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Show f 1 :i ? i ' t f HY l v.N. r a.il In 1897, Tabernacle Pres. Brigham Young was gaily festooned for Pioneer Jubilee. 8 Prophets Spoke From By ARNOLD J. IRVINE Deseret News Staff Writer u Possibly first radio broadcast from Tabernacle was 1923 speech by Pres. Warren G. Harding, using two round microphones. Conceived a place where the saints might learn the win of the Lord from the mouths of His prophets, the Tabernacle has been that and much more. Eight men bearing the title prophet, seer and revelator have occupied its rostrum. Many more apostles TSf Jesus Christ have spoken there. In addition, several U.S. presidents have felt honored to occupy its tiered stand as have numerous other noted statesmen, educators, clergymen of other churches, and others of die worlds wise and great The wonders of its construction, acoustical properties and of its choir and organ have attracted millions of travelers through its many open doors. These have included monarch, nobles, captains erf industry as well ss the humbler folk. Concerts of famed orchestras, bands, choral groups, soloists and school chil dren; magnificent pageants and restful organ recitals are among the Tabernacle's cultural contributions to the state and nation. The building was not quite finished Conference when the 37th opened there on Oct 6, 1867, a pleasant fall day. The gates to the Temple Block were locked until a.m., but long before that hour, there were crowds at each entrance waiting to get in. They poured into the building as soon as the gates were opened and quickly filled the seats leaving many standing in the doorways. President Brigham Young and his counselors, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells, took their places on the stand along with others of the General Authorities. President Young tested the acoustics of the building by speaking to persons in various sections. The results were not completely satisfactory. When the gallery was added a few years after, some of the prob Semi-Annu- lems were corrected. Electronic amplification would come at a much later date to belp even die deaf to hear. President Young thanked all the workmen on the project for their steady perseverance and faithfulness." He then called the conference to order and asked Edward L. Sloan, one of the clerks, to read die verses of a hymn composed for the occasion by EluSt E. Snow. It began: Praise, Praise, 0, praise the Great I Am! Sing glory, glory to the Lamb! Let ev'ry heart a tribute bring, And Join to praise our God and King. The Tabernacle Choir, under the direction of Robert Sands, then sang the hymn. The organ was played by Joseph J. Daynes. Two other choirs performed during the conference the combined choirs of Springville, Spanish Fork and Payson and a group from Brigham City and Smithfield. President Young offered the opening prayer. The speakers at the morning ses- - |