Addressing the first session of the 183rd Annual General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced plans two build two new temples and thanked members who have responded to the call he made at last October's general conference for more missionaries.
Addressing more than 20,000 members and friends assembled in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday morning, April 6, President Monson announced that temples would be constructed in Cedar City, Utah, and Rio de Janerio, Brazil.
He began his address by speaking of his travels in which he met with members in some of their own areas during the past six months.
"Following general conference in October, I traveled to Germany, where it was my privilege to meet with our members at several locations in that country, as well as in parts of Austria," he said.
"At the end of October I dedicated the Calgary Alberta Temple in Canada, with the assistance of Elder and Sister M. Russell Ballard, Elder and Sister Craig C. Christensen, and Elder and Sister William R. Walker. In November I rededicated the Boise Idaho Temple. Also traveling with me and participating in the dedication were Elder and Sister David A. Bednar, Elder and Sister Craig C. Christensen and Elder and Sister William R. Walker."
He spoke of the cultural celebrations, which he called "outstanding," held in conjunction with both those dedications.
"Just last month, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, accompanied by Sister Uchtdorf, Elder and Sister Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder and Sister David A. Schwitzer, traveled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to dedicate our newly completed temple there. They were assisted by the Area Presidency members and their wives. A magnificent youth celebration took place the evening prior to the dedication.
"There are other temples which have been announced and which are at various stages in the preliminary process or which are under construction.
"It is my privilege this morning to announce two additional temples, which in coming months and years will be built in the following locations: Cedar City, Utah, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brothers and sisters, temple building continues unabated."
President Monson then spoke of last October's general conference when he announced changes in the ages at which young men and young women might serve as full-time missionaries, with the young men now being able to serve at age 18 and the young women at 19.
"The response of our young people has been remarkable and inspiring," President Monson declared. "As of April 4th — two days ago — we have 65,634 full-time missionaries serving, with over 20,000 more who have received their calls but who have not yet entered a Missionary Training Center and over 6,000 more in the interview process with their bishops and stake presidents. It has been necessary for us to create 58 new missions to accommodate the increased numbers of missionaries.
"To help maintain this missionary force, and because many of our missionaries come from modest circumstances, we invite you, as you are able, to contribute generously to the General Missionary Fund of the Church."
As he concluded his opening remarks, President Monson said inspiring messages would be delivered during the next two days, and added, "Those who will address us have sought prayerfully to know that which the Lord would have us hear at this time.
"I urge you to be attentive and receptive to the messages which we will hear. That we may do so is my prayer."
