WASHINGTON D.C. — Joseph Smith's lengthened shadow extends through all the history of this Church and all across the world, said President Gordon B. Hinckley Oct. 13.
Speaking to an audience of more than 300 gathered here for a preview of the PBS documentary "American Prophet — The Story of Joseph Smith," President Hinckley said the Church's first latter-day prophet" represents to me a magnificent man who did a magnificent work."
President Hinckley, along with Lee Groberg who produced and directed the documentary, introduced the movie to an audience that included diplomats from 22 countries, several members of Congress and top business leaders. Also in attendance were Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder M. Russell Ballard, both of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Sister Sheri L. Dew, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, which sponsored the evening's events held in the J.W. Marriott Hotel, also funded the documentary. "American Prophet," narrated by famed actor Gregory Peck, chronicles the life of Joseph Smith and explores his beliefs and their effects on established religion. It is scheduled to air nationally on PBS Nov. 26.
Beginning his remarks to a standing ovation, President Hinckley said he is grateful to see Joseph Smith's story told to a nationwide audience.
"Look at what this young man did," said President Hinckley. "I know of no other organization so vital, so alive, so forward-moving as this Church."
While President Hinckley noted that Joseph Smith suffered much persecution, he said, "I'm just delighted that those times of great stress and misunderstanding and persecution . . . have passed, that we live in a new age and in a new time when there is . . . respect, and there's a measure of civility and there's an eagerness to understand the great characters of the past, including [Joseph Smith]."
He noted that the Church which Joseph Smith started under divine guidance now has almost 11 million members. It also has the largest missionary corps and building program of any church.
"This Church has become the largest, the most vital, the most viable, the strongest religious organization to ever come forward on American soil," said President Hinckley. "To me that is a very remarkable and interesting thing."
Brother Groberg — a member of the Bountiful 11th Ward, Bountiful Utah East Stake, who also produced the award winning documentary, "Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail" — said he found it a "moving opportunity" to learn more about Joseph Smith, and "to understand that a small humble plowboy from Palmyra, N.Y., claimed to have seen God and His Son Jesus Christ. I don't think he set out to do anything that would bring glory to him, but rather felt compelled to share what he learned."
Deseret News reporter Lee Davidson and Megan Jones of the Church's Washington D.C. public affairs office contributed to this report.
