior to becoming a General Authority of the Church in 1958,
Elder Hinckley was a prominent Salt Lake City businessman and
Church leader. He is closely connected with the newspaper,
radio and television activities of the Church and is Chairman of
the Church Temple Committee.
Elder Boyd K. Packer
Prior to becoming a General Authority in the mid 1950's, Elder
Packer was a professional educator and Seminary Administrator.
His Ph. D. degree is in educational administration.
BACKGROUND OF LOCAL CHURCH LEADERS
Elder and Mrs. Robert W. Barker.
Elder Barker is a Washington, D.C. attorney. He is a Regional
Representative of the Council of the Twelve and is in charge of
special arrangements for visitors this week.
President and Mrs. Julian C. Lowe.
President Lowe is President on the Oakton, Virginia Stake (nearly
Virginia) and is Chairman of the Washington Temple Committee.
He has had responsibility for the arrangements for the construction
of the Temple. He is a government executive.
President and Mrs. Edward E. Drury, Jr.
President Drury is the President of the Temple. His wife is the
Matron of the Temple in charge of all women's activities.
President and Mrs. Wendell G. Eames.
President Eames retired two years ago as a Federal government
executive, having held responsible positions with the Department
of Transportation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was
also formerly President of the Washington, D.C. Stake.
President and Mrs. Byron F. Dixon.
President Dixon is an accountant and educator. Prior to his present
assignment, he served in the Presidency of the Oakton, Virginia
Stake.
Elder and Mrs. David M. Kennedy
Ambassador Kennedy was formerly Secretary of the Treasury,
Ambassador to NATO and Ambassador at Large in the Nixon
Administration. He is Special Advisor to the First Presidency of
the Church and will be joined by his wife, Lenora.
Elder Wendell J. Ashton
Elder Wendell J. Ashton is Director of Public Communications of
the Church.
Washington Temple Committee
Assisting President Lowe on the Washington Temple Committee are:
President William Donald Ladd, Washington D. C. Stake
President J. Russell Smith, Silver Spring, Maryland Stake
President R. Paul Thompson, Annandale, Virginia Stake
President Clifford I. Cummings, Executive Secretary, Temple Committee
Elder Kenneth W. Whitt, Assistant Executive Secretary, Temple
Committee
helen
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 10, 1974
TOUR OF THE WASHINGTON TEMPLE OF THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
KENSINGTON, MARYLAND
Wednesday, September 11, 1974
3:30 PM
FROM:
Patti Matson
VIA:
Helen Smith
BACKGROUND
Senator and Mrs. Wallace F. Bennett (R-Utah) and
Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott have invited you to
tour the Washington Temple of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) in Kensington,
Maryland. They will greet you at the entrance upon
your arrival and escort you to President Spencer W. Kimball,
President of the Church, and other Church officials.
Mrs. Frances Grant Bennett, the Senator's wife, is the
daughter of a former President of the Church. Bill Marriott
is the Chairman of the Marriott Corporation and was
formerly President of the Washington Stake, the Church's
regional organization, for nine years. His wife, Alice
("Allie") Marriott will join him.
A party of church officials will accompany you on the
tour directed by President Kimball and President Edward E.
Drury, President of the Washington, D.C., temple.
You were last with President Kimball and President Romney,
his second counselor, when you listened to the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir earlier this year in Salt Lake City.
PAGE TWO
SEQUENCE:
2:50 PM
DEPART the Residence via motorcade
from the South Drive enroute to
Kensington, Maryland. (Nancy Howe
will accompany you in your car.)
(Driving Time: 40 minutes)
NOTE: Some of the press will accompany
you in the motorcade, others will
have gone on a tour at 2:00 PM and will
be pre-positioned upon your arrival.
3:30 PM
ARRIVE at Washington Temple, Kensington,
Maryland
You will be met by:
Senator and Mrs. Wallace F. Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott
PRESS COVERAGE
3:35 PM
PROCEED through the entrance to the
foyer of the Annex where Senator
Bennett will introduce you to:
President Spencer W. Kimball and his wife,
Camilla Eyring Kimball (President Kimball
and Mrs. Kimball would be appropriate
salutations.)
PRESS COVERAGE
PROCEED to the "bridge area" of the annex
where you will be introduced to:
President Marion G. Romney, Second
Counselor in The First Presidency of the
Church (President Romney)
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Council
of the Twelve (Elder Hinckley)
PAGE THREE
Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council
of the Twelve (Elder Packer)
You will also be introduced to other
key local Church leaders and their
wives listed at TAB A.
3:40 PM
President Kimball and his wife will
lead you on a tour of the Temple,
making such comments and explanatory
remarks as he feels appropriate.
Accompanying you on the tour will be:
President and Mrs. Spencer W. Kimball
President Marion G. Romney
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
Elder Boyd K. Packer
Senator and Mrs. Wallace F. Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott
President and Mrs. Julian C. Lowe
President and Mrs. Edward E. Drury, Jr.
Wendell Ashton
Wayne Scott
Bob Barker
President Byron Dixon
STAFF MEMBERS ACCOMPANYING
Nancy Howe
Ric Sardo
Helen Smith
4:10 PM
Tour ends and you return to the Annex.
President and Mrs. Kimball will then accompany
you down a walkway past a fountain to a
flagpole. A series of photographs will
be taken here.
PAGE FOUR
Flaqpole
gardens
gardens
TEMPLE
Press will be gathered in the area near
the flagpole. When the press has had
a couple of minutes to photograph you,
President Kimball and Colonel Sardo will
escort you to your car.
4:20 PM
DEPART for Residence
5:00 PM
ARRIVE South Grounds of White House
meet driversay coterche
(anney drive entrance)
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9-30 PAtti - P12 file
in Assoce
THE WHITE HOUSE Folder
WASHINGTON
Solly
To:
Helen Colonel Rec Smith September Sardo 11th fet's discess. Ric
From:
I would like to recommend
that Mrs. Ford participate in the
documentary film on the Mormon
Temple.
It would take little time
and the film will be given wide
coverage both here and abroad.
If you agree, can you
set an appropriate time and then
let me know.
Thank you.
Holer S.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE STREET
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84150
September 11, 1974
The First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mrs. Ford:
We look forward to your historic visit to the Washington Temple
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We respectfully request permission to include you in a special
documentary film on the Temple, authorized by the First Presidency
of the Church and the Council of Twelve Apostles. The film is
intended to enable television audiences in the United States and abroad
to "tour" the Temple and hear the reactions of members and friends
who visit in person.
Should you consent, the necessary details will be worked out with
Miss Patricia Matson.
We would be honored to have you appear in this documentary.
