Church leaders break ground for a new temple in Phoenix Arizona on June 4, 2011. | Photo by Jill Adair
Elder Robert C. Gay looks on as Elders M. Anthony Burns and William R. Walker unveil a rendering of the Ft. Lauderdale Temple. | Photo by Fermin Acevedo
President Henry B. Eyring greets guests at the groundbreaking. | Laurie Williams Sowby
Elder Dallin Oaks stands with deacons he invited to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 8 of the Payson Utah Temple. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Photo courtesy Asia North Area
HUMANITARIAN AID
On June 15, 2011, three months after earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton and Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Seventy and president of the Church's Asia North Area, survey destruction in Higashi Matsushima, Japan, a coastal community devastated by the disaster. | Photo by Sarah Jane Weaver
President Thomas S. Monson referred to the Japan disaster in his opening address at general conference on April 2. "The Church continues to provide humanitarian aid in times of disaster. Most recently our hearts and our help have gone out to Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami and the resultant nuclear challenges. … Our help will be ongoing in Japan and in any other areas where there is a need."
In the days and weeks after the Japan disaster, the Church distributed more than 200 tons of goods — including food, water, blankets, bedding, clothing, fuel and hygiene kits — and cash donations. A total of 30,000 hygiene kits were assembled by 1,800 members in Tokyo and Nagoya. More than 150,000 hours of service were donated by 16,000 Church volunteers.
Three months after the disaster, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton traveled to Japan to survey the destruction and view some of the Church's relief efforts. Among the Church's efforts was the donation of ice and refrigeration equipment and supplies to a Japanese fisherman's union whose members were unable to work since the disaster.
Church members wearing helping hands shirts volunteer time and effort after devastating tornado destroys much of Joplin. | Photo by Carmen Borup
GROWTH OF THE CHURCH
Elder Russell M. Nelson, center, shakes hands with members following the organization of the Moscow Russia Stake, Russia's first stake. Elder Nelson is joined in the reception line by his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, and Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy. | Jason Swensen, Deseret News
Members pose for a photo in front of a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Blantyre, Malawi. | Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
MAJOR EVENTS
Hotel Utah/Joseph Smith Memorial Building exterior has been a Salt Lake City icon since 1911. In 1974, work began to expand the north end. | Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News
President Thomas S. Monson, right, and daughter, Ann M. Dibb of the Young Women general presidency, London Ontario Canada Stake Pres. David Sandor participate in the dedication of a camp that is named after President Monson, on Saturday, June 25. | Photo by Gerry Avant
In her address, Sister Beck introduced Daughters in My Kingdom: the History and Work of Relief Society. "It will unify and align a worldwide sisterhood with the purposes of Relief Society and the patterns and privileges of disciples," she said.
