In a general conference already hallmarked by the impactful announcement of the revised Sunday meeting schedule, the concluding session was also distinguished by historic news.
During his closing remarks on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 7, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct 12 new temples and to renovate the Salt Lake Temple as well as other pioneer-era temples.
To the audible gasps of the congregation, President Nelson listed that temples will be built in Mendoza, Argentina; Salvador, Brazil; Yuba City, California; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Praia, Cape Verde; Yigo, Guam; Puebla, Mexico; Auckland, New Zealand; Lagos, Nigeria; Davao, Philippines; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington County, Utah.
"Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater," President Nelson said. In addition to asking Church members to find regular time to spend in the temple, the prophet also said, "I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. Invest time in your future and in that of your family."
In addition to the announcement of 12 new temples, President Nelson said pioneer generation temples would be renovated. “With the passage of time, temples are inevitably in need of refreshing and renewal. To that end, plans are now being made to renovate and update the Salt Lake Temple and other pioneer generation temples,” he said. “Details on these projects will be shared as they are developed.”
President Nelson encouraged Church members to study the messages shared throughout conference "commencing this week."
"They express the mind and the will of the Lord for His people, today," he said.
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, opened the session by offering encouragement to people undergoing troubles. He used the example of his own wife, Sister Kathy Eyring, who, he said, is now only able to say a few words a day. "I think that she will find, when she sees Him, that our Savior has put His name into her heart and that she has become like Him. He is carrying her through her troubles now, as He will carry you through yours," he promised.
Two members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — Elder Gary E. Stevenson and Elder Dale G. Renlund — addressed members. Elder Robert C. Gay of the Presidency of the Seventy as well as Elder Matthew L. Carpenter and Elder Jack N. Gerard, General Authority Seventies, and Brother Brian K. Ashton of the Sunday School general presidency offered remarks.
Music for the session was provided by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, with Andrew Unsworth and Brian Mathias playing the Conference Center organ.
For the closing number, the choir performed “Our Prayer to Thee,” which was written by President Nelson.
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the session and Elder Gary B. Sabin and Elder Michael John U. Teh, General Authority Seventies, offered prayers.