Sincerely yours,
Wendell J. Ashton
Managing Director
GERALD
cc: Miss Patricia Matson
The Church
of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day
Washington Temple
Saints
Striking
temples are in Europe,
temple's six gold-plated
one-half football fields. It even
England, Canada, the western
spires, stands a two-and-one
has narrow marble windows
Building
United States, Hawaii, and
half ton, eighteen-foot tall
five-eighths of an inch thick,
in an
New Zealand.)
statue. The figure is of an
through which the sun bathes
Impressive
The Washington Temple,
angel blowing a trumpet and
the interior with a soft,
as it is formally known,
carrying a book of scriptures,
amber light. The interior fea-
Setting
was paid for by donations
and represents Moroni, a
tures a network of hand-
and tithes from Church mem-
prophet of ancient America
somely appointed rooms and
Towering high over the lush,
bers and was constructed
who, as a resurrected being,
a panoramic mural depicting
green landscape on the
between 1971 and 1974 on a
helped to reestablish the
the anticipated second
Maryland side of the District
solid-rock hilltop in a wooded,
Lord's church on earth in the
coming of the Savior
of Columbia is the newest of
thirty-seven-acre location
early nineteenth century.
Motorists who see the
sixteen temples now in use
just outside the Capital, near
The building's exterior is
temple while driving along the
throughout the world by The
Kensington, Maryland.
sheathed with 173,000 square
Capital Beltway will remem-
Church of Jesus Christ of
Some 300 feet above the
feet of Alabama white marble-
ber it as a truly striking
Latter-day Saints. (The other
ground, atop the highest of the
enough to cover three and
landmark
ut the Temple
FAMILY HOME EVENING
MARRIAGE FOR ETERNITY
THE ENDOWMENT
ANCESTORS ARE IMPORTANT
PROXY RITES NOT NEW
CHURCH GROWING RAPIDLY
IN THE CRADLE OF
L
is More
All programs of the Church
In the temples, faithful
Another sacred rite performed
Baptisms are performed
Intriguing as it may seem,
Largely because of this
It is fitting that the Chu
exist for the uplifting of the
members of the Church may
in the temples of the Church
in the temples (a temple
the performing of proxy bap-
understanding of the family's
should build a sacred
Than Just a
individual and the family.
be united in marriage, not
is the "endowment," a course
baptismal font is shown
tisms for ancestors is not
essential role in the eternal
an area that has been
Beautiful
Under one of these, the family
merely until parted by death,
of instruction during which
below), but they are different
new in the Christian world.
scheme of things, and
"the cradle of liberty.'
home evening program, at
but for eternity. This is accom-
covenants of devotion
from baptisms wherein per-
Nearly two thousand years
because of successful pro-
The freedom of the ind
Building
least one evening each week is
plished by the authority of
to the teachings and com-
sons are immersed in water
ago, the apostle Paul said,
grams to strengthen the family,
to choose the course
Temples of The Church of
set aside for the entire family
the priesthood, the power
mandments of Jesus Christ are
as a prerequisite for their
"What shall they do which are
The Church of Jesus Christ
life is fundamental to tl
Jesus Christ of Latter-day
to be together without outside
given by Christ to "bind on
made. Those making these
own membership in the
baptized for the dead, if
of Latter-day Saints is enjoy-
gospel of Jesus Christ
distractions. Successful
earth" that which is to be
Saints are unique. They are not
covenants are then expected
Church; such baptisms are
thedead risenot at all? why are
ing stability and phenomenal
Church teaches that th
family home evenings instill in
built to serve as chapels for
"bound in heaven." (See
to live exemplary lives
performed in other Church
they then baptized for the
growth, even in this era when
Founding Fathers wer
families love, understanding,
Matthew 16:19.) Couples pre-
and to teach the same sacred
buildings. In the temples,
dead? (1 Corinthians 15:29.)
weekly worship services.
interest in organized religion is
divinely inspired as the
and a closeness that is becom-
In fact, they are generally
viously wed outside the
principles to their families.
Church members are baptized
Paul's words indicate that
reported to be declining.
framed the freedom-gi
ing all too rare in the world
temples may repeat their
in behalf of deceased ances-
vicarious baptism for deceased
closed on Sunday-the
The rapidly increasing
Constitution of the Ur
Christian Sabbath. Mormons
today. Such unity and stability
marriage VOWS in a temple
tors who did not have the
persons was an accepted
membership of the Church has
States.
do congregate for Sunday
can lead to increased joy
wedding ceremony. Children
opportunity of personally tak-
practice in the Savior's church
created an urgent need for
Joseph Smith, first p
worship, but not in temples.
and happiness, not only in this
born prior to these eternal
ing this vital step while living.
centuries ago.
a temple convenient to the
dent of the Church, sa
Thousands of beautiful
earthly existence, but even
VOWS are then "sealed" to their
Marriages and endowments
Through the efforts of
great population centers of the
Constitution of the Uni
beyond, for the Savior has
neighborhood meetinghouses
parents. Children subsequently
are also performed in behalf
the living, those who have
eastern United States.
States is a glorious sta
have been constructed
taught that family relationships
born are also sealed, and the
of people who lived in other
passed on to a post-mortal
The location of the Washing-
is founded in the wisd
are meant to be eternal.
family unit has the potential
throughout the world for regu-
periods of time, perhaps
"spirit world" and who
ton Temple is inspired,
God. It is a heavenly b
lar church services, but in
to continue eternally.
hundreds of years ago. The
are awaiting resurrection may
not only because of its
it is to all those who ar
the temples, faithful members
continuation of this unique,
elect to receive the benefits
practicality, but also because
privileged with the swe
meet on weekdays, as often as
vicarious work necessitates
of baptism, the temple
of its symbolic importance.
liberty, like the cooling
they are able, to participate in
extensive genealogical
endowment, eternal marriage,
and refreshing waters
special, sacred ceremonies
research, which explains why
and the sealing or binding
great rock in a thirsty
based upon the sanctity of the
the Church continues to
together of their families in an
weary land."
family unit.
expand its genealogical library,
everlasting relationship.
already acknowledged as
FAMILY IS THE KEY
the largest in the world.
Members of the Church
are taught that the family is the
key unit in any society, and
that the moral fiber of a
community, or a nation, or of
the entire world can be accu-
rately measured by the
standard of strength or weak-
ness that prevails in individual
family units.
fter public viewings, each
public, a visitors center will
temple of the Church
be erected nearby. The center
is formally dedicated
will contain modern audio-
as a "House of
visual exhibits designed to pro-
the Lord" and
vide information about the
thereafter is used exclusively
Church and to explain its
for its intended purposes.
programs for the family. Free
Soon after the Washington
tours of the center and the
Temple is closed to the
grounds will be conducted.
For more information write:
Indiana Mission
Alabama-Florida Mission
620 East South Range Line Road
P.O. Box 495
1106 Thomasville Road
Carmel, Indiana 46032
Tallahassee, Florida 32302
Kentucky-Tennessee Mission
Canada-Maritimes Mission
P.O. Box 4125 Baxter Avenue Station
73 Tacoma Drive, Suite 805
1325 Eastern Parkway
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
B2W 3Y6
Michigan Mission
Cumorah Mission
919 East Grand River Avenue
1840 Monroe
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Rochester, New York 14618
Minnesota-Wisconsin Mission
Delaware-Maryland Mission
5931 West 96th Street
7615 Winterberry Place
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
Bethesda, Maryland 20034
New England Mission
Eastern States Mission
4 Longfellow Park
973 Fifth Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
New York, New York 10021
North Carolina Mission
Florida South Mission
1039 East Wendover
P.O. Box 11357
P.O. Box 0
No. 32-3045 N. Federal Way
Greensboro, North Carolina 27402
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306
Ohio-West Virginia Mission
Georgia-South Carolina Mission
P.O. Box 20130
2055 East Lake Road, N.E.
2508 Wimbledon Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
Columbus, Ohio 43220
Gulf States Mission
Pennsylvania Mission
P.O. Box 3946
352 Sporting Hill Road
2610 Fairfax Road
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
Shreveport, Louisiana 71103
Virginia Mission
P.O. Box 841
Illinois Mission
3930 Brandon Avenue
500 South Candota Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24004
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
Quebec Mission
Ontario Mission
1255 Laird Blvd., Suite 150
338 Queen Street East, Suite 205
Town of Mount Royal
Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6V 1C4
Montreal 304, Quebec, Canada
Ave,
Kensington Pkwy
WASHINGTON D.C. TEMPLE
Stoney Brook Dr
495
193
Beach Dr.
Take Beltway Exit Capital 20gellway
Rock Cr.
Take Beltway Exit 20
Rd,
Mails
A Church for All the World
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Reference me: I THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (MORMONS)
Public Communications, 50 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Mormon
Growth
Circles the
Globe
Churches, schools, and temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints are rising around the globe as dramatic evidence of its thriving
membership, activity, and spiritual influence.
Soon after establishment of the Church in New York in 1830, Mormons
pioneered the westward expansion of a young America and planted
colonies from Canada to Mexico.
And since 1837, missionaries have spread the message beyond the United
States, across oceans to the corners of the earth, where florishing congrega-
tions now build to accommodate their rapidly increasing numbers.
All are welcome to visit any Mormon chapel, or to attend any service therein.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Potomac Area Public Communications Council
INFORMATION FOR THE PRESS
If additional information is desired about
The Washington Temple
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)
Contact any of the following:
L.D.S. Public Communications - Temple Information Office
Jerry P. Cahill - (301) 588-1662
Henry A. Smith - (301) 588-1662
L.D.S. Potomac Area Public Communications Council
Reed A. Phillips - (703) 536-9417 or (301) 588-1662
K. Wayne Scott - (301) 460-4154 or (301) 588-1662
L.D.S. Washington, D. C. Mission Headquarters
President (or Mrs) Glenn E. Nielson - (301) 229-5
September 1974
Mormon
Conference
in the
Tabernacle
Twice-yearly general conferences attract Mormon throngs representing
many nations and tongues to the world-famed Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.
(An area conference also is held annually in some part of the world.)
The Tabernacle also is the home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, whose
of Latter-day Saints
Mormons The Church of Jesus Christ
Sunday morning broadcast is the longest continuing program in the history
of radio. More than 300 television stations also carry the weekly inspirational
program.
President Spencer W. Kimball
World Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Welcome to our temple.
To people everywhere we extend an invitation to
visit the new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints in the Washington, D.C. area.
After its completion, the temple will be open to the
public for several weeks. Following the temple's
dedication in November, it will then be open only
to faithful members of the Church for performing
sacred ordinances.
May I tell you now why this temple has been
built?
One of the purposes of this temple, and all tem-
Why should death end their companionship, their
ples of the Church, is to bring families closer to-
love? In this temple ceremony, a union is formed,
gether, to strengthen the home, and to help the in-
too, between the couple and the children which will
dividual realize his or her importance and potential
come to them as parents. That union with their
in the divine plan. Through ordinances performed
children also continues after death.
in the temple, ties between parents and children are
Can you see how the family is strengthened
established SO that they may endure in love not
through a temple marriage ceremony?
only in this earth life but beyond into eternity. We
believe that no institution in society is more impor-
Other ordinances performed in our temples are
tant than the family. The strength of a community
baptisms on behalf of ancestors and others who
and of a nation begins in. the home. That is where
have left this life.
integrity begins and is nurtured. In the home come
the first lessons in unselfishness and caring about
We believe, as all Christians should believe, in the
others. Learning begins with the family, too, and
words of Jesus in reply to Nicodemus:
so does self esteem. The home is where a child
"Except a man be born of the water and of the
should first discover his divine relationship to his
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Heavenly Father, that he is truly a child of God as
(John 3:2-5)
well as of his earthly parents.
Every person must indeed by baptized to enter
The Washington Temple becomes the sixteenth in
into the kingdom of God. "But," you may ask,
use today by Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, as
"what about those who have lived without having
some call us. Other temples are situated in various
the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ
parts of the United States, in Canada, Great Britain,
or to be baptized?"
Switzerland and New Zealand.
In our Washington Temple, as well as in our
But temples are not new. The Bible records how
other temples, provision is made for baptisms to be
sacred ordinances were performed by ancient Israel
performed in behalf of the deceased. Thus, Latter-
while they traveled in the wilderness. They had a
day Saints are encouraged to seek out the records
portable tabernacle, which sheltered the Ark of the
of their ancestors, SO that temple ordinances can be
Covenant. Later, Solomon replaced the tabernacle
performed for them.
with a beautiful temple. Other temples followed.
The Apostle Paul anciently spoke of this practice
Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the fullness
of performing baptisms for the deceased when he
of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to earth
said:
in the nineteenth century. Under the Prophet
"Else what shall they do which are baptized for
Joseph Smith's inspired leadership, two temples
the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they
were erected. Others since then have been construc-
then baptized for the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:29)
ted and put into use.
Can you see how our temples bring us closer to-
Temples are not public houses of worship. Our
gether, not only as families here today, but as mem-
regular meetings are not held within their walls. As
bers of families extending back through generations?
we have said, temples are for sacred ordinances.
We might explain, also, that temple marriage
One of them is that of the marriage ceremony. But
ceremonies may also be performed on behalf of
our temple marriages are different. Here the couple
others who have not had this privilege during this
is not joined "until death do you part." In the
earth life. Temple marriages may also be performed
temple man and woman are joined in a marriage
with couples who have previously had their mar-
covenant which extends beyond the grave into eter-
riage ceremony performed outside the temple, pro-
nity. If man and woman continue after death, as
vided, of course, that they subsequently meet the
indeed they do, why should death separate them?
requirements for this sacred temple ordinance.
Another temple ordinance is that of the sacred
endowment, which has been described as "pertaining
to man's eternal journey and limitless possibilities
and progress which a just and loving (Heavenly)
Father has provided for the children whom he made
in his own image-for the whole human family."1
The Washington Temple therefore should hold
genuine interest for every person concerned about
the family and keeping it strong.
An ancient prophet declared: "Men are that
they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25)
What greater joy can come to a man or woman
than to feel the strength of strong family ties?
We invite you to not only visit our new Washing-
ton Temple but to learn more about its joy-giving
purpose. There will be guides and hosts at the
temple to welcome you and answer your questions.
