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Show Busy, But Exciting Week For President Brown President Hugh B. Brown, first counselor in the First Presidency, praised the youth of the Church fol- lowing his assignment to youth conferences in Anchorage, Alaska ar.d Rochester, N.Y. The young people at these distant areas exhibited an erthusiasm and devotion that indicates the youth of the Church are strong in their belief in the Gospel, President Brown said. It was an exciting but busy week for President Brown. The youth conference in Anchorage was prefaced by a pleasant fishing trip in the remote Prince William Sound area of Alaska. Wading into the stream, President Brown proved his ability as a fisherman with a fine catch of a salmon. More than 300 youth, some traveling nearly GOO miles, attended a youth conference held Aug. 15. Sponsored by the Alaska Stake, the conference includ ed many activities including water skiing in the chilly waters of Anchorage. President Brown was the feature speaker. Pres. Orson Millett, first president to serve in Alaska Stake, also spoke as did Ned Winder of the YMMIA General Boatd and secretary of the Church Missionary Committee. The following day President Brown flew to Rochester, N.Y., to address another youth conference. Talking directly to, and often using the modern youth jargon, President Brown told the young people that You can be what you want to be. Using David of the Bible as an example of accomplishment and reinforcing this principle with the moving activities of the current astronauts, President You Brown compared the youth to the astronauts. are astronauts. Your bodies are your space suits, and you are on an eternal journey. Your fuel is the Gospel, he said. In this quest for Eternal Life you must seek the good things of life. Observance of high moral conduct, keeping the Word of Wisdom, faithfulness in your prayers, ana service in the Church give you that extra burst of strength that will take you on your way," President Brown said. He advised the youth to be devoted to the Church and to their country. America is more than a place of birth. It is an opportunity for greatness. You must seek that greatness, President Brown said. Following the youth conference in Rochester, President Brown drove to Buffalo, N.Y. for the dedication of a chapel on Sunday. He returned to Salt Lake City on Monday. 'World Needs Men With Faith' TI he world needs men who have faith in God, men of vision, men of honor, men with high ideals, who love their fellowmen, and are prepared to contribute to a better community and a better world. And you are these men and women," President N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency told the 774 graduates receiving degrees at summer commencement of University of Utah in Salt Lake City Aug. 16. The commencement was or.e of two major events on the university campus that day. The other was the naming of the new y J. Willard Marriott Library in honor of Mr. Marriott ot Washington, D.C. and an alumnus of the U. of U. Mr. Marriott, who served for many years in the presidency of the Washington Stake in the nations capital, donated $1 million to the university for its new library. Speaking at that ceremony was Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve. The General Authority praised Mr. Marriott for his many achievements in life and for his generosity in contributing so much of his money to the library. Both Mr. Marriott and Mrs. Marriott as well as two sons are graduates of the Utah institution. President Tanner, in his address to the graduates, told the scholars that we must, at all costs, maintain our freedom, the right of choice, and the right to worship God as we choose. five-stor- With that freedom of choice goes the heavy responsibility which we must assume of accepting the consequences of our choices. We need to recognize and hep develop the religious and moral nature of American Society. There seems to be a very strong feeling abroad today even among some philosophers and scientists and pseudointellectuals, that man is sufficient unto himself f that religion is out of date, and many are prejudiced when they hear any statement made from the Bible, he said. President Tanner added that in order to be successful one must have a progressive realization of a worhy ideal, and then determine to go forward with that ideal in mind. It would help us greatly in deciding our course, and in following our program, if we would stop and ask ourselves; In what kind of community do I wish to live? Are the things I am doing contributing to and preparing me for that kind Elder Richard L. Evans, left; Mrs. J. Willard Marriott, Mr. Marriott, University of Utah Pres. James C. Fletcher, and President N. Eldon Tanner, visit after library rites. of community? Is what I am doing the hon- est thing to do? Is it workable and wise, and will it contribute to my success and happiness and to the welfare of mankind? he said. President Tanner told the graduates, In our endeavors let us never fail to appreciate the great heritage we have. As Joshua paid: And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them ; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. (Joshua 24:13). The Church authority added that we too have been given a land for which we did not labor, cities which we built not, and w dwell in them. We enjoy the blessings given to us by WEEK those who have gone before us in previous generations. We must not be content, however, with what we have been given, but we need to be determined to make e en a bettei place for those who follow us by continuing to apply the principles which will accomplish this. The true way to honor the past is to improve upon it, and not by trying to destroy it, he said. ENDING AUGUST 23, 1969 CHURCH- -3 |