LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
Framed by warm Pacific Ocean breezes and festively lighted palm trees, diplomats, dignitaries and interfaith leaders gathered with Church public affairs officials in Los Angeles for a trio of special social events at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center during early December.
Christmas Gala
Violinist and Grammy-nominated recording artist Jenny Oaks Baker gave a performance that brought a room full of guests at the annual Christmas Gala Dec. 2 to their feet in loud applause. She played carols from Christmases past, drawing the audience into a rhythmic clap during "Ding Dong Merrily on High."
Sister Baker was the centerpiece of an evening that attracted prominent leaders from a broad spectrum of professional, governmental and diplomatic circles for a catered reception and Christmas program sponsored by the Southern California Public Affairs Council. Lindsay Arnold Cusick, a finalist in this season’s “Dancing with the Stars” TV show and a Latter-day Saint, gave a brief Christmas message. Chip Rawlings, director of the Southern California Public Affairs Council, said “one leader after another told me how much they enjoy the spirit in the visitors’ center and that they look forward to this event more than any other.”
Notable guests included Rabbi David Wolpe of Temple Sinai; Daniel Tamm, with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s administration; Dr. Jerrold Green, CEO of the Pacific Council on International Policy; Saheen Kassim-Lakha, director of International Programs for the Conrad Hilton Foundation; Father Alexei Smith of the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese; and Consuls General from 15 countries.
The visitors’ center was aglow with more than a dozen Christmas trees decorated by LDS stakes throughout the greater Los Angeles region, including one by the students from nearby St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Ladies Consular Corps
A variety of international dishes — from homemade sushi and Irish shepherd’s pie, to the Asian rice dish khao dome — were among the tasty offerings at a luncheon jointly hosted by the visitors’ center and the Los Angeles public affairs office Dec. 1. The occasion was the annual holiday social for the wives of foreign consuls general who are all members of the Los Angeles Ladies Consular Corps Association. The tradition, now in its 25th year, drew representatives from 16 countries. Sister missionaries assigned to the visitors’ center sang four Christmas carols and assisted in serving guests.
“Sing His Praises” Interfaith Choir Concert
An intercultural-interfaith choir concert featuring ensembles with Samoan, Korean, African American and LDS heritages capped the weeklong Christmas festivities Dec. 5. A crowd of about 1,000 poured into St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, a block from the Los Angeles temple, to hear songs of the Christmas season sung by six choirs.
The Southern California Korean Choir and the Compton First Samoan Ward Choir, both composed of LDS members, wore traditional cultural costumes as part of their performance. When the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Choir from downtown LA finished its set, the audience erupted in cheers and hearty hand-clapping. Choirs from the Santa Monica stake, the Moore Family Singers and St. Paul the Apostle New Schola Cantorium also participated.
The event, arranged by Linda Hansen, Santa Monica Stake director of Public Affairs, concluded with all the combined choirs singing the "Hallelujah Chorus."
Prior to the concert, the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center hosted a Christmas cookie reception.