1. David O. McKay, The Purpose of the Temple
The Church
of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day
Washington Temple
Saints
Striking
temples are in Europe,
temple's six gold-plated
one-half football fields. It even
England, Canada, the western
spires, stands a two-and-one
has narrow marble windows
Building
United States, Hawaii, and
half ton, eighteen-foot tall
five-eighths of an inch thick,
in an
New Zealand.)
statue. The figure is of an
through which the sun bathes
Impressive
The Washington Temple,
angel blowing a trumpet and
the interior with a soft,
as it is formally known,
carrying a book of scriptures,
amber light. The interior fea-
Setting
was paid for by donations
and represents Moroni, a
tures a network of hand-
and tithes from Church mem-
prophet of ancient America
somely appointed rooms and
Towering high over the lush,
bers and was constructed
who, as a resurrected being,
a panoramic mural depicting
green landscape on the
between 1971 and 1974 on a
helped to reestablish the
the anticipated second
Maryland side of the District
solid-rock hilltop in a wooded,
Lord's church on earth in the
coming of the Savior
of Columbia is the newest of
thirty-seven-acre location
early nineteenth century.
Motorists who see the
sixteen temples now in use
just outside the Capital, near
The building's exterior is
temple while driving along the
throughout the world by The
Kensington, Maryland.
sheathed with 173,000 square
Capital Beltway will remem-
Church of Jesus Christ of
Some 300 feet above the
feet of Alabama white narble-
ber it as a truly striking
Latter-day Saints. (The other
'ground, atop the highest of the
enough to cover three and
landmart
ut the Temple
FAMILY HOME EVENING
MARRIAGE FOR ETERNITY
THE ENDOWMENT
ANCESTORS ARE IMPORTANT
PROXY RITES NOT NEW
CHURCH GROWING RAPIDLY
IN THE CRADLE OF LI
is More
All programs of the Church
In the temples, faithful
Another sacred rite performed
Baptisms are performed
Intriguing as it may seem,
Largely because of this
It is fitting that the Chur
exist for the uplifting of the
members of the Church may
in the temples of the Church
in the temples (a temple
the performing of proxy bap-
understanding of the family's
should build a sacred te
Than Just a
individual and the family.
be united in marriage, not
is the "endowment," a course
baptismal font is shown
tisms for ancestors is not
essential role in the eternal
an area that has been o
Beautiful
Under one of these, the family
merely until parted by death,
of instruction during which
below), but they are different
new in the Christian world.
scheme of things, and
"the cradle of liberty."
home evening program, at
but for eternity. This is accom-
covenants of devotion
from baptisms wherein per-
Nearly two thousand years
because of successful pro-
The freedom of the indi
Building
least one evening each week is
plished by the authority of
to the teachings and com-
sons are immersed in water
ago, the apostle Paul said,
grams to strengthen the family,
to choose the course o
set aside for the entire family
the priesthood, the power
mandments of Jesus Christ are
as a prerequisite for their
"What shall they do which are
The Church of Jesus Christ
life is fundamental to th
Temples of The Church of
to be together without outside
given by Christ to "bind on
made. Those making these
own membership in the
baptized for the dead, if
of Latter-day Saints is enjoy-
gospel of Jesus Christ,
Jesus Christ of Latter-day
distractions. Successful
earth" that which is to be
covenants are then expected
Church; such baptisms are
the dead risenot at all? why are
ing stability and phenomenal
Church teaches that the
Saints are unique. They are not
family home evenings instill in
built to serve as chapels for
"bound in heaven." (See
to live exemplary lives
performed in other Church
they then baptized for the
growth, even in this era when
Founding Fathers were
families love, understanding,
Matthew 16:19.) Couples pre-
and to teach the same sacred
buildings. In the temples,
dead? (1 Corinthians 15:29.)
interest in organized religion is
divinely inspired as they
weekly worship services.
and a closeness that is becom-
In fact, they are generally
viously wed outside the
principles to their families.
Church members are baptized
Paul's words indicate that
reported to be declining.
framed the freedom-giv
ing all too rare in the world
temples may repeat their
in behalf of deceased ances-
vicarious baptism for deceased
The rapidly increasing
Constitution of the Uni
closed on Sunday-the
today. Such unity and stability
marriage VOWS in a temple
tors who did not have the
persons was an accepted
membership of the Church has
States.
Christian Sabbath. Mormons
do congregate for Sunday
can lead to increased joy
wedding ceremony. Children
opportunity of personally tak-
practice in the Savior's church
created an urgent need for
Joseph Smith, first pr
and happiness, not only in this
born prior to these eternal
ing this vital step while living.
centuries ago.
a temple convenient to the
dent of the Church, sai
worship, but not in temples.
Thousands of beautiful
earthly existence, but even
VOWS are then "sealed" to their
Marriages and endowments
Through the efforts of
great population centers of the
Constitution of the Unit
beyond, for the Savior has
parents. Children subsequently
are also performed in behalf
the living, those who have
eastern United States.
States is a glorious stan
neighborhood meetinghouses
have been constructed
taught that family relationships
born are also sealed, and the
of people who lived in other
passed on to a post-mortal
The location of the Washing-
is founded in the wisdo
are meant to be eternal.
family unit has the potential
throughout the world for regu-
periods of time, perhaps
"spirit world" and who
ton Temple is inspired,
God. It is a heavenly ba
to continue eternally.
lar church services, but in
hundreds of years ago. The
are awaiting resurrection may
not only because of its
it is to all those who are
the temples, faithful members
continuation of this unique,
elect to receive the benefits
practicality, but also because
privileged with the swee
meet on weekdays, as often as
vicarious work necessitates
of baptism, the temple
of its symbolic importance.
liberty, like the cooling
they are able, to participate in
extensive genealogical
endowment, eternal marriage,
and refreshing waters o
special, sacred ceremonies
research, which explains why
and the sealing or binding
great rock in a thirsty ar
based upon the sanctity of the
the Church continues to
together of their families in an
weary land."
family unit.
expand its genealogical library,
everlasting relationship.
already acknowledged as
FAMILY IS THE KEY
the largest in the world.
Members of the Church
are taught that the family is the
key unit in any society, and
that the moral fiber of a
community, or a nation, or of
the entire world can be accu-
rately measured by the
standard of strength or weak-
ness that prevails in individual
family units.
fter public viewings, each
public, a visitors center will
temple of the Church
be erected nearby. The center
is formally dedicated
will contain modern audio-
as a "House of
visual exhibits designed to pro-
the Lord" and
vide information about the
thereafter is used exclusively
Church and to explain its
for its intended purposes.
programs for the family. Free
Soon after the Washington
tours of the center and the
Temple is closed to the
grounds will be conducted.
For more information write:
Indiana Mission
620 East South Range Line Road
Alabama-Florida Mission
P.O. Box 495
1106 Thomasville Road
Carmel, Indiana 46032
Tallahassee, Florida 32302
Kentucky-Tennessee Mission
Canada-Maritimes Mission
P.O. Box 4125 Baxter Avenue Station
73 Tacoma Drive, Suite 805
1325 Eastern Parkway
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
B2W 3Y6
Michigan Mission
Cumorah Mission
919 East Grand River Avenue
1840 Monroe
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Rochester, New York 14618
Minnesota-Wisconsin Mission
Delaware-Maryland Mission
5931 West 96th Street
7615 Winterberry Place
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
Bethesda, Maryland 20034
New England Mission
Eastern States Mission
4 Longfellow Park
973 Fifth Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
New York, New York 10021
North Carolina Mission
Florida South Mission
1039 East Wendover
P.O. Box 11357
P.O. Box 0
No. 32-3045 N. Federal Way
Greensboro, North Carolina 27402
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306
Ohio-West Virginia Mission
Georgia-South Carolina Mission
P.O. Box 20130
2055 East Lake Road, N.E.
2508 Wimbledon Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
Columbus, Ohio 43220
Gulf States Mission
Pennsylvania Mission
P.O. Box 3946
352 Sporting Hill Road
2610 Fairfax Road
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
Shreveport, Louisiana 71103
Virginia Mission
P.O. Box 841
Illinois Mission
3930 Brandon Avenue
500 South Candota Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24004
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
Quebec Mission
Ontario Mission
1255 Laird Blvd., Suite 150
338 Queen Street East, Suite 205
Town of Mount Royal
Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6V 1C4
Montreal 304, Quebec, Canada
Connecticut Ave.
Kensington Pkwy.
WASHINGTON D.C. TEMPLE
Stoney Brook Dr.
495
193
Beach Dr.
Take Beltway Capital
Rock Cr.
Take Beltway Exit 20
MINI PG.
SPECIAL ISSUE
Ensign
For immediate release
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1974
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Mrs. Ford will tour the Washington Temple of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday,
Sept. 11. The Temple has just been completed and is located in
Kensington, Md.
Mrs. Ford will be greeted on her tour by Sen. and Mrs. Wallace F.
Bennett (R-Utah) and Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Marriott, members
of the Church. Mrs. Bennett is the daughter of a former President
of the Church. Mr. Marriott is a former President of the Washington
Stake, the church's regional organization.
Mr. and Mrs. Marriott and Sen. and Mrs. Bennett will introduce
Mrs. Ford to President and Mrs. Spencer W. Kimball of Salt Lake
City, Utah. He is President of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (world-wide) and will lead Mrs. Ford on her tour.
Among Church officials accompanying Mrs. Ford on her tour will
be: President Marion G. Romney, Second Counselor in the First
Presidency of the Church; and Elders Gordon B. Hinckley and
Boyd K. Packer, both of the Council of the Twelve. All three
officials live in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The President of the Washington Temple, President Edward E. Drury, Jr.,
will help conduct the tour.
Mrs. Ford's tour is part of a preview period this week, following
the Temple's completion ceremonies Monday, Sept. 9. The Temple
will be dedicated Nov. 19 and 20, after which the building will be
open to church members only.
The Washington Temple is distinguished by six gold-leaf spires which
rise above a wooded 57-acre site. The church is 173,000 square feet
and is done in Alabama white marble.
#
#
#
#
pm Tues
(
Press covering Mrs. Ford's tour
of the Mormon Temple:
The Church has requested that no members
of the media accompany Mrs. Ford on
her tour.
For those who are interested in seeing what
the First Lady will view, a special tour has
been set up at 2 p.m. Those who want to
go on this tour should contact Mrs. Ford's
press office (x2164) by 11 a.m. Transportation
will leave the White House at 1:20 p.m.
For those accompanying Mrs. Ford in the
motorcade, it will depart at 2:50 p.m.
In order to provide transportation, Mrs. Ford's
press office will need to know who is planning
to accompany by 11 a. m. Press will be picked up at 2:40pm.
There will be coverage of the arrival and
departure, with the most picturesque
photo session occurring about 4:05 p.m. as
Mrs. Ford departs. The church will be in the
background.
Washington
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Public Communications Department
9900 Stoney Brook Drive
Kensington, Maryland 20795
301-588-1662
Temple NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
was in Washington, D. C., today for the "completion ceremony" at the Church's
majestic new temple just outside the District of Columbia in Kensington, Maryland.
President Spencer W. Kimball, who has been at the helm of the country's
fastest growing major religion since last December, presided at the ceremony
and then met with news media respresentatives.
With President Kimball was his second counselor in the First Presidency
of the Church, President Marion G. Romney. After the completion ceremony and
news conference, the two Church leaders acted as hosts for a news media
inspection of the new temple, which is scheduled for several week of public
viewing.
President Kimball and President Romney will also be on hand Tuesday,
September 10, when members of Congress will tour the temple, and Wednesday,
September 11, when Supreme Court justices, members of the Cabinet and the
international diplomatic corps visit the new building, which, in it spectacular
setting, has caught the eyes of many millions of motorists traveling along the
Capital Beltway.
Public tours of the temple -- for which tickets are required -- begin
Tuesday, September 17, and run through Saturday, October 26, except Sundays
and Mondays. Dedication rites are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday,
November 19 and 20, at 9 m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday,
50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 - 801-531-2205
2
November 21 and 22, at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
President Kimball's first counselor, President N. Eldon Tanner, will
be in Washington for a Friday, September 13, breakfast meeting with church,
business and civic leaders in the Washington area and also will host invited
guests at the Sunday morning network radio broadcast of the famous Salt Lake
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The 375-voice Tabernacle Choir will broadcast its show, "Music and the
Spoken Word, " Sunday morning, September 15, at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) from the
John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The renowned
ensemble will perform in concert the evening of Saturday, September 14, also in
the Kennedy Center.
The six-spired Washington Temple, sheathed in 173, 000 square feet of
Alabama white marble, rises above a wooded site of 57 acres at Kensington,
Maryland, near Exit 20 of the Capital Beltway (I-495), only 30 minutes' drive
from downtown Washington, D. C.
After its dedication, the temple will be open only to Church members who,
on recommendation from their local Church officers, participate in sacred
ceremonies which emphasize the importance, sanctity, and eternal nature of the
individual and the family.
Temples are not designed for purposes of general assembly or public
congregational worship, as are regular Mormon meetinghouse, of which there are
thousands in use throughout the world.
The sacred work done in the Washington, D. C., Temple and 15 other
Mormon temples around the world is an unselfish labor of love designed to
extend the saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men, both living
and dead.
3
One phase of temple work is baptism by immersion whereby the living
are baptized as proxies in behalf of the deceased who did not have the personal
opportunity to be baptized properly during their lifetime.
Another temple ceremony is the "endowment, 11 a course of instruction
about man's eternal journey before birth, through mortality, and after death.
Mormons declare that only in temples and by priesthood authority, may
marriage be performed which will endure beyond death and throughout eternity.
Children subsequently born to such unions retain their relationship to their parents
after death.
Couples previously wed outside the temples may have their marriages
solemnized in temples with the same attendant blessings.
After receiving the temple blessings on their own behalf, Church members
return frequently to the temple. They serve as proxies in the endowment and
marriage ceremonies on behalf of deceased persons who died before participating
in temple ordinances themselves.
On public tours visitors will see, among other facilities:
-- The baptismal font where proxy baptisms are performed.
-- The Instructional rooms used in the endowment ceremony.
- - Rooms where marriage ceremonies are performed.
-- Solemn Assembly Room which has seating for approximately 1, 600 for
special meetings or services, such as the dedicatory services.
-- A mural, in the temple foyer, depicting the Second Coming of Jesus
Christ, whom members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revere
as the Son of God and the Redeemer of all mankind.
#
Washington Temple
How big is the temple?
-The temple itself is 248 feet long, 136 feet wide and has a total
area of 160,000 square feet.
-It is equivalent in height to a commercial building of 16 stories.
-The top of the statue on the eastern spire is 288 feet above
Answers to questions frequently asked
ground.
-The temple is sheathed in 173,000 square feet of Alabama white
marble, enough to cover 3½ football fields.
-When completed the temple grounds will include a landscaped
area of about 108,000 square feet, with walks, fountain and
reflecting pool.
When can we visit the temple?
-Free public tours of the new Washington, D.C. Temple will begin
What is the statue?
on Tuesday, September 17 and continue daily except Sundays and
-The statue atop the foremost spire of the Washington, D.C.
Mondays through Saturday, October 26. Tickets are required and
Temple is the Angel Moroni, the last of a long line of ancient
may be obtained through ward or mission leaders or by calling
prophets in the Americas whose translated writings constitute the
the Mormon Temple Information office, (703) 527-8301,
Book of Mormon, which 3.3 million members of The Church of
Arlington, Virginia.
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accept as holy scripture.
-Tour hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
-The statue is the work of Dr. Avard Fairbanks of Salt Lake City,
on weekdays (except Mondays) and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on
Utah.
Saturdays.
-It was cast in bronze in Italy and weigns approximately two
-The silent tours will take approximately one hour.
tons.
-The statue itself is 18 feet high and is finished in gold leaf for
What will we see in the temple?
color and protection. It rises 288 feet above ground level.
-A masterful mural depicting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ,
-The six spires of the temple are gold plated porcelain enameled
whom members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
steel.
Saints revere as the Son of God and the Redeemer of all mankind.
When will the temple be dedicated?
-The baptismal font wherein the living are baptized by immersion
as proxies in behalf of the deceased who did not have the
-Ten dedicatory services are scheduled, beginning at 9:30 a.m.,
opportunity of being baptized properly in their lifetime.
1 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 19
and 20; and at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday,
-Instructional rooms used in the endowment ceremony, a course
November 21 and 22.
of instruction about man's eternal journey before birth, through
mortality, and after death.
-Members of the church residing in the Washington Temple
district will be admitted to the dedicatory services upon
-Rooms where, by priesthood authority, marriages are performed
presentation of a ticket obtained from their local church leaders.
which will endure beyond death and throughout eternity.
-Waiting rooms and dressing rooms.
How much did the temple cost?
-Laundry, kitchen and dining facilities.
-Approximately $15,000,000, including the furnishings. The
temple will be completely paid for before dedication. Two-thirds
-Administrative offices.
of the cost came from the tithing contributions of church
-The temple annex, a 4,200 square foot structure which is the
members throughout the world; the remainder was contributed by
reception area for those entering the temple. Entrance to the
church members living in the United States east of the
temple is through the annex and connecting walkway.
Mississippi River and in eastern Canada.
Frederick
95
695
70N
Baltimore
Ave.
Dr.
MARYLAND
N
PKWY.
70s
29
Friendship
TEMPLE
Connecticut
WASHINGTON
Intl. Airport
WASHINGTON
Kensington
TEMPLE.
Stoney Brook
Silver Spring
Dulles Intl. Airport
96 Balto,
495
Beach
495
50
Dr.
Washington
301
Beltway
D.C.
495
VIRGINIA
66
Capital
Rock C1:
Capital Beltway
Exit
29
20
National Airport
211
95
PRESIDENT SPENCER WOOLLEY KIMBALL
Biographical Sketch
Spencer W. Kimball, 12th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, was born March 28, 1895, in Salt Lake City with a strong
Church heritage. His grandfather, Heber C. Kimball, was a member of the first
Council of the Twelve Apostles, called by Joseph Smith in 1835, and served in the
First Presidency for many years with the Prophet Brigham Young.
Spencer W. Kimball was raised on a small farm in the Gila Valley of eastern
Arizona where he learned to work with 10 brothers and sisters. After graduation with
honors from the Gila Academy in 1914, he served for three years in the Central States
Mission, following which he returned to Arizona and graduated from the University
of Arizona.
While his initial business activity was in banking, he soon developed his own
real estate and insurance firm in Safford, Arizona.
In 1917, he met Camilla Eyring who was shortly to become his wife and
lifelong companion. Spencer W. Kimball was called to the position of 2nd counselor
in the St. Joseph Stake at age 29, became president of the Mt. Graham Stake in 1938,
and was ordained an apostle in 1943.
Doctrinally, he is best known for his concern and teachings on repentance
and forgiveness. He is known throughout the Church for his deep interest in the
American Indians and his leadership in the missionary program. Spencer W.
Kimball was ordained the 12th President of the Church on December 30, 1973.
He has a family total of 50 and his family is central in his life. Their
daughter, Mrs. Grant M. Mack (Olive Beth) is a member of the Tabernacle Choir.
Spencer L. Kimball, Dean of the University of Wisconsin Law School, a Rhodes
scholar, former Dean of the University of Utah Law School, author of textbooks
on insurance law; Andrew Kimball of New York City, prominent with General
Electric; Edward, a professor of law at the Brigham Young University law school
are their sons.
He is the author of many pamphlets and two widely read books, The Miracle
of Forgiveness and Faith Precedes the Miracle.
9/5/74
N. ELDON TANNER
Biographical Sketch
President N. Eldon Tanner, a former industrial and political leader in
western Canada, continued as first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when the First Presidency was reorganized
and President Spencer W. Kimball became church president on December 30, 1973.
President Tanner had also served as first counselor to President Harold B. Lee
from July 7, 1972, until President Lee's death on December 26, 1973.
Previously President Tanner had served as second counselor to two former
church presidents, David O. McKay and Joseph Fielding Smith.
Before being called to the First Presidency in 1963, President Tanner had
served two years as an Assistant to the Twelve and one year as a member of the
Council of Twelve Apostles.
President Tanner's career in Canada began in the public schools of Alberta.
He was principal in Cardston from 1928-1932 during which time he also served one
term on the town council. Next, he was elected to the Alberta Legislature, becoming
Speaker of that body. Later, he was appointed Minister of Lands and Mines in the
provincial cabinet. He served also as chairman of the Alberta Research Council
in 1942 and provincial commissioner of the Boy Scouts Association in 1946.
