Out of respect for President Howard W. Hunter, the entire congregation became silent, and quietly arose from their seats. It was a spiritual feeling to know we are all in the Lord's house on the Sabbath. We are here to be edified and hopefully can edify another.
The children are singing a quiet
music medley. "I Am a Child of God," "Jesus Once Was a Little Child," "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam," "I Will Follow Jesus,"
"I Wonder When He Comes Again," "Jesus Came to John the
Baptist," "Keep the Commandments," and "Love Is Spoken Here."
Think how good we would be if we just followed the counsel in these songs.
After
the beginning business, the time was turned to Elder Hunter. He said there are
many hues to Stake conference--some preaching and some business. This
conference is to take care of business. He then released President Harvey Hornet
and said, "What will be loss to Heber City Stake will be a blessing to
those in China."
He explained how some of the
authorities are appointed to attend to seek a new Stake President. They talked
with each member of the Stake Presidency, High Council, Bishops and some former
Bishops. Their recommendations were considered.
President
Jones presented the changes. He spoke of what a wonderful experience it was to
be with Brother Hunter. He then made the change: President was Randall K. Proust,
with Phil B. Lyons and Claude R. Hicken as counselors.
What a thrill and joy for us and
how great it would have been for his mother to see him truly be back from his
teenage detour.
Claude's response to his new call.
He was thankful for the gospel which allows him to serve. The gospel brings blessings. How fast four years have gone since he has been on the High Council. He expressed his love and respect for the outgoing presidency.
He pledged his love and support for the new Presidency. He expressed love for brothers and sister and said he had been slow to listen to them. He expressed love for his father, "He may be small in stature but he is big in spirit. He is blunt and plain but what he says is right."
He expressed thanks for two mothers. He thanked June for her effort to knock of his rough edges.
Keep the commandments. Love the Lord. Prophets walk the earth.
Elder Hunter mentioned he had said to President Jones,"We'll divide time equally." That reminded him of President Le Grand Richards. Elder Hunter remembered, "We said we'd go 50/50 for the balance of time. I went first. They had come to hear President Richards. I said a few things about him and set down. President Richards leaned forward and said, 'What kind of 50/50 is that?'"
Elder Hunter then told of a man who advertised rabbit meat for sale. Some had complained about the meat, so he appeared before the Judge. The Judge said, "Do you add other meat?"
He nodded yes.
"What do you add?" asked the Judge.
The man replied, "I add horse meat."
The Judge asked, "How much?"
The man answered, "50/50: one horse and one rabbit."
He spoke of the lepers where ten were healed and only one returned to give thanks. We should have appreciation for all we have. Some seminary students were given a sheet of paper and asked to write the names of all they owed a debt of gratitude. One by one they realized it was an impossible task to list all of those who have served them.
-EHG
