General conference began Saturday morning on a brisk note on Temple Square. Although the day was clear and sunny, a slight breeze made for a chilly spring morning.
But despite the chill, the atmosphere inside the Tabernacle was warm as the Mormon Youth Chorus opened the first session with "Praise to the Man." The choir, directed by Robert C. Bowden and accompanied by Linda Margetts and Bonnie Goodliffe, performed many numbers, including a stirring rendition of "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." After the session Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Council of the Twelve clasped his hands and raised them triumphantly toward the choir in a show of appreciation.Conducting the session was President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency. The invocation and benediction were offered by Elders Yoshihiko Kikuchi and W. Mack Lawrence of the Seventy, respectively.