From 1952 to 1958, he was a leader in Canadian industry, serving first as
president of Merrill Petroleums, Ltd., and director of the Toronto Dominion Bank
of Canada. He later became president of the Trans-Canada Pipe Line, from which
position he retired in 1958. More recently, he was named president of the Canadian
Gas Association and a member of the Board of Governors of the University of
Alberts.
As a Church worker, President Tanner was bishop of the Cardston First Ward
and president of the Edmonton Branch. He presided over the Calgary Stake from
1953 until his ordination as a general authority of the Church in 1960. On April 9,
1961, he was appointed president of the West European Mission, from which he was
released in January 1963. Returning to Salt Lake City, he was appointed president of
the Genealogical Society of the Church.
Though his family moved to Alberta, Canada, in 1897, President Tanner was
born in Salt Lake City May 9, 1898, and was taken to Canada when three weeks old.
He married Sara Isabelle Merrill of Hill Springs, Alberta, December 20, 1919.
They have five daughters. He became a citizen of the United States on May 2, 1966.
9/74
MARION G. ROMNEY
Biographical Sketch
Marion G. Romeny, a member of the Council of the Twelve of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since October 6, 1951, was named second
counselor in the First Presidency on July 7, 1972. He served as second counselor
to President Harold B. Lee and continued in that assignment when President Spencer
W. Kimball became Church president on December 30, 1973.
A guiding personality behind the Church's widely known Welfare Plan almost
since its inception, President Romney was named assistant managing director in
June 1941.
President Romney was born September 19, 1897, in Colonia Juarez, Mexico,
of American parents, George S. and Artemesia Redd Romney. He attended schools
at Colonia Juarez until 1912 when a revolution forced his parents and many other
United States citizens to flee, leaving their property behind. A few years later,
his father was made president of Ricks Junior College at Rexburg, Idaho, and
President Romney graduated from that school in 1920. Continuing his education
after his mission at the University of Utah, he was graduated with a B.S. degree
in 1926 and his LL. B. degree in 1932 and was later awarded a J.D. degree.
He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Salt Lake City 11 years,
during which time he served respectively as assistant county attorney, assistant
district attorney and assistant city attorney. He also served a term in the State
Legislature from 1935 to 1936.
President Romney served in the U.S. Army in 1918.
He filled a proselyting mission for his church in Australia from 1920 to
1923, and was conference president and mission secretary most of the last two of
those years. He became bishop of the Salt Lake 33rd Ward in 1935, and from that
position was chosen president of the Bonneville Stake in 1938.
On April o, 1941, he was chosen as one of the first five Assistants to the
Council of Twelve. Ten years later, in October 1951, President Romney was
named to the Council of the Twelve.
He married Ida Jensen in the Salt Lake Temple on September 12, 1924.
They have two sons, Richard J. and George J. Romney.
9/74
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Temple Presidency and Matron
President:
Edward E. Drury, Jr.
Matron:
Mrs. Edward E. Drury, Jr., former Louise Farrington
First Counselor:
Wendell Geddes Eames
Second Counselor: Bryon Fife Dixon
Edward E. Drury, Jr., of Salt Lake City and Denver, is president of the
new Washington, D. C., Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, by appointment of the First Presidency of the church.
President Drury and his wife were released in July, 1973, after three
years' service in the church's Delaware-Maryland Mission where he was mission
president.
Mrs. Drury will serve as matron of the Washington Temple, overseeing
matters relating to the women and children who come to the temple.
President Drury was manager for 23 years of Friden Division of Singer
Company in Denver and Salt Lake City before retiring.
He was bishop of Denver First Ward, 1940-42, and president of Denver Stake
for 21 years. He also served on the Priesthood Home Teaching Committee of the
church and as a Regional Representative of the Twelve. As a young man he served
in the British Mission.
Mrs. Drury, the former Louis Farrington, was born in Salt Lake City,
but graduated from South High in Denver and attended Denver University.
She has served as Sunday School teacher, counselor in ward and stake
YWMIA presidencies, ward and stake Gleaner leader, Relief Society counselor, and
teacher and ward Primary presidency, counselor and teacher, and ward and
stake Primary in-service leader.
The Drurys were wed August 20, 1935, in the Salt Lake Temple. They
have two daughters and a son.
*****
Wendell Geddes Eames of Silver Spring, Maryland, will serve as first
counselor in the Temple presidency and President Byron Fife Dixon of Arlington,
Virginia, will be the second counselor.
President Eames, former president of the Washington, D. C., Stake is a
native of Preston, Idaho, where he was born May 30, 1917. He was active in his
early years as a Boy Scout, becoming a four-palm Eagle Scout, and through
activity in 4-H Clubs he received a scholarship to the University of Idaho where
2
he received a degree in political science. He later attended New York University
and Northeastern University.
He was employed in private industry until he joined the Federal Bureau of
Investigation in 1940. He served the FBI as special agent in Mississippi,
Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., and later became the Bureau's Records
Management Officer. After two years with the FBI, he was appointed director of
the National Driver Registration Service which he organized and administered in
the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 1965, he received the department's
Silver Medal for his work in this area.
In the Washington Ward, he served as a counselor and then as bishop for
nine years before being appointed to the stake presidency. He is married to the
former Nedra Cole of Fairview, Idaho, and they have one son.
President Dixon is also a native of Idaho. He was born in Downey, July
9, 1908, a son of Riley L. Dixon and Finis Fife Dixon. He was married in the
Logan Temple to Mabel Patra Hackney, and they have two children.
President Dixon graduated in 1938 from the University of Idaho, and also
attended the Benjamin Franklin University in the field of accounting, receiving
his B. C.A., M. C.S. and C.P.A. degrees. He has been a practicing C.P.A. in
Washington from 1940 to 1970 and has been professor of accounting and also
Associate Director of Benjamin Franklin University.
Before becoming a counselor in the Potomac Stake Presidency, he served
in the bishopric and as bishop of the Arlington Ward and from 1950 to 1963 was on
the Washington Stake High Council.
9/75
Washington
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Public Communications Department
9900 Stoney Brook Drive
Kensington, Maryland 20795
301-588-1662
Temple NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle Choir will travel to the nation's
capital for a concert on Saturday, September 14, in the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing arts.
Arrangements for the Choir's appearance are being coordinated by J.
Willard Marriott, Sr., prominent international businessman and former president
of the Church's Washington, D. C., Stake (diocese).
The Kennedy Center appearance will be the Choir's first major concert under
the direction of Jay E. Welch, who was recently named conductor at the retirement
of Richard P. Condie, who had been at the helm of the ensemble for the past 17 years.
Isaac M. Stewart, president of the Choir, also announced that the Choir's
CBS Radio network broadcast Sunday, September 15, the day following the concert, will
originate in the Kennedy Center. Attendance at the 11:30 a.m. (EDT) broadcast will
be by invitation only.
The Choir, whose singers serve without pay, last July 14 observed their
45th anniversary of continuous weekly network radio broadcasts. Their program,
"Music and the Spoken Word, 11 is heard on CBS affiliate stations throughout the
country and is also seen on television in several areas.
##
50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 - 801-531-2205
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
General Statistical Information -- As of January 1, 1974
Church membership worldwide
3,321,556
Number of congregations
7,554
Number of stakes
630 (541 in United States;
89 in other countries)
Number of missions
108 (34 in United States;
74 in other countries)
Number of full-time missionaries
More than 17, 500
Number of part-time missionaries
Approximately 6, 500
Enrollments:
Church schools, including institutes
and seminaries
307, 086
Relief Society (membership)
785, 000
Sunday School (enrollment)
2, 564, 134
Melchizedek Priesthood MIA
625,000
Aaronic Priesthood
171,377
Young Women
212,040
Primary (children enrolled)
471,538
Boy Scout Program:
Number of Mormon boys involved
in Boy Scouts of America Program
223,333
Adult Leaders
Approximately 74,000
Units
12, 638 (operated in cooperation
with the Aaronic Priesthood
and Primary Association
of the Church.)
PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH
Joseph Smith - 1830 to 1844
Brigham Young - 1847 to 1877
John Taylor - 1880 to 1887
Wilford Woodruff - 1889 to 1898
Lorenzo Snow - 1898 to 1901
Joseph F. Smith - 1901 to 1918
Heber G. Grant - 1918 to 1945
George Albert Smith - 1945 to 1951
David O. McKay - 1951 to 1970
Joseph Field Smith - 1970 to 1972
Harold B. Lee - 1972 to 1973
Spencer W. Kimball - 1973 to
(Note: During the years noted above when there appears to be a vacancy in the
office of President of the Church, it should be explained that the leaders, such
as Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff led the Church as presidents
of the Council of Twelve Apostles. In the event of the death of a president of the
Church, the Council of the Twelve Apostles presides until a new church president
is selected and ordained by the unanimous vote of the Twelve Apostles. )
THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES OF
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
The First Presidency:
Spencer W. Kimball, President
N. Eldon Tanner, 1st Counselor
Marion G. Romney, 2nd Counselor
Council of the Twelve Apostles:
Ezra Taft Benson
Mark E. Petersen
Delbert L. Stapley
LeGrand Richards
Hugh B. Brown
Howard W. Hunter
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
Boyd K. Packer
Marvin J. Ashton
Bruce R. McConkie
L. Tom Perry
Patriarch to the Church:
Eldred G. Smith
Assistants to the Council of
the Twelve Apostles:
Alma Sonne
ElRay L. Christiansen
Sterling W. Sill
Henry D. Taylor
Alvin R. Dyer
Franklin D. Richards
Theodore M. Burton
Bernard P. Brockbank
James A. Cullimore
Marion D. Hanks
Joseph Anderson
David B. Haight
William H. Bennett
John H. Vandenberg
Robert L. Simpson
O. Leslie Stone
James E. Faust
J. Thomas Fyans
Neal A. Maxwell
First Council of Seventy:
S. Dilworth Young
Milton R. Hunter
A. Theodore Tuttle
Paul H. Dunn
Hartman Rector, Jr.
General Authorities, continued
Loren C. Dunn
Rex D. Pinegar
The Presiding Bishopric:
Victor L. Brown, Presiding Bishop
H. Burke Peterson, 1st Counselor
Vaughn J. Featherstone, 2nd Counselor
Washington
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints
Public Communications Department
9900 Stoney Brook Drive
Kensington, Maryland 20795
301-588 1662
Temple NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TIME CAPSULE FOR TEMPLE CORNERSTONE
A time capsule placed in the cornerstone of the Washington Temple here
today preserved a copy of Brigham Young's presidential appointment as first
governor of Utah, along with some 30 other documents.
The appointment, dated September 8, 1850, was signed by President
Millard Fillmore and his Secretary of State, Daniel Webster. Brigham Young,
the famed American colonizer, was the second president and spiritual leader
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1850 church membership
totaled 60, 000.
President Spencer W. Kimball, world leader of 3. 5million Mormons today,
officiated at the temple completion ceremony with dignitaries and newsmen looking on.
Other items included in the time capsule were an American flag, copies
of the U.S. Constitution, current Washington newspapers; a copy of the Deseret
News of September 7, the church-owned daily in Salt Lake City; and photos of
General Authorities and local church officials.
Also in the time capsule were copies of Holy Scripture--the Bible, Book
of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price; church magazines
and books; a replica of a statue of Brigham Young which stands in the U. S.
Capitol rotunda; and a sample selection of tickets used for the temple preview
and dedication. and photos detailing progress of temple construction.
One document copy from National Archives which is in the time capsule
concerns a congressional plan to build a series of defensive stockades along
migratory trails to the West. Brigham Young's letter of December 17, 1845,
tells the Secretary of War that his church members in Nauvoo, Illinois, could
build the forts the cheapest and the best. Nothing was found in the National
Archives to indicate whether the church won the early defense contract.
50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 - 801-531-2205
Washington
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints
Public Communications Department
9900 Stoney Brook Drive
Kensington, Maryland 20795
301-588-1662
Temple NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TIME CAPSULE FOR TEMPLE CORNERSTONE
A time capsule placed in the cornerstone of the Washington Temple here
today preserved a copy of Brigham Young's presidential appointment as first
governor of Utah, along with some 30 other documents.
The appointment, dated September 8, 1850, was signed by President
Millard Fillmore and his Secretary of State, Daniel Webster. Brigham Young,
the famed American colonizer, was the second president and spiritual leader
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1850 church membership
totaled 60, 000.
President Spencer W. Kimball, world leader of 3. 5 million Mormons today,
officiated at the temple completion ceremony with dignitaries and newsmen looking on.
Other items included in the time capsule were an American flag, copies
of the U.S. Constitution, current Washington newspapers; a copy of the Deseret
News of September 7, the church-owned daily in Salt Lake City; and photos of
General Authorities and local church officials.
Also in the time capsule were copies of Holy Scripture--the Bible, Book
of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price; church magazines
and books; a replica of a statue of Brigham Young which stands in the U. S.
Capitol rotunda: and a sample selection of tickets used for the temple preview
and dedication. and photos detailing progress of temple construction.
One document copy from National Archives which is in the time capsule
concerns a congressional plan to build a series of defensive stockades along
migratory trails to the West. Brigham Young's letter of December 17, 1845,
tells the Secretary of War that his church members in Nauvoo, Illinois, could
build the forts the cheapest and the best. Nothing was found in the National
Archives to indicate whether the church won the early defense contract.
50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 - 801-531-2205
D-2
Washington Star-Tlews
Thursday, September 12, 1974
port
Temple Wows
The First Lady
By Ymelda Dixon
dignitary to Marriott's
Special to The Star-News
guests who included the
Mrs. Gerald Ford led
Melvin Lairds, former
the group of dignitaries
Secretary of the Treasury
who yesterday toured the
David Kennedy and his
newest temples of the
wife, the Clark
Church of Jesus Christ of
McGregors, White House
the Latter Day Saints
Curator Clement Conger,
near Kensington.
C.. smith, former presi-
The president of the
dent of American Airlines