SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH
President Thomas S. Monson celebrated his 82nd birthday Friday by enjoying two of his favorite activities: interacting with thousands of Church members and opening a new temple.
The Church president presided over the first of what will be three days of dedicatory services of the Salt Lake Valley's fourth temple, the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.
Sunny, summer skies greeted the many members from the southwest end of the valley who participated in the dedication's opening morning session. President Monson was joined at the maiden event by his second counselor in the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Also in attendance were President Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve; Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve; and Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy.
President Monson and the other Church leaders began their day by participating in the traditional outdoor cornerstone ceremony on the southeast corner of the edifice.?A 187-voice choir greeted the Brethren as they exited the temple with a spirited rendition of "How Great Thou Art."
A veteran of many temple dedications in locations and climes throughout the world, President Monson clearly appreciated the morning's mild Utah temperatures.
"We prayed for a lovely day and the Lord has given us an abundance of sunshine," he said before placing the first ceremonial clump of mortar used to seal the temple's cornerstone. He then passed the trowel to President Uchtdorf and commented on his counselor's proficiency with the tool: "For an airline pilot, that's perfect."
Several young children were also called forward to place a bit of mortar around the cornerstone. Michael Branan, 6, was raising his hand high in the air at the back of the crowd. President Monson called on him, saying, "Make way for the red head." After the ceremony, Michael said he was happy to have red hair because that, he was sure, was why President Monson singled him out.
Another little boy, Cade Ramsey of South Jordan, brought with him a large handmade sign wishing the prophet a happy birthday.
As the cornerstone ceremony concluded, the hundreds of members gathered outside for the event serenaded President Monson with an impromptu version of "Happy Birthday to You." President Uchtdorf concluded the song by singing, "And many more!"
"That's what I was waiting to hear," replied a smiling President Monson.
After the choir performed a final number, President Monson went to the crowd and took the hand of another child, Kimberly Barboza, 8, of Magna, Utah, and had her put mortar in the cornerstone. He told the little girl the Lord was mindful of her. Kimberly's father, Carlos Barboza, said the event will be one that Kimberly will always remember.
The Church president shook hands with several people as he returned to the temple to continue with the formal dedication. He stopped to greet one man in a wheelchair, Jose L. de Pando of Spain.
When President Monson learned Brother de Pando was a Spanish speaker, he broke out a few "espanol" lines of his own, delighting the crowd.
Many who participated in Friday's dedicatory activities said their morning with President Monson and the other leaders would never be forgotten.
"You feel the spirit of the temple in everything you do," said South Jordan resident and choir member Ted Wagner.
Nadine Troxel spoke of the special responsibility the new temple represents.
"We all have to do our part and strengthen our children so they can attend the temple."
Young people living in the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple district shared their enthusiasm for the stately building with the breathtaking view of the entire Salt Lake Valley.
"Having a temple within walking distance makes me very happy," said 12-year-old Josh Avery.
Brianna Bennett, a 14-year-old South Jordan girl, added she felt honored to have spent the morning with President Monson on his birthday.
"You can tell he has so much love for us," she said.
The temple dedication sessions will continue through Sunday.